Biased Catch Or Latch Patents (Class 403/326)
  • Patent number: 6921227
    Abstract: The retaining spring is used for detachably connecting two components. The retaining spring includes a retaining plate attached to one component and an engagement spring which is moveably guided on the retaining plate between an engagement position and a released position in the direction of attachment. The engagement spring is provided with a catch edge for securing over an engagement projection which is provided on the other component. A slanted insert limb used to raise the engagement spring when the slidable component is moved in the direction of attachment. In order to connect and detach the two components with greater ease, even when space is lacking in the area immediately surrounding the connection points, the engagement spring is maintained in a position of engagement on the retaining plate by an engagement means acting against the resistance of the spring in the direction of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Michael De Jong, Frank Lindemann
  • Patent number: 6910827
    Abstract: A knob retainer system including a knob having a cavity and an opening into said cavity and a retainer adapted to fit within the knob cavity. The retainer includes wing portions and a cantilevered barbed portion. When the retainer is placed inside of the knob cavity and the actuating lever is manipulated between the retainer and an upper wall of the knob cavity, the actuating lever downwardly depresses the retainer thereby causing stakes located in the retainer to positively engage a portion of the cavity wall thereby preventing the retainer from moving with respect to the knob. The retainer is also fitted with a cantilevered portion which terminates in a barbed end. The barbed end positively engages an engagement surface on the actuating lever thereby preventing the actuating lever from pulling away from the knob/retainer assembly. The actuating lever is easily removed from the knob/retainer assembly by use of a specialized tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Carrillo Maloof, Gustavo Del Campo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6902323
    Abstract: A locking device and its assemblage are provided for confining an object such as a shaft of a motor. The locking device is used to confine the shaft having an end with a recess portion having a defining surface to prevent the shaft from being displaced in an axial direction. The locking device is a geometrically closed-loop body having an opening, and having a flexibility so that the shaft will pass through the opening and the end of the shaft will thus be confined by the locking device while the force disappears. The locking device is free from contact with the recess portion of the shaft when the shaft is spinning. A simple process can be used to assemble and disassemble the locking assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Lee-Long Chen
  • Patent number: 6896441
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a compact and lightweight, automated latching device which includes a passive catch configured to be engaged with a motor-powered latch to form a mechanical connection between two structure in a precise and repeatable manner. An active damping mechanism is used to dissipate any vibrational energy that may be present in the latched structure. The apparatus may be used to precisely orient and attach a deployable element, usually of a space vehicle, to the main body of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a latching apparatus comprises a catch having a catch body and a probe connected to the catch body. A latch has a main housing and a grip mechanism movable relative to the main housing. The grip mechanism is configured to grip the probe and to be actuatable to pull the probe toward the latch. A damping member is coupled with the main housing of the latch, and is movable relative to the main housing of the latch toward the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Champagne, Kenneth Roy Lorell
  • Patent number: 6893184
    Abstract: A positive lock pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes an upper housing in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has a shaft member located therein. The shaft member is rotatable with respect to the handle housing and has a slot formed in an upper portion thereof. The shaft member also has a pair of recesses formed therein. The shaft member is in communication with a pair of retention mechanisms disposed within the handle housing. Each of the pair or retention mechanisms is in communication with a respective opening formed in the handle housing. The pair of retention mechanisms are moveable between a locked position where an outermost point thereof extends outwardly from a respective opening and an unlocked position wherein the outermost point does not extend outwardly from the respective opening and a respective retention mechanism rests in one of the recesses. The movement of the retention mechanisms occurs upon rotation of the slot and the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John S. Mills, James M. Snyder, Walter Tsui
  • Patent number: 6886862
