Abstract: A spring-biased latch is disclosed for removably attaching a first component, such as a seat, to an elongate member, such as the tubular frame of a wheelchair. The spring-biased latch comprises a body portion having a top and a pair of leg members that are adapted to removably receive an elongate member, a catch arm pivotally attached to the top of the body portion, and a release lever pivotally attached to the top of the body portion. The catch arm and release lever are configurable in a first position where the inboard end of the release lever abuts the inboard end of the catch arm such that the catch arm braces a portion of the wheelchair seat between the outboard end of the catch arm and the tubular frame of the wheelchair.

Abstract: The centrifuge includes a drive shaft (3), a rotor (1) which can be mounted removably on the drive shaft, and a device (6) for providing axial immobilization of the rotor (1) with respect to the shaft (3). This device includes a male element (10) loaded elastically and capable of interacting with a recess (11) of the shaft (3), and it is characterized in that the male element (10) is mounted on the rotor (1) and that an unlocking device (12) which can be actuated from the outside of the rotor and allow the said male element (10) to be placed in a position disengaged from the female element (11) are provided.

Abstract: The implementation of smart materials (shape-memory alloys (SMA) or piezoceramics) as integral actuating devices for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) hinges, thereby providing mobility as well as actuation to a wide range of mechanisms used in industrial, automotive and aircraft systems. A single DOF hinge is used in which smart materials are used both for actuation and for performance enhancement. The hinge consists of a tang and clevis, two conical inserts, one push block, one bolt and nut, and two washers. Assembly takes place by first putting the push block inside the clevis and putting the tang in place, then inserting the cones, inserting a bolt in the cones and finally tightening the bolt in this arrangement together with the nut to a specified torque. The amount of torque applied is related to the amount of preload in the undisturbed configuration of the hinge and the expansion of the conical inserts required to initiate rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.

Abstract: In a locking device for interconnecting a drive shaft (10) and a coupling sleeve (11), a resilient locking ring (14) is provided which engages in grooves (13, 15) on the shaft and sleeve, respectively. The shaft and sleeve have splines (12) for transmitting a driving torque. The groove (13) of the shaft is spaced from the splines and has a bevel at the side facing the splines, and the sleeve has an inner bevel (16) at its end for compressing the locking ring during assembly.

Abstract: A quick change PVC pipe connection system (10) comprises a pipe (12) having a pair of opposite spaced apertures (14) extending through one end (16). A fitting (18) has a flange (20) with a pair of opposite spaced orifices (22) extending through the flange (20). A pair of pins (24) are provided. A facility (26) within the pipe (12) is for forcing each pin (24) through one aperture (14) in the pipe (12) and into one orifice (22) in the flange (20) of the fitting (18), when the end (16) of the pipe (12) is inserted into the flange (20) of the fitting (18), so as to retain the pipe (12) to the fitting (18).

Abstract: A connecting element for creating a blind side connection for materials such as furniture. Connecting element includes a tenon which includes a groove positioned about the peripheral surface of the tenon. A compression material which is flexible and has excellent memory is inserted into the group on the tenon. A mortise is provided which has an opening for telescopically receiving the tenon and compression material into the inner chamber of the mortise. The inner chamber includes a set slot positioned around the interior surface of the chamber and is designed to receive the peripheral edge of the compression material on the tenon. Liquid and/or re-wettable adhesives can be used to rigidly connect the tenon in the mortise.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly in a motion transmitting remote control wherein the overall length of the conduit is adjusted to accommodate the installed post. Male (18) and female (20) telescoping members are biased into one another to shorten the overall length of the conduit. A spring (22) is retained in position on the male member (18) by a collar (26) until fully 11 inserted into the female member (20) whereupon the locking member (19) which interlocks the telescoping members presents an abutment to engage the collar (26) as the telescoping members (18 and 20) are telescoped into one another.

