Step Adjustment Patents (Class 285/303)
  • Patent number: 11137006
    Abstract: A collapsible telescoping pole assembly provided comprising at least first, second and third elongated tubular members, the second and third tubular members being slidably received within the first and second tubular member, respectively, between retracted and extended positions. A first locking mechanism is associated with the distal end of the first tubular member for releasably securing the second tubular member within the first tubular member in its extended position. The first locking member is biased to a locked position and movable to an unlocked position by rotating the first locking mechanism relative to the first tubular member, causing the first locking mechanism to move axially in a distal direction to permit the second tubular member to slide freely within the first in tubular member. A second locking mechanism is associated with the distal end of the second tubular member for releasably securing the third tubular member within the second tubular member in its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: D & M Designs LLC
    Inventor: Douglas James Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10906695
    Abstract: A system for axial coupling a first member with a second member is provided. The first member comprises a polygonal locking neck telescopingly receiving a polygonal portion of the second member. An inside wall of the locking neck comprises at least one arresting member and an angular locking member, configured for selectively arresting the angular arresting member and retaining the second member at a locked position. An inside face of the polygonal portion of the second member comprises a flat face portion and an arresting portion extending at a reflex angle with respect to the flat face portion, and a plurality of locking teeth disposed along the arresting portion, each configured for engaging with the at least one arresting member. The flat face portion is partitioned from the arresting portion by an axially extending angular arresting member configured for arresting by the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: PLASEL PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Nir Hadar
  • Patent number: 10723512
    Abstract: A container comprises a cover member and a receptacle member axially displaceable therewithin for selective axial arresting therewith. A polygonal locking neck of the cover member telescopingly receives a polygonal portion of the receptacle member. A circumcircle of the polygonal portion is smaller than an inscribed circle of the polygonal locking neck. The polygonal portion of the receptacle member can be reciprocated about a longitudinal axis between a locked position at which an arresting member is engaged with locking teeth of the receptacle member, and an unlocked position at which the at least one arresting member is disengaged from the locking teeth of the receptacle member. Twisting of the cover member and the receptacle member at opposite senses results in disengaging the locking teeth of the receptacle member from the at least one arresting member of the cover member, into the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: PLASEL PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Nir Hadar
  • Patent number: 10525206
    Abstract: An autoinjector includes a case adapted to hold a medicament container having a needle, a needle shroud slidably disposed in the case and translatable between an extended position relative to the case in which the needle is covered and a retracted position relative to the case in which the needle is exposed, and a plunger slidably disposed in the case. The case includes a rib. The plunger includes a plunger boss adapted to abut the rib and the needle shroud when the needle shroud is in the extended position and disengage the rib when the needle shroud is in the retracted position to allow the plunger to translate axially relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Kemp
  • Patent number: 10294648
    Abstract: A toilet flange for facilitating installation of a toilet onto a drain pipe is provided. The toilet flange is rotationally adjustable while being irreversibly inserted into or onto the drain pipe. The toilet flange includes a flanged pipe cooperative with a circumferential gripping ring. The flanged pipe has an outer surface that includes a circumferential channel. The circumferential gripping ring cooperates with the circumferential channel so as to provide rotational adjustment while the flanged pipe is irreversibly inserted into or onto the drain pipe. The flanged pipe outer surface includes a circumferential groove for accommodating a sealing ring seated in the circumferential groove. The circumferential gripping ring includes a channel guide ring that is seated rotatably within the circumferential channel, and a plurality of gripping projections extending from the channel guide ring. The toilet flange is simpler and faster to install, providing a longer-lasting seal than a traditional toilet flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Darrell Gregory Connell
  • Patent number: 10030681
    Abstract: A telescopic tube assembly includes a telescopic tube subassembly having first and second tubes, a tubular member configured to move with the second tube, an outer sleeve sleeved on the first tube, a retaining member, an actuating member, and a biasing member. When the second tube is in an extended position, the second tube extends out of the first tube, and the retaining member is engaged in a cavity of the tubular member so as to guard against axial movement of the second tube. When the second tube is in a retracted position, the second tube is received in the first tube, and the retaining member is retracted to be disengaged from the cavity so as to permit the axial movement of the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Lai
  • Patent number: 9242040
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies and adapters for syringes that attach to and allow non-native syringes to be accepted by injectors having injector syringe interfaces adapted for particular types of syringes are described herein. Methods of forming the syringe assemblies, and kits including the syringe adapters which enable a non-native syringe to be operably attached to an injector are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Edward P. Liscio, Luis Castillo, Michael McNeill, Mark W. Hitchins
  • Patent number: 9140398
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an air aspiration device to release trapped air in a pipe containing a solution that is to be delivered to a nozzle body. The air aspiration device can include an air port in fluid communication with the air and the solution, an exit port, and a passageway in fluid communication with the air port and the exit port. The air aspiration device can also include a main body and a female pipe fitting forming an end cap for one end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Lang, Mark Mohr, Colin Jaedike
  • Patent number: 9084369
    Abstract: An electronic equipment enclosure comprises a frame structure formed from a plurality of support posts and at least partially enclosed by a plurality of panels. The panels include at least side, top and back panels defining an enclosure having a top, a bottom and a rear thereof. The top panel includes an opening there through that is rectangular in shape. The equipment enclosure further comprises an exhaust air duct extending upward from the top panel of the enclosure. The exhaust air duct is rectangular in cross-section and is disposed in surrounding relation to, and in fluid communication with, the top panel opening. The exhaust air duct is adapted to segregate hot air being exhausted from the enclosure from cool air entering the enclosure, thereby improving thermal management of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Evans Lewis, II, Dennis W. Vanlith
  • Patent number: 8973951
    Abstract: A vertical exhaust duct for an electronic equipment enclosure is provided. The vertical exhaust duct includes a first duct section, a second duct section slidably connected to the first duct section and extendable to a first height above the first duct section, and a third duct section slidably connected to the second duct section and extendable to a second height above the second duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Andrzej Nicewicz, Samuel J. Adducci, Alva B. Eaton, Samuel M. Marrs, Max W. Hibner
  • Publication number: 20150014985
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction tube, having an inner tube received in an outer tube, is provided with an actuating mechanism having a grip structure provides a minimized risk of blocking. A clamping element has a form-fit connection with a pair of clamping wedges, so that both of the clamping wedges can be simultaneously moved with one a single movement of a clamping element that is connected to the grip structure so that the clamping element is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube by sliding the grip structure out of the locking position, and both clamping wedges are simultaneously lifted out of engagement with retaining recesses of the inner tube by moving the clamping element away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, whereby sliding of the inner tube is enabled relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Cordes, Stephan Cordes
  • Patent number: 8727383
    Abstract: A telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tube (1) having an outer tube (2) and an inner tube (3) with snap-in depressions (7). The inner tube is telescopically arranged in the outer tube. The suction tube also includes an antitwisting mechanism (4d; 16) and an interlocking device with a snap-in element (15) that is disengaged from a snap-in depression (7) by an actuating element (5) situated about diametrically opposite thereof. The interlocking device includes a spring (6) that positively encompasses at least the inner tube (3) and engages the snap-in element (15) into the nearest snap-in depression (7) of the inner tube (3). The interlocking device and telescoping tubes ensure that the tubes are always securely interlocked and able to withstand shock-like compressive forces, namely while simultaneously providing for an ergonomic handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Cordes, Stephan Cordes, Gisela Cordes
  • Patent number: 8585095
    Abstract: A telescopic tube joint (1) is provided for vacuum cleaner suction tubes or for tripods having at least one outer tube (2) and at least one inner tube (3). The tube joint includes a catch recess (5) in the inner tube (3), a catch element (8) on the outer tube (2) which are lockable or unlockable via a manually actuated, rotably movable slider (11) which moves the catch element (8) through an opening (10) in the outer tube (2). The catch recess in the inner tube (3) consists of a tooth strip (6) provided with a plurality of teeth (5) , formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube (3). The catch element consists of a short toothed rack (8) having opposing teeth (7), which is pressed into force- and form-fit contact with the toothed strip (6) by the rotary slider (11) in a locked position when turned at a small angle (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Cordes, Stephan Cordes, Helmut Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8038173
