Patents Issued in July 8, 1997
  • Patent number: 5645278
    Abstract: An amusement device comprises six rigid bodies permanently connected via six pivots in a closed loop, each body containing a track segment or track segments bearing game pieces movable in the track segments. Axes of the pivots form a symmetrical pattern around a line of symmetry, and as a consequence, the pivots allow the rigid bodies to be reoriented by a player, so as to align different track segments end to end. Game pieces can then be moved from one track segment to another. The object of play is to arrange game pieces in a specific pattern among the six bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: John D. Harris
  • Patent number: 5645279
    Abstract: This invention provides a simulated race board game for both amusement and education which includes playing pieces which are replicas of motorized vehicles, such as automobiles or motorcycles. The present invention relates to a board game of questions related to the past, present, and potential future of a particular vehicle. It is a game to challenge the knowledge of and educate persons interested in the history of a particular vehicle played with cards having trivia questions and answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Alicia L. Reutlinger
  • Patent number: 5645280
    Abstract: A recreational and educational vocabulary-building board game for a minimum of two players which includes a game board having a plurality of sequential spaces with the letters of the alphabet, direction, and vocabulary-related categories thereon; a plurality of cards having word definitions, directions, or vocabulary-related questions and answers thereon and adapted for chance selection of a card one at a time; a plurality of place markers corresponding to each of the players; and a mechanism for determining the number of spaces to be traversed by each place marker in accordance with established game rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Loren Zelmer
  • Patent number: 5645281
    Abstract: A card game called "Newjack" is disclosed. Newjack is preferably played with between one to eight normal decks of playing cards, although a larger number of decks may be employed. Players play against each other rather than the house dealer. (Hence the game is not a banking game.) The players are trying to reach a card value total of between 22 and 30. When the target value is 22, aces are always worth 1. Deuces are worth 2 or 12. Each numbered card is worth its face value and picture cards (King Queen Jack) are each worth 10. In Newjack, the player wagers against a designated player "Dealer". The designated Dealer is rotated throughout the game. The house collects a fixed amount from each player for each hand. Each player other than the Dealer is dealt two cards. The Dealer is dealt one card. The player's cards are dealt face down. The Dealer's card is dealt face up. Each player has the option to SHOW (a natural 22), STAND, HIT, DOUBLE, or SPLIT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Helix Information Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hesse, Vincent A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5645282
    Abstract: A flexible plastic grommet is received in an aperture of an internal combustion engine with the multiple purposes of frictionally engaging the gasket to prevent separation, locating the gasket with respect to separate but communicating components, and retaining a threaded fastener in the grommet which is used to join the mechanical components. The grommet comprises a sidewall with a plurality of symmetrically spaced circumferentially disposed grooves that extend longitudinally along the grommet. An innermost periphery of the sidewall is defined by a base of each of the grooves while an outermost periphery of the sidewall extends circumferentially between each of the grooves. The innermost periphery and the outermost periphery of the sidewall comprise a plurality of locking projections extending radially away from the sidewall to promote frictional engagement between the grommet and the gasket, fastener, and the one of the mechanical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Jerome G. Belter
  • Patent number: 5645283
    Abstract: A radial shaft seal comprises a gasket and an anti-dust lip made of polymer and resting axially separated against the shaft with concentric sealing edges around it. The anti-dust lip has at least two sealing edges separated by a gap. Each edge is interrupted by at least one groove that opens toward the shaft at points distributed around the seal circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Rolf Drucktenhengst, Rolf Vogt
  • Patent number: 5645284
    Abstract: A sealing gasket having a spiral wound gasket element and an inner annular ring having faces formed of exfoliated graphite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Flexitallic Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Fitton
  • Patent number: 5645285
    Abstract: A locking insert 4 for joining the male and female ends of spheroidal-graphite cast-iron pipes conveying fluids under pressure has a generally planar shape, and includes at least two metal parts 4A, 4B fixed to each other by an electrically insulating junction layer 4C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Pont-A-Mousson S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Percebois, Daniel Auproux, Philippe Renard
  • Patent number: 5645286