Abstract: A structure providing a patient support surface is transferable between a stationery support column and a wheeled transport carriage with the transport carriage, the support column and the support surface providing structure having connecting parts which cooperate to securely hold the structure to the transfer carriage or to the support column when the structure is mounted on the transfer carriage or the support column, the connecting parts during transfer of the structure from the transfer carriage to a support column, or vice versa, being automatically moved between latched and unlatched conditions to allow the transfer to occur and having security features preventing the patient support surface providing structure from being inadvertently unfastened from both the support column and the transport carriage during a transfer procedure.

Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a rail section adapted to be supported generally horizontally. Each rail section has a hollow box beam portion comprising a top wall, opposite side walls and a bottom wall and splices for connecting the rail sections to another structure. Each splice has a central part and a first and second end parts, the first end part being receivable in an open end of the box beam portion of the rail section and the second part being connectable to the structure. Snap fasteners on the first end part of the splice are receivable in an opening in the box beam portion of the rail section for connecting the splice to the rail section.

Abstract: A movable seat for a vehicle, of the type which can be easily joined to or separated from the floor of the vehicle, including at least one unlockable fixing mechanism which can be brought, along a given direction of insertion, to cooperate with retaining means of the floor so as to rigidly join the seat to the floor, characterized in that the fixing mechanism comprises a locking member transversally sliding with respect to the direction of insertion.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly includes a wiper arm carrying a windshield wiper blade, an arm head, and a pivot attaching the wiper arm to the arm head. A spring retainer and coil spring extends between the arm head and the arm, thereby biasing the wiper blade against the windshield. When the wiper arm is lifted off the windshield to a hold off position, the spring retains the wiper blade in the hold off position. A finger extending from the spring retainer engages a shoulder on a drive drum which is received in a socket in the arm head. Accordingly, the wiper assembly is automatically released from the driving mechanism when the wiper assembly is moved to the inactive or hold off position. The wiper assembly can then be removed from the vehicle, which facilitates changing of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting motion in a curved path and comprising first and second core element sections (12 and 14) movably supported in first and second conduits (16 and 20). Female (24) and male (26) members define the inner ends of the core element sections (12 and 14) and the assembly (10) is characterized by a U-shaped clip (28) manually insertable into and manually removable from slots (32) in the female member (24) to engage a male groove (30) in the male member (26) to mechanically lock the core element sections (12 and 14) together while moving axially.

Abstract: A wheel lift vehicle lifting and towing device includes a boom mounted to a towing vehicle and having a cross bar connected to its rear end. A wheel retainer assembly mounted to each end of the cross bar includes a wheel grid having a transversely adjustable wheel chock. A wheel retainer arm is horizontally rotatably mounted above an outer end of the wheel grid and has a wheel retainer member mounted at its outer end which cooperates with the wheel chock to retain a wheel.

Abstract: An assembly and method for mounting linear structures in locked longitudinal alignment, which includes retainer bars joinable to a bracket for mounting linear structures and a pin assembly having wedge pins protruding outwardly from a base wherein the wedge pins engage opposing apertures in a locked, spring-loaded interface tightened into alignment by a retainer screw. The locked interface between opposing edges of the wedge pin and the apertures impart strong resistance to displacement forces, thereby providing a system for joining and mounting permitting adjustment and alignment of independently suspended linear structures and subsequent tightening down of the linear structures.

Abstract: At least two connecting elements are fastened to the patient support and are insertable into pin receivers of the column and carriage. Each connecting element has two latching elements each movable between a latching position and an unlatching position, and during relative movement between the transport carriage and the support column resulting in the transfer of the patient support from the column to the transport carriage, or the reverse, each connecting element becomes received at the same time in a column pin receiver and a carriage pin receiver. Each receiver has a detent recess for receiving one of the latching elements of a received connecting element in its latching position and a control surface associated with the other latch element of the received connecting element which control surface upon the reception of the connecting element transfers this latching element to its unlatched position.

