Abstract: A fastener for a vehicle lamp assembly has an adjustable stud and grommet. Positioning grooves on the stud interact with positioning fingers on the grommet in a ratcheting fashion to allow more accurate alignment of the lamp assembly prior to securing the lamp assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: A synchronized lamp adjuster assembly allows for adjustment of vehicle lamp assemblies that can be adjusted synchronously or by using the same adjuster assembly. Two or more adjuster assemblies are connected together by at least one shaft drive assembly having a shaft drive head that interacts with an input shaft for the adjuster assemblies. Rotation of the shaft drive head causes rotation of input shaft and adjuster assembly thus causing adjustment of the lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly typically includes a high beam reflector and a low beam reflector. A linkage synchronizes the aim of a high beam reflector with a low beam reflector while also providing damping for both reflectors to stop them from visibly shaking or fluttering the light beam under vibration in actual use. The damping linkage could also be employed in a single reflector environment.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap-fit into the headlamp housing, a grommet that is positioned around the gear screw and snap-fit into the headlamp reflector, and an O-ring to ensure a good seal.

Abstract: An earphone or adapter for attaching to an earphone includes an ear portion including a tubular sidewall. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall includes an inner surface defining an air channel extending through the sidewall. The air channel redirects sound at an angle to the speaker axis, and may have a smooth contour to maintain sound quality. In one embodiment, the inner surface has a twin cone shape including a converging cone portion extending from the first end and a diverging cone portion extending from the converging cone portion to the second end. The outer surface of the tubular portion may include a plurality of outwardly extending fins In one embodiment, the tubular portion includes both a plurality of fins, and a twin cone air channel.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing, a grommet that positioned around the gear screw and snap-fit into the headlamp reflector, and an O-ring to ensure a good seal.

Abstract: A synchronized lamp adjuster assembly allows for adjustment of vehicle lamp assemblies that can be adjusted synchronously or by using the same adjuster assembly. Two or more adjuster assemblies are connected together by at least one shaft drive assembly having a shaft drive head that interacts with an input shaft for the adjuster assemblies. Rotation of the shaft drive head causes rotation of input shaft and adjuster assembly thus causing adjustment of the lamp assemblies.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching to an earphone includes a sleeve capable attaching the adapter to the earphone and an ear portion including a tubular sidewall having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall includes an outer surface and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface. In another embodiment, the tubular sidewall has an inner surface defining an air channel extending through the sidewall, and the inner surface has a twin cone shape including a converging cone portion extending from the first end and a diverging cone portion extending from the converging cone portion to the second end. In one embodiment, the adapter includes both a plurality of fins, and a twin cone air channel.

Abstract: A ball socket for connection with a ball stud resists accidental pull-out of the ball stud. The ball socket achieves relatively low insertion force but relatively high pull-out force resistance.

Abstract: A fastener for use in connection with a tubular boss has a shaft with at least one rib along the length thereof and at least one thread segment extending at least partially around the shaft. The shaft is inserted into the boss in first position, and rotated to a second position wherein the at least one thread segment engages at least one column formed in the tubular boss. The shaft can be integrally formed with a first molded part to be fastened to a second molded part with an integrally formed tubular boss. Various locking features for locking the shaft in the boss are also disclosed.

Abstract: A push-in connector provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the connector and flexes to snap-fit within in the connector. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the connector and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in connector design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the connector. The connector assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with a variety of ball studs, as well as other items such as shafts of various objects and wires, or may be used a fastener.

Abstract: A ball socket for connection with a ball stud provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the socket and flexes to snap-fit within in the socket. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss or socket. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the socket and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in socket design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the socket. The socket assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with disengageable or conventional ball studs.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching to an earphone includes a sleeve capable attaching the adapter to the earphone and an ear portion including a tubular sidewall having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall includes an outer surface and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface. In another embodiment, the tubular sidewall has an inner surface defining an air channel extending through the sidewall, and the inner surface has a twin cone shape including a converging cone portion extending from the first end and a diverging cone portion extending from the converging cone portion to the second end. In one embodiment, the adapter includes both a plurality of fins, and a twin cone air channel.

Abstract: A lightweight and compact headlamp adjuster is constructed primarily from plastic materials. The adjuster may include a VHAD that is non-recalibratable after the headlamp aim is factory set. The adjuster includes an input shaft that engages a gear located within a housing. When the input shaft is rotated, a ball stud moves linearly to adjust the headlamp to which it is connected. The adjuster is not subject to over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism provided by the interaction of the ball stud with the gear.

Abstract: A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The reflector is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket and the adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is secured to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and aiming of the lamp. The adjuster is secured to the bracket prior to the reflector being mounted to the mounting bracket. The bracket and adjuster are provided in pre-assembled fashion.

Abstract: A connector has a female receptacle and/or a male plug, or combination thereof. The female receptacle has a sleeve for holding prongs plugged into the receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the sleeve such that actuation of the collar causes the socket to clamp to the prong. The male plug has a prong for insertion into a socket or other receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the prong to clamp the prong within the socket or other receptacle.

Abstract: A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The reflector is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and the adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is also secured to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and aiming of the lamp. The bracket and adjuster are provided in pre-assembled fashion such that the lamp may be easily attached thereto.

Abstract: The connector is capable of securing a cord to an outlet, of securing extension cords, and/or of securing an extension cord to the cord of a power tool. The device may have a female receptacle and a male plug, only a female receptacle, or only a male plug. The female receptacle may have a screw-style plunger, a sleeve-style plunger, or other means for applying pressure against the sleeves holding the prongs that are plugged into the receptacle. The male plug can use a sleeve-style plunger or other means to apply pressure against at least one of the prongs, causing the plug to be clamped into a receptacle. The female receptacle and male plug of the device can be separated by a cord to create an extension cord. The female receptacle or male plug could also be placed on the cords of a tool or appliance. A plurality of female receptacles could be used in a single unit to create a power strip having locking receptacles.