    Abstract: A bellows portion 3 comprises six ridges 3a (3a1, 3a2, . . . 3a6 as seen from the smaller diameter portion 2), five troughs 3b (3b1, 3b2 . . . 3b5 as seen from the smaller diameter portion 2) and slopes 3c which connect the ridges 3a and troughs 3b. The thickness of each ridge 3a and trough 3b is 0.5-1.45 mm, and the thickness ratio between adjacent and trough 3b (trough/ridge) is (1.0-1.5). The levels of thickness of the ridges 3a and troughs 3b are of the same order when seen in the direction of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Katoh
  • Patent number: 5645287
    Abstract: An improved frame for an in-line roller skate consists of a body portion formed by extrusion molding of aluminum alloy, and front and heel sole attaching portions formed by a plastic molding and a brake assembly. The front and heel sole attaching portions are respectively mounted on a front plate and a rear plate defined on the body portion wherein the heel sole attaching portion has a level higher than that of the front sole attaching portion. The brake assembly has a housing having a top tongue inserted into the heel sole attaching portion and a pair of side walls pivotably attached to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Mike Soo
  • Patent number: 5645288
    Abstract: A size adjustable in-line roller skate includes: a chassis having a plurality of wheels linearly rotatably mounted under the chassis, a toe box member for enclosing a wearer's toes slidably engageable with and adjustably secured on a front portion of the chassis, and a heel enclosing member for enclosing the wearer's heel slidably engageable with and adjustably secured on a rear portion of the chassis, whereby upon a forward or backward movement of either the toe box member or the heel enclosing member, or both member's along the chassis, different lengths of the skate can be adjusted for obtaining the desired size of the wearer's foot or footwear for a comfortable skating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Jinny Lu
  • Patent number: 5645289
    Abstract: A sled-like container designed to be dragged over a variety of terrain. The sled-like container includes a cylindrically-shaped sled body, a tapered front portion forming one end of the sled body, and an access port for inserting or removing materiel in a storage space defined by the interior of the sled body. When in use, the sled body is completely closed so as to protect equipment, etc., in the storage space. The tapered front end of the sled body may be openable for additional access. The sled body may be smooth or it may include a ribbed configuration. An optional releasable pulling attachment may be used to connect the sled to the person pulling the sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Stanley B. Harmon
  • Patent number: 5645290
    Abstract: A stroller includes a rounded vacuum formed body having a top opening capable of substantially enclosing an occupant, the body having at least one upwardly extending projection. A frame is attached to the body having wheels attached thereto and a handle assembly is attached to the rear of the stroller for pushing the same. A horizontal cross member is attached to the frame and positioned, in alignment with the rearwardmost surface of the upwardly extending projection whereby when one of the strollers is placed upon the other, the crossmember engages the projection and enables the nesting of one of the strollers atop the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ortho-Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Gaffney, Thomas R. Wargin
  • Patent number: 5645291
    Abstract: An adapter that is to be mounted on each end of each axle of a skateboard. The adapter is to be added to the axle after the conventional wheels of the skateboard have been removed. The adapter extends the wheel mounting for the skateboard some distance from the peripheral edge of the platform of the skateboard. A substantially larger wheel can then be utilized in conjunction with the skateboard facilitating usage of the skateboard within terrain other than hard surface terrain such as grass and dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Sandy F. Ramage
  • Patent number: 5645292
    Abstract: A two wheeled trailer is provided including an upwardly opening body which is generally V-shaped in cross section. The trailer includes a forward end, a forwardly projecting towing tongue and the forward end of the towing tongue incorporates a towing coupler mounted from the towing tongue for at least 90.degree. angular displacement, in either direction, relative to the towing tongue about an axis paralleling the towing tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: James Scott McWilliams, Archie Gene Scribner
  • Patent number: 5645293
    Abstract: A collapsible structure for a stroller includes a main connect base fixed on each of two front wheel rod, and an auxiliary connect base is fixed on each of two rear wheel rod. A push ring is provided on each of two push rods being pressed to move down to push down the two push rods and two connecting rods so as to collape and spread a stroller, or to change the position of a push handle for pushing and moving the stroller forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 5645294
    Abstract: An inner assembly and/or an outer flange cover assembly for protecting a coupling between a pair of flanges such as on a wheel steering axis of inclination, caster, and camber adjustment assembly. The inner seal assembly is formed by a molded rubber flap and a stiffener attached thereto with grease disposed thereon. The outer flange cover assembly is formed by a pair of semi-circular rings, U-shaped in cross section, a gasket attached thereto, a hinge on one end and a pair of lip members at the other end. A method for protecting a coupling between a pair of flanges such as on a wheel steering axis of inclination, caster and camber adjustment assembly, by providing an inner seal assembly and/or an outer cover assembly. The inner seal assembly is disposed between the flanges of the wheel steering axis of inclination, caster and camber adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Arlen Thad Ward
  • Patent number: 5645295
    Abstract: An air bag module (10) includes an air bag (30), an inflator assembly (32), and a cover (40). The cover (40) includes first and second cover parts (42, 44) which are releasably interconnected by a rupturable portion (46) of the cover. The cover (40) has a closed condition in which the first and second cover parts (42, 44) enclose the air bag (30) when the air bag is in a deflated condition. The rupturable portion (46) of the cover (40) forms a first hinge about which the cover parts (42, 44) are pivotable relative to each other into the closed position. When the air bag (30) inflates, the rupturable portion (46) of the cover (40) is ruptured and the first and second cover parts (42, 44) move apart from each other to enable the air bag to inflate out of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. White, Jr., Richard E. Shellabarger
  • Patent number: 5645296
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag inflation gas generator used to inflate air bags such as air bags for impact safety devices, life jackets, rafts, and escape chutes, and aims to simplify its structure extensively as compared with prior art and to make the device compact easily. Combustion gas produced when gas generating agents are burnt passes through a gas filter which is disposed inside the outer wall of a combustion chamber and flows from gas outlets of the outer wall directly into an air bag. When the combustion gas passes through the gas filter, residues contained in the combustion gas is collected by the gas filter to purify the combustion gas. And, the combustion gas produced when gas generating agents are burnt is changed its passage by gas passage changing means, and the residues contained in the combustion gas are collected between a partition member and the gas passage changing means before the combustion gas enters the gas filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Nippon Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Okada, Michio Sioda, Takasi Minamizawa
  • Patent number: 5645297
    Abstract: An automotive airbag module housing contains an inflator and a cushion to be inflated. When excessive pressure develops in the module housing, it is relieved through ports in the module housing. The ports are covered with a thin membrane or foil which ruptures before the excessive pressure can damage the airbag cushion during deployment, thereby relieving the pressure in the module housing and in the airbag and avoiding injury to the occupant of the automotive vehicle. The present invention is applicable to any airbag module in which an inflator is completely enclosed within the module housing. It is particularly applicable to passenger side airbag modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Paul D. Kidd, Joseph L. Ralston
  • Patent number: 5645298
    Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a housing (12) containing a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, a body (48) of pyrotechnic material, and an electrically conductive structure (40,44,46) for igniting the body (48) of pyrotechnic material. A closure cap (28) closes the housing (12), and has a passage (190) extending along an axis (18). A tubular structure (220) directs combustion products from the body (48) of pyrotechnic material toward the body (60) of gas generating material, and has an installed position extending axially in the passage (190). The tubular structure (220) and the closure cap (28) have interlocking structures (198,232) for interlocking the tubular structure (220) with the closure cap (28) upon movement of the tubular structure (220) to its installed position in the passage (190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Inc./TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Stevens, Michael C. Riley
  • Patent number: 5645299
    Abstract: A steering column support for mounting a steering column in a vehicle comprises a mounting plate having a first surface for engaging the vehicle and a channel for receiving the steering column located on a side opposite from the first surface. The mounting plate is connectable in any one of a plurality of positions along an axis of the steering column. The mounting plate further includes slots located on opposite sides of the channel for receiving fasteners for connecting the mounting plate to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Dies, Mark A. Cartwright, Jonathan A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5645300
    Abstract: A label assembly is provided allowing the aesthetic packaging of vegetables, other food items, or other products, for point of purchase display in a simple, versatile and effective manner. First and second flexible strips of material (e.g. paper or plastic) have a header formed at one end and are overlapped at the other end to be held together by adhesive. An adhesive pattern of discrete spaced adhesive elements is provided on the inner face of at least one of the strips and engages the container or covering of a product being packaged so that the label assembly does not inadvertently detach from the package. The label assembly is particularly suited for use with a microwavable tray having an open top covered by plastic shrink wrap and containing vegetables (there being no adhesive where the label covers the open top), or for encircling a number of low density polypropylene bags (e.g. containing vegetables) which are held together by the label assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Walt Hill
  • Patent number: 5645301
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes first and second coupling members each having the form of a hollow conduit having a radially extending flange at a first end, an axially extending sleeve defining a second end adapted to connect with a fluid transport fitting, and a fluid transport passageway running axially therethrough. Each flange has a generally planar axially facing frontside surface. In one embodiment, the frontside surface of the first coupling member flange has at least one integral tongue extending axially outwardly therefrom, and the frontside surface of the second coupling member flange has at least one groove disposed axially therein. Each tongue is placed within a respective tongue to form a liquid-tight seal when frontside surfaces of the first and second coupling member flanges are joined together. In another embodiment, the frontside surfaces of each first and second coupling flange include at least one groove disposed axially therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Furon Company
    Inventors: Kenji A. Kingsford, David R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5645302
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus is constituted by a pair of couplers. The pair of couplers have substantially the same structure and are complementary to each other. A cylindrical body of each coupler has at least a pair of locking pieces projecting in an axial direction and locking pieces engageable with the locking pieces. When the pair of couplers are abutted against each other in the axial direction and the locking pieces of one coupler are engaged with the locking pieces of the other coupler, the pair of couplers are coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Sakura Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Horimoto
  • Patent number: 5645303
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes together, including a pair of retainers with gripping grooves therein for receiving portions of the peripheral flanges of the pipes. The gripping grooves of the retainers have a unique inner surface with a pair of slanted gripping surfaces and a pair of non-gripping surfaces that are located within the outer envelope of the peripheral flanges. This provides for lightweight, compact retainers. The retainers are pivotally coupled at one of their ends by a hinge assembly and releasably coupled at their opposite ends by a latch mechanism. The hinge assembly has at least two links pivotally coupled at one of their ends to one of the retainers by a first pivot pin being received in a pivot slot formed in the retainer and pivotally coupled at their other end to the other retainer by a second pivot pin being received in a pivot slot formed in the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: EG&G Pressure Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Warehime, Daniel T. Munley, Thomas S. Oh, Jeffrey E. Swensen
  • Patent number: 5645304
    Abstract: A bracket for a readily detachable prong receives and retains the prong in both its operative (upright) and inoperative (inverted) positions. The bracket may also provide an internal chamber or sheath for storing a detached prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: Laura Richardson, Ira L. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5645305
    Abstract: The present device relates to a shovel which enables a user to gain an increased amount of leverage. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a handle having a hand hold at one end thereof and an inner connection member at the opposite end thereof. This inner connection member includes both a tubular sleeve component and an arch component. A rectangular planar grip spans the intermediate extent of the arch component. Furthermore, a foot rest spans the intermediate extent of the arch component approximate the closed end. This foot rest includes a surface depression with a number of texture-creating protrusions formed thereon. Furthermore, a blade is secured to the bottom end of the foot rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Lispi
  • Patent number: 5645306
    Abstract: A bag handle is integrally molded from plastics material. It has a hand grip joined at the front end to a seat spaced below the hand grip. The seat has an upper arm joined to the front end of the hand grip, a circularly curved bight and a lower arm that projects to the front from the bight and curves upwardly as a hook to form a flared throat at the front of the handle. A retainer within the seat projects upwardly from the lower arm towards the upper in order to retain the handles of grocery bags and the like in the seat. The bight of the seat is located directly below the center of the hand grip to provide good balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Steve Kosteniuk
  • Patent number: 5645307
    Abstract: The invention provides an article carrier for heavy articles such as an outboard motor. It includes a pair of article-encircling loops including a rear strap loop for encircling the stern portion of an outboard motor and a front strap loop encircling the front portion of the motor. Each of the loops is positioned during use in an inclined plane such that the rear strap loop projects rearwardly from the handle at an oblique angle and the front strap loop projects forwardly at an oblique angle whereby the loops lie in inclined planes and encircle the motor obliquely when in place on the motor housing. A handle formed from a flexible member is connected to the article carrier at the top of the motor during use to provide a hand grip for the carrier. Releasable fasteners are secured to at least one of the loops for holding the loops in place on the motor during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Davidson
    Inventor: James J. Wengler
  • Patent number: 5645308
    Abstract: A visor rod assembly includes a polymeric torque device having an elongated bore which includes at least one detent formed on the inner radius thereof and which receives an elongated visor pivot rod having a noncircular cross section. A visor with such an assembly can slide along the pivot rod to a variety of selected use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Lisa A. Fink
  • Patent number: 5645309
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a retractable folding roof, in particular for a folding top of cabriolets, is provided with a pivot drive for a front folding-roof part. The roof part is mounted on the body via lateral pillars. Two double-acting operating cylinders are each supported, by one of their ends, on the body and, by their other ends, in an articulated manner on the lever arm of that pillar of the front roof part which is assigned to them. A pivot drive for the rear roof part is also provided. In order to permit a compact drive arrangement which is favorable in terms of weight and cost, the operating cylinders serving for the pivot drive of the front roof part are also used for the relative pivoting of the rear roof part, for which purpose the operating cylinders are connected to the lever arm of the pillar assigned to them via a rotary-slide articulation which can be blocked for common pivot-movement phases of the front roof part and the rear roof part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes Benz AG
    Inventor: Thomas Graf
  • Patent number: 5645310
    Abstract: A retaining device for holding the bottom-hinged tailgate of an open-bedded vehicle in a predetermined partially open position, thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag which is created by the vertical closed tailgate. The device includes a connector of predetermined length. A first coupler attaches the connector to the vehicle, and a second coupler attaches the connector to the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Gary McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5645311
    Abstract: Swivellable screens are known for the protection of rear passengers in passenger cars equipped with folding sliding tops which, however, protect only the rear passengers but not the driver or the front seat passenger of a convertible from the effects of the wind and the sun. It is suggested to arrange the screen such on a headrest assigned to the vehicle seat that it can be swivelled in the driving direction toward the front beyond the top edge of the headrest into an approximately horizontal position above the head of an occupant. As a result of this design, the screen, in a very simple manner, takes over the sun protection, for example, for the driver of a convertible even if this driver does not wear any headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ludwig Emmer, Michael Koch, Ferdinand Greiner
  • Patent number: 5645312
    Abstract: A rear support structure for the coachwork of a passenger vehicle having closed loop interconnected frame members including a longitudinally extending bottom sill connected at its rearward portion to the forward portion of a rear wheel housing carrier member. The rearward portion of the rear wheel housing carrier member is connected to at least one roof support post which in turn is connected to the roof structure. The connection of the sill to the rear wheel housing carrier member is at a low angle, providing resistance to mechanical fatigue due to flexing and vibration, while at the same time providing a rear passenger door cutout of sufficient size to permit easy entry and egress of rear passengers. The rear wheel housing carrier member has at least two, approximately linear regions, one arcuately flowing into the other for connection of the vehicle's floor structure and two roof support posts of the vehicle bodywork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Norbert Enning, Heinrich Timm
  • Patent number: 5645313
    Abstract: A dentist's or other chair has a reclining mechanism interlinking the back rest (36), the chair seat (34) and a leg or foot rest (38) for raising and reclining the back rest (36), for tilting the chair seat (34), and for lowering and raising the leg or foot rest (38) together. In order to be able to recline the chair so that its seat (34), back rest (36) and leg or foot rest (38) are both flat and horizontal, the mechanism includes means for disengaging the chair seat so that with the chair seat disengaged and horizontal, the back rest (36) can be reclined and the leg or foot rest (38) can be raised both also to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Edward Best, Gordon Allen Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5645314
    Abstract: A ventilation cushion including a seat and a back cushion hinged together, each cushion defining a plurality of air passages and air holes, a plurality of air hoses connected between the seat cushion and the back cushion for guiding air between the cushions, and air fan means to draw air through the air holes and the air passages to ventilate the users back and bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Yaw-Tyng Liou
  • Patent number: 5645315
    Abstract: A cycle saddle for a female, comprising a saddle body that defines a support surface on which a female can be supported, the support surface being profiled to conform anatomically to the shape of a female's buttock and genital regions. The saddle body comprises a cushion section that is adhesively bonded to a rigid moulded plastics base section, with the cushion section having a posterior region that defines a raised laterally flared cantle, and an intermediate region and an anterior region transitioning from the posterior region to form a horn section. The anterior region is raised thereby forming together with the posterior and intermediate regions, a continuous longitudinally concave profile for snugly supporting the buttock, perineal and pubic regions of a female.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Martin David Walker
    Inventors: Martin David Walker, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 5645316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seatback frame for a vehicle seat, comprising a lower structure provided with two side uprights, and an upper structure provided with a horizontal torsion bar surmounted by an arch. The first end of the torsion bar is prevented from rotating relative to one of the two uprights of the lower structure and is secured to one end of the arch. The second end of the torsion bar is mounted to pivot freely relative to the other side upright of the lower structure, while being secured to the other end of the arch. A seat belt is mechanically connected to the arch of the upper structure, with said upper structure being dimensioned so as to deform plastically when the seat belt is subjected to a traction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements SA
    Inventors: Christophe Aufrere, Bruno Hamelin
  • Patent number: 5645317
    Abstract: A child seat apparatus such as a child safety seat for an automobile has head guards forwardly extending from both side edges of a backrest portion. The head guards are mounted on the backrest portion to be rotatable about axes extending substantially parallel to the direction of upward extension of the backrest portion or to be slideable or translatable in the width direction of the backrest portion. It is possible to reduce the spaceing distance between the pair of head guards for attaining a safe state when the child is asleep, and alternatively to increase the spacing distance between the head guards when the child is awake, to prevent the child from feeling cramped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onishi, Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 5645318
    Abstract: A support mechanism supports a seat back 14 on a seat frame 12 and includes a tongue 18, 20 and groove 22, 24 connection for mounting the seat back 14 to the seat frame 12 by sliding the tongues 18, 20 into the grooves 20, 22. A channel member defines the upper rail of a seat track with inner and outer sides 26 and 28 and a top 30 extending between the first 26 and second 28 sides. The tongues 18 and 20 extend in opposite directions and are coplanar with the top 30 of the channel member. A pair of brackets 32 define the grooves 18 and 20 which are disposed about the tongues 22 and 24 of the channel member to limit movement between the brackets 32 and the channel members in a direction transverse to the tongues 18, 20 and the grooves 22,24. Once the brackets 32 are slid onto the channel members, a rivet 42 is inserted through each bracket 32 and through the top 30 of the associated channel for preventing the sliding movement of the brackets 32 along the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Allison
  • Patent number: 5645319
    Abstract: An inflatable pillow on which passengers seated in rows of forward-facing seats may lean forward, rest their heads, and relax. The pillow's shape, once inflated, is predetermined to substantially occupy the space in front of such passengers. In one embodiment, the predetermined shape includes faces that fit snugly against a support means, such as a tray table, and abuts against a vertical restraint, such as the back of the seat in front. The predetermined shape nonetheless allows the vertical restraint to recline towards the pillow without causing the pillow to move. In another embodiment, the predetermined shape includes a plurality of flexibly connected cells that may be folded to form a shape that substantially occupies the available space while still allowing the seat in front to recline. A means is also included to inflate the pillow optionally with air supply from an external climate control near the passenger such as an air conditioning vent, where such an external climate control is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Robert R. Parks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5645320
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest support includes a tubular body having an elongated slot extending through the sidewall. The slot is dimensioned to permit the support to snap onto the support rod of a headrest attached to a vehicle seat. An upper surface of the support is inclined in a forward direction to tilt the headrest forward toward the occupant's head. A lower end is formed with a substantially flat surface to engage the vehicle seat. The support is particularly suitable as an aftermarket device for attaching to the support rod of an existing vehicle headrest and seat. The support attaches to the support rod of the headrest to prevent pivotal movement of the headrest with respect to the support rod and to prevent the headrest from collapsing toward the vehicle seat upon impact of the occupant's head during a rear end collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald Jones
  • Patent number: 5645321
    Abstract: A plane for the seat of armchairs, divans, chairs and similar furniture having a framework for the support of a plurality of belts forming the plane of the seat. The framework includes two lateral sections that each have a protruding tongue, provided with fixing U shaped elements oriented surrounding the tongue. Each belt passes outside the U shaped sections and is then folded up backwards and inserted between the tongue and the U shaped element so that the tension exerted by the belt presses the U shaped element in order to block the end of the belt against the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Giuseppe Seroldi
  • Patent number: 5645322
    Abstract: An "in-situ reactor" is provided to facilitate recovery of metals and salts such as potassium, lithium, gold from salt-bearing natural waters, sediments, and rocks by passing a fluid containing such metals and salts through a reactive chemical bed placed at the bottom of a reactor, the metal and salt bearing fluid flowing through the reactive chemical bed to react with the active components to produce a fluid from which the metals and salts can be more easily extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Tarim Associates for Scientific Mineral & Oil Exploration
    Inventors: Kenneth Hsu, Peter Hsu, Frank W. Dickson
  • Patent number: 5645323
    Abstract: An article comprised of a first material and at least one additional material incorporates a sacrificial constraint. For example, a cutter bit has a bit body that contains a concavity and a sacrificial constraint in a axially first end. A cutter insert or a plurality of cutter inserts are brazed to the bit body at the periphery and in an annular channel or pocket defined by a first surface at the periphery of the concavity, a second surface radially outward form the first surface and radially inward from a sacrificial constraint that extends radially outward at the open end of the concavity. The sacrificial constraint may be removed from the article either prior to use by, for example, machining, or during use by, for example, attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne H. Beach
  • Patent number: 5645324
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wheel trim attachment system that attaches to a yoke having a pair of collars, substantially half-moon shaped, separated by a tab. The collar is sized to fit within the offset of lug nut pairs. A bias member such as a rubber band can be used or any other kind of elastic member can be used to keep the yoke on the lug nut pairs. A mounting orifice is attached to or placed into the tab. Screws are then used to attach the wheel liner to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Phoenix USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Wright, Timothy L. Bates, Kevin D. Nash, Barry Lynn Roberts, John Davenport
  • Patent number: 5645325
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve having a magnet armature which can be moved longitudinally in a valve dome includes a valve tappet which carries a closing member of a first seat valve, which is open in the rest position. The first seat valve is situated in a valve chamber, from which first and second pressure-medium passages lead to ends of the magnet armature, which is sealed off at the circumference. The connection between the first pressure-medium passage and a control chamber between that end of the magnet armature which is remote from the closing member and the valve dome is controlled by a second seat valve (54), which is closed in the rest position. When the second seat valve (54) assumes its open position, the pressure in the control chamber (46), which is remote from the closing member, brings about a displacement of the magnet armature counter to the force of a return spring, resulting in a reduction in the cross section of flow of the first seat valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Mueller, Bernhard Heugle, Kurt Herzog, Martin Oehler, Gunther Hohl, Hans-Jurgen Herderich
  • Patent number: 5645326
    Abstract: A vehicle turn control apparatus includes an electronic control unit, which computes a required control valve for yaw moment control in accordance with the operating condition and/or behavior of a vehicle, actuates a pump when a first predetermined value is reached by the required control valve, and starts operation control for hydraulic pressure control valves when a request for turn control is made after a second predetermined value is reached by the required control valve. Since the pump is already actuated at the start of the control, the turn control can be quickly started without a delay in response to the turn control request. A hydraulic pressure, generated by the pump and adjusted by the hydraulic pressure control valves, is supplied to wheel brakes during the turn control. Thereupon, braking force differences are caused between the wheels of the vehicle, whereby the yaw moment of the vehicle is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Sano
  • Patent number: 5645327
    Abstract: The wheel speeds are measured by wheel speed sensors and are fed to an evaluation circuit. By way of the evaluation circuit, brake pressure control signals at least for increasing pressure and for decreasing pressure for a specific duration are then produced for the closed-loop/open-loop control of the wheel movement behavior. Moreover, brake pressure control signals are also usually output by the evaluation circuit in order to keep the brake pressure constant. These brake pressure control signals are fed to brake pressure control units for varying the brake pressure. The core of the invention consists in the fact that the duration at least of the first decrease in brake pressure at the front wheels is selected to be dependent on the speed of the vehicle at the start of braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Leo Steinke, Armin Czinczel, Thomas Isella