    Abstract: An attachment means (4) in the form of a hollow cylindrical socket (10) integral with a tangentially intersecting housing (30) in which a latch pin (8) is longitudinally slidable. The latch pin (8) has a cylindrical head (8a) of relatively large diameter but relatively short length, and a cylindrical shaft (8b) that is relatively long but of relatively small diameter. The axis of the latch housing is offset outwardly of an imaginary line tangentially intersecting the bore of the socket by more than half the diameter of the latch pin shaft (8b) but less than half the diameter of the latch pin head (8b). The latch pin (8) is biased by a spring (7) such that the latch pin head (8a) normally lies partly within the bore of the socket (10) to engage a notch (12) near the end of a rod (5) or other plug-like member attached to the socket (10) and thereby positively retain this rod (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: George Alexander Matthew
  • Patent number: 6872053
    Abstract: Quick attachable and detachable mounting arms for ceiling fans. A first version has flat headed fasteners initially attached to one end of mounting arms, with key-hole slots in the endshield of the ceiling fan motor. The user raises the mounting arm so that the flat headed fasteners fits through the larger openings in the keyhole slots and then pulls the mounting arm outward until the arm locks in place by the smaller opening portions of the keyhole slots. Rubber type gaskets and washers help lock and hold the mounting arms in place. The flat headed fasteners can also be located on the endshields with the keyhole slots on mounting arms. A second embodiment includes inwardly deformable springably snapable fasteners that can be located on the ends of the mounting arms which can deform inwardly and expand after passing through slots on the endshield of the rotor. Alternatively, the fasteners can be located on the bottom of the endshield with the receiving slots on the ends of the mounting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: King of Fans
    Inventors: Charles E. Bucher, John C. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6866442
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for an aircraft service pit having a lid frame formed with an access opening encompassed within an upwardly facing bearing ledge. The pit lid has a flat upper surface and is hinged at one edge at a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the lid frame. The pit lid has an opposite, latching edge. A latch mechanism is mounted on the latching edge of the pit remote from the horizontal axis of rotation and includes a latch mount embedded in the structure of the pit lid. The latch mount defines a latch guide path inclined downwardly from the flat upper surface of the pit lid and outwardly toward the latching edge thereof. A latch bolt, preferably having a T-shaped handle, is reciprocally mounted for movement in the latch guide path. The latch bolt preferably has a gripping end formed as a T-shaped handle that is accessible from the flat upper surface of the pit lid. The latch bolt also has an opposite, distal, bearing ledge-engaging end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Dabico, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Petersen
  • Patent number: 6862952
    Abstract: An electric machining tool includes a plurality of functional components in separate housings (1, 2, 3), whereby the individual housings (1, 2, 3) are coupled to one another and axially aligned. A mounting (5) is provided having a spring-elastic belt (6) that surrounds at least partially coaxially an exterior of one of the housings (1, 2, 3). The belt (6) has a plurality of branching gripping arms (7-12) extending in an axial direction, and the ends (13-18) of the gripping arms are engageable in one or more of the housings (1, 3) adjacent to the housing about which the belt (6) extends. The mounting (5) secures the housings (1, 2, 3) against an opposite movement in the axial direction and rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 6854919
    Abstract: A push-lock handle assembly includes segments that are interconnected by axial movement using snap-in D-shaped tabs and recesses. Slits and grooves allow the tabs to deflect slightly inwardly during insertion. In another form there is a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section. Simple axial movement snap locks the parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Neumann, Kenneth H. Kloet
  • Patent number: 6851341
    Abstract: A drive tool is shiftable between locking and releasing configurations relative to an associated tool, the drive tool including a lock member moveable between a locking position and a release position relative to the associated tool, an actuator member moveable between a locking condition and a releasing condition, and coupling structure interconnecting the actuator member and the lock member. The lock member is tiltable to a latching condition which prevents its movement to its release position. In one embodiment the coupling structure is substantially rigid so that the lock member and the actuator move in substantially the same direction, and in another embodiment the coupling structure is flexible and resilient. The coupling structure may be fixedly coupled to the actuator member or may be loosely coupled thereto and biased to a rest condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Dean J. Iwinski, Daniel M. Eggert, Gordon A. Putney, Kelly Converse, Michael H. Opgenorth
  • Patent number: 6848854
