Leaf Spring Patents (Class 403/329)
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Patent number: 5664792Abstract: This disclosure concerns a tool fixing mechanism including a hollow grip and a resilient clip body. The grip has a front end and a rear end. The front end is formed with a slot, while the rear end is formed with a cross-shaped socket. Two windows are respectively formed on the top and bottom walls of the rear end of the grip. The resilient clip body is located in the cross-shaped socket of the grip. The resilient clip body is formed with two lugs extending out of the windows of the grip. Therefore, if a user depresses the lugs, the resilient clip body is closed or stretched open so as to fixedly latch or release a tool inserted in the slot of the front end of the grip.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Hans Tseng
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Patent number: 5660484Abstract: To locate a bearing axially and concentrically on a shaft, a resiliently compressible assembly is slid along the shaft until its leading edge is restrained (e.g. by contacting a yoke at the end of the shaft), the bearing is slid along the shaft until it abuts the assembly, and a sleeve is slid along the shaft to abut the bearing. Further movement of the sleeve compresses assembly, whereupon three internally sprung fingers of the sleeve snap into corresponding detents in the shaft. Releasing the sleeve permits the assembly to exert a contrary force whereupon the finger ends engage the ends of the detents and provide axial location of the bearing. Internal cone surfaces of the bearing contact a split cone of assembly and an external cone surface of sleeve. The shaft may be part of a vehicle steering column with reach and rake adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Nastech Europe LimitedInventor: Richard James Peel
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Patent number: 5660360Abstract: An armrest mounting structure which includes a keyboard having a front side and a plurality of bottom retaining holes spaced along the front side, and an armrest having a back side abutted against the front side of the keyboard and a plurality of coupling devices disposed at the back side and respectively fastened to the retaining holes of the keyboard, wherein each of the coupling devices comprises two vertical slots disposed on the back side of the armrest, a downward springy wall portion formed in the back side of the armrest and defined between the two vertical slots, a substantially L-shaped extension arm portion having a fixed end extending from the downward springy wall portion and a free end, and an upright plug rod portion raised from free end of the L-shaped extension arm portion and fitted into one of the retaining holes of the keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fu-Li Yang
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Patent number: 5653550Abstract: A retaining device for fastening an appliance insert in a base panel, such as a sink in a kitchen work surface. The device has a retaining clamp that can be fixed in an opening in the work surface, and a retaining web connected to the sink that can be introduced into the retaining clamp from above and anchored in place. The retaining clamp includes an elongated retaining leg and two elastically resilient clamping legs integrally formed, in a U-shaped manner, on the ends of the retaining leg. The retaining leg can be firmly fixed in a predetermined position on the side edges of the opening while the clamping legs have latching teeth oriented towards the retaining leg and into which the retaining web can be latched, by a latching web directed towards the latching teeth, after being pressed into the retaining clamp.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: A. Raymond GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Mutz, Gerd Ruttnauer
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Patent number: 5653548Abstract: A method and apparatus for a ball and socket joint including a body member having an aperture coupled to a resilient ball container with a side wall extending from a first side of the body member to form an end portion. The side wall is disposed about at least a portion of the aperture wherein a ball disposed through the aperture is receivable in the resilient ball container. The resilient ball container has a substantially arcuate shaped inner surface portion with at least a portion of its side wall diameter being less than the diameter of the ball, wherein the bail contacts and outwardly expands the side wall of the resilient ball container and draws the end portion of the resilient ball container toward the ball as the ball is inserted into and retained in contact with the resilient ball container so as to provide a strong, durable and tight fitting joint. A resilient retaining member disposed on the first side of the body member extends into the resilient ball container so as to constrict the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Samuel P. Amdahl
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Patent number: 5651632Abstract: A plastic retainer assembly for joining components to the end of a cylindrical post comprises a retainer having a body with a shell extending therefrom. The shell has an axially extending center opening adapted to be closely received on the post. Gripping teeth are carried by the shell and are mounted for radial movement between a radial inner position for gripping the post and a radial outer non-gripping position. A lock ring is engaged about the shell and is slidable axially thereof from a first to a second position. The lock ring includes camming surfaces for driving the gripping teeth to their radial inner position as the lock ring moves from its first to its second position. A latch subassembly is provided for preventing movement of the lock ring from the second to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Gary Gordon