Abstract: An inline skateboard comprised of a board body, a pair of downwardly depending mounting rails integrally formed and smoothly merging from the bottom surface of the board body along a medial position thereof, a plurality of mounting shafts extending transversely across and through the mounting rails and ground engaging, interchangeable transit arrangements mounted on the mounting shafts in at least one of an inboard position between the mounting rails and an outboard position disposed to the outside of the mounting rails. An optional ball wheel is positioned at one end of the board body to define a pivot point about which a rider may attain improved stability, balance and turnability.

Abstract: An assembling connector structure including a multidirection connector having multiple square hollow insertion columns, multiple square connecting tubes and multiple substantially U-shaped leaf springs. Each face of each insertion column is formed with two through holes and each end of each connecting tube is formed with two through holes. Each leaf spring is disposed with a long and a short engaging boss. The long boss has upper and lower engaging recesses. When assembled, the leaf spring is first inserted into and engaged with the insertion column. Then the connecting tube is fitted around the insertion column with the through holes of the connecting tube aligned with the through holes of the insertion column, so that the bosses of the leaf spring pass through the aligned through holes to bound outside the connecting tube to assemble the connector structure into a solid frame assembly having multiple square frames.

Abstract: A top-loading precision balance with a draft protection device which includes several walls connected to each other at the edges thereof, and a cover which closes the opening defined at the top of the walls. The cover is fastened through a horizontally extending hinge to one of the walls. The hinge of the cover includes a spring which acts against the direction of movement for closing the cover. The spring mounted in the hinge is a torsion spring which is fixed at both ends thereof. The frame forming the bottom of the draft protection device has on its bottom side a groove into which lugs mounted on the balance housing engage when the draft protection device is placed on the balance housing. A spring is fastened at the groove of the frame under the front side of the draft protection device. The spring engages in a groove of one of the lugs.

Abstract: A connection for locking first (18) and second (20) core element sections together in a locked position mechanically prevented from moving relative to one another axially in either direction solely in response to axial forces transmitted along the core element sections (18,20) without buckling either of the core element sections (18,20). A male member (26) presents a male groove (30) and a female member (24) presents a female groove (32) and a lock ring (28) disposed in one of the grooves (30,32) with the lock ring (28) radially overlapping the male (30) and female (32) grooves in the locked position. A mechanical advantage comprising a female taper (34) of gentle slope forces the radial movement of the lock ring (28) as core element sections (18 and 20) are moved together without buckling the wire elements (22) of the core element sections (18, 20).

Abstract: A shift lever assembly including a detent rod with a lateral detent pin. The detent rod has one end and a lateral through bore receiving the lateral detent pin. A hollow pivotable shift lever receives the detent rod for its movement in a longitudinal direction of the shift lever. A compression spring has one end bearing against the one end of the detent rod and operative to apply force to the detent rod. The detent pin is formed with a groove positioned in the lateral through bore. The detent rod is formed with a passage having one end opening at the one end of the detent rod and the opposite end opening to the lateral through bore. A lock bolt is slidably received in the passage. The lock bolt has one end connected to the compression spring at the one end thereof and an opposite end engaged in the groove of the lateral detent pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (20), the brush head (22) of which can be removed from a brush handle (24). A threaded pin (26) can be moved to a limited extent out of the brush handle (24), counter to the action of a prestressing spring (32), when the brush head (22) is screwed onto the pin, until a stop catch (36) of the brush head (22) engages in a recess (38) of the brush handle (24) and locks the brush head in the rotational direction, while the prestressing spring (32) holds the brush head (22) under prestress against the brush handle (24). A firm connection can thus be established simply and rapidly between the brush handle and the brush head, irrespective of the shape of these parts.

Abstract: A rake includes a tube having a bore for engaging with a handle and having a puncture intersected with the bore. A number of tines are secured to the tube. A plate is engaged in the puncture, has an opening for engaging with the handle, and includes a knob. A spring may bias the plate to engage with the handle so as to secure the handle to the tube. The handle is disengaged from the plate when the plate is moved against the spring by the knob such that the handle may be easily adjusted to suitable position relative to the tube.