    Abstract: A connector-mounting assembly comprises: a longitudinal mounting shelf provided with fastening means for fastening to at least one rail, and with catch means placed along the length of the shelf; and at least one connector support having a front face, a rear face, a bottom end, and a top end, said support being provided with fixing means co-operating with the catch means of the shelf to fix the support to the shelf, and with reception means adapted to receive a suitable connector that is accessible from the front face, wherein the catch means extend in repeating manner substantially along a single line, and the fixing means of the support are situated at one end of the support so that the support projects vertically from the shelf when the shelf is fastened to a vertical support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Infra+
    Inventor: Dominique Massé
  • Patent number: 6840704
    Abstract: A quick release system for mounting a backrest to a motorcycle includes a side bracket plate with a pair of notches which are configured to receive and hold bolt heads attached to the motorcycle. Disposed adjacent one of the notches is a retaining mechanism to prevent the bolt head from being withdrawn from the notch unless the retaining mechanism is moved by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Brant Monson
  • Patent number: 6830236
    Abstract: An upright post has a socket for receiving a device at the end of a retractable strap. The device is wedge shaped at the free end of the strap. A releasable locking tab secures the device in the socket. A recess provided in the socket cooperates with the tab to prevent inadvertent release of the fitting from the socket. An actuator button is provided to manually release the locking tab from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Augusto de Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 6824180
    Abstract: A quick connect assembly provides a male portion with a pair of arms defining teeth on their outer surface, and a female portion having a sleeve, defining inward facing teeth corresponding to the outward facing teeth of the male portion. Insertion of a handle upon which the male portion has been secured into the female portion will cause the teeth of the male portion to engage the teeth of the female portion, securing the handle in its desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tomchak
  • Patent number: 6824325
    Abstract: A system and apparatus to couple a bracket member with a receiver member is disclosed. Embodiments may couple bracket members with receiver members, such as brackets to rails of racks, via a flexible member. The flexible member may secure a bracket member to a receiver member by fastening the bracket member to a corresponding extension or tab of the receiver member. Some embodiments may load a second portion of the flexible member such that pressure applied to the second portion can transfer the load to a first portion of the flexible member to facilitate coupling the bracket member with or decoupling the bracket member from the receiver member. In many of these embodiments, the load may transfer as a waveform along the flexible member. Further embodiments provide a lever for the second portion of the flexible member to facilitate transferring a load to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Geoffrey Gundlach, Jerry Lee Gunter, Dean Frederick Herring, Glenn Edward Myrto, Paul Andrew Wormsbecher
  • Patent number: 6814098
    Abstract: A support structure for a C-ring includes a pair of circumferentially spaced holding members on catch plates. The holding members may be moved individually into the C-ring after the C-ring is mounted within an outer housing. The two holding members thus provide support to an inner periphery of the C-ring. A locking plate has support structure moved between circumferential ends of the housing members, thus providing effective support for the C-ring around its entire inner periphery. In this way, the two parts secured by the C-ring need not be moved relative to each other to insert the C-ring. The clearance or ability to move one of the two parts relative to the other which has been required in the past to mount a C-ring, is not necessary. This makes the inventive C-ring particularly useful for new applications, such as holding a porting sleeve within a valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventor: Francis Marocchini
  • Patent number: 6796101
    Abstract: A guardrail comprises two parallel metal tubes each having two lengthwise bent ends each having a fastening member, two inner abutment mechanisms each having a lengthwise abutment member and a mating fastening member at either end engaged with the fastening member for securing each metal tube and the corresponding abutment mechanism together, and a protective board having either end urged against the abutment member and the bent ends, thereby securing the protective board between the abutment mechanisms. Further, a number of variations are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Yuan-Kuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20040184876
