Cam Or Wedge Patents (Class 403/109.5)
  • Patent number: 7954831
    Abstract: A scooter includes a main frame, a head tube mounted on the main frame, two side plates extending from the head tube and each having a first locking slot and a second locking slot, a handlebar stem mounted on the head tube, a mounting sleeve mounted on the handlebar stem, a locking tube movably mounted on the mounting sleeve and having two locking blocks each locked in the first locking slot or the second locking slot of the respective side plate, and a rotation tube mounted on the mounting sleeve and abutting the locking tube. Thus, the rotation tube can be rotated to move the locking tube relative to the head tube so as to lock or unlock the handlebar stem so that the user only needs to rotate the rotation tube to expand and collapse the handlebar stem easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Ching-Ho Yeh
  • Patent number: 7954289
    Abstract: An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Nok Lok Licensing Limited
    Inventor: Dean Richard Evans
  • Patent number: 7802768
    Abstract: A telescoping pole mount formed of an elongated male tube member that is slidable within an elongated female tube member. An internal locking mechanism for securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation is provided as first and second cooperating wedges that are each structured to slide along a plane of mutual contact that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the female tube member, the wedges are sized to slide within the female tube member with the first wedge being positioned within the female tube member exterior to a portion of the male tube member that is positioned within the female tube member. A lengthwise drive mechanism is coupled for driving the second wedge against the first wedge along the plane of contact and into an interlocked relationship therewith. A disengaging mechanism is provided for disengaging the wedges from their interlocked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7744054
    Abstract: A device to aid the unloading of support elements, the support elements comprising a lower shaft and an upper shaft telescopically coupled to each other. The device includes annular first and second bodies coaxially couplable with each other. Each annular body is provided with a through-hole that allow the upper shaft to extend through the through holes. The upper shaft is also supported by the first annular body using a transversely extending member. The second annular body rests on the lower shaft. An intermediate unloading wedge is positioned between the first and the second annular bodies coupled together, and is able to slide transversally with respect thereto. The sliding of the unloading wedge causes the first annular body and the second annular body to come together or move apart in the longitudinal direction and, therefore, reduce or increase, respectively, the total length of the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Inveral, S.A.
    Inventor: Pedro Xammar Bove
  • Publication number: 20100122949
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new design innovations that significantly improve the performance of the currently-available pool accessories. Each element of the system has unique features that provide benefits in use, although is some instances, maximum benefit is provided when all the elements are used as one cohesive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden, Alexis Adrian Felipe Wadman, Robin Owen Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100040406
    Abstract: An adjustable-length pole (10) for sticks, having an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (11) that can be inserted telescope-like into the outer tube (12) for adjusting the length of the tube, and having a spreading device (15) that is supported at the insertion end of the inner tube (11), the spreading device being able to clamp the inner tube (11) axially in the outer tube (12) and having a spreading element (16) that can be radially pressed apart and that is furnished with an inner cone (27), an interior element (17) that is provided with a reverse-oriented outer cone (22) and that is accommodated in the spreading element (16) so as to be axially movable, and an adjusting screw (18) that is axially oriented and is supported in a rotationally fixed manner on the inner tube (11), the adjusting screw having an operational connection to an internally threaded bore (21) in the interior element (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 7645087
    Abstract: An expander nut is for being assembled to an upper end of a steering tube of a bicycle. The expander nut includes a base nut, two wedge halves having interlocking tapered surfaces and assembled to the base nut, a top cap mounted on the wedge halves, and a bolt screwed to the base nut for controlling the wedge halves to slide relatively along the tapered surfaces so that the wedge halves move outward to wedge an inner surface of the steering tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: VP Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 7637684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking means (1) for use in releasably locking a first tubular structure (100) of a first diameter and a second tubular structure (101) of a second diameter in a predetermined position telescopically in relation to each other. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and the locking means comprises a component (2) adapted for gripping at least the second tubular structure and a component (5) adapted in use to cause the locking means to have a locked position in which the second tubular structure is held in place relative to the first tubular structure and an open position in which the second tubular structure is telescopically movable relative to the first tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Rycote Microphone Windshields Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip Tims, Timothy George Henson
  • Publication number: 20090274511
    Abstract: A telescopic tube and cam connecting and locking mechanism includes a first bushing having a first diameter, a second bushing having a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter, an expandable cam bushing received in the second bushing and fixed against rotation relative to the second bushing, and a camshaft having a first portion received in the first bushing and a second portion received in the cam bushing. The first portion is fixed against rotation relative to the first bushing, and the second portion is rotatable relative to the cam bushing to expand the cam bushing against the second bushing and lock the first and second bushings against relative movement. A clamp bushing received on the first bushing and engaging the second bushing has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cam bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Shi-Neng Chen
  • Patent number: 7607855
    Abstract: A positioning sleeve includes first and second surrounding portions adapted to surround outer and inner tube sections of a telescopic rod, respectively. The second surrounding portion has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart recessed parts and a plurality of compressible retaining units respectively disposed in the recessed parts. Each retaining unit is connected to the corresponding recessed part, and has an engaging part projecting toward a through hole in the second surrounding portion, and a deformable space defined between the engaging part and the respective recessed part. The deformable space is deformed when the inner tube section is friction-fitted into the second surrounding portion and when the engaging part of each retaining unit abuts the inner tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Lai
  • Publication number: 20090245927
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7494296
    Abstract: A locking arrangement includes an inner element (1) and an outer element (3), (302), where the inner element (1) is axially shiftable relative to the outer element (3), such as a shaft of a tool, one end of the outer element (3), (302) has a locking member (4) for locking the inner element (1) and the outer element (3), (302) relative to one another, the locking member (4) is maneuverable by a maneuvering member (5) that is remote from the locking member (4) in a direction toward another end of the outer element (3), (302) via an affecting member (301) that is shiftable along or rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a lengthwise axis of the outer element so that the affecting member has a tube (301) that completely or partially encloses the outer element (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ragnar Stahle
  • Publication number: 20090008213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking means (1) for use in releasably locking a first tubular structure (100) of a first diameter and a second tubular structure (101) of a second diameter in a predetermined position telescopically in relation to each other. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and the locking means comprises a component (2) adapted for gripping at least the second tubular structure and a component (5) adapted in use to cause the locking means to have a locked position in which the second tubular structure is held in place relative to the first tubular structure and an open position in which the second tubular structure is telescopically movable relative to the first tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: RYCOTE MICROPHONE WINDSHIELDS LIMITED
    Inventors: Philip Tims, Timothy George Henson
  • Patent number: 7438496
    Abstract: A securing apparatus, including: a deformable body, wherein the body is configured to provide a secure interference fit with at least one article to which it is fitted, and an aperture within the body, wherein the aperture is configured to accept a noncircular section of a releasing tool, wherein the securing apparatus is only unlocked by the operation of the releasing tool with respect to the body and is locked at all other times upon removal of the releasing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Garry Moore
  • Patent number: 7407337
    Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism includes a first element and a second element, the first element and second element rotatable relative to one another about a common rotational axis between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation and axially translatable relative to one another. The mechanism further includes one or more first locking surfaces of the first element and one or more second locking surfaces of the second element. The second locking surfaces are configured to clear the first locking surfaces in the unlocked orientation. The second locking surface is configured for an interference fit with a first locking surface in the locked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Tella, Robert G. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20080131195
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7377713
    Abstract: A front wheel support for a wheel chair, the front wheel support having a curved tube for attachment to a frame member of the wheel chair and a curved part. The curved part has a first portion with a curvature identical to the curvature of the curved tube, and a cross section allowing the first portion of the curved part to fit inside the curved tube. The curved part further has a second portion with a wheel fork seat for mounting a front wheel fork of the wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kuschall AG
    Inventors: Robertus H. P. F. Schaap, Florian Kaufmann, Rainer Kueschall
  • Publication number: 20080085150
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of garden shears, which utilizes an aligning lever disposed on the outer surface of an outer tube to support a protruding block; because the protruding block can be fitted into a trough on the outer surface of the inner tube and become secured, the inner tube and the outer tube become fastened together as a result. Moreover, a marked unit is disposed where said inner tube and outer tube are joined, thereby allowing the invention to have a structurally simple handle that can be aligned effectively, which in turn allows users to grasp the precision in the movement between said inner tube and outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kuang-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7296947
    Abstract: An arrangement has a first component, a second component, and a connecting element for connecting the first component to the second component at a distance from one another, the first component, at least at an end that is to be connected to the second component, being in profiled section, in particular tubular, form. The connecting element has an axially moveable spacer piece for bridging the distance between that end of the first component which is to be connected and the second component, and also has at least one clamping piece, that can be brought into contact in a clamping manner with a wall of the first component, and furthermore an actuating mechanism that is operatively connected to the spacer piece and the clamping piece in such a manner that when the actuating mechanism is actuated, the spacer piece moves in the axial direction until it comes into contact with the second component and the clamping piece is brought into clamping engagement with the wall of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Schmieder, Hans Merkle
  • Patent number: 7223041
    Abstract: A camming coupler for removably attaching a music desk or other object to an upright support leg. The camming coupler includes an inner sleeve for receiving the upright support leg. The inner sleeve has at least one longitudinal slit formed therein, and preferably has four substantially equidistant longitudinal slits. The inner sleeve also has a cammed exterior surface. An attachment member extends from the inner sleeve, and is attachable to the music desk or other object. The camming coupler further includes an outer sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a cammed interior surface that corresponds with the cammed exterior surface of the inner sleeve. In use, the camming coupler is secured to a music desk or other object. An upright support leg is inserted in the inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve is rotated to compress the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Manhasset Specialty Co.
