Leaf Spring Patents (Class 403/329)
  • Patent number: 6368009
    Abstract: Attachment devices are taught that preferably include at least one compressible leg interconnected to at least one non-compressible leg. Preferably, the non-compressible leg includes a stopper for generating a compressing force in the compressible leg during an attachment operation. After the attachment device has been installed and the compressible leg exerts a retaining force against the object to which it is attached, an engagement lip preferably retains the compressible leg in the compressed state to provide a secure and reliable attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Neo-Ex Lab, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Noda
  • Publication number: 20020039518
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: SCHWARZ Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6364618
    Abstract: A fan body assembly having a housing assembly and an electric motor mounted to the housing is disclosed. The housing includes two grill members each having a vented wall and a peripheral side wall. The grill members are secured to one another by a fastener assembly which has a projection extending from the inner surface of one of the side walls which engages a mating receiver attached to the other sidewall. Spaced securing members are positioned from the inner surface of the first sidewall and include a sloped surface to guide the mating receiver into engagement with the projection. A lip extends from one of the sidewalls and mates with the inner surface of the other sidewall such that the sidewalls abut to form a substantially smooth transition. Unidirectional foot members are easily inserted into the base of the fan assembly to provide support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Lakewood Engineering & Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Eleobardo Moreno
  • Patent number: 6361242
    Abstract: A connector security latching mechanism for enabling the quick and easy mounting of a connector includes a connector bracket for positioning at least one connector. The connector bracket includes a first end and a second end. A housing bracket for receiving the connector bracket in a predetermined orientation. The housing bracket includes a first end and a second end. A latching mechanism is provided on at least one of the first end and the second end of the connector bracket for enabling a latch to normally engage and lock with at least one of the first end and the second end of the housing bracket. A tool is provided for permitting the disconnection of the latching mechanism from the housing bracket. The tool permits authorized personnel to disengage the latching mechanism for removal of the connector bracket from the housing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6357974
    Abstract: A mechanism for engaging a chuck to a chuck body includes a bore within the chuck body having first and second opposed channels in communication therewith. A shaft extending from the chuck is configured for seating in the bore and includes two opposed vanes for seating in the channels. The vanes are depressible allowing for initial bore penetration and seating of the chuck shaft into the bore. Upon seating the vanes are biased into the channels locking the chuck shaft in the bore. A tool provides for depression of the vanes allowing for removal of the seated chuck shaft from the bore. Alternative mechanisms for locking a chuck, chuck body and a driven shaft are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Troy L. Robins
  • Publication number: 20020031400
    Abstract: Connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first component with a second component, the first and second components having aligned openings. The arrangement includes a retaining bolt including an internal opening. At least one side wall opening and an external ring-shaped retaining groove is provided. The retaining bolt is adapted to be connected to the first component. A retaining-spring arrangement is provided having at least one leaf-spring arm and being adapted to be connected to the second component. The ring-shaped retaining groove of the retaining bolt is adapted to extend through the aligned opening of the second component. A free end of the at least one leaf-spring arm is engagable with the ring-shaped retaining groove. A movable disengaging element is provided and is adapted to disengage the at least one leaf-spring arm from the retaining groove of the retaining bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: SCHWARZ Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6352411
    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: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Bucher, John C. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6352384
    Abstract: A self-locking, twist & lock, system for attachment of an engine flexplate to a torque converter mounting plate including a plurality of lugs carried on the end surface of the torque converter mounting plate in a circumferentially spaced-apart relationship to one another. A snap-lock spring retainer is releasably secured to each of the lugs. The flexplate has a plurality of retainer receivers in a circumferentially spaced-apart relation identical to the placement of the lugs. Each of the retainer receivers defining a retainer bar segment and openings for receiving the lugs and spring retainers. Each spring retainer has a flexible head portion adapted to engage a corresponding retainer bar segment to secure the plates together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Frisch, Henry L Stewart, Jr., David E Spieth, Matthew Svoboda, David Rygiel, David A. Salvatori, Michael Bowen, Thaddeus S Zaydel, Timothy A Puente