    Abstract: The coupling serving for detachably coupling first and second devices. The coupling includes a first coupling part on the first device and a second coupling part on the second device. The first coupling part is designed with a circumferential coupling groove defined by a radial interior wall and exterior wall respectively and ending in a free end face facing in the opposite direction of the first device. The second coupling part includes first and second discs each designed with an aperture. First and second coupling collars respectively are provided around the apertures of the first and second discs and extend mainly in cross direction of the respective discs. The second coupling collar extends through the aperture in the first disc in the same direction as the coupling collar of this disc whereas the two coupling collars of the second coupling part extend into and engage the circumferential coupling groove of the first coupling part in the coupled state of the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Lasse L. Hessel, Jesper Malling, Robert Axelsson
  • Patent number: 6789853
    Abstract: A pivotal mounting mechanism and a method of mounting an axle in an axle mount. A plug is inserted in a receptacle such as the open end of a tube which has at least one J-shaped track. The axle is held in its final position by inter-engagement of the plug and tube. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sebel Furniture Limited
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Fewchuk
  • Patent number: 6786671
    Abstract: A device for fixing the hub of an arm of a wind-screen wiper (2) on a pivoting axis (1) with locking elements (6, 7) for the arm on the pivoting axis (1), a cavity (32) which is created in the hub (2) and is provided with adjusting and angular positioning elements for the arm in relation to the axis (1), whereby the hub (2) rests on the base of a stop (3) which nestles on a radius of operation (4) of the said axis (1); the locking elements (6, 7) are adapted in such a way that they can be engaged in a locking or unlocking position, the adjusting elements includes a connecting ring (10) which is rotationally fixed to the axis (1) and accommodated in the cavity (32) of the hub (2) with a certain amount of play allowing for limited relative angular displacement between the connecting ring (10) and the hub (2) when the locking elements (6, 7) are in an unlocked position, whereby all relative displacement is prohibited between the connecting ring (10) and the hub (2) when the locking elements (6, 7) are in a locke
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Societe de Recherches d'Etudes et de Valorisation
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Eckendorff
  • Publication number: 20040165946
    Abstract: A joining device joins first and second bodies. The joining is simple and can be well-maintained, between a first and a second body that are, for example, parts of a food processor, whereby the first wall forms the bottom and the second wall is an outer wall. The first wall of the first body extends substantially at a right angle to the second wall of the second body. A detent projection, which is placed on an inner side of the first wall that is encircled by the second body, is pushed into a detent opening inside the wall by the force exerted by a connection device, particularly a screw, that is joined to the first body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Marko Areh, Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6769832
    Abstract: A system for joining two rails includes a rotatable disc in a slot in an end of a rail, where the disc has a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a pair of diametrically opposed first sectors having a first radius, and a pair of diametrically opposed second sectors having a second radius larger than the first radius. A movable stopper in the rail is urged into the slot at a position where the stopper engages one of the first sectors when a pin in the rail engages one of the notches, and one of the second sectors is between the one first sector and the notch engaging the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
  • Patent number: 6767155
    Abstract: A high stability ball-in-cone type latch mechanism is taught that is particularly useful for large deployable optical systems. It provides a nearly perfect kinematic mount between structural or optical elements and can easily be remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Calvin E. Abplanalp, Richard A. Colleluori
  • Patent number: 6764248
    Abstract: A connector for a portable combination fan and mister in accordance with the present invention has a lock, a hook and a corresponding strongback. The hook is attached to the fan to hold the strongback that is attached to the mister. The connector allows the fan attached to and disconnected from the mister quickly and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Tien Hsu
  • Patent number: 6761087
    Abstract: A casing (1) for a transmission mechanism constituted by two half shells (1A, 1B), contains at least one clutch control member (3) moved angularly by a control lever (4) external to the casing (1) The control lever (4) includes a split sleeve (5) insertable within a receiving bearing (6) of the casing (1), this sleeve (5) defining at least two fingers (7A, 7B) that are resiliently deformable so as to be able to be immobilized axially in the receiving bearing (6), a portion (3A) of the body of the control member (3) being disposed in the assembled condition of the half shells (1A, 1B) of the casing (1) in the slots (8) provided between the fingers (7A, 7B) to render the lever (4) undisassembleable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: France Reducteurs
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6749358