    Inventors: Barry T. Heid, Peter J. Abercrombie
  • Patent number: 7186048
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for coupling nestable drive shanks of a tool includes a housing presenting a locking pin movable between a normal locking position and a release position. First and second bias means cooperate to urge a free end of the locking pin in extension outside the housing so as to extend between aligned shank apertures and join the same. Upon user disengagement of one bias means on the locking pin, the locking pin is urged to a release position towards a location within the housing so as to withdraw the pin from the aligned apertures. The latching mechanism enables drive shanks to be connected at user selectable lengths therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Troy L. Robins
  • Patent number: 7124985
    Abstract: A support particularly adapted for supporting a geomatic pole has telescoping legs, each having telescoping leg sections which can be locked by a locking device in a selected position of extension, fixing the length of the leg. The locking device is easily actuated and released and is biased toward a locked position. In an unlocked position, the locking device is positively positioned to inhibit contact with the released leg section so that movement is smooth and unnecessary wear is limited. The locking device has an engagement portion which is constructed to promote locking, but also to facilitate release and limit unnecessary wear of the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore, Jeffrey L. Oathout, Ron D. Everly, Larry W. Essex, Jerry L. Williamson, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7044860
    Abstract: A slip joint, such as for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, includes a first member having a plurality of male splines provided thereon and a second member having a plurality of female splines provided thereon. The male splines cooperate with the female splines so as to connect the first and second members together for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. A wedge member is disposed between portions of the first and second members to take up looseness therebetween and to adjustably control the amount of force that is required to be exerted in order to effect relative axial movement. The wedge member includes a body portion having a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. The wedge member is positioned such that the leg portions are received within an annular space between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Johnny N. Smith
  • Patent number: 7000875
    Abstract: A tripod (1) has at least one tripod leg (2) consisting of three telescopically guided segments (5–7) for length adjustment. Rotation of one of the segments (6, 7) fixes the adjusted length of the tripod leg (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik K.G.
    Inventors: Ludwig Pernstich, Benno Miller, Henry Freisinger
  • Patent number: 6959622
    Abstract: A steering column rotary tilt locking mechanism. The mechanism includes a rod pivotally interconnecting upper and lower column members and a sleeve supported about the rod. The rod and sleeve have selectively engageable surfaces. The sleeve has opposed slots with one end of each slot having axis offset from the other slot. Upon rotation of the sleeve, the sleeve moves out of perpendicularity relative to the shaft such that the slots bind against the shaft and the sleeve moves off center relative to the rod and binds thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Timken US Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Masucci
  • Patent number: 6959629
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a retractable shank, a handle, an elastic member, and at least one fixing pin. Thus the rod assembly of the retractable shank can be retracted into and expanded outward from the receiving chamber of the handle so as to adjust the distance between the retractable shank and the handle, so that the working length of the hand tool can be can be easily, rapidly and arbitrarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6913231
    Abstract: A telescopic stand is described and comprises at least two legs (2) and, for each leg, at least two elements (5, 6, 7) which are slidable telescopically relative to one another, locking means (12) on each leg (2), the locking means (12) being switchable between a locking condition and a release condition in which relative sliding between the elements of the respective leg (2) is prevented at least in one direction, or is unrestricted, respectively, and the locking means being switched to the release condition in at least one predetermined condition of relative positioning of the legs (2). The locking means comprises respective facing and opposed appendages (24b) which project towards one another from the respective legs (2) and, when pressed against one another, can interact with one another in the release condition when the legs (2) are gathered together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Patent number: 6862776
    Abstract: The present invention disclose the positioning structure of a handle comprising a base possessing an axial hole and two hollow spaces mounts on the inner tube; two movable pieces with slanting cambered face provided screw teeth thereon mounts in each of the hollow spaces of the base; a rotating ring mounts on the outer tube; a rotating cone has an axial multilateral hole mounting in the hole of the base and between the two movable pieces, and cone face of the rotating cone provided screw teeth to bite the screw teeth of the movable pieces; and a rotating rod passing through the axial hole of the rotating cone, and one end of the rotating rod is fixed on the rotating ring, so that when rotating the rotating ring can control the retract of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6860672
