Abstract: A connecting mechanism has a reversely tapered fit portion, an elastically expandable collet chuck fitted on the fit portion, a locking sleeve surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the fit portion and axially slidably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the collet chuck, and a spring for biasing the locking sleeve in its advancing direction. The locking sleeve advances with the collet chuck being fitted on the fit portion and locks the collet chuck such that the collet chuck cannot be expanded in the fit portion.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.

Abstract: Rotary connector for use with a flexible elongate member having electrical properties and having a proximal extremity with at least first and second conductive spaced-apart sleeves provided thereon. A housing is provided having a bore therein. First and second spaced-apart conductive disks are disposed in said bore. The disks are adapted to have the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member extend therethrough and to have the conductive sleeves be in contact with the conductive disks while permitting rotation of the flexible elongate member, a push button clamping assembly is carried by the housing for retaining the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member in the housing. Leads are connected to the conductive disks.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for a medical instrument includes an insertion member having a protruding portion; a receiving member sized to receive the protruding portion of the insertion member; an engaging structure having a ridge member and a groove member for coupling the insertion member with the receiving member, one of the ridge member and the groove member being disposed on the insertion member, and the other being disposed on the receiving member, the ridge member having a ridge portion and the groove member having a groove portion, rotatable relative to one another between an engaged position wherein the ridge portion and the groove portion are engaged against longitudinal separation, and a disengaged position wherein the groove portion can be longitudinally separated from the ridge portion; and a locking member for retaining the ridge portion and the groove portion in the engaged position.

Abstract: A chuck device having a one-step lock and release mechanism for conveniently coupling a power bit to a drill having a Jacobs-style chuck. The chuck device includes a body having a centrally-positioned bore which is adapted to receive the power bit shank. The power bit shank includes a circumferentially-extending groove which is positioned inside the bore. The body has an inclined cam channel which includes an aperture for communicating with the bore. The body further includes a longitudinally-extending slot communicating with the inclined cam channel. A detent ball is disposed within the inclined cam channel for partial penetration through the aperture for engaging the circumferentially-extending groove of the power bit shank. A spring having an end encircles the body where the end is slidably positioned within the slot for biasing the detent ball rearwardly along the inclined cam channel during the unlocking and withdraw of a power bit from the chuck device.

Abstract: A knee hinge with selectively limited motion which optionally limits an available flexion range of a user's knee to approximately 24 degrees so that a user will not fall should the user buckle at the knees. The hinge may be released to provide for a greater range of knee flexion which will allow a user to sit down in a conventional manner. The approximately 24 degree limit of the flexion range is automatically re-engaged when the user's knee is straightened. The hinge provides a spring mechanism for assisting weak knee muscles. The hinge also allows a small degree of knee hyperextension for the purpose of allowing the user to assume and maintain a safe standing position.

Abstract: A ball locking device having a ball locking mechanism releasably attachable to a receptacle to lock the device thereto until released. The device has a handle which is removably attached to,the device so that the handle can be changed for another. The handle may be of a non-metallic material whereas the main components of the ball locking mechanism may be of metallic material.

Abstract: A shaft drive includes a push button locking mechanism for releasingly locking the shaft drive to the attachment cavity of an attached tool. The locking mechanism can be used to positively couple one tool, such as a wrench drive, to another tool, such as a drive socket. A push button includes an inner end having a concave surface that interacts with the convex surface of a sliding locking bolt inside the shaft such that depression of the button moves the locking bolt to a release position. A spring in the locking bolt bore biases the bolt in its locking position.

Abstract: A yarn package adapter having an adjustable base for receiving and engaging a package of strand material wound about an elongate hollow core. The adapter includes a central shaft adapted to be mounted to the creel and having means mounted on the central shaft for engaging the inside diameter of the package core. The adapter also includes a base having an aperture for receiving the central shaft therealong and for forming a sliding abutment for engaging an end of the package core and a releasable locking mechanism attached to the base for engaging the central shaft and preventing movement of the base along the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably latching an assembly which is pivotable between first and second side frame members in a machine, comprises a pivot rod mounted transversely between the first and second side members and pivotally biased away from the assembly. First and second levers are rigidly secured to the pivot rod at opposite ends of the pivot rod, and first and second latching members are independently and pivotally mounted to the first and second side frame members adjacent to the first and second levers respectively. The first and second latching members are biased towards the assembly. Each of the first and second latching members includes a notch for receiving a connecting rod in the assembly. Each of the first and second levers includes a guide pin for urging the first and second latching members away from the assembly when the first and second levers pivot towards the assembly.

Abstract: A multiple channel fiber optic connector (44) carries a plurality of fiber optic socket termini (58, 60, 62, 64), each of which includes an alignment sleeve (42) mounted on a forward end. In order to facilitate installation of the alignment sleeves and removal of the sleeves for cleaning of the sleeves (42) and the end (35) of the optical fiber (34) of each socket terminus, the alignment sleeves (42) for each terminus of the connector (44) are all securely mounted in an alignment sleeve carrier (46). The carrier itself is detachably connected to the connector 44 and, when so connected, positions each alignment sleeve on its respective fiber optic terminus.

Abstract: A baby stroller includes a pair of front legs, two handles and two rear legs pivotally coupled together, each of the supports has a member fixed on the upper end of the front leg and pivotally coupled to the lower end of the handle, a sleeve slidably engaged on the lower end of the handle, a knob pivotally secured to the lower end of the handle for engaging with the sleeve, and a protrusion extended from the member for engaging with the knob. The protrusion is retained in place by the knob when the sleeve is biased toward the knob and is disengaged from the knob when the knob is rotated such that the handle is rotatable relative to the front legs.

Abstract: A locking device is disclosed which is adapted to be welded to at least two support rails of the bed of a truck such as a garbage truck and which engages the I-beams of the container such as a garbage container to eliminate the necessity of chaining the container to the garbage truck, thus saving time and providing safety from snapping a chain.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism for an arrestably lockable telescoping tow bar assembly comprises a slidable latch member surrounding balls-containing sideward openings of an outer tube that are radially alignable with an outside groove of a telescopingly associated inner tube, the slidable latch member including a medial cam portion slidably surrounding the outer tube between a surrounding retainer ring augmentation therefor and the balls-containing sideward openings therefor; a cover slidably surrounding a trailward part of the slidable latch member and being trailwardly immovable along the outer tube; and a helical spring means acutatably extending between the cover member and the slidable latch member.

Abstract: A playpen frame structure comprises a rectangular top rail frame supported by four upright primary legs. The top rail frame comprises four rails, each constituted by two bar members pivotally connected to a mid-joint which allows the bar members to be rotatable about pivots mounted on the mid-joint. A retaining member is provided on each of the mid-joint to form a releasable retaining engagement with the two bar members to maintain the bar members in the expanded condition. The retaining member comprises release button for breaking the retaining engagement. There is also provided a reinforcement structure on the lower ends of the primary legs to hold the legs in position and thus avoid accident collapses of the legs.

Abstract: A power assisted vacuum cleaner is provided with a hand grip neutralling arrangement which is self seeking or presettable to provide a neutral position for the actuating linkage of the cleaner. A neutralling spring constantly urges a neutralling pin towards neutralling position and it is freed by movement of a manually operated button to seek this position.

Abstract: A stator winding machine is provided with a male winding form having a pair of connecting rods and a female winding form having sockets that slidably receive the connecting rods. The winding forms are handled by manipulation of winding form carriages and are clamped to one another and to the stator by a clamp mechanism integrated into the female winding form that grips the male connecting rods. Each clamp mechanism comprises a movable clamp member biased into engagement with the male connecting rods and a movable release member confined within the female winding form. The release member is partly in the path of a conventional carriage-mounted winding form-support pin at the time it enters the female winding form so that the release member is moved by such support pin in a direction to cause it to move the movable clamp member away from the male connecting rods and thereby relieve clamping pressure. In one embodiment, the release member is a pivotal lever confined within the female winding form.

Abstract: Each end of the cross bore in the end of the driver or extension is coined to capture the balls in the cross bore. The combined diameters of the balls are equal to the distance between the opposed flat faces of the driver end. One of the faces has a groove in which the lock tab or key is received. The key is part of the control means which includes annular spring seat captured inside the sleeve mounted on the driver. The compressed spring inside the sleeve biases the seat and key to the left so the key overlies the balls. The spring force acts to rock the tab against the ball to project the other ball from the driver end into locking engagement with a recess in the socket. When the projecting ball is pushed into the cross bore as the socket is being mounted the other ball is pushed out of the bore to raise the tab to be engaged by the socket. This causes the tab and seat to be moved to compress the spring. The tab and the seat can move with and with respect to the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved quick coupler for attaching a tool to an excavator includes a body of a pair of spaced parallel plates providing structure for fixed attachment of the coupler to an end of the excavator. The plates define a first slot with an opening facing in a first direction to engage upon a first tool and a second slot with an opening facing in a second direction to engage a parallel second tool pin upon the tool. The body has a third plate between the spaced parallel plates. The coupler has a latch for securing the second pin in the second slot, the latch including a coupler gate rotatably mounted on an axis transverse to the second pin axis to pivot about the axis between a first position with the pin secured in the second slot by the gate and a second position with the gate clear of the second slot. A latch lever rotatably mounted on the coupler gate has a handle for moving the lever and a tab for engaging a third slot in the third plate.