    Abstract: A tooless electrical connector includes a housing having a bore with a groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with the groove establishing a shoulder between a groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A flat spring is provided and disposed in the groove for defining a spring cavity between the flat spring and the shoulder and a circular canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a circumferential groove is provided for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore and a plurality of primary radial fingers formed in the flat spring retain the coil spring in the cavity before insertion of the pin. A plurality of secondary radial fingers formed in the flat spring prevent axial movement between the housing and the pin with the coil spring within the pin groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 6746081
    Abstract: An anatomically deformable support and, in particular, a lordosis support, is provided for use with seats, couches or the like. The anatomically deformable support includes a frame, and an anatomically deformable supporting part connected to the frame and that can be arched in the reversible manner. The supporting part is connected to the frame by a connection arrangement including elongates cylindrical members, for example, wires, secured to the frame and first and second mounting arrangements provided at first and second end portions of the supporting part for securing the elongate cylindrical members to the supporting part. At least one of the mounting arrangements includes a first common rigid web member, and a pair of elastically flexible web members arranged on opposing sides of the rigid web member to form first mountings in which the elongate cylindrical members are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Schukra Berndorf Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Knud Klingler
  • Patent number: 6736566
    Abstract: A retainer for retaining a mating connector in conductive contact with its corresponding mating connector. The retainer includes a base which defines a hole therethrough. A post extends from the base in a direction perpendicular to the base. Disposed on the post is a tapered ledge. The ledge is tapered in a direction away from the base so that the ledge has a first surface at an angle relative to the base. The base may also include a cleat to prevent rotation of the retainer relative to the mating connectors. The cleat is preferably a linear strip extending from and along an edge of the base. The retainer may be used in an assembly including a connector, a mounting bracket and a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Piehl, Jennifer L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6726397
    Abstract: An interlocking device for connecting a shelf, drawer or similar component with respect to a frame preferably includes a mateable support and receiver. The support includes a groove extending at least partially through the support and a support ramp positioned on the support. The receiver preferably includes a protruding head and a receiver ramp positioned on the protruding head, the receiver ramp lockably engageable with the support ramp within the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Kuehn, James Zielinski, David Lakickas
  • Publication number: 20040052579
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Patent number: 6701678
    Abstract: A storage enclosure including a plurality of panels defines an interior space. At least one of the plurality of panels includes a mounting interface configured to couple an accessory to one of the plurality of panels, and a panel interface configured to couple adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Erik L. Skov, William F. Croft, Timothy M. Pierzynski
  • Patent number: 6702506
    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. The respective shaft support portions 11a and 12a of a hang stopper plate 1 and both side plates 13a and 14a of a bracket 4 are combined with each other, a torsion coil spring 3 is twisted from a natural state and interposed therebetween in such a manner that a guide rod 21 is passed through a space formed therebetween, but movement of the torsion coil spring 3 to an axial direction and a change in a coil length are restrained by a groove 15 of the hang stopper plate 1 and the side plate 13a of the bracket 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitune Iitsuka
  • Patent number: 6698966
    Abstract: A releasable fastener formed of a first, male (2), and second female component (4) is provided. Deformable arms (18) on the male component (2) extend back from the lead edge (14) of the body portion of the male component which is inserted into the female. Wedges (24) on the arms lock in apertures (40) in the second component (4). The gap between the arms (18) and the body portion is closed off by an end cap and grip portions on the arms to prevent trapping of fingers. The fastener is particularly suited to attaching nursery items, such as parasols, to nursery equipment such as pushchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ninaclip, Plc
    Inventors: Kevin Hilton, Daniel Martin
  • Patent number: 6695481
    Abstract: A locking device and its assemblage are provided for confining an object. The locking device is used to confine the object having an end having a recess having a defining surface to prevent the object from being displaced in a direction. The locking device is a geometrically closed-loop body having a hollow portion, and has a flexibility so that upon being applied with an external force, the object will pass through the hollow portion and the end will thus be confined by the locking device while the force disappears. A simple process can be used to assemble and disassemble the locking assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Electronics
