Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic brace having a rotatable hinge and a detent mechanism to automatically, yet releasably, lock the hinge in a fixed position of rotation. The hinge includes two rotatably attached members and the detent mechanism includes an indentation formed in the attached end of one member and a block pivotally mounted on the other member. The block has a locking projection that is biased toward the indentation and cooperates therewith to provide three positions of operation, a locked position, a release position, and an activated position. In the locked position, the locking projection fittingly engages the indentation, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the hinge. The release position displaces the locking projection a radial distance away from the indentation, thereby permitting the hinge to rotate freely.

Abstract: A display device for removably displaying signs, posters and other advertising displays at varying viewing angles. The display device includes a base member having a cavity therein, a holder member positionable within said cavity, and an attachment member for attaching an insert to the holder. The display device also includes a frictional orientation mechanism for adjusting the pivotal relationship of the base member and holder member, so that the viewing angle of the insert may be adjusted.

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

Abstract: An extendable/retractable torque bar with four functioning parts is given. The torque bar consists of an elongated hollow sleeve member, an elongated torque rod member with a series of notches on one longitudinal surface, a pivoting locking member held in a cavity of the hollow sleeve member with one end engaging a notch of the torque rod member and a spring for exerting a bias to the pivoting locking member keeping it engaged with a notch of the torque rod at all times.The torque bar will automatically extend as separational forces are applied on its elongated members producing an automatic locking arrangement as each next notch in the series is encountered and producing an audible signal as each next notch is encountered. A further adaptation to the pivoting locking member and the rear most notch prevents accidental separation of the torque rod member from the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: Links are useful for supporting and positioning spaced apart housing relative to each other. To allow for tolerance stackup the length of the link needs to be adjustable and still be strong enough to withstand high forces. The subject adjustable link includes a first end portion removably attached to a axle structure and a second end portion attached to a ripper structure. The second end portion includes an eccentric cam which is rotatable to adjust the length of the link. When the cam is properly adjusted it is moved into contact with a locking plate on the ripper structure to prevent rotation. A spacer washer is positioned between the cam and the ripper structure to prevent disengagement of the cam from the ripper structure. This arrangement of components provides for adjusting the length of a link and provides a locking structure which will withstand the high forces in the structure.

Abstract: A drawer has two drawer side frames to each of which a pull-out rail of a drawer guide assembly is releasably fastened. Each pull-out rail has at its rear end a hook by means of which it is engageable in the drawer. The drawer is provided with catch elements which engage on each side in a recess of the pull-out rail and abut on a catch edge of the pull-out rail. Each drawer frame has a hook member which receives the front end of the pull-out rail. Further, a number of stop surfaces staggered in a direction inclined to the pull-out direction of the drawer are formed on the catch elements. One of these stop surfaces abuts on the catch edge.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a base having end edges along which extend toothed racks for engagement of a clamping bar having meshing detents on its end portions, the clamping bar providing a guide track for a DIY mat cutter. The base is invertible to present English system and metric system distance-measuring features on its opposite side surfaces.

Abstract: A collapsible tent frame having two side frames connected with three lengthwise connecting tubes and four lengthwise locating tubes, each side frame consisting of two sloping-down top tubes connected with an angle-adjustable joint, two intermediate tubes connected with a one-direction adjustable joint to keep an upper tube sloping down and a lower tube upright and two leg tubes respectively connected with an upright tube of the intermediate tubes, which is connected with one of the sloping-down tubes, each leg tube having a caster to stand and move on the ground, the caster having a fixing pedal for securing it on something to keep it immovable.

Abstract: A side-looking reflector attachment has a helical thread on the borescope or endoscope the reflector attachment can be rotated to any angular position by drawing the housing distally to move a retaining pin in the housing out of engagement with a recess in a threaded retaining ring. The housing and the mirror can be rotated to align the mirror with the probe imager. Then, the housing is released and the retaining pin then enters a recess at a new position. This arrangement renders the side looking attachment interchangeable from one probe to another.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for controlling the height of a chair back relative to a chair seat. A vertical member contains a centrally located camming slot that is elongated in a vertical direction and has a series of notches located along one side and a smooth surface located along the other side. The top and bottom of the camming slot contain downwardly directed camming surfaces. The back adjustment plate includes a centrally located horizontal slot. A guide pin is positioned within the slot and is supported by an S-shaped leaf spring. When the guide pin is moved in either direction away from the central axis of the slot, the spring causes the pin to be biased in the direction that the pin has been moved away from. In order to raise the chair back relative to the seat, the chair back is grasped by the user and pulled in an upward direction whereupon the pin is urged in the direction of the notches and registers in each of the notches as the chair back is moved in an upward direction.

Abstract: A connector comprising two components, a male component and a female component, the female component comprising securing element for securing the male component to a member and comprising at least a pair of arms spaced from one another and moveable towards one another and carrying fastening elements on the surfaces of the arms closest the other arm (i.e. between the arms) and a male component comprising a projection having a leading and rearward end carrying complementary fastening elements on the outer surface of the projection proximate the leading end for mating with the fastening elements of the two arms when the projection is pushed between the arms and the arms are clamped over the projection, the rearward end of the male component carrying slideable bushing means for riding over the two arms when they are clamped over the projection thereby providing a secure connection between the two, and connecting the rearward end to the other member to which the member is connected.

Abstract: A clamping system for use in supporting automotive vehicles in secured relation above a floor surface includes an adjustable height pedestal having a base member with a ram member entered in sliding relation therein. Laterally inclined convergent internal side walls serve as guides to keep in mutually centered relation a pair of vertically extending mating faces of the base member and the ram member. These mating faces have laterally extending tooth members standing proud of their surfaces in mutually interengageable relation to lock the members together against vertical displacement. Clearance within the base member sufficient for the lateral disengagement of the respective tooth members permits vertical adjustment of the ram member relative to the base. Jacking screws extending laterally within the base serve to hold the ram member in tooth engaged relation with the mating face of the base, in a locked, pre-set position of a predetermined height.

Abstract: A divider for dividing a space, such as the interior of suitcases, drawers and the like, into individual smaller compartments of various dimensions. The divider includes a main divider of a fixed length, which divides the space into halves. A front and a rear sub-divider co-operate with the main divider for further dividing the halves into smaller compartments. Extension members co-operate with the main divider and the front sub-divider to alter their fixed lengths.

Abstract: A hook-on adjustable step and cargo platform for vehicles comprised of an upper rectangular load supporting platform member or step, two adjustable triangular support braces, and two readily interchangeable rectangular hooks. Each triangular support brace is adjustably retained in a parallel lengthwise channel on the bottom surface of the platform member. When the platform is in-use, one vertical surface of each triangular brace rest against the front of a vehicle bumper. The triangular braces can be readily adjusted forward or rearward in relative position to the two hooks. The two hooks are removably affixed to the front end of the platform member facing the bumper, one directly in front of each of the triangular braces, positioned to be hooked-over the back edge of the top surface of the bumper. The hooks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, a lengths to accommodate a variety of styles and thicknesses of materials used in manufacturing bumpers.

Abstract: In an airtight shelter or container having an impermeable flexible base sheet sealed to an impermeable flexible cover sheet by an inflatable tubular seal within a slotted tubular frame, the slotted tubular frame is formed of lengths of slotted tube secured together by a flexible part annular locking element having a lug or projection resiliently engaging in aligned transverse apertures through mated slotted tubes.

Abstract: A rod connecting mechanical attachments whose positions in space and distances between each other are variable includes a rod carrying a grommet engageable by a pin located on one of the attachments and a pin formed on an adjustable member adapted to engage a grommet or other suitable mechanical attachment. The rod is connected to a housing by way of tangs located in rectangular slots, whereby the axial and angular position of the rod and housing are established. An adjuster is biased by a spring so that a tang formed on the adjuster contacts the end of a slotted hole formed in the housing. A lock has flexible legs extending downward into contact with stops and detents formed on the housing, and includes teeth formed on an inner bore adapted to engage teeth formed on the adjuster. Rotation of the lock causes the lock to engage the adjuster and to establish the axial position of the adjuster relative to the housing and lower attachment.

Abstract: A system for securing a member, such as a shelf, to a vertical support column and holding the member in a desired position on the column includes a rotary sleeve system whose resistance to downward motion is directly proportional to the downward force applied. A conical frustum shaped collar having an integral pin extending inwardly from its inside surface rests on top of a split conical frustum shaped sleeve having configurations in the split to receive the pin in one of two positions, an unlocked position and a locked position. A horizontal portion of the slit may be provided for restricting downward motion of the collar with respect to the sleeve to maintain the split in an open configuration, allowing free movement of the rotary sleeve system up or down the vertical column.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism is provided for manually positioning and releasably locking a chair backrest in a desired vertical position relative to the chair seat. The mechanism comprises a guide rigidly secured to an upright backrest support frame of a chair and a channel rigidly secured to the backrest. The channel is mounted for vertical sliding movement on the guide. The channel comprises a slot having a plurality of vertically arranged notches along one vertical edge of the slot, an inclined surface sloping downwardly from the lowest notch at the bottom end of the slot, and a cam surface, partially straight and partially curved, extending upwardly along the other vertical edge of the slot from the lower end of the inclined surface to the highest notch. A latch bar is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin on the guide and has a latch pin extending into the slot.

Abstract: An excavating shovel having pivotally interconnected back and front sections and wherein the front section has a torque tube supported by bushing means on the back section and wherein the torque tube is equipped with radially extending moment arm means for pivotal actuation of the front section toward and away from the back section.

Abstract: A foldable wheel support enables setting in operative position or retracting supporting wheels for boats even in high sea conditions, without disassembling or reassembling, and with space saving on the boat. The support has a first tube secured to the boat to which a second tube carrying the wheel is hinged such that the first and second tubes can be aligned. A third tube is inserted inside the first and second tubes, enabling folding or holding the first and second tubes in aligned position. A rope, and optionally a handle, enable folding and unfolding.

Abstract: A drill assembly or auger for forming a hole in a surface such as ice and having a readily extendible and retractable shank assembly. The shank assembly has first and second longitudinal shank members. One shank member is telescopically engagable in the other shank member and moveable between a first relatively retracted configuration of the shank assembly and a second relatively extended configuration of the shank assembly.First and second coupling members are located at longitudinally spaced intervals on said shank assembly for coupling the shank member having cutting means to the shank member with operating structure upon operation of the operating structure to rotate the shank assembly in a direction to form a hole selectively in the first and second positions respectively.The coupling members are releasable for telescopic movement of the shank members between positions by rotation of the shank member having the operating structure in a direction opposite that necessary to form a hole.

Abstract: A seat slide structure includes upper and lower interfitting track members, with the upper track member mounting plastic slides to slidably support it on the lower track member for horizontal movement to various adjusted positions. A latch member is movably mounted within the upper track member and includes a first portion interfitting with the slides to locate the latch member laterally of the upper track member and second oppositely extending portions which extend outwardly of the upper track member through vertical elongated openings to locate the latch member longitudinally of the upper track member. The second portions are cooperable with notches of the lower track member to adjustably lock the upper track member in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting an article such as a dispenser for toilet tank chemicals on a vertical wall member such as a toilet tank at a predetermined height adjustably selected by the user. The hanger includes a means for securing its uppermost end to the wall member, a bayonet member, a channel means into which the bayonet member inserts, at least one resiliently deformable projection located along a longitudinal edge of either the bayonet member or the channel means and a multiplicity of spaced, projection receiving means, complementary to the projection, located on a longitudinal edge of the other of either the bayonet member or the channel means and in the same plane as the projection. The projection extends outwardly from the longitudinal edge and is resiliently deformable in the plane of the member to which it is attached. The hanger is manually adjusted by the movement of the resiliently deformable projections between the projection receiving means.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for use with an office chair, such as a secretarial chair, to allow vertical adjustment of the seat back. The mechanism includes a slide which is mounted on the chair back and is vertically slidably supported on an upright which projects from the seat portion of the chair. The slide has a latching lever pivotally mounted thereon and spring-urged into engagement with one of a series of notches formed along one side of an elongated slot formed in the upright. The notches, together with the latching projection formed on the lever, are defined by upper and lower edge surfaces which are individually generated about a centerpoint which is coincident with the pivot axis of the lever to maintain the chair back securely latched when either upward or downward external forces are imposed thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure relates a torque-transmitting extension device which has an adjustable length so that only a single extension is required to drivably access rotatable members from various distances.

Abstract: A quick release locking mechanism suitable for use as a cymbal retainer includes an adaptor threadably enageable on a cymbal support rod. A collar member adjustably positionable along the adaptor has a tapered socket aperture for accommodating a spherical keeper element. A locking ring surrounding the collar includes a circumferential camming surface rotationally displaceable for selectively urging the spherical element into engagement with the adaptor to secure the collar. An eccentric channel portion provides a pocket for receiving the spherical element to release the collar.

Abstract: A lightweight display device capable of vertical adjustment to desired height having a display frame attached to one end of a rod whose other end is formed with a pair of resilient arms having a plurality of teeth for the outer surface. The rod is positioned for ratchet-like vertical movement within a hollow tube having a threaded inner surface which engages with the teeth. The frame can be raised or lowered, along the length of the rod, by extending a vertical force thereto sufficient to deflect the arms of the rod away from the threads of the tube. When the vertical force is removed, the teeth re-engage with the threads to support the display frame at the desired height.

Abstract: An extensible torque bar is provided. The torque bar comprises an elongated torque sleeve having a channel therein. A drive engagement means is provided at one end of the sleeve for engaging a drive tool, e.g. a ratchet wrench, for applying torque to the sleeve. An elongated torque rod is provided having a portion of the length of the rod adapted to slidably and nonrotatably mate within the channel of the torque sleeve. A driven engagement means is provided at one end of the rod for engaging a driven tool, e.g. a socket wrench, for applying torque to the tool. The rod has internal screw threads along the portion of its length which is adapted to slidably and nonrotatably mate within the channel. A cylindrical adjustment member, rotatably and longitudinally mounted to the sleeve, is provided having external screw threads cooperably engaging the internal screw threads on the rod. When the cylindrical adjustment member is rotated the rod extends from or retracts into the sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable bed frame having a pair of side rails interconnected by a pair of adjustable cross rail assemblies. The cross rail assemblies each include a pair of rails of L-shaped cross section. A fastenerless latch mechanism is provided for retaining the cross rails in a position of adjustment. The latch mechanism comprises a headed protrusion extending from one of the cross rails and fitted within a slot of the other rail and a protrusion on the other rail fitted within an aperture of the first rail, the two protrusions being located on mutually perpendicular legs of the respective rails. The two cross rails are locked in this assembled relation by a pivotable latch fixedly secured to one of the rails and movable into a position of engagement with the rails so as to secure their respective protrusions against relative movement.

Abstract: An adjustable length upper guide member for the hitch attachment of a tractor has an outer tubular guide element within which is telescopingly positioned an inner guide element so as to be relatively displaceable thereto. A housing on the outer guide element has a pair of jaws pivotally mounted therein and the jaws each have first arms which are engageable with annular grooves on the inner guide element and second arms which form actuating cams facing each other. An operating lever has an eccentric portion within the housing and one side of the eccentric portion is engageable against the housing and the other side of the eccentric portion engageable with the actuating cams so that pivoting of the lever causes the eccentric portion to act upon the cams and pivot the jaws to a disengaged position. A support lever is pivotally connected to the operating lever so as to support the operating lever in the position in which the jaws are disengaged.

Abstract: In a drilling machine, a rod-like stop member is mounted on the machine housing for limiting the extent to which a tool held in the machine can drill into a receiving surface. A handle lever, fitted on the housing, releasably locks the stop member in the desired position. The handle lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and has a specially shaped end surface which, in cooperation with a pressure plate, affords the locking engagement with the stop member. The locking engagement is provided by corrugated surfaces on the pressure plate and the stop member. The specially shaped end surface assures that the locked engagement cannot be released until a form-locking engagement between the pressure plate and stop member is overcome.

Abstract: Valve operating system which is particularly suitable for use in the remote control of valves such as the function control valves of a crane or loading apparatus. The system includes output shafts for connection to the operating levers of the valves and input shafts disposed telescopically of the output shafts. A drive motor is connected to the input shafts for moving the same in unison along their axes, the detent means are provided for selectively locking the input and output shafts in each pair together. The detent means are operated by electrically energized solenoids which can be controlled remotely, e.g. from a hand held control unit connected to the remainder of the system by a cable.

Abstract: The side connector in a nonskid tire chain of this invention improves the invention of the herein identified copending application by providing spaced apart transverse bars, one carried by a bar-receiving member having an opening therein and the other by a bar-shaped member of substantial length slidable in the slot. Such construction provides supports for detachable elastic means extending between the transverse bars and relatively yieldingly urging the bar-receiving and bar-shaped members toward retracted position. One of the spaced bars extends between the walls of the bar-receiving member and the other projects on both sides of the bar-shaped member. The detachable elastic has a longitudinal slot so that an end portion can span each of the projections of the bar carried by the bar-shaped member and the other end portion can span the bar carried by the bar-receiving member.

Abstract: An adjustable and foldable bed frame includes a pair of side rails and a pair of end rails extending transversely between the side rails. Each end rail includes a pair of elongated elements, with each of the elements having one end secured to a corresponding side rail and the other end of each element is in slidable relationship to the other element. The elements are releasably locked together by means of a protrusion on one element which is receivable in an opening in the other element. The opening defines a plurality of teeth, and the element with the protrusion has a spring loaded pawl member which is received in the opening and engages the teeth one at a time and permits the elements to be moved inwardly toward one another, while engagement between the pawl and the teeth prevents the elements from moving outwardly relative to one another.

Abstract: A machine tool feed screw assembly has a lubricant bath disposed in the ball screw support assembly and in retractable enclosures surrounding the feed screw on either side thereof, and flows freely through the ball screw support assembly from one enclosure to the other with movement of the feed screw assembly.

Abstract: An adjustably lockable bar hanger support for mounting a ceiling box or the like to a floor/ceiling joist includes a male and a female support member each being generally L-shaped and each having a generally elongate leg adapted for slidable telescoping engagement with the elongate leg of the other member and a relatively short leg adapted for attachment to the joist. As preferably embodied, the male member elongate leg is slidable within the female member elongate leg, and the female member is formed with a detent tab of its elongate leg, which is adapted to be deflected into a receiving aperture formed in the elongate leg of the male member for locking the male and female members in assembled relationship when the tab and aperture are aligned. Advantageously, at least two receiving apertures are formed in the male member elongate leg at locations which, when positioned adjacent the detent tab, correspond to predetermined inter-joist spacings.

Abstract: An adjustable length upper guide member for the hitch attachment of a tractor has an outer tubular guide element within which is telescopingly positioned an inner guide element so as to be relatively displaceable thereto. A housing on the outer guide element has a pair of jaws pivotally mounted therein and the jaws each have first arms which are engageable with annular grooves on the inner guide element and second arms which form actuating cams facing each other. A lever has an eccentric portion within the housing and one side of the eccentric portion is engageable against the housing and the other side of the eccentric portion engageable with the actuating cams so that pivoting of the lever causes the eccentric portion to act upon the cams and pivot the jaws to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A clip secure a roofing ridge- or hip-cap to a building structure. The lower part of the clip is anchored to the building structure and the upper part passes between adjacent cap pieces, forming the continuous roof capping, and overlies the upper surfaces of both cap pieces. The clip is adjustable to suit the requirements of individual applications.

Abstract: An article hold-down device is disclosed which is capable of restraining movement of a heavy article away from a supporting platform. The hold-down device includes a lower clamping member adaptable to be secured to the platform, an upper clamping member having a projection thereon adaptable to be positioned into a close overlapping orientation with respect to the article, and a coupling member for quickly permitting vertical adjustment of the upper clamping member on the lower clamping member and for positively connecting the clamping members together upon reaching the close, overlapping orientation and to provide a secured condition of the article. The hold-down device is particularly adaptable to restrain vertical movement of a battery on a vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a telescoping mast hingeably and removably affixed at the base portion thereof to the deck of a sailboat. A series of inwardly spring biased spheres engage recesses in adjacent telescoping elements of the mast thereby releasably maintaining the mast in an extended position. Each telescoping section of the mast is provided with a longitudinal slot, used to engage a plurality of outwardly radially extending mainsail securing tabs. Circular or elliptical mast cross-sections may be employed, utilizing a flexible line running over the mast top to raise and lower the mainsail.

Abstract: An adjustable seat-back mechanism for use with a secretarial chair or the like to allow vertical adjustment of the chair's seat back from among a series of discrete vertical locations. The mechanism includes a bracket attached to the seat back, a pivotal lever attached to the bracket and a mounting bar with edge notches that are engageable by the lever to define the discreet vertical locations. The lever is easily operated to allow quick and effortless movement of the seat-back.

Abstract: A frame for hanging file folders is adjustable both longitudinally and laterally. Longitudinal rails for suspending the folders are in detented engagement with through sockets in side members of end frames, the side members of the end frames being connected by telescopic cross members.

Abstract: On a shaft fitting member, a plurality of hooked shaft guide pieces of an appropriately resilient plastic material are disposed alternately along the opposite edges of the shaft fitting member confrontingly at staggered positions. In the space formed inside the shaft guide pieces thus confrontingly disposed, there is inserted a plastic shaft having a raised strip with parallel edge faces each adapted to keep sliding contact with the horizontal face of the hooks of the shaft guide pieces on its side. One edge face of said raised strip is provided with one sawtooth projection permitting the shaft to slide only in the push direction and a plurality of trapezoidal projections permitting the shaft to be locked at any of as many selected positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying the contents of aerosol spray cans includes a pair of telescopingly related housings so that the length of the apparatus can be varied as desired. The aerosol can is mounted on one end of one of the housings, and a handle is provided on the opposite end of the other housing. The valve of the aerosol can is operated by a pair of actuator rods which are telescopingly engaged within the housings, and a latch releasably locks the actuator rods in the desired position.

Abstract: A bed frame of the knockdown type having a pair of side rails and at least one connected adjustable end crossbar cooperable to provide a supporting frame structure for an associated box spring, in which brackets on the side rails are formed to provide sockets for respectively laterally receiving associated end portions of a crossbar therein into seated position where coacting parts respectively on the brackets and crossbar have interlocking engagement and function to retain the end portion of the crossbar against endwise withdrawal from the associated socket.The crossbar and side rail connection, as noted above, provides an extremely rigid box-like structure which permits frame-supporting leg assemblies to be mounted on the crossbar at a sufficiently inwardly spaced position from the side rail to avoid possible injurious striking of the bare foot or stubbing of toes thereon.

Abstract: A lock for a height-adjustable crib or playpen requires two distinct manual operations in order to release the lock on each crib leg. Each lock includes a rigid metal bracket which engages around the extensible part of the leg and is pivotally connected to a crib corner post. The bracket has a nose which projects into one of a series of openings in the extensible part of the leg then the bracket is swung against the leg part to prevent movement of the leg part relative to the post. The upper edge of the bracket is slotted to receive a latch pivotally connected to the corner post just above the bracket. The latch drops into the slot when the nose is engaged in one of the openings so that the bracket cannot be moved.