Abstract: A coupler for a horizontal directional drill for quickly and easily attaching and detaching a stakedown assembly from the drill. The coupler includes a first coupler member and a second coupler member with matching angular front and Fear ends so that the first member fits within the second member. A lever operated locking mechanism releasably locks the two coupler members together in attached relationship.

Abstract: A twist lock for connecting containers comprises a housing integrally formed with an upper fitting part and a lower fitting part each being capable of fitting into a fitting hole in a corner fitting of a container, a spindle inserted in the housing in a rotatable and vertically displaceable manner, an upper lock connected to the top end of the spindle and being engageable with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, and a lower lock being in positional agreement with and fixed securly to the lower fitting part of the housing and slidably fitted with a plurality of locking members which can engage with and disengage from the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container. In this twist lock, the spindle is urged by a spring member in such a direction that the upper lock can engage with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, while each of the locking members is urged by another spring member in such a direction that it can retract into the lower lock.

Abstract: An axle is made-up of a left and a right axle halves which axially engage to form a completed axle assemble for supporting a roller skate wheel or other rotating member. A control rod is positioned and enabled for axial translation within the axle and may be moved by physical contact with the rod through an access hole at one end of the axle. A spring normally positions the control rod so that a set of ball bearings mounted within radial holes in the axle are forced into outward positions for engaging the axle halves to form a unitary unit. When the control rod is translated against spring tension, however, the bearings are able to move radially inwardly so as to disengage the axle halves for quick disassembly for replacing a wheel or other need. The axle provides a spring bias enabled for forcefully separating the axle halves once released. A threaded cap is adjustable in its position to moderate the separating force.

Abstract: An escutcheon and vehicle console assembly characterized by an assembly arrangement wherein resilient locking tabs serve to facilitate locking and disengagable cooperation between an escutcheon and console and prevent rattling of the escutcheon relative to the console.

Abstract: In an assembly comprised of a steering wheel and a steering shaft, the steering wheel has a holding surface and two tensioning pins. The steering shaft has a longitudinal axis and two detent hooks which are movable between a detent position in which they engage the holding surface of the steering wheel and fix the steering wheel in an axial direction with respect to the steering shaft, and a release position in which the steering wheel can be drawn off from the steering shaft. The tensioning pins engage at the detent hooks such that the detent hooks can be brought from the detent position into the release position by means of the tensioning pins. Each of the tensioning pins is accessible from outside of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An anchoring device 1 for anchoring an elongate member to a flat plate 8 provided with a slot 6 leading to one edge 10 thereof, includes a sleeve 2 for fitting over the member and having a groove 4 slidable along the slot 6. A spring-loaded ring 14 is movable along the sleeve 2 to allow accommodation of the slotted plate within the groove 4 and is biased to interlock with a projection 12 on the plate 8.

Abstract: The disengageable clamp of a cable car or chair lift has a control lever 17 carrying the movable jaw 14, articulated on the fixed jaw 13. At least one flexion leaf spring 23 is interposed between the clamp body 10 and the control lever 17 in order to force this lever into the clamp closure position. Two leaf springs can be disposed on each side of the clamp body 10.

Abstract: Folding structure for main handle of handle-controlled skate board, including a T-shaped fixing section integrally formed on upper side of front end of a body of the handle-controlled skate board. An upper side of front portion of a longitudinal section of the T-shaped fixing section is formed with a guiding inclination angle. A lower side of the guiding inclination angle is formed with an arch locating notch immediately adjacent to the guiding inclination angle. Two spring engaging bodies respectively laterally protrude from two sides of the middle of the longitudinal section of the T-shaped fixing section near the top face thereof. A rear section of the T-shaped fixing section is formed with a pivot hole near the center thereof. A supporting frame is welded on rear side of the stem. A lower side of front section of the supporting frame is formed with an arch escape recess. A middle portion of the escape recess is formed with a spring locating groove.

Abstract: In a belt clip for portable electronic equipment by use of rewind urging force of a torsion coil spring, a detachment preventing mechanism of a guide shaft, serving as a shaft center of a rotational mechanism, is implemented with a simple structure so as to improve a reduction in the number of parts and yield.

Abstract: An industrial quick-release connector for machine tools providing both rotational and axial stability that will permit easy replacements by an individual using only one hand without the use of hand tools to make the connection and reduce the time delays that normally ensue.

Abstract: A play yard having a collapsible top assembly and a collapsible bottom assembly, each assembly connected to at least three spaced vertical posts. The bottom assembly includes a collapsible subassembly. Pairs of post connecting members pivotally connect each vertical post to the subassembly forming truss segments. The truss segments and subassembly form a truss. Stabilizer feet are connected to the subassembly. The truss vertical posts and stabilizer feet serve to support and stabilize the play yard when it is in an erected position.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable coupling includes two coupling members pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis. One coupling member includes a locking rib of circular configuration coaxial with the pivot axis, and the other coupling member includes a pair of pivotal arms having locking surfaces normally engageable with the locking rib to lock the two coupling members against pivotal movement, but manually moveable to release the locking rib and to permit one coupling member to be pivoted with respect to the other to any desired angular position.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for interconnecting an attachment tool to the loader arm of the skid steer. The coupling device includes handles which are pivotable between unlocking and locking positions. The handles control coupling pins which diverge from each other and which move between a retracted position and an extended position to capture the attachment tool on the coupling device.

Abstract: A fastening device for a prosthesis, the fastening device having a cylindrical channel and an inclined washer designed to accept insertion of a cylindrical inset, such as a tube, bar or peg, with minimal resistance and yet substantially prevent withdrawal of the cylindrical insert from the fastening device unless a release mechanism is operated to permit withdrawal. The device permits rotation of the cylindrical inset with respect to the fastening device while still securely fastening the cylindrical insert within the fastening device, so as to prevent unlocking of the device and separation of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: At the front end side of parts supply device 8, an engagement part 22 is provided that is fixed in the vertical and left/right direction by engagement with an abutment part 23 that is provided on the side of a parts supply table 7; and at the rear end side of parts supply device 8 a fixing shaft 28 in the horizontal direction is provided. In parts supply table 7, there is provided a toggle link mechanism having an abutment link 31 that can be rocked in the vertical direction, that is formed at its free end 31a with an engagement groove 32, which can be fitted into and engaged by this fixing shaft 28. The toggle link mechanism is so arranged that it biases the abutment link 31 towards two positions: an attitude in which this engagement groove 32 is directed upwardly, and an attitude in which it is horizontal or directed downwardly.

Abstract: A socket drive tool has an elongated shaft defining a coupling body at one end thereof with a square drive lug having a detent ball disposed in a recess therein and projecting from a face thereof. A link pin reciprocates in the body and has a cam surface at one end thereof engageable with the ball, the pin being spring biased to a condition holding the ball in a retaining position projecting from the recess, and movable against the spring bias to a releasing condition permitting the ball to retract into the recess. An opening in the body is generally oblong in transverse cross section and tapers from a wide outer end to a narrow inner end, and then tapers back out again a short distance from the narrow inner end. The link pin has formed diametrically therethrough a reverse tapered aperture which tapers from a narrow end near the wide end of the opening to an oblong wide end near the inner end of the opening.

Abstract: A device for fixing a built in apparatus in a panel opening. Bolts, each having a base, fixed to the apparatus and a sliding piston are urged into contact with the panel by the action of compression springs. The piston includes push clips emerging into slots of the base to catch the piston on the base in an inoperative position and for triggering the locking by releasing the piston.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a push-pull rod (1) such as is used in motor vehicles between the gearshift lever and the tranmission. To achieve continuous length compensation, the invention uses a spring (4) to directly or indirectly effect clamping between the push-pull rod (1) and the housing of the adjusting device or a connector (6).

Abstract: In an improved child security fence system or pool gate, pole adapters are used for locking together two panels of the fence or pool gate. The pole adaptors are inserted into the support poles of two adjacent fence panels. The two panels are then attached to one another by a lock that bridges the two pole adaptors. The pole adaptors and the lock all have holes drilled through them that align with each other when assembled. Tension clips are positioned inside each pole adaptor so that dimples or tabs extend from the clips and through the aligned holes. In order to disengage the lock, the dimples or tabs from the clips must be simultaneously depressed at four points of the locking assembly.

Abstract: A bull rope safety release includes two shank pieces which can be joined together to keep a bull rope firmly in place over the body of a bucking bull or bronco. The safety release includes two D-rings which are connected to the bull rope and hold the safety release in place. A locking lever in one of the shank pieces has a hook which engages a brace bar in the other shank piece. The other end of the locking lever is connected to a pull cord with a wire or other means. A brace member is centrally disposed inside the body of the first shank and provides a support about which the locking lever rotates when the pull cord is yanked. A second lever is provided inside the second shank piece and can be likewise yanked to disengage the two shank pieces from one another.

Abstract: A socket mounting arrangement to receive a socket or other driving tool which may be mounted to a drive shaft, rigid extension, flexible extension, screwdriver handle having a rigid extension, screwdriver handle ratchet, screw driver handle flexible extension or incorporated within a driving tool such as a ratchet wrench or other ratcher driver. The socket mounting arrangement may be utilized with an extension for such a driving tool, whereby the extension defines a female drive tool end with a selected geometrically configured cross section for cooperative removable attachment to a mating male shaft of a driving tool. The socket mounting arrangement extension utilizes a coaxial sleeve on the extension shaft which is pushed outwardly toward the socket to release the socket. The socket mounting arrangement locks the socket onto the extension or other tool so that the socket cannot fall off without disengagement by movement of the coaxial sleeve.

Abstract: A container coupling tool having a handle for disengaging top and bottom cones which is less likely to be turned in the wrong way. The coupling tool has a tool body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion and is formed with a bore extending therethrough from the top face of the first protrusion to the bottom face of the second protrusion. A rotary shaft is inserted in the bore. The tool body is further formed with a handle inserting hole in which is inserted a handle shaft having a lever at its outer end. A motion converter is provided between the handle shaft and the rotary shaft. By pushing up the lever, the top cone can be disengaged, and by pulling down the lever, the bottom cone can be disengaged. Thus, the lever cannot be turned in the wrong way by mistake. A stopper is inserted in a stopper inserting hole formed in a flange of the tool body.

Abstract: An occupant-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a first vehicle propulsion system that comprises a first drive wheel, a drum rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame and drivingly engaged with the drive wheel, a movable force receiver, an elongated and flexible motion conversion member drivably coupled with the force receiver with a first reference point spaced a given effective-travel distance from a second reference point and a body portion overlying the drum, and an actuator mechanism for actuating the motion conversion member between a slackened, disengaged state and a tensioned state wherein there is frictional engagement between the drum and the motion conversion member. The actuator mechanism may be automatic or manual.

Abstract: A ball lock mechanism has a shaft with an annular groove formed therearou A first sleeve fitted on the shaft defines at least one channel between the first sleeve and the shaft. An opening facing away from the shaft is formed at the end of each channel. Ball bearings fill each channel so that, when the channels and annular groove are misaligned, one of the bearings extends partially through each channel's opening. A second sleeve is fitted over the first sleeve and the openings for retaining the bearings in the channels. The second sleeve is configured and movable with respect to the first sleeve to push the one bearing extending partially through each channel's opening into the channel when the channels and annular groove are aligned. As a result, another of the bearings is pushed into the annular groove while remaining partially in each channel to inhibit axial movement of the shaft relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A connecting device of a soil removing member for an excavator is used for connecting two soil removing members, wherein a helical ejecting blade is attached on an outer periphery of a rotational shaft. The rotational shaft in one soil removing member is connected to another rotational shaft of another soil removing member in accordance with excavation. The connecting member is basically formed of an inserting member disposed at one end of the rotational shaft, and a receiving member provided at the other end of the rotational shaft.

Abstract: A vehicular steering handle is provided which is adapted for use with a mounting assembly mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle steering handle includes a linear inboard portion and an outboard portion integrally coupled to the linear inboard portion and having an oval configuration.

Abstract: A hitch pin for connecting a drawn vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch pin includes a pin having a lower end and a transverse collar near its upper end, a handle mounting member extending upwardly at the upper end, and a handle pivotally connecting to the handle mounting member at an axis. The handle includes a pivot portion having a locking lever biased from pivoting downwardly and a latch portion. A first embodiment of the present invention includes the handle mounting member having two opposing flanges with flat inner surfaces and the pivot portion having flat sides such that pivot portion pivotally connects to the mounting member with the sides respectively facing the inner surfaces. A second embodiment thereof includes the handle mounting member having flat sides and the pivot portion having two opposing flanges with flat inner surfaces such that pivot portion pivotally connects to the mounting member with sides respectively facing the inner surfaces.

Abstract: A coupling for releasably connecting first and second parts of an apparatus such as a surgical instrument. The coupling comprises a socket member on the first part of the apparatus, the socket member having an axially extending central opening, and a plug member on the second part of the apparatus. The socket member includes a first manually depressible release button and a first locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the central opening and movable radially with each other relative to the central opening when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member. The first locking element moves away from the central opening when the first release button is depressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lab-top work station which is designed for use in the manual application of liquid to a slide or microwell plate and consists of a slide holder, a bridge for support of manual liquid dispensers at a predetermined location with respect to the slide holder, and a manual incremental advance mechanism for manually moving the slide holder a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment mounting/demounting device for working machinery by which a pin of an attachment held in engagement with an engagement groove of the mounting/demounting device can be surely locked and operation for locking and unlocking the pin can be easily performed. The mounting/demounting device comprises a latch capable of switching over between a release posture allowing a first pin to come into and out of a first engagement groove and an engagement posture preventing slip-off of the pin fitted to the engagement groove, a lock piston capable of switching over between a lock posture locking the latch in the engagement posture and an unlock posture releasing the latch from the lock posture, and a biasing spring for always biasing the lock piston toward the lock posture.

Abstract: A bayonet coupling (10) is used for detachable joining of two tubular-shaft instruments or instrument parts. A bayonet sleeve (12) (female part), having a bayonet guide (14), is provided on the one instrument or instrument part, and a bayonet insert (52) (male part) is provided on the other instrument or instrument part. An interlock system serves to lock the bayonet coupling (10) in the closed state. It is proposed that the interlock system have an interlock piece (28), displaceable along the bayonet sleeve (12), which comes directly into inhibiting engagement with the bayonet insert (52) inserted into the bayonet sleeve (12), in the insert's terminal position, and inhibits the bayonet insert (52) from rotating; and which can be moved away from the bayonet insert (52) in order to release the interlock system (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A recombinator for connecting and recombining sections of material. The recombinator including a cylindrical sleeve formed from at least two semi-cylindrical sections having edges and an internal arcuate surface. A first cylindrical hub is used to cooperate with the cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical hub is formed from at least two semi-cylindrical hub sections, each semi-cylindrical hub section including an external arcuate surface adapted for mating with the internal arcuate surface of the cylindrical sleeve and having edges adapted for alignment with at least one of the edges of at least one of the semi-cylindrical sections. The semi-cylindrical hub sections also include at least one facet surface joining the edges of the external arcuate surface of the semi-cylindrical hub section. Each facet surface has been adapted for mating with the facet surface of another semi-cylindrical hub section.

Abstract: A locking spring-biased latch for removably attaching a first component, such as a seat, to an elongate member, such as the tubular frame of a wheelchair. The locking 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 release lever has a bore passing transversely therethrough. A locking button is reciprocatable within the bore and is secured to a pin in the base. The locking button is biased upwardly through the top of the release lever by a spring. The spring, when extended, blocks pivotal movement of the release lever. Depression of the locking button into the bore depresses the spring to clear the spring from the release lever for pivotal movement of the release lever.

Abstract: A fastening device for a prosthesis, the fastening device having a cylindrical channel and inclined washer designed to accept insertion of a cylindrical insert, such as a tube, bar or peg, with minimal resistance and yet substantially prevent withdrawal of the cylindrical insert from the fastening device unless a release mechanism is operated to permit withdrawal. The device permits rotation of the cylindrical insert with respect to the fastening device while still securely fastening the cylindrical insert within the fastening device, so as to prevent unlocking of the device and separation of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: A quick coupler assembly connects an implement to a work machine. The coupler assembly includes a cylindrical catcher rotatably mounted between a pair of plates. During coupling of the implement with the coupler assembly, the catcher is rotated at a cam surface by an implement coupling pin which allows a latch member mounted to the pair of plates to slidingly engage automatically with the catcher for locking the catcher in a closed position. The closed position of the catcher locates a jaw thereof in a position which retains the implement coupling pin within a receiving notch of the catcher thereby coupling the implement to the work machine. The ability to couple an implement to a work machine with ease and simplicity in conjunction with the utilization of durable components, increases usability and reliability while reducing costs.

Abstract: The present invention is a locking mechanism which utilizes rolling members positioned on recessed inclined surfaces, the rolling members being biased toward a locked position wherein the rolling members engage both the inclined surface of the locking mechanism and an engagement surface of a member or workpiece disposed above and positioned proximate to the recess. Each rolling member is moved from its locked position to its unlocked position along its respective inclined surface by a lever pivotably mounted to the locking mechanism and engaging the rolling member.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for quickly and easily coupling and decoupling a work implement to and from a stick assembly is disclosed. The quick coupling device includes a hook member defined in the stick assembly. The hook member defines a recess. An implement pin secured to the work implement is positionable within the recess. The quick coupling device further includes an over-center spring which biases or otherwise secures the implement pin within the recess. The quick coupling device yet further includes an actuator which selectively loads the over-center spring so as to secure the implement pin within the recess, or alternatively removes the load from the over-center spring so as to allow the bucket to be decoupled from the stick assembly. In one embodiment the actuator includes a operator controlled fluid cylinder, whereas in another embodiment the actuator includes a lever assembly having a lever with a cam lobe secured thereto.

Abstract: A foldable rod linkage for connecting a handgrip to a front wheel of a foldable stroller includes a lower mount member having front lateral walls extending rearwardly from two ends of an upright front wall, an upward abutment wall between the left and right front lateral walls, an upright bore for receiving an upper end of a front rod, and rear lateral walls extending respectively from the front lateral walls. An upper slide body has a through-hole to permit extension of a handle rod such that a lower end of the latter is pivoted on the rear lateral walls, and a downward abutment wall to mate with the upward abutment wall when the linkage is in an unfolded position. An operating device is mounted movably on the handgrip, and includes a pull rod having a lower end mounted on the slide body such that upward pulling of the pull rod will result in disengagement of the slide body from the lower mount member.

Abstract: A drawer comprises a lateral metallic frame, a front panel and a device for mounting the front panel on the lateral metallic frame. The mounting device comprises a holder provided at the front panel and protruding against the lateral metallic frame, and the holder comprises a guiding member engaging in a guiding slot of the frame, the guiding slot being open at an end face of the frame, extending in the longitudinal direction and forming a widened portion constituted by a frame recess extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. A locking piece is disposed at a side of the guiding member facing away from the front panel, the frame recess forming a locking stop engaged by a supporting surface of the locking piece, and a locking bar is insertable through the guiding slot into the widened portion laterally adjacent the frame, the locking bar being a carrier for the locking piece and being movable transversely to the guiding slot, and the locking bar being subject to a locking force.

Abstract: An anchorage is provided for anchoring an elongate member (2) such as a Bowden-type control cable to a flat member (7) such as a vehicle bulkhead having an undercut slot (5) in an edge (6) thereof. The anchorage comprises a sleeve (1) which is fixable coaxially around the elongate member (2) and which is formed with a peripheral groove (4) whose axial length is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the flat member (7) at its slot (5). The groove (4) defines a neck (8) which is a close fit into the slot (5), and at least one plunger member (9) carried by the sleeve (1) is axially movable relative to that sleeve (1) from a position in which it is clear of the groove (4) into a position in which it projects across the groove and enlarges the size of the neck (8) to a dimension such as to form an interlock with the undercut (11) of the slot (5), to resist withdrawal of the anchoring sleeve (1) therefrom.

Abstract: A lawn tool is provided having a drive assembly, a plurality of driven assemblies, and a connector that permits removal of a given driven assemblies from the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a motor, a first tube, and a first shaft coupled to the motor and positioned to lie in the first tube. Each driven assembly includes an implement, a second tube, and a second drive shaft coupled to the implement and positioned to lie in the second tube. The connector includes a housing coupled to the first and second tubes and a trigger coupled to the housing for movement between a locking position coupling the first and second tubes together and a releasing position permitting removal of the second tube away from the first tube so that the driven assembly may be removed from the drive assembly.

Abstract: A quick-release socket adapter includes a hollow elongated casing having a hollow polygonal coupling rod at one end for holding a socket, a hollow ratchet socket wrench coupling portion at an opposite end for coupling to a ratchet socket wrench, a spring, a stop rod inserted into the casing and forced by the spring to push a steel ball partially out of a radial locating hole on the polygonal coupling rod of the casing to lock the socket being mounted on the polygonal coupling rod of the casing, and a release control rod inserted through a transverse through hole on the ratchet socket wrench coupling portion of the casing and moved to lock/unlock the stop rod, the release control rod having a flank curved outwards on the middle ,the flank being engaged with a recessed top wall of a head at one end of the stop rod when the release control rod is moved to a first position in the transverse through hole on the ratchet socket wrench coupling portion of the casing, enabling the steel ball to be forced out of the ra

Abstract: A foldable joint of a playpen comprises a U-shaped body having an opening defined in a side face thereof; two linkages respectively pivotally mounted on each end of the body by pivots each having a plug forming a plane on the bottom of the plug provided in the end mounted on the body; and a first spring disposed between the plug and the pivot; a locking means of which the front portion corresponds to the opening, movably mounted in the body by rivets having two wings respectively formed on both sides of the locking means; and a second spring disposed between the back portion of the locking means and the inner wall of the body.

Abstract: A connecting device, particularly for mutually connecting components of eyeglasses such as temples and a front and/or a lens and a lens and/or an eyewire and an eyewire and/or a temple and a temple. The device is constituted by at least one element which is detachably associable, with an interlocking action, with at least one of the components, in contrast with at least one flexible element, and can be pivoted to the other component. The device is structurally simple, easy and straightforward to assemble, and at the same time allows to achieve, for example, the extrawide opening of the temple at a low cost and without seizing.

Abstract: A spring-loaded coupling mechanism includes a tubular housing having an internal cavity, a forward end, a rearward end, and a tapered forward portion and further includes a catch member which is connected to a first elongate support member and is biasedly seated in said tapered portion of said housing, the first elongate support member being attached to an object, and also includes a connecting member which is attached to a second elongate support member and which is extendible and releasably securable inside the housing with the second elongate support member being substantially taut and being attached to another object. This spring-loaded coupling mechanism easily and conveniently ties at least two objects together such as a boat being moored to a dock or on a trailer.

Abstract: A quarter turn toilet seat pin including a bolt with an elongated bolt with a bolt head, an end portion and a body member. The body member has a linear key way extending upwardly from the end portion. The linear key way has a top end with a side-lock key way. The side-lock key way has a slot. Also, a sleeve is provided and engages the bolt. The sleeve has an interior channel sized for receiving the body member of the bolt. The sleeve has an axial opening that is in receipt of a threaded nipple. The threaded nipple projects from the opening and into the interior of the sleeve for engaging the linear key way as the bolt being slid into the sleeve.

Abstract: First and second fixing portions 150, 170 are installed at one side of a panel for a car-mounted audio system for attaching the panel 100 to an escutcheon 200. First and second piercing holes 180, 190 formed at the panel 100 receive the first and second fixing portions 150, 170. The first and second fixing portions 150, 170 are respectively rotatably engaged with first and second bosses 185, 195 respectively formed at the first and second piercing holes 180, 190. First and second grooves 275, 277 are formed at the front face of the escutcheon 200 for respectively engaging with thereto.

Abstract: A folding device mounted between two sections of one rail of a playyard to achieve a folding of the playyard is disclosed. The folding device includes a sheet body bent to integrally form front plate, a rear plate opposed to the front plate and a middle arcuate plate coupling top edges of the front plate and the rear plate. A press button has a rectangular pedestal with a stepped portion received in an channel defined in the rear plate and a protrusion integrally extending from the stepped portion of the pedestal and selectively projecting beyond a hole defined in the front plate of the sheet body. A spring is compressed between the rear plate and a back of the pedestal for selectively urging the press button.

Abstract: A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the towing arm will automatically lock in the extended position as the towing vehicle is pulled away from the towed vehicle. The locking feature is accomplished by a slideable collar that moves between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in place between the outer leg and grooves in the inner leg, thereby locking the legs in fixed relation to each other. When in the collar is moved to the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. The catches have saddle-shaped surfaces to fit the contours of the grooves. The grooves only partially encircle the inner leg.

Abstract: A plurality of arms extend outwardly from an accessory structure and are adapted to engage slots in a base structure to which the accessory structure is to be mounted. The arms are normally biased to a position at which they are freely insertable an removable from the slots in the base structure, and movable to a position at which the arms are locked in the slots in response to forcedly maintaining the arms at a spaced apart distance greater than the distance of which the arms are disposed in the normally biased position. The arms are returned to their normally biased position in response to depressing an actuator mounted in the accessory structure, and moved to the spaced apart locking position in response to releasing the actuator. The problems of fatigue failure, wear, breakage and decrease of positive retention between accessory and base structures using current releasable locking mechanisms is overcome.