Split End With Laterally Movable Opposed Portions Patents (Class 403/289)
  • Patent number: 5695166
    Abstract: A post support includes a box section which is open at at least one end to receive a post, wherein the material of the box section at a wall location of the box section is horizontally slit in a plurality of axially spaced locations to provide either at least two spaced pairs of tabs of wall material, or a single pair of tabs positioned at a substantially central location axially of the box section, the free ends of which tabs or flaps are bent outwardly away from the wall of the box section to form fixing flanges such that bringing together of a pair of flanges by a fixing means, for example, a bolt passing through holes in said pair of flanges, compresses the tabs or flaps inwardly of the wall of the box section thus decreasing the cross-sectional dimensions of the box section in at least two spaced locations or at a single substantially centrally positioned location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Andrew Douglas Watts
  • Patent number: 5645270
    Abstract: A system for connecting plastic components wherein a plastic component includes a hollow female portion with a cavity having an inner surface. The system includes a hollow male portion with an inner cavity having an inner surface and at least two spaced apart sections, each spaced apart section having an opening through the section, the opening extending from the inner cavity to an external surface on the spaced apart sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Lloyd L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5555771
    Abstract: At least one end portion of a nut threadably engaged with a screw shaft is provided a mounting member mounting stepped portion, a radial through-hole is formed in the peripheral surface of the stepped portion and a radial pin insertion aperture is formed in the peripheral surface of a mounting member correspondingly to the through-hole, and an engagement recess is formed at a location whereat the through-hole and the pin insertion aperture are connected together. A pin member is provided with a protruded portion on the barrel portion thereof. The pin member is elastically deformed and inserted into the through-hole, and the tip end thereof is brought into engagement with the pin insertion aperture to fix the mounting member and bring the protruded portion into engagement with the engagement recess, thereby preventing the pin member from slipping out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: Daisuke Kuroiwa, Shigeharu Kobayashi, Mitsuji Kanai
  • Patent number: 5522668
    Abstract: A plastic chassis is provided in which a shaft is fixed to the chassis even if a snap fitting integrally formed with the chassis is broken. An arm member having a claw portion is formed around a through hole formed in the chassis. A protrusion having a top surface located a predetermined distance lower than a top surface of the arm member is formed around the through hole. When the shaft is inserted into the through hole, the claw portion engages with an annular groove formed near the end of the shaft so as to fix the shaft to the chassis. When the arm member is broken, a slit washer is engaged with the annular groove so as to fix the shaft to the chassis. The slit washer is disposed on the top surface of the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuichiro Nawa, Koichi Shimoyama, Masafumi Ishizuki
  • Patent number: 5509174
    Abstract: A knob and bezel assembly for an appliance having a wall with an aperture and having a control with a shaft movable over a limited range of axial movement, rotatable about the axis when moved inwardly, biased outwardly, and projecting outwardly through the aperture. A knob has a handle and a hub, which is adapted to be axially fitted over the shaft so as to be axially movable with the shaft, and which has a keying formation adapted to coact with a keying formation of the shaft so as to be conjointly rotatable therewith. A bezel has a skirt and a hub, which fits slidably over the hub of the knob so that the skirt is disposed between the knob and the appliance wall. Ribs formed integrally on the hub of the knob are fitted slidably into grooves formed in the hub of the bezel to enable conjoint rotation of the knob and the bezel. Two retaining fingers are formed integrally on and extend from the ribs and have outwardly hooked tips hooked outwardly over an inner end of the hub of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: K I Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Worrell
  • Patent number: 5443323
    Abstract: A device for mounting a mobile part of an automobile vehicle headlight on a relatively fixed part comprises a generally spherical head joined to a first part by means of a rod. A substantially complementary cavity is fastened to the second part. The head is forced fitted into the cavity through an opening into the latter. At least one flexible tongue is provided in the vicinity of the cavity and is adapted to deform elastically to enable insertion of the head therein and, after such insertion, to impede extraction of the head from the cavity. The cavity defines a stable position for the head in which the flexible tongue(s) are not in contact with the head. The device is used to adjust the reflectors relative to the headlight units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Alain Prelat, Gerard Billot, Herve Lequinio
  • Patent number: 5442975
    Abstract: A shifter for a vehicle transmission includes a base having a pair of parallel flanges, and a shift stick having a structure adapted to fit between the flanges. The flanges and the structure include apertures that can be co-axially aligned such that pivot pins can be extended through the flanges into the structure to thus form a low friction bearing. Specifically, the pivot pins include a shaft section with an end adapted to snap-lock into the structure and further include a non-uniform surface with ribs that non-rotatably frictionally engage the structure when extended into the apertures in the structure. The pivot pins further include a head adapted to rotatably engage the apertures in the flanges, the head and the flange apertures forming a low friction bearing arrangement for supporting the shift stick on the shifter base. The pivot pins are preferably made from a lubricous polymeric material such as acetal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products Co., Div. of JSJ Corp.
