Abstract: An attaching wall 82 is interposed between first and second walls 81a, 81b. A banding band 9 is inserted from a first gap 83a provided between the attaching wall 82 and the first wall 81a to a second gap 83b provided between the attaching wall 82 and the second wall 81b, there by the banding band 9 is attached to the attaching wall 82. A through-hole 8 is provided on the attaching wall 82. A first guide wall 85a inclined toward the attaching wall 82 as extended toward the second wall 81b is arranged at a position facing the through-hole 84. Further, a second guide wall 85b inclined toward the attaching wall 82 as extended toward the second wall 81b is arranged at a position facing the second gap 83b.

Abstract: A re-usable integrated plastic part (20), such as an automotive plastic trim panel (36) and fastener (22) for attachment to a support member (24), such as a steel frame. The fastener (22) includes a mandrel (26) integral with and extending transversely from the panel (36). A flexible component (30) coupled to the mandrel (26) includes a pair of rivets (32) disposed on opposite sides of the mandrel (26) for engaging the support member (24). The flexible component (30) also includes arms (56) bending at hinge points (62) upon engagement of the support member (24) by the rivets (32). The flexible component (30) includes an intermediate section (34) expanding to an installed intermediate width (wi) to maintain the rivets (32) in wedged engagement between the mandrel (26) and the support member (24).

Abstract: A stretchable and bendable assembly device includes a bending element and a positioning element, and the bending element includes a bending section and a latch portion formed at an end of the bending section, and the positioning element is elastically installed onto the latch portion and includes a containing portion for receiving the latch portion, and the containing portion has an exit formed on the positioning element, and the bending section is extended out from the exit. In addition, a wavy latch portion is formed in the containing portion of the positioning element and corresponding to the latch portion, and the wavy latch portion includes a plurality of section-positions, and each section-position can be latched to the corresponding latch portion.

Abstract: The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.

Abstract: A flexure for tilting having a neck which lies between a pair of cylindrical openings, each of which has a cross-sectional shape which is curved and elongated. A gimbal capable of tilting around mutually perpendicular axes which incorporates the flexure.

Abstract: A camera mounting device and associated method are disclosed. The device can securely affix a camera to a strap of varying properties. The device provides a strap attachment mechanism used to connect the device to a strap such as a belt or a backpack strap. The device also includes a camera attachment mechanism used to attach a camera to the device while allowing its locking and release through a quick release mechanism. The device also includes a lens support extension with a support extension sized and oriented to provide secondary support to a long lens of a camera, such as a lens of a SLR-type camera.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a receiving portion, and two resilient arms. The receiving portion defines a receiving space through front and rear ends of the receiving portion. The resilient arms respectively extend away from each other from opposite sides of the rear end of the receiving portion. Rear ends of the resilient arms are capable of moving towards each other and being locked together, to allow a connector to be received between the resilient arms.

Abstract: A clip includes an attaching portion and a clamp portion. An elastic member, which is formed as a separate body from the attaching portion, is attached to the attaching portion, and prevents a transmission of vibration between an attached member and a tubular object. In the elastic member, a vibration-proof portion is provided and elastically abuts against a locking piece.

Abstract: A peripheral positioner includes a plurality of links that are rotatably coupled to one another. The peripheral positioner can be used to position a peripheral device on various surfaces and/or objects.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure and a clamp. The first structure may have an opening located on a first surface and the opening includes a keyway. The clamp is configured to clamp a second structure to the first structure. The clamp may include a head configured to be inserted above the opening in the first structure. The clamp may also include a body coupled to the head. An upper portion of the body may include formations located on opposite sides of the body and a lower portion of the body is threaded. The clamp may further include a nut coupled to the body. The nut may be configured to be rotated such that when the formations on the body are aligned with the keyway in the first structure, the head of the clamp is configured to lower onto the second structure and secure the second structure to the first structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a shell assembling device for assembling a shell having a first cover and a second cover, the shell assembling device comprising: a plurality of rigid fitting structures provided on the first cover and second cover, and a plurality of elastic interference fitting structures provided on the first cover and second cover.

Abstract: This rotary flexure bearing is a monolithic structure with inner and outer hubs connected by unique rotary compound flexure stages. These rotary compound flexure stages provide the angular compliance required for bearing rotation as well as compliance for flexure foreshortening while holding a constant axis of rotation with great precision over the entire range of motion. This design offers large angular displacement, low operating stress, low operating torque, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The rotary flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle alignment stages used in microlithography systems, mirror pointing and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.

Abstract: A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centreline, a tip, and a base. The centreline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centrelines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.

Abstract: A strut includes at least one bridge that provides a defined spacing between first and second frames in a longitudinal direction. At least a first connection portion is disposed on or near an end of the bridge and is resiliently elastically deformable at least in the longitudinal direction. The first connection portion may be press-fit between a base of the first frame and an engaging portion disposed on a flange that extends substantially perpendicular from the frame base. The first connection portion may comprise a base connected to the bridge with at least one inner clip projection having a first connecting member, and an outer clip comprising a base for abutting against a surface of the first frame and at least one outer clip projection extending from the outer clip base. The outer clip projection has a second connecting member that engages the first connecting member.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: A locking device that prevents a rooftop support device from being separated into upper and lower parts is disclosed. The locking device stops the lower base from being fully unscrewed from the upper platform. The device automatically releases to allow the lower base to be screwed back onto the upper platform.

Abstract: An assembly of a pallet component and fasteners is provided for making a pallet on which various kinds of objects can be placed and which is movable by a forklift. The pallet component includes two outer unit members and an intermediate connector. Each outer unit member has an inner side formed with spaced projections and concavely provided with spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto. The spaced projections of each outer unit member correspond in position to and are therefore receivable in the spaced receiving recesses of the other outer unit member. The intermediate connector is bilaterally provided with connecting sections that have different orientations. The working end of each connecting section has spaced projections and spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto so as to connect with the corresponding outer unit member. Thus, a pallet can be easily made according to the widths of objects to be placed on the pallet.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly includes a hub bounding an opening. The interior surface of the hub includes an annular coupling surface and a receiving surface, the receiving surface sloping away from opening. An alignment rib projects from the receiving surface into the opening. An elongated shaft includes a driver that is configured to be received within the opening of the hub. The driver has an exterior surface that includes an annular engaging surface, a guide surface, and a guide rib radially, outwardly projecting from the guide surface. The guide rib is configured such that when the driver is being inserted within the opening with the guide rib being aligned with the alignment rib, the guide rib contacts the alignment rib so that the guide rib must be offset from the alignment rib before the driver can be fully received within the opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substantially vertical surface and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one deformable body and at least one groove facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.

Abstract: A locking device (10) for securing a portable object to an immovable object (18) by a cable (16). The locking device comprises at-least two simultaneously rotatable T-shaped heads (24a; 24b), adapted to be inserted through at-least two complementary slots (22a; 22b) formed in a side wall (20) of the portable object and rotated by about 900 in the inserted position thus preventing the separation of the device from said side-wall. The slots extend in parallel or non-parallel directions.

Abstract: A fastener mounting a fan onto a particular device includes a retaining member of a soft material and an attaching member of a rigid material. The material forming the retaining member is less rigid than that of the material forming the attaching member. The retaining member includes a hollow sleeve, a retaining portion formed on the sleeve and retaining the retaining member to the fan. The attaching member includes a body received into the sleeve of the retaining member and an attaching portion formed on the body and attaching the attaching member to the particular device.

Abstract: A fixing device body has a contact surface projecting to an extent greater than the inner diameter of a through-hole and in contact with the front surface of a panel to which an article is mounted. A fastening device is provided with an engaging section and a lever rotatably supported by the fastening device. When rotated, the lever is moved in a direction in which the fastening device is retracted from the through-hole to cause the engaging section to make contact with the rear side of the panel.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface element to be fixed on and/or in an interface element holder of an electrical appliance, which element includes a hard component portion. The invention provides a positioning portion which is formed from an elastic material and makes it possible for the hard component portion to move relative to the interface element holder as a result of deformation. The invention also relates to an interface element holder and to an electrical appliance.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a clip includes: a plate spring member having a leg portion and flange portions; a pin member having a shaft portion and a head portion. The leg portion has: inclined portions outwardly extending from a bent portion; engagement portions inwardly extending from the inclined portions; and abutting portions connected between the inclined portions and the flange portions. The shaft portion has: a proximal-side diameter-expanded portion; and a distal-side diameter-reduced portion. When the plate spring member is assembled with the pin member and flange portions abut a front side circumference of the mounting hole, the diameter-expanded portion abut the abutting portions to expand the leg portion through a further pushing operation of the pin member thereby engaging the engagement portions with a back side circumference of the mounting hole.

Abstract: The through-pivot comprises a first ring and a second ring, one of the two rings being able to rotate about a longitudinal axis with respect to the other ring. The pivot further comprises at least one floating frame. The two rings are connected to the floating frame by at least one first set and, respectively, by at least one second set, of several flexible elements running in a direction that is transverse to the two rings. The floating frame may be made up of a ring in the form of a cylinder of revolution about the axis, or of ring portion, it being possible for the floating frame to be positioned either on the inside or on the outside of the rings indifferently. Application to the field of spacecraft such as satellites for the fine rotational guidance of at least one element or piece of equipment, in a predetermined direction of pointing.