  • Publication number: 20020015617
    Abstract: Flat gasket with a gasket plate for placement on a sealing surface of a machine component which has at least one hole opening into this sealing surface and extending approximately at right angles to the sealing surface, there being arranged on the gasket plate at least one securing element protruding transversely from the gasket plate and being insertable into the hole of the machine component for undetachable attachment of the flat gasket on the machine component, the securing element being provided at its circumference with at least one projection so designed for cooperation with the hole that withdrawal of the securing element from the hole is thereby at least rendered difficult.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt Schwenkel, Wilhelm Kullen
  • Patent number: 6343890
    Abstract: A fastener has an integral closure. The fastener maintains the relative position of concentrically nested or telescopically related inner and outer tubes. The closure occludes the inner tube. The fastener can be used for assembling children's products such as play-yards, strollers, swings, and other types of furniture, transports, and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Maureen Benson
  • Patent number: 6338593
    Abstract: A bow resistant connector for coupling frame components at right angles to each other includes a pair of legs extending from an apex, the legs being disposed at right angles to each other. The lateral side edges of the legs include fingers the outer surfaces of the fingers being formed with barbs for locking the leg to a respective frame member. The fingers are separated from the main body of the legs by slots. A boss is deflected from the body of the leg outwardly to provide a reinforcing rib, the boss being located between and in general alignment with the fingers. A secondary boss or rib member is formed adjacent the lead edge of the leg the secondary boss extending to the opposite side of the leg from the main rib or boss. The secondary boss engages a surface of the frame to provide additional stability to the connection between the connector leg and the frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventor: John Lyons
  • Patent number: 6332733
    Abstract: A joint for two flat structural members, in particular floor panels, wherein a groove and tongue joint joining the two flat structural members is provided functionally separate from a twistlock locking the two flat structural members. The twistlock is formed on one of the structural members, the is spaced apart from the groove and tongue joint, and engages with a correspondingly formed engaging element of the other structural member. The locking is preferably formed both at the longitudinal edges and at the front edges of a rectangular structural member, such as a floor panel. The locking allows for a joint of the floor panels to occur in flat position, i.e. without twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hamberger Industriewerke GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hamberger, August Hipper
  • Patent number: 6332236
    Abstract: There is a joining slot under the connector, which matches the joining shaft of the framework. And there is also a socket in one end of the connector for a flat swing bar to be fixed in the connector. And in the other end of the connector is an inner fastening slot and an outer one, which is designed for the swing bar with a hook end to be fixed in the connector. Besides, there is an arc socket under the arc transverse part, with an active bolt, the swing bar with fixed jack can be connected and fixed. Because of the above-mentioned structure, the connector matches swing bars of different types to be fixed in the windshield wiper framework, and so it has great flexibility for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Shu-Lan Ku
  • Patent number: 6322282
    Abstract: An adapter is designed to connect a member such as a shaft to the hub forming the output element of an actuator. The adapter includes a connection feature which attaches to the member, and a shaft which mates with the bore in the actuator hub. The adapter has a resilient arm attached to the end of the shaft and which extends through the bore. The shaft also carries a stop element. The arm carries a retainer feature at its end. With the shaft mated with the bore, when the arm is undeflected the retainer feature engages an adjacent end surface of the hub to lock the adapter into place. The arm can be deflected to disengage the retainer feature from the hub and allow the adapter to be removed. In one embodiment, the end surface of the hub and the retainer surface are beveled or slanted to strongly oppose axial loads and yet to allow the adapter to withdraw from the hub's bore upon deflecting the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Kussman, Robert C. Knutson, Matthew G. Margenau, Alan D. Stordahl, Hexiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 6318925
    Abstract: An escutcheon and vehicle console assembly characterized by an assembly arrangement wherein resilient locking tabs serve to facilitate locking and disengagable cooperation between an escutcheon and console and prevent rattling of the escutcheon relative to the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Lee N. Bowers, Shinichi Yone
