Manually Releaseable Latch Type Patents (Class 403/321)
  • Patent number: 5813793
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for facilitating connection between a first housing and a second housing. The locking mechanism mounted in the mounting region of the second housing and includes a plunger mounted for movement up to an extended position, a biasing device urging the plunger toward the extended position, a catch spring, and a release button having a ramp, such release button being mounted on the second housing for back and forth movement in a direction transverse to the direction of the plunger and along a path that brings the ramp into contact with the catch spring when the release button is moved forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Allan Scott Baucom
  • Patent number: 5807016
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly system includes a windshield wiper blade assembly and an adapter. The assembly includes a connector configured to be connected to a first type of windshield wiper arm, such as a hookslot wiper arm having a smaller hook. The assembly also includes a blade carrier attached to the connector, and a wiper blade attached to the blade carrier. The adapter is configured to be attached to the connector to permit connection of the windshield wiper blade assembly to a second type of windshield wiper arm, such as a hookslot wiper arm having a larger hook, without detaching the carrier from the connector. The connector may be configured for attachment to pin-type wiper arms as well as hookslot wiper arms. The adapter may be configured for attachment to straight wiper arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Richard Allen Herring, Alan Jeffrey Stahlhut, William Arthur Powell, James Patrick Witek
  • Patent number: 5803650
    Abstract: A joint structure for releasably joining two bars of a playpen frame. A leaf spring with projections on its legs locks the frame in position. A user presses the projections to allow the frame to collapse. A releaser with movable flaps covers the joint body to protect the user's fingers from being pinched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Sung-Tsun Wu
  • Patent number: 5803649
    Abstract: A locking mechanism useful in various microsurgical, laproscopic and endoscopic surgical instruments includes a lock body which is linearly movable between a locked and an unlocked position, and a plate having a slot through which a linkage rod or the like passes. The slot includes a larger diameter portion through which a linkage rod or the like can freely pass when the lock body is in the unlocked position, and a relatively narrow section which restricts or prevents movement of the rod in one direction when the lock body is in the locked position. The slotted plate is free to pivot between an angle wherein the linkage rod is engaged by the edges of the narrow portion of the slot and thus wedged against movement, and a second angle wherein the rod is not engaged by the edges of the narrow portion of the slot, wherein by linkage rod can be moved through the lock body in one direction, but not in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hoogeboom
  • Patent number: 5803646
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for the detachable fastening of cleaning implements, such as brooms, scrubbing brushes or the like to a stick or handle. The stick is provided at its end with two fork-shaped, resilient arms, which can be fixed in bores of the cleaning implement with the aid of a fixing device. The fixing device comprises a handle, an operating element located between the arms and contact faces which engage the arms and spread the arms outwardly or draw the arms inwardly by rotation or displacement. The contact faces of the operating element are constructed on rotary bearing parts, preferably bearing rollers or rolls, which roll on the arms during the adjusting movement of the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Coronet-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 5803648
    Abstract: A harness plate (22, 28) for attachment to a harness for securing a first load (4), normally in the form of a person, the harness plate being attachable to a first cable (18) which is used to lift the load. The harness plate comprises a quick release mechanism (24) arranged to releasably receive a second cable (20) from which a second load (6), also normally in the form of a person, can be depended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Peter S. Foy
  • Patent number: 5803655
    Abstract: A lock mechanism effectively used for locking, for example, an interrupting handle of an electric interrupter in an OFF position. The lock mechanism includes two plate-like lock piece portions which are juxtaposed to each other substantially in a common plane when effecting the locking, engagement grooves which are formed respectively through the lock piece portions in a direction of a thickness of the lock piece portions, and have respective openings formed respectively in their respective end surfaces which are juxtaposed to each other, and face in the same direction, and a lock ring of a square-loop shape having opposed straight portions to be fitted respectively in the engagement grooves to interconnect the two lock piece portions. When viewed in the direction of the thickness of the lock piece portions, each of the engagement grooves has an L-shape defined by an introduction groove portion and a slide groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Furuya
  • Patent number: 5795091
    Abstract: A recline latch system for a collapsible stroller having a frame and a reclineable passenger support movable between at least one up position and a down position. The recline latch system includes a plate member connected to the frame for retaining the passenger support in the up position, a slidable member connected to the passenger support, wherein the slidable member is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and an engagement portion disposed on the slidable member, wherein the engagement portion is adapted to cooperate with the plate member when the slidable member is in the engaged position. The recline latch system preferably provides single-handed operation, multi-positional settings for the passenger support, and automatic disengagement while collapsing of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Baku Kakuda, James A. Sack
  • Patent number: 5785448
    Abstract: A device for coupling two shafts adapted to turn about a common axis includes a rotational coupling system associated with an axial retaining system. The rotational coupling system includes conjugate profiles at the ends of the shafts. The axial retaining system comprises a two-part sleeve coupled axially to the shaft and cooperating with a spring disposed inside the sleeve. The end of each shaft is surrounded by the sleeve. The spring operates after releasing an arming system including studs on the sleeve cooperating with cams at the end of one of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lemforder Nacam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Courgeon, Jacky Auriau, Amar Bouguerra
  • Patent number: 5779429
    Abstract: A quick implement attachment mechanism (2) utilizes a single coupling unit having two receiving sides (18) interconnected by a longitudinal beam (20). Each receiving side of the mechanism will engage a pair of vertically aligned pins (12 and 14) mounted on each side of an implement (6). The bottom portion of each receiving side has a bottom U-shaped member (28) which engages the lower pin at the same time a top U-shaped member (26) proximate the upper portion of each receiving side engages the upper pin. A fold-up and fold-down dog 32 positively locks the upper pin within the upper U-shaped member, maintaining both the upper and lower pins within the U-shaped members of the quick attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kendall Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Poole
  • Patent number: 5775830
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector casing made watertight by the addition of a seal. It is made up of a first casing element (1) mating with a second casing element (2). The first casing element is designed with a hook (3) which retains a stop (4) integral with the casing element (2) which is equipped with a lip seal (5) of asymmetrical section and prevented from rotating by an indexing lug (6). The front of the casing element (1) has a change of level (6) which partially embeds the lip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Blue Moon WW
    Inventor: Bertrand Courtaigne
  • Patent number: 5772355
    Abstract: An eyepiece adapter mechanism for providing a quick positive engagement to an interfacing instrument such as a B-styled endoscope. The adapter mechanism comprises a rigid back plate for providing a permanent attachment for the mechanism. A C-clip retainer positioned within a circumferential chamber of the back plate acts as a locking ring under the elastic force of the C-clip material itself to provide a grip around the interfacing instrument when installed into the back plate. An outwardly protruding portion of the C-clip, acting as a lever, releases the interfacing instrument when the level is moved toward a fixed post located a predetermined distance from the lever to facilitate single handed operation. An alternate embodiment provides a quick attach/release adapter without an eyepiece and employing a C-clip retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Ross, Michael P. Clark, Randall J. Deary
  • Patent number: 5769560
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for detachably joining two adjacent portable stage modules. The clamp assembly is attached to the underside of one of the modules. When not in use, a spring biases the clamp away from the attachment bracket. The clamp includes two resilient, outwardly curving wing elements. Each wing element has a pair of opposing locking slots or engaging surfaces. A variable distance from a midpoint of a line segment between the two forward locking slots to the rear locking slots is the operational criterion for detachably joining two stage modules. When the wing elements are inwardly biased toward each other, thereby assuming a tension position, the distance between the midpoint and the rear locking slots is greater than when the wing elements are in a relaxed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Grant S. Quam
  • Patent number: 5758988
    Abstract: A locking device for releasable connection of frame members and knock-down structures. The device includes a first rail having a front wall provided with a slot. A second rail has a front wall provided with a slot. The front walls of the first and second rails are positionable in confronting relationship with one another. An elongated member has at least one hook extending therefrom. The elongated member is disposed on a back side of the front wall of the first rail with the hook extending through the slots of the first and second rails. The elongated member is movable along a longitudinal axis of the first rail from an unlocked position to a locked position with the hook engageable with the second rail. A pin structure engages transversely between the first and second rail for holding the first and second rail in fixed alignment with one another to prevent relative movement between the first and second rails in a plane generally coplanar with the front walls of the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Antonis Theodorou
  • Patent number: 5725324
    Abstract: An effective connector mechanism is described which allows modules to be easily and reliably connected and disconnected. This connector mechanism includes a coordinated arrangement of guide plates featuring mating guide rails and U-shaped channels along with matched sets of tapered pins with tapered slots as well as a spring biased latching mechanism. When mated together, the rails, U-shaped channels, pins and slots lock the modules into engagement in every direction except the forward direction. To prevent forward disengagement, a spring biased latching assembly is provided. This latching assembly features two symmetrically operating latch handles which are each pivotally connected to a T-shaped pawl. When the latch handle is open, the T-shaped pawl rests at the bottom of a ramped runner cut into the walls one module's U-shaped guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventor: John Pavelski
  • Patent number: 5709497
    Abstract: A cluster of seismic streamer cable utility modules is provided with a set of hinged latching members. The hinged latching members are adapted secure the cluster to the steamer cable by closing the hinged latches around corresponding collars mounted on the streamer cable. The collars form an inner race while the closed hinged latches form an outer race to allow free relative rotation between the streamer cable and the cluster of modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Concord Technologiies Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Zoch, Jimmy R. Cole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5697727
    Abstract: A lock including a lock bolt (12) equipped with a locking body (14) of cylindrical overall shape intended to be locked by snap-fitting into a locking orifice (16) of complementary shape made in a striker plate (18). The lock bolt (12) additionally includes an anti-hammer ring (76) surrounding a region of the locking body (14) which, when the lock bolt (12) is locked, is in contact with the periphery of the locking orifice (16). As a preference, the body (14) is equipped with a releasable snap-fitting mechanism including bearing limits (40) for axial bearing which are intended to interact with a first face (36) of the striker plate, and at least one retractable locking ball (42) intended to interact with a second face (38) of the striker plate. When the lock bolt (12) is locked, the anti-hammer ring (76) extends axially between the bearing elements (40) and the ball (42), lying adjacent to the first face (36) of the striker plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Cesa-Compagnie Europeenne de Sieges pour Automobiles
    Inventor: Sylvain Harry
  • Patent number: 5687962
    Abstract: A work support incorporating an improved bearing locking mechanism comprises a body having a first and second end and a body bore defined by a body inner wall; a pin defining a pin ramp and slidably positioned within the body bore to receive a work piece load; a plurality of roller bearings circumferentially spaced about the body bore; a nose cap closing the first end, and a cage assembly to engage roller bearings, close the second end and form a barrier to receive fluid back pressure. Introduction of fluid back pressure and work piece load rotates the roller bearings toward the pin ramp and urges the pin in an opposing direction, locking the roller bearings, pin ramp and body inner wall. The work piece load and fluid back pressure are both introduced and then both removed to respectively cause locking and unlocking to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Lloyd D. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5683201
    Abstract: A spring-biased latch is disclosed for removably attaching a first component, such as a seat, to an elongate member, such as the tubular frame of a wheelchair. The spring-biased latch comprises a body portion having a top and a pair of leg members that are adapted to removably receive an elongate member, a catch arm pivotally attached to the top of the body portion, and a release lever pivotally attached to the top of the body portion. The catch arm and release lever are configurable in a first position where the inboard end of the release lever abuts the inboard end of the catch arm such that the catch arm braces a portion of the wheelchair seat between the outboard end of the catch arm and the tubular frame of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques P. Guaron
  • Patent number: 5678948
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for furniture parts such as extension tables and leaves. The mechanism aligns the furniture parts horizontally and vertically and is selectively lockable for preventing disengagement. A strike member including a pair of fingers is attachable to one of the furniture parts. A lock member is attachable to the other furniture part and forms a pair of apertures between the lock member and furniture part. The strike member fingers are received within the respective lock member apertures and a lock mechanism selectively detachably attaches the strike member and lock member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: B. Walter and Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P.G. White
  • Patent number: 5674024
    Abstract: A high-speed fastening system includes a conventional yoke coupled to a likewise conventional shaft provided with specific fastening elements, via a vertically movable outer casing and a central body into which the shaft is inserted so as to secure the yoke to the aforementioned shaft. The auxiliary components, in addition to those already mentioned, include a catch fitted in the arch of the yoke, an intermediate sleeve inserted into the inner part of the central body, an inner spring situated inside the sleeve, and an outer spring whose ends rest in the arched part of the yoke and in the lower part of the outer casing. The shaft is fitted or dismantled from the interior of the yoke body by conventional ball bearings in combination with an annular zone situated in the insertion zone of the aforementioned shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Melchor Daumal Castellon
  • Patent number: 5669730
    Abstract: A rapid releasable coupling for the tang of a work tool to a percussion apparatus. A tip of cylindrical shape extends the body of a percussion apparatus towards the front. Three longitudinal grooves are spaced an equal angle apart in the tip. A roller can move in each groove. Each roller has a pin with ends adapted to roll or slide on the edge of the groove. A ring threaded onto the tip and moveable longitudinally is returned rearward and against the rollers by a spring. The ring has section in the shape of a circular arc that partially surrounds the rollers. Displacement of the ring toward the front is by another ring which surrounds the assembly and which has an annular projection on its inner wall for holding the spring. A screw connection between the up and the other ring so that the other ring is moved longitudinally by being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Marc Bidaux
  • Patent number: 5667327
    Abstract: A connection fitting for the releasable connection together of two furniture parts preferably running together at a right angle. The connection fitting includes on the one hand a pot-like housing to be inserted into one first furniture part and which is provided with a hole, and on the other hand a pin held in the hole and which at its front end extending past the fitting part possesses a preferably eccentric locking member to be introduced into an aligned hole in the other furniture part and which is provided with a radial actuating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 5666829
    Abstract: A plug lock for locking electric plugs is disclosed. The device comprises a case having a shaft. The shaft has a pair of inverted U-shaped cut portions that pivot outwardly. A lock gear is rotatably disposed within the shaft and engages the cut portions pushing them outwardly. A block cap is slidably disposed on the shaft. In its extended position, the block cap blocks the electric prongs' access to an electric socket. In this position, the lock gear is rotated so that the cut portions extend outwardly, preventing the lowering of the block cap. Lock drive means control rotation of the lock gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Isaac Aikens
  • Patent number: 5662429
    Abstract: An extendible rod comprises two rod-shaped elements slidable telescopically inside each other, and an expander device for locking the rod-shaped elements against sliding in an extended position of the rod, wherein the expander device comprises a linkage acting between first and second constraint members, being each associated with a respective one of the rod-shaped elements to drive them through a stroke of mutual separation, and wherein the length of that stroke may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co., S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gilberto Battocchio
  • Patent number: 5659922
    Abstract: A stick cleaner is provided with a dirt cup that can be inserted partially into the housing of the stick cleaner and swung to a fully mounted position by an automatic camming action. The dirt cup includes a latching mechanism which also cammingly engages a latch hook on the suction tube of the stick cleaner to maintain the dirt cup in an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Louis
  • Patent number: 5653549
    Abstract: An unlockable connecting device between two objects is provided. The device includes a connecting member for connecting the objects when the device is in a connected state, and an elastic system for applying to the connecting member a tensile stress for breaking the connecting member when the device is in a separation state. The tensile stress is caused by expansion of the elastic system as a result of elastic resiliency of the elastic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Freddy Geyer, Gerard Vezain
  • Patent number: 5641238
    Abstract: A quick change coupling is provided which is especially suitable for a flexible cable. It includes a rotary driving assembly which includes a source of rotary power, a driving adaptor section which is coupled to and rotated by this source, a driven adaptor section which is arranged in nesting relationship with the driving adaptor section and a cable which includes a shield and a core and is connected to a tool. The core is engaged with the driven adaptor section and is rotated by the same. Also provided is a shield adaptor section which engages the shield of the cable and is displaceable by the same to engage the driven adaptor section to urge the latter to penetrate into the driving adaptor section. A locking section is included which is effective upon penetration of the driven adaptor section into the driving adaptor section by a predetermined amount to fix a nesting relationship with the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Fred Oswald
  • Patent number: 5638885
    Abstract: A security gate for positioning within an area way such as a doorway. The gate includes a support structure defined by a frame and a flexible panel supported by the frame. The frame includes horizontal members and vertical members detachable engaged with the horizontal members. One end of the horizontal members includes a lock assembly including a pivoting linkage defining a parallelogram structure for facilitating firm engagement of the horizontal members with opposing sides of the doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products Company
    Inventors: Theodore B. Freese, Blair S. Barnes, Maria D. Young
  • Patent number: 5634735
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for releasably securing a tool to the linkage of a tractor such as a backhoe. The coupling apparatus includes a second coupling element which is fixed to the lower end of the linkage and a first coupling element which is fixed to the upper end of the tool. One of the coupling elements has a generally upwardly facing first engaging surface for engaging a downwardly facing first engaging surface of the other coupling element which provides the main coupling connection between the first and second coupling elements. Each of the first and second coupling elements has a second engaging surface which is spaced from the first engaging surface. When the first and second coupling elements are brought together in a coupling mode, the second engaging surfaces engage and provide a fulcrum about which the linkage pivots relative to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Wain-Roy, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Horton, Arthur A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5611638
    Abstract: At least two connecting elements are fastened to the patient support and are insertable into pin receivers of the column and carriage. Each connecting element has two latching elements each movable between a latching position and an unlatching position, and during relative movement between the transport carriage and the support column resulting in the transfer of the patient support from the column to the transport carriage, or the reverse, each connecting element becomes received at the same time in a column pin receiver and a carriage pin receiver. Each receiver has a detent recess for receiving one of the latching elements of a received connecting element in its latching position and a control surface associated with the other latch element of the received connecting element which control surface upon the reception of the connecting element transfers this latching element to its unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Stierlen-Maquet AG
    Inventors: Holger Dorr, Hermann Kieferle
  • Patent number: 5590891
    Abstract: A handle assembly for carts and wheeled luggage includes a pair of tube assemblies disposed in substantially parallel relation and connected by a handle member. The tube assemblies carry lock buttons which cooperate with a pair of rotatable release members to releasably lock the tube assemblies in an extended or retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Remin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene A. Kazmark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5588769
    Abstract: A connectible locking mechanism sets defined magnifications in a continuously operating zoom system of a microscope. The mechanism has a drive unit for setting the zoom, a locking disk fixedly connected to and provided axially on a drive shaft of the drive unit and a disk-shaped locking spring arranged fixedly to an instrument of the microscope. The locking disk has defined grooves arranged side by side. Arranged between the locking spring and the locking disk is a ball and a locking slider which is provided with a recess. The ball is positioned in the recess of the locking slider and is movable into and out of engagement with the grooves of the locking disk through a sliding motion of the locking slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Leica AG
    Inventor: Paul Graefenhain
  • Patent number: 5580182
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engagement/disengagement mechanism provided on a peripheral allowing the peripheral to be engaged with and disengaged from a notebook computer effortlessly without the need of extra tools. To attach the peripheral to the back of the notebook computer, the user needs just to align the connector and hooks on the peripheral with the counterpart connector and opening on the back of the notebook computer, and then push forcibly the peripheral against the back of the notebook computer. To detach the peripheral from the notebook computer, the user needs just to push the presser down and then pull the peripheral backwards to make the detachment. It is this simple to make the engagement and disengagement between the peripheral and the notebook computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Tien-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 5560728
    Abstract: A device for precisely positioning and locking an object in a selective position including a first arm, a second arm, a third arm and a fourth arm, as well as an L-shaped arm connecting the third and fourth arms. The arms are structured so as to movably connect a support for an object, such as a head rest, to a base member, such as an operating table. The arms are structured so as to slidably engage with one another in order to allow positioning of the support for the object in any desired position in a three dimensional space. The first arm is slidably mounted to a connection to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph T. McFadden
  • Patent number: 5556221
    Abstract: A fastening device with a rapid clamping mechanism for the fastening of transverse supports to railing bars of a vehicle roof rack. On the transverse support a housing of the fastening device can be fixed. The housing has a fixed clamping jaw which can rest from above on the railing bar. The housing also includes two housing walls which are directed vertically and are spaced from each other, between which a lever mechanism is arranged on pivot pins and on mounting pins which are fixed to the housing. By pivotal motion of a clamping lever of the lever mechanism, a lower clamping jaw of the lever mechanism is moved to enclose the railing bar relative to the fixed clamping jaw. Thus, the railing bar is clamped between the lower clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeng-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunner
  • Patent number: 5551793
    Abstract: A locking device for quickly attaching a wing to and removing the wing from a body of a missile, for example. The locking device is disposed in an opening in the wing and is adapted to secure the wing to the body of the missile using its attachment rail. The locking device comprises a rotatable cam, a rotatable cam follower for locking the wing to the attachment rail, and a cam latch for locking the cam follower in place. The cam has a opening disposed therein that is suitable for accepting a locking tool, such as an Allen wrench, for example, that is used to rotate the cam, and hence the cam follower, to attach the wing to and remove the wing from a m-fissile. A plurality of springs are respectively employed to retract the the cam follower when the locking device is disengaged, and to secure the cam latch in place when the cam follower is locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Loral Aerospace Corp.
    Inventor: Richard S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5546277
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a latching mechanism for securing an enclosure case of a computer system to a rack. The rack has two pairs of spaced apart posts, each having attachment locations for supporting two cooperative oppositely facing bracket members. The bracket members include platforms for supporting the bottom of the case, such as a case for a CPU. Each member has supports for rotatably receiving a torsion shaft of a latch. Each shaft is formed with two spaced apart arms having outer portions that engage the upper corners of the opposite sides of the case at two locations on each side. The arms of each shaft are angularly displaced relative to each other along the shaft so that one arm is caused to engage the case before the other arm, and in effecting the holding contact of the arms a torque is placed on the shaft, which remains as a positive force latching the case to the bracket and hence to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russ E. Zandbergen
  • Patent number: 5529425
    Abstract: A locking assembly for use with a foldable walker having a pair of side frames, each having a tubular front leg concentrically contained within an end sleeve of a cross brace, includes a housing secured to each of the side frame front legs. Each housing closely receives a locking pin extending through a first bore. The locking pin is movable between first and second positions and includes a locking end which extends into an aperture of a lock plate connected to the end sleeve of the cross brace. An actuating lever pivotally connected to the housing includes a force applying handle which, when depressed, causes the lever to rotate about a pivot point and raise the locking pin from the lock plate aperture thus allowing the side frame to rotate with respect to the cross brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Spies, Robert R. Bly
  • Patent number: 5529385
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dismounting device for golf cart wheel, being composed of a wheel shaft and a connector, the front of the wheel shaft having an inserting part, the inserting part being composed of a circular guide part and a square locating part, on the circumference of the circular guide part having a groove; the connector having a fitting hole formed at its one side, the fitting hole being composed of a circular hole and a square groove, the inserting part of wheel shaft can be inserted quickly into the fitting hole of the connector by the circular guide part. An upper cover being hinged on the connector and can be rotated to open or close, at the bottom of the upper cover having a stop plate which exenden to the groove of the circular guide part to retain the wheel shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Chang-Feng Tsao
  • Patent number: 5525005
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for securing bars or boards together so as to form an article of furniture. The apparatus includes a tube engaged between the members to be secured together. Two blocks are secured to each of the members and engaged inwards of the tube. Two slides are slidably engaged in the tube and are forced toward each other in order to engage with the blocks and so as to secure the furniture members together. The slides and the blocks include wedge-shaped engaging portions engaged with each other so as to prevent the slides from rotating relative to the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Jan-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 5513471
    Abstract: A sectional shelter is made of a set of panels of plastic material arranged side by side, along with a plastic roof cap. The panels are coupled by ribs projecting from one edge portion of each panel and a channel along the other edge portion. Retainers are pivotally mounted on the inside of the wall adjacent the channeled edge portion so that the edge portion carrying the ribs may be captured between the inside wall of the panel and the retainer. The shelter has curved and straight panels so that it may have various configurations. Door and window openings are formed in the wall panels and are closed by doors and windows fastened on the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Poli-Shelters Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard W. Worms, Percy A. Eggerman
  • Patent number: 5505556
    Abstract: Clamping mechanism for clamping a plate to a base comprises an arm having a clamp head on one end and a sleeve slidably receiving the arm. The sleeve is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to the arm. A drive is provided to rotate the sleeve from a first position to a second position in which the arm is disposed with its head in position to clamp the plate to the base and to slide the arm through the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position to draw the head tightly against the plate and clamp it to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Western Atlas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Brown, William M. Faitel
  • Patent number: 5501543
    Abstract: A quick locking device for producing axial locking forces on a smooth shaft has a housing, a freely supported clamping ring adapted to surround a shaft and located inside the housing with pretensioning by a spring force in a ring-shaped chamber changeable in an axial direction, diametrically opposite pins provided on the clamping ring and contacting surfaces which limit the chamber in contact points, a locking unit and a clamping unit provided with a locking thread and arranged so that axial locking forces are transmitted through the locking unit and the locking thread of the clamping unit and through the pins for form-locking connection between the clamping ring and the shaft in the region of self-locking, and a spring providing tensioning of the clamping ring and vectorially supporting a clamping action through the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Joachim Uhing KG GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ju/ rgen-Ulrich Schlu/ ter-Wohlfeil
  • Patent number: 5494368
    Abstract: A fastener (50) is disclosed suitable for securing a grinding wheel (92) to the spindle of an angle grinder, the fastener (50) being capable of tightening and loosening by hand. The fastener (50) comprises a first disc-shaped component (52) having a first pressure transmitting surface (53) adapted to bear against the grinding wheel (92), and a second disc-shaped component (54) having a threaded hub (56) non-rotatably fixed thereto. The first and second components (52, 54) are assembled on the hub (56) so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, and the second component (54) is adapted to apply an axially directed compressive force to press the first component (52) against the grinding wheel when a torque is applied to the second component (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Norman L. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5482394
    Abstract: A winding spring is preset in a connector, with its winding portion fit at an attaching shaft of the connector, in such a manner that its one end is engaged with the connector and its other end on the side of the fitting lever is engaged with a provisional locking protrusion provided on the connector. The fitting lever is rotated around a supporting shaft of the connector so that a sharp tip of a locking releasing body provided on the fitting lever releases the other end of the winding spring from the provisional protrusion, and the other end of the winding spring, because of its resilient returning operation, is engaged with a locking portion provided at the exterior of the locking releasing body. Thus, the winding spring can be mounted in the connector so that its lever side engagement end is surely engaged with the fitting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Shinchi, Toshifumi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 5472254
    Abstract: A scaffolding hoist coupling for lifting a scaffolding component, the component having an operably connected post fitting having at least two pins extending outwardly. The scaffolding hoist coupling includes a housing having an opening in one end, the housing being configured to receive a portion of the post fitting including the pins. The scaffolding also includes a retaining device proximate the opening for releasably retaining the portion of the post fitting including the pins. A fastening device is connected to the housing for fastening the scaffolding hoist coupling to a hoist line. A method for coupling scaffolding components to a hoist is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Wander
  • Patent number: 5470167
    Abstract: A locking device is provided for a retractable support member for mobile machines and the like. The support member is movable between a retracted transport position and an operating support position. The locking device includes a locking bolt moveable between a locking position, an unlocking position, and a release position with the bolt being biased toward the locking position. An actuating member moveable between first and second end positions is provided for engaging a driving element extending from the locking member such that the locking bolt can be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position when the actuating member is moved from the first end position to the second end position. An engagement and guide member is connected to the support member and includes two locking surfaces engagable with the locking bolt for locking the support member in the transport and operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Putzmeister-Werk Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Dieter Schillinger
  • Patent number: 5463912
    Abstract: A lever-operated connector is connected together by using a lever. The lever has pins. The connector housing includes positioning notches for positioning the pins of the lever to insert, slanting guide surfaces arranged beneath the notches for elastically deforming the lever according to inserting the pins into the slanting guide surfaces, and bearing holes arranged beneath the slanting guide surfaces for receiving and pivotally supporting the pins of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nori Inoue, Hitoshi Okumura, Hiroyuki Nakata
  • Patent number: 5456027
    Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe with a detachable sole having an electronic sensing and breakaway system. An upper sole member is detachably connected to a lower sole member which may have a plurality of cleats attached to the bottom of the lower sole member. There are a series of latch mechanisms which detachably hold the upper and lower sole members together, which protrude from the upper sole member and terminate in recesses in the lower sole member. The latch mechanisms are spring-biased toward a retracted position and are held in the extended latching position against the spring force by a system of pressurized fluid. Additionally, there are a number of strain gauges or sensors in the upper sole member and extend into recesses of the lower sole member. These strain gauges continuously sense the shear force applied to the cleats or sole when in use and emit a signal to a trigger mechanism located in the upper sole member when the shear force exceeds a pre-set level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Vincent G. Tecchio
    Inventors: Vincent G. Tecchio, Russell Salt