Leaf Spring Patents (Class 403/329)
  • Patent number: 8267614
    Abstract: A rear loaded part for attaching to a mounting plate having a mating part with a pair of parallel side walls each having a proximate end attached to the mounting plate. An upper surface, which extends between the pair of parallel side wall, includes an aperture and an elongated rib extending parallel to the pair of parallel side walls. The rear loaded part having a pair of parallel guide rails with a proximate end and an opposite distal end. The pair of parallel guide rails extends outwardly from the rear loaded part to define an elongated channel which is dimensioned to receive the elongated rib of the mating part. A pair of tabs extends outwardly from the pair of guide rails, and are dimensioned to snap into the aperture of the upper surface to releasably lock the rear loaded part to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Bie Khoe
  • Patent number: 8230547
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the detachable connection of a wiper blade on a swivelable wiper arm of a wiper arrangement for windows of motor vehicles, with a bushing that can be connected to the wiper blade or arranged on it for accommodating a plug-in axis of the wiper arm and with a device to lock the plug-in axis in the bushing at least in an operating position of the wiper blade, in which the directions of the longitudinal extension of the wiper blade and the wiper arm are aligned approximately parallel to one another. It is provided that the device for locking includes a catch hook (20) arranged on the wiper blade (12), which in the operating position partially grips around the wiper arm (10) near the plug-in axis (16) and forms an angular limit stop for the wiper blade (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Wilms, David Van Baelen
  • Patent number: 8226055
    Abstract: The leg device includes a base portion, extendable legs rotatable with respect to the base portion, and leg support members for rotatably supporting the extendable legs, wherein the extendable leg includes the first tubular member having a fitting hole portion formed in the vicinity of the upper end thereof. The second tubular member that is adjustable with respect to its protruding length from the lower end of the first tubular member is inserted into the first tubular member. The leg support member includes a pivot portion rotatably fitted in the fitting hole portion. In a state where the extendable leg is contracted, the upper end of the second tubular member is positioned upward of the pivot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Velbon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8220762
    Abstract: A mounting clip for mounting a component on a supporting part having an aperture includes a head section for attaching the component. A shank section is insertable in the aperture. At least two latching fingers are resiliently held apart from the head section on opposite shank section sides which spread outward toward the head section. At free ends the latching fingers have latching surfaces that rest against a supporting part underside when the mounting clip is inserted in the aperture. The shank section has on one side which extends perpendicular to the sides having the latching fingers, a contact surface that is supported on the aperture inner edge, and has on the side opposite the contact surface an elastically resilient rib or tongue that is supported with a preload against the aperture inner edge after the mounting clip is placed in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Mario Stigler, Hans Peter Seng
  • Patent number: 8210766
    Abstract: An opening cylinder for an open-end spinning device has a core piece over which the opening cylinder is fastened on a drive shaft and a tooth-set carrier supporting the tooth-set. The tooth set-carrier is fastened to the core piece by a clip connection in the axial direction. Additionally, the opening cylinder has a device for the form-fitting connection of the core piece and tooth-set carrier in the circumferential direction with a projecting part and a corresponding recess. The tooth-set carrier is fastened with a clip connection to a core piece of the opening cylinder in the axial direction. The tooth-set carrier has a projecting part for the form-fitting connection with the core piece in circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Schermer, Edmund Schuller
  • Patent number: 8177178
    Abstract: A novel device cradle formed with a substantially rigid spine with a device rest and a spaced apart device retainer formed on a front surface of the spine and adjacent to opposite first and second end thereof. A dual attachment base of the novel device cradle is formed on a back surface of the spine opposite from the front surface thereof and is positioned between the first and second ends thereof. The dual attachment base has a raised attachment plate that is spaced away from the back surface of the spine, a pair of spaced apart fastener attachment holes that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned adjacent to opposite front and back surfaces of the spine, and a pair of spaced apart T-slots that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned substantially between the attachment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8176595
    Abstract: A saddle bracket for wiper adapter comprises a bracket chassis and a linking saddle to be extensively compatible in coupling with various types of articulation adapter in vast range. Wherein, the bracket chassis is a prerequisite component and the linking saddle is an optional component so that the bracket chassis can either be used alone or be docked by the linking saddle as an integral entity. Through such versatile structure with comprehensive compatibility, the kind and quantity of the saddle bracket can be reduced. Besides, the accumulative quantity of the defective wipers from annual replaced windshield wiper due to obsolete or aged malfunction can also be indirectly decreased. Thus, not only the vendors and the consumers of the viper can be benefited by the decreasing in manufacturing cost and selling price but also the environmental protection can be benefited by the decreasing in annual replacement quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Shih-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8173903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a yarn cable track (6) including longitudinal warp yarns (8) and transverse weft yarns (10), that includes a base (2) with a mounting surface (16) on the cable track as well as an attachment means (4; 34, 38, 38?). The device further includes: at least one trough-shaped longitudinal housing (18) for receiving a first yarn of the cable track and formed in the mounting surface (16); at least one bearing surface (20) made as an undercut relative to the mounting surface (16), said surface extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal housing (18) and parallel to the bottom (22) of the longitudinal housing (18) at an intermediate level between the bottom (22) of said housing (18) and the mounting surface (16); and at least one transverse cut-out (24) corresponding to each intersection between a longitudinal housing and a bearing surface, said cut-out (24) extending from one edge of the mounting surface (16) to a longitudinal housing (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: I.C.M. Group
    Inventors: Mickael Letourneur, Stephane Quertelet
  • Patent number: 8104238
    Abstract: A window spacer for integrated glass units is disclosed. The window spacer has an elongated housing with two distal ends. The housing is bent upon itself so that the distal ends are adjacent to each other. One end has an engaging slot, and the other end has an engaging member formed in it. When the engaging member is inserted into the engaging slot, a restraining portion of the engaging member prevents the engaging member from disengaging from the engaging slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Formtek Metal Forming, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 8097808
    Abstract: A device for a wire cable duct (18) has a profiled part having a first wing (2), termed horizontal wing, and at least one second wing (4), termed vertical wing, extending substantially perpendicularly to the first wing on one side thereof. The device includes: at least one longitudinal housing (6) intended to receive a warp wire (20) formed on the lower face (10) of the horizontal wing, that is to say the face opposed to the second wing; transverse cutouts (8), formed with a predetermined pitch corresponding to the pitch of the transverse weft wires (22), all along the horizontal wing (2), the transverse cutouts (8) extending over the whole width of the horizontal wing and continuing into the region of the vertical wings (4); and at least one tongue (12) extending longitudinally from a transverse edge (14) of each cutout (8) over part of the width of the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: I.C.M. Group
    Inventors: Stephane Quertelet, James Deciry
  • Patent number: 8062193
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for jumping exercises including at last one handle and an appendage, the apparatus further including a first attachment member including an aperture defining a first zone and a second zone, the second zone shaped similar to a cylinder. The handle includes a hub that fits at least in part within the first zone and can be rapidly engaged within the second zone so to attach the appendage to the handle while allowing rotational movement of the hub within the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Charlene Oesterling
  • Patent number: 8057120
    Abstract: A structure for joining structural members is disclosed. The structure joins an end of a first member to a side of a second member by a coupling insert. The coupling insert has a web coupling portion that is received by the end of the first member and a tenon portion that is received by a transverse opening in the side of the second member. The web coupling portion and the tenon portion are connected by a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Wernlund, Mike Schmidt, Frank Campbell
  • Patent number: 8001725
    Abstract: A shaft such as a worm drive shaft for a movable barrier operator is disclosed. The shaft includes at least two shaft segments having connection ends. The shaft segments include respective connection ends permitting a first connection end to be joined with a second connection end by inserting a portion of at least one of the connection ends within the other connection end along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft segments may be retained by a resiliently expandable connector such as a snap ring. The connector may expand to permit the joining and then contract to be received within a surface recess on a connection end. The connector may be part of or pre-assembled on a connection end, such as by being positioned within a surface recess thereof. The connector may provide a pre-determined position for joining the first and second connection ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger W. Lhotak
  • Patent number: 7992841
    Abstract: A combination of a rail, an upright, and a slide connector for attaching the rail to the upright includes a first connector part including a mounting arm secured to an underside surface of the rail adjacent one end thereof and a tongue depending generally downwardly from the mounting arm, and a second connector part including a mounting base secured to a side surface of the upright and a generally planar engagement body extending laterally outwardly from the mounting base. The engagement body has a slot therein for receiving the tongue when the rail is translated along an engagement axis from a disengaged position in which the first and second parts are generally free to move relative to each other to an engaged position in which the first and second parts are substantially inhibited from moving relative to each other, thereby attaching the rail to the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Petta, Rolf J. Ohrstrom
  • Patent number: 7993070
    Abstract: A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: James T. Kull, Brian M. Waypa, Joshua S. McNair, Rodney A. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7979950
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm, and wherein said resilient tongue is rotatable along an hinge axis between an outward position retaining the wiper blade onto the oscillating arm and an inward position rele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Xavier Boland
  • Patent number: 7950101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptor of a wiper blade with an improved structure for allowing the wiper blade to be easily coupled to wiper arms with a variety of shapes and sizes upon exchange of the wiper blade. There is provided an adaptor coupled to a bracket of a wiper blade for coupling the wiper blade to a wiper arm, which includes a base body formed with a coupling groove portion to be coupled to the bracket, and a pair of base sidewalls coupled integrally with each other by the base body. Further, the base body includes a first elastic support extending from the coupling groove portion in one direction and a second elastic support spaced apart from the first support by a certain distance, and each of the pair of base sidewalls is formed with a through hole therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: ADM21 Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 7941930
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor housing with drive motor and a grip housing with a longitudinal support and a forward grip. The motor housing and the grip housing are connected to one another by antivibration elements. The forward grip has a connecting end that is connected by a screw connection to the longitudinal support. The screw connection has at least one fastening screw that is positioned in the operating position of the power tool in a vertical direction of the power tool. The screw connection has a metal insertion part that is positioned entirely within the contour of the longitudinal support that is a plastic part. The metal insertion part has a screw receptacle for the at least one fastening screw. The at least one fastening screw is fixedly screwed into the metal insertion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Guip
  • Patent number: 7931419
    Abstract: A connection (4) of a first (2) to a second (3) cylindrical component for the transfer of circumferential and axial forces. The first component (2) has locking elements (9a) arranged on its circumference and at the end, the second component (3) has windows (12) associated with the locking elements (9a), and the first and second components (2, 3) can be plugged one into the other at the ends to form a positive interlock between the locking elements (9a) and the windows (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Alfred Skrabs
  • Patent number: 7922129
    Abstract: A fitting for a cable trough system, the fitting including a bottom wall and side walls extending from at least a first terminal end to a second terminal end and forming a trough therebetween, the side walls being curved in a longitudinal direction, and an end portion formed at each of the first and second terminal ends, the end portion including first and second guiding surfaces defining a space therebetween, and a spring member positioned in the space. The space is sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member of the cable trough system, and wherein the spring member is positioned to engage the terminal end of the trough member to couple the trough member to the fitting. Other cable routing devices can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Rapp, Thomas C. Tinucci, Derek Sayres, Thomas L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7900316
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a filter carrier and a filter element. The filter carrier has a curved rear surface and a pair of protrusion for mounting the filter carrier to the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Fester, Timothy A. Field
  • Patent number: 7857592
    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: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Bucher, John C. Bucher
  • Publication number: 20100319123
    Abstract: A portable bed assembly of a disc and an elongate support, and the disc has a body having a central hole having an axis, and the central hole being sized for slidably receiving the elongate support, with the disc body and the elongate support having a cooperable flexibly mounted retractably extendable lock pin and the disc body has two transversely disposed through holes for receiving the lock pin and locking the elongate support in the disc body and preventing rotational movement of the elongate support in the disc body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Bonatz
  • Patent number: 7837405
    Abstract: The invention includes a combination of coupling clip structure and a plurality of binding elements for binding stacks of perforated sheets for delivery to an automated machine. The combination comprises at least two binding elements, and at least one coupling clip discrete from said at least two binding elements. At least one of the coupling clip or the binding element(s) comprises at least one recess, at least a portion of at least one said binding element being disposed in said recess in the coupling clip and/or at least a portion of the coupling clip being disposed in said recess in the binding element, the coupling clip coupling the at least two binding elements together in a predetermined adjacent spatial relationship. The coupling clip may be separated from the binding elements by the automated machine. The invention further includes a method of coupling a plurality of binding elements together with at least one coupling clip for delivery to an automated machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel P. Amdahl
  • Patent number: 7827877
    Abstract: A gear-rolling apparatus includes two gear units and a base. Each gear unit has a rolling portion, a rolling shaft extends from the rolling portion, a clicking column and two location columns extend from edges of a free end of the rolling shaft along an axle direction of the rolling shaft. The clicking column and the two location columns are spaced out from each other to form three grooves therebetween, a clicking clasp extends inward from the top of the clicking column. The clicking clasp has an inclined inner surface which inclines inward from top to bottom. The two rolling shafts are inserted into the hole of the base, the clicking column of one of the rolling shafts mates the groove opened between the location columns of the other rolling shaft, the location columns of one of the rolling shafts mate the grooves opened between the clicking column and the location columns of the other rolling shaft respectively, bottom surfaces of the two clicking clasps are against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Fong Lin, Wei-Yuan Peng, Min-Hsi Lin, Shao-Tzu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7819603
    Abstract: A snap-together assembly mechanism includes a first body having a projection defining a reduced diameter portion and a shoulder. The assembly mechanism also includes a second body defining a trough which receives the projection, the trough including a web spanning the sides of the trough, wherein as the pin enters between the web and the trough, it momentarily stretches the web until the shoulder passes the web, wherein the web snaps back once it is aligned with the reduced diameter portion of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Haarer
  • Patent number: 7785049
    Abstract: A fastening device (61) for fastening a hand router to the underside of a work platform (2) of a workbench (1) has radially outwardly extending projections which are associated with a base ring for the hand router and which may be introduced into associated fastening pockets by rotating the base ring in the work platform (2). The fastening pockets can be formed by fastening members (12) associated with the underside (2?) of the work platform (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Radermacher
  • Patent number: 7770758
    Abstract: A fastener element for fastening a fluid dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, on a fluid reservoir, the fastener element including a deformable snap-fastener portion for snap-fastening on the neck of the reservoir, the snap-fastener portion including a stiffener insert for substantially preventing the snap-fastener portion from deforming after snap-fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventor: François Le Maner
  • Patent number: 7753613
    Abstract: A male housing (10) has a to-be-locked part (13) formed thereon. A female housing (20) has a locking arm (30) that locks the to-be-locked part (13), thus holding both housings (10, 20) undisplaceably relative to each other in a separation direction after the housings (10, 20) fit together properly. The male housing (10) has a prevention part (14) that is locked to a front surface (37a) of a to-be-prevented portion (37) of the locking arm (30), thus preventing both housings (10, 20) from being displaced relative to each other in a fit-on direction. The prevention part (14) is disposed outward from the to-be-locked part (13) in the widthwise direction orthogonal to the fit-on and separation direction of both housings (10, 20). Thus, the male housing (10) can be molded from resin without using a slide die that closes and opens in a vertical direction or a widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7736082
    Abstract: A fastener system for fastening the components of a plastic unit which has a U-shaped clip with an aperture therethrough, a walled cavity to receive the clip, and a machine screw. The walled cavity is molded onto the host portion of the plastic unit and has a low mass, which precludes the formation of sink marks and holes on the plastic unit. The U-shaped clip rests upon the walled cavity and has barbs that bite into the walls securing the clip in place. The machine screw is inserted into a housing on the joined portion of the plastic unit and is mated with a lead thread on the aperture of the clip. The metal-to-metal contact of the machine screw and clip permits repetitive assembly and disassembly of the plastic unit. The clip is readily removable for recycling the plastic of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Harley H. Mattheis
  • Patent number: 7726847
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning a lighting device in a reflector. The exemplary apparatus includes a reflector member comprising a side wall with a reflector surface extending from the side wall. A lighting device support member is coupled to and extends from the side wall and defines at least one channel for engaging a support arm and a fastener channel for engaging a fastener member. The apparatus further includes a lighting device secured to a bracket for coupling the lighting device to the lighting device support member. The bracket defines a support arm for engaging the at least one support arm channel, The lighting device support member positions the lighting device adjacent to the reflector surface. The apparatus also includes a fastener for securing the bracket to the lighting device support member by engaging the fastener channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Tim Bingaman
  • Patent number: 7699555
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably mounting a rear light member to a body member of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises a locking member. The locking member includes a sleeve-like mounting portion adapted to be fixed to the support member, and a first locking portion integrally joined to the mounting portion. The first locking portion is adapted to snappingly engage a matingly shaped second locking portion of the structural member for retaining it. The mounting assembly further comprises a release pin axially slidably in the mounting portion of the locking member. The release pin has a shaft portion axially project from the sleeve-shaped mounting portion and is adapted to be axially displaced for releasing the two locking portions from being snappingly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Dembowsky, Hans-Ullrich Figge, Martin Jodeleit
  • Patent number: 7686530
    Abstract: Socket housing has a hemispherical ball socket and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining tongues which extend toward an insertion opening, the tongues being radially pivotable to engage over the equator of a ball head. An outer part has an insertion region and a receiving opening into which the socket housing can be inserted in an insertion direction via the insertion region, the insertion region having an inside surface defining an opening with a cross-sectional area which is larger than a cross-sectional area defined by an inside surface of the receiving opening. The retaining tongues are in contact with the inside surface of the receiving opening when the socket housing is in the installed position. A locking device prevents movement of the socket housing counter to the insertion direction when the socket housing is in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Arnold Schilz, Richard Strupp, Reiner Weber
  • Patent number: 7686534
    Abstract: A device for fastening cable is provided, the device including a base having a carrier part for holding the cable. A first connecting unit includes a sleeve connected to the carrier part, and the device further includes a second connecting unit comprising a guide part connected to the carrier part and a holding part releasably engageable with the guide part. The guide part includes an outer sleeve that defines a guide cavity for receiving the holding part. The guide cavity has a cross section that is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The holding part includes an inner sleeve having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve includes at least one engagement element that engages at least one engagement element on the outer sleeve to fasten the cable to the carrier part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Martin Kurth, GĂ¼nter Tremmel
  • Patent number: 7669807
    Abstract: A mounting clip for mounting a component on a supporting part having an aperture includes a head section for attaching the component. A shank section is insertable in the aperture. At least two latching fingers are resiliently held apart from the head section on opposite shank section sides which spread outward toward the head section. At free ends the latching fingers have latching surfaces that rest against a supporting part underside when the mounting clip is inserted in the aperture. The shank section has on one side which extends perpendicular to the sides having the latching fingers, a contact surface that is supported on the aperture inner edge, and has on the side opposite the contact surface an elastically resilient rib or tongue that is supported with a preload against the aperture inner edge after the mounting clip is placed in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Mario Stigler, Hans Peter Seng
  • Publication number: 20090303586
    Abstract: A telescope has a joint for universally bearing an optical assembly in relation to a housing. The joint is designed as an elastic spring joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Dirk Dobermann, Dieter Rink, Rainer Robotta, Kurt Becker, Georg Guenther, Jens Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7628562
    Abstract: A connector for joining frame members of a window assembly is provided. Each frame member has a channel to receive the connector. The connector comprises a pair of spaced longitudinal members and a pair of transverse members attached to the longitudinal members to form a frame. The frame has a front wall and a rear wall. The connector has at least one flexible finger extending from one of the longitudinal members towards the other longitudinal member, wherein a clearance exists between a free end of the finger and the other longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Jason L. Annes
  • Patent number: 7628360
    Abstract: Stand (1) with a foot (2) and a stand tube (3) which is arranged perpendicularly thereto and at the upper end (4) has a manually operable securing device (5) for securing, by means of a connecting pin (7), an appliance (6) which is connected to the stand tube (3) against being unintentionally released. The securing device (5) is designed as an essentially U-shaped wire clip (8,8.1) which is bent in one piece and has two resilient limbs (9,10), a subregion (11,12) of the limbs (9,10) engaging resiliently in each case in a corresponding groove (13,14) of the connecting pin (7). A curved region (15) of the wire clip (8,8.1) is arranged outside the stand tube (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ondal Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Anthes, Frank Kellner, Werner Sagawe
  • Patent number: 7628113
    Abstract: A water-resistant liner insert for a safe is provided. The safe includes top and bottom elements pivotally coupled with one another to define an interior compartment when in a closed position. The liner insert may be coupled with one of the top and bottom elements. The liner insert includes a liner insert body and a resilient gasket. The liner insert body includes a peripheral edge that conforms in shape to interface surfaces on each of the top and bottom elements. The resilient gasket conforms in shape to the peripheral edge of the liner insert body and is coupled with the peripheral edge of the liner insert body. The gasket is configured to be in sealable contact with the interface surfaces of the top and bottom elements when the safe is in the closed position to substantially prevent water from entering the interior compartment of the safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: John D. Brush & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. David Pallo, Robert W. Osytek
  • Publication number: 20090290933
    Abstract: A connection (4) of a first (2) to a second (3) cylindrical component for the transfer of circumferential and axial forces. The first component (2) has locking elements (9a) arranged on its circumference and at the end, the second component (3) has windows (12) associated with the locking elements (9a), and the first and second components (2, 3) can be plugged one into the other at the ends to form a positive interlock between the locking elements (9a) and the windows (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Alfred Skrabs
  • Patent number: 7621690
    Abstract: A connecting device includes an inner component (100) and an outer component (200). The inner component is dimensioned to be at least partially received in the outer component, with a pair of surfaces (102A, 102B) of the inner component facing a pair of corresponding surfaces (202A, 202B) of the outer component. At least some of the surfaces include interengageable formations (106, 108, 206, 208). The device further includes an arrangement (104) for allowing relative movement between at least one of the surfaces of the inner component and the corresponding surface of the outer component to allow for engagement and/or disengagement of the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: John Anderson
  • Patent number: 7618417
    Abstract: A clamping element for the clamping of multiple rod-shaped elements has two opposing jaws, which have a number of corresponding grooves for the acceptance of a corresponding number of rod-shaped elements such as bone pins. Spring elements are provided, with which in the resting position the closed jaws are tensed, to hold the rod-shaped elements in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Lutz, Damian Fankhauser, Clemens Dransfeld, René Fischer
  • Patent number: 7614201
    Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in a parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Cabanski, Thomas O. Zurfluh
  • Patent number: 7614817
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Nault, Timothy J. Haataja, Matthew D. Ferris, Alex Watts
  • Patent number: 7607807
    Abstract: A vehicular light assembly (10) is held in an operative position within a liner (12) by an intermediate retainer (32) which has spring-like tongues (42). The retainer (32) is held in position on the liner (12) by fixation tabs (36) which are bent through the receiving hole (18) and pinch the liner (12) against a mounting plate (34) of the retainer (32). Segmented shoulders (46) on a sidewall (20) of the light assembly (10) are received in channels (48) on each of the tongues (42) and seat above the tips (44) of each tongue (42) to retain the light assembly (10) in its operative position. By simple application of a manual force, a service person is able to install or remove the light assembly (10) from its operative position in the liner (12). Thus, no tools are required to install or service the light assembly (10). Furthermore, the intermediate retainer (32) functions as a single unit to interconnect the liner (12) and the light assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Hall
  • Publication number: 20090238640
    Abstract: A clip used to attach vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly is provided. Clips according to the claimed invention comprise three resilient legs and enable fencing assemblies to be constructed on site without the use of screws or welding. Configurations for vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the claimed clip, and means of assembly are provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: JERITH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Godwin, Bruce Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7585001
    Abstract: A quick disconnect latching device for use in a liquid conduit coupling has two halves: a pin half and a release half. The pin half includes a casing sleeve into which a latch pin is slidably retained. The latch pin is spring biased into a retracted position within the sleeve. Latch pin dogs are located at the ends of arms extending from the latch pin to interact with a catch within the release half. A hollow nose casing is tapered to cam the arms inward when a sufficient separating axial force is applied to one or both of the pin half and the release half, so that the latch pin dogs release the catch. The amount of force required to separate the latch halves can be adjusted by varying the spring bias using an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Flight Suits
    Inventor: Joseph L. Rose
  • Patent number: 7575390
    Abstract: A coupling device for a piston rod type damper used to open and close a movable body on a main body is interposed between the main body and the movable body, and has a part of the damper attached so as to be capable of rotation. The device includes a clip having a shaft part with an encircling groove projecting on the upper side of a flange part, a locking leg projecting on the lower side of the flange part, and a cap capable of coupling with the encircling groove. The locking leg is locked in an attachment hole provided on a movable body or main body, and the shaft part is inserted through a shaft hole provided in the damper to prevent the shaft part from slipping out of the cap. The device provides both excellent coupling operability and reliability, and desirable external appearance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yousuke Yanagita
  • Patent number: 7566186
    Abstract: A drive coupling assembly (10) for attaching two shafts includes a coupler body (11) and a locking clip (12). The body (11) has a splined opening (23) which is adapted to receive one shaft, and an aperture (24) which is adapted to receive a drive shaft (13) of a motor (14). A slot (25) is formed in coupler body (11) and the slot (25) communicates with the aperture (24). The clip (12) is positioned in the slot (25) and includes a spring tab (33) which can engage an undercut (40) in the shaft (13) to maintain the drive coupling assembly (10) on the shaft (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, Richard D. Boozer, Gregory S. Ans, Robert F. Beesley, Jay Honsaker, Donald M. Malec
  • Patent number: RE43629
    Abstract: A connecting device includes a bottom member with a periphery for attaching on a rotor of a motor, a circumferential wall which extends upwardly from the periphery, and a mounting arm which has an anchored end adapted for mounting the fan blade thereon and an anchoring end for anchoring on the bottom member such that the mounting arm is oriented in a radial direction relative to the bottom member by guidance of a guiding member. A tightening member is disposed to tighten the anchoring end relative to the bottom member through a clamping force generated in a circumferential direction of the bottom member when the anchoring end is pulled away from the bottom member in the radial direction. A retaining member is disposed between the tightening member and the anchored end in the radial direction, and has an engaging spring member that abuts against the circumferential wall once the anchoring end is moved away from the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventor: San-Chi Wu