  • Patent number: 6315171
    Abstract: A product dispenser including a body housing defining a product cavity for holding a product, a piston movably disposed within the product cavity and a ram assembly aligned with the piston, the ram assembly being adjustable between a storage position for engaging the piston at a storage height and a dispensing position for engaging the piston at a dispensing height, the dispensing height being larger than the storage height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Plastek Group
    Inventors: Peter Piscopo, Richard Seager
  • Patent number: 6315488
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a handle part and a tool part includes a plug and a socket. The plug has a main portion, an end portion, and a notched portion between the main portion and the end portion. The socket has a proximal base end, a body portion, and a locking member. The body portion extends from the base end and has an axial, plug receiving bore that opens through a distal end of the body portion. The locking member is positioned between the base end and the plug receiving bore. The locking member includes a leaf spring cantilevered axially on one side of the body portion of the socket. The leaf spring supports a latch bar that engages the notched portion of the plug when the plug is inserted through the open end of the plug receiving bore. The latch bar is spaced from the leaf spring so that the end portion of the plug passes between the latch bar and the leaf spring when the plug is inserted through the open end of the plug receiving bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: UnionTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 6305872
    Abstract: A button for front panel of a personal computer comprises a pair of tabs provided on a side of an opening of front panel, one of tabs having an aperture, and a groove provided on a side of button having a latched member therein. By utilizing this, an easy engagement and disengagement of button and front panel is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lite-On Enclosure Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chiang Chen, Hsiu-Hsuen Huang, Cheng-Hsuen Chien
  • Patent number: 6296413
    Abstract: A clip element for removably attaching a protective cover to a linear bearing is disclosed. The clip element can be mounted on either the fixed support or the movable carriage of the linear bearing and comprises a resilient arm extending in spaced relationship to the component. The spacing is sized to receive an end of the cover inserted beneath the arm. The arm is resiliently attached to a mounting plate which facilitates mounting of the arm onto the bearing. The arm is resiliently biased toward the plate to removably retain the cover when it is inserted beneath the arm. Clip elements for use on the carriage are joined by elongated connecting members which extend between the mounting plates and position the clip elements at each end of the carriage. Clip elements are attached to the linear bearing by means of fasteners or double sided adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Central Safety Equipment Company
    Inventors: Marc A. McCann, John Jurechko
  • Patent number: 6290192
    Abstract: An adjustable receiver tube includes an elongated tube having a flat resilient strap extending within the tube from the upper end of the cylindrical side wall. A flange at the bottom of the tube will support an IV pole within the tube, and a threaded shaft threaded through an aperture in the side of the tube will move the strip into engagement with an IV pole to hold the pole snugly within the receiver tube. A cushion is preferably mounted in the tube on the flange, to frictionally engage the lower end of the IV pole and prevent rotation, horizontal movement, and prevent damage to the lower end of the IV pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Loyd R. Messerli
  • Patent number: 6290425
    Abstract: The disengageable clamp of a cable car or chair lift has a control lever 17 carrying the movable jaw 14, articulated on the fixed jaw 13. At least one flexion leaf spring 23 is interposed between the clamp body 10 and the control lever 17 in order to force this lever into the clamp closure position. Two leaf springs can be disposed on each side of the clamp body 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Pomagalski S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Cathiard, Bernard Roux, Daniel Michel, Jean Souchal
  • Patent number: 6261064
    Abstract: A ceiling fan bracket has a first end connected to a ceiling fan blade and a second end of the ceiling fan bracket has two L-shaped wings. A connector is connected to the second end of the ceiling fan bracket and has two tongues. A motor casing has a plurality of L-shaped holes and each L-shaped hole includes a wide portion located close to a center of the motor casing and a narrow portion located close to a periphery of the motor casing. Each wing is engaged with the narrow portion of the L-shaped hole and each tongue is engaged with the wide portion of the L-shaped hole. The eccentric force applied to the ceiling fan bracket secures the ceiling fan bracket to the L-shaped hole in the motor casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: David Tang
  • Patent number: 6257794