Abstract: A stick-like apparatus for a physically handicapped person including a grip handle and a forearm supporting rod which rotates together with respect to a main rod so that the user can sit in an easy posture and can easily impose force on the stick-like apparatus when he stands up from a chair or when he goes upstairs.

Abstract: A telescoping draft link assembly includes a hollow first tractor-coupled link and a second implement-coupled link slidably received by a channel in the first link. A pocket is formed in the first link next to the channel. A plate is pivotally mounted in the pocket and is pivotal from a release position wherein the plate is entirely received in the pocket to a locking position wherein at least a portion of the plate projects into the channel. The second link has a notch formed therein, an end of the notch forming a shoulder which is engageable with the plate to releasably hold the second link in the retracted position. A spring is biased to urge the plate towards its locking position and a knob is attached to the plate so that an operator may pivot the plate to a release position.

Abstract: A probe and socket assembly (10) for serving as a mechanical interface. The assembly comprising a socket (11) having a housing (14) adapted for connection to a first supporting structure and a probe (12) which is readily connectable to a second structure and is designed to be easily grappled and manipulated by a robotic device for insertion and coupling with the socket. Cooperable automatic locking means (35, 49) are provided on the probe shaft (43) and socket housing (14) for automatically locking the probe in the socket when the probe is inserted a predetermined distance. A second cooperable locking means (92, 25) on the probe shaft (43) and housing (14) are adapted for actuation after the probe has been inserted the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A lock 7 non-rotatingly and axially secures a coupling sleeve 6 to a power take off shaft 4 or driving journal 5 of a self driving implement or tractor 1. To achieve a clearance free rotatable and axial connection between the coupling sleeve 6 and power take off shaft 4 or driving journal 5, the locking element via at least one locking face 15, at least partially engages an annular groove 12 of the power take off shaft 4 or driving journal 5 to provide a clearance free connection. The locking element may be a bolt 16 with a conical locking face 15 to engage the angular groove 12.

Abstract: A collapsible bicycle comprises a frame, a front and rear wheels rotatably attached thereto, and a drivetrain for transmitting torque to the rear wheel, with the frame including a movable structure on which the rear wheel is attached. The frame carries a pair of lower stay elements on a lower portion thereof and a fork member on an upper portion thereof with the prongs of the fork member defining a pair of upper stay elements. The front ends of the lower stay elements are adjoined with respective pivot rings attached to a bottom bracket of the frame so as to enable the rotation of the movable structure thereabout, while the male and female elements of a quick-release type connector are provided on the shank portion of the fork member and an upper portion of a seat tube of the frame to enable the fixing of the movable structure thereto. The frame is further provided with an arcuate down tube adapted for the positioning thereunder of the rear wheel and movable structure when the bicycle is in a compacted form.

Abstract: A position locking mechanism for a windrow inverter having a wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter on the opposing side of the transverse cross conveyor from the discharge chute and being manually movable between a horizontal operative position and a vertical transport position is disclosed wherein the wing extension is latched automatically when raised to the transport position. A rod connected to the pivotally movable wing extension is telescopically received within a bracket mounted to the frame of the windrow inverter and is appropriate notched and biased into engagement for fixing the wing extension when placed in both the operative and transport positions. A concentric compression spring mounted on the rod reduces the effort required to lift the wing extension into a raised transport position. A set of elastomeric bumpers requires the wing extension to be forced into the operative position to be latched.

Abstract: Quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting an extension pole to a tool handle include an adaptor attached to an end of the extension pole having a smooth cylindrical outer end portion axially slidable into and out of an internally threaded bore in the tool handle. A bearing support is provided for the cylindrical outer end portion when fully inserted into the bore. Also, a non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool handle when the cylindrical outer end portion is fully inserted into the bore to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and a releasable latch prevents the cylindrical outer end portion from being withdrawn from the bore unless released.

Abstract: A movable member positioning mechanism in which the number of components of lock and click mechanisms is decreased, and the number of assembling steps is decreased accordingly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved rearwardly folding combination harrow sprayer drawbar. A plurality of quick detach harrow arms are adapted to be quickly connected and disconnected to a plurality of harrow arm receivers. The implement can be used for spraying and harrowing at the same time, or once the harrows are detached and left in the field, the implement can be used for post-emergent spraying. A wet spray boom can be height adjusted by means of a plurality of manual spring loaded levers. The unit is equipped with hinged boom draws which can be pinned to be rigid such that it can be moved rearwardly in order to re-attach the harrows quickly and easily. The unit is also capable of lifting the harrows into a transport position and folding rearwardly into a narrow transport position in order to pass over roads or move through narrow entrance ways.

Abstract: A self-locking connector for pivotably interconnecting a carburetor throttle valve member to a cable connected vehicle accelerator pedal member includes a nailhead-like pin projecting from the one member for insertion through a keyhole slot in the other member, the other member having a movable retainer/cover normally biased to a position overlying the slot prior to assembly of the two members, the retainer/cover being retractable to uncover the slot and permit passage of the pinhead through the slot, return movement of the retainer/cover engaging the ends of the retainer/cover with the pinhead moving it into the smaller diameter portion of the keyhole slot and engaging the end of the retainer/cover under the head of the pin preventing withdrawal of the pin from the slot and locking the two members pivotably together.

Abstract: A threaded rod of a variable length has one end connected to a first part of the element to be adjusted. A pivoted detent element cooperates with the threaded rod, with two channels extending diametrically through the pivoted detent element. The first channel has a threaded wall and the second channel has a smooth wall, the second channel forming an angle of preferably about 15.degree. with the first channel. The pivoted detent element is pivotally mounted in a casing and has a protruding tail. A spiral spring is supported between the tail and the casing. The casing further comprises a rear portion connected to a second part of the element to be adjusted.

Abstract: An essentially flat parallelogram-shaped locking nut with rotational biasing spring is disclosed as part of a locking device attached to a supporting tongue of a nautical fin for water craft, such as sailboards, where their hulls or keels either contain or may be modified to contain an elongated channeled mounting box with internally recessed lateral grooves for receiving said nut and thereby locking the fin to the hull.

Abstract: The invention concerns a retaining device for an angled head (10, 11) that is driven by a drive (1) especially a drilling gun, in which the drive unit (1) has a receiving connector (2) to receive the angled head (10, 11). To allow adjustment of the angular position of the angled head with respect to the drive unit, a socket (31) that can be screwed onto threads (33) of the receiving connector (2) is provided to receive the angled head (10, 11). Pins (21) which can be displaced axially in order to retain or release balls (25) are provided in the socket (31). The receiving connector (2) has on its outer surface a plurality of lengthwise grooves (29) in which the balls are held (25). When the pins (21) are displaced axially the balls (25) are released, so that the socket (31) can rotate relative to the receiving connector (2) until the balls (25) engage in corresponding lengthwise grooves ( 29) and are retained by the pins.

Abstract: A folding walker with side frames rotationally mounted on both ends of a front frame such that the side frames can rotate independently from a closed position where they are parallel to the front frame to an open position where the side frames are perpendicular to the front frame and parallel to each other. The side frames are locked in the open position by fixed plates that are mounted on the front frame. Detents with lever releases are mounted on the side frames. The detents releasably engage the fixed plates when the side frames are in the open position.

Abstract: A semi-automatic coupling apparatus is installed at the terminus of a backhoe dipper stick, crane boom or similar device and facilitates connection and disconnection of various earth working and material handling attachments. The coupler includes first, forward facing throats which engage a forward crossbar on an attachment such as a bucket and second, downward facing throats which engage a rear crossbar. A latching mechanism includes a pawl actuated by advance of the rear crossbar into the rear throats. The pawl releases a spring biased wedge member which retains the rear crossbar in the rear throat. A reset linkage may be manually activated to retract the wedge and permit release of the bucket from the coupler. An alternate embodiment of the coupler includes a remotely activated hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which is coupled to the spring biased wedge member.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. In most cases, the performance of the work implement is sacrificed to accommodate the ability to change implements quickly. In other cases the level performance is satisfactorily maintained, but the actuation of the coupling mechanism must be done manually or has no ability to accommodate loosening between the coupler and the work implement that can result from normal operation. The coupling device of the present invention allows an operator to change implements from his position within his operating station, yet maintain a structure that will not sacrifice the performance of his work implements through alteration of the linkage arrangement or through the additional weight.