    Inventor: Charles Osborn
  • Patent number: 5385420
    Abstract: A threaded snap-fit coupling assembly is provided for use in attaching a handle to an implement, such as a paint brush, paint pad, light bulb changer, cleaning brush or the like. The assembly includes an adaptor provided with a cylindrical receptacle and a male fastening member that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in a threaded opening of the implement so that the adaptor may be connected to the implement. The assembly also includes a coupling provided with a first end that is retained on the handle, and a cylindrical male portion that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in the opening of the implement and for sliding receipt within the receptacle of the adaptor. The coupling is retained on the adaptor via a snap-fit connection when the male portion of the coupling is received in the receptacle of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Sr., Robert D. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5328115
    Abstract: A refillable tape dispenser comprising a housing including a side wall, and a hub having a longitudinal axis defining an axial direction. The hub has inner and outer surfaces, and a first end fixed to the side wall. The hub comprises first and second opposed flexible portions having distal ends remote from the side wall which flexible portions project axially from the side wall. The dispenser also includes a retaining lug at the distal end of each of the flexible portions. The retaining lugs have remote ends spaced axially from the flexible portions. Ribs are present at the distal end of each of the flexible portions. The ribs project radially outward of the flexible portions and have axially extending arcuate bearing surfaces. The dispenser of the present invention is particularly suitable for coupling to a backcard having chevron-shaped openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Samuelson, Carol L.-E. Smith, Gary A. Albrecht, Winston E. Pagel
  • Patent number: 5253948
    Abstract: A connector for releasably connecting and locking a first member to a second member is provided. The connector includes a first member having a connecting element extending from the first member; a second member having a locking element extending from the second member; and an intermediate member having two ends and a passage extending through the intermediate member from one end to the other end. One end of the intermediate member is rotatably attached to the second member so that the locking element of the second member extends into the passage. The other end of the intermediate member is releasably attached to the first member so that the connecting element of the first member extends into the passage. The first member can be locked to the intermediate member by rotating the locking element relative to the connecting element. The connector may be used to releasably connect and lock a toothbrush head to a toothbrush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Peter R. Butler
  • Patent number: 5219242
    Abstract: A plug connector for use in a computer system comprised of an upper shell side-hinged to a lower shell by a connecting portion. The upper shell has pins respectively inserted into pin holes on the lower shell, a pair of opposite eye end posts side-matched to a pair of opposite eye end posts on the lower shell respectively and retained together by respective screw bolts, a pair of opposite semi-circularly notched upright blocks end-matched to a pair of opposite semi-circularly notched upright blocks on the lower shell in providing two round holes respectively aligned with the eye end posts for inserting and supporting the screw bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Shuenn-Liang Liaw
  • Patent number: 5168693
    Abstract: The coupling means according to the invention consists of an insertion member and a receiving member, as the arms of the insertion member by coupling engage a sliding bolt, which is loaded by a leaf spring against a locking position. The leaf spring is angular bent, and has one short leg resting in a slit facing the inside of a tube member, making up the outer part of the receiving member. By mounting the spring in this way, the long leg of the spring is stretching between the tube member and an insert, and fixation of the spring is obtained without use of additional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fiskars Zinck-Lysbro/A/S
    Inventor: Soren Ingvardsen
  • Patent number: 5143500
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener system comprising a male or stud element with a split or bifurcated head, forming two prongs, that fits inside a female or socket sleeve. Inside the socket sleeve is an internal annular ring of a smaller diameter. The stud prongs deflect radially inwardly when pushed into contact with the internal ring until the prongs pass the ring at which point they deflect radially outwardly and lock the male member within the sleeve. This locking action allows for a variety of items to be clamped together along the length of the rivet sleeve provided that at each end of the rivet there is a head of larger diameter than that of the sleeve. Each head can be replaced by any number of integrally molded items requiring a locking/mating action or where locking and rotation is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: ITW Plastiglide
    Inventors: Eric J. Schuring, Vince Girimonte
  • Patent number: 5083717
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a refillable tape dispenser comprising a housing including a side wall, and a tubular hub having a longitudinal axis defining an axial direction, and a first end fixed to the side wall. The hub comprises a continuous base portion joined to the side wall, first and second opposed arcuate guide portions, and first and second opposed arcuate flexible portions which have distal ends remote from the continuous base portion. The first and second flexible portions have axially extending side surfaces defining a non-diametrical chord for the cylindrical hub and have a retaining lug at their distal ends. The retaining lugs have a remote end spaced axially from the distal ends of the flexible portions, a first retaining surface projecting radially outward of the flexible portion, and a second retaining surface projecting radially inward of the flexible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Samuelson, Carol L. Edinger, Gary A. Albrecht, Winston E. Pagel
  • Patent number: 5078075
    Abstract: The antenna clamp holds securely a connective member of an object suitable for display at the top of a vehicle antenna mast. The clamp consists of a hinged inner part called the enclosing unit, which is configured to fit around both mast and the tip at the top of the mast and secure the connective member to the mast, and an engaging device, of which there are several, to hold mechanically the enclosing unit on the mast and tip. The antenna clamp is rotatable, easily attached and removed, and does not affect radio reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventors: Richard E. Liming, Treesa V. B. Liming
  • Patent number: 5067198
    Abstract: A wiper pivot is provided with a pivot arm, a pivot shaft having a spherical convex part, and a pivot holder having a spherical concave part. The pivot shaft is supported rotatably by the pivot holder through the spherical connection, and an opening of the pivot holder is closed with a waterproof member made from elastic material. In this wiper pivot, it is possible to prevent the pivot shaft from rattling and prevent the pivot holder from the penetration of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Masaru Ishikawa, Yuichi Ito
  • Patent number: 5020932
    Abstract: A high temperature turbine engine includes a hybrid ceramic/metallic rotor member having ceramic/metal joint structure. The disclosed joint is able to endure higher temperatures than previously possible, and aids in controlling heat transfer in the rotor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5011322
    Abstract: A ball joint comprising a ball stud including a shank and a ball formed at one end of the shank and a ball socket for receiving the ball and including resilient arms having an outer surface corresponding to the outer surface of the ball and engaging the same and ridges located internally of the ball socket for preventing displacement of the ball out of the ball socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Schauwecker
  • Patent number: 5005888
    Abstract: A garden tool for extracting a plant having roots in the earth. The garden tool basically comprises a housing and a prong assembly connected to the housing. The prong assembly includes a prong holder and at least three prongs with each prong being connected to the prong holder disposed generally near the outer peripheral surface of the prong holder. About one-fourth of a prong length of each of the prongs is disposed in the prong holder whereby the prong holder cooperates with the portions of the prongs disposed in the prong holder to provide sufficient strength for substantially reducing the tendency of the prongs to bend when disposed in the earth and rotated. The garden tool also includes a handle assembly which is connected to the upper end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Speedy Weedy, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Parks, Thomas A. Parks, Raymond Green
  • Patent number: 4976585
    Abstract: A system for the rapid balancing of revolving shafts, in particular, the revolving shaft of a gas turbine. The system comprises two mutually adjacent bores provided in the stator of the turbine, which can be closed by relevant plugs, and which are collimated on the screw-threaded bores of the rotor. The system also comprises a special rigid rod for elastically holding a screw-threaded balancing mass, and for causing it to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Nuovopignone-Industrie Meccaniche e Fonderia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vasco Mezzedimi, Franco Frosini
  • Patent number: 4965915
    Abstract: A plug for the bearing of an autohoist arm on a motor-vehicle body comprises an elastic receiving part secured in a receiving orifice and a dimensionally stable spacer piece located in front of and clipped securely to the receiving part. A common passage bore is provided in the receiving part for receiving a retention peg which secures both the receiving parts and the spacer piece in the receiving orifice by nose-shaped forms at its ends. The position of the retention peg is fixed by a locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventor: Gerd Steininger
  • Patent number: 4935638
    Abstract: A side bar assembly for attachment to a chassis of different sizes of pick-up trucks, the side bar assembly including a pair of substantially L-shaped tubular members forming half-bar tube sections to collectively form a generally U-shaped side bar to extend laterally from a side of the vehicle, and a cylindrical connector sleeve having a central bore corresponding substantially to the outer diameter of the tube legs to receive the latter therein in alignment with each other with the connector sleeve encircling the adjacent portions of the tube legs over more than half the circumferential extent of each and a pair of mounting brackets to receive end portions of the side bar legs therein. The connector sleeve also includes a thickened portion defining an upwardly facing flat step surface at the top of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Sparkomatic Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Straka