    Inventor: Lee-Long Chen
  • Patent number: 6682240
    Abstract: A self-positioning device for a keyboard includes two protrusions adapted to be respectively formed on opposite sides of a corresponding leg, two stops each formed on a corresponding one of the protrusions, and two sectorial bosses adapted to be formed on a corresponding one of the recessed seats to correspond to the two protrusions. Each sectorial boss has a first edge and a second edge to selectively abut a corresponding one of the two stops. The selective abutting of the stops to the first and second edges enables support of the keyboard on a plan surface horizontally and inclinedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Kuan-Nan Chou
  • Patent number: 6682056
    Abstract: A mounting clip with a locking feature. The mounting clip is preferably utilized as part of a fencing system, in which the clip is attached to a fence rail and a hollow fence picket is slidably fastened to the rail using the clip. The clip features tabs that operate to lock the picket to the rail such that detachment of the picket from the rail is inhibited by an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 6666435
    Abstract: A gate for fence enclosures includes a pair of spaced vertical frame members with a pair of horizontal frame members extending between and into a top and bottom end of the vertical frame members. Mesh screen is tensioned between the vertical and horizontal frame members. A pair of support members is used for each of vertical frame member with mounting plates connecting the top and bottom of each pair of support members. Hinges connect the gate to the support members and facilitate closing and opening. A latching device enables the gate to be secured to the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ivar V. Blosfelds
  • Patent number: 6647691
    Abstract: A track arrangement for supporting wall studs is provided. The track arrangement includes a central longitudinal extension, first and second sidewalls and a first stud clip arrangement comprising a pair of stud clips. In a preferred embodiment, each clip comprises a portion of the sidewall bent inwardly, to form a cam surface and a stud ridge receiver. During use, the stud is forced toward the cam surface, bending the clip until a portion of the stud, specifically a stud ridge, is received in the stud ridge receiver. This will secure the stud in place, against undesired movement relative to the track. Wall assemblies are provided which preferably involve one such track arrangement positioned on the floor as a floor track, and one on the ceiling, as a ceiling track, with a stud extending therebetween. The wall framework assembly can be assembled as a slip track, or as a non-slip track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Duane William Becker, Brian Duane Becker
  • Patent number: 6644885
    Abstract: The invention is an implement coupling for a loading machine including a connection for mounting the implement coupling at an extreme end of a loading arm and for connection with an actuating arm of a hydraulic cylinder. The implement coupling comprises a coupling mechanism which couples the implement coupling with a complementary coupling mechanism of an implement, and a locking mechanism with a transverse, displaceable locking beam comprising a locking mechanism which interacts with the complementary coupling of the implement, and which may be displaced by spindles or hydraulic cylinders. The coupling mechanism includes an upper fixed hook coupling parts, which grip around upper connecting pins on the implement, and by lower, displacing hook coupling parts, which fix lower connecting pins of the implement when in contact with a contact surface on the implement coupling, the displacing coupling parts being connected with the locking beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Viby Jern Danmark A/S
    Inventor: Kaj Dam-Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6640424
    Abstract: The invention provides a gripper that is plugged onto a rotatable shaft with a flat locating groove in which the caps of locating spheres engage, these locating spheres being peripherally distributed in an annular groove of the shaft. As a result, the gripper is held precisely on the shaft and can be replaced without causing significant wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Guenter Reimann
  • Patent number: 6641325
    Abstract: System for connecting a first element to a second element comprising a base plate adapted to be adjustably attached to the first element. The base plate comprises a mechanism for allowing the base plate to move with respect to the first element substantially along a first direction. A retaining plate is adapted to be attached to the second element. The retaining plate comprises a mechanism for allowing the retaining plate to move with respect to the base plate substantially along a second direction. The retaining plate is adjustably attached to the base plate. The first direction is different from the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20030202845