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Patent number: 5641239Abstract: The device for connecting bearing rings with ring-shaped grooves is machined into the peripheral surfaces. An essentially sleeve-shaped connecting element engages in these grooves, where flange-shaped retaining projections on the connecting element cooperate with conical clamping surfaces of the ring-shaped grooves, which are characterized by ring-shaped grooves formed in the ring-shaped undercut. These grooves have positive-locking surfaces oriented toward its interior and snap-lock elements are arranged in a ring on the retaining projections to grip behind the positive-locking surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: SKF GmbHInventor: Joachim Michalek
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Patent number: 5636663Abstract: A harness system for weaving looms wherein neck cords connected to an actuating mechanism for controlling the movement of at least one heddle are releasably connected to harness cords connected to the at least one heddle by way of collars having releasably engageable male and female portions. The harness cords pass through openings in a control member which is reciprocally moveable so as to move the collars relative to guides through which the neck cords extend from the actuating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: S.A. des Etablissements StaubliInventor: Jean-Jacques Lacroix
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Patent number: 5632061Abstract: An assist strap including an elongated handle-shaped body having opposite ends with inwardly projecting locking flanges formed on a tapered locking member. The locking flange is spaced from an opposed support surface a distance to compressibly engage the vehicle's sheet metal roof and surrounding headliner material. The tapered locking member includes a spring mounted on a side of the locking member opposite the locking flange for urging the flange into continued contact with the supporting sheet metal thereby holding the assist strap in secure engagement within an aperture formed in the vehicle sheet metal structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Nels R. Smith, Jerry M. De Jong
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Patent number: 5618124Abstract: A universal wiper arm connector including a U-shaped body having an upper arm formed with two flanges, two shoulders, a first and second tongues having a protuberance thereon, a lower arm provided with a third tongue having a protuberance thereon, and an axle perpendicular to the U-shaped body, whereby the universal wiper arm connector can be slid into a U-shaped end of wiper arms of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventor: Liang-Yuan Chen
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Patent number: 5614153Abstract: A pipette tip ejector mechanism for a pipette comprising a releasable connector between a lower end of a pipette tip ejector shaft and an upper end of a pipette tip ejector arm. The connector comprises a female receptor extending from either the shaft or arm and a male connector extending from the other of the shaft or arm to axially fit into the female receptor for support thereby. A cantilever is secured at one end to either the shaft or arm to extend along an outer surface thereof. The cantilever carries one of a locking member or a locking shoulder to engage and lock to the other of the locking member or locking shoulder on the shaft or arm to axially lock the arm relative to the shaft as the male connector is inserted into the female receptor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Rainin Instrument Co., Inc.Inventor: William D. Homberg
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Patent number: 5606765Abstract: A windshield wiper frame connector for windshield wipers comprising an arrangement for receiving multiple hook-type wiper arms; thereby improving on the versatility and interchangeability of the wiper blades.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Rally Accessories, Inc.Inventor: You Ding
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Patent number: 5604985Abstract: A handheld appliance including a housing including a surface area, a moveable member moveable relative to the surface of the housing, and a latch for releasably preventing and permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and including a series of indentations in the surface area of the housing, and a latch member movably carried on the moveable member for movement between a latch position preventing movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and a release position permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing, the latch member including a generally planar base portion, and a flange portion which is received in a selected one of the indentations when the latch member is in the latch position and free of the indentations when the latch member is in the release position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1994Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Andis CompanyInventors: Matthew L. Andis, John M. Piwaron