    Abstract: A sliding mount for a part made of plastics material and having at least one thin wall that is to be mounted in sliding manner on a support via its thin wall, the thin wall having an elongate opening therein with two longitudinal edges that are substantially parallel at least over a portion of their length, the mount comprising a spacer that is separate from the part, that is thicker than the thin wall, and that is suitable for sliding in the opening between the two longitudinal edges thereof. The spacer comprises an elastically deformable portion bearing slidably against the thin wall of the part when the spacer slides in the opening, the thin wall having a coupling shape organized in such a manner that when the spacer is in a privileged position relative to the opening, the deformable portion of the spacer couples with the thin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Patrice Gobled, Claude Jacquemard, Sébastien Courtois, Marc Rossetto
  • Patent number: 6257792
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a retaining ring for securing components along a shaft by transferring the compression load between the components, thereby preventing the adjacent components from separating. The retaining ring includes a pair of arcuate interlocking members having a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a first surface and the inner wall includes a second surface thereby defining a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The inner wall also includes a third surface thereby defining a thickness between the third surface and the first surface, wherein the thickness between the third surface and the first surface is less than the thickness between the second surface and the first surface. The inner wall also includes a fourth surface joining the second surface and the third surface to define a smooth transition therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6254302
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use in selectively connecting an associated plate member to an associated support member. The connector includes a first connector member (1) including a first base portion (10) adapted for connection to the associated plate member. An elongate holding element (4) is adapted for connection to the associated support member and also for selective connection to the first connector member (1). An elastic region (11) is arranged on the first connector member (1) to engage a first free end of the elongate holding element when the first connector member and the holding element are disposed in an intermated rest position. In one form, the elastic region includes a holding zone (15) adapted to surround the free end (20) of the elongate holding member. The holding zone is supported relative to the first base portion by a set of spiral arms that extend radially outwardly from the holding zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6241109
    Abstract: A load lock for a rack includes a mounting clip mounted in a recess of the mounting bracket, which makes the lock easy to install and impossible to remove without dismantling the rack. The load lock also includes a locking pin having an enlarged head, and the bracket includes a recess for receiving the enlarged head, so the locking pin can be retracted to install and remove the beam, but the recess provides a stop to prevent the lock from being retracted far enough to damage the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Interlake Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Kautz, Robert D. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6213677
    Abstract: A joint mechanism for a mowing machine which can be easily assembled and disassembled, including a support member of a casing which houses a cylindrical damper, which prevents vibration of a power unit from being transmitted to a rod, a holder in which the rod is inserted, and a clamp, which clamp prevents the damper and the holder from unintentionally separating from the support member, being inserted therein. The clamp has a flexible arm which extends in the direction of an output shaft of a power unit, and an engagement hook is formed on the tip of the arm. An engagement hole which the engagement hook of the clamp engages is provided on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiro Yamane, Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Kazuhiko Takemoto, Tadao Yashirodai
  • Patent number: 6210068
    Abstract: A computer central processing unit (CPU) heat dissipation device latching structure utilized to attach a heat dissipation device to a computer CPU. The latching structure consists of tensile latch element unitarily fabricated such that the rectangular tensile latch element is curved in shape and has a number of fastening holes formed. The directional orientation and angular disposition of the fastening holes differ to allow for rotational alignment with the mounting holes of the CPU board, while also providing for alignment with and coupling to its mounting pins. A press section is disposed on one side to enable the easy rotation of the tensile latch element such that structure of the present invention is capable of simply and rapidly achieving a tight union between the heat dissipation device and the computer CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Wei
  • Patent number: 6196755
    Abstract: The invention provides a locking device for locking two matching lens cell halves of a lens cell. In particular, the invention resides in clips which are located at the joint where the two cell halves mate. The clips, which are molded as part of each cell half, are each comprised of a male member which is inserted into a female member. The male member includes a flexible tab which is deflected when inserted into the female member. After insertion, it is maintained in a deformed state, that is the tab is maintained by the female member so that it is bent from its original position. As a result, a bending moment is induced and maintained in the tab and that moment pushes the tab against an outer wall of the female member. Consequently, forces are established which lock the male member in place. Additionally, the wall of the female member exerts a force on the tab and that force, which is inwardly directed, serves to lock together the two halves and ensures retention of the lens units within the lens cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Livyn Obiajuru Okorocha, Wilton Ray Purvis
  • Patent number: 6193435
    Abstract: A device for fixing a built in apparatus in a panel opening. Bolts, each having a base, fixed to the apparatus and a sliding piston are urged into contact with the panel by the action of compression springs. The piston includes push clips emerging into slots of the base to catch the piston on the base in an inoperative position and for triggering the locking by releasing the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Michel Lafaye, Gérard Pitault
  • Patent number: 6193434
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for assembling wire cable tray unit sections. It comprises two arms (55, 56). Means (57, 58) for mounting the first arm (55) can independently catch the coupling on the first unit section (51, 52). Means for mounting the second arm (56) on a second unit section (53, 54) comprise at least one resilient catch means (60) which can co-operate with a transverse wire of the second unit section (54) during assembly of the two unit sections. The invention also concerns a cable tray unit section comprising pre-mounted couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Metal Deploye S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Durin, Claude Badey, James Deciry
  • Patent number: 6190082
    Abstract: In an improved child security fence system or pool gate, pole adapters are used for locking together two panels of the fence or pool gate. The pole adaptors are inserted into the support poles of two adjacent fence panels. The two panels are then attached to one another by a lock that bridges the two pole adaptors. The pole adaptors and the lock all have holes drilled through them that align with each other when assembled. Tension clips are positioned inside each pole adaptor so that dimples or tabs extend from the clips and through the aligned holes. In order to disengage the lock, the dimples or tabs from the clips must be simultaneously depressed at four points of the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gary M. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 6179511
    Abstract: A quick-action connecting device for the detachable connection of wall or frame parts has a locking body manufactured from a U-shaped leaf spring ending in locking noses which can be inserted into openings of a part to be held. The openings are provided with undercut portions, and the locking noses can be fixed in their locking position by means of a rotating body by spreading. The rotating body can press on the springing U-legs of the leaf spring. The quick-action connecting device can be anchored, by means of projections of its rotating body or a bearing journal, in one of two parts to be connected with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt Gassler
  • Patent number: 6178844
    Abstract: A quick-action fastening system for actuating systems, preferably for motor vehicles, and a spring of the quick-action fastening system. The quick-action fastening system has a spring arranged between a fastening plate and the end part of a cable sheathing. The spring braces the end part directly against the actuating plate and has regions by which it secures the end part on the fastening plate radially and axially and prevents the actuating plate from being withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Arnd B{umlaut over (u)}rger
  • Patent number: 6176634
    Abstract: A device for fastening a machine plate in an offset press is disclosed. The machine plate fastening device may be gripped by a plate lock-up device on the offset press. The device has a plate and a leaf spring, the plate having fastening pins and the leaf spring holding the machine plate on the pins. The leaf spring has holes corresponding to the fastening pins. Also disclosed is a joint plate which can be attached to fix the fastening device at an appropriate angle on the offset press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hirakawa Kogyo Sha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Miyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6155741
    Abstract: A fastening device comprising a block of plastic material of square or alternative cross section. The block has a threaded bore for the receipt of a bolt which completes the fastening, and additionally, the block has a through slot extending from one end making the block of a U-shape so that it has legs and a base. This configuration is such that the legs can be sprung together so that they can be pushed into the end of a square sectioned cable ladder tube to be connected at right angles to a cable ladder rail, whereupon the legs will spring apart so that a projection on the legs engage in apertures in the tube walls and the block cannot be retracted. To secure the rail to the tube end, the bolt is passed through a hole in the rail and is screwed into the block, which is locked in the tube end. The advantages are pre-insertion of the blocks in the factory and simple assembly of the cable ladder on site, and secure connection joining of the rail and tube ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mita (UK) Ltd