    Abstract: A telescopic extension (1) for an electric household appliance is described, said extension comprising: an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3) which are slidable one inside the other; a sleeve (4) fixed to the outer tube; a fastener (5) able to lock together said inner tube and the outer tube; a slider co-operating with the fastener via the action of a first spring and a second spring (73); and an actuating handle (8) operationally connected to said slider. The inner tube is provided with a plurality of recesses (23) able to receive, at least partially, the fastener. The outer tube comprises a tunnel (31) for retaining the slider and for guiding it during displacement. The tunnel is formed by suitably shaping the outer tube. The sleeve comprises a recessed area (46) for retaining the slider and guiding it during displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: OMEC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Canale
  • Patent number: 8025559
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for connecting first and second air ducts using a connecting element for transferring an air stream between the air ducts, wherein the connecting element can assume various snap-in positions relative to the first air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme
    Inventor: Marco Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 7883116
    Abstract: A telescopic tube for an electric household appliance comprises a first outer tube and a second inner tube slidable inside the first outer tube. An eletricity conduction system comprises: a) an elongate guide body comprising non electrically conductive material; b) a locking member for connecting the first end of the elongated guide body to the second inner tube; c) an outer channel connected to an outer surface of the first outer tube, the outer channel being provided for slidingly receiving the elongated guide body; d) a pair of tubular-shaped electric conductors contained in the elongated guide body; and e) a corresponding pair of substantially rigid rod-shaped electric conductors which are able to slide, at least partially, within the tubular-shaped electric conductors so that each rod-shaped electric conductor is in contact with an inner surface of a corresponding tubular-shaped electric conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: OMEC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Canale
  • Publication number: 20110018257
    Abstract: A telescopic pipe for an electronic apparatus is provided. The telescopic pipe for the electronic apparatus includes an outer pipe, an inner pipe with fixing grooves, inserted into the outer pipe; a holder pipe fixed to one side of the outer pipe, a handle pipe formed to surround the holder pipe, and a sealing member formed on an outer surface of the inner pipe to seal the space between the outer and inner pipes. In the telescopic pipe, the sealing member has at least one sealing portion of which a shape is changed by a negative pressure produced in the interior of the inner pipe so that its sealing force is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyong-Hui JEON, Won-Kyu Lim
  • Patent number: 7516988
    Abstract: A telescopic coupling tube for a vacuum cleaner including a mounting tube, a telescopic tube, a locking assembly, a positioning socket, and a sealing socket. The mounting tube serves for insertion of the telescopic tube. A simple adjustment of the assembly length is ensured by means of the locking assembly and the sealing socket in match of the corresponding locking grooves in the wall of the telescopic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kinergy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 7494161
    Abstract: A coming off preventing device is provided for a joining part of an air supply and exhaust pipe which joins two pipes by inserting an entry of one air supply and exhaust pipe into a socket of another air supply and exhaust pipe. A cut out window is provided at the socket side, and a metal stopper is equipped on the outer side of the cut out window, wherein the metal stopper has a lock unit which includes a push part on an upper surface of one end, a rectangular shaped lock part on a lower surface of another end and a bearing part on an upper surface of a center part. Further, the lock unit has a lower surface to which one end of a plate spring is welded wherein the plate spring is bent to have an obtuse angle. A joint cover covers said lock unit and fixes said lock unit axially. Further to the entry side, a circumferential groove is engraved to the opposite direction to the entry with a gradient, and an entry stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Pipe System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiyo Kanai, Takao Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 7445251
    Abstract: A connector bolt for securing an oil cooler to an engine block is made of first and second telescopic pieces. The bolt can be made in different lengths by adjusting the telescopic position of the first and second pieces. The length is fixed by securing the relative positions of the first and second pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7303146
    Abstract: A length adjustable conduit has a hollow tubular body and a hollow tubular shaft coaxially disposed in fluid tight communication with the hollow tubular body. The conduit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the combined length of the tubular body and tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Swingley
  • Patent number: 7025383
    Abstract: A telescopic extension (1) comprises an inner tube (2), an outer tube (3) and a sleeve (4) in which a constraining element (21) and a thrust slider (30) are movably supported; the constraining element (21) is capable of making integral the inner tube (2) and the outer tube (3) and the thrust slider (30) is connected to an actuating element (40) and is engaged with the constraining element (21) under the action of a spring (31); the constraining element (21) consists of a projection of an elastic tongue (16) having one end (19) formed as one piece with the sleeve (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: OMEC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Canale
  • Patent number: 6832784
    Abstract: A retractable tube assembly includes an inner tube movably received in an outer sleeve and both of which extend through a sleeve. An operation member is pivotably connected to the sleeve and engaged with an opening defined through a wall of the sleeve. A protrusion extends from an inside of the operation member and a spring is biased between a cover pivotably connected to the sleeve and an outside of the operation member. The outer tube includes a recessed area defined in an outer surface thereof and a hole is defined through a wall of the outer tube and located below the recessed area. The inner has a groove defined in an outer periphery thereof and a plurality of slots are defined through an inside of the groove. The protrusion is engaged with one of the slots of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 6789751
    Abstract: A collapsible handle for use with a shower head includes a hollow tubular handle provided with a pair of oppositely formed tracks formed on an inner face of the tubular handle. An inner tube is selectively and slidably received in the tubular handle so that the inner tube is able to extend out of the tubular handle. The inner tube has a pair of oppositely formed ribs on an outer face of the inner tube to correspond to the pair of tracks such that after the ribs are received in the corresponding tracks, the inner tube is able to slide in and extend out of the tubular handle. A retaining device is movably mounted on the tubular handle, so that relative position between the inner tube and the tubular handle is determined by the retaining device and overall length of a handle is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Winner Double-H Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Yueh Fan
  • Publication number: 20040051302
    Abstract: A telescopic extension (1) comprises an inner tube (2), an outer tube (3) and a sleeve (4) in which a constraining element (21) and a thrust slider (30) are movably supported; the constraining element (21) is capable of making integral the inner tube (2) and the outer tube (3) and the thrust slider (30) is connected to an actuating element (40) and is engaged with the constraining element (21) under the action of a spring (31); the constraining element (21) consists of a projection of an elastic tongue (16) having one end (19) formed as one piece with the sleeve (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Giuseppe. Canale
  • Patent number: 6634674
    Abstract: A telescopic dust collecting pipe includes an outer pipe, an inner pipe inserted in the outer pipe, and a locking mechanism used for locking the relative position of the outer and inner pipe. The inner pipe and the controlling rod form an outer layer oriented groove and an inner layer oriented groove. Relative movement of the controlling rod and inner pipe brings the outer layer oriented groove to coincide or stagger with the inner layer oriented groove. A locking element moved along the radial direction is arranged between the outer pipe and inner pipe. The locking element is pressed against one side of the inner pipe by an elastic element. The relative movement between the controlling rod and inner pipe can cause the double layer oriented grooves to be coincided or staggered, so as to press or to push the locking element into or out of the oriented groove, so that the outer pipe and inner pipe are locked or released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Weier Xu
  • Patent number: 6612617
    Abstract: A telescopic dust collecting pipe for a vacuum cleaner having an outer pipe and an inner pipe slidingly arranged therein and connected to the outer pipe by a locking device. The locking device includes an oriented locking mechanism and a locking element. The locking device fits within oriented grooves in the oriented locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer pipes relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Weier Xu
  • Patent number: 6565123
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner wand has an inner tube formed with an axially extending row of radially outwardly open recesses, an outer tube, and a latch base part fixed to the outer tube and formed with an elastically deformable web carrying a latching block displaceable radially into and out of the recesses. The base part also is formed with a pair of radially outwardly projecting guide walls forming radially inwardly directed guide edges. A movable latch part fitting over the base part is formed with a pair of radially inwardly projecting guide walls forming radially outwardly directed guide edges sliding on the guide edges of the base part for sliding between axially offset latched and unlatched positions. A radially inwardly projecting actuating bump formed in the movable part bears in the latched position radially inward on the block and holds the block in the inner position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jürgen Schiemann, Hartmut Kiel
  • Publication number: 20030042738
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connector to connect two parts of a brake conduit where the connector permits axial movement without variation of the volume of the conduit. The connector is used in the suspension fork of a motorcycle. The brake circuit is the hydraulic connection between a handle and the brake cylinder of the front wheel. The connector makes it possible to integrate the brake circuit into a leg of the fork. The variation in length is necessary to compensate the suspension movement of the fork. The invention aims at a brake circuit connector which can be mounted in the centre of the leg. Because of the permitting of axial movement without variation of the volume of the circuit the brake conduit can completely be built in. Because of the absence of hoses the brake circuit is very direct in the transmitting of the brake force. Also protruding parts are completely avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes M. Brans
  • Patent number: 6494492
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner which permits arbitrary stretching and control of the length of the suction pipe which is combined with a vacuum cleaner. The suction pipe of results in a more compact and stable operational structure whose length can be controlled arbitrarily. An outer pipe is drawn from an inner pipe by sliders elastically combined to the outer side of the outer pipe in the longitudinal direction. The movement of the sliders in any one direction detaches stoppers from respective control homes of the inner pipe. The stoppers are combined with their control homes when the sliders are returned to their original locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jong Mok Ha
  • Patent number: 6454308
    Abstract: A telescopic pipe having an inner pipe; an outer pipe complementarily connected with the inner pipe; and a positioning portion disposed between the inner and the outer pipes, for adjusting a length of the telescopic pipe by extending or contracting the telescopic pipe in an manner of telescopic movement, and an extendible suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner using the telescopic pipe. By forming the inner and the outer pipe at least partially with a transparent material that permits light therethrough, a user can see inner structure therethrough, and check for foreign substances, or a breakage or mal-operation of the inner structure, as a predictive inspection or for a repairing purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kwang Dong Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoon-ki Kim
  • Patent number: 6431607
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner pipe assembly can have inner and outer pipes telescopingly engaged with one another and on a sleeve surrounding the inner pipe, a locking body which engages in selected detents formed on the inner pipe. A rocker or rotatable eccentric in a housing on the sleeve surrounding the inner pipe bears directly against the locking body and is biased by a spring into the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Froh House Tech GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gotthard Kittelmann, Olaf Günther, Jürgen Schiemann
  • Patent number: 6347642
    Abstract: An air pump adapter assembly is hereby provided which includes an air pump adapter used in conjunction with an air pump adapter slide. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pump adapter includes a base and an elongated tube which further includes a series of ramps. The air pump adapter slide fits over the elongated tube of the air pump and contains a plurality of ramps in the inner diameter which allow the the slide to move cooperatively along the series of ramps on the air pump adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Schulte
  • Patent number: 6315333
    Abstract: A flexible hose for establishing a fluid connection between remote components of a fluid line system includes an integral housing formed directly in at least one end. Male member portions of the system components are received and retained in the integral housing. The hose housing includes a radial wall which engages an upset formed on the male member to prevent retraction of the male member from the hose. Sealing means in the form of O-rings may be disposed inside of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel T. Collins
  • Patent number: 6237962
    Abstract: A telescopable wand assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The assembly has a first pipe communicated with a nozzle portion and including a main body made of synthetic resin and a notch portion made of metal, a second pipe communicated with a handle portion and telescopably receiving a part of the first pipe, a knob portion and a rod for interlocking the first and second pipes such that the first and second pipes are slidable by discrete intervals, a cylinder member guiding the first pipe into the second pipe and confining the rod, a rubber ring for sealing a gap between the first and second pipes, and a stopper for supporting the rubber ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eui Suk Lim
  • Patent number: 6213672
    Abstract: A telescoping self-aligning tube having an inner tube dimensioned and configured to fit within an outer tube which is equipped with a guide slot for receiving a snap button, thereby preventing rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The guide slot allows the telescoping tube to self-align such that the user does not have to twist and maneuver the inner and outer tubes when changing the tube length in order to align a detent button with its detent hole. Embodiments include detent holes located both within and radially opposite with respect to the guide slot. A Foam insert may be located on both ends of the inner tube allow the telescoping tube to be buoyant. A special layer of rubberized or polymer coating protects the cleaned surface from abrasions due to contact with the telescoping tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: George J. Varga
  • Patent number: 5951063
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking together the male and female component of a quick connector. The retainer is releasably insertible into a transverse bore in the female component and includes a surface slidable over a radial flange on the male component only when the male component is fully seated in an axial bore in the female component. The engagement of the surface and the radial flange on the male component permits full insertion of the retainer into the transverse bore in the female component and around the male component to lock the male and female components together. Lock projections on the retainer engage grooves in the housing to releasably lock the retainer in a partially inserted, shipping position in the transverse bore and engage exterior lock surfaces on the housing on full insertion of the retainer to prevent separation of the retainer from the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: George Szabo
  • Patent number: 5941575
    Abstract: A telescoping vacuum-cleaner pipe assembly has a guide sleeve on an outer pipe which cooperates with an actuating sleeve displaceable against the force of a ring spring on the guide sleeve to lock and unlock a detent engageable in recesses on an inner pipe. The ring spring is held between the actuating sleeve and an annular cap locking into the actuating sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Carl Froh GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Herbst
  • Patent number: 5762646
    Abstract: A coupling and system for collecting blood or other biological fluids are described. The system includes first and second containers and a coupling for joining the containers. The coupling holds the containers together in two different longitudinal positions both positions preventing contamination. In a first position, the containers are held so that there is no flow between the containers. In a second position, the containers are held so that flow of blood is permitted between the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Duxbury Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Cotter
  • Patent number: 5738140
    Abstract: An adjustable-height extension stem and valve box assembly is provided for use with buried valves that is lightweight, readily adjustable to a large range of heights, and is capable of absorbing loads and impacts such that the loads and impacts are substantially not transmitted to the buried valve or surrounding pipeline. The valve box is made up of a valve box base, a valve box lower section, a valve box upper section that telescopes within the lower section, and a valve box top. An upper section of the extension stem extends from the interior of the valve box top through a bottom opening, and an extension stem lower section extends downwardly from the upper section, with the two sections being made from square hollow metal tubing such that the upper section telescopes within the lower section. A grit washer having grooves cut in a bearing surface is attached to the extension stem upper section and supports the upper section in place within the valve box top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: American Cast Iron Pipe Company
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Mann
  • Patent number: 5692782
    Abstract: A telescopable vacuum cleaner suction pipe has an outer pipe, an inner pipe having arresting depressions, and arresting element coupled with the outer pipe and engaging in the arresting depressions, a manually actuatable slider unblocking the arresting element, a pressure-loaded blocking spring which when the slider is not actuated holds the arresting element in a locking position and when the slider is actuated the arresting element is movable against the blocking spring to unlocking position for a relative displacement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the arresting element being formed as two clamping bodies engaging in separate arresting depressions and inclined at acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the out pipe, a guiding body form-lockingly received in the outer pipe and having inclined sliding planes on which the clamping body are displaced, one of the blocking bodies which blocks a relative movement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe is displaceable for releasing its blocking positi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Fischer-Rohtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Fischer
  • Patent number: 5593239
    Abstract: A telescoping support pole suitable for supporting tarpaulins or camouflage netting is described. The pole is made up of a plurality of tubes that nest within one another for storage. To deploy the pole, the tubes are extended in a telescoping fashion. Ball locks are provided for maintaining the extended poles in desired longitudinal relationships. The ball locks are activated by spring loaded collars that force balls into circumferential grooves formed in the outside surfaces of the inner telescoping tubes. The collars may be manually operated to release the ball lock mechanism to permit the pole length to be adjusted or to permit the tubes to be nested within one another for storage. Pivoting fixtures suitable for use at the upper end of the support pole are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Tracor, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley T. Sallee
  • Patent number: 5579638
    Abstract: An adjustable-length exhaust system for use with two-cycle motors is disclosed. An insert section of pipe is interposed between a header pipe and a conventional tail pipe so that, when it is rotated, the overall length of the exhaust system is adjusted. The insert section is held in place between the tail pipe and a header extension pipe by a compressive force exerted by one or more springs attached between the header and the tail pipe. The insert features, on an end that slips over the header extension section, a series of graduated notches which mate with a protrusion, or "stop", formed on the mating end of a header extension section. This notch and stop combination determines the distance by which the insert section will be permitted to slip over the header extension section, and correspondingly, the overall length of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Bertie T. Archer
  • Patent number: 5568943
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a hose (13) which is connected to a vacuum cleaner housing, the outer end of the hose having a tube handle (12). The tube handle is connected to a nozzle (10) by a tube shaft (11). The tube shaft (11) is movable relative to the tube handle (12), and can be releasably locked in different positions. A device is conveniently provided to allow the operator to adjust the relative length of the tube shaft by moving the tube shaft relative to the tube handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Lars G. Kilstrom, Nils T. Lindquist, Lars G. Tuvin
  • Patent number: 5332266
    Abstract: The invention relates a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner comprising an internal tube, an external tube, and a sleeve, wherein the internal tube is provided with a row of notches suitable for receiving a constraining element. According to an aspect of the invention said constraining element is provided with an appendix, preferably constituted by at least one small plate, with which an element of thrust is capable of coming into contact at least along a line running substantially in the direction of movement of said element of thrust, and advantageously over the entire surface of a portion of said small plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: OMEC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Canale
  • Patent number: 5182885
    Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, molded resin wall sleeve precursor has two cup-shaped end sections of external diameter D1 each having a hollow transition section of enlarged diameter that connects the end section to a sleeve of internal diameter D1; one transition section has an outer diameter D2 and the other has an inner diameter just slightly larger than D2. D2 is appreciably larger than D1. A wall sleeve assembly of extended length is derived from two of these precursor members by cutting off the end sections; the precursor members can then be joined with a strong, inexpensive, welded joint to afford a long wall sleeve of consistent internal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Thunderline Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce G. Barton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5035257
    Abstract: A toilet tank valve having a vertical riser with a collet thread and a plurality of flexible collet fingers. A slider tube is fitted into the riser. It has a plurality of peripheral grooves that can be engaged by the fingers to adjust the elevation of the slider tube. A collet nut threaded to the riser compresses the finger for this purpose. Valve workings are mounted to the slider tube. They include an inverted cup float slidingly fitted around the riser which can engage splines on the collet nut so that rotating the float can turn the collet nut, enabling the slider tube's elevation to be adjusted and its adjustment retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Coast Foundry & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 5002318
    Abstract: The pipe connector which may be varied in length and a method for installing the connector is disclosed. Also disclosed is a tool for aiding in the fabrication of a portion of the connector. The connector consists of two telescoping pipes which are joined by the action of a wire spring positioned in recesses in the two pipes. The recesses are designed to allow only one-way movement between the telescoping pipes until such time as a release groove is reached. The release groove is positioned on one of the pipes beyond the normal operating length of the connector. When the wire is positioned in the groove, the pipes may be separated. The tool described allows for on site fabrication of the notch for one of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: XYZYX International Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin L. Witter
  • Patent number: 4998756
    Abstract: An adjustable connection apparatus for joining tubular members including a first tubular member with a central bore, a counterbore on one end thereof, a flange on the other end thereof and external fine pitch grooves and ridges, a second tubular member with a central bore, a flange on one end thereof, a first reduced external diameter portion on the opposite end for insertion into said counterbore of said first tubular member, a second reduced diameter portion on the end of said first reduced diameter portion with external threads on the end of said second reduced diameter portion and external fin pitch grooves and ridges, clamping elements having internal fine pitch grooves and ridges for gripping engagement with the external grooves and ridges of said tubular members and means for securing the clamping elements together in gripping engagement with the tubular members to secure them into a joint having a preselected length and sealing means between the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Hart
  • Patent number: 4827539
    Abstract: Adjustable fixture and closet floor flange having an upper flange part with an upper flange; a downward facing rib section which has circular horizontal ribs joined by vertical ribs, which are connected with the upper flange. It also has a lower flange part with a lower flange and an upstanding cylindrical collar for receiving the rib section. A number of resilient retaining fingers are attached to the lower part and have retainers that fit into matching spaces in the rib section for locking the upper and lower section together at an adjustable height. The invention also includes a fixture and closet floor flange having key hole slots with optional base floor for holding closet bolts upright with the use of clips, and a fixture flange adaptable to additionally attach a tub box having projecting fasteners for attachment to either an adjustable fixture flange or nailed to a surface separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Floyd G. Kiziah