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Patent number: 5597007Abstract: An improvement of a foldable tent frame, and particularly an improvement of joint portion is disclosed. The foldable tent frame includes a plurality of frame member segments 10 and a plurality of joint portions 11 to be coupled with each other through an injection molding using a molding die. The frame member segment 10 and the joint portion 11 are characterized in that the frame member segment is provided with a channel shape recess 17 having two side walls 19 and 19a and a planar bottom 18, and that the frame member segment is further provided with an elongate conical end portion, whereby the joint portion and the frame member segment are firmly integrally attached together. Thus a loose rotation of the joint portion relative to the frame member segment, or a detachment of the joint portion from the frame member segment is prevented, thereby providing a strong frame to support the tent.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Baejin CorporationInventor: Dong S. Ju
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Patent number: 5590974Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Inventor: Tian-Show Yang
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Patent number: 5581838Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Anthony C. Rocco
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Patent number: 5577836Abstract: The headlamp has a housing in which a reflector is arranged adjustably. Engaging on the reflector is an adjusting element which can be moved along its longitudinal axis to make an adjustment. At its end, the adjusting element has a ball head which is arranged in a ball socket connected to the reflector. At the transition between the adjusting element and the ball head there is, over part of the circumference, a flattened portion by which a shoulder is formed. Over the rest of the circumference the transition from the adjusting element to the ball head is stepless. The ball socket has a resilient locking member which can engage on the shoulder, in a rotational position of the adjusting element, to secure the ball head from being pulled out. In another rotational position, the locking member engages on the stepless transition between the adjusting element and ball head so that the ball head can be pulled out of the ball socket and the adjusting element can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Albert Vent, Wolfgang Lehmann
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Patent number: 5577855Abstract: A system for anchoring a cable to a support. The anchoring system has a fitting for attachment to a cable to be anchored and a receiver for the fitting. Structure is provided for connecting the receiver to a support. Structure cooperates between the fitting and receiver for maintaining the fitting in an anchored state on the receiver. The structure for connecting the receiver to a support includes an anchor element having an operating portion that is manipulatable to selectively a) effect connection of the receiver to a support in an operative position and b) release the receiver from the operative position. The structure cooperating between the fitting and receiver blocks access to the operating portion of the anchor element with the fitting in the anchored state on the receiver to prevent release of the receiver from the operative position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, Terrance Surma
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Patent number: 5575180Abstract: Each piece of a two-piece motion-transmitting remote-control assembly (10) has an outer end (122, 124) and an inner end (126, 128). The outer ends (122, 124) are attached to different vehicle components and the inner ends (126, 128) are spliced together after vehicle assembly. Each of the two assembly pieces (130, 132) includes a core element segment (16, 18) movably supported within a conduit segment (12, 14). Attached to the inner end (28, 30) of each core segment (16, 18) is a core splicers (48, 50) snap together to connect the core segments (16, 18) into an integral member. A movable tubular sleeve (90) locks the conduit inner ends (20, 22) in a spaced-apart, end-to-end disposition and connects the conduit segments (12, 14) together into an integral member. The sleeve (90) slidably supports the connected core splicers (48, 50) between the spaced-apart conduit inner ends (20, 22). The assembly is shipped with the sleeve (90) moved away to expose the core splicers (48, 50) for connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Teleflex IncorporatedInventor: Edward C. Simon
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Patent number: 5548864Abstract: A tube is combined with a biased drift pin arrangement, which combination is useful for locking functions in coupling and decoupling separate tubes, or in locking-hinged dustpans, and so on. The tube has a wall formed with a pair of holes. The drift pin is formed on a leaf spring that has a base portion and a cantilever portion joined to the base portion for relative flexion therebetween. It is the cantilever portion that is formed with the drift pin, as well as a spaced push pin. The leaf spring inserts in the tube such that the drift and push pins are aligned to extend and retract through respective ones of the pair of holes. To wedge the leaf spring in place, a separate cartridge is sized and shaped to permit sliding insertion in to where respective abutment surfaces of the leaf spring and cartridge, respectively, mate each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Peter Vosbikian, Haig Vartanian
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Patent number: 5535866Abstract: A segmented roller clutch cage is comprised of loose jointed modules that combine good clutch race conformance with easy assembly, as well as allowing for selective module disassembly axial parting motion.Each of a plurality of separately molded elements is joined to the next with identical male and female fasteners that fit together with a simple straight line push, along the cage axis. A slide and rail combination on one end of each module fits into matching grooves on the other end of each module. The grooves are created by undercut, radially opposed beam pairs, the radially outboard one of which is more flexible. A barb on the slide-rail unit is designed to snap or latch past the flexible beam. The slide and rail fit into the grooves with enough clearance to give freely expanding and contracting joints, so that between race conformance is very good. The joints may even be disassembled with a compound radial bending and axial parting motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Dwayne P. Joppeck
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Patent number: 5529426Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a housing block retaining construction which allows a release tool to be easily operated, and will not interfere with the withdrawal of a housing block. According to the present invention, there is provided that a housing block retaining construction comprises a retaining lance slanting in the insertion direction provided in an insertion opening of a housing holder, a notch in which a distal end of a release tool is engageable formed in a distal end of the retaining lance, a retaining projection for engagement with the retaining lance provided on a housing block, and a recess for allowing the release tool to pass therethrough formed in that portion of the retaining projection corresponding to the notch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Satoki Masuda, Takashi Ishii, Tamio Watanabe, Toru Nagano, Takayoshi Endo
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Patent number: 5520477Abstract: The invention is directed to a connecting system for use with sheet material. At least one opening is disposed in the sheet material and the opening defines an edge. A clip is positioned for engaging the opening. The clip is substantially U-shaped and has a base and two legs that extend from the base. The legs are disposed in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship. an interior projection is positioned on each leg and the interior projections extend towards the opposed leg. The interior projections are disposed to engage the edge of the opening in the sheet material to removably secure the clip to the sheet material. An exterior projection is positioned on each leg and extend in a direction away from the opposed leg. A connector is provided for engaging the clip. The connector has a generally U-shaped portion having a base and two legs that extend from the base. The legs are disposed in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship. A notch is positioned on each leg.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: SeaGate, PlasticsInventor: Kevin G. Fink
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Patent number: 5518335Abstract: A lock-up device for a firearm which utilizes a ball and cam arrangement to interlock two members. The interlocked members include ball engagement surfaces which are curved so that a substantial portion of the ball surface is in contact with the engagement surfaces. The lock-up device disposed in a firearm absorbs recoil forces and utilizes the absorbed recoil force to cycle the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Hesco, Inc.Inventor: David R. Dobbins
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Patent number: 5505103Abstract: A manual transmission shifter, which comprises a ball mounting a shift lever, a lateral shift control arm, and a depending shift control member, is mounted in a plastic shifter housing having a plastic closure plate. The housing has a plurality of spaced integral resilient spring fingers contoured to form a socket for receiving the ball. The fingers are interconnected at their upper ends to define an upper opening for the shift lever. The spring fingers define an opening smaller than the ball diameter at their bottom free ends and flex to receive the ball and contract to snugly embrace the ball. The shift control arm projects through a side slot in the housing to enable up-and-down vertical movement of the control arm from a centered neutral position. An integral spring finger biases the control arm to the neutral position. The closure plate has an annular surface which embraces the bottom ends of the spring fingers to define the size of the socket.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignees: Dura Mechanical Components, Inc., Saturn Corp.Inventors: Paul D. Nordstrom, John J. Berndtson
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Patent number: 5484223Abstract: A double terminal stop connector (1) has a terminal stop frame (4) and a connector housing (2). The terminal stop frame (4) has two opposing walls (8) and a pair of flexible hinge members (7) interposed therebetween on both sides of the terminal stop frame so that the two opposing walls can be elastically compressed. A temporary engagement arm 10 is formed with an end stopper surface (8c) and a temporary engagement projection (9). At least one complete engagement projection (11) is formed on at least one surface of the two opposing walls of the terminal stop frame. The connector housing (2) is formed with a temporary engagement slot (16) which is engageable with the temporal engagement arm projection (9) when the terminal stop frame is temporarily engaged with the connector housing. At least one complete engagement hole (17) is engageable with the at least one complete engagement projection (11) when the terminal stop frame is completely engaged with the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Saito
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Patent number: 5479675Abstract: An elongated dovetail tongue on the top surface of the trowel blade slips endwise into a closely conforming groove formed in the base of the removable handle until its end abuts a shoulder at the end of the groove. The tongue is longer than the groove, and a keeper is adapted to slip onto and abut the end of the tongue protruding from the groove. A boss on the end of a resilient arm extending from the keeper engages a detent in the base, locking the keeper to the handle, immobilizing the tongue, and thereby securing the handle to the blade. Disengaging the detent mechanism releases the keeper and allows it to be removed and the handle readily separated from the blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1995Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Inventor: Walter W. Pytlewski
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Patent number: 5471701Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a brush head removably connected to the handle. There is a spring for biasing the brush head away from the handle. A latch normally secures the brush head on the handle. There is a release mechanism for selectively releasing the latch, whereby the spring ejects the brush head away from the handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Inventor: Mihai Parfenie
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Patent number: 5461937Abstract: A position control apparatus for an adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a clamp having a first jaw element and a second jaw element shiftable axially relative to each other, a control lever pivotable through an angular stroke in opening and closing directions, a primary cam means for converting pivotal movement of the control lever in the closing direction to a uniform axial stroke of the first jaw element relative to the second jaw element, and a secondary cam means for converting pivotal movement of the control lever in the opening direction to a snap-action axial stroke of the first jaw element relative to the second jaw element at a terminal end of the angular stroke of the control lever in the opening direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: William D. Cymbal
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Patent number: 5462380Abstract: A detent for releasably securing an inner telescoping tube within an outer telescoping tube. The said tubes having alignable openings in the walls thereof for receiving the detent. The detent is formed by a detent pin which extends through the tube wall openings and releasably latches the tubes together. A leaf spring secured at the inserted end of said inserted tube extends within the outer tube into supporting and biasing engagement with the detent pin. The spring biases said pin into the latching position. For releasing the detent, a bell crank is pivotally mounted within the inserted tube. One end of the bell crank is engaged with the locking pin and biasing spring and the other end is secured to an actuating knob which extends through the wall of the inserted tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: LaBac Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Peek, William B. Lytle, John A. Dyer
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Patent number: 5460346Abstract: The present article holder comprises a dual purpose clip which is designed to attach to an article such as a flashlight, a clip attachment that locks onto the clip, and a clamp for attaching to a fixture or clothing. The clip is provided with a shank portion that may be used to clip onto a shirt pocket or like, much in the manner that a conventional pen with a clip is held to a clothing. The attachment is rotatably connected to the clamp so as to permit the attachment to be positioned relative to the clamp. The attachment permits the clip to be removably attached thereto with a locking feature. The end of the shank is provided with a curved enlarged head which cooperate with slots formed at the opposed longitudinal ends of the attachment. The slots and the head cooperate to releasably lock the clip thereunto.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Inventor: Nathan Hirsch
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Patent number: 5438937Abstract: A mobile table system is provided in which multiple tables can be juxtaposed in many different configurations to facilitate a wide variety of both group and individual activities. Each table has a top with oppositely oriented side edges shaped to abut flush with the side edges of like tables, an outer marginal edge configured to accommodate a user thereby, and an inner marginal edge with a generally concave shape which defines a central space when aligned with the inner marginal edges of like tables. Each table includes legs to support the same freestanding on a floor surface. A first one of the legs depends from the top adjacent the outer marginal edge thereof and has a foot at the lower end thereof, and a second one of the leg depends from the top adjacent the inner marginal edge thereof and has a roller at the lower end thereof, so as to permit manual translation of the tables across the floor surface in a wheelbarrow fashion.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Douglas C. Ball, Lon D. Scheerhorn