Abstract: A lock and release apparatus comprises an integrally cooperating bar and collar combination which provides a variety of gripping and releasing arrangements; wherein the bar of such combination defines a plurality of circumferentially alternating surfaces, including at least one flat surface and one arcuate surface; and, wherein the collar of such combination defines a ball and cam relationship which cooperates with the arcuate surface of the bar to provide a gripping action between the bar and collar, which is releasable by variety of arrangements made functional by the present invention.

Abstract: The device for coupling a shaft provided with a rod (10) having a noncircular end (11) and a shaft provided with a yoke (20) having a U-shaped fork (21) capable of pivoting in a direction (25) perpendicular to their common axis (X--X) comprises a guide surface (321) on the yoke, a sleeve (330) at least partially enclosing the yoke and movable relative to the latter so as to unmask or mask the U of the fork, a resilient coil spring (340) normally biasing the sleeve to mask the fork, and a locking bolt (350) retaining the sleeve against the resilient bias.Application to motor vehicle steering systems when the rod is fastened to a pinion and the yoke is fastened to a universal joint jaw.

Abstract: An adaptor mechanism for use with a skid steer loader having an implement mounting plate configured in a first attachment configuration is disclosed wherein the adaptor mechanism permits the attachment of an implement configured in a second implement attachment configuration to the skid steer loader. The adaptor mechanism includes a movable locking mechanism having hook members protruding perpendicularly therefrom for engagement with the overcenter wedging mechanism in the implement mounting apparatus on the skid steer loader. A spring biases a locking mechanism toward a retracted position; however, engagement of the hook members by the skid steer loader overcenter wedging mechanism overcomes the biasing force exerted by the spring to force the locking mechanism into engagement with the implement being mounted thereto.

Abstract: A first arcuate band and a second arcuate band include a threaded rod and a ratchet rod, respectively, secured to one another by an adjustment block to define the operative elements of a hat stretcher. A pair of pawls, lockable in place, extend from the adjustment block to lockingly engage selected ratchet grooves of the ratchet rod and provide coarse adjustment. A threaded bore in the adjustment block threadedly receives the threaded rod to provide fine adjustment. Release and reengagement of the pawls with the selected grooves eliminates the need for readjustment of the hat stretcher between periods of use with a same sized hat.

Abstract: A locking structure for a spring-loaded, pushbutton pin coupler, the inveon prevents inadvertent or accidental depression of a "button latch" pin which can result in an uncoupled joint. The present locking structure cooperates with a pushbutton pin connector such as is commonly used on collapsible or extendible arms or legs. According to the invention, a conventional button latch pin is provided with a locking plate at its inner end, rotation of the pin after coupling of joint with the pin causes the locking plate to also rotate into engagement with a fixed pin element carried by the structure coupled by the pin, thereby preventing displacement of the pin from the locked position.

Abstract: A connector for connecting implements on tools such as digging devices to a boom or the like comprises a body (1, 3) having first connection elements (8, 9) enabling the body to be mounted on a carrying device, second connection elements for engaging an implement with the (1,3) in the form of spaced apart first and second recesses (12, 11) on the body. The respective connection elements are mutually oriented for mounting the connector on the carrying device with the first recess (12) opening substantially downwardly and the second recess (11) opening in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of opening of the first recess (12). At least the first recess (12) having an entrance and being substantially closeable by a closure member (13). A fluid pressure operated piston (34, 21) and cylinder (30, 22) assembly moves the closure member (13) toward or away from a position wherein the closure member substantially covers the entrance to the first recess.

Abstract: A releasable gripping or locking device having a body part for sliding cooperation with a rope to be releasably gripped or locked with respect to the body part. A gripping or locking member is movably mounted on the body part for movement between a free condition and a gripping or locking condition in which loading applied to the device is borne by the gripping or looking member. A control member is provided for controlling movement of the gripping or locking position. The control member includes telescoping components having interengageable latching elements which are actuated by relative movement between the device and the rope.

