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: A telescopic flagpole for reducing the manual force required to extend and secure multiple segments. The flagpole includes a plurality of segments including a bottom segment, at least one intermediate segment, and a top segment; a plurality of sleeve assemblies each positioned between an associated pairing of a relatively lower segment and a relatively higher segment; and a plurality of biasing members each urging an associate one of the segments toward an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support apparatus or accessory capable of attaching to an article, such as a ladder via mating and locking of a primary attachment member connected to the support and a complementary secondary attachment member securable to the ladder. In a preferred form, the support is an adjustable length support for levelling a ladder on an uneven surface. The adjustable length support comprises a fixed component and a moveable component that moves relative to the fixed component to thereby adjust a length of the adjustable length support. The moveable member is securable at a desired length by a securing means.

Abstract: A tool is provided and includes a hook member which is attached to an extendable and retractable pole member, and a retainer which can retain the pole member in a collapsed position. The hook member is used to twist a short portion of a workpiece around a long portion of a workpiece in order to secure the short portion to the long portion when the workpiece is hung from an overhead support member. The retainer retains an inner pole of the pole member within an outer pole of the pole member when the pole member is in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A push-lock handle assembly includes segments that are interconnected by axial movement using snap-in D-shaped tabs and recesses. Slits and grooves allow the tabs to deflect slightly inwardly during insertion. In another form there is a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section. Simple axial movement snap locks the parts together.

Abstract: A telescoping assembly allows the length of an assembly to be readily adjusted. Desirably, the telescoping assembly is used in connection with a table to allow the height of the table to be easily adjusted. The telescoping assembly preferably includes one or more projections formed in telescoping members and the projections provide accurate, low friction contact areas between the telescoping members. Preferably, first and second plurality of projections are provided, and these plurality of projections can be located on either the same telescoping member or different telescoping members. The plurality of projections are preferably evenly distributed about the telescoping members and separated by a given distance, but the projections may be located in any suitable positions and the telescoping assembly can have any appropriate number of projections.

Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.

Abstract: Each one of telescopic units (12) that are used for a tripod includes a first tubular member (15). A second tubular member (16) is inserted in the first tubular member (15) so as to be capable of rotating circumferentially and enabling the adjustment of the distance by which the second tubular member (16) projects from the first tubular member (15). Press receiving surface portions (25) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the first tubular member (15) are formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the first tubular member (15). Press applying surface portions (37) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the second tubular member (16) are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the second tubular member (16).

Abstract: The present invention consists of a device for fitting security gratings in a simple way, without any complicated walling operations and with no need of skilled workers. It permits to place a grating by means of two guides parallel each other, which represent the base and the top of the grating. Since they are provided with telescopic parts at their ends, they suit any span to be protected, ensuring a perfect fitting. This device and its fitting process can get, by the realization of an industrial product, the same effects obtained by the realization of a handmade product, but a very low costs and with considerable saving of time in fitting.

Abstract: A push broom having an extendable handle with an upper section slidably mounting a lower section with a compressible coil spring mounted therebetween for urging the lower section forward or away from the upper section. The lower section includes a bristle brush with an attachment fitting for threadably coupling with the lower section. Bushings carried on both the upper section and the lower section permit a smooth sliding relationship between the sections. A protective boot of the bellows type has opposite ends secured to the upper section and the lower section respectively and encloses the compressible coil spring.

Abstract: A joint for a telescoping rod includes a body having a cavity defined in the body to receive a sleeve in the body. A hole is longitudinally defined in a lower portion of the body and communicates with the cavity. The telescoping rod includes an outer tube securely inserted into the hole in the body and an inner tube inserted into the body. The inner tube penetrates the sleeve and is partially received in the outer tube. A locking member is rotatably mounted on the body and has a threaded rod screwed into the sleeve to cause the sleeve to make the inner tube securely abut the inner periphery of the outer tube.

Abstract: A retractable rod assembly includes outer and inner tubes, and a positioning device. An outer tube wall of the outer tube has two outer radial holes formed therein. An inner tube wall of the inner tube has two inner radial holes formed therein. The positioning device includes a mounting block and two spring-loaded retainers. The mounting block is disposed in the inner tube, and is formed with a pair of retainer passages respectively aligned with the inner radial holes. Each of the spring-loaded retainers, which are disposed respectively in the retainer passages, includes a retaining pin and a biasing member for biasing the retaining pin to extend out of aligned ones of the inner and outer radial holes to releasably secure the outer and inner tubes in an extended state.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable apparatus for displaying a flag or supporting an item such as an athletic net. The apparatus has a lower fixed tubular member and one or more telescopic sections which extend and are lockable in an extended position by keyed locking means. The telescopic members are extendible and retractable by means of a cable driven and guided through friction rollers.

Abstract: A telescopic extension for an electric household appliance comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a sleeve, at least one first constraining element, a thrusting slider, resilient elements and an actuating element; in the extension the sleeve is arranged between the inner tube and the outer tube having a cross-section of substantially constant diameter, the sleeve is provided with a longitudinal cavity and a recess formed on the bottom of the cavity, the thrusting slider is housed in the longitudinal cavity and retained radially by the outer tube, the thrusting slider is provided with at least one first slot and the resilient means are housed in the first slot of the thrusting slider and are engaged with a recess of the sleeve.

Abstract: A collapsible and telescopically constructed shovel. A scoop configured main body has a tubular member extending outwardly therefrom that slidably receives an elongated member of a handle. A latch pivotally mounted to the tubular member includes a pair of ridges extending into slots of the handle member and further includes a pair of hook shaped distal ends to secure the latch in either an erected or collapsed position.

Abstract: A collapsible cane for aiding a user to walk. The collapsible cane includes an elongate member. The elongate member has a plurality of tubular members. The tubular members include a plurality of intermediate tubular members extending between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The elongate member is telescoping. A handle means for carrying the elongate member includes a housing, which is coupled to the first tubular member. An extension system selectively secures the elongate member in an extended position. The extension system comprises a plurality of locking pins. The locking pins are adapted to selectively lock a tubular member in a fixed position with relation to an adjacent tubular member. A draw line is coupled to the locking pins and is adapted to selectively remove the locking pins and unlock a tubular member from the fixed position.

Abstract: A telescoping self-aligning tube having an inner tube dimensioned and configured to fit within an outer tube which is equipped with a guide slot for receiving a snap button, thereby preventing rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The guide slot allows the telescoping tube to self-align such that the user does not have to twist and maneuver the inner and outer tubes when changing the tube length in order to align a detent button with its detent hole. Embodiments include detent holes located both within and radially opposite with respect to the guide slot. A Foam insert may be located on both ends of the inner tube allow the telescoping tube to be buoyant. A special layer of rubberized or polymer coating protects the cleaned surface from abrasions due to contact with the telescoping tube.

Abstract: A stagelessly adjustable telescopic waking stick having a position retaining device is made up of an upper pipe and a lower pipe that are telescopically adjusted so as to permit the walking stick to be extended to any length within a limited range and be firmly retained at any selected length by the position retaining device so as to permit the telescopic walking stick to be suitable to people of various physical sizes.