Abstract: A rod for a construction set includes an elongate strut that extends between opposed of interconnected joint elements. A cavity in each end of the strut slidably supports a clip having opposed inwardly deflectable fingers, with outwardly facing catches at their extremities, that snap fit into the joint openings in the joint element to clamp the joint element between the catches and the ends of the rods. The clips are moveable between closed positions where the fingers are engaged in the joint elements and open positions where the fingers are located completely within the cavity to allow the rod to be removed from opposed joint elements in a structure without disturbing the structure. The struts have slots in their extremities that intersect the cavities, and the fingers have protrusions that extend through the slots to facilitate deflecting the fingers inwardly to release the clips from the joint elements and in moving the clips between their open and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a front panel of a drawer to a drawer frame includes a holding part to be secured to the front panel and a support part to be secured to a drawer frame, one such assembly being provided for each side of the drawer. The holding part can be coupled to the support part, and a spring, preferably a helical spring, acts in the longitudinal direction of the drawer frame between the support part and the holding part. When the front panel is mounted, a limited relative movement of the holding part with respect to the support part in opposition to the spring action is possible.

Abstract: A mounting base for removably securing the base portion of a fishing rod holder to a boat having a rope cleat thereon and including a mounting plate for receiving the base portion and a sole plate extending therefrom, the sole plate having a recess formed therein, a movable detent secured in the recess, a spring acting on the sole plate and the detent member so as to cause the detent to normally project above the surface of the sole plate for securing the mounting plate in position beneath a rope cleat while enabling the detent member to be depressed against the urging of the spring to a point at or beneath the surface of the sole plate and thereby enable withdrawal of the mounting base from beneath the rope cleat.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control cable assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path includes a core element (14) having a female section (16) defining an opening (18) and a male section (20) matingly engaged within the opening of the female section. A lock (22) mechanically interconnects the male and female sections (20,16) to prevent relative sliding movement between the male and female sections while allowing relative axial rotation. The lock (22) includes an abutment (24) disposed on the male section (20) for moving radially between a compressed position to allow the male section (20) to slide axially into the female section (16) and an extended position to interconnect with the female section and prevent further axial sliding between the male and female sections while allowing relative axial rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A hub attachment assembly has a driveshaft with external splines at its shaft end, a slide-on hub with a shaft bore with corresponding internal splines, and an axial securing mechanism in the form of a resilient snap ring. The snap ring engages opposed recesses in the two sets of splines to couple the two parts together.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably locking a microphone stand tube to a microphone base has a lock member receiver threadingly attached to the microphone base. A locking coupling has a first end threadingly attached to the microphone stand tube. A lock member has a coupling end connected to a second end of the locking coupling and a locking retainer releasably locked into the locking receiver. The lock member has a locking actuator arm. A locking arm is connected to the locking actuator arm and pivotally connected to the locking retainer. There is a securing hook attached to the locking arm. The securing hook releasably engages an end of the lock member receiver. There is a spring receiving chamber in the locking retainer. A lock spring has an end removably placed in the spring retaining chamber and another end abutting the locking arm. The male exterior surface is octagon in shape and a female interior surface of the lock member receiver is octagon in shape to receive the male exterior surface of the lock member.

Abstract: An air bag module (10) includes a housing (12), an air bag (14), and an inflator (16). A pair of wave springs (20, 22) are mounted on opposite end walls (40, 42) of the housing (12). The springs (20, 22) engage opposite end portions (132, 134) of the inflator (16) to secure the inflator to the housing (12). The inflator (16) extends through a cardboard plenum tube (18) in the housing (12). The plenum tube (18) keeps open a passage in the air bag (14) for insertion of the inflator (16) during assembly of the module (10).

Abstract: A winding spring is preset in a connector, with its winding portion fit at an attaching shaft of the connector, in such a manner that its one end is engaged with the connector and its other end on the side of the fitting lever is engaged with a provisional locking protrusion provided on the connector. The fitting lever is rotated around a supporting shaft of the connector so that a sharp tip of a locking releasing body provided on the fitting lever releases the other end of the winding spring from the provisional protrusion, and the other end of the winding spring, because of its resilient returning operation, is engaged with a locking portion provided at the exterior of the locking releasing body. Thus, the winding spring can be mounted in the connector so that its lever side engagement end is surely engaged with the fitting lever.

Abstract: A locking member including a sleeve and a U-shaped plate. The sleeve has an axial hole at one end thereof and its outer surface is provided with an annular groove having a pair of holes arranged face-to-face with each other. The U-shaped plate has clamp portions having protrusions which penetrate through the holes in the groove of the sleeve to project within the axial hole of the sleeve for temporarily clamping a rod object inserted into the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotary latch is disclosed, including a hollow, cylindrical outer member and a concentrically arranged inner rotor. The rotor is rotatable within the outer cylindrical member. The outer cylindrical member includes a pair of aligned openings at a cylinder first end facing a latch pin. The rotor includes a pair of aligned slots at a rotor first end facing the latch pin. Slot extensions are provided in the rotor, the slot extensions extending generally perpendicularly to the slots and generally parallel to the rotor first end. In a first position, the outer cylindrical member openings and the rotor slots are aligned to allow receipt of the latch pin. In a second position, the openings and the slot extensions are aligned thereby engaging the latch pin within a closed area defined by the rotor slot extensions and the outer cylinder openings.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a handle for manipulating the instrument, a tool head, and a tube element for joining the handle and the tool head, the tube element having a first end and a second end, a first coupling for releasably coupling the first end of the tube element and the handle, and a second coupling for releasably coupling the second end of the tube element and the tool head, whereby the tool head, tube element and handle are all readily separable from each other.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for attaching the inner race of a bearing assembly to a shaft is provided. A locating shoulder and an annular groove of constant depth are positioned on opposite sides of the bearing assembly when mounted on the shaft. An eccentric split ring is placed in the groove and is bodily positioned in a recess formed diametrically across the inner race. One of two opposed stops on opposite sides of the recess engages and cams against an enlarged portion of the ring upon initial relative rotation between the inner race and the shaft. The recess is formed by milling a gap across the end of the inner race.

Abstract: A folding device stroller includes a positioning seat securely mounted to an upper end of each of two front members and a retainer seat securely mounted to an associated end of a handle of the stroller, the associated end of the handle being pivotally mounted to the positioning seat. The positioning seat includes a transverse positioning ring formed on an upper end thereof and a spring-biased button partially received in the positioning ring. The retainer seat includes a cutout defined therein thereby forming a handgrip and a transverse bore defined in a lower end thereof through which the button is passable. The button is biased to a position partially received in the bore to retain the stroller in an extended position, and the stroller is foldable when the button is pressed inwardly to disengage from the bore.

Abstract: A coupling for removably affixing a brush to a rotatable drive shaft includes a drive hub affixed to the drive shaft, in which an axial projection having a cam surface is disposed on either the drive hub or the brush. The other of the hub and the brush defines a recess for accepting the projection and has a spring retainer affixed thereto. The projection and recess have an interfitting spline connection for preventing relative rotation between the drive hub and the brush. The cam surface is adapted to elastically spread the retainer to allow-the projection to be inserted within the recess. The retainer thereafter engages the shelf surface to prevent removal of the projection from the recess. The spring retainer is provided with tabs for elastically spreading the retainer to disengage the shelf surface and allow the brush to be easily removed from the drive hub.

Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical. The oblique spring hole in the retainer body includes a circumferential undercut in the wall of the spring hole. The undercut mates with an enlarged portion of the spring to prevent the spring from pushing out of the hole.

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 sunshade includes an upright post with a runner sleeved slidably thereon so as to be movable to a stretching position for operating a rib assembly in order to stretch collapsibly a top cloth above the upright post. The upright post has a spring-loaded stopper which protrudes radially to retain the rib assembly at the stretching position. The runner has an axially extending groove formed in an inner surface thereof and aligned with the stopper, and a projection formed in the groove. The projection has an upper face which inclines inwardly and downwardly and a lower face which extends radially toward the post. The runner has a releasing unit mounted thereon. The releasing unit is constituted by a pressing member which is radially movably disposed in the groove immediately under the projection and a button member which is formed integrally with the pressing member. The button member protrudes out of the runner via a through-hole in the runner.

Abstract: A hinged strut construction has a pair of elongate, rigid strut members and a hinge structure connecting adjoining ends of the members to each other. A slide device releasably locks the strut members in an aligned, extended position. The slide device consists of an extendable and retractable locking pin which is axially movable on one strut member and which can be extended into or pulled out of an axial socket of the other member. A collar that is movable on one strut member connects with the locking pin to effect the movement of the pin.

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: A feeder for dispensing flowable substances and a coupling which causes rotation of the feed screw of the feeder in response to the drive system of the feeder. The feed screw is removable from the feeder, with insertion and removal of the feed screw effected by only axial movement of the feed screw. A torque transmitting member, connected to the drive system, and a torque receiving member, from which the feed screw extends, have complementary non-circular mating surfaces through which the torque from the drive system is imparted to the feed screw. Unintended axial movement of the feed screw is prevented by a locking arrangement between the torque transmitting member and the torque receiving member. The torque transmitting member has a pilot portion which facilitates insertion of the feed screw in the feeder and provides guidance of the feed screw during operation.

Abstract: A hand machine tool has a rotatable spindle having a longitudinal axis and provided with a cone and an annular surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis, a tool holder having a conical opening which surrounds the cone, torque-transmitting elements provided between the spindle and the tool holder, and locking elements cooperating with the ring surface of the spindle, the locking elements being formed as spring wire members.

Abstract: A quick change device for earth moving vehicles for changing working implements and separably connected to the vehicle via an adaptor pivotable about a horizontal axis and provided on a jib of the earth moving machine, the adaptor having displaceably mounted coupling members rigid with the housing and with which there are on the working implements coupling members rigid with the housing, the displaceably mounted coupling members of the adaptor being locking bolts which have conical coupling surfaces and with which there are associated on the working implement coupling members which have conical surfaces and which are constructed in supporting fashion only over a range of 180.degree. with the corresponding conical surfaces of the associated coupling members of the working implement which are rigid with the housing.

Abstract: An expandable endoprosthesis for a joint and adjacent bone parts has first and second joint component parts. The second component has a part at one end thereof for a portion of a joint. The second component has a telescoping stem coupled to its joint part for attachment to a long bone. The telescoping stem has an inner and an outer member axially adjustable with respect to one another by means of a threaded spindle and a threaded spindle nut attached respectively to either the inner or outer member. A pinion gear is attached to either the spindle or spindle nut for rotation therewith. An indexing system is provided to rotate the pinion a predetermined amount upon movement of the first and second joint components towards one another after implantation and thereby lengthen the second joint component stem.

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 tool bit retaining assembly for a tool of a type having a tool bit receptacle and a spring receiving region with a hole opening into the receptacle and a tool bit insertable into the receptacle. The tool bit has a transverse groove proximate an insertion end thereof, and includes a ball bearing with a diameter only slightly larger than that of the hole such that upon being pressed against the hole the ball bearing extends through the hole into the receptacle and engages the transverse groove in said tool bit. A split ring spring having a split extending from one end to the other with a portion transverse to the axis thereof is positionable around said spring receiving region such that the transverse portion of the split is opposite the ball bearing.

Abstract: An improved center post of a collapsible umbrella comprises a retainer body on which two guiding holes are formed to respectively receive therein a first retaining pin biased by a spring and a second retaining pin biased by a spring. The retainer body is inserted into an inner tubular section of the center post to have the retaining pins which are spring-biased to respectively partially project out of two through holes formed on the inner tubular section.

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.