Inserted, Blind-side-engaging, Retaining Portion On Rod Patents (Class 403/252)
  • Patent number: 5265971
    Abstract: A device for fixing panels for constructing a piece of furniture, a bookcase, or a cupboard, comprises a first element which engages with a first panel, a second element which engages with a second panel designed to be assembled essentially perpendicular to the first panel, and a third element which engages with each the first and second elements, and a pulling device for acting on the third element so that when the two panels are assembled, the first and second elements are pulled toward each other. The third element is a high-tensile wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Duc
  • Patent number: 5245641
    Abstract: A spent fuel rack for storing fresh fuel assemblies, or spent fuel assemblies removed from a nuclear reactor, which includes a base plate having multiple cells of modular construction welded at their bottom ends to the plate. The cells are formed of L-shaped sections having walls which support neutron absorbing material, and the walls of one cell are common to the adjacent cells. The base plate includes openings primarily for receiving the bottom nozzle of a fuel assembly, but they further serve as access openings for apparatus used for leveling the base plate. There is also means for receiving and locking the engaging mechanism of lifting apparatus which means is wholly within the periphery of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Octavio J. Machado, Clifford W. Henry, Ray L. Congleton, William M. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5237791
    Abstract: A connector for attaching a beam of a modular structure to either a post or another beam whereby the number of different types of parts in inventory may be reduced. Tabs on an edge of the connecter engage longitudinal grooves formed in a beam surface and are laterally located. The tabs alternatively engage slots sized to a tab width in a wall of a post for precise attachment thereto. A pin is spring biased to protrude from the edge outwardly to engage an aperture in the beam or post to prevent upward movement of and thereby lock the connector thereto whereby the connector may be attached quickly and easily and without inadvertently causing already attached connectors to be disengaged from other walls of a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Scanlan
  • Patent number: 5236114
    Abstract: A carrier basket which is intended to be secured on a vehicle roof comprises two longitudinal profile members between which extend a number of rods which form a load-carrying surface in the carrier basket. In order to eliminate the need for loose small parts on assembly and dismantling of the carrier basket, the rods are releasably connected to the profile members by snap catch connections. The snap catch connections are formed by locking heel disposed at the ends of the rods, the heel extending, in a rest position, outside the cross-section of the rod and being, against the action of spring force, depressable inside the cross-section. The rod extends through an opening in one wall of the profile member and has the locking heel inside the opening, and one end in abutment against the inside of the opposing wall of the profile member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Per Bergquist
  • Patent number: 5232303
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for a releasable and lockable connection between the upper end of a table leg and the underside of a table plate for assembly of a table. In this case a first connecting part provided with clamp bolts can be fixed on the upper end of the table leg and a second connecting part can be fixed on the underside of the table plate, this second connecting part having several bores and receiving holes adapted in size, number and distribution to the clamp bolts and containing an end plate with a clamp closure plate which is arranged flat above it and is rotatable relative thereto to engage the clamp bolts and firmly clamp the clamp bolts and attached table leg to the second connecting part and this connection can be released again. In this way a reliably stable and releasable connection is produced between table legs and at least one table plate with the possibility of assembling tables of any size from any number of table plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Rubner
  • Patent number: 5219406
    Abstract: A framework for a space partition of the type used in dividing up an open space into individual offices which can be easily made of any desirable dimensions. The framework is made up of a pair of vertical members and a cross member connecting the vertical members. The cross member is, in turn, made up of a pair of connectors, each of which can engage one of the vertical members and which are connected to each other by a rod which is cut to a precise length so as to create a framework of a desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Schwartz Bros. Wood & Metal Furnitures Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Raz
  • Patent number: 5192145
    Abstract: A cross coupling arrangement for two bars disposed at right angles to one another and provided with undercut longitudinal grooves, having a screw bearing a head and disposed parallel to the symmetry axis of a longitudinally running bar in an undercut longitudinal groove of same, whose other end engages a nut disposed in an undercut longitudinal groove of the transversely running bar, and whose head abuts against a cylindrical insert which is installed axially in the undercut longitudinal groove of the bar and which has a through-bore for the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