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Patent number: 5431090Abstract: In a vacuum booster in which a holding tube is fitted in a cylindrical valve case, and the base end portion of a valve member is fitted in an annular holding groove formed in the outer surface of the front end portion of the holding tube in such a manner as to be sealingly engaged with the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case, the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case is gradually larger in diameter towards the open rear end thereof, while the outer surface of the holding tube is tapered towards the rear end thereof, and guiding grooves and arcuate engaging grooves are formed in the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case in such a manner that each guiding groove is axially extended a predetermined distance from the open end of the cylindrical valve case, and each engaging groove is extended circumferentially of the cylindrical valve case, while guiding pawls and engaging pawls are formed on the outer surface of the holding tube in such a manner that the guiding pawls are slidably engaged witType: GrantFiled: August 5, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Company, LimitedInventors: Takayoshi Shinohara, Toshiyuki Suwa
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Patent number: 5397081Abstract: A pedestal assembly having two opposing and abutting parts, each including a base portion, a wall, both a locking extension and a locking recess, such that the two parts interlock to create a floor region for holding a computer enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Digital Equipment CorporationInventors: Christian C. Landry, Bradford G. Chapin, Ching-Chiang Chen, Jause Kuo
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Patent number: 5387048Abstract: The invention relates to a securing means for the telescopic stick of a multiple-fold umbrella, mainly comprising a U-shaped resilient element having round holes disposed thereon mounting on a stub with the two end portions extending into the grooves situated on the sides of the stub. On the stub is transversely arranged a hole that provides rooms for a spring and a locating plunger. The stub, integrated with the spring and the plunger, is placed into an inner tube where the stub, in conjunction with detent balls and positioning holes on the peripheral walls of the inner and the outer tubes, can provide stable, reliable latching and positioning functions for telescopic tubes as the umbrella is opened.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Inventor: Cheng M. L. Kuo
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Patent number: 5382111Abstract: A children's play structure includes a hinged frame structure having mounted thereon a plurality of panels depicting murals or scenes. The hinged frame structure which is comprised of a plurality of hinging sections and which is of lightweight, simple and economical construction is provided with substantial rigidity by corner structures which include hinging apparatus at the upper and lower ends of vertical tubes to permit pivoting rotation of the corner structure relative to one but not the other of a pair of frame sections coupled thereby. Each of the upper and lower hinging apparatus includes a clevis and a lever releasably coupled to the horizontal tubes of the adjacent frame sections by plugs with resilient release tabs. The clevis and lever have interleaved legs which receive a shaft and an opposite cap within apertures therein to permit pivoting rotation between the lever and the clevis while at the same time providing substantial resistance to unwanted vertical flexure.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1992Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Inventors: Robert A. Melashenko, Connie R. Melashenko
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Patent number: 5380037Abstract: An inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in mounting an inflatable restraint module to a support structure such as the hub portion of a steering wheel. The inflatable restraint module is provided with a plurality of mounting members which are adapted to pass through and be retained within apertures in a support plate. The mounting members each include a slot for receiving a spring which traverses across the apertures of the support plate. The slots are preferably sized such that the mounting members are supported for limited movement in a direction longitudinal of the mounting members to permit actuation of a horn circuit. In addition, the springs are movable in a lateral direction to facilitate insertion of the mounting members through the apertures in the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Paul M. Landis, Harold W. Morgan, Larry E. Flora
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Patent number: 5365807Abstract: A socket tool for releasable securement to a wrench having a drive wheel provided with a drive opening. The tool includes a fastener-receiving part defining therein a fastener-receiving opening for nonrotatable driving engagement with a conventional fastener such as a nut or bolt head. A drive part is fixed to and projects axially from the other end of the fastener-receiving part, and is defined by an annular wall having an interior peripheral wall which defines an interior opening which projects axially through the drive part and coaxially communicates with the fastener-receiving opening. The drive part has an exterior peripheral wall of polygonal shape for nonrotatable driving engagement within the drive opening of the wrench. A ball detent arrangement is mounted on the drive part, and includes a bore formed radially through the annular wall and a ball movably disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Inventors: Scott A. Darrah, Vincent Lee
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Patent number: 5328288Abstract: An object to the present invention is to provide a housing block retaining construciton which allows a release too to be easily operated, and will not interefere with the withdrawal of a housing block. According to the present invention, there is provided that a housing block retaining construciton comprises a retaining lance slanting in the insertion direction provided in an insertion opening of a housing holder, a notch in which a distal end of a release tool is engageable formed in a distal end of the retaining lance, a retaining projection for engagement with the retaining lance provided on a housing block, and a recess for allowing the release tool to pass therethrough formed in that portion of the retaining projection corresponding to the notch.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1992Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Satoki Masuda
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Patent number: 5325738Abstract: The clipless pedal system for mountain bikes or other bicycles comprises a generally circular pedal body, at least one side of which has a mushroom or T-shaped extension which is created by either forming a larger diameter head over a small diameter neck or by forming grooves or slots in the extension slightly below its top, with the grooves being the equivalent of the neck. The cleat consists of a mounting plate which can be attached to the sole of mountain biking shoe, and has a generally open interior of sufficient dimensions to permit insertion of the head therein. Engaging means extend inwardly at a spacing corresponding to the head of the extension. The engaging means can be inserted into the neck of the extension to catch just below the head of the extension. One or more spring tabs may be used to releasably lock the cleat and pedal extension together once the head is in position with respect to the engaging means.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
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Patent number: 5326337Abstract: A light weight, portable, gymnastic assembly made for children to climb on is fabricated of tubular members formed of cut-to-length standard plastic tubings and standard plastic fittings. The tubular members are releasably held within the sockets of the fittings by pairs of opposing spring-loaded pins that are carried in opposing holes on the end portions of the tubular members and engage within opposing holes on the end portions of sockets of the fittings when the tubular members are slipped into the sockets. Because of the mechanical connections used, such an assembly provides a flexible overall structure that can be readily modified from time-to-time by an adult to enable a number of separately assembled different types of accessories of interest to children to be mounted on the surface of the assembly or within the interior thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1993Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Inventor: Eugene C. Pardella
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Patent number: 5318388Abstract: A shoring leg provided with a latch for use in maintaining an end plate on the shoring leg and a jack collar in a predetermined position relative to each other, the latch comprising a latch member mounted on the leg to execute a movement from a latching position to a release position, the latch member defining a recess jaw adapted, when in the latching position, to receive part of the leg end plate and to receive a corresponding part of an adjacent collar of a jack to retain the end plate and the collar in said predetermined position, there being means to retain the latch member in the latching position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: SGB Holdings LimitedInventor: Demetrios G. Papadopoulos
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Patent number: 5309950Abstract: A quick connect coupling for connecting at least one funicular element with respect to the end of a cord, particularly for those of a harness of a weaving loom, to a cord of shed-forming device of the loom, which includes an insert element associated with the cord of the shed-forming device which has at least one crosspiece to which the cord is attached and a bar located below the crosspiece. A clamp is provided for receiving the insert and has two branch elements which are secured to at least one funicular element. The branch elements have hooked free ends which are elastically articulated relative to one another toward the geometrical axis of symmetry of the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Staubli-Verdol S.A.Inventors: Dario Bassi, Alexis Porte
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Patent number: 5297670Abstract: A roller driving apparatus for use in a roller hearth kiln has a kiln tunnel and kiln side walls. The apparatus includes a rotary drive shaft, a holder fixedly mounted at one end thereof on the rotary drive shaft, a metal connection pipe detachably mounted on the other end of the holder and including a positioning aperture formed therein, a ceramic roller, and a metallic receiver roller rotatably supporting the driven end of the ceramic roller through a metallic coil spring. The positioning aperture extends along the longitudinal axis of the connection pipe, and the ceramic roller is mounted at a drive end thereof on an end of the connection pipe opposite to the holder for receiving drive power from the rotary drive shaft. The ceramic roller has another, driven end, and extends through the kiln tunnel through one of the kiln side walls of the roller hearth kiln.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Minoru Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 5291843Abstract: An attachment structure for detachably attaching a workpiece holder to a movable body used in embroidery stitching in a sewing machine. The movable body is movable in a horizontal plane in synchronism with a reciprocating motion of a sewing needle in order to move the workpiece relative to the needle. The workpiece is supported on the workpiece holder held by the movable body. The attachment structure includes pair of pins disposed at one of the workpiece holder and the movable body, pair of engaging grooves engageable with the pins and formed at remaining one of the movable body and the workpiece holder, projecting body disposed at one of the workpiece holder and the movable body, and resilient member engageable with the projecting body and disposed at remaining one of the movable body and the workpiece holder.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushikia KaishaInventor: Masayuki Hori
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Patent number: 5283406Abstract: A switch is provided with a moveable contact and contact carrier that significantly facilitates the manufacturing process necessary to make the assembly. The contact carrier is provided with first and second extensions that are generally flexible and associated with each other to provide a gap therebetween. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second extension comprises first and second fingers that extend from the contact carrier. The second extension is provided with protuberances that permit a moveable contact to deform the second extension as it is moved inward toward the contact carrier. The extensions snap together after the complete moveable contact has moved into a predetermined space between the extensions.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: Honeywell IncInventor: David E. Olsen
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Patent number: 5281045Abstract: A movable member positioning mechanism in which the number of components of lock and click mechanisms is decreased, and the number of assembling steps is decreased accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1992Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo K.K.Inventor: Yuichi Ichikawa
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Patent number: 5279335Abstract: A device for assembling a plurality of cords which includes a bushing having a bore which cooperatively receives a clamp. The bushing includes an opening through which adhesive may be introduced after the clamp is inserted within the bore of the bushing to thereby bind the cords which are initially carried by the clamp. The clamp includes two branch elements joined by a crosspiece. Each branch element includes a first outwardly directing hooked end, a second inwardly directed jaw portion and an intermediate outwardly projecting portion. The intermediate portions are yieldably compressible with respect to one another to permit the insertion of the clamp in the bore of the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Staubli-Verdol S.A.Inventor: Dario Bassi
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Patent number: 5277078Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter mechanism having a shift lever frame including a roller detent, a shift lever shiftable to a plurality of different shift positions and a feel positioner for providing a feel to a vehicle operator for establishing each of the shift positions is provided with an improvement, the improvement being a leaf spring configured in a U-shaped arrangement at one end to quick connect into a pair of spaced apertures in a plate on the shift lever, and configured at the other end with opposing fingers to snappingly quick connect to a roller for rollingly engaging the roller detent. The roller is biased against the roller detent which generates reactive forces on the one end of the leaf spring causing the one end to be securely retained in the spaced apertures in the plate and causing the roller to be securely retained in the opposing fingers on the other end.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, Div. of JSJ CorporationInventors: Charles Osborn, Richard L. Meisch
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Patent number: 5263788Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for a transparent body, in particular a glass body for lighting purposes. This fastening device comprises an outer sleeve and a displaceable inner sleeve fitting therein. The outer sleeve contains circumferentially movable tongues with snap-in projections which can snap into depressions provided in a recess in the transparent body. Inner sleeve 2 serves to fix the tongues or snap-in projections in the depression.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: D. Swarovski & Co.Inventor: Walter Moriel