Hand Crank Patents (Class 74/545)
  • Patent number: 6648257
    Abstract: A crank assembly of fishing reel includes a tube having a passage which includes a circular section and a polygonal section. A crank includes a first section with circular cross section and a second section with polygonal cross section. The first section is movably received in the circular section of the passage and the second section is movably received in the polygonal section of the passage. The crank can be extended by pulling to increase the length of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Chi Lu
  • Publication number: 20030205637
    Abstract: A master gear shaft of a spinning reel has a through-hole having a rectangular cross-section formed on the inner periphery of the master gear shaft. A handle shaft has a head that interlocks with the right end of the master gear shaft, a trunk which extends from the head and is non-rotatively inserted into the through-hole, and a first threaded portion having a male screw projecting from the tip of the trunk. A handle arm has a boss for interlocking with the left end of the master gear shaft, a second threaded portion, which is a female screw threaded portion that engages with the first threaded portion and is provided on the boss, and an arm that extends from the boss in a direction interlocking with the master gear shaft. The handle assembly prevents a handle shaft from loosening from a master gear shaft in a spinning reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO. INC.
    Inventors: Hideki Nakajima, Ken?apos;ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6637287
    Abstract: A handle is provided for an operator that provides overtorque protection for the operator. The handle includes a hand grip connected to a connecting shaft, which is mateably received in the operator. The connecting shaft includes at least one weakened section which breaks or fractures in the event an excessive amount of torque or force is applied to the handle. As a result, the handle breaks when the user applies an excessive amount of torque to the handle in an effort to open or close the structure connected to the operator. The broken handle may be easily replaced by removing the broken section of the connecting shaft from the operator and replacing the handle by inserting the new handle with a new connecting shaft into the operator. The gear mechanism disposed within the escutcheon of the operator is protected from the excessive amount of torque or force and, accordingly, the handle is intended to break before the operator which avoids the need for replacing the entire operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Griffin
  • Patent number: 6626385
    Abstract: The invention is to offer a spinning reel for fishing, in which a handle can be replaced left and right, and an offset amount of a spool shaft and a handle shaft is reduced without lowering strength of these shafts, so that transmitting efficiency of rotating torque from a drive gear to a pinion gear can be heightened and a reel main body can be miniaturized. In the spinning reel for fishing, a part of the handle shaft crossing with the spool shaft is formed as a small diameter portion determined to have a smaller diameter than those of other parts of the handle shaft, and a part of the handle which is connected to the handle shaft is less to extend within the handle shaft to traverse the crossing portion of the spool shaft and the handle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Wataru Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 6606825
    Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly capable of controlling an opening angle of the window effectively is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base with a groove along a longitudinal direction thereof, a slider inserted in the groove, an arm rotatably mounted on the base, a handle rotatably placed at a portion of the base and having a worm gear at an end thereof, a worm wheel meshing with the worm gear, and a switch for controlling the location of the slider. Wherein the slider has an angled side inwardly angled at a side of the first sliding portion thereof and the arm has a straight side for restricting a rotation angle thereof. Thus, an opening angle of a window can be controlled by an operation of the straight side and angled side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: 3G Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-Woo Lee, Gi-Won Lee, Ho-Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20030150291
    Abstract: A hand crank for actuating a gear assembly mechanism such as for a lifting jack is described. The hand crank comprises an elongated metal primary handle, a tube bent at very precise angles to define two spaced-apart handle portions, separated from one another in parallel planes, by a central portion. A connector includes a bracket that has a V-shaped slot to secure the hand crank to a gear actuator at two alternate working positions and a storage position. When in the first position, the handles of the hand crank are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the actuator and define a high-speed position. When in the second position, the two handle portions are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator. The handle portions are spaced about 8.5 inches from one another and about the same distance apart to constitute an ergonomic disposition when used at their first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Nelson Grenier
  • Patent number: 6581666
    Abstract: An operating device for window openers, screening arrangement and similar devices comprising an operating rod (6) with a hook-shaped operating elements (5) in its end and a rotatable coupling element (3) connected to said window opener or screening arrangement and having the form of an essentially annular eye with an aperture (8) with an area which is considerably larger than the cross-section of the hook-shaped operating element (5) such that at the insertion of the hook-shaped operating element in said aperture, the coupling element can be turned by means of the operating rod while simultaneously pulling the coupling element, where the annular eye in connection with said aperture (8) comprises a narrowed additional aperture (10) which, at least upon reception of the hook-shaped operating element as a result of said pull, encircles the operating element relatively closely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Niels Bartholin, Susumu Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 6572159
    Abstract: The actuating system has a handle pivoted about a handle axis on the door, an actuating part fixed on the handle and extending radially from the axis, and a damper fixed on the door adjacent the axis and having an input element. The actuating part is connected to the input element for displacement of the input element and operation of the damper on pivoting of the handle. The input element is rotatable about a damper axis and the connection is a positive rotational coupling. The coupling includes gear teeth on the actuating part and gear teeth on the rotary input meshing with the actuating-part gear teeth. More specifically the rotary input element is a gear wheel and the actuating part includes a sector gear in mesh with the gear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Karl Lambertz, Ronald Toranto
  • Publication number: 20030089190
    Abstract: A handle is provided for an operator that provides overtorque protection for the operator. The handle includes a hand grip connected to a connecting shaft, which is mateably received in the operator. The connecting shaft includes at least one weakened section which breaks or fractures in the event an excessive amount of torque or force is applied to the handle. As a result, the handle breaks when the user applies an excessive amount of torque to the handle in an effort to open or close the structure connected to the operator. The broken handle may be easily replaced by removing the broken section of the connecting shaft from the operator and replacing the handle by inserting the new handle with a new connecting shaft into the operator. The gear mechanism disposed within the escutcheon of the operator is protected from the excessive amount of torque or force and, accordingly, the handle is intended to break before the operator which avoids the need for replacing the entire operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Griffin
  • Patent number: 6536302
    Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a component in a vehicle including a control device for actuating the mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes an input shaft coupled to the control device and an output shaft operatively coupled to the input shaft. A support bracket axially supports the input shaft and the output shaft. A drum shaped housing having a cylindrical inner surface is fixedly secured to the support bracket and rotatably received the input shaft. A coupler is mounted to the input shaft and rotatably disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a pair of spaced apart tube walls planar with and spaced from the inner surface of the housing and a pair of circumferentially opposite tabs projecting between the tube walls. A coiled spring is disposed between the housing and the coupler and compressed against the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Patent number: 6530294
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6502775
    Abstract: A reversible crank handle system for a fishing reel which eliminates rotation free-play between the crank handle and a drive gear. Preferably, the inventive reversible crank handle system includes: a drive gear having a passageway there through, each end of the passageway terminating in a notch; a crankshaft receivable through the passageway, the crankshaft including a crank handle affixed to one end of the crankshaft and a wedge receivable in either notch. When a retainer is tightened to secure the crankshaft in the fishing reel, the wedge is drawn into the notch thereby nonrotatably engaging the crankshaft and the drive gear. The tapered nature of the notch and wedge eliminate rotational free-play between the crank handle and the drive gear to eliminate unintentional loosening of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: W. C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Neufeld
  • Publication number: 20020185562
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a handle and shaft assembly including a rotatable shaft with a shaped end portion, where the shaped end portion has a non-circular cross-section. A handle cross-member is mounted to the shaft. A first distal portion of the cross-member is offset from the shaft. A pedestal is mounted to the distal portion of the cross-member. A ball portion is associated with the pedestal. In one embodiment, a knob defines a socket, which is coupled to the cross-member with a ball and socket joint. In a preferred shaft connection assembly, a locking member is fittingly engaged to the shaped end portion of the rotatable shaft such that the locking member and the rotatable shaft are substantially rigid in rotation. The locking member is also fittingly engaged with the cross-member such that the locking member and the cross-member are also substantially rigid in rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Landwerlen
  • Publication number: 20020166405
    Abstract: A work bench includes a frame, a bench surface on the frame with the bench surface including at least two members, one of which is movable along the frame for clamping a workpiece between the members. A mechanism for moving the member includes two screws coupled with the members. The two screws are spaced with the member for moving the member upon rotation of the screws. A sprocket is coupled with each of the screws. A transmission belt or chain is coupled with the sprockets. At least one handle is coupled with one of the screws to rotate the screws. At least one clutch is coupled with the at least one screw to limit clamping pressure on the workpiece. The clutch enables rotation of one screw with respect to the other screw so that workpieces may be clamped between the members and clamping of the workpiece may be accomplished by rotation of the screws with one hand of the operator. Also, a guard may be present which covers the transmission belt or chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Marc A. Fortin, Murray D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6467371
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6464158
    Abstract: For a round dual-bearing reel manufactured of metal, a handle attachment structure to impart a classic feel to the outward appearance of the reel unit, to prevent fishing line from getting tangled on, and debris from adhering to the outer surface of the handle. The handle attachment structure, for non-rotatively attaching a handle (2) to an end of a handle shaft (30) in which a male-threaded portion (30a) is formed, includes a handle arm (2a), a nut (28) and a retainer (29). The handle arm (2a) has an oblong hole (2c) with which the handle is mounted non-rotatively to the end of the handle shaft (30), and a non-circular accommodating recess (2d) of a predetermined depth formed around the oblong hole (2c) on an outer surface of the handle arm. The nut (28) has a polygonal nut portion (28), which is screwed to the end of the handle shaft (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoharu Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6450063
    Abstract: A folding handle for attachment to a rotatable shaft element. The handle includes a handle body 10 having a cavity 17 within which a mounting block 20 is engaged. The mounting block 20 has oppositely projecting pivot members 21 slidingly engaged in recesses 19 in the walls 18 of the cavity 17. The pivot members 21 therefore engage with bearing surfaces 19a to facilitate pivotal movement of the handle body 10 relative to the mounting block 20. A clip 24 retains the mounting block 20 in cavity 17. No pivot pin is therefore visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: John Harvey, Christodoulos Toulis
  • Patent number: 6443029
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6439078
    Abstract: An overload protection device for a manual hoist lever including a pressure hub, an outer hub, a brake nut, and a dowel pin. The pressure hub includes a radially extending flange and a cantilevered boss having a threaded outer surface with an axial groove. The outer hub includes a central opening, a tapered inner surface, and a flange contact surface which frictionally contacts the radially extending flange of the pressure hub. The brake nut is disposed in the central opening of the outer hub between the outer hub and the boss of the pressure hub, and includes a frusto-conical outer surface that frictionally contacts the tapered inner surface of the outer hub, as well as a threaded inner opening with a corresponding axial groove, the threaded inner opening being sized to threadingly engage the boss. The dowel pin is received within a receiving hole formed upon alignment of the axial groove of the boss and the corresponding axial groove of the brake nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: FKI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Schlude, Daniel L. DeMarco
  • Publication number: 20020096586
    Abstract: In known reels it has been attempted to attain the desired high speed, which is intended to maintain the tension of the line when a fish is swimming quickly towards the angler, by enlarging the outer diameter. This has the shortcoming that the handle is mounted on a large radius. This makes a fast cranking from the wrist impossible. When the handle is mounted on a smaller radius the force required in the struggle with a pulling fish becomes too great, which is equally disadvantageous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Henschel
  • Patent number: 6415683
    Abstract: A work bench includes a frame, a bench surface on the frame with the bench surface including at least two members, one of which is movable along the frame for clamping a workpiece between the members. A mechanism for moving the member includes two screws coupled with the members. The two screws are spaced with the member for moving the member upon rotation of the screws. A sprocket is coupled with each of the screws. A transmission belt or chain is coupled with the sprockets. At least one handle is coupled with one of the screws to rotate the screws. At least one clutch is coupled with the at least one screw to limit clamping pressure on the workpiece. The clutch enables rotation of one screw with respect to the other screw so that workpieces may be clamped between the members and clamping of the workpiece may be accomplished by rotation of the screws with one hand of the operator. Also, a guard may be present which covers the transmission belt or chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Fortin, Murray D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6408713
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brake valve handle assembly for use in a brake valve of a railway braking system. The handle assembly comprises a handle for manually adjusting such brake valve to various positions and having a cavity with a predetermined shape and a predetermined width formed in the handle at least adjacent a top surface thereof that is disposed adjacent a slot formed in a housing of such brake valve. The handle assembly further includes a wear pad mounted in the cavity of the handle and a means for securing the wear pad to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew D. Mitsch
  • Publication number: 20020066815
    Abstract: A spinning reel has a drag assembly in its spool on one end of the reel body, and an adjustment knob for the drag assembly on another end of the reel body, where it is conveniently accessed during use of the reel. The reel has a handle arm with two slidably disposed handle arm portions, which are releasably secured together at selected positions to provide a variable length handle arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Robert W. Koelewyn, Donald C. Liu
  • Patent number: 6305627
    Abstract: A fishing reel including a crank handle retained to a threaded end of a crankshaft by an attachment which comprises a nut for threadedly fixing the crank handle to the crank shaft, wherein one end of the nut has a hexagonal cross section and the other end includes an outward flare, and a plastic retainer for the nut comprising: a first inside cavity shaped to receive the hexagonal portion of the nut such that the nut is nonrotatably captivated relative to the retainer; a second inside compartment shaped to receive the outward flare of the nut such that when matably received, the retainer is secured to the nut; a pin protruding from the retainer to be received by a hole in the crank handle to prevent rotation of the retainer relative to the crank handle; and a smooth outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Roy E. Stiner, Saburo Nose, Robert D. Bagby
  • Patent number: 6282980
    Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator for a vehicle is provided having an eccentrically-mounted self-adjust cam assembly. The cam assembly is mounted eccentrically to the lever axis to provide a variable mechanical advantage during actuator stroke. The eccentric offset for the self-adjusting cam is less than the outside radius of the cam to reduce the overall space requirements of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Sykes
  • Patent number: 6247270
    Abstract: A window operator, particularly, operators for venting casement windows is provided. The base housing of the operator is of a plastic polymer, which is a non-corrosive and non-thermal conducting material. The top and bottom base components are then sonic welded with a heat-treated steel worm gear welded inside of the plastic base of the window operator creating a one-piece assembly. The worm gear and pinion gear with attached operator arm are placed within the base body before fusion welding the top body. The use of the plastic polymer for the base housing eliminates the possibility of corrosion of the base material. Also, the polymer does not require finishing or painting to protect it from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: G-U Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan M. Huml
  • Patent number: 6247715
    Abstract: To produce a wheelchair with high forward-moving efficiency, incorporating a simple structured driving mechanism that is compact enough to be fitted between the wheel and the frame. Thanks to this driving mechanism, the wheelchair moves forward not only when the operation lever is pushed but also when it is pulled. For the less frequent backward movement, the push rim continues to be used. An operation lever 2 is rockably established on each of the left and right sides of the moving direction of frame 1. Each operation lever 2 is provided with a pair of one-way-clutch-driving links 41, 42, in such a way that one ends of these 41, 42, are linked to the operation lever 2 via mutually spaced apart sub pivots 51, 52 at a certain distance forward from said main pivot 3, while the other ends of said links 41, 42 are linked to a pair of forward and backward arms 71, 72, which are established on opposite sides of a hub spindle of a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Akira Korosue
  • Patent number: 6230582
    Abstract: An awning is attached to and wound on a spring loaded roller. The roller rotates on shafts secured to shaft mounts at each end. The shaft mount is secured on the end of a support arm. A crank has a two prong engagement member that fits in a slot of the shaft mount. The shaft mount is released from the support arm and the crank is turned to adjust spring force in the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Becker, Robert D. Anderson, Robert L. Prior
  • Patent number: 6202501
    Abstract: A steering apparatus with excellent operability, which is especially excellent in minute steering operability, is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes a steering operation shaft (6) rotating almost horizontally, and a lever (3) which is coupled to the steering operation shaft (6), separated by a predetermined horizontal distance from the steering operation shaft (6), and which turns almost horizontally to rotate the steering operation shaft (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Ikari
  • Patent number: 6176446
    Abstract: Configuration for waterproofing rotary mechanism shafts protruding from the compartments in which they are housed in a spinning reel main unit. In each case the shafts are supported on ball bearings, but in some cases the outer race and its mounting are fitted to be stationary in the compartment with respect to the compartment, and the shaft and the inner race supporting are rotatable. In other cases, the shaft and the inner race supporting it are stationary, and the outer race and its mounting in the compartment rotate about the shaft. Shaft seals are furnished to seal respective protruding shafts. In all cases, the seal is retained by the compartment mounting axially outward with respect to the compartment and contacts both the stationary and at least either the rotary component or the rotary mechanism shaft. Washers, caps, or lids retain and position the shaft seals against the shaft bearing stationary components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 6120119
    Abstract: An incubator or drying oven is provided having a housing bounding a useful space. The useful space communicates with the exterior through a front opening. An inner door is hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the front opening. An outer door is also hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the inner door. Mounted on the housing adjacent to the front opening is a locking element. The locking element has a slot formed on the side thereof. A latching assembly is mounted to the inner door. The latching assembly includes a hub rotatably mounted to the inner door about a first axis, a tongue projecting from the hub and configured to be received within the slot of the locking element, and a handle attached to the hub opposite the tongue. The handle is rotatably connected to the hub about a second axis that is substantailly perpendicular to the first axis. A spring continually biases the handle away from the inner door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, GmbH
    Inventors: Sonja Jelinski, Stefan Ferger, Harald Langen
  • Patent number: 6116370
    Abstract: A new anti-theft system for permitting removal of the gear selection shaft from a vehicle having a gear selection console with an aperture extending through it that permits external gear selection of a transmission, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a transmission engaging lever that is movably mounted to a transmission. The first end of the transmission engaging lever is insertable into the lower end of a shaft member that extends through the aperture in the console. A release lever extends from the aperture of the shaft member towards the lower end of the shaft member. The second end of the release lever has a flange extending from it that is inserted into a notch in the transmission engaging lever when the release lever is in an engaged position, thereby coupling the shaft member to the transmission engaging lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Fernando Marina Puigbo
  • Patent number: 6112617
    Abstract: Winch handles for use in manually operating winches, such as those found on marine vessels. The handles include a grip member, a body member and a lug member. The body member is comprised of continuous fiber reinforced composite material. The handles are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and capable of floating in water if dropped overboard of a marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: David Bartlett Abrams, Kenneth Charles Gamble
  • Patent number: 6108979
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a motor vehicle door operative for selectively releasing a latch mechanism. The handle assembly includes a mounting portion attached to the motor vehicle door and a handle proper adapted to be manually grasped. The handle proper is linearly translatable between a first position and a second position for releasing the latch mechanism. In a preferred form, the handle proper is biased to the first position by a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Siegel-Robert, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Saffran, Glenn W. Abbott, James Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 6073512
    Abstract: A manual quick change tool changer, said tool changer including a master plate. The master plate connected to a rotatable sprocket with the sprocket having a plurality of teeth. A thrust bearing engaging the sprocket. A handle connected to the sprocket such that the handle moves a predetermined distance. The tool changer further including a secondary plate that mates with the master plate. The secondary plate further including a plurality of leaves such that the plurality of teeth from the master plate locks underneath the leaves of the secondary plate to secure the master plate to the secondary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter McCormick, Dan Beall
  • Patent number: 6065375
    Abstract: A hand tool for enabling a mechanic to manually rotate a diesel engine, said tool comprising an elongated generally L-shaped handle having a flange located at the lower end thereof and having toothed wheel secured to said handle at a point spaced from said flange a distance such that when said flange is inserted into the recess of a diesel engine damper, said toothed wheel will rest on the outer surface of said damper and, when said tool is rotated, said flange and said wheel will clamp said damper therebetween to enable the mechanic to manually rotate said damper and said engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: James D. Leonard
  • Patent number: 6062615
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has an element displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a bowden cable has one end connected to the element and an opposite end. A latch-actuating assembly has a housing, a main lever pivoted on the housing about a main axis between an actuated position and an unactuated position and formed offset from the main axis with an entrainment formation, and a secondary lever pivoted about a secondary axis and having an attachment point offset from both axes and connected to the bowden cable. Thus the secondary lever pivots about the secondary axis relative to the main lever synchronously with the element between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Robert Hunt, Raja Raymond, Claus Topfer
  • Patent number: 6058799
    Abstract: A cranking device for use with a winch having a crankable shaft, the cranking device comprising an engagement member selectively engageable with an end of the crankable shaft in a loose fitting relationship such that the engagement member may be rotated relative to the shaft end, a handle fixed to the engagement member for cranking same, a locking mechanism provided with the engagement member for locking the engagement member onto the end of the crankable shaft in the loose fitting relationship such that the shaft may be cranked together with the engagement member under relatively low torque. Additionally, the engagement member is preferably formed as a socket having a plurality of spacer members provided on an inner surface thereof for engaging the shaft end when the socket is fitted thereover such that a gap is defined between an outer periphery of the shaft and an inner periphery of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Bonner
  • Patent number: 6041676
    Abstract: A locking winch includes a rotatable shaft coupled to a bracket adapted for connection to a structure such as a trailer, truck, hoist, etc. Wrapped around the shaft is a cable, rope or chain and connected to one end of the shaft is a hand operated crank for rotating the shaft in a first direction for retracting the cable about the shaft or for rotating the shaft in a second, opposed direction for removing the cable from the shaft, with the crank movable between first and second positions on the shaft. A sprocket fixedly mounted to the bracket includes a plurality of spaced teeth disposed about the periphery thereof. A torsion spring coupled to the hand operated crank urges the crank to the first position. A locking pin attached to the hand operated crank is disposed between adjacent teeth on the periphery of the sprocket when the crank is in the first position to prevent rotation of the shaft and either withdrawal of the cable from or take-up of the cable on the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Roger V. Bettenhausen
  • Patent number: 6042037
    Abstract: In a handle for a fishing reel, a support shaft is fixedly secured at one end to a distal end of a handle arm by compressive clamping in such a manner that the support shaft projects from the handle arm. The tubular stem of a handle piece is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the support shaft, and is retained by a retaining member against disengagement therefrom. A grip portion integral with the tubular stem has a cavity extending between opposite ends of the grip portion. A pair of caps closing the opposite open ends are detachably fixed to the grip portion by a resilient member. The handle is light weight, and thus can be operated with a small amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuya Nanbu
  • Patent number: 6035492
    Abstract: This invention discloses a handle arranged for driving operation of an axle about an operation axis thereof, the handle including a first element operatively associated with the axle and extending in a first plane perpendicular to the operation axis; and a second element mounted onto the first element and being pivotably mounted with respect to the axle about a second axis lying in the first plane, the second element being arranged with respect to the operation axis so as to be not centered about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Jehuda T. Warshaviak
  • Patent number: 6032893
    Abstract: In a fishing reel, a handle (A) is mounted on a drive shaft of a take-up drive mechanism. The drive shaft is rotatably supported within a reel main body. The handle includes a handle arm, a T-shaped handle knob supported rotatably on one end portion of the handle arm by a support shaft, a balancer consisting of a balance forming member fixed to the other end portion of the handle arm by another support shaft, and a cap mounted on the handle arm. The handle arm includes a linear portion extending from the center portion of the handle arm toward one end portion thereof, a linear portion extending from the center portion of the handle arm toward the other end portion thereof, a bent portion formed such that it is bent outwardly in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a linear portion extending from the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa, Seiko, Inc
    Inventors: Akio Sekimoto, Kazuya Nanbu
  • Patent number: 6029922
    Abstract: A crank assembly for a fishing reel. The crank assembly has a first element that is capable of being driven in rotation to effect operation of a fishing reel, a crank handle for imparting a rotational drive force to the first element, a securing element that is repositionable relative to the crank handle and first element between a first position and a second position, and a retainer element that is capable of being press fit into and maintained in an operative position relative to the crank handle and first element wherein the retainer element prevents the securing element from moving from the second position into the first position. The crank handle is mountable to and separable from the first element with the securing element in the first position. The securing element maintains the crank handle mounted to the first element with the securing element in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Hyunkyu Kim, Robert Leon Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6021691
    Abstract: A window operating system for moving a vehicle window up and down that includes an electric drive motor having a gear coupled to a window movement mechanism through a magnetic clutch assembly wherein the drive gear includes a crank extending outwardly therefrom and through the door facing surface and is selectively connectable to a roll up crank having a fold out handle and a protruding socket member. The door facing surface includes a cavity or chamber into which the emergency crank can be stored and rapidly retrieved in an emergency. The magnetic clutch is only engaged when the power is supplied to the electric motor in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5971309
    Abstract: A handle of a fishing reel in which a knob can be very easily replaced with another one, which is always free from deterioration, damages, and the like, and in which a knob that is most suitable can be selectively used. A handle knob is locked and supported via a support shaft on a rotating member for winding a fishing line around a spool, the knob is insertable into and detachable from an outer periphery of a cylinder member which is locked and supported on the support shaft in a rotatable manner, and the knob is locked to the cylinder member by an engaging member in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5878859
    Abstract: A quick release clutch interposed between the handle and rod of a manual seat adjuster uses a piezoelectric element to create a rapid disconnect on the selective application of an electrical signal. A resilient bearing on one side of a shoulder interface maintains frictional contact between two clutch members, while an expandable piezoelectric stack on the other side pushes the shoulders apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Borlinghaus, Edgar Harry Schlaps, James Peter Nini
  • Patent number: 5833217
    Abstract: A double throw crank handle for a nautical winch has a first lever extending radially out from a winch axis and having a first grip at the outward end. A second lever is connected to the outward end of the first lever and extends parallel back over the winch axis to locate an opposite end a similar radially offset distance from the winch axis. A second grip extends up from the second lever opposite end. A locking mechanism to hold the crank handle in the winch socket is mounted below the first lever plug end. Counterbalanced two handed cranking about a winch axis is executed in winding the winch using the double throw crank handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Alan T. Goldsby
  • Patent number: 5823065
    Abstract: A driving crank for a windshield wiper system, wherein the crank lever is made of deep-drawn sheet metal. The crank lever has a rear part and a circumferential edge beaded towards one side of the rear part. At one end, the crank lever has an opening with an edge beaded towards the same side so as to form an inner cone. To prevent the inner cone from expanding and to reliably transmit high torques between the driving crank and the shaft to be secured in the opening, and vice-versa, the inner cone is expanded from the rear part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Egner-Walter
  • Patent number: 5802673
    Abstract: The crank handle of a window sill used for actuating a window pane has a hollow end in which is received an insert allowing the handle to engage various sizes of crank shafts. The insert is formed of a malleable material so that it can be deformed to fit the diameter of a crank shaft to thereby securely engage the crank shaft and enable its rotation by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Dero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Nemeth
  • Patent number: 5788014
    Abstract: A spring motor mechanism for use with a child's swing that includes a spring attached to a slip clutch device to prevent the spring from becoming over wound. In addition, the spring motor mechanism includes an indicator for revealing, based upon the amount of torque stored in the spring, the remaining number of child seat oscillations that can occur before the spring must be re-wound, and an adjustable swing height portion to prevent the over-swinging of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: David Saint, James A. Sack