  • Patent number: 5180250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-locking coupling structure for connecting accessories to profiled elements which has the peculiarity of comprising a body which defines a protrusion which can be inserted between the opposite wings which delimit a seat on a profiled element. The protrusion has a curved surface which is delimited, on one side, by an engagement portion which can be inserted below one of the wings by rotation about an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the profiled element and is suitable for generating a localized deformation of the wing substantially in the portion affected by the longitudinal extension of the protrusion, and, on the other side, by a stop portion which can engage below the other wing. The protrusion, in locking position, abuts against the bottom of the seat in at least two points which are mutually spaced in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the profiled element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Alprogetti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Nicolo Ferro
  • Patent number: 5176462
    Abstract: A built-up screen coupling structure, comprising at least two screen board frames side matched together by a plurality of fastening devices and at least an adjusting device. The screen board frames have each at least a side end having a slot at the top and a plurality of relatively smaller openings at the outer side. The openings are respectively divided by a plurality of dividing boards. The fastening devices are respectively fastened in the openings and clamped on the dividing boards to connect two screen board frames together. The adjusting device is fastened in the slot to secure the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Kuei-Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 5172526
    Abstract: A shelter is formed of readily portable components. Wall members are attached by ear-like projections extending from edges thereof which penetrate slots formed in adjacent wall members. Perforations in the projections accept tapered pegs for securing wall members together. Elongated furniture members, including bed support beams and shelf and table members, extend between and provide structural support to opposing walls by projections extending from their ends which penetrate slots formed in the walls and which are secured in place by tapered pegs. The tapered pegs include a flattened side at their tapered ends which facilitates insertion and maintains the head of the peg away from the wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Melvin L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5173001
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting together a pair of orthogonally arranged profile bars a first one of which (1) is arranged with one of its ends adjacent the side of a second bar (2). A groove connecting member (4) is slidably retained in an undercut longitudinal groove (8) contained in the second profile bar, and an end connecting member (3) is slidably mounted in the groove intermediate the groove connecting member and the adjacent end of the first profile bar. First screws (6) fasten the end connecting member to the adjacent end of the first profile bar, and second screws (5) fasten the groove connecting member to the end connecting member, thereby to connect together the bars. Locator projections (11) on the end connecting member serve to properly position it relative to the first profile bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Phoenix Mecano AG
    Inventor: Kurt Schunke
  • Patent number: 5171098
    Abstract: A device for releasably connecting first and second rods together is characterized by a connecting flange mounted on one end surface of the first rod by a self-tapping screw. The flange includes at least one latch projecting from a surface thereof to engage a recess in the first rod in a form-locking manner. With the flange mounted on the end of the first rod, the first rod is connected with a side of the second rod so that the rods have perpendicular longitudinal axes. The second rod contains a groove along its side in which a pair of nuts are retained. Fastening screws pass through grooves in the first rod, through openings in the flange and into tap holes in the nuts to threadably connect the first rod with the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: R K Rose & Krieger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Jost
  • Patent number: 5143474
    Abstract: A connector which can separably couple a hollow first profiled member with a channeled second profiled member has an open-ended housing for a reciprocable clawed coupling member and an eccentric which is rotatable to move the coupling member between extended and retracted positions. The coupling member has a front projection which can be pushed by a disc of the eccentric to move the coupling member to extended position in which the claw or claws of the coupling member can enter a channel of the second profiled member. The coupling member further includes a rear projection which can be pushed by the disc to move the coupling member to the retracted position in which the claw or claws bear against an internal surface of the second profiled member and urge an outer side of the second profiled member against the adjacent end of the first profiled member. The rear projection is part of a looped rear end portion of the substantially plate like coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Gerd und Bernd Vieler KG
    Inventor: Gerd Vieler
  • Patent number: 5127761
    Abstract: A connector which can couple a first profiled member having an internal compartment behind a slotted wall with a tubular second profiled member has an open-ended housing which is installed in the second profiled member and a one-piece profiled plate-like coupling member in the housing. The coupling member has two integral prongs with mirror symmetrical claws at their free ends, and followers adjacent the claws. The housing has integral cams which can stagger the claws by way of the followers in response to longitudinal displacement of the coupling member in the housing as a result of rotation of an eccentric which normally extends into a window of but is depressible into the second profiled member to permit insertion or removal of the connector. The claws can be introduced through the slot in the wall of the first profiled member to be thereupon staggered by the followers in cooperation with the cams in response to rotation of the eccentric in a direction to move the claws toward the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Gerd und Bernd Vieler KG.