    Inventor: Ian Frank Took
  • Patent number: 6152430
    Abstract: A portable stanchion in which a tubular base and tubular post are in interlocking relation. The base is formed of semi-rigid material and has two parallel L-shaped kerfs defining a flexible L-shaped tang which carries the tongue. The spacing of the kerfs matches a cross sectional dimension of the lowermost hollow portion of the post allowing a first foot portion of the post to fit inside of the base. The flexible tang and tongue pivot, when urged by application of an impulsive force, to allow insertion of the first foot portion into the base, while the adjacent second foot portion is outside of the base. The base and post are disassembled also by application of an impulsive force, providing a knock down structure for shipping and storage. A pair of similar stanchions will support a fence segment to form a jump wing. A pair of jump wings will support a jump bar for horse jumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Owen E. Thoman
  • Patent number: 6152646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a plastic housing of an adjuster device for motor vehicles at a fastening point formed by a through hole in a supporting part of the vehicle body. A second plastic housing is mounted on the side of the through hole remote from the plastic housing whereby one of the two plastic housings has a stud which projects through the through hole into the recess with which the other of the two plastic housings is provided and which encloses the stud and whereby the two plastic housings are connected together so that the supporting part is clamped in between same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Ralf Muller-Blech, Erik Langmann, Christoph Buchta, Ottmar Hutter, Thomas Frobig
  • Patent number: 6145173
    Abstract: An article attaching device is used for attaching, for example, a rear seat to an under panel of an automobile. The article attaching device is inserted into an attaching hole of the under panel to be fixed thereto, and then a hook fixed to the rear seat is inserted into the box portion to engage engaging portions provided on opposed inner sides of the box portion. The engaging portions opposing each other are shifted in the horizontal direction not to overlap each other. Thus, an article, i.e. hook, can be easily inserted into the article attaching device while providing a high extracting force of the article, which results in good workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Suzuki, Yasuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 6125712
    Abstract: A driving apparatus comprises a rotation member, a shaft and a restriction member. The rotation member has a shaft-receiving portion. The shaft is fitted into the shaft-receiving portion so as to permit rotation of the rotation member relative to the shaft. The shaft has a protrusion projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft. The restriction member prevents the rotation member from deviating in a projecting direction of the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Keitaro Kaburagi, Youichi Konno
  • Patent number: 6116807
    Abstract: A socket pivotally retains the end of a rod that is inserted axially into the socket from either axial direction comprises a lever and two annular retaining clips. One clip is inserted into a hole in the lever from one side and the second clip is inserted into the first clip from an opposite side. The second clip has two sets of fingers at opposite ends that have lugs that engage an internal collar of the first clip to retain the clips in assembly with the lever. The second clip also has two more sets of finger at opposite ends that have catches that engage indents in the rod end to retain the rod end in the socket. The catches and indents are shaped so that the rod end can be inserted into the socket from either axial direction and retained in the socket irrespective of the axial direction of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Adam Dzurko, Frank Joseph Arabia, Jr., Donald Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 6094801
    Abstract: A tent clip design for coupling with similar adjacent clips comprises a C-shaped upper portion (11) that can be snapped onto a tent pole (12), a webbing slot (19) at the bottom for attaching a loop of webbing (20) extending up from the tent (21) below, a laterally extending tongue (14) with a toothed lower surface (15) near its distal end, and a corresponding tongue slot (16) immediately below the tongue with a toothed upper surface (17) on its lower edge to join in locked engagement with the toothed lower surface (35) of tongue (34) of a similar adjacent tent clip (30) when two or more similar clips are aligned and pressed together. The portion of the clip below the tongue slot is made of flexible material and comprises flexible portion (18) of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Robert H. Howe
  • Patent number: 6095712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective clip (10) that may be affixed to a motor vehicle steering linkage ball joint (7), and in particular to a clip that presents a heat shield (28) between a rubber sealing gaiter (11) surrounding the ball joint (7) and a brake disc (5), and that also covers over a slot (38) in a steering knuckle (4) above the joint (7). The protective clip 10 has a planar mid-section (24) with a hole (26) therethrough through which a ball mounting shaft (40) may pass. The heat shield (28) extends transversely away from a first edge (30) of the planar mid-section (24). A steering knuckle engaging feature (49) is proximate a second edge (32) of the planar mid-section (24) opposite the first edge (30), the engaging feature (49) being non-coplanar with the planar mid-section. A spring clip (34) extends from the second edge (32) and is concave towards the planar mid-section (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Ridley, David John Richardson, Douglas William Ivory
  • Patent number: 6082922
    Abstract: A foldable joint for a playpen comprises a seat having two spaced apart side plates one of which defines holes respectively in both end and an integral connecting plate; two tubes respectively pivotally mounted on the end of the seat by a pivot, each having a first aperture and second aperture defined therein; and two U-shaped trips respectively disposed in the tubes, each having a first lug being inserted through the first aperture of the tube and the hole of the side plate, and a second lug being inserted through the second aperture of the tube; whereby, the tubes can be folded upward when the first lugs are pressed inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 6076424
    Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Wald Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David K. McMurtrey, Dennis P. Pawsat
  • Patent number: 6062763
    Abstract: A spring element for a shock mount is adapted for low insertion force and higher separation force in securing together a spacer tube and a thimble in a shock mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sirois, Harold Slocum, Edward W. Turska
  • Patent number: 6059531
    Abstract: In a fan including a hub mounted for rotation and a plurality of fan blades, an attachment assembly for detachably engaging at least one of the plurality of fan blades with the hub, the attachment assembly comprising a stop carried adjacent an end of a selected one of the plurality of fan blades, a socket carried by the hub for receiving the end of the selected one of the plurality of fan blades, and an abutment mounted for movement between a first position to permit the end of the selected one of the plurality of fan blades to admit into the socket, and a normal second position against the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Jen-Lung David Tai
  • Patent number: 6056359
    Abstract: A power boat helmsman's station chair having a two-section seat bottom articulated by a pivotal hinge framework so that the front section of the seat can be folded up from its normal position as a horizontal extension of the rear section of the seat bottom to a position raised and disposed over the rear section. Port and starboard hinge subassemblies include a L-shape angle corner bracket that is fastened to both the bottom and the side boards of the rear seat section framework, thereby reinforcing the same, and that pivotally carries one end of an associated hinge arm fastened at its other end to the framework of the seat bottom front section. A one piece plastic member of generally inverted V-shaped configuration has one arm fixed to the upright flange of the comer bracket with the other arm disposed for spring latching, camming engagement with a cam follower edge surface of the pivot end of the hinge arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Tecla Company Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Clark
  • Patent number: 6053726
    Abstract: This invention provides a gas lighter (1) in which a cap (7) can be surely and easily mounted on the lighter body. A chamfer (17) having an inclined surface is formed on one side of a recess (15) on a support post (16) of the lighter body. A trapezoidal resilient tongue (11) projecting inward of the cap (7) is formed at the hook portion (6) of the cap (7). The resilient tongue (11) slides on the inclined surface of the chamfer (17) into the recess (15), whereby the hook portion (6) is brought into engagement with the recess (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tokai Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Kanno
  • Patent number: 6053651
    Abstract: A connector, particularly designed for attachment to an automobile door having an opening therein, including a hood passing through the opening when the device is installed. The hood carries, on one surface, a lock piece with an engagement projection and its distal end. Since the entire connector is molded of resin, contact with the perimeter of the opening in the door can scratch the sloped surface of the engagement projection and hinder its insertion. There is provided a metal cover fitting over a sloped surface of the lock piece so that, when the connector is inserted, there is only metal to metal contact between the perimeter of the opening and the cover of the slope surface. In this way, even if there is flash around the perimeter, the connector can be smoothly and readily attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Tokuwa, Mitsuru Ito