Abstract: The quick-locking connector comprises a tubular female body member 14, open at one end to receive a male member 10 therein. A latch 18 is located within the female body member 14 spring-urged towards the open end to engage the male member 10. A plurality of external, longitudinally spaced bearing surfaces 40-43 are provided on the male member 10 and complementary bearing surfaces 40-43 are provided internally of the female body member such that after entry of the male member a quarter turn of the members brings the respective bearing surfaces 40-43 into engagement at longitudinally spaced intervals against pressure from the latch to provide a longitudinally spaced plurality of complementary bearing surfaces 40-41 to be subjected to axial impact forces tending to pull the male and female members apart. A plurality of complementary bearing surfaces 42, 43 may be provided to be subjected to impact forces in the opposite axial direction.

Abstract: A detent mechanism for releasably retaining a wrench socket on the rotary drive member of an air impact wrench. A push rod is provided within the wrench body to normally support a ball detent in a locking position projecting from a side surface of a drive member plug portion that is adapted to extend into a wrench socket. Manual push motion on a rear end of the rod causes a pocket in the side face of the push rod to register with the ball detent for enabling the detent to retract into the plug portion of the drive member.

Abstract: A breakaway mount connects a tool such as a welding torch with a robot or other automated machine. The mount can fully separate and detach from a baseplate in the event of a collision between the tool and the workpiece. The pneumatically operated mount is reassembled with the baseplate in a two-step procedure which allows the operator to move his fingers and hands away from the apparatus to avoid injury when the components are fully assembled. The breakaway mount can include a wrist joint which swivels back and forth in response to a collision between the tool and the workpiece. The apparatus can also be affixed with sensors to detect partial or complete detachment between the mount and the baseplate. The sensors shut down the robot or other automatic machinery in the event of partial or complete detachment. A second series of sensors can also be added to detect the movement in the wrist joint to likewise shut down the machinery.

Abstract: A joint device, wherein a shaft is supported by a base member, and can rotate in a first direction and a second direction. Two coil springs are mounted on the shaft. The first coil spring has an end fixed to the base member. The inner diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft. The first coil spring is wound around the shaft in the first direction. The first coil spring is wound tightly around the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the first direction. An arm is attached to the shaft. The arm twists the free end of the first coil spring in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the first coil spring. The second coil spring also has an end fixed to the base member. The free end of the second coil spring is twisted when the shaft is rotated in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the second coil spring.

Abstract: A bar lock arrangement that includes a bar having a rectangular cross section and a lateral opening in one side of the bar adjacent to the end of the bar. A saddle has a base and parallel sidewalls spaced from each other to receive the bar end on the base between the sidewalls. An L-shaped latch has a base positioned beneath the saddle base, a leg that extends upwardly from the saddle base adjacent to the saddle sidewalls, and a finger overlying and spaced from the saddle base by a distance corresponding to the cross sectional dimension of the bar end. The latch is pivotally mounted to the saddle beneath the saddle base, and a coil spring is captured between the saddle and latch bases for urging the latch finger to the position overlying the saddle base.

Abstract: A container for elastic solid material, comprising connecting means for detachably connecting adjacent walls of the container. The connecting means include a protrusion attached to a first wall and a guiding element attached to a second wall adjacent to the first wall. The guiding element is provided with an opening through which the protrusion is extendable. A locking element is provided for locking the protrusion in the opening of the guiding element by means of a spring action of the locking element. The spring action can be deactivated by a displacement of the locking element against the spring action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle having a base part, a cover part which can be drawn over the base part and a resiliently mounted catch for joining the two parts together. A means for safeguarding against unauthorized removal of the cover part from the base part provides the catch with a crown in a cavity in the base part and associates with the crown a locking mechanism which is also disposed in the cavity and can be actuated from without only by a tool.

Abstract: A spring for automobile sun visor hinge and which is formed as a single member produced from a resilient metal sheet of a substantially rectangular profile by successively folding the sheet to substantially 90.degree. about successive four rounded edges. The spring member includes four generally rectangular portions and a channel-shaped curved portion. The first rectangular portion has a free edge located relatively closely adjacent to the fourth rounded edge that forms one end of the fourth rectangular portion and separates the fourth rectangular portion from the channel-shaped curved portion, the channel-shaped curved portion has a free end edge located relatively closely adjacent to the third rounded edge that forms another end of the fourth rectangular portion and separates the fourth rectangular portion from the third rectangular portion.