Abstract: Combination umbrella and golf ball retriever comprised of a plurality of telescopically interconnected tubular members which are nested in the umbrella shaft and extended therefrom to form an elongated handle for the golf ball retriever. An annular locking collar surrounds the umbrella shaft and threadedly engages an annular support collar to mount the support collar fixedly to the upper end of the umbrella shaft. The inner ends of a plurality of canopy supporting ribs are mounted pivotally to the support collar. An annular sliding member surrounds the shaft and slides up and down the shaft to close and open the umbrella, the inner ends of a plurality of braces are mounted pivotally to the sliding collars and the outer ends of the braces are mounted pivotally intermediate the ends of the canopy supporting ribs. A golf ball retriever mounting tip is secured to the end of the golf ball retriever and a golf ball retriever is mounted removably to the tip.

Abstract: A carrier basket which is intended to be secured on a vehicle roof comprises two longitudinal profile members between which extend a number of rods which form a load-carrying surface in the carrier basket. In order to eliminate the need for loose small parts on assembly and dismantling of the carrier basket, the rods are releasably connected to the profile members by snap catch connections. The snap catch connections are formed by locking heel disposed at the ends of the rods, the heel extending, in a rest position, outside the cross-section of the rod and being, against the action of spring force, depressable inside the cross-section. The rod extends through an opening in one wall of the profile member and has the locking heel inside the opening, and one end in abutment against the inside of the opposing wall of the profile member.

Abstract: A font cartridge extrender into which a commerically available font cartridge can be plugged and which plugs into the font cartridge receptacle of a computer printer. The extender includes a novel latching mechnism which attaches the font cartridge to the extender so that the assembly can be conveniently plugged into, and unplugged from, the printer as a unit. The font cartridge is secured to the extender by a spring hook mechanism, which resides in a chute molded into the inside of the top portion of the casing of the extender. The spring hook mechanism is supported in the chute by braces and a pin molded inside the case which is inserted through an aperture in the spring hook mechanism. The spring hook mechanism is actuated by finger pressure on a contact surface.

Abstract: The grippers are mounted on a doffer bar so as to disengage from both the top and bottom of the bar should a mis-alignment occur relative to a bobbin tube. The removal or separation of a gripper from the bar causes a pneumatic or electrical signal to be generated which can be used to indicate the individual disturbance location. A light may also be provided at each gripper station in order to indicate a position of a disturbance.

Abstract: A connector for wires comprises a body (20) having through passage (21) adapted to receive a pair of oppositely directed wire end portions (22A, 22B) in close lengthwise relationship with each other, channels (23A, 23B) within the body (20) one to each side of the through passage acutely inclined to and, at their inner ends, breaking into the through passage, and wedge structure (24A, 24B) within the channels adapted upon attempted withdrawal of either of the wire end portions (22A, 22B) from the through passage (21) to urge the wires therebetween forcibly towards each other, whereby friction secures them firmly in the connector.

Abstract: A node coupler for interlocking truss beams of a self-standing structure. The coupler includes at least one pair of diverging elongated arms. Each arm has a cylindrical inner end portion and a thin outer end portion, engaged into the cylindrical hollow of a given truss beam. A slit is made in the arm outer end portion, to release a spring-loaded U-shape clip. The U-clip has a transverse finger to engage a bore in the wall of the truss beam, under the bias of the clip spring load.

Abstract: A novel connector for connecting a beam to a column in a storage rack is disclosed. A flanged member is fitted against the column, with a side flange disposed against a side wall of the column and with a front flange disposed against a front wall of the column. Hooks on the front flange are hooked into apertures of the front wall. An elongate, strip-like spring clip is clipped onto the side flange, which has a recess receiving a bent portion of the spring clip. Another portion is accommodated by a trough extending from the recess. A dimple formed on the spring clip extends into a slot of the side flange. A locking pin affixed to the spring clip extends through an aperture of the side flange and through one of an array of apertures of the side wall.

Abstract: A roller driving apparatus in a roller hearth kiln which has a plurality of ceramic rollers arranged across a kiln tunnel. The ceramic rollers rotate to move articles to be heat treated while conveying them. A rotary drive shaft connects the ceramic roller through a holder and a cylindrical metallic connection pipe which is mounted on the other end of the holder and which includes a positioning aperture formed therein. A leaf spring is fixedly mounted with one end on the holder, and the other end being engageable with the positioning aperture of the connection pipe. The opposite driven end of the ceramic roller is supported on a pair of metallic receiver rollers through a metallic coil spring which is wound on the driven end of the ceramic roller.

Abstract: Locking a cable socket to a cable plug in a cable assembly is affected by integrally molding a lock assembly to the socket and plug housings. A pair of overstress brackets of the socket housing prevent a resilient latch of the lock assembly from breaking if excessive force is used to move the latch from a catch post mounted on the plug housing. Also, the overstressed brackets are formed in a manner that permits a single molding operation when forming the socket housing.

Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a binding member guided in the longitudinal direction of a ski on a guide rail and releasably fixable in different positions therealong by an adjusting arrangement, the binding member being under the influence of at least one pressing spring which acts in the longitudinal direction of the ski and which facilitates compensation for play existing between the binding member and the guide rail. The pressing spring is arranged in a spring cage which has a crosswall and a bottom. To provide a constant pressure, the spring cage is provided with at least two downwardly convex leaf springs, or with at least two longitudinal ribs which extend along the two sides of the bottom and are downwardly convex and resilient in a section of their longitudinal length.

Abstract: The invention concerns quick release fastenening means particularly for coupling furniture parts.

Abstract: A latch assembly for connecting a pin type connector to a wiper assembly. The latch includes two upstanding end portions which include retainer elements at the ends thereof. A flexible body portion including a pin retainer section connects between the upstanding end portions. The latch inserts into a longitudinal cavity within the wiper assembly and intersects a transverse passageway which accommodates the pin connector. The flexible body portion of the latch urges against the pin connector and retains the pin within the wiper assembly. The flexible body portion may include laterally extended wings to aid in urging the flexible body portion out of contact with the inserted pin connector.

Abstract: A releasable foot binding for use in combination with a snowboard includes a socket component which is separably engageable with a foot-engaging component. The socket component is mounted on the snowboard and includes spaced-apart, upwardly-extending elongated side rails. Each side rail has an elongated flange portion extending laterally therefrom. The foot-engaging component is longitudinally engageable with the socket component and has a bottom which includes opposite side ribs positioned on the bottom to be slidably positionable below the flange portions of the socket component. A stop member limits movement of the foot-engaging component relative to the socket component beyond a fully-engaged position. A latch releasably secures the foot-engaging component against movement in the opposite longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A wand seal assembly for a vacuum cleaner wand provides an improved seal between the telescopic connecting elements of the wand. The seal comprises a two-piece, dual durometer seal having a rigid portion with locking tabs for securing to the wand portion, and a flexible sealing portion.

Abstract: A belt-driven water pump for use with an internal combustion engine includes a pump shaft, a housing lid having an opening through which one end of the pump shaft extends, a bearing, a pump shaft seal, a pump rotor, and a pulley integrally formed with the pump shaft. The pump shaft and the pulley are made in one piece, preferably, of plastic.

Abstract: A garden tool for extracting a plant having roots in the earth. The garden tool basically comprises a housing and a prong assembly connected to the housing. The prong assembly includes a prong holder and at least three prongs with each prong being connected to the prong holder disposed generally near the outer peripheral surface of the prong holder. About one-fourth of a prong length of each of the prongs is disposed in the prong holder whereby the prong holder cooperates with the portions of the prongs disposed in the prong holder to provide sufficient strength for substantially reducing the tendency of the prongs to bend when disposed in the earth and rotated. The garden tool also includes a handle assembly which is connected to the upper end of the housing.

Abstract: A reactor vessel O-ring spring clip designed to hold the tubular O-ring in the groove of a reactor vessel head flange, especially during head lifting. The spring clip is designed such that the weight of the O-ring acts to increase the friction force between the spring clip and the, typically, threaded hole into which it is inserted. The end of the clip adapted to be inserted through a slot in the tubular O-ring for securement thereto has a circular member thereon which prevents the spring clip from becoming disengaged from the O-ring during head lifting.

Abstract: A molded resin integral spring in a latch member is backed up by a prestressed metal flat spring. The flat spring is retained in the latch member by a boss molded into a cavity in a latch button and by a slot in a cantilevered member. The resilient springback of the flat spring backs up the resilience of the integral spring to provide long-term positive latching.

Abstract: A windshield wiper of the type including a wiper arm having a U-shaped tip end, a wiper blade having a primary lever which has spaced parallel side walls on the lengthwise central portion and a pin extending between the side walls, and a connecting member for connecting the wiper arm with the primary lever and including a main body having a generally U-shaped outer surface corresponding to the U-shaped tip end of the wiper arm, a generally cylindrical bore for rotatably engaging with the pin of the primary lever, and flange portions for slidably engaging with the side walls of the primary lever. The connecting member is formed of two halves being split along a plane perpendicular to the pin of the primary lever, and the flange portions of respective halves for slidably engaging with the side walls of the primary lever are projecting toward side walls of the primary lever at the opposite ends in the lengthwise direction of the primary lever as compared with the lengthwise central portions.

Abstract: A mounting/dismounting system for mounting and dismounting a spray gun carried on an adapter on and from an arm of a robot comprises a base extending horizontally and having a flat top surface defined by a first side facing the robot and a second side opposing the first side for supporting the adapter when the spray gun is placed on the base. The flat top surface is further defined with a predetermined position on which the adapter is to be held when the spray gun carried by the adapter is waiting for mounting on the arm of the robot.

Abstract: A drilling tool is made up of a holder and a drilling member detachably connected together. One of the holder and the drilling member telescopes into the other. Resilient tab-like parts on one of the holder and the drill member engages within recesses in the other for effecting a rotatably locked connection between them. Accordingly, torque can be transmitted through the drilling tool by the tab-like parts and the recesses for effecting a drilling operation. The holder and drilling member can be disconnected without the use of any auxiliary tools.

Abstract: An anchoring and adjusting assembly for a control cable comprising a slider having a tubular shape, an end to be fixed to a conduit of the control cable, having an inner space through which an inner cable of the control cable is inserted and a set of ratchet teeth on an outer surface thereof, a holder having a fixing portion and a body formed with a through hole for supporting the slider for an axial sliding movement, a leaf spring having a cylinder-like shape with C-shaped cross section, and an engaging claw attached to the inside surface of the leaf spring and having a claw portion to be engaged with the set of ratchet teeth of the slider. The body of the holder has a cylindrical holding portion for supporting the leaf spring therearound and a hollow space to contain the engaging claw member at a bottom portion thereof.

Abstract: The instant invention includes a track joining element which is operable to join two sections of track and to provide lateral and longitudinal positioning of the track sections relative one another. The joining elements include a tongue and a slot formed on each element. The tongue and slot have a common side which forms a linear guide path for engaging a like joining element on another section of track. The tongue is constructed and arranged to be clearance receivable in the slot on a second joining element. Interlocking means are provided to maintain the two elements in an engaged condition. In the preferred embodiment, interlocking means includes a leafspring mounted on the linear guide path. The spring has a free end which protrudes into the slot and engages a notch formed on the tongue of another joining element.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism permits a robot hand to be coupled to, and uncoupled from, application-specific tools by the motion of the robotic hand relative to a tool stand.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for affixing a first item to a second item includes a male latching portion affixed to the first item, and a cavity defined within the second item disposed to receive the male latching portion. The male latching portion includes a tongue affixed to, and extending outward from, the surface of the end of the first item that is to abut the surface of the end of the second item when the first item is affixed to the second item. The tongue of the male latching portion defines a spring finger therewithin having one end thereof affixed to the end of the tongue closest to the surface of the end of the first item and extends outward therefrom surrounded by the sides and end of the tongue. The spring finger has at its free end a locking tooth that extends downward from the tongue to be captured within the cavity of the second item.

Abstract: A fastening device for adjustably mounting each side of a front plate of a drawer includes a supporting part fastened to a respective side wall at each side of the drawer. A holding part is fastened, for example by means of screws, to the respective side of the drawer and engages the supporting part. A spring, preferably a leaf spring, is depth-adjustably mounted on each supporting part by means of an eccentric, the holding part engaging such spring by means of a hook. The holding part has a rearwardly open horizontal slot into which fits another eccentric which is mounted on the supporting part.

Abstract: A spring-locking member is provided for use with a male member such as a two-by-four which is adapted for insertion into a female member such as an end frame member for outdoor furniture and the like. The spring-locking member is of resilient material and has a substantially constant cross-section in one direction. The cross-section includes a central portion and two side portions integral with the central portion. The side portions are upwardly offset with respect to the central portion, and each has a downwardly directed portion at its end remote from the central portion. The configuration is such that, in use, the spring-locking member is bent inwardly at the central portion to lie against the male member.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly has a clutch cover adapted to be coupled to a flywheel of an engine, a pressure plate disposed inwardly of the clutch cover, a diaphragm spring having an outer edge engaged by the clutch cover for resiliently pressing the pressure plate, a bearing fixed to an inner edge of the diaphragm spring and having rotatable elements and an inner race supporting the rotatable elements, a bearing hub axially movably disposed in the bearing for being axially movably disposed on an input shaft of a transmission, a locking member disposed between the inner race and the bearing hub for locking the bearing hub against movement with respect to the bearing away from the engine, and a release fork engageable with the bearing hub for axially moving the bearing hub and the bearing away from the engine to release the pressure plate from the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: A collapsible cart comprises a unit frame having a pair of depending front legs at one end and adjacent its other end a transverse axle mounting a pair of wheels. A collapsible basket is removably secured to the frame, and a handle socket centrally underlies and is secured to the frame. A formed handle has one end portion removably nested and secured within the socket, with its other end projecting forwardly.

Abstract: A gas spring for supporting a cab enclosure pivotably mounted to the body of a skid-steer vehicle. A stop tube is mounted to a piston rod and is telescopically cooperable with a cylinder body. Two parallel slots extend in a transverse direction through the stop tube. A stop slide has a pair of legs which are adapted to slide within the slots of a stop tube. A release portion of the stop slide is sized to permit the cylinder body to pass between the legs, while a stop portion is sized to prevent the cylinder body from passing between the legs. A spring urges the stop slide toward a stop position at which the stop portion of the stop slide is aligned with the cylinder body when the piston rod is extended. The cab enclosure is thereby latched to a tilt-back position.

Abstract: A locking clip (20) for a bolt (12a to 12d) securing a desk top (10) and a pedestal (11) as panel members together is described. The clip engages the head (12i) of the bolt which is slid in a slot (11g to 11j) in a cross-member (11f) of the pedestal. The clip provides positive locking to prevent inadvertent separation of the panel members and allows the panel members to be separated by lifting a tab (20g).

Abstract: A push-on/quick release locking arrangement is mounted on a socket wrench extension or driver having a cylindrical body with a square drive end. An inclined transverse bore in the drive end intersects opposed flat faces of the drive end and lock balls are mounted in the bore for movement between a "lock" position and a "release" position. In the "lock" position one ball projects from the end of the bore nearest the end of the drive end to engage a cooperating cavity in the drive recess of a socket. In the "release" position the balls lie within the cross section of the drive end. There is an axial groove in the flat face intersected by the end of said bore further from the end of the drive end. A cylindrical grip sleeve is mounted for slideable movement on the cylindrical body of the extension. The end of said sleeve remote from the drive end is turned inwardly and an integral control tab projects from the other end of the sleeve.

Abstract: At least one post member of the assembly is receivable by the base member of the assembly through an opening in the top wall of the base member. Cam means are mounted on the inner surface of the outer wall of the base member in alignment with the opening for detachably connecting the post member to the base member when the post member extends through the opening to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A dismountable structure comprising at least one structural part having a female socket provided with at least one transversely extending first hole and at least one structural part having a male socket provided with at least one transversely extending second hole. The sockets are so sized and shaped that each male socket is receivable in each female socket in a locking position in which at least one second hole is aligned with at least one first hole. The structure including fastening means having at least one resiliently displaceable locking element for interlocking one female socket and one male socket, when they are in the locking position, by at least one locking element extending from inside the male socket through the aligned holes of the two sockets.

Abstract: A retention system for supporting a device on a first stationary member to have biased abutment with a cooperating second stationary member removably secured to the first stationary member. The system includes at least one resilient clip carried by the first stationary member and having a portion resiliently frictionally engaging the device so as to effectively retain the device in association with the first stationary member prior to the mounting of the second stationary member thereto. The spring clip further includes an end portion biasing the device outwardly from the first stationary member to be engaged by the second stationary member when the second stationary member is mounted to the first stationary member. The clip is removably retained in a slotted portion of the first stationary member for facilitated installation.

Abstract: Secure and rapid assembly of magnets or other articles in tubular or other-shaped housings is achieved with bow type compression retainers which are made from reformable spring metal, and are initially formed shorter and higher than their ultimate working dimensions to permit loose or easy manual or automatic assembly in their final working location, after which the retainers can be reformed in place to a reduced height and extended length so as to take up any clearance and to place an initial load on abutting faces of the article to be secured. Then the bow shaped retainer is finally reworked in a comparatively small portion of its length, and in a direction which tends to change the natural curvature and extend the intrinsic unloaded length of the restrained bow, thus off-setting "spring back" type load losses characteristic of normal spring forming, and assuring maximum spring retention forces irrespective of large assembly tolerances and high spring rates.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for mounting a visor rod to a vehicle includes a housing with a keyed aperture within a cylindrical portion for receiving a visor rod end therein. The rod end includes a keyed torque fitting having a radially extending flat with the housing including a recess holding a spring which extends radially inwardly for engaging the flat of the torque fitting when the rod is inserted into the housing for holding the rod end in the housing.

Abstract: A handle fastening structure on a utensil. A support bracket is provided which projects from a utensil wall. The handle member has a recess therein opening toward the utensil wall and which receives the support bracket therein. The support bracket has an attachment extending at an angle with respect to the utensil wall. At least one shoulder projects into the recess of the handle member, which shoulder in the assembled condition of the handle grips behind the attachment of the support bracket. Furthermore, in the recess of the handle member there is arranged a spring which forms an abutment, which spring cooperates with a contact surface of the support bracket and during movement of the handle onto the support bracket is tensioned and effects the securement of the handle and utensil to one another.

Abstract: A push-on/quick release locking arrangement is mounted on a socket wrench extension having a cylindrical body with a square drive end. An inclined transverse bore in the drive end intersects opposed flat faces of the drive end and lock balls are mounted in the bore for movement between a "lock" position and a "release" position. In the "lock" position one ball projects from the end of the bore nearest the end of the drive end to engage a cooperating cavity in the drive recess of a socket. In the "release" position the balls lie within the cross section of the drive end. There is an axial groove in the flat face intersected by the end of said bore further from the end of the drive end. A cylindrical grip sleeve is mounted for slideable movement on the cylindrical body of the extension. The end of said sleeve remote from the drive end is turned inwardly and a cylindrical slider is fixed in the other end of the sleeve. A spring is captured inside the sleeve between the inturned end and the slider.

Abstract: A no drip caulking gun which includes a rigid open barrel. The caulking cartridge is inserted in the barrel. A rod is coaxially movable with the barrel. At the end of the rod a plunger is mounted. The forward motion of the plunger against the cartridge forces the caulking compound out of the cartridge, when the forward motion is stopped the built up pressure in the cartridge kicks the rod backwardly.

Abstract: A picture frame hinge. The hinge is attached to backs of picture frames by inserting projections which extend from the hinge leaves into corresponding holes in the backs of the picture frames. The hinge is held in place by a resilient tab. The hinge contains opposing radial teeth which are resiliently biased together, and permit positive adjustment of the viewing angle of picture frames. A prop, for free standing is also provided.

Abstract: A connection system for respirator or anesthesia units with a Y-piece including an inhalation hose socket, an exhalation hose socket and a connector attachment piece as well as a tubular connector, connectable with the connector attachment piece, having a tube attachment for an endotracheal tube at one end, and at its opposite end a continuous annular groove in its exterior circumference, the connector attachment piece including a spring biased fastening member provided transversely to the longitudinal axis of the connector attachment piece for elastically engaging the annular groove under spring action. The connection system further includes a hand-operable unfastening mechanism for overriding the spring action of the fastening member, and the fastening member includes a lever having inner and outer arms, a pivot and a spring-loading member for the outer arm.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising an operating member controlled by an actuating member, e.g., a release fork, a drive member attached axially to the operating member and responsive to the operating member for coacting with a clutch release mechanism, e.g., a clutch diaphragm spring. The operating member has a metal axial sleeve which is received on a guide member and a metal transverse flange bearing on one side against the actuating member and on the other side against the drive member. A spacer member of synthetic material is interposed axially between the flange and the drive member and detents or elastically deformable pawls are operably disposed between the spacer member and the sleeve for fixing the spacer member in axial position thereon. The detents or pawls may be formed between axial slots in the inner wall of the spacer member. The outer wall has an annular transverse land against which the drive member, for example, the outer race of a ball bearing, may bear.

Abstract: An oil cooler is mounted to a radiator so as to be in series therewith. The oil cooler is provided with a framework having four holes therein arranged in a rectangular pattern. In one embodiment, the holes are transverse, with a lower pair being axially aligned, and in another embodiment the holes are vertical, with the pairs of holes at the opposite transverse sides being vertically aligned. Mounted on the radiator are four spring metal straps which respectively carry pins received in an associated hole. In the one embodiment, removal of the upper pair of pins permits the cooler to pivot about the lower pair while, in the other embodiment, removal of the pair of pins at one side of the cooler will permit the cooler to pivot about the pins at the other side.

Abstract: A paint brush holder and length extender including a block supported on a pole. The block includes an opening at its upper end which receives a resilient spring clip adapted to hold one of a variety of different sized paint brushes at a distance from the worker thereby making brush changing efficient and rapid and making safer the painting of areas which would normally necessitate the use of a ladder; the paint brush may be positioned in a plurality of fixed angles with respect to the pole for ease of working.

Abstract: A structural assembly, more particularly for a shower partition, comprising a sectional rail having, in one of its outer surfaces, an undercut first channel of which the sides form two lateral grooves. Inserted into this channel, is a facing panel, a resilient connecting element being provided for retention and engagement in the grooves. In order to obtain a structural assembly of small depth, together with reliable and rapid attachment, the facing panel is provided with a longitudinal