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type joint assembly for plates. By using this new type joint component, it is possible to complete the riveting of the plate and the joint component during the manufacturing of the plate, detachment becomes easier, so it is convenient to maintain and disassemble the carriage body. While ensuring that the carriage body of the containers or the van trailers have relatively larger interior width, the inner and outer surfaces of the entire side panels are flat or substantially flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang-Fu Xie, Yan-Wen Song, Yuan-Da Zhou
  • Patent number: 6637080
    Abstract: The present invention is a reversible single-piece flex holder for retaining a flexible sign face to a sign frame. The flex holder has a latch block and a latch blade movable toward the latch block about a hinge, for clamping the margin of a sign face. A pair of pivot lips are provided on the outside of the flex holder for engagement into a slot in a sign frame. These pivot lips are symmetrical to each other relative to a clamping axis of the flex holder, such that the flex holder is interchangeably mountable to the margin of a flexible sign face. The flex holder also has a stopper lip extending from the latch block and a stopper bulge on the latch blade. The lip and the bulge interfere with each other when the latch blade is reopened to a certain extent to prevent over-stressing the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Normand Verret
  • Publication number: 20030198511
    Abstract: A latch for temporarily holding canister levers in a locked position. The latch includes a back member received by a front of the canister, and a top member formed integrally with a top of the back member. The top member receives the levers and is capable of holding the levers in the locked position. The latch is temporarily deflected downward when the levers are being moved into the locked position. The latch includes an incorporated spring for returning the latch to its original position once the levers are received within the top member in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Tina M. Reintjes
  • Patent number: 6634826
    Abstract: A clamp for locking at least one pin (30) or the like, comprising a hollow body (1) provided with coaxial apertures (9) and in which there is mounted, slidable but not rotatable, a member (11) loaded by a spring (10) and provided with a through hole (12) able to align with said coaxial apertures (9) for passage of said pin (30), and connected axially but not rotatably to an operating knob (18) able to assume and maintain two positions, namely one in which the pin (30) is released by moving said member against the action of the spring (10) and one in which the pin is locked by the action of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: System Plast S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Marsetti
  • Patent number: 6599051
    Abstract: A windshield wiper, in which an element of the frame of the wiper blade is articulated on the end of a wiper arm by a connector that is articulated on the frame. The connector includes a substantially inverted U-shaped front body which overlaps onto the center part of the hinge of the frame, such that the longitudinally sliding connector is accommodated in the front end of the arm. The connector includes a lock mechanism that locks in a longitudinally direction in relation to the arm. The connector also includes a retaining rod extending vertically with clearance through a hole that is dead center with the center part of the hinge of the frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-Michael Jarasson
  • Patent number: 6595664
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for connecting a fixture to a support, the bracket assembly comprising in combination a male subbracket for connection to one of the fixture or support, a female subbracket for connection to the other one of the fixture and the support, the subbrackets being complementarily configured for coupling to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher, Tien S. Lowe, Chad J. Ricker
  • Patent number: 6595080
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster having a release device on a core of an actuating-pull mechanism for use, e.g., on motor vehicles has a connecting eyelet on an end of a housing. An end of the core includes a toothing arrangement which is engageable with a toothing arrangement carried on a retaining pawl in the housing. Normally, the adjuster is maintained in closed condition by a spring acting on the housing and a slide on the housing. The slide can be moved in opposition to the spring to place the adjuster in open condition. In open adjuster condition, the retaining pawl is displaceable such as to disengage the toothing arrangements thus allowing adjustment of a distance between the connecting eyelet and the core end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Waldow, Axel Wack
  • Patent number: 6592285
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device is provided for removably connecting a first and second component. The device includes a holding arm adapted to be attached to the first component; a receiving element adapted to be attached to the second component; and at least one vibration-damping element of elastic material coupled to the holding arm. The holding arm is insertable into the receiving element, whereby the at least one vibration-damping element is slidable along at least a surface of the receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz