Abstract: A telescoping pole is provided with a device for attaching a series of removable grabber attachments at one end. One such attachment resembles the head of a hoe, where a flat blade member is attached to a shaft, so that the flat blade member is oriented in a generally perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of the telescoping pole. The shaft of the hoe head includes complementary attachment devices that allows the hoe head to be attached to one end of the telescoping pole. Additionally, other attachments may be used interchangeably with the telescoping pole, including a removable hook member or a removable claw member. Further, an extension member may be added to the end of the telescoping pole to extend the range of the pole, and the hoe head attachment (and other attachments) may be attached at the end of the extension member.

Abstract: A wing (1) having a fixed wing (3) and a wing tip device (4) rotatable between a flight configuration and a ground configuration, a rotational joint (10) rotatably couples the wing tip device (4) to the fixed wing (3) and a locking mechanism (46) locks the wing tip device (4) in the flight and ground configurations. The locking mechanism (11) includes first and second locking members (51, 52) and first and second receiving members (53, 54), the locking mechanism (11) being configured to lock the wing tip device (4) in one of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first and second locking members (51, 52) in the first and second receiving members (53, 54) respectively, and to lock the wing tip device (4) in the other of the flight configuration and ground configuration by receiving the first locking member (51) in the second receiving member (54).

Abstract: An object-picking tool for picking objects from a distance includes an elongated arm and a gripping device. The elongated arm includes a distal arm and a proximal arm. Further the gripping device is provided at a distal end of the distal arm. The object-picking tool also includes a handle present on a proximal end of the proximal arm. Further, a controlling device is present on handle for controlling the gripping device. The object-picking tool further includes a folding and locking device having a button. The button, when pushed inside locks the distal arm and the proximal arm. The button when pushed back again or release unlock the distal arm and the proximal arm for folding.

Abstract: A slide electronic apparatus and a linear moving mechanism thereof are disclosed. The slide electronic apparatus includes two casings and the linear moving mechanism connecting the two casings. The linear moving mechanism includes a rotatable part rotatably disposed on one of the two casings, a guiding part eccentrically mounted on the rotatable part, a link having a depression portion, and a pivotal connection part. The guiding part is disposed in the depression portion to be capable of driving the depression portion and driving the link by the depression portion to reciprocate in a first direction. The pivotal connection part connects the link and the other casing so that the two casing can move relatively. Thereby, the invention can transfer rotation movement to linear movement by use of the linear moving mechanism, which facilitates cover-lifting operation and adjustment in disposition angle of the casings for users.

Abstract: Hinge assemblies that may adjust a tilt angle of an element of a portable electronic device in a user-comfortable position are disclosed. An example hinge assembly includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame, wherein a position of the second frame is adjustable between a first position and a second position to change a tilt angle of the second frame with respect to the first frame, a first elastic member connected to the first frame and the second frame and pressing the second frame toward the second position, and a locking member movably coupled to the first frame and capable of moving between a locking position where the locking member is engaged with the second frame to maintain the second frame at the first position, and an unlocking position where the locking member is separated from the second frame.

Abstract: A locking hinge including barrel members with a cylindrical female recess and a multi-sided center bore. A medial barrel member has a center bore and first and second cylindrical male portions rotatably inserted into one of the female recesses, and a multi-sided center bore, such that the bores are in axial alignment. First and second hinge pins have a cylindrical portion and a multi-sided portion slidably inserted through the aligned multi-sided center bores. A spring disposed in the medial barrel member urges the hinge pins apart. When in a fully locked configuration, the multi-sided portions of the hinge pins engage the multi-sided center bore of a male portion and a barrel member; when in an unlocked configuration, at least one or both of the hinge pins is depressed such that its multi-sided portion is disengaged from the multi-sided center bore of the barrel member through which it is slidably inserted.

Abstract: After traditional door hinges are used to mount a door, a door jamb lock is installed between the door edge and the door jamb. An upper wing is affixed to the door jamb. A lower wing is affixed to the door edge. An upper collar holds the upper wing and a central wing pivot pin. This central wing pivot pin can be pushed down to engage a female receiver in the lower collar and lower wing assembly. When this central wing pivot pin engages a key into the female receiver, the door is locked at a desired angle open. Various embodiments include a spring central wing pivot pin, a simple rod type central pivot pin, and a fine tuning set screw model for angle adjustment.

Abstract: A locking hinge with a sliding hinge pin that selectively places the hinge in either a locked or unlocked configuration. The hinge pin includes cylindrical and contoured upper and lower exterior parts that cooperate with contoured upper and lower portions of the interior wall of the lower and upper sleeve members of the hinge. When in the locked configuration the lower contoured part of the hinge pin engages the contoured portion of the lower sleeve member and the upper contoured part engages the contoured portion of the interior wall of the upper sleeve, and in the unlocked configuration the lower contoured part of the hinge pin does not engage the contoured portion of the interior wall of the lower sleeve and the upper contoured part of the hinge pin does not engage the contoured portion of the interior wall of the upper sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge arrangement 1 for opening and closing two portions which are connected to said hinge arrangement 1 at one end of the respective portion. The hinge arrangement 1 comprises an element 5a having a first friction surface 6a and a plate 7 having a second friction surface 8a. The first friction surface 6a is adapted to slide against said second friction surface 8a. A resilient member 9a cooperates with said element 5a. The second friction surface 8a is arranged around, or partly around, an axis 10a through the element 5a such that the second friction surface 8a comprises a first part 11a being arranged at a first level 12 along the axis 10a, and a second part 13a being arranged extending from said first level 12 to a second level 14 along the axis 10a.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly with hinge members having axially aligned cylindrical passages with interior surface shape, and a selectively depressible hinge pin with an exterior shape that matches the interior hinge member passages so as to permit selective locking of the hinge members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic hinge module for a cellular phone, which is capable of automatically opening the cellular phone in a one-touch manner. The automatic hinge module of the present invention automatically opens a cellular phone by simply pressing a button. When the button is pressed, a housing coupled to a folder portion of the cellular phone is rotated by an elastic restoring force of a compressed torsion spring, thereby opening the cellular phone.

Abstract: A plate spring 40 is subjected to folding at a fold portion 41 to form integrally a plate spring portion 42 and a stress relief portion 43m and a distal end of a rotary shaft 30 is secured to a caulking hole of the stress relief portion 43 by caulking.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a mounting sleeve defining a pivoting hole, a fastening seat, an elastic member, and a right side cover. The pivoting hole is enclosed by an interior peripheral wall. The interior peripheral wall defines a stopping slot. The fastening seat defines a fastening hole. The elastic member is received in the mounting sleeve. The right side cover includes a pole. The pole includes a first resisting bar and a second resisting bar. The pole is received in the pivoting hole and the fastening hole. The first resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot. The elastic member compresses the first resisting bar to abut against the fastening seat. When the first resisting bar slides out of the fastening hole and abuts against the fastening seat, the second resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot.

Abstract: A height adjustment device for a hinge having one hinge leaf that can be snapped into or inserted into a receiving part mounted on a door leaf or on a door frame, and with a height adjustment mechanism in the receiving part which has abutment against an edge of the hinge leaf. The height adjustment mechanism has a slide that is limitedly movable in the receiving part, and a rotatable height adjustment member. The slide has a portion for abutment against an edge of the hinge leaf. The height adjustment member has a plurality of radially directed, angularly separated arms of different lengths, wherein an end portion of such an arm is adapted to engage with an adapted engaging portion of the slide.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an opening/closing hinge device which can be produced simple in construction and inexpensive in production by reducing the number of the parts forming part of the mobile device and to provide a mobile device small in size, reduced in cost and sufficiently reliable in the hinged members. The second member is rotated with respect to the first member toward the opening operation direction through the movable cam (150) by the urging force of the urging means (170) when the operation cam (130) is displaced in the predetermined operation direction by the external operation force. The fixed guide member (110) has inclined guide portions (115) each inclined at an advance angle in a predetermined inclination direction with respect to the surface perpendicular to the guide center axis to have the second rotation cam (140) rotated around the guide center axis in response to the displacement of the second rotation cam (140) along the guide center axis.

Abstract: A hinge has two leaves (11?), (13?) connected by a hinge pin (42?) retained in alternate sleeves (17?), (19?) on the facing edges of the two leaves, with limited axial movement of the hinge leaves relative to one another along the pin. A spring (46?) biases the leaves towards one end of this movement, where sleeves (19?) on one leaf (13?) have slots (74, 84) at one axial end and sleeves (17?) are axially preceded by flanges (76) which, according to the angular opening of the hinge, either abut the ends of the respective sleeves (19?) or enter one or other of the slots (74, 84). When the flange (76) abuts the sleeve end, the hinge is free to rotate, but when the hinge reaches an opening angle at which spring pressure causes the flange (76) to enter one or other of the slots, the hinge is locked. It can be released by manually sliding the locked sleeves (17?), (19?) apart against the spring pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a step hinge for a portable communication terminal, and more particularly to a step hinge mounted to a portable communication terminal, which can rotate at various angles thereto. A step hinge for a portable communication terminal according to the present invention, comprises: a housing; a rotating member mounted in the housing; a friction member mounted in the housing and contacting the rotating member; a belleville spring disposed in the housing so as to press the friction member and the rotating member for a tight contact therebetween.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an opening/closing hinge device which can be produced simple in construction and inexpensive in production by reducing the number of the parts forming part of the mobile device and to provide a mobile device small in size, reduced in cost and sufficiently reliable in the hinged members. The second member is rotated with respect to the first member toward the opening operation direction through the movable cam (150) by the urging force of the urging means (170) when the operation cam (130) is displaced in the predetermined operation direction by the external operation force. The fixed guide member (110) has inclined guide portions (115) each inclined at an advance angle in a predetermined inclination direction with respect to the surface perpendicular to the guide center axis to have the second rotation cam (140) rotated around the guide center axis in response to the displacement of the second rotation cam (140) along the guide center axis.

Abstract: A lock device capable of suppressing a lack of smoothness in an unlocking operation, and of suppressing, in a case a plurality of lock members are operated by a cam member, unevenness in the timing for the plurality of lock members to become engaged in a locking operation. Guide portions of a lower guide include a plurality of cam guide faces that are arranged away from each other in the circumferential direction. A cam includes a plurality of guided faces that respectively abut against the plurality of cam guide faces in a release phase. The guided face in a direction in which the cam is decentered by a biasing force of the lock spring is extended to the release phase side with respect to the other guided faces.

Abstract: A case, a coil spring, a sliding disc and a rotational disc are contained, and the following construction is equipped. The case has a positioning recess portion on the inner wall thereof. On the peripheral surface of the sliding disc is provided a projecting portion which is engaged with the positioning recess portion of the case to suppress the rotation thereof with respect to the case. One end face of the sliding disc and one end face of the rotational disc are confronted to each other, and cam portions which are engaged with or separated from each other in connection with the rotation of the rotational disc are formed on both the confronting end faces. The cam portion formed on the sliding disc projects to the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the sliding disc.

Abstract: A cover restricting mechanism (8) is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device (9). The foldable electronic device includes a cover (10). The cover restricting mechanism includes a projection (31), a housing (20), and a stopping element (32). The projection is provided at one end of the cover. The housing has an inner surface and a corresponding cavity. The stopping element is provided at the inner surface of the housing, and, when the foldable electronic device is in an open position the projection abuts the stopping element. The stopping element is made of an elastomeric material and is configured for slowing the movement of the projection and, thus, the cover once abutment occurs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hinge with a locking tab made up of a first hinge part having a post extending therefrom and a second hinge part having a sleeve mateable with the post, wherein the sleeve is placed over the post to assemble the hinge. Furthermore, a resilient locking tab associated with one of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is positioned to resiliently snap over the other of the first hinge part or the second hinge part when the parts are fully engaged.

Abstract: A cover restricting mechanism (8) is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device (9). The foldable electronic device includes a cover (10). The cover restricting mechanism includes a follower (31), a housing (20), and a restricting mechanism (32). The follower is provided at one end of the cover. The housing has a cavity (21). The restricting mechanism is provided in the cavity of the housing, and when the cover is rotated to an open position, the follower rotates with the cover, and the restricting mechanism retards/slows the progress of the follower, thereby helping the cover to come more gently to a full, open position.

Abstract: A folding ladder includes a hinge assembly having first and second ladder hinge plates each defining a plate opening and a plurality of locking slots. A housing is associated with the first ladder hinge plate and extends through the plate openings to provide a rotation axis for the plates, and the second plate is operable to rotate relative to the first plate about the rotation axis to selectively align slots of the first and second plates. A key outside the housing selectively engages aligned slots to selectively prevent rotation of the ladder hinge plates about the rotation axis and is operated by a manual rotation member. An extension ladder includes a pair of nested outer and inner ladder rails. Ladder rungs connected between and the inner rails define a plurality of supporting openings and the inner rails include outer bearing surfaces associated with the supporting openings.

Abstract: A hinge of a LCD has a stationary bracket, a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly. The LCD had a base and a screen. The stationary bracket is attached to the base. Each shaft assembly is mounted pivotally on the stationary bracket and has an adapting bracket to be attached to the screen. The first shaft assembly has a stationary limiting element, a switching element and a rotating limiting element. The stationary limiting element has a limiting recess with two ends and a narrower stop formed in the limiting recess. The rotating limiting element is pushed by the switching element and has two stops. Pushing the switching element to change the stops of the rotating limiting element respectively corresponding to the narrower stop or the ends of the limiting recess to adjust the limitation of the rotating angle of the screen.

Abstract: A casket comprises a casket shell having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a bottom wall, a casket lid pivoted to the casket shell for movement to an open position and to a closed position, and a combination hinge, brace, and lock mechanism connecting the lid to the shell. The mechanism comprises a first hinge plate secured to the shell, a second hinge plate secured to the lid, the first and second hinge plates pivoted to one another, and a latch bar moveably mounted relative to the first and second hinge plates for movement to first, second, and third positions. The latch bar and hinge plates are configured such that when the latch bar is in the first position the latch bar fixes the hinge plates relative to one another such that the lid is fixed in the closed position. When the latch bar is in the second position the hinge plates are free to pivot relative to one another such that the lid is free to pivot relative to the shell.

Abstract: An opening and closing device includes a rotor pressed by a rotor spring and a reverse-rotor pressed by reverse-rotor spring, of which rotor cam and reverse-rotor cam are respectively placed at a certain position of stator cam. With this construction, rotor is urged in an opening direction in the opening condition and urged in a closing direction in the closing condition with respect to stator. A release cam pushes the reverse-rotor cam by moving a releaser along an axis, so that the device opens.

Abstract: A door closer includes a closer casing, a pivot unit, and a length-variable damping cylinder. The pivot unit includes a pivot axle, a cam member, and a cam follower member. The pivot axle has a drive end portion that extends into and that is retained rotatably in the closer casing, and a coupling end portion that extends out of the closer casing. The cam member is mounted co-rotatably on the drive end portion of the pivot axle. The cam follower member is disposed in the closer casing, and is acted upon by the cam member. The damping cylinder is disposed in the closer casing, and has one end coupled to the cam follower member and an opposite end anchored to the closer casing.

Abstract: An elongate engagement tool that has engagement elements located on a distal end of a first rod, a handle on the proximate end of second rod, a controller on the handle to control the engagement elements, and a linkage between the controller and engagement elements to control the engagement elements is disclosed. The rods are connected together by a locking hinge. A locking pin is received by the knuckles of the hinges has a plurality of axial segments. The profiles of the axial segments alternate from round disks to aster shaped disks that closely fit into the apertures formed by the knuckles. When the locking pin is moved to a first locked position where the aster shaped profiled sections are aligned with the apertures in the corresponding knuckles to the hinge is locked. Movement of the pin to a second free position where the round axial sections are aligned with the apertures in the knuckles provides for limited rotational movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door hinge apparatus having a door checking function capable of gradually opening or closing a door of an automobile. The door checking apparatus includes a long groove formed on at least one side portion of a body bracket. The long groove has constricted parts and expanded parts and is formed in accordance with the rotating path of the door bracket about the body bracket. Also provided is a locking means that slideably interacts with the long groove and whereby movement of the door is restricted when the locking means passes through the constricted parts of the long groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge assembly (1) in which a projection and a cam face for converting a biasing force of bias means (9) into a turn biasing force for turning a turnable member (3) disposed at one end portion of a hinge main body (2) in one direction are disposed between the turnable member (3) and a movable member (4) disposed at the hinge main body (2) in such a manner as to be non-turnable but movable in the axial direction, wherein a second movable member (6) and a second turnable member (5) are disposed at the other end portion of the hinge main body (2), and a second projection and a second cam face for converting a biasing force of the bias means (9) in the same direction as the above-mentioned turn biasing force are disposed between the second movable member (6) and the second turnable member (5).

Abstract: A hinge for collapsible ladders, includes an external frame including a center aperture and a pair of locking apertures; an inner frame rotatable with the external frame and including a center aperture and pairs of locking apertures; a rotary plate rotatably disposed between the frames and having locking apertures; a substantially flat rotary spring having one end mounted to the inner frame and an opposite end mounted to the rotary plate; a hub member rotatably connecting the frames about the center apertures, and including a locking end at one side; a locking part for extension into the locking apertures to fix an angle of the frames relative to each other; a press axle connected with the locking part, passing through the hub member, and including a bearing end; and a spring positioned between the hub member locking end and the press axle bearing end.

Abstract: A plane display with foldable support. The plane display comprises a base and a back plate mounted on a plane display panel. The back plate pivots onto the base through a bolt. The back plate has a fixing piece and a first arm. An operating rod movably connected to the fixing piece and the first arm slides between a first position and a second position. When the operating rod is in the first position, the back plate is fixed to the base at a first angle. When the operating rod is located in the second position, the operating rod releases the back plate from the base, such that the back plate rotates with respect to the base to a second angle.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulated joint having a device for movably coupling a first movement element to a second movement element. The device comprises a fastening unit, which comprises at least one first braking element connected to the first movement element and at least one second braking element connected to the second movement element, a force application element which applies a force to at least one of the first or second braking elements, and a mechanical switching unit capable of taking up a coupling state and at least one separating state. The mechanical switching unit switches over from the coupling state into a separating state when the movement elements move relative to one another, and the mechanical switching unit deactivates the force applied by the force application element to at least one of the first or second braking elements when the mechanical switching unit is in the separating state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door hinge apparatus having a door checking function capable of gradually opening or closing a door of an automobile. The door checking apparatus includes a long groove formed on at least one side portion of a body bracket. The long groove has constricted parts and expanded parts and is formed in accordance with the rotating path of the door bracket about the body bracket. Also provided is a locking means that slideably interacts with the long groove and whereby movement of the door is restricted when the locking means passes through the constricted parts of the long groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge assembly (1) in which a projection and a cam face for converting a biasing force of bias means (9) into a turn biasing force for turning a turnable member (3) disposed at one end portion of a hinge main body (2) in one direction are disposed between the turnable member (3) and a movable member (4) disposed at the hinge main body (2) in such a manner as to be non-turnable but movable in the axial direction, wherein a second movable member (6) and a second turnable member (5) are disposed at the other end portion of the hinge main body (2), and a second projection and a second cam face for converting a biasing force of the bias means (9) in the same direction as the above-mentioned turn biasing force are disposed between the second movable member (6) and the second turnable member (5).

Abstract: A reinforced locking mechanism for a casement window comprising at least one first eye hinge attached to any of a hanging stile, a shutting stile, a top rail and a bottom rail of the window sash, and at least one corresponding second eye hinge attached to a shutting jamb, a hanging jamb, an upper frame head and a lower frame sill of the window frame, respectively. Corresponding first and second eye hinges have coaxial eye portions and defining between them a longitudinal axis. A locking rod is displaceable along the longitudinal axis between a locked state in which it engages both the first and second eye hinges, and an unlocked state in which it is disengaged from at least one of the first and second eye hinges.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a panel to a chassis of a computer. The apparatus includes a release member movably mounted on a top surface of the chassis and a flange fixedly mounted to a base portion of the chassis. The release member is movable between a static position and a release position. A panel is pivotally attached adjacent to a base portion of the chassis. The panel is movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient retention member is attached to the panel. The retention member is engaged with the flange when the panel is in the closed position. The release member resiliently deflects the retention member from engagement with the flange when the release member is moved from the static position toward the release position to allow the panel to be moved from the closed position to the open position. The panel can be accurately and consistently aligned and attached to the chassis of the computer system after each removal.

Abstract: A hinge on a ladder comprises outer casing pair, inner casing pair, a fixing plate with a shaft and three lock pins, a central rivet pin, and a button knob. The outer casing pair and the inner casing pair are pivotally engaged to each other in such a way that the circular plate portions on the casing pairs facially contact with one another. When the locating holes on the outer casing pair align with three specific ones of nine locating holes on the inner casing pair, the three lock pins are pushed toward the outer casing pair and to pass through the aligned locating holes and perform a locking position. When the button knob is pressed toward the outer casing pair against the restoring force of the spring, the three lock pins move away the locating holes. Therefore, the elongated projection ends of the three lock pins fit with the elongated slots on a half piece of outer casing pair to perform an unlocked position.

Abstract: Two pivoting portions of a product are connected by a hinged detent. The hinged detent provides a snap feel when the product halves are closed or opened to an operable angle. It also allows for the placement of wires and connectors within the hinge. The hinged detent design further enables easy vertical axis assembly and provides for one of a multiple of operable angles to be factory-set. In adjustable hinge detents, a dial or similar mechanism can be rotated to adjust and set the desired operable angle to which the hinged product halves will be opened. Locating elements are forcibly disengaged from one set of adjusting recesses in the adjustable hinge, then rotated to different adjusting recesses of the hinge, and finally permitted to reengage the adjustable hinge in the new adjusting recesses. This mechanism permits a multitude of operable angles to be selected. Each time the product portions are reopened, they will automatically open to the previously selected angle.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism in provided with a first hinge portion, a second hinge portion, and a third hinge portion coupled to said first hinge portion. The third hinge portion includes a first end and a second end. A first axle is coupled to the first end of the third hinge portion. A second axle is coupled and locked to the second end of the third hinge portion. A compressible resilient device is abutted to the second axle. The second hinge portion is coupled to the third hinge portion via the first axle and the second axle. The second axle comprises an engaging member and the third hinge portion comprises a groove, wherein the engaging member mates with the groove.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for portable electronic devices such as portable telephones and handheld personal computers can be manufactured with a small and simple structure at a low cost. The hinge apparatus has a shaft with a flange, a cam engaged with an end of the shaft and; a slide cam engaged with the shaft between the cam and the flange. The slide cam is rotatably with the shaft and slidably in an axial direction. A compression spring is rolled around the shaft, and elastically provided between the slide cam and the flange. The cam has a pair of projections on one side surface at opposite positions, and the slide cam has cam members press-contacted with the projections. Otherwise, provided is a hinge apparatus which connects a microphone and a earphone of a portable telephone.

Abstract: Disclosed is the improved locking assembly of a display panel in order to enlarge the display of a portable personal computer. A portable computer having a locking assembly coupled to hinging shafts including a setting member, a locking member connected and disconnected to the setting member to allow the cover to open or close, a rectangular aperture formed over the position where the hinging shaft is engaged, a fixing member for being coupled to the locking groove so as not to allow the hinged shaft to rotate, a handling member for being coupled to the fixing member and controlling its operation, and an elastic member for being coupled to the fixing member and pushing the fixing member toward the hinging shaft. Therefore, the portable computer having the locking assembly can provide a larger display in a limited space while the volume of the portable computer is not increased, and thereby leading to relieving consumers of complaints due to a small display.

Abstract: A foldable device (100) includes two housings (102, 108) rotatably coupled by a hinge (3800) about an axis of rotation (211). The hinge (3800) has a stationary element (3802) and a movable element (3804) positioned in a pocket (3858) of one of the housings (102, 108). The movable element (3802) is restricted to movement along the axis of rotation (211). This prevents the generation of audible clicking noises that are characteristic of existing hinge arrangements.

Abstract: A hinge device is disclosed for interconnecting a first member with a second member for relative rotational movement, the hinge device comprising: a rod means connected with the first member; a sleeve member for receiving the rod means for relative rotation therewithin, the sleeve member being connected with the second member and having an interior surface extending longitudinally therethrough, the interior surface being in contact with the outer surface of the shaft means in order to provide a friction force between the shaft means and the sleeve member, the interior surface including a plurality of contact regions for exerting different friction forces on the shaft means.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a pivotable assembly is provided, enhancing resistance to deflection of the componentry of the pivotable assembly when subjected to shear loading. The pivotable assembly is expressly suitable for use as a recliner for a motor vehicle seat, an inertia latch, etc or other device where precise alignment of componentry is critical. The pivotable assembly has a support bracket generally including a pair of support brackets for mounting other componentry of the pivoting assembly, a pivoting member pivoting on a pivot attached to the support brackets, and a reinforcement member attached to the pivot. In one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement member has a projection, optionally a unitary semi- pierce projection, which extends into and preferably abuts an opening in one of the support brackets. The edge of the opening acts as a stop, to participate in carrying impact loads and to resist excessive static loading.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle with continuously freely accessible primary actuation elements is provided with selectively accessible secondary actuation elements arranged in an installation shaft recess in the front panel section of the control panel. The recess is covered with a cover element which can be moved about a horizontal axis of rotation. In order to provide access to the secondary actuation elements, an opening movement of the cover element uncovers the installation shaft recess with the control panel of the secondary actuation elements being simultaneously moved into a position which is accessible to the vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge and check assembly for checking the door of a motor vehicle when in the open position. The assembly provides a base having check profiles formed therein to establish predetermined check positions. The assembly also provides a strap that provides a spring biased contact surface for engaging the check profiles formed in the base. The strap is pivotally connected to the base through a pivot pin that defines a hinge axis, and the strap is allowed to rotate with the door of the vehicle about the hinge axis. Upon rotation of the strap, the contact surface follows the check profile and establishes a predetermined check position. The check profiles are perpendicular to the pivot pin, and the contact surfaces are perpendicular to the check profiles so that the check force applied to the pivot pin is in an axial direction. By having the check force applied axially to the pivot pin, deformation and wear to the pivot pin and its associated bushing does not occur.

Abstract: A foldable goal hoop of basket ball is composed of a fastening member, a movable member and a predetermined number of retaining bodies. The fastening member and the movable member are joined together by means of a pivot. The movable member is provided with two folding sides for reinforcing the structural strength of the movable member. The retaining bodies are used to hold securely the movable member at such time when the goal hoop is folded or in use.

Abstract: A ladder joint includes a pivot, a first base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a first side rail section of one side rail of a ladder, a second base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a second side rail section of the side rail, a spring-supported lever pivoted to the pivot, a lock bolt inserted through an eccentric hole on the second base plate and controlled by the lever to engage into either of a series of eccentric holes on the first base plate.