Including Bridging Keeper Patents (Class 403/100)
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Patent number: 11732429Abstract: A joint connects a first portion of a tool to a second portion of the tool. The joint comprises a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a hub. The first elongated portion is configured to couple to the first portion of the tool and includes a first joint end. The second elongated portion is configured to couple to the second portion of the tool and includes a second joint end with a plurality of cavities formed therein. The hub is positioned between the first joint end and the second joint end and is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hub includes a projection that is operable to extend into one of the cavities when in the locked position and shift out of the cavities when in the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATIONInventor: Scott Reed
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Patent number: 10328992Abstract: A foldable bicycle has a frame with a seat tube, a down tube and a top tube. An inclined strut is pivotable with the top tube and with an openable connection to the down tube. The down tube is connected with a joint to a crankshaft bearing housing so that a rotation axle in this joint is turned to form an angle to a line substantially parallel to the crankshaft bearing housing's longitudinal axis. The top tube is connected through a joint to the seat tube so that a rotation axle in this joint is turned to form an angle around the seat tube's longitudinal axis. The top tube is at its other end that's opposite the seat tube connected with a joint to the head tube so that a rotation axle in this joint is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of both the head tube and top tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Inventor: Zakarias Laxström
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Patent number: 10172479Abstract: A collapsible playpen includes an upper frame assembly, four standing legs and a bottom linkage assembly. The upper frame assembly includes a first and a second side opposite to each other that respectively have a first and a second coupling bracket. The four standing legs have lower end portions respectively provided a plurality of foot members. A first and a second standing leg are respectively coupled with the upper frame assembly via a first and a second leg linkage that are assembled with the first coupling bracket, and a third and a fourth standing leg are respectively coupled with the upper frame assembly via a third and a fourth leg linkage that are assembled with the second coupling bracket. The bottom linkage assembly is connected with the foot members of the four standing legs.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AGInventors: Andrew J. Horst, Ryan N. Miller, Curtis M. Hartenstine
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Patent number: 9120001Abstract: A swiftly-assembling collapsible goal and a portable frame are provided. The goal includes a plurality of poles engaged together to form a frame of the goal. Engaged poles are associated with each other with a hinge disposed at a corner region therebetween. One of two engaged poles is provided with a tenon protruding from a first end thereof and the other pole of the two engaged poles is provided with a mortise slot at a second end of the other pole facing toward the first end. The tenon defines a wedge-shaped slot along an axis of the pole. An insert pin is engaged to the tenon with a wedge-shaped rib engaged in the wedge-shaped slot. The insert pin has two tabs laterally extending from two side surfaces thereof. The pole with mortise slot defines two slits in two sidewalls which define the mortise slot, for respectively receiving the two ribs therein. The tenon and the insert pin are received in the mortise slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Husheng Huang
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Patent number: 9115915Abstract: A support assembly for supporting photovoltaic panels includes a plurality of support units connected one by one. Each of the plurality of support units includes a support beam, a pair of standing posts, a strengthening bar and at least one horizontal beam. The pair of standing posts, the strengthening bar and the at least one horizontal beam are pivotably mounted on the support beam via connecting members. When used, the strengthening bar rotates relative to the support beam and collectively constitutes a triangle with the support beam and one of the pair of standing posts to avoid distortion. When packaged, the pair of standing posts and the strengthening bar rotate relative to the support beam to be received in the receiving groove respectively, and the at least one horizontal beam rotates relative to and is disposed in parallel to the support beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Kai-Ming Lu, Ren Wang
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Patent number: 8899536Abstract: A folding joint mechanism for stackably collapsing elongated structural sections includes a plurality of substantially identical brackets pivotably interconnected and rotatable between an extended and a stowed configuration. In the extended configuration, the brackets abut each other against stop protrusions on the top outside surface of each bracket forming foldable extensions that are able to support significant weight by distributing the top. side force. In the stowed configuration, the brackets are compacted to a substantially stacked disposition whereby the brackets are aligned and directly adjacent to one another. The joint and bracket assemblies may be employed in elongated sections of various structures in which compactability may be advantageous for shipping, storage, and user transportation.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Inventor: Benjamin Ashpole
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Patent number: 8584993Abstract: A column includes a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly having an upper portion (2) pivotally attached to a lower portion (1) for movement about a first pivot axis (5), the upper portion of the hinge assembly being associated with an upper part (12) of the column and the lower portion of the hinge assembly being associated with a lower part (11) of the column. In use, movement of the upper and lower hinge assembly portions about the first pivot axis from a normal position, in which the upper part of the column is relatively upright, causes the upper part of the column to rotate towards the lower part of the column, thereby allowing the upper part the column to be moved to a maintenance position. An arm links (3), via second (6) and third (7) pivot axes, the upper and lower portions of the hinge assembly, and the arm is associated with a spring (9) that exerts a force via the arm, which urges the upper and lower hinge assembly portions towards the normal position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: The Aluminum Lighting Company LimitedInventors: Alexandra Pumford, Craig Thomas Williams, Mark Alan Edwards
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Patent number: 8505136Abstract: A linking device is configured at the bottom of a playpen. Two of the bottom pipes at opposite side pivot to a base seat and further pivot to the linking device, which is engaged by a locking device so that the bottom pipes and the linking device are secured at an unfolding position. To fold the hub assembly, using a strap or by pushing the locking device directly pivots the locking device to disengage from the linking device and the bottom pipes may rotate to a folding position. To restore the hub assembly to the unfolding position, the linking device can be pressed to push an inclined surface of the locking device to impart a force to the locking device to pivot the locking device until the linking device snaps to engage the locking device, so the hub assembly is secured at the unfolding position again.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fu-Sian Yu, Xiao-Long Mo, Chih-Wei Wang
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Patent number: 8359759Abstract: A collection of couplers and a corresponding coupling method that removably connect existing forensic scales to create a coupled scale, wherein a ruler arm of each scale is slidingly engaged in a track of the coupler that provides and maintains arm-to-arm angular accuracy for scales coupled in a fixed angle, co-planar joint, and measurement accuracy of scale markings across the joint. The track includes a lower surface; two laterally opposed parallel edge walls extending up from the lower surface and spaced apart by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm width; holding tabs that extend laterally inward from both edge walls spaced above the lower surface by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm thickness; an open end; and preferably a longitudinally distal registration stop. Two coupler tracks are joined with co-planar lower surfaces; and an edge wall of each joined at a fixed angle vertex.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: James C. Schneider
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Publication number: 20090317178Abstract: A tube folder includes a top shell, a bottom shell and an instant clasp set; wherein the top shell is provided with two sets of lug holes; the bottom shell is provided with two plug tubes; the instant clasp set covers a dismount handle which has a set of joined segments at its terminal, and an empty space formed in between the two joined segments; and a shaft, fitted in the empty space of the joined segments; each set of the lug holes and corresponding plug tube has been bound by a hinge, so does the joined segments of the dismount handle and the shaft; the surfaces of the top and the bottom shells are shaped into reinforcing ribs, providing handy fitting and enhanced joint when connecting to the tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Ping-Tien Wang
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Publication number: 20090169292Abstract: And adapter for a mop includes first and second linear elements with a hinge element between them. The first linear element includes a pair of connection elements for a mop head adapter allowing the mop head adapter to take a first configuration and allowing the mop head adapter to take another second configuration. The configurations can position the mop head adapter at positions perpendicular to each other. The hinge element may include a locking element. The hinge element can be locked at a number of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, Mary Taylor
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Patent number: 7070198Abstract: A cart has a folding support for handlebars, which includes a lower rod secured on a front part of a frame, a pivotal rod pivoted to an upper end of the lower rod, and an upper tube positioned in a linearly displaceable manner around the pivotal rod from a lower end; the pivotal rod has a lengthways extending slot; the upper tube has two opposing holes; handlebars of the cart are connected to an upper end of the upper tube; a connecting element is passed through the opposing holes and the slot such that the upper tube will prevent the pivotal rod from moving relative to the lower rod when it is around the pivotal rod and the lower rod, and such that the support can be folded with the pivotal rod pivoting on the lower rod when the upper tube is apart from the lower rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Sunpex Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Samuel Lin
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Patent number: 6758624Abstract: Presented is a trailer incorporating a device that allows the detachable coupling of the ball coupler and safety chains of a trailer for remote storage of these items, while incorporating a security feature that allows only the original ball coupler and safety chains to be connected. This deters the unauthorized towing or theft of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Productivity Paradigm Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philip Hugh Thompson, James Kevin Hays
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Patent number: 6752413Abstract: A casing (32) included in a baby carriage folding mechanism is mounted on a substantially middle part of the handle of a folding baby carriage. Hinged joints (33) each having a stationary member (34) and a movable member (35) are connected to the opposite ends of the casing (32), and pipes (18) forming the handle are connected to the hinged joints (33), respectively. The pipes (18) are connected to the movable members (35) of the joints (33). Actuating members (38a and 38b) capable of being operated by an operating mechanism included in the casing (32) are connected to the movable members (35) of the hinged joints (33). The actuating members (38a and 38b) turn the movable members (35) relative to the corresponding stationary members (34) for folding and developing the folding baby carriage.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Combi CorporationInventors: Kojiro Yamazaki, Yuichi Arai, Mikiya Tanaka
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Publication number: 20040071498Abstract: The motion reduction apparatus improves the safety of operation of a floating body floating on water by reliably reducing motion of the floating body, and has an orthorhombic shaped floating main body (11), a plumb plate supported vertically on one side section of the floating main body by means of stay members (13), and flow sections (15) for flooding with incoming water are provided between the floating main body and the plumb plate in such a way that an upper end section of the plumb plate is at about the same height as the bottom surface of the floating main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Masami Matsuura, Makoto Nishigaki, Takahiro Hirai, Youichi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6499905Abstract: An apparatus for a pop-up display structure that provides a hub structure that is divided into two sections that are held together by a thumbscrew. The two sections define internal channels in the hub for capturing guide pins attached to the tubes such that the tubes pivot about the guide pins and rotate about the hub through slots in the hub. The thumbscrew provides for removal of tubes from the hub structure without the use of tools and therefore provides for changes on the fly for reconfiguring the structure or for replacing broken tubes. The thumbscrew also provides a mounting structure for the channel bar that attaches to the pop-up structure. The channel bar is capable of folding into three sections and is capable of folding compactly without regard to the sequence of the folds.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Edmond J. Boer
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Patent number: 6422586Abstract: A wheeled stroller comprising a frame movable between a use position and a storage position, having a latch member arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation and move axially between a latched position securing the frame in the use position and an unlatched position permitting movement of the frame to the storage position. The latch member including a body portion and a first latch portion and with the with first latch portion coupled to the body portion and being movable between a latched position securing the body portion against axial movement and an unlatched position permitting axial movement of the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventor: Richard Glover
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Patent number: 6422587Abstract: A casing (32) included in a baby carriage folding mechanism is mounted on a substantially middle part of the handle of a folding baby carriage. Hinged joints (33) each having a stationary member (34) and a movable member (35) are connected to the opposite ends of the casing (32), and pipes (18) forming the handle are connected to the hinged joints (33), respectively. The pipes (18) are connected to the movable members (35) of the joints (33). Actuating members (38a and 38b) capable of being operated by an operating mechanism included in the casing (32) are connected to the movable members.(35) of the hinged joints (33). The actuating members (38a and 38b) turn the movable members (35) relative to the corresponding stationary members (34) for folding and developing the folding baby carriage.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Combi CorporationInventors: Kojiro Yamazaki, Yuichi Arai, Mikiya Tanaka
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Patent number: 6302613Abstract: A pivot connector for a stroller frame includes a mounting seat formed with elongated slots, a pivot plate disposed in and pivoted to the mounting seat, an operating member straddling over the mounting seat, a locking pin mounted on the operating member and extending through the elongated slots, and a biasing spring for biasing the operating member away from the mounting seat. The pivot plate is formed with a locking groove that can be registered selectively with the elongated slots when the pivot plate is pivoted. The locking pin is movable to rear slot portions of the elongated slots when the operating member is moved toward the mounting seat, wherein the locking pin is extendible into and out of the locking groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Red Lan
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Patent number: 6298629Abstract: An anchorage kit 100 includes components which may be assembled in various ways to provide anchorages 101-107 suitable for connection in series between a safety line and any of various structural members. The kit 100 includes opposing brackets 120, 140 which are interconnected by bolts 170 extending therebetween, and which may be supplemented by one or more braces 160 secured to the intermediate portion of one or more of the bolts 170.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Protecta International S.A.Inventor: Bernard R. Ador
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Patent number: 6202229Abstract: A joint of a foldable bed for babies comprises a main body, a pressing block and two supporting members. The main body has two side plates connected by an intermediate curved portion. The pressing block is slidably fitted in the main body. The supporting members are pivotted to the main body, and each separably engage a respective side trench of the pressing block to be located at a first position. The pressing block is biased downwards by a spring. Two supporting rods of the frame of the folable bed are pivotted to the main body. The supporting rods have inner ends contact and engage the supporting members when same are located at the first position. To fold the bed, the pressing block is pressed upwards to disengage same from the supporting members, the supporting members being pivotted on the main body. Thus, the supporting rods of the frame can be pivotted on the main body to fold the bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Pao-Hsien ChengInventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 6102431Abstract: A baby stroller for transporting an infant over flat, rough, or uneven terrain at speeds faster than normal walking speed is disclosed. This baby stroller can be folded to make it easier to stow and transport. The folding mechanism, a unique feature of the design, enables the user to fold and unfold the stroller with one hand. Other features of the stroller include a quick release mechanism for the rear wheels, a foot-activated parking brake, and a canopy deployment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Hood Technology CorporationInventors: Scott A. Sutherland, Andreas von Flotow
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Patent number: 5964545Abstract: A folding device mounted between two sections of one rail of a playyard to achieve a folding of the playyard is disclosed. The folding device includes a sheet body bent to integrally form front plate, a rear plate opposed to the front plate and a middle arcuate plate coupling top edges of the front plate and the rear plate. A press button has a rectangular pedestal with a stepped portion received in an channel defined in the rear plate and a protrusion integrally extending from the stepped portion of the pedestal and selectively projecting beyond a hole defined in the front plate of the sheet body. A spring is compressed between the rear plate and a back of the pedestal for selectively urging the press button.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
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Patent number: 5845962Abstract: A foldable chair has a seat support, a seat plate disposed on the seat support, a first support pipe disposed beneath the seat support, a second support pipe disposed beneath the first support pipe, a first knuckle connected to a first end of the first support pipe, a second knuckle connected to a second end of the first support pipe, a third knuckle connected to a first end of the second support pipe, a fourth knuckle connected to a second end of the second support pipe, a first leg tube connected to the first knuckle, a second leg tube connected to the second knuckle, a third leg cube connected to the third knuckle, a fourth leg tube connected to the fourth knuckle, a first leg pad connected to the first leg tube, a second leg pad connected to the second leg tube, a third leg pad connected to the third leg tube, a fourth leg pad connected to the fourth leg tube, a fifth knuckle connected to the seat support, a sixth knuckle connected to the seat support, a first spindle connected to the fifth knuckle, a secType: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Forever Young Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fang-Sheng Lin
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Patent number: 5791360Abstract: A stable tubular crutch having a continuous one piece body, with an adjustable hand grip and riveted underarm support. The crutch is made of a tubular member, bent to form an elongated, flattened, fully enclosed, ovate structure with parallel spaced apart sections, within which the adjustable hand grip is positioned. An end of the tubular member longitudinally extends from the ovate structure in line with the major axis thereof and an independently adjustable straight tubular leg is interfitted with the extending end by an adjustable connection. A tubular underarm support, is fitted within a contoured section of the tubular member and is riveted thereto for a fixed connection. The adjustable hand grip is a short tube with a closed end supporting an extending hook. The base of a Y-shaped plastic member, with integrated metal rod (extending out of the fork of the Y) is slidingly retained, with a spring loading, in the open end of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Tubular Fabricators Industry, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Battiston, David Battiston
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Patent number: 5775460Abstract: A hinge and a reconfigurable ladder having at least one pair of hinges is disclosed. The ladder has stile sections connected together by the hinges. The hinges consist of two hinge members mountable to ends of respective stile sections. A hinge cover extends over and receives the hinge members which are pivotally connected to the cover. The hinge members are linked to each other to control the pivotal movement of the hinge member so that they both pivot in unison and to the same extend relative to the cover. The hinge members have locating apertures. A locking mechanism is cooperable with the locating apertures for locking the hinge members in a desired relative position to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventor: Mark James Stone
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Patent number: 5730542Abstract: A joint for a playpen includes a main base, two wing base at two sides of the main base and fixed with two frames of a playpen, a press block, and two plate hooks. The two plate hooks, fixed on the press block, have two barbs to engage a position pin of each wing base in a spread position of the playpen, preventing the joint from being collapsed even if the press block is accidentally pressed when the playpen is in the spread position, keeping the playpen in the spread position in a quite safe condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Top Fortune Ltd.Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 5624199Abstract: A setting device for a joint comprises a box-like body with a U-shaped opening therein, a lower tube fixedly secured in the opening, an upper tube pivotally secured in the opening, a plurality of location holes defined through a face of the body in a semi-circular arrangement, a flexible retaining member contained within the upper tube and a lug thereof extended through the upper tube and one of the plurality of holes in body, and a pivot arm pivotally secured to the body. The upper tube may be pivotally extended away from the lower tube and retained in position by the lug which projects beyond the face of the body, and the pivot arm resting against a stop of the body. The pivot arm is moved to depress the lug into the upper tube, so that the upper tube can be moved to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Chin-chang Cheng
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Patent number: 5617592Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending joint of a collapsible baby playing bed, which comprises:two inner tooth members each having a tubular portion connected with an upper frame of the bed, and teeth; two fitting blocks each having teeth engaged with the teeth of the tooth members, and two opposing sectorial recesses; a connector having two pairs of opposing sectorial projections engaged with the recesses of the fitting blocks, and a recessed portion; two springs; a push cap fitted on the recessed portion; two bolts each passed through the connector, one the spring, one the fitting block, one the tooth member, and a nut. The bending joint of the bed is first and formost lifted upward to loosen a tight engagement of the teeth of the fitting blocks and the teeth of the tooth members and then the cap is pushed inward so that the sectorial recesses of the fitting blocks can disengage and the inner tooth members can be pivoted downward.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Top Fortune Ltd.Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 5572836Abstract: Disclosed is a rotational flagpole pivotally mounted to a rigidly affixed base with a tongue and slot combination that enables the flagpoles to rotate around the pivot. The flagpole can also be locked in place to prevent rotation. The rotational flagpole thereby permits rotation of the top end of the flagpole to within a few feet of the ground in order to provide improved access to the top end for maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Alton B. Parker
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Patent number: 5485655Abstract: A hinge device for armrails of a playpen.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Inventor: Kun Wang
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Patent number: 5474404Abstract: A foldable rail assembly includes a first shell including a first wall defining a cutout and two apertures, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls. A second shell includes a first wall defining two apertures and a passage, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls thereof. A lock defines two apertures and includes an upper portion and a lower portion of a greater length thus defining two shoulders. Two pins are inserted through the apertures defined in the first and second shells and the lock. Three springs are compressed between the lock and the second wall of the second shell. Two rails are pivotally linked to the first shell and each include an end with a block raised therefrom. The blocks are supported by the shoulders when the lock is against the first wall of the second shell.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Jina Manufacturer Thai Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jui-Lung Chien
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Patent number: 5217315Abstract: An articulating joint is provided for use in a foldable frame for a stretcher for example, which is capable of being selectively locked against upward, downward, or lateral folding by rotating the joint relative to the folding frame member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Lifeport, Inc.Inventor: Randy R. Rosane
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Patent number: 5178583Abstract: A linkage for rotatably joining two members of a structure together including a rod member (1); a sleeve (8) slideable over a bifurcated, cylindrical end portion of the rod member; a link member (3) pivoted within the ends of the said end portion and having two parallel sides profiled to provide a sliding fit within the sleeve, an angled side portion (16) against which the end of the sleeve is urged when the linkage is in a partly open position and a rounded, profiled end portion to provide clearance of the sleeve when the linkage is opening; pin and guide elements (12,14) for limiting the sliding movement of the sleeve on the end portion; and a coil spring (10) located around the end portion and between one end of the sleeve and a step on the rod member to provide a torque for opening the linkage when released from the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandInventor: Ian M. Rankin
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Patent number: 5118127Abstract: The invention is a hitch device for interconnecting two mobile apparatus, such as a hospital gurney and an IV stand. The hitch device comprises a body having first and second ends, each end having a coupling for attachment to a mobile apparatus, and a monoplanarly flexible intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. The intermediate portion includes a chain, which is oriented so that only lateral flexing is permitted when the device is in use. The intermediate portion also includes a resilient tube or spring for biasing the intermediate portion to an axial position. A stop located on the first end prevents upward rotation of the intermediate portion beyond a horizontal position when the device is in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1989Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Inventor: Michael J. Partington
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Patent number: 5109938Abstract: The motorized trolley-type golf cart of the invention comprises a chassis made up from at least two supports assembled to each other by a swivel type connection device constituted by a male portion and a female portion which are engaged in each other and which are fixed to respective ones of the two supports of the chassis. One of the supports carries two drive wheels, an electric motor, and a battery, while the other support is essentially constituted by a tiller bar which is foldable and terminated at one end by a grip having a manual control member which is connected to the motor by an electrical connection which includes an intermediate connector whose two halves are fixed to respective ones of the portions of the connection device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1990Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Groupement d'Interet Economique Golf InovInventors: Francis Vautelin, Robert Perrier
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Patent number: 5101920Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle including rear and front frame sections which are quickly and easily engageable and disconnectable one to another. The rear frame section has a pair of coaxial rear spaced wheels and a pair of locator pins laterally extending preferably from each side margin adjacent each forward corner of the rear frame section. These locator pins engage with a locking bar rearwardly extending from and adjacent each rear corner of said front frame section. Each bar has a notch formed into its lower and upper margins adapted to engage the locator pins in a pivotal motion to guide the front and rear frame sections into abutting generally coplaner assembled relationship, thus preventing fore and aft and vertical movement therebetween. A latch-type connector preferably centrally positioned releasibly secures this coplaner relationship during use of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Alpha Mobility, Inc.Inventor: Gordon L. Peterson
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Patent number: 5074012Abstract: A self-locking clamp has a handle which locks to a non-rotating member if the handle starts to turn while in clamping use. The clamp has a retractable collar which is splined to the handle and is biased toward locking engagement with a sleeve that in turn seats against the member to be clamped. The collar can be held retracted from the sleeve for tightening and loosening the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1991Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Rotex, Inc.Inventor: Stephen C. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5018918Abstract: A load bar for extension between opposite side walls of a cargo vehicle to restrain the cargo. The bar includes a pair of main tubes pivoted end to end at a toggle joint. An extension tube has a telescopic fit in one of the main tubes to provide length adjustment over a wide range. A clamp may be tightened to rigidly clamp the extension tube in place. The toggle joint may be covered and locked in its straight condition by a sleeve which fits closely yet slidably on the main tubes of the load bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Inventors: H. Montgomery Jacobs, William D. Forrester
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Patent number: 4909537Abstract: The vehicle has a chassis formed of a front strut and a seat strut which are attached together so as to be angularly adjustable about a horizontal axis. The seat strut telescopically carries a seat post with a seat thereon. The front strut telescopically carries a front post. Angularly adjustably mounted on the top of the front post is the steering head which rotatably carries the front fork. A wheel is mounted on the lower end of the front fork. A power strut is also mounted on the chassis axis. A telescopically mounted post extends from the power strut and rotatably carries a rear wheel thereon. In this way, complete adjustability is achieved. Pedals are mounted on the chassis axis and are connected to drive the rear wheel. A motor may be additionally or alternatively installed. In addition, different kinds of wheels and different numbers of wheels as well as skis and the like can alternatively be installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1989Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Inventor: Alan A. Tratner
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Patent number: 4890430Abstract: A rigidity control device is provided to change the natural resonance of an entire building by varying the rigidity of selected structural members such as pillars, beams, braces or floor and pillar, wall and pillar or beam connection members, joints and the like. The rigidity of a structural member is controlled by restraining or releasing a member from restraint or by applying a controlled force to the member. These processes are selectively combined so that the rigidity of the whole building and each section thereof is controlled by a computer according to earthquake forecast analysis. Thus, the proper rigidity of a building is determined and provided responsive to earthquake detection to prevent the building from destructive resonance caused by earthquake tremors.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1987Date of Patent: January 2, 1990Assignee: Kajima CorporationInventors: Takuji Kobori, Shunichi Yamada, Shuichi Kamagata
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Patent number: 4831807Abstract: A profile open/fold-up truss for use in the building industry comprises: a collapsible roof member; at least one floor beam; a pair of wall studs, each wall stud including top and bottom half studs pivotably connected to opposite ends of the roof member and the floor beam, respectively; a hinge arrangement for pivotably connecting the top and bottom half studs; and a pair of foundation studs pivotably connected to opposite ends of the floor beam to support the truss. The truss is transported to the construction site in a preassembled state and subsequently unfolded to form a complete truss structure requiring minimal on-site labor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1988Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Inventor: Bernard L. Bolt
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Patent number: 4828278Abstract: A stoppage-maintaining device for maintaining a baby carriage either in a folded or an unfolded state. The handle bar is pivotally connected to a rear leg by a pivoting stoppage-maintaining bar. The stoppage-maintaining bar has two concave grooves on two surfaces which are alternately engageable, as the bar rotates, with a protrusion on an upper end of a stopper sliding on the rear leg. Also, extending upwardly from the stopper is an engagement plate which, when overlapped with an elastic plate on the rear leg, prevents the rotation of the stoppage-maintaining bar from its unfolded state. The engagement plate is biased toward the elastic plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1987Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Combi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nakao Shinroku, Takashi Ishikura, Yuuichi Arai
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Patent number: 4753259Abstract: A hinge element consists of a tube connector attached to the end of a tube, the end of the tube connector having a notched head portion. Pivotably attached to the notched head of the connector is a bracket element having a spherically shaped, notched end which engages the ends of a spring and a limiting wire. The limiting wire and spring are attached at their other ends to a cross bar and a second tube in which the hinge element and the first tube may slide coaxially. A hand grip is also disclosed which consists of a central grip portion with two cylindrical parallel holes having slits on the outside thereof. At the outer edges of the slits are ribs which, when the outer portions of the grip are tightened, focus the compressive forces generated by the tightening toward the tube portions, thereby creating a strong frictional hold. The hinge and grip configurations are found in a bitubular orthopedic crutch having three sections.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1987Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Inventors: Ries B. Hansen, Howard G. Morter
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Patent number: 4732403Abstract: A folding moped has a collapsible support for the saddle constituted by two parallel pillars with lower jointed end portions which are inserted within two hollow parts fixed to the frame for sliding between an inserted position in which the pillars are held in an erect condition and a withdrawn position in which the joints project above the respective hollow parts to allow the pillars to be collapsed forwardly.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1987Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Assignee: ALGAT S.p.A.Inventor: Renzo Grattapaglia
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Patent number: 4721125Abstract: A height adjustable crutch comprised of a one piece member which can serve as the combination of the bow and the carrier without any bolt and pins used in conventional types for securing them, so the structure of the height adjustable crutch is simpler and stronger than the conventional types that we can find today.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1986Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Inventor: Mei-Chin Wang-Lee
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Patent number: 4715650Abstract: A collapsible folding lawn chair is provided. Employing a chair of the folding frame and "sling seat" variety, a second level of compactness is achieved by addition of flexible locking hinges intermediate certain straight members of the frame. The chair remains a readily assembled single unit yet collapses to an easily transported and stored size. Additional features such as fully reclinability can be readily provided with minimal increase in the storage size of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1987Date of Patent: December 29, 1987Inventors: Cary Berman, Steven Kiss
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Patent number: 4684091Abstract: A portable and foldable stand for musical instruments includes a pair of spaced apart supports each including a tubular main leg having a pivot collar, a brace leg, a brace, a pin for joining one end of the brace to the brace leg, and a latch for releasably attaching the brace to the main leg. The brace leg is pivotally linked at one of its ends to the pivot collar of the main leg and is joined to one end of the brace by the pin. The other end of the brace is releasably attached to the main leg by the latch means. A pivot is joined to the main leg, and an upper segment is joined to the pivot means. At least two cross members are provided each one including a releasable clamping sleeve for releasably clamping each cross member to each support. The clamping sleeve is releasably clampable and slidable on the upper segment and the pivot, thereby linking the pair of supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1986Date of Patent: August 4, 1987Assignee: Latin Percussion, Inc.Inventor: Giovanni Moreschi
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Patent number: 4642931Abstract: A compact foldable fishing rod support includes three rods of substantially equal length and pivoting arrangements for holding said three rods together end to end, but permitting them to be folded side by side. At each junction, a slip sleeve is mounted to slide down over the junction between adjacent rods to hold the rods vertically aligned. One end of the entire assembly of rods is pointed to be driven into the ground, and the other end of the assembly is drilled out to provide a recess into which a V-shaped spring fits. A pin extends across the recess at the upper end of the assembly so that the V-shaped spring may be extended outwardly and held in position by the transverse pin to provide a V-shaped rest for the fishing pole. The rod sections are coupled together by links providing a certain amount of lost motion so that, when the slip sleeves are in place, the ends of the rods may abut.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1986Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Inventor: Rick Flores
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Patent number: 4619542Abstract: A locking mechanism for a divided grip rod of a foldable baby carriage permits automatically locking the grip rod in an unfolded state and this locking can be canceled by a simple operation. The grip rod (2) is divided into two portions (2a, 2b), which are interconnected at their ends while being supported for rotation around the axes of parallel rotary shafts (6). Lateral surfaces of the ends of the portions of the grip rod intersect the rotary shafts. Each lateral surface has a locking recess (12). A locking plate (4) is movable axially of the rotary shafts so that it can fit simultaneously in the two locking recesses when the grip rod is in its straight state. The locking plate is urged by a spring in the direction in which it fits in the locking recesses for normally maintaining the locked state. An unlocking member (5) is provided to for disengaging the locking plate from the locking recesses against the force of the spring to permit folding of the grip rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1985Date of Patent: October 28, 1986Assignee: Aprica Kassai KabushikikaishaInventor: Kenzou Kassai