Abstract: Pairs of corresponding connecting elements for connecting two components at a predefined joining direction by a catch connection fixedly attached to the components to be joined, such that one of the connecting elements has a structure suitable for engaging behind the catch face and the catch face behind which the structure is to engage is situated on the other element of the corresponding connecting elements. At least one of the two connecting elements has a ramp-shaped structure with which the respective other connecting element is in contact during the joining movement and which ensures an elastic deformation as the deflection in preparation for the locking engagement of at least one of the connecting elements during the joining movement, such that the catch face behind which the structure is to engage is situated behind the ramp-shaped structure in the joining direction.

Abstract: An interlocking assembly system and method including an interlocking member (100) configured for insertion into a slot (22) of a tube (20), which is in turn connectable to a bracket (10). In use, slats or other pieces may be inserted into the trailing end of the interlocking member (100) and tube (20) to provide a more stable and easier to assemble structure. Applications include fencing, privacy screens, awnings, lourvre or balustrades.

Abstract: In a bush to be used when an appliance is installed on another member, the bush includes an outer peripheral side elastic component 2 made of a plastic material, composed of a central portion 2a attached to the casing 12 of the appliance by a tap screw 5 and an outer peripheral portion 2c formed integral with the central portion 2a through a clearance 6 provided therebetween and having a flexure allowance L; and an inner peripheral side elastic component 3 made of a rubber elastic material having hardness lower than that of the outer peripheral side elastic component 2, and assembled into the clearance 6 of the outer peripheral side elastic component 2.

Abstract: A belt coupling for a safety belt buckle is provided. The belt coupling has a protrusion provided at a belt coupling hole in which a belt is wound. The protrusion is bent in a semicircular shape such that its front end is spaced a predetermined distance apart from one surface of the belt coupling and, in the inside, a shape deformation space is provided.

Abstract: A landscaping tool for attachment to the bucket of a landscaping vehicle with the use of removable load securing devices. Installation of the landscaping apparatus is accomplished quickly and without the need for any preexisting mounting holes to be present in the bucket or in the landscaping tool. The tool generally comprises an elongated plate having two opposite longitudinal working edges and a plurality of integrally formed tapered teeth protruding from each working edge. The two longitudinal surfaces also contain a series of connection brackets which enable the landscaping tool to securely engage the bucket. Load securing devices are routed around the back of the bucket to provide tension to the connection brackets in turn securely attaching the landscaping apparatus to the bucket.

Abstract: Improved flexible joint arrangements employ at least one flexure member that interfaces with wrapping surfaces defined on the bases to which the ends of the flexure member are connected. The flexure members are configured to define a traveling instantaneous axis of rotation that moves along a path defined by the interface of the flexure and the wrapping surfaces as the bases move relative to each other. The flexure members and the bases can be constructed of a monolithic material. The wrapping surfaces of the bases can be asymmetric in cross-sectional shape. The radius of curvature of the traveling instantaneous axis of rotation can be configured to change only in discrete quantum steps without reversals. In other embodiments, the flexible joint arrangement can be configured as one or more three bar linkages in which the middle bar is rigid and the outer bars are flexure members in accordance with the various embodiments.

Abstract: A furniture unit (1a) for building a furniture assembly (3) together with another furniture unit (1b) comprises a first magnetic coupling member (7) for interaction with a second magnetic coupling member (8) of said another furniture unit (1b). The first magnetic coupling member (7) is movable between an inner position, in which it is retained by a retaining means (15, 17), and an outer coupling position, to which it is movable from said inner position against a force from said retaining means (15, 17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable power supply device for supplying power to an electrical appliance. The rechargeable power supply device is provided with at least one chip on which data for identification of the power supply device can be stored, and can be read by the electrical appliance and/or by a charger.

Abstract: A universal snap-engagement system for removably connecting separate components together. The first component has a wall defining a channel with an array of flexible teeth extending from the wall into the channel to at least partially obstruct the channel recess. The teeth are spaced-apart and define open slots there between. A separate second component includes a connection peg that has a front wall and a longitudinally-extending sidewall. The sidewall has a groove this is spaced from the front wall and that extends transversely about the peg. The peg is receivable within the channel such that the flexible teeth are deflected by the peg and return to an original non-defected position when seated within the groove to securely connect the first component to the second component. As an alternative, the teeth can extend from the peg and the groove can be formed in the wall of the first component.

Abstract: A panel edge joint formed on opposing edges of a first panel (12) and second panel (22) for use in refrigeration units. The panel edge joint comprises a male part (10) extending along at least one edge of the first panel (12) and a corresponding female part (20) extending along at least one edge of second panel (22) wherein male part (10) comprises a deformable sleeve (30) forming an outer covering of male part (10). Engagement of male part (10) with female part (20) forms a seal between the first panel (12) and second panel (22).

Abstract: A flexure for tilting having a neck which lies between a pair of cylindrical openings, each of which has a cross-sectional shape which is curved and elongated. A gimbal capable of tilting around mutually perpendicular axes which incorporates the flexure.

Abstract: A device for covering a gap between a housing of a household appliance and a surface which is adjacent thereto. Said device comprises two profile elements, a first for securing to the surface and the second for securing to the housing. One of the profile elements comprises a groove and the other comprises a spring. The spring can be introduced into the direction of the width of the gap in the groove.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: A compliant joint capable of achieving passive compliance for a robot in order to prevent an injury to a human by collision with the robot. The compliant joint includes a housing, a cam member rotatably mounted in the housing, a roller spring device mounted to the cam member to be compressed and extended, a guiding member formed in the housing to guide compression and extension of the roller spring device in accordance with rotation of the cam member, and a receiving recess formed at the guiding member to engage the housing and the cam member with each other by receiving the roller spring device and release the engagement by separating from the roller spring device. Accordingly, robustness of the robot can be maintained when an impact less than a predetermined magnitude is applied, while being suddenly decreased when an impact greater than the magnitude is applied.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.

Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.

Abstract: A resilient flexure has one end attached within a cavity in a rigid member, and the other end attached within a cavity in a structural mode. The cavities are shaped to limit the flexure's bend radius. The member and the node have mating surfaces that abut to constrain the amount of rotation of the member. The aforementioned elements are shaped to prevent the strain in the flexure from exceeding its design limit when the joint is at its maximum angular deflection and the attached member is fully collapsed.

Abstract: A joint for the connection of components (T1, T2) that are movable relative to one another, on respective longitudinal sides (L1, L2), includes at least two cooperating bands, which are secured with their first ends (E1) respectively on sides of the first component (T1) lying opposite one another and with their second ends (E2) respectively on sides of the second component (T2) lying opposite one another, so that the paths of the bands extend opposite one another in relation to the center axes (A1, A2) of the components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener, which is for 100 removably mounting a mounting object with an insertion rib through a mounting aperture formed on a panel.

Abstract: An arrangement for fixing a wiper device for a motor vehicle includes at least one stand for guiding and fixing a drive shaft that extends axially in a substantially vertical direction. The stand includes a barrel in which the shaft is guided in rotation, and a horizontal base plate for fixing the stand to a structural element of the vehicle, by a damper block made of an elastically deformable material. The damper block is fixed to the structural element by a fixing element, which includes a vertical rod that passes through the damper block and is connected to the structural element, and an element for locking the damper block on the structural element. The rod and locking element are connected by connection means for enabling the rod and locking element to disconnect, through downward sliding of the locking element with respect to the rod, when subjected to a violent impact.

Abstract: A fluid bearing module has a bearing seat, a bearing, a deflecting member, and an impediment. The bearing seat has a capacity with an opening. The bearing in the capacity has a hollow space for the axis of a rotor to go through, and a lubricant medium is filled in between. The deflecting member protruding from the side near the opening of the bearing seat bends toward the capacity and clips on the rotor axis. The impediment protrudes from the side near the opening of the bearing seat for preventing the deflecting member from bending toward the opening and departing from the rotor. Moreover, the deflecting member and the impediment form a maze to keep the lubricant medium within.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard connector assembly for a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey or lacrosse helmet. The face guard includes a plurality of elongated bar members that intersect to define a grid. The connector assembly removably connects the face guard to the helmet shell. The connector assembly includes a bracket having at least one channel configured to receive a portion of the face guard. The connector assembly further includes a shock absorber assembly that distributes an impact force at the face guard to the shell in an omni-directional manner. The shock absorber assembly includes an elastomeric grommet, a bushing, and a nut, each have an opening. When aligned, the openings collectively define a passageway configured to receive a fastener that secures the connector assembly to the sports helmet. The helmet shell has opposed side portions with each side portion having a mounting aperture that receives an extent of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.

Abstract: In a device for coupling a tooth onto an adaptor nose with a key, the tooth includes a skirt shrouding the adapter nose beyond the key passage zone and having a configuration connected to a return wall, comprising a bordering ridge. The wall is provided in the width of the skirt and corresponds to the passage and positioning of the key. Proximate the ends of the wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, are provided passage openings for the key devoid of abutting function in operation and ensuring a guiding and stopping function only when the key is inserted or removed. The key comprises two components transversely mobile relative to each other.