    Inventor: Gerd Vieler
  • Patent number: 5059074
    Abstract: A fastener arrangement is provided for the clamping together of two objects, such as the adjacent sidewalls of enclosures or the like. The fastener arrangement is used with predetermined aligned openings in the objects to be fastened and is installable from either side of the objects. The fastener arrangement includes a first member insertable through the predetermined aligned openings from either side of the two objects. The first member includes two spaced-apart, facing clamping surfaces. Upon insertion of the first member into the installed position, each of the clamping surfaces engages one of the respective sidewalls. After insertion of the first member, the desired clamping force is applied. In a specific embodiment, the first member carries a threaded stud that extends from the side from which it is installed. A nut is assembled onto the stud to apply the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Ferdinand A. Guevarra, David H. Devonald, III
  • Patent number: 5042398
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a door shelf support system comprising an inner door panel and removable shelf trim pieces. The inner door panel includes vertical dikes having vertically spaced slots. The shelf trim piece includes rearwardly extending hooks receivable in the slots and having raised hemispheric detents which cooperate with the slots to provide a snap fit between the inner door panel and the hooks to provide a tight fit which ensures that the shelves stay in place during shipment and maintain the desired snug fit during the useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Lau, Sam D. Lively, Vay G. Johnson, John F. Cobb
  • Patent number: 4998842
    Abstract: A quick-connect fastener is arranged with a tubular body that is arranged to be engaged against the exterior surface of a hollow attachment fitting and coincidentally aligned with an opening in the fitting. A collet having normally-contracted fingers with outwardly-enlarged ends is operatively arranged in the body to be moved forwardly by an expander member mounted in the tubular body for advancing the collet fingers through the opening in the attachment fitting. Biasing means are arranged between the expander member and a toggle linkage in the tubular body which is selectively operated to urge the expander member forwardly into engagement with the collet fingers with an initial biasing force to advance their forward portions through the body opening and then expand them outwardly. The biasing means also provide a subsequent biasing force for retaining the collet members in their expanded positions once their enlarged forward end portions are on the opposite side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Philip L. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 4983065
    Abstract: A connecting element for the detachable connecting of two frame components, which, within a casing, has at least one retaining element, with which the connecting element and also the frame profile can be connected in a detachable manner with the support profile. Within the casing, an eccentric cam is rotatably positioned to conduct the retaining element in a longitudinally movable manner in the casing so that a component of the retaining element projecting out of the frontal side of the casing can be brought into engagement with an undercut longitudinal groove of the support profile. In the discharge position of the retaining element, the eccentric cam head of the eccentric cam can be pressed into the casing against the force of a spring to be engaged in a boring of a frame profile. A safety mechanism prevents, in the insertion position of the retaining element, the axial movability of the eccentric cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Exibelco GmbH
    Inventor: Werner F. Spath
  • Patent number: 4974987
    Abstract: A locking device for assembling tubular frame components of exhibit framework structures and the like, including an elongated box-like housing sized to be received in a cavity of one of the frame components, the housing having an open coupling end provided with protruding spaced apart coupling ear formations integral with the housing adjacent top and bottom walls thereof and flanking the opening of said coupling end. An elongated thin spring-metal interlocking latching member is movable in the housing by a cam and has a recurved hook formation on one end thereof spanning the space between and aligned with the ear formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Matrix Exhibits, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Smock
  • Patent number: 4973110
    Abstract: A structure and method for building a continuous structural frame and cabinet of variable length is provided comprising a plurality of U-shaped structures, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a wall. The plurality of structures are connected together in vertical position by the plurality of horizontal interconnecting members and the wall. In assembly of the invention, the wall may be inserted into the open channel formed by the U-shaped structures, whereupon pairs of guiding slots formed in the periphery of the wall engage the structures, and moved downwardly rigidly interconnecting the wall with the structures. A counter surface, vertical panels, drawers, hinged doors and the like may be affixed to the structural frame to define a counter base usable in a home kitchen, garage, laboratory, office, shop or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Nyquist
  • Patent number: 4941717
    Abstract: A lightweight knockdown table and cabinet structure adapted for ease of assembly and disassembly comprised of a plurality of hollow tubular frame members releasably interconnected by a plurality of fasteners and lock assemblies and having a multi-sectioned top which adds rigidity and support to the structure. The fastener and lock assemblies each include a fastening device with multiple end connectors. The fastening devices are slidably insertable into the frame members and have a guide slot bridging into a locking slot. The end connectors are also insertable into the frame members and have a projecting male connector end. The male connector end is insertable into the guide slot and movable into locking engagement within the locking slot to releasably interlock the frame members together at right angles. The multi-sectioned top includes adjacent middle and side sections with support flanges which rest upon opposing frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan J. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 4930931
    Abstract: An instrument for assembling two board-shaped bodies, including an engagement tool adapted to be driven into an opening in one board-shaped body, and a fixing tool adapted to be driven into an opening in the other board-shaped body. The engagement tool includes an annular engagement member having a radially outwardly projecting engagement portion provided with an engagement pawl adjacent the tip thereof, and a rotary cam or eccentric which is rotatably positioned within the annular member to effect radial displacement of the pawl. The engagement tool also includes an annular housing which accommodates therein the annular engagement member, the housing having stops for controlling the rotation of the cam to a predetermined angle, and having an outer peripheral structure which permits it to fixingly engage the one board-shaped body. The fixing tool has an insertion hole into which the engagement portion is inserted, and an engagement pin engaged by the pawl to lock the tools together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kojima Shohten
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsui
  • Patent number: 4926759
    Abstract: Disclosed as the present invention is household furniture, particularly furniture which is very easily assembled and disassembled. The present invention is specifically directed to furniture which is scaled in size and in assembly complexity for children. A particular embodiment is disclosed in which the furniture package is provided with full child-size parts and with a smaller sized set of paper or cardboard parts matching the child-size parts, thus enabling the child to visualize the completed furniture pieces as well as the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventors: Sally J. Vitsky, Margaret P. Levine-Umans
  • Patent number: 4913392
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for supporting a headlight, mirror or similar accessory on the wall of a vehicle panel. The bracket includes two L-shaped clips which can be secured to the wall by inserting part of the clip through an opening in the wall and slipping a jawed portion over the wall section of the wall adjacent the opening. A bolt or similar structure interconnects the two clips to draw them together and assure pinching engagement of each jaw with the inside and outside surfaces of the wall. The brackets are particularly useful for mounting accessories to wall surfaces where access to the inside of the walls is difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James A. Swartzendruber, Martin W. Arndt
  • Patent number: 4907388
    Abstract: A modular panel frame assembly system which uses an expandable clamp which has opposing jaws that are always separated from one another by a substantial space. The system includes frame members which are engaged by the expandable clamp and have at least one pair of opposing end flanges separated by a center rail of T-Shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Mohammed T. Siahatgar
  • Patent number: 4900505
    Abstract: A spent fuel rack for storing fresh fuel assemblies, or spent fuel assemblies removed from a nuclear reactor, which includes a base plate having multiple cells of modular construction welded at their bottom ends to the plate. The cells are formed of L-shaped sections having walls which support neutron absorbing material, and the walls of one cell are common to the adjacent cells. The base plate includes openings primarily for receiving the bottom nozzle of a fuel assembly, but they further serve as access openings for apparatus used for leveling the base plate and for lifting and transferring the base plate with or without cells thereon, to a different area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Octavio J. Machado, Clifford W. Henry, Ray L. Congleton, William M. Flynn
  • Patent number: 4857674
    Abstract: The invention features a strain relief device for mounting wires and cable into a panel. The body of the device carrying the cable is flexible and attached to the panel by a rotational motion. The panel is locked between two flanges of the body by a number of locking ramps that bias one of the flanges into locking engagement with the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Filbert
  • Patent number: 4799819
    Abstract: A connector which can releasably couple two confronting or divergent flanges of a profiled structural member with a hollow second member has a housing which is insertable into the second member and contains two retaining arms with hook-shaped jaws projecting from the open front end of the housing. The arms are movable toward or away from each other into and from positions of overlap with the flanges before they are retracted to engage the jaws with the respective flanges. The jaws are movable to positions of overlap with the flanges by one or more displacing members and to retracted positions by one or more motion transmitting members. The displacing members and the motion transmitting members receive motion from one or more eccentrics or disc cams of an actuator which is rotatably mounted in the second member on a shaft which can be disengaged from the second member to allow for extraction of the entire connector from the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Connec AG Systembau-Technik
    Inventor: Hellmuth Swoboda
  • Patent number: 4787769
    Abstract: A connecting element for the releasable connection of two structural parts of a stand, in particular a support section and a frame section, includes a housing and at least one locking element. An eccentric is rotatably supported in the housing locking element is guided longitudinally in the housing and has a clamping portion protruding from the housing to be introduced in an undercut groove of the support section and clamped therein. An eccentric head (76) of the may be locked in a bore hole of the frame section. The clamping portion of the locking element may be rotated within a limited angular range. The locking element is connected displaceably by a pulling element with the eccentric the clamping portion is a transverse bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Exibelco GmbH
    Inventor: Roy Michael
  • Patent number: 4776557
    Abstract: A formwork panel is formed from metal longitudinal members and metal transverse members interconnected by devices such as screws to form a dismountable formwork panel. The panels may be interconnected by other connector devices to form larger composite panels of various sizes and shapes. The panels may be formed from a kit of parts for easy assembly and disassembly at a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Rapid Metal Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: Colin F. Turner
  • Patent number: 4775259
    Abstract: A connector arrangement for butt joining substantially hollow, tubular structural members is provided comprising a connector which is securely fastened within the end of a first member to be abutted to an extending member and whereby the head of the connector protrudes from the first member and is simultaneously and securely retained within two openings provided within the extending member. In a preferred embodiment, the two openings in the extending member extend the full length of the extending member along each side face thereof. In this manner, the joint may be effectuated at any location along the length of the extending member. The head configuration of the connector includes a spherical portion and a plate portion, which provide for a secured fit within the two openings of the extending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Benada Aluminum of Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Irving Shell
  • Patent number: 4765253
    Abstract: A modular furniture assembly includes a top member having a plurality of keyways disposed therein. A plurality of legs are provided to support the top member. Each of the legs includes at least one key bolt member sized and shaped for sliding engagement within one of the keyways to attach the leg to the top member. Stabilizing rails are disposed opposite each other and interconnect paired members of the legs to provide support and stability to the legs. The rails are keyed to interlock with notched portions disposed in the legs. Finally, a cross member interconnects the oppositely disposed stabilizing rails to provide fixed support for the legs. The end portions of the cross member are keyed to interlock with the stabilizing rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Richard Schappach
  • Patent number: 4690582
    Abstract: A connector for detachably joining one profile section to another in a framework assembly comprises a housing having a bottom part and a lid connected to one another by means of snap-lock coupling elements. The housing is insertable into a longitudinal recess at one end face of a horizontal profile section. A latch is slidably disposed in the housing and has, at an end projecting from the housing, a hook for engaging an inwardly facing surface of a vertical profile section. At an end opposite the hook, the latch has a rectangular aperture traversed by a substantially cylindrical eccentric pin projecting from the housing of the connector into a transverse bore in the horizontal profile section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Exibelco GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Maier, Bruno Neumann, Ludwig R. Schaafhausen
  • Patent number: 4679368
    Abstract: A latch (10) removably mounts a rail-containing panel (12) to a vertical slotted standard (14). The latch (10) is secured to the rear side (118) of the panel (12) and comprises a base plate (60), a bar lock (62), a plug lock (64) and a retainer (68). The base plate includes a bar lock guide (70), a plug lock guide (78) and an opening (76) extending through the back wall (72) of the base plate (60). The bar lock (62) is slidably mounted in the bar lock guide (70) and has a lateral notch and a rearwardly-projecting first hook (90) engaging the opening (76). The plug lock (64) is rotatably mounted in the plug lock guide (78) and includes a tab (106) engaging the lateral notch (88). The retainer (68) is rigidly secured to the back wall (72) of the base plate (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic R. Pettinga, Steve F. Goodman
  • Patent number: 4641983
    Abstract: In a clamping device which serves to connect two profile section parts, in particular a horizontal beam (2), to a vertical support (1), an axially movable, spring-loaded retaining pin (7) is located at the end of one profile section part (2). The T-shaped head (8) of the retaining pin (7) engages behind a longitudinal groove (16) of the other profile section part. By means of a screw (12), which is eccentrically supported and engages in a conical recess (10) of the retaining pin (7), the retaining pin is drawn axially inwards in order to fix the two profile section parts (1, 2) to one another. For the purpose of simple assembly and to prevent the retaining pin from jumping out if the screw is rotated in the wrong direction, the retaining pin (7) has a snap-in connection to the insertion core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Syma Intercontinental AG
    Inventor: Marcel Strassle
  • Patent number: 4637492
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for attaching accessories such as boarding ladders, ski tow bars and lights to a small boat. A latch plate is secured to the boat and carries a socket having an internal annular rib. A tube projecting from the accessory carries a pair of opposed latch elements each having an enlarged head extending out of the tube. A U-shaped spring wire urges the latch elements apart toward a latching position in which the heads of the elements securely interlock with the rib when the tube is fully inserted in the socket. Cam surfaces on the latch heads interact with the rib to displace the heads so that they can pass the rib as the tube is being inserted. Each latch element has a release button which extends through the side of the tube. When the buttons are depressed, the latch elements are released from the rib to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Richard W. Herr
  • Patent number: 4632473
    Abstract: An improved cabinet assembly for quick and easy assembly into various configurations. The assembly is characterized in one embodiment, by a unique joint where three framework members meet. A vertical post is equipped with vertically spaced slots. A first crossbar has prongs at one end which are snugly received in the slots, and, upon vertical movement of the crossbar, lock the crossbar to the post. A second crossbar joins the first crossbar and vertical post at mutually perpendicular angles, and is equipped with two pins which are snugly received in holes in the post. When both crossbars are in position, a bolt is inserted through the post and into the end of the second crossbar where it is secured. The bolt engages an edge of one of the prongs of the first crossbar, preventing vertical movement of the crossbar to retain it in the locked position. In another embodiment, the assembly is characterized by a drawer slide which has prongs at each end receivable in the facing slots of two parallel vertical posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: R. C. Smith Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4617689
    Abstract: A knockdown platform or storage bed employs single or double rows of U-shaped channel members to join laterally opposed sideboards, through a detachable coupling at opposed ends of the channel members, to receivers fixed to the inside of the sideboards at longitudinally spaced positions and at both ends. The channel members are provided with C-shaped slots to each side slidably receiving insertable panels to form with the channel members a planar mattress support. The sideboards act in conjunction with endboards to define via a sideboard ladder frame and through other U-shaped channel members, a support system for drawers slidably insertable through the open ladder frame, to create a storage bed. The panels are sized to the slidably insertable drawers to function as covers, overlying the drawers when the drawers are removed. The couplings include pivotable, overcenter latches mounted to the interior of the U-shaped channel members at their ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: GN Alternatives
    Inventors: Maynard A. Nelson, Kelly C. Gloger
  • Patent number: 4607991
    Abstract: A self-latching tie-down or bolt-down anchor for use in securing loads to open truck beds. The anchor is intended for installation in the cavity commonly provided in the bed or side wall of a pickup truck to receive the lower end of the support post of a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: David R. Porter
  • Patent number: 4586843
    Abstract: A device for attaching an object to a wall comprises a body with a cylindrical head centrally disposed on a base. The head incorporates longitudinal elastic members terminating in hooks. These are adapted to engage on the edges of an opening in the wall into which the head is inserted. A clamping ring mounted on the head is movable along its length. A spring is disposed between the base of the body and the clamping ring. The force exerted by this spring is transmitted to the wall so as to lock the hooks on to the edges of the opening. Cooperating guide means on the clamping ring and on the body are adapted to guide the clamping ring as it moves along the head, simultaneously rotating. Cooperating locking means on the body and on the clamping ring are adapted to lock the clamping ring in a bottom position on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Cgee Alsthom
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Heng, Andre Marmonier, Etienne Briguet
  • Patent number: 4550484
    Abstract: A brake system for a railway vehicle and method of making same are provided and such brake system comprises a brake rod member, a horizontal supporting member which is adapted to support the rod member for sliding movements thereon, and an antifriction component carried by the supporting member with the component serving to minimize wear and enable antifriction movements during the sliding movements and wherein the component comprises a solid strip portion of substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration with the system further comprising at least one self-contained clip device for locking the strip portion against the supporting member and the clip device comprises a pair of resilient parallel legs and locking projections extending from the outer end portions of the parallel legs toward each other, with the clip device being disposed with the parallel legs embracing opposed vertical surfaces of the supporting member and with the projections snap locked beneath a bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventor: Julien C. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 4545697
    Abstract: The device for fixing an object by screwing to a section having two flanges directed substantially towards one another and defining therebetween a longitudinal opening comprises an elongated plate provided with one of the threaded portions and rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to that of the flanges of the section. In a free position, the longitudinal direction of the plate corresponds substantially to that of the section. In a retained position, the plate is retained under the flanges of the section and immobilized in one at least of the directions of rotation. Resilient means are provided for urging the plate towards the flanges of section in the retained position. The resilient means bear on a wedge intended to be inserted between the external face of the flanges of the section and the object to be fixed. This wedge has a passageway for a connecting rod between the plate and the other screw fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Serge Verdenne, Didier Brocard, Pierre Hardouin, Felix Lameyre
  • Patent number: 4543700
    Abstract: The invention provides a subterranean well casing perforating gun device which employs shaped explosive charges to perforate the well casing. The device generally defines an outer tubular housing assembly concentrically insertable in the well and defining a vertical axis, cylindrical chamber. A tubular carrier of polygonal cross sectional configuration is insertable in the chamber in concentric relationship to the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical chamber. Each of the faces of the carrier have a plurality of spaced passages therethrough, each passage having a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the polygonal face. A shaped charge container has its cylindrical body insertable in any selected one of the passages and a radial flange on the outer end for abutting the polygonal face portion adjacent the respective passage, thereby limiting the insertion of each of the containers into the selected passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, John A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4534146
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved partition panel structure. The structure comprises a framed panel member, the vertical frames of which include extended locking members snap-on facings cover the open outer surface of at least the vertical frames. The snap-on facings have an opening for allowing the locking member to pass through and slots on each upper side surface end for engagement with the ends of the horizontal frame members. This slot engagement, and the upper surface engagement of the locking member with the opening through the snap-on facing prevents relative movement between the snap-on facing and vertical frame member. A post or upright includes openings through its vertical surfaces for engagement with the inner angled surface of the downward extending distal end of the locking member. When assembled the components form a rigid reusable locked together panel partition structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: William Preston
  • Patent number: 4505409
    Abstract: In a beverage dispenser of the type in which conditioned liquid is to be tapped through a bottom opening of a bowl normally closed from within by a valve member, unseating of the valve member and attendant gravitational release of liquid are conveniently brought about by tilting a wider Z-shaped sheet-metal handle which is keyed with the valve member to form an interlocked valving assembly further including only a spring and a suspension provided by external bowl flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Crathco, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4505393
    Abstract: A knocked-down easily-assembled sterilizing rack for holding conventional disk-shaped lids used for sealing mason jars. A sheet-metal inverted-trough-shaped body has a plurality of parallel transaxial slots to hold the lids upright and spaced. An initially unattached bail-shaped handle is dimensioned to embrace the sides and an end of the body for parts-protecting and for economical compact shipping-packaging. The handle and the body have snap-together assembling detent elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventors: David H. Fleigle, Phyllis A. Fleigle
  • Patent number: 4493580
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a plastic fastening device which can be easily manipulated into engagement with an apertured panel. The device includes a fastening means extending perpendicular from one side of a base. The fastening means has a generally hook-shaped configuration characterized by a trunk portion, a curved transition portion and a tip portion. The fastening device has a generally elongated stem which is used as a lever arm to move the fastening means from a skewed, partially engaged position with respect to the panel to a final fully engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 4490064
    Abstract: A joint of the type made between two elongated frame members and including also a connector member releasably coupling the two frame members tightly one against the other. This joint is characterized by its exclusion of special machining and construction of the components, by the connector member being unconspicuously concealed and by the possibility of assembling one frame member in any angular relationship about its longitudinal axis relative to the other frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventor: Jacques Ducharme
  • Patent number: 4468067
    Abstract: A display case with a locking mechanism for securing display case components together comprising a first member including hook means, a second frame member including hook means adapted to interlock with the first member's hook means, and means for biasing the second member's hook means into engagement with the first member's hook means, so the first member's and the second member's hook means interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Rock Leasing, Inc.
    Inventor: Claire L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 4456211
    Abstract: A single piece plastic retainer is provided for holding refrigerator shelves in place during shipment. The retainer is open sided, and has upper and lower walls with notches for snapping into place in an aperture in a mounting channel in which the shelf bracket is mounted and in overlying relation to said bracket. Protuberances within the shelf retainer engage the top edge of the shelf bracket to prevent cutting of the retainer by the bracket in the presence of high stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Wyckoff