Abstract: A novelty basketball goal producing a predetermined pattern of sound effects, such as crowd cheers and applause, responsive to a made shot. The goal includes a force activated sensor suspended within the net of the goal by the wires which connect the sensor to the sound effects generating means. The sensor will contact an object passing through the hoop thereby triggering the sound effects generator. The sensor is preferably a self-contained electrical switch having a housing and two conductors positioned therein. One of the conductors is suspended within the housing so that a force applied thereto causes the conductors of the switch to come into electrical contact. A inexpensive and readily manufactured novelty basketball goal with sound effects is provided by the simple force activated sensing arrangement. The backboard of the goal may include a clip for mounting to a vertical surface, such as the rim of a waste paper basket.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a multisurface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game. Multiple surfaces are provided that connect at an apex, which can be lowered to form a flat or inverted playing surface. A scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Thus, the dual-surface table allows for simultaneous, truly competitive play by two or more players.

Abstract: Method and means to change the sound emitted from a metal "wood" golf club head by providing a first foward chamber in the head opening to the club head face, by providing a resilient face plate covering the first forward chamber and vibrating at a given primary frequency upon impact with a golf ball, and by providing a second rear chamber in the head disposed rearwardly of the first chamber and connected thereto by a throat whereby the second chamber and the throat have the function of a Helmholtz resonator modifying the sound propagated in the first forward chamber upon impact with a golf ball. The first and second chambers can be filled by a gas (such as air), a liquid, or a solid.

Abstract: A device for use by a golfer during a putting stroke.When putting, the strap is used by placing the adjustable wristband on the wrist of the trailing hand of the putting stroke. The finger strap is wrapped around the middle finger of the same hand with the wrist comfortably flexed to allow for the holding of the putter shaft. This fixed position will also freeze the movement of the other wrist and force the player to putt with a pendulum-like motion of the hand, arms and shoulders.

Abstract: A golf ball having a peripheral surface with dimples distributed essentially within a plurality of first identical elemental surfaces in the form of irregular spherical pentagons; a plurality of second identical elemental surfaces in the form of spherical equilateral triangles; and a plurality of third identical elemental surfaces in the form of spherical isosceles triangles, these elemental surfaces being defined by six equatorial circles of the sphere generally defining the peripheral surface of the golf ball. By a judicious choice in the relative positions of the equatorial circles, of the distribution, and of the diameters of the circles of intersection, the orientation of the ball with respect to impact therewith can be rendered relatively irrelevant.

Abstract: A board game including a playing board, with an outer perimeter track defined by a series of spaces coextensive with the outer perimeter of the game board. A central portion of the game board includes a series of contiguous spaces defining a pyramid configuration, with the uppermost part of the pyramid configuration defined as a goal space, with a gateway space within the perimeter spaces permitting entrance into the pyramid configuration of spaces. Players sequentially utilizing dice members are directed about the perimeter spaces to receive and use playing cards from a deck mounted within the central portion of the playing board. A player being first to deposit an appropriately designated playing card on the goal space is declared a winner or alternatively, depletion of the cards from the deck of cards designates a winner having a greatest number of a designated category of the cards of the deck of playing cards.

Abstract: A board game apparatus is provided wherein the players are challenged with an objective of advancing and arranging movable game pieces within certain designated areas on a game board without being captured by the opponent. The game apparatus comprises a game board having a playing surface consisting of a plurality of squares and boundary markings dividing the playing surface into a plurality of subset areas.

Abstract: A guide ring for a broadhead encircles an arrow shaft and is frictionally held at the tail edges of the broadhead's blades. The guide ring has a smaller inside diameter at its rearward edge than at its forward edge to deflect air inwardly toward the arrow shaft. The smaller inside diameter is also sized to be larger than the arrow shaft which it encircles to provide space for air to flow between the guide ring and the shaft. Notches on the forward edge of the guide ring frictionally grip the tail edges of the broadhead blades to hold the guide ring in position during the flight of an arrow. When the arrow is in flight, the shape of the guide ring smoothly directs air toward the arrow shaft to increase the airflow past the arrow fletching for increased stability of the arrow. When the broadhead penetrates a target deeper than the tail edge of the blades, the guide ring is forced rearward away from the blades by the target material contacting the forward edge of the guide ring.

Abstract: A tennis racket has its grip portion provided with a raised portion which extends over substantially the entire length of the grip portion.

Abstract: A sealing member used in a portable or on-line analyzer, to achieve a tight seal between a sample and the analyzer in order to perform the analysis in a desired gas atmosphere. The sealing member is a semi-labyrinth sealing member manufactured of metal, elastic material or ceramic material.

Abstract: An active magnetic seal for controlling leakage from turbine shafts or other rotating equipment by the inclusion of circumferential electromagnet windings forming a dynamically controllable magnetic gap between the axial borders of rotor and stator elements.

Abstract: An oil control piston ring is described comprising a pair of axially spaced apart side rails, the side rails each having a radially outer periphery forming a rubbing face with a co-operating cylinder wall, an expander having portions which lie between the inner radially extending faces of the side rails and maintain the outer peripheral rubbing faces thereof in a spaced apart relationship characterized in that the radially inner peripheral edge of each side rail is connected by bridging members extending intermittently over at least a part of the inner circumferential length. The side rails and bridge members may be formed from a substantially flat bottomed "U-shaped" channel section.

Abstract: A sealing ring for sealing in a pipe joint an annular space between a socket end and a spigot end introduced therein comprises an annular sealing portion (8) consisting of elastically yielding sealing material and a substantially annular reinforcing portion (10) consisting of a material which is rigid in relation to the elastically yieldable material, the sealing portion (8) and the reinforcing portion (10) being fixedly connected with each other at the connection surface (18). The outer surface (40) of the sealing ring has a surface portion which is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection portion as parallelly displaced in the axial direction of the ring. The invention also relates to a mould for manufacturing such a sealing ring by means of injection moulding.

Abstract: An improved suspension arrangement for the front steering assembly of a snow-bike, and the snow-bike incorporating the improved suspension arrangement. The steering assembly for which the suspension is intended includes a steering column having a steering device such as a handlebar at its upper end and a ski at its lower end. The suspension arrangement includes an intermediate arm journalled with respect to the steering column and extending longitudinally of the snow-bike. A rear portion of the intermediate arm is journalled with respect to the ski. A suspension assembly, such as a piston-cylinder and spring assembly, is connected between the intermediate arm and the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined trailer/wheelchair which can either be towed behind a powered cart or be manually pushed as a wheelchair and which includes features such as a removable or telescoping tow bar, an articulated hitch mechanism adapted to connect the tow bar to a towing cart, arms to prevent inadvertent rearward tipping of the trailer when uncoupled from a towing cart, and easy disassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus including an exterior annular wheel rotatably mounted relative to an inner semi-annular rim rotatably mounted interiorly of the wheel, with a framework mounting a seat and handle bars spaced relative to one another defining a gap therebetween, including a top sprocket driven to rotate a bottom sprocket to rotate an associate annular gear rack mounted to the annular wheel, with a right and left brake pad selectively actuated at the handle bar structure to effect turning of the organization upon actuation of the brake pads.

Abstract: Wheelchair with four wheels, with two side frames (1,2) and a middle frame (3,4) carrying the seat, both side frame (1,2) being connected to each other by means of the middle frame (3,4) in such a way that tilting of one of the side frames in one direction is followed by tilting of the other side frame through the same angle in the other direction, while the middle frame remains stationary.

Abstract: A bicycle which comprises a triangular frame, a front fork including a vectorial angle of 90.degree., the length of the upper portion of the front fork being longer than that of the lower portion of the front fork, wherein the vertical arm extending from the lower portion end thereof, and a W-shaped configured rear fork which has a pair of vectorial angles of 90.degree., the lengths of the upper and lower portions of the rear fork being shorter than those of the upper and lower middle portions of the rear fork, whereby the bicycle is accelerated in the forward moving speed by the bicycle rider.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for a bicycle includes two hinged portions on each side of the rear wheel axles, one hinged portion being attached to the bicycle frame, and the other hinged portion supporting a training wheel. Compression spring acts between each pair of associated hinged portions to increase the restoring forces on the bicycle when it tilts to one side on a turn, while the spring on the other side maintains the training wheel in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A cross-country ski having an upwardly projecting longitudinal rib which laterally guides the shoe of the skier. For modifying its performance characteristics, the ski includes, on either side of the longitudinal rib, an auxiliary separate profile which is arranged to at least support the sole of the shoe. The separate profiles are affixed to the side surfaces of the rib.

Abstract: Safety ski binding with at least one transducer, converting the forces acting on the binding into electric signals, and an evaluation circuit, connected to the triggering device and the transducer, which evaluation circuit has a threshold circuit having at least two threshold values, the one output of which threshold circuit activates the triggering device, and has a timing circuit, which is in connection with the triggering device, the transducer or transducers being connected to the input of the threshold circuit and the input of the timing circuit.

Abstract: An end link assembly includes an elongated link terminating in a barrel portion at one end and a ring portion at the other end. An elastomeric bushing having a pair of flexible annular walls projecting outwardly from an outer surface is mounted at the ring portion of the link. A stabilizer bar is press fitted into the bushing. The barrel portion is mounted to the control arm by a fastener. During operation, the bushing provides a working angle large enough to accommodate the movement between the stabilizer bar and the link.

Abstract: A cover for an inflatable air bag is provided which has an upper portion adapted to break upon inflation of the air bag and a side portion which extends downwardly from the peripheral edge of the upper portion. An insert is embedded in the cover and includes a flexible net and a flexiblle reinforcing band assembly. The net includes a side portion embedded in the side portion of the cover and upper portions which are embedded in upper portions of the cover. Coupling portions vertically couple the side portion of the net to the upper portions thereof. The reinforcing band assembly includes a horizontal band which is coupled by for example sewing to the side portion of the net along the entire perimeter of the side portion of the net and vertical bands which are sewn to the horizontal band and to the side edges of the upper portion and/or the coupling portions of the net.

Abstract: An air cushion restraint system (ACRS) providing enhancements in the strength of the attachment between an air bag and associated support structure and further providing improvements in the fabrication and assembly of such systems. ACRS systems in accordance with this invention incorporate an air bag with a retainer ring member which reinforces the inflation or mounting opening which is provided to enable inflation gases to be vented into the bag and to mount the bag to the associated vehicle structure. The retainer ring is sewn directly to the air bag at the inflation opening and is preferably made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking an adjustable safety steering column for motor vehicles that is arranged to be tiltable and lockable with respect to the vehicle body, has consoles coupled to the vehicle body with guiding slots arranged approximately in a vertical plane, the steering column being tiltable between these consoles. An operating lever of the arrangement has an operating rod. An adjustable clamping device locks the safety column with respect to the vehicle body, and includes an eccentric element arranged in parallel to the axis of the steering column and axially on this operating rod. A pull rod has an end side receiving device in which a free end of the operating rod is pivoted, said pull rod extending transversely with respect to the axis of the steering column through the guiding slots. This allows the steering column to be easily adjusted by simply turning the operating rod.

Abstract: A seat belt device for an automotive vehicle includes a safety belt, and a buckle by which the belt is releasably retained. The buckle is arranged at a lateral side of a vehicle seat, and supported by a linkage formed by first and second stays. The first stay has one end thereof pivoted to the vehicle body, while the second stay engages the first stay for pivotal movement relative thereto, and has the buckle secured thereto. A stopper is provided on one of the first and second stays, and disposed to abut against the other stay when the first and second stays pivotally move in a direction in which the linkage extends, to thereby restrain further pivotal movement of the first and second stays in the same direction.

Abstract: In order to distinguish originals from copies, a method adds substances to printing medium that produces markings, which are not visible to the naked eye and are only recognizable by using special scanners.

Abstract: A bar code applicator is provided, which may be incorporated into a booklet, comprised of a translucent sheet having on one side thereof pressure-transferrable figures comprising an array of bars, the bars adapted to be transferred by the user to the face of an envelope or the like in a predesignated position to designate individual letters or numbers, to be read by an optical character reader. There is further provided a booklet incorporating the applicator, having also one or more groups of sheets, each group comprising an instruction page, a bar code applicator and a separator sheet adjacent the bar code applicator.

Abstract: An improved throttle modulator assembly and a thermoplastic fluid direction tube for insertion into a throttle modulator assembly are disclosed. The thermoplastic fluid direction tube is annular and hollow and is made from a thermoplastic material having a coefficient of thermal expansion about the same as the throttle modulator body. Further, an annular press ring and at least one associated press wing extending axially therefrom are located along the longitudinal dimension of the end tube portion of the thermoplastic tube.

Abstract: An oil field tubular connection is provided for joining metallic tubulars at a well site. At least one end of each tubular is provided with a frustoconical external sealing surface for metal-to-metal sealing engagement with a corresponding surface of an adjoining tubular. A plurality of antigalling grooves provided along the external sealing surface each project radially inward thereof and circumferentially encircle the threaded end of the tubular member and seal the groove from fluid communication with the interior of the tubular member. The antigalling grooves are particularly well suited for use with a low angular taper sealing surface of less than approximately 7.degree., and reduce galling between the metal sealing surfaces during makeup of the connection. Each tubular connection may also include an energizing groove spaced axially between the exterior sealing surface and the threads on the tubular member.

Abstract: Coupling device and method for joining together tubular elements such as sections of aluminum tubing. The device comprises a coupling sleeve having conically tapered walls of diameters corresponding to the diameters of the tubular elements to be joined together. The tubular elements and the sleeve are pressed together to form a rigid structure in which the tubular elements are aligned axially of each other and the walls of the cooupling sleeve are in tight frictional engagement with the walls of the tubular elements.

Abstract: A nonmetallic conduit fitting having first and second tubular members rotatably coupled about a transverse axis of rotation allowing the fitting to be used in a straight or in angled positions. The first tubular member has a plurality of latching tabs with each latching tab having a first surface that rotatably and slidably engages a second surface on a flange extending from the second tubular member via a snap fit. The first surfaces of the latching tabs and the second surface of the flange define a plane of rotation therebetween which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the first embodiment, the latching tabs of the first tubular member engage an inwardly extending flange on the second tubular member via a snap fit. Abutment members are provided on the inwardly extending flange for engaging the gaps between the latching tabs to selectively retain the first and second tubular members in a straight or angled position.

Abstract: A quick-release connector for pairs of hoses or other conduits has a tubular male component the front portion of which is insertable into the front part of a tubular female component and carries one or more sealing elements which engage the internal surface of the front part. The front portion of the male component is surrounded by a ring-shaped radially deformable retaining member with a smooth conical external surface which diverges from the axis of the male component in a direction toward the rear portion. The front part of the female component has a chamber behind one or more detents with radial flanks for engagement with the maximum-diameter end of the retaining member when the latter is fully received in the chamber.

Abstract: A remote latching mechanism comprises connecting member, preferably a cylindrical rod, an actutor assembly for rotating the connecting member about its longitudinal axis, and a latch assembly connected to the connecting member for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to the rotation of the connecting member. The latch assembly comprises a crank, at least one link member having over-center action, a pawl support and a pawl, all inter-connected so that upon rotation of the crank, the pawl is pivoted and slid relative to a latch housing between latched and unlatched positions. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator fixedly connected to the connecting member. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a pivotable handle. In the other embodiments, the actuator comprises a substantially cylindrical member to which torque is applied by a tool or a lever to rotate the connecting member.

Abstract: The lock device for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention comprises a synthetic resin body fixed to a door and equipped with a recess formed on its right side; a latch fitted rotatably into the recess; a striker fixed to a car body and having a front leg portion having a small diameter and meshing with the latch, a rear side leg portion having a large diameter and a wedge-like bridge portion connecting the tips of the leg portions and having a thin front portion and a thick rear portion; a guide groove formed on the body and permitting the entrance of the striker; front side clamp means disposed on the front side of the guide groove, for clamping the front side of the striker; and rear side clamp means disposed on the rear side of the guide groove, for clamping the rear side portion of the striker. A swell portion defining the guide groove is formed integrally on the back side of the body and a metallic back plate is fixed to this back side.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for roll-up type doors on a vehicle truck body in which a rotatable rod extends through the truck body adjacent a top edge of the doors and has flanges for engaging the doors. A first lever arm coupled to one end of the rod enables rotation of the rod, and a second lever arm coupled between the first lever arm and the latching mechanism controls the relative rotational position of the rod. The latching mechanism comprises a housing assembly for attachment to the truck body, a rotatable support mounted in the housing and a third lever arm attached to the support and extending from the latching mechanism. An end of the third lever arm is connected to the second lever arm for effecting its movement in response to rotation of the support. First and second stops limit rotation of the support while a tension spring urges the support against the stops.

Abstract: A uni-directional lock having a body portion having two passageways extending therethrough and each having an internal indentation, an entrance portion and an exit portion and a link portion having an enlarged head portion and two integral leg portions each having a flexible portion having a hook projecting outwardly therefrom wherein the hook and the exit portion are dimensioned to prevent entry of the hook through the exit portion into the body portion or the flexible portion comprises two separate sections or the flexible portion is provided with structure so that it is frangible to form two separate sections.

Abstract: A security bar for preventing uninvited opening of a building door comprising an elongated tubular pole which may be formed from telescoping segments and which has a footpad secured to the lower end thereof and a specially designed head member affixed to the opposite end, the head member having an angled face such that when the plane of that face abuts the planar surface of a door, the pole will be at a predetermined angle to the horizontal. The head also includes an arcuate recess formed inwardly from its top surface for cooperating with a door knob of the lockset used with the door. When the head member straddles the door knob with the angled face thereof resting against the door surface, the pole extends at an angle to the floor acting as a brace to prevent the door from being opened against the device.

Abstract: A disposable animal litter collection device includes a rigid shovel blade and a shovel handle which extends through the rear edge of the shovel blade and is extendable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the handle is stored generally adjacent to the shovel blade, and in the second position the handle extends rearwardly from the shovel blade. A collection bag is fixed to the rear edge of the shovel blade in a manner shielding a user's hand when grasping the handle from animal litter deposited on the shovel blade. This bag is capable of enclosing the shovel blade and any animal litter deposited thereon when the bag is extended over the shovel blade away from the handle to envelope the blade and any litter deposited thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of automated and/or robotic assembly, comprises a vacuum nozzle (100) capable of aspirating and securing an electrically conductive assembly component (114). The electrically conductive assembly component (114) is electrically coupled to an electric conductance sensor for detecting the presence of the electrically conductive assembly component (114) at the vacuum nozzle (100).

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock capable of being automatically bolted and released, and useful as a knot running along a loop made by a sling wound around a load to be dragged. The lock is made up of a keeper and of a bolt capable of fitting into it, the bolt having a radial lock face. A claw is mounted on the keeper. The claw is capable to move between a retracted position to allow insertion of the bolt in the keeper and an active position where it locks with the lock face, after the bolt has been inserted the keeper. In the active position, a spring device presses on the claw to draw the bolt fully in the keeper. The keeper is also provided with at least one pawl which is made to move between a retracted position, free of the bolt, and an active position where it stands in locking engagement upstream of the lock face. A damper device acts on each pawl for retarding radial movement thereof.

Abstract: A dish carrier 10 has a base 11, a cover 12, four stanchions 13 and flexible handles 42. The base is formed with four wedge shaped slots 34 through which the stanchions may extend. The wedge shaped slots are each straddled by track having divergent rails. The stanchions are slidably mounted to the base and rails to receive and straddle stacks of dishes of different sizes stacked upon the base.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a transportable cargo vehicle mounts a hopper thereon, with a liner complementarily received within the hopper to minimize corrosion of the hopper structure. An access door in the hopper is aligned with an opening in the liner. A transparent cover structure is provided, including a pneumatic chamber to overlie the hopper and liner assemblage and enhance solar heating of contents within the hopper.

Abstract: The windshield sunshade assembly is designed to be mounted on the pivoted connector portion of the sun visor attachment of all motor vehicles so that a shade member is to be retracted or extended in order to cover the windshield from inside of vehicle to provide a sunshielding effect. The windshield sunshade assembly according to this invention includes two support units; each support unit having a bracket anchored from one end to the uppermost perimeter edge of the windshield and the roof. Adhesive means are provided at the tip of the bracket to secure the support unit in position. The opposite end of the bracket includes a pair of pincers with two grasping jaws working on a pivot bounded together by means of a spring to grip firmly onto the connector portion of the sun visor attachment of the automobile.

Abstract: A sunscreen for a motor vehicle window includes a sheet of flexible, stretchable, opaque material that has a weave that is adapted to adhere directly to the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener, the sheet of material having a slit therein for accommodating a rear view mirror. A plurality of pieces of fastener are mounted on each corner of the window with an adhesive for adhering the material to the window. The fastener is preferably the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A vertically displaceable rigid cover for a truck bed is connected to the truck bed by many of pair of linkages on each side of the truck bed. A fluid pressure actuated cylinder is associated with each linkage for lifting and lowering the rigid cover, and for causing a portion of each linkage to be received into and continuously urged against a vertical stop means mounted on the truck bed.

Abstract: A pull-to device pulls a vehicle closing component into a locked end position automatically in a final closing-movement phase. Whereas prior pull-to devices formed by a closure or even by a plurality of closures were effective only after the closing component has reached a pre-engagement position on the counter-component, here, during the closing movement, this pre-engagement position is assumed large independently of the closing accuracy of the closing component. For assistance, there is an additional pull-to device which consists of a leading catch coupling.

Abstract: A cab for rollover protection of a driver of a large off-road machine in which the machine has a frame with a longitudinal axis in the direction of normal travel, the cab being formed of a superstructure of a generally rectangular box configuration, one lower edge of the cab superstructure being pivotally affixed to the machine frame about an axis of pivotation substantially parallel to the vehicle frame longitudinal axis and a limited displacement shock absorber attaching the cab superstructure other edge to the machine frame so that thereby in the event of rollover of the vehicle, the shock absorber absorbs energy to reduce the possibility of collapse of the superstructure to thereby provide increase safety to the machine operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method to facilitate direct eye level contact between a hospital caregiver or other support personnel and a patient confined to a bed. The invention provides a lightweight yet stable chair which rapidly folds into a substantially flat unit which can be readily removed from the bedside in a medical emergency. The design of this apparatus makes it uniquely suitable for the severe constraints of a hospital environment.

Abstract: A sectional sofa having one sofa section that includes a pair of reclining seats that are separated by a console on which push button controls are mounted that separately control the movement of the reclining seats from the upright to the reclined positions.