  • Patent number: 4900184
    Abstract: A resilient clip in three integrally joined sections: a central or web section centered on a z-axis, and two extensions from the web extending along x- and y-axes. Each section or portion may be described as a split sleeve and has a generally cylindrical opening therethrough, respectively centered on the same three axes. These openings are contoured and disposed to snugly receive a reinforcing bar or rod and a pair of corner legs of a generally rectangular stirrup, a piece of heavy wire bent into a rectangular shape and receiving reinforcing bars at its four corners, holding them in such positions to maintain the planned spacing between rebars. Each of the central openings through the three parts is joined to the outside by a lateral slit defined by a pair of lips that are forced apart by pushing the clip onto the steel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: William G. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 4890946
    Abstract: An insert for a hollow rotatable shaft on the end of which an impeller is mounted, the insert having a first cylindrical portion receivable within the end of the shaft. The insert includes a radially extending portion adjacent the end of the shaft having an annular wall including radially inner and outer surfaces for engaging tightly similar surfaces in a recess formed in the impeller to provide inner and outer pilot surfaces. The insert also includes a tubular extension which is received within a bore in the impeller, the tubular extension having spaced longitudinally extending slits for permitting the extension together with radially extending hook-like tongues thereon to be received within radial slots in the bore of the impeller to lock the impeller to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: George L. von Pragenau
  • Patent number: 4881621
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spiral spring power source for a toy, which can select a method of winding a power spiral spring 7 by a pulling string type winding cord 25 and a method of winding the power spiral spring 7 by a winding key 43 by removing a mechanism relative to the winding yarn 25, can alter the pulling direction of the winding cord 25 at 360.degree. in case of the method with the winding cord 25, can drive the output shaft through a gear set when uncoiling the energized power spiral spring 7, but can produce outputs not at one position but at a plurality of positions to be connected to a plurality of gears selected from the gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Marusan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Ishida
  • Patent number: 4850736
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for use in servicing an oil well rod pump. The pump has a rod string with a rod clamp secured thereto above the polish rod. The device comprises an elongated, weight-supporting polish rod-receiving cylindrical sleeve. The inner diameter of the sleeve is greater than the diameter of the polish rod. A slot in the side of the sleeve extends along its length. The width of the slot is slightly greater than the diameter of the polish rod. A flange extends outwardly from each side of the slot. Releasable securing means extend between the flanges to secure the sleeve in position about the polish rod. The sleeve is to receive, resting thereon when in position about the polish rod, the rod clamp to permit servicing work on the pump above the rod clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Douglas S. Petrie
  • Patent number: 4832522
    Abstract: The adapter extension of subject invention provides for the coaxial extension of a plunger or rod whose effective length has become shortened by weakness or failure of a back-up spring which causes the plunger or rod to lose its effectiveness as a strut, for example, a situation that occurs primarily in nuclear reactors where the plunger engages a grid, whereas the grid provides lateral support to the upper end of the dry tube. The adapter is thimble-like and fits tightly over the end of the plunger that engages the grid. The adapter contains a spring which has the effect of substituting for or supplementing the original spring behind or below the plunger. The body of the adapter includes a retainer for holding the interior spring captive during assembly and operation of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Adaptive Concepts, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dale F. Thayer, Robert L. Dickherber, David L. Huizenga
  • Patent number: 4821597
    Abstract: An operating crank for a window regulator mechanism includes a one piece molded handle having a visible side and a non-visible side when mounted at one end to a driven mechanism. A knob is rotatably attched to the visible side of the other end of the handle by an attachment located generally in the area where the knob is gripped by an operator. The attachment includes a series of molded ribs on a shank which extends axially from the visible side of the handle and which rotate within a groove inside the knob. The knob retention ribs extend radially of the shank and are molded integrally to the shank by means of a die insert receivable through access slots defined through the knob end of the handle from the non-visible side of the handle, giving access to the coplanar bottom surfaces of the knob retention ribs. The retention ribs may thereby be molded without leaving a visible parting line on the visible side of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: George Z. Marciniak, William M. Selkirk
  • Patent number: 4778161
    Abstract: Securing device for concentrically mounting a helical spring on a rod having a transverse abutment surface and a groove, the securing device being elastic and capable of being mounted on the rod and comprising a part intended to be received in the groove and an inclined surface forming an apex which, when the securing device is mounted on the rod, defines a point at a maximum distance from a longitudinal axis of the rod and is located at a predetermined distance from the abutment surface, the spring having an internal radius less than the maximum distance and being made from a substantially cylindrical wire, the radius of which is less than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Bendix France
    Inventor: Christian Douillet
  • Patent number: 4772152
    Abstract: A releasable connector comprises first and second elements (A,B). The elements (A,B) have flanges (10,34) which lie face-to-face when the elements are interconnected. The flange (10) of the first element (A) has flexible lugs (12) which carry barbs (14). The barbs (14) engage the flange (34) of the second element (B) to retain the elements together. The first element (A) has a socket (2) within which extends a nozzle (4). The second element (B) comprises a plug which fits in the socket (2) and which has a bore (38) fitting over the nozzle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Nomix Manufacturing Co. Limited
    Inventor: David C. Gill
  • Patent number: 4765767
    Abstract: A clip assembly for an elongated instrument which includes a base portion, a resilient elongated member extending from the base portion and means extending from the base portion dimensioned for insertion into an aperture defined by the elongated instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto. In its preferred form the elongated instrument is a pen which includes a body member having a reservoir of writing medium and a writing tip, a cap member configured and dimensioned for mating engagement with the body member; and a clip. The clip includes a base portion, a resilient elongated member extending from the base portion; and means extending from the base portion configured and dimensioned for insertion into an aperture defined by the body or cap member of the writing instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Marynissen, Thomas T. Beeson, Thomas G. Snell
  • Patent number: 4758024
    Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Charles E. Kaempen
  • Patent number: 4744612
    Abstract: An improved fastener (10) is provided for releasably coupling a side panel member (16) having opposing internal and external surfaces (26 and 28) to a display panel member (18). The improved fastener (10) may be inserted into through openings (24) in side panel members (16) from internal a display system (14) or external thereto. Improved fastener (10) is formed in generally one-piece molded formation and includes a base portion (30), a fastener central portion (32), and a pair of longitudinally extending upper and lower arm members (34 and 36) respectively. The improved fastener (10) includes a chamfered surface (40) for the base portion (30) as well as a chamfered lower section (44) for the central portion (32) which allows insert of improved fastener (10) in a reversible longitudinal direction (12) when taken with respect to the side panel member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Russell William, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell K. Winter, Thomas D. Harvey, Nedim Savas, Richard S. Kain
  • Patent number: 4733625
    Abstract: Presented is a coupling device designed to release two members that are connected together when more than a predetermined force is exerted to separate the two members. The coupling device is adjustable to increase or decrease the amount of force to which it responds. Structurally, the device includes a plug member having a spherical knob seated in a complementary seat formed in a surrounding tube having longitudinal slits. A sleeve surrounding the tube is slidable between maximum and minimum force settings to control the amount of force required to separate a member connected to the plug member from another member connected to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: William W. Allen
  • Patent number: 4721248
    Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler is specially designed to facilitate assembly, as well as disassembly for purposes of repair of replacement of parts, without sacrifice of water-tight integrity and with improved operating characteristics. The housing for the impulse wheel and for supporting one end of the sprinkler tube is formed of two parts snapped together to effect the necessary seal, the sprinkler tube is mounted therein by a snap action insertion, thereby to define an operating subassembly, and that subassembly is reliably assembled with a mounting subassembly by sliding insertion and snap action retention. The sprinkler tube is sealingly journaled in such a manner as to produce very low friction, thus reducing the load on the impeller wheel and enabling the sprinkler to have a very low pressure drop therethrough, thereby increasing the sprinkling range of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Jet Stream, Inc.
    Inventor: Ho Chow
  • Patent number: 4670715
    Abstract: An electronic sensor apparatus for determining motion of a movable element has a sensor housing for accurately positioning the sensor at a preselected distance from the movable element in response to contact with the movable element. A holding means maintains the sensor housing at the desired position. Heretofore, similar sensing systems have employed the use of customized sensor bodies or manually inserted shims to establish the sensing system at its required location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joe E. Fuzzell
  • Patent number: 4650261
    Abstract: A molded fastener (10) is provided for releasably coupling a side panel member (16) to a display panel member (18) in generally planar orthogonal relationship. The side panel (16) includes a through opening (20) through which the fastener (10) is partially inserted. The fastener (10) includes a one-piece formation having a base portion (26) with a diameter greater than the diameter of the side panel member through opening (20). The base portion (26) extends to a central portion (30) of the fastener and has a diameter substantially equal to the panel member through opening (20). A pair of longitudinally extending arm members (32 and 34) are secured to the central portion (30) of the fastener (10) and are adapted to clampingly engage the display member (18) on opposing surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Russell William, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell K. Winter, Thomas D. Harvey, Nedim Savas, Richard S. Kain
  • Patent number: 4597686
    Abstract: A connecting assembly comprising a support including spaced-apart sides, and a bore extending between the sides, a first member slideable in the bore, and including a first portion located on one side of the support, and a second member including an opening therein. The connecting assembly also includes a connecting device adjacent to one side of the support for connecting the second member to the first portion of the first member and comprising a first piece fixedly connected to the first portion, and a second piece located between the first piece and the one side of the support. The second piece also includes a bore which receives the first member for movement thereof relative to the second piece between a connect position with the first piece adjacent the second piece and a disconnect position with the first piece spaced from the second piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: H. Norman Petersen
  • Patent number: 4579018
    Abstract: A band selector switch comprises a rotor having click teeth on its outer circumferential surface, a sleeve rotatably fitted in the rotor and composed of a plurality of axial resilient pieces separated by axial slits defined in the sleeve, the resilient pieces having click grooves defined in inner peripheral surfaces thereof for engaging the click teeth, one of the resilient pieces being deformable radially outwardly, and stop surfaces disposed radially outwardly of those resilient pieces disposed on opposite sides of the one deformable resilient piece for preventing the resilient pieces on opposite sides of the deformable resilient piece from being deformed radially outwardly. The click teeth are prevented by the undeformable resilient pieces from entering the latter, thus limiting the range of angular movement of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Ohashi
  • Patent number: 4566815
    Abstract: A structure having a shaft and a paper retaining roller mounted on the shaft for use in a printer. The structure further includes a retaining element mounted on the shaft so as to be opposed to the roller for retaining the roller in a given axial position on the shaft. The roller is rotatable about the shaft and has a flange at its one end. The retaining element has a plurality of resilient retaining arms and its one end to hold the flange rotatably. At the opposite end, the retaining element is also provided with a plurality of resilient arms which are in frictional engagement with the outer periphery of the shaft. The roller can be slid axially along the shaft when a force greater than a given magnitude is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4380433
    Abstract: A novel hand tool for dental use for dispensing wire, pins or rod and for manipulating the dispensed material in a dental procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensed material is a strip of notched pins for cementing to tooth dentin in a retentive pin procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventors: Alan G. Ellman, Jon C. Garito
  • Patent number: 4371355
    Abstract: A flexible and backlash free coupling to connect adjustably between two separate rotary shafts for the purpose of transmitting rotary power and torque, whereby said coupling is able to slip on loosely over either of two separate stem configurations and whereby one end of said coupling will conform elastically to the one stem configuration while, in a second mode of elastic or plastic deformation, the opposite portion of the coupling attaches tightly to a second stem configuration within a certain range of dimensional width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Patent number: 4350360
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a bicycle, which starting from a kit of components is very simple to mount, and which in mounted condition in spite of a low price produces a stable bicycle, which is resistant to rough handling and negligence, and which has the requirements for good functioning also after a long time of use.The assembly of bicycle components according to the invention comprises a frame member (1). Furthermore, the assembly comprises a front fork component (2), which is provided with a shank portion (18), which forms axially acting thrust stops (17, 19a) engaging the upper and lower ends respectively of the steering hub, one of the thrust stops being formed by outwards pointing spring pawls (19) adapted to directly or indirectly cam into the corresponding end portion of the steering hub by snap action when the shank portion is being inserted into the steering hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventors: Jan G. Olsson, Lars E. Samuelsson
  • Patent number: 4332501
    Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Slysh
  • Patent number: 4204652
    Abstract: A method and apparatus employing the method are disclosed for attaching a plastic cover to a safety belt retractor frame. A plastic cover having a pair of spaced legs is attached to a seat belt retractor frame by inserting the legs through an opening in the retractor frame and wedging a plastic plug between the legs to hold them tightly in the opening and restrict withdrawal from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Gateway Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Cislak, Louis Romanzi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4196691
    Abstract: Manually rotatable control or selector knob member adapted to be connected to an operating shaft for an electrical or electronic device, such as a rotary switch, a volume control, etc., said operating shaft having a forward end portion fluted in the longitudinal direction thereof, which has a locking hole formed centrally therein and an annular lining of resilient material provided inside the wall of the locking hole. With this construction, the knob member can be fastly coupled to the operating shaft, while being locked in place at any desired angular position with respect to the forward end portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Imazeki
  • Patent number: 4192026
    Abstract: A pop-up drain valve assembly for a sink includes a drain plug and control means for raising and lowering the plug to open and close the drain. The control means includes a manually operable plunger rod and a unitary, one piece, plastic ball lever that pivots to translate the downward force applied to the plunger rod into an upward force for lifting the drain plug to open the drain. The inner end of the ball lever is positioned beneath the drain plug and the outer end extends through and is retained in an opening in the plunger rod. The ball lever also includes an integral stop which prevents the rod from riding up and binding on the lever and retaining means which prevents the outer end of the lever from sliding out of the opening in the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Bradley Corporation
    Inventor: Frank N. Williams
  • Patent number: 4172676
    Abstract: An improved turnbuckle assembly comprising a one-piece generally tubular stamped clip and a nut member mounted to a first axial end of said clip for rotative motion relative thereto is provided. The other axial end of said clip is adapted to receive and retain the end of a flexible cable, such as a multi-strand metallic brake cable, having an enlarged ring or sleeve member permanently attached thereto. The improvement comprises providing a multiplicity of axially extending slits in the first axial end of the stamped clip which allows the bearing area for retaining the nut member against axial forces to be increased while permitting relative ease of assembly. Preferably, the bearing areas will comprise circumferentially extending radially raised ribs having a surface thereof extending radially inwardly toward said first axial end of said clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. De Chant
  • Patent number: 4086553
    Abstract: A coil assembly structure having an improved terminal arrangement whereby the coil electrical terminals are effectively positively maintained in association with the coil bobbin. The terminal includes a portion received in a recess in the bobbin. A spreader element is provided in the recess for urging a biting portion of the terminal into the sidewall of the recess to provide effectively positive maintained association of the terminal with the coil bobbin for improved subsequent electrical connection and encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Robandt, Roger J. Cartier, Sandy C. Gay
  • Patent number: 4054393
    Abstract: A coupler is disclosed for connecting a plurality of laths of assembly of multi-component modular structures. The coupler comprises a plurality of channelled seats extending from the center of the coupler. Pins engage the bifurcated terminals of the laths, which are kept in place by said channelled seats, and may be snapped into varied structural configurations. Variants of the coupler are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1977
    Inventor: Ettore Talleri