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar coupling is provided for simply and quickly applying to a mechanical butt joint of two bars in the concrete constructions. The reinforcing bar coupling is consisted of a cylindrical sleeve (2) formed an uneven inner surface (22) to mate with the ribs (11) formed around outer surface of the reinforcing bars (1), an intermediate pad (3) having an uneven semi-circular surface at one side and an inclined-declined flat surface at opposite side, a gap provided between the cylindrical sleeve (2) and the intermediate pad (3), and a pair of wedges (4) being inserted into the gap. The inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve (2) and the outer surface of the reinforcing bars (1) are radially compressed to provide the butt joint of the two bars (1) by the wedging action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Yong-Keun Kim
  • Patent number: 6761501
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nihon Velbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6755590
    Abstract: A box tube clamping system featuring a variable geometry clamp for secure joining of telescoping box tubes. A variable geometry clamp aligns between an inner and an outer box tube and includes a center wedge plate flanked by adjoining wedge plates which are advanced towards the center wedge plate to force the center wedge plate in an upward direction to force the outer box tube and the inner box tube into forced and secure intimate frictional engagement. Installation spacers are included for use with the variable geometry clamp to provide user friendly accommodation of an inner box tube past and along the variable geometry clamp mounted in one end of the outer box tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: MTR, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Luetzow, Richard L. Luetzow
  • Publication number: 20040101351
    Abstract: A lock arrangement for a pair of telescoping poles comprising an elongated generally cylindrically shaped housing having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough with an inner channel arranged at one end of the bore. An outer channel is arranged in an outer surface of the housing. An opening is arranged in the housing between the inner channel and the outer channel for receipt of a bias lever arranged therethrough from the inner channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Pitcher
  • Patent number: 6733029
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tightening a draw bar, hitch bar or accessory mounting post in a receiver box of a trailer hitch receiver assembly. The apparatus broadly includes a body having an intermediate section with a threaded aperture and a pair of projecting mounting lugs. The apparatus also includes a threaded mounting bolt for engaging the threaded aperture in the body. The body is essentially W-shaped including a pair of shoulders on the intermediate section and a beaded tip at the end of each projecting mounting lug which securely seat and hold the tightening apparatus in the lumen of a tubular hitch bar. The threaded connecting pin is tightened in the threaded aperture in the intermediate section of the body when the hitch bar is positioned in the receiver box in order to tighten the hitch bar against the wall of the receiver box and prevent rattling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Katherine A. Adams
  • Patent number: 6676329
    Abstract: A clamping device for two telescopic tubes (1, 2) comprises a ring (7) which is longitudinally split and thus defines a longitudinal spacing (8) located in a plane intersecting the ring (7) longitudinally, said ring (7) being extended towards the outside by two wings (9, 11) facing each other on either side of the longitudinal spacing (8), at least one rod forming an axis (A) arranged transversely in relation to the plane and passing through the two wings (9, 11), and an arm (12) which is fixed and pivots in relation to the rod forming an axis (A), so as to make possible clamping of the ring (7) by reduction of the longitudinal spacing (8), the two wings (9, 11) being brought towards one another. The arm (12) is divided into two branches (13, 14) each having a free end through which the rod forming an axis (A) passes, the two branches (13, 14) and also the free ends coming to lie on either side of the two wings (9, 11) of the ring (7) in order to enclose said two wings (9, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Florence Mandon, Bernard Gatel, Christophe Blin
  • Patent number: 6619877
    Abstract: An expandable rod of a tree pruner is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube, which are located by a drive block and a stop block such that a first end of the drive block is retained in a first tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a first protrusion of the stop block, and that a second end of the drive block is retained in a second tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a second protrusion of the stop block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Yo-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 6604886
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a light weight telescope assembly for bicycles that is readily adjustable by riders in the field and that provides smooth action of the suspension system. This telescope assembly contains roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustable outer race shim composed of two oppositely tapered races moving longitudinally in relation to each other, thereby causing their combined thickness to expand or contract thus allowing the bearing pre-load to be adjustable. Integral with this adjustable pre-load mechanism is a bayonet-style collar whose design enables bearing pre-load adjustment from a position that is readily accessible by consumers. In addition, this collar enables greater geometric latitude on the shape of the inner tube, thereby enabling significant strengthening of the telescoping assembly using light weight materials and lower cost manufacturing processes that hitherto have been unachievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Frank Roth Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Warner Kinzler, Luigi John Toffolo, Walker Philip Woodworth
  • Patent number: 6602015
    Abstract: A removable bicycle beam for adapting a bicycle frame for engagement with a vehicle-mounted bicycle rack. The beam includes a pair of securing mechanisms disposed on opposite ends of a central body. Each securing mechanism includes a fixed arm fixedly secured to the central body and a pivoting arm pivotally secured to the central body. Each arm includes a gripping portion extending outwardly from the central body that cooperates with the gripping portion of the other arm to releasably encircle and engage a component of the bicycle, such as the handle bar stem or the seat post. The pivoting arm and fixed arm lie in a substantially horizontal plane when in a closed position, and the pivoting arm is movable in the horizontal plane toward and away from the fixed arm. Each pivoting arm can be locked in a closed, engaged position by one of a pair of releasable latch mechanisms disposed within the central body and engagable with the pivoting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Evans, Clint D. Kolda, Mark A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 6598841
    Abstract: The present invention provides a height adjustable table leg including an upper housing attachable to an underside of a table and being formed with an upper tubular portion. A lower tube member is dimensioned and configured to be telescopingly received by the upper tubular portion. A cam member is pivotably mounted to the upper tubular portion and selectively cooperates with an undulating strip attached to the lower tube member in one of a plurality of telescoped positions relative to the upper tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Erickson, Craig H. Schultz, Michael J. Bell
  • Publication number: 20030123925
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a light weight telescope assembly for bicycles that is readily adjustable by riders in the field and that provides smooth action of the suspension system. This telescope assembly contains roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustable outer race shim composed of two oppositely tapered races moving longitudinally in relation to each other, thereby causing their combined thickness to expand or contract thus allowing the bearing pre-load to be adjustable. Integral with this adjustable pre-load mechanism is a bayonet-style collar whose design enables bearing pre-load adjustment from a position that is readily accessible by consumers. In addition, this collar enables greater geometric latitude on the shape of the inner tube, thereby enabling significant strengthening of the telescoping assembly using light weight materials and lower cost manufacturing processes that hitherto have been unachievable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Frederick Warner Kinzler, Luigi John Toffolo, Walker Philip Woodworth
  • Publication number: 20030123926
    Abstract: A retractable rod-like device is constructed to include an non-circular outer tube having two side holes, a sliding barrel mounted on the outer tube, the sliding barrel having two inside press portions, a spring mounted on the outer tube within the sliding barrel, an inner tube axially slidably inserted into the outer tube and prohibited from rotary motion, and stop members mounted in the side holes of the outer tube and adapted to lock/unlock the inner rod member. The spring supports the sliding barrel in a first position where the stop members lock the inner rod member. When moving the sliding barrel to a second position in direction against the spring force of the spring, the stop members are disengaged from the press portions of the sliding barrel to unlock the inner rod member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Lin
  • Patent number: 6568757
    Abstract: An office chair includes a frame having a tube with a tapered inner periphery and a plurality of legs extend from the tube. A C-shaped sleeve is movably received in the tube and has a tapered outer periphery. The sleeve has a threaded inner periphery so as to be threadedly engaged with a seat post. Two notches are defined in the tapered outer periphery of the sleeve so that two pins extend through the tube and are engaged with the two notches to restrict the sleeve from being rotated. The sleeve is firmly clamp the seat post when a load is applied downward the seat post. When lifting the seat post, the sleeve is raised and loosened so that the seat post is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Ming Chuan Lin, Jack Wang
  • Patent number: 6540430
    Abstract: A quick release clasping device for a rake includes a handle slidably engaged through a barrel. The barrel has an opening formed between two flaps for slidably receiving a press piece which has two ears. A lever has a cam engaged between and rotatably secured to the ears and the flaps with a shaft which may retain the press piece to the flaps. The ears each have an oblong hole for slidably receiving the shaft and for allowing the press piece to be slid relative to the shaft and the flaps for a limited sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Shih Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 6520192
    Abstract: An extensible positioning device of the shank of an umbrella includes an outer tube, an inner tube, an adjusting cylinder and a fixing cylinder. The inner tube may telescope in the outer tube. The outer tube has holes spaced apart horizontally in a lower portion for compressing members of positioning arms of the fixing cylinder to move in and out. The adjusting cylinder has female threads formed in a lower end, and the fixing cylinder has male threads engaging the female threads after the adjusting cylinder and the fixing cylinder fit around the outer tube. When the adjusting cylinder is screwed tightly around the fixing cylinder, the compressing members of the fixing cylinder moves gradually in the holes of the outer tube and further compress the inner tube tightly to keep the inner tube at an adjusted position relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
  • Patent number: 6516821
    Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Shinichi Uemura
  • Publication number: 20020192015
    Abstract: A replaceable top tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube retractably received therein. Two sleeves are respectively connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and two locking plates are respectively connected to the two sleeves. Two hooks are respectively connected to the inner tube and the outer tube so that when the sleeves are pulled, the locking plates are moved away from the hooks so as to hook the seat post and the handlebar stem of a bicycle. Each of the two sleeves are positioned by a resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Publication number: 20020096204
    Abstract: A sunshade device has a lower hollow shaft, an upper shaft inserted in the lower hollow shaft, a plurality of stretchers connected to the upper shaft, and a sunshade awning disposed on the stretchers. The upper shaft has a lower end cover, a neck bar disposed on a bottom of the lower end cover, and a base disk disposed on a bottom of the neck bar. A first semicircular sleeve and a second semicircular sleeve are inserted in the lower hollow shaft to surround the neck bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 6361002
    Abstract: A telescoping rod includes a first end piece and a positioning seat pivotally mounted on the first end piece. An external rod is securely attached to the positioning seat. A polygonal shaft has one end securely mounted in and engaged to the first end piece. The polygonal shaft extends through the first end piece, the positioning seat and the external rod. A second end piece is movably received in the external rod and has a bottom. The second end piece is penetrated and driven by said polygonal shaft. A block eccentrically extends from the bottom of the second end piece. An elliptical sleeve is mounted on the second end piece and has a through hole defined to receive the block. The through hole of the elliptical sleeve has a diameter greater than that of the block of the second end piece and forms a gap between the elliptical sleeve and the block of the second end piece. The elliptical sleeve is driven to press against an interior, periphery of the external rod by the block of the second end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Kun-Chia Cheng
  • Publication number: 20020028104
    Abstract: A pipe linkage between a larger diameter pipe and a smaller diameter pipe installed in the larger pipe. A compressible bush at the inserted end of the smaller pipe is compressed by a bolt and swollen to adhere in the smaller pipe and a larger diameter exposed collar on the bush will contact the interior of the larger pipe, precluding metal noise generation upon relative tilting of the pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Hoshino Gakki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6352278
    Abstract: A coupling for coupling first and second members. The members define an opening for extended and circular counterparts. The counterparts turn on the members and each other while the members contact the counterparts to urge them together. The counterparts, one after another between the members, move and release the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn S. Solberg
  • Patent number: 6305869
    Abstract: A tube tightening structure for collapsible vehicles includes a tube tightening member provided with a handy wrench and being disposed at an end portion of a main tubular element of a telescopic tube body. An auxiliary tubular element is fitted into the main tubular element. The main tubular element is provided with a groove along an axial direction at one end where the auxiliary tubular element is fitted into the main tubular element. The tube tightening member is disposed at the groove, and has a securing bolt threadedly provided thereon to abut against the wall of the main tubular element. The auxiliary tubular element has a lower section formed with a recessed groove along a direction corresponding to the direction of the groove of the main tubular element such that a lower end of the recessed groove is a distance away from a lower end of the auxiliary tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen