Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for an angle drill or a die grinder, including a receiver, including a first section, and a second section connected to the first section, a mating component, a tension component arranged on the second section, and an axial sliding support operatively arranged to be secured to the second section, wherein at least one of the first section and the mating component includes a plurality of holes and the other of the first section and the mating component includes one or more pins, the one or more pins being operatively arranged to removably engage the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a curtain rod bracket and cam lock. A tension rod assembly includes a tension rod, a first curtain rod bracket assembly, the first curtain rod bracket assembly including a first bracket base, a first bracket arm and a first friction pad, the first bracket base including a first bracket base front, a first bracket base rear and defining a first friction pad mounting opening that communicates the first bracket base front with the first bracket base rear, and a second curtain bracket assembly, the second curtain rod bracket assembly including a second bracket base, a second bracket arm and a second friction pad, the second bracket base including a second bracket base front, a second bracket base rear and defining a second friction pad mounting opening that communicates the second bracket base front with the second bracket base rear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a release device for the upper rail and the lower rail of a longitudinal seat adjustment system of a motor vehicle seat. A release device is provided, which release device has a lever that preferably rotatably supported on the upper rail of the vehicle seat. An end of said lever interacts with the locking means and optionally releases the locking means. A handle is provided at the other end. If said handle is operated, the lever moves, preferably rotates, relative to the upper rail from a passive position of the lever to a release position of the lever and moves the locking means from a locking position of the locking means to a releasing position. In order to ensure that the release device automatically moves into a passive position of the release device, in which passive position the release device does not interact with the locking means in a releasing manner, a spring element is provided, which preloads the lever into the passive position of the lever.

Abstract: A pivot joint can lockably pivot a front struts, a rear struts and a push arms on each side of a stroller. The pivot joint includes a pivot mount, a first driving plate, a second driving plate and a locking mechanism. A release mechanism is adopted to associate between the locking mechanisms of the two pivot joints for unlocking the locking mechanisms simultaneously. Once the two pivot joints are unlocked by the release mechanism, the stroller frame can be safely folded into a folded configuration by depressing the push arm downward. While the push arm is rotating downward, the pivot joint shall make the front strut to rotate rearward to close the rear strut automatically.

Abstract: A quick-release device includes a shank and a flange radially extending from one end of the shank. A ring is sleeved on the shank and engaged to the flange. A sleeve is co-axially connected and engaged to the ring. A washer is received in the sleeve. A shaft is co-axially connected to the shank and sequentially extending through the ring, the sleeve and the washer. A pivot is transversely mounted to a distal end of the shaft and abutting the washer. A lever is pivotally mounted onto the pivot for selectively forcedly and inwardly pushing the washer and engaged to the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally fastening an aerodynamic surface. The apparatus includes a bearing block. A clamping block is connected to the bearing block and includes at least two elongate holes. A pivotally mounted strip member is coupled to the aerodynamic surface and to the clamping block. At least one fastening device is insertable into each of the at least two elongate holes for locking the clamping block relative to the bearing block. The aerodynamic surface is lockable in at least one angular position.

Abstract: A lockable articulated joint comprises a first member having a ball shaped attachment further having a recess on its periphery. A rotationally symmetric conforming plunger is for movably nesting into the recess. A second member pivotally receives the ball shaped attachment and comprises a plunger holding portion. User alignment of the recess with the plunger holding portion allows configuring the joint in one of at least two selectable locked positions. The articulated joint is usable in a multi-axis articulated implement, in which one member is an elongated end effecter having a working face and the other member is an elongated handle portion. A user may configure the implement in various locked attitudes, wherein a working face's longitudinal axis extends parallel or perpendicular to the handle, or wherein the working face's normal axis extends parallel to the handle. The implement may be embodied into a multi-axis snow brush.

Abstract: A device for locking, an electrical device to an accessory part has a guide configured to guide the accessory part in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked the electrical device and a removal position in which it is removed from the electrical device, the guide having a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at the location a force acting on the accessory part moves the accessory part into a safety position in which the accessory part is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A stroller includes a stroller frame; a basket assembly including a basket frame coupled to the stroller frame, wherein the basket frame is configured to move, without bending, between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a latch assembly on each side of the stroller that movably couples the basket frame to the stroller frame, the latch assembly being configured such that application of a downward force on the basket frame moves the basket frame from the first, in-use position to the second, access position. Upon removal of the application of downward force, the basket frame can remain in the second, access position.

Abstract: An aerial cable spacer is provided with a cable retainer and vertically disposed strengthening tabs or ribs. The cable retainer includes a cable retaining arm. A mid portion of the cable retaining arm has a non-rectangular plus “+” shaped cross section. The plus “+” shaped cross section engages and exerts a force on the cable as the cable retaining arm bends to a closed position. The arm is flexible so as to create a resilient force in conjunction with the plus “+” shaped cross section to securely hold the cable on a cable seat of a main body portion of the aerial cable spacer. A pawl is carried on the arm at a predetermined orientation to engage a corresponding set of teeth on the spacer body for enhanced cable clamping force.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasable fastening and for modifying the relative position of two components (1, 1?, Bf, G; 2, 2?, Bk, Br), which have a common connecting surface forming a contact surface (5, 5?), comprises two screws (3), which in coaction with specially configured V-shaped notch zones (9a1, 9a2; 9b1, 9b2; 9a3, 9a4; 9b3, 9b4) permit a relative positioning in zero-backlash and accurately aligned fashion, and serve as the fastening means. It is thereby possible to perform a linear displacement and/or a rotation and/or a tilt in simple fashion.

Abstract: A valve lifter is disclosed comprising a lifter housing having a receiver, a switch retainer having at least one bore, and a key disposed in the at least one bore. The key is movable into the receiver to lock the switch retainer against movement relative to the lifter housing.

Abstract: The mechanism includes two discoidal parts, including a ratchet and crown mounted on an unattached axle, each of their opposing faces with cogged sections. The positioning of the ratchet on the axle allows it to move axially to facilitate the separation of the teeth. The separation of the teeth is carried out by a separator element that is set up between the ratchet and crown, the ratchet being able to be manually operated to carry out the separation. The ratchet is required to activate the position of engagement with the crown by means of a spring that is supported by an external disk that in turn presses on a limit plate pierced by the axle and mounted on the ratchet.

Abstract: A motion-transmitting assembly has a cable movable within a tubular sheath anchored on a panel. A movable member, such as a lever, is movably mounted on the support and has an aperture which receives a retainer clip. The retainer clip has a cylindrical body installed into the aperture of the member and having a bore extending through the cylindrical body with yieldable fingers projecting into the bore. A cable fitting has a barrel with a bore slidably receiving the cable. A stud projects laterally from the barrel and has a circumferential groove so that upon insertion of the stud into the bore of the retainer clip, the yieldable fingers of the retainer clip engage with the circumferential groove of the cable fitting to thereby connect the cable fitting with the movable member.

Abstract: A fixture holder attachment means for attaching a sign assembly to a C-shaped channel molding extending from an edge of a horizontal shelf. By providing internal baffling, once the U-shaped fixture holder attachment means is captured by the C-shaped channel molding, outwardly extending pressure can be applied to the legs of the U-shaped fixture holder attachment means preventing its inadvertent removal from the C-shaped channel.

Abstract: An improved light cover mounting device is disclosed. A housing, capable of attachment to a light fixture, contains a compression spring and a spring-biased, retractable retaining rod. The retaining rod extends through the screw hole of a conventional light cover arrangement and engages the recessed portion of the light cover. A roll pin, projecting laterally through the housing and the retaining rod, is held at either end by L-shaped openings on the housing. The roll pin holds the compression spring inside the housing and may be hooked into the locking portion of the L-shaped openings to hold the retaining rod in the retracted position.

Abstract: A flexible sign board for blade signs is provided. The sign board has a frame with a mounting bracket that is connected to a resilient support. The resilient support is a plurality of springs connected to a shelf or the wall bracket according to the desired application. The springs support and maintain the sign frame perpendicular to the wall or shelf the sign is attached to and thereby provides a "swing away" effect of the sign when bumped into or pushed out of the consumers way. The flexible sign frame and mounting thereof will not obstruct the consumer aisle, and thereby enables the increased visibility of the displayed items from a further distance. The flexible sign board system provides the ability to adapt the sign board to an infinite variety of varying shelf depths without using or taking away valuable retail shelf space.

Abstract: A portable, foldable bed rail adapted for use with an associated bed having a mattress thereon includes a rail member having first and second substantially identical, mirror image end rail portions and a central rail portion. The end rail portions are hingedly mounted to the central rail portion by respective rail hinge members having parallel axes of rotation. The end rail portions are foldable toward one another adjacent to the central rail portion for storage. The end rails each include a support member having a support leg. The support members are independently hingedly mounted to a respective one of the end rail portions by support hinges. The support hinges have parallel axes of rotation and are rotatable in a direction transverse to the rail hinge members. Each of the support hinge members is independently movable toward and away from its respective end rail portion.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial position of a terminal (16) along the end of the core element rod (12) in a motion transmitting remote control assembly (10). A coil spring (24) normally grips the knurled end of the rod (12) to prevent axial movement of the terminal member (16) relative to the rod (12). A collar (34) is rotatably disposed about the terminal member (16) and includes a slot (36) engaging a movable end (28) of the spring (24) for moving the end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially along a recess (32) in the terminal member (16). As the collar (34) is rotated, a first end (26) of the spring (24) is held circumferentially by a hole (30) and the spring (24) unwinds as the slot (36) engages and moves the movable end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially.

Abstract: A fixture holder attachment member for attaching a sign assembly to a C-shaped channel molding extending from an edge of a horizontal shelf. By providing internal baffling, once the U-shaped fixture holder attachment member is captured by the C-shaped channel molding, outwardly extending pressure can be applied to the legs of the U-shaped fixture holder attachment member preventing its inadvertent removal from the C-shaped channel.

Abstract: The implementation of smart materials (shape-memory alloys (SMA) or piezoceramics) as integral actuating devices for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) hinges, thereby providing mobility as well as actuation to a wide range of mechanisms used in industrial, automotive and aircraft systems. A single DOF hinge is used in which smart materials are used both for actuation and for performance enhancement. The hinge consists of a tang and clevis, two conical inserts, one push block, one bolt and nut, and two washers. Assembly takes place by first putting the push block inside the clevis and putting the tang in place, then inserting the cones, inserting a bolt in the cones and finally tightening the bolt in this arrangement together with the nut to a specified torque. The amount of torque applied is related to the amount of preload in the undisturbed configuration of the hinge and the expansion of the conical inserts required to initiate rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: An extendible tool holder having one end adapted for attachment to the shank of a drill bit and the other end adapted for attachment to a spindle. The tool holder includes an elongate shaft portion having a hexagonal cross-section slideably disposed within a sleeve portion. Each face of the shaft portion has a plurality of ball detent rests in the for of circular indentations therein. The distance of the detent rests from the end of the shaft are different from one another on adjacent faces of the shaft. Staggering the detent rest spacing by deploying the detent rests on adjacent faces of the shaft enables adjustable extension of the tool holder without sacrificing structural integrity. A hollow cylindrical sleeve having ball detents therewithin and a spring-loaded ball detent releasing collet thereupon slides telescopically over the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible sign board for blade signs is provided. The sign board has a frame with a mounting bracket that is connected to a resilient support. The resilient support is a plurality of springs connected to a shelf or the wall bracket according to the desired application. The springs support and maintain the sign frame perpendicular to the wall or shelf it the sign is attached to and thereby provides a "swing away" effect of the sign when bumped into or pushed out of the consumers way. The flexible sign frame and mounting thereof will not obstruct the consumer aisle, and thereby enables the increased visibility of the displayed items from a further distance. The Flexible sign board system provides the ability to adapt the sign board to an infinite variety of varying shelf depths without using or taking away valuable retail shelf space.

Abstract: The rotary wrist motion hand tool of the present invention includes a grip member having an insert and a bit holder having an attachment member. The attachment member has one end formed by two opposed prongs with a recess between the prongs for slidingly receiving one end of the insert. Both prongs have apertures through their centers which are aligned with a hole in the insert. The insert and the attachment member are rotatably attached by passing a pin through the apertures of the prongs and the hole of the insert. In circumstances requiring high torque, the operator may manually rotate the grip member of the hand tool ninety degrees so that the longitudinal axes of the insert and the attachment member are perpendicular.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manually operated fixing clip for joining together removably and so that they can pivot two elements one of which carries the clip and the other a rod forming a pivot pin. The clip has a flexible lip forming, together with another lip, an elastic pinching slit for the entrance of the rod into a housing. A movable bar connected to the clip by elastic tags is placed between two lips either to move them apart sufficiently to allow the rod to leave, or to block the flexible lip in order to prevent the rod from leaving, depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: A knee hinge with selectively limited motion which optionally limits an available flexion range of a user's knee to approximately 24 degrees so that a user will not fall should the user buckle at the knees. The hinge may be released to provide for a greater range of knee flexion which will allow a user to sit down in a conventional manner. The approximately 24 degree limit of the flexion range is automatically re-engaged when the user's knee is straightened. The hinge provides a spring mechanism for assisting weak knee muscles. The hinge also allows a small degree of knee hyperextension for the purpose of allowing the user to assume and maintain a safe standing position.

Abstract: A snap-in attachment of a headband or other support means for a hearing-protection cup is described. The snap-in contact comprises a sliding pin (6) the journal section (7) of which is oval or elliptical in cross section, and a jaw element with two resiliently deformable jaws (11, 12). The inner walls (21, 22) of the jaws (11, 12) and the wall section (20) connecting them define a locking space (13). The journal section (7) of the sliding pin can be inserted into the locking space (13) against a resilient counter member only in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the journal section (7) and is thus lockable between the jaws (11, 12) in a first locked position. After being turned (angle .alpha.) against another resilient counter member, the sliding pin is locked by its journal section (7) in the locking space (13) in a second locked position, in which it is pivotable to a limited extent (sector with angle .beta.).

Abstract: A coupling system for joining articulated fence segments at a desired relative angle.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing including first and second housing members. The first housing member is selectively rotatable relative to the second housing member between first and second operating positions. The longitudinal axis of the first housing member is disposed at a substantially 90.degree. angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first housing member when in the first operating position. The longitudinal axis of the first housing member is disposed substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second housing member when in the second operating position. An actuator includes a locking arm selectively engagable with the first housing member for retaining the member in a selected operating position when in engagement therewith.

Abstract: The swivel joint for a support arm adjustably receiving an appliance, lighting fixture or the like, in which hoses, cables, lines or the like can be passed through the support arm and the swivel joint and can be fixed to the swivel joint and to the support arm; the swivel joint has two joint shells (3, 4), which are limitedly rotatable about a common axis (2) and are held together axially, each having one tubular outrigger arm (5, 6) for connection to one support tube segment (7) each, and both joint shells (3, 4) can be released by an actuation element (8) to move them into various rotary positions and can be locked in the particular rotated position.

Abstract: An adjustable connection link is provided between the dobby and the first crank lever of the control rods of each loom heddle frame. The connection link consists of two tubular bars of hollow aluminum alloy section pieces, preferably of rectangular cross-section. There is at least one internal rib that is perpendicular to the major sides of the rectangle. The section pieces, moreover, are cut away along opposing sides at their adjacent ends in order to expose the corresponding parts of their internal ribs. These are kept pressed, one against the other, in an adjustable position by a bolt. The bolt is threaded into one end of the section piece and passes through a slotted hole in the corresponding end of the other section piece.

Abstract: A rack structure mounted to a vehicular hitch socket is provided to include a first support tube received within the hitch socket, with a second support tube pivotally mounted in a selective latching arrangement relative to the first support tube, with a third support tube fixedly and orthogonally mounted to the second support tube containing a plurality of hook legs thereon for engaging a bicycle frame for support of the bicycle relative to the rack apparatus.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of this disclosure is directed to an antenna connector for a cellular telephone, where such antenna may be rotated from a first position to a second position, such as "use" and "rest" positions, where the preferred rotation extent is about 90.degree.. The connector comprises a fixed support member and a circular housing member mounted therein for rotative movement between such first and second positions. The fixed support member is defined by first and second major faces having a circular opening extending therebetween for receiving the circular housing member, and at least one arcuate recess along the first major face adjacent said opening, where the length thereof extends between the first and second positions. The circular housing member includes a reduced diameter portion extending from one end thereof to an annular shoulder, where the reduced diameter portion is received within the circular opening up to the shoulder.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a prosthetic rib (10) which is adjustable in length through relatively minor surgical procedures subsequent to initial implantation along with methods for using same in the treatment of chest wall deformities and scoliosis and in immobilizing fractured ribs. The prosthetic rib (10) is designed for secure attachment to existing natural ribs (12) in a manner which minimizes constricture thereof, provides substantial torsional stability, and permits the prosthesis to accommodate traumatic impact thereto while resisting fracture of the associated natural ribs (12).

Abstract: A working cylinder which operates without a piston rod, comprising a cylinder tube, a piston which is displaceable therein and is provided with a pulling means, and a force transmission element which is connected with the pulling means and guided in axial displacement on the cylinder tube. In order to minimize the mounting work for the external attachment of the pulling means and at the same time increase the dependability of operation, the pulling means (1) is provided on the ends thereof connected to the force transmission element (2) with clamping pieces (3) which are provided with a toothed surface (5) on at least one outer side (4) and the force transmission element (2) is provided with a correspondingly toothed surface (6) against which the side (4) of the corresponding clamping piece (3) having the toothed surface (5) can be pressed via a pressing element (7). The corresponding toothed surface of the force transmission element (2) is longer than the clamping pieces (3) to allow for adjustment.

Abstract: A cable length adjustment device comprising an elongated member, a locking member formed to prevent translatory movement of the elongated member when in a first locked position, and allow for translatory movement of the elongated member in a second unlocked position, and a housing substantially encasing the locking member.

Abstract: A bracketless extension rod includes a locking mechanism for holding the rod in place between two opposing support surfaces. The rod includes an inner rod section telescopingly fitted within channel means formed on a outer rod section. The locking mechanism includes a locking plate slidably received within the channel means and a tang means affixed to the locking plate. An extendable lever mechanism is attached to the inner rod section and to the locking plate. The tang permits the rod sections to move only in the direction of extension of the rod by engagement with opposing walls of the channel means. When extended, the lever mechanism places the rod in compression between two opposing supporting surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rocking device of a folding knife, which makes folding work easy and reduces the play between a blade and a holding handle. A round hole(21) and anchor notches(211), (212) are formed at the root portion of the blade(2) and a support sheet portion(42) is accommodated in the round hole(21) through a substantially criss-cross anchor plate member(41) and a compression spring(5), and the anchor member(41) is fixed to a drum sheet portion(11) of the holding handle(1) by fixing pins(3). When the back of the root portion of the blade(2) is pushed under the open state of the knife, the blade(2) deviates against the force of the spring(5) so that an anchor projection(411) of the anchor sheet member(41) that has been meshed with an anchor notch(211) of the blade(2) is disengaged from the notch(211) and the blade(2) is now able to rotate with respect to the holding handle(1).

Abstract: The locking device may either be used with a conventional liftgate support or incorporated into the design of the liftgate support, to retain a hatchback-type door of a vehicle in an open position. The locking device of the present invention is for use with a liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door in an open position even in cold weather or after the liftgate support has worn out. The liftgate support includes a housing cylinder and an elongated piston rod. The elongated piston rod is slidably positionable relative to the housing cylinder, one end of the elongated piston rod being received within the housing cylinder. The locking device is secured to the housing cylinder by two-sided tape proximate to where the elongated piston rod is received by the housing cylinder.

Abstract: An arm for a door closer includes a shaft rotatable about a first axis. The arm includes a first arm member having a first end connected to the shaft and rotatable therewith. A second arm member has a first end pivotably connected to a second end of the first arm member and a second end pivotably connected to a mounting bracket. The second arm member includes an open ended axially movable housing member having radially inwardly extending detent. A clamp has a first end forming the first end of the second arm and a second and forming radially expandable jaws of the clamp. The detent on the housing when disposed in a first axial position maintains the jaws in a closed position and when moved to a second axial position permits the jaws to radially expand. A link has a first end forming the second end of the second arm and a second end. A joining member is connected to the second end of the link and extends towards the clamp.

Abstract: A shaft coupling for a tubular shaft and a member with a collar is disclosed. The shaft coupling includes a U-shaped spacer which has a length such that the spacer can be properly located in the tubular shaft easily. The spacer also includes flares to keep the spacer in place during assembly and operation.

Abstract: A locking assembly (10) having a female member (12) and a male member (22) particularly suited for use in an automotive arm rest. The female member (12) has a receiving cavity (14) with opposing and spaced walls (16a, 16b) extending along a receiving axis (18). The female member defines a plurality of locking recesses (20) spaced along the axis (18) on one wall (16a) of the cavity (14). The male member (22) has a plurality of tines (24) spaced apart longitudinally therealong for snapping into the recesses (20) to retain the male member (22) in the cavity (14). The assembly (10) is characterized by the female member (12) presenting a plurality of biasing beams (26) independent from one another and spaced along the opposite wall (16b) of the cavity (14) for respectively engaging the tines (24) to retain one tine (24) in each of the recesses (20 ).

Abstract: A drilling tool is made up of a holder and a drilling member detachably connected together. One of the holder and the drilling member telescopes into the other. Resilient tab-like parts on one of the holder and the drill member engages within recesses in the other for effecting a rotatably locked connection between them. Accordingly, torque can be transmitted through the drilling tool by the tab-like parts and the recesses for effecting a drilling operation. The holder and drilling member can be disconnected without the use of any auxiliary tools.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank with a fuel level sensor is disclosed including a housing rotatably supporting a molded crank arm and a pivotal float rod attached thereto. The crank arm has a bore for insertion of one end of the crank arm and an apertured metal insert molded therein for providing a gripping interference fit between the inserted rod and the crank arm.

Abstract: A light fixture collapsible for shipping has rotatable and axially-displaceable arms that are resiliently urged toward a central body such that when the arms are re-aligned with the body upon unpacking the fixture, the resilient means urges a positioning pin to lock the arm in place. The fixture has a hollow body with a peripheral wall against which a plurality of arms are to extend radially outward. A post on one of the arm and the body extends into the other of the arm and the body, making the arms rotatable about their axes. A positioning pin on the arm and a hole in the body, or vice versa, engage when the arm is in alignment. A helical spring urges the arm toward the body.

Abstract: A cabinet construction for domestic appliances is provided in which four vertical side panels are secured to a horizontal base panel and each other by interlocking slot and tab means and two restraining bars securing the top ends of the side panels. A top panel is securable by slot and tab means and resilient snap fasteners so that the entire cabinet can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. One or more of the side panels can be removed during operation of the appliance to view the interior mechanism for assistance in servicing.

Abstract: A lightweight foldable stool formed with a top that is hinged along a mid-line and hinged on its underside to telescopic legs.

Abstract: A chair rest member supported upon a back post includes a spring-urged laterally shiftable lever journalled within a housing carried by the rest member. A cutout in the back post includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock recesses selectively engageable by an offset catch on the lever to fixedly retain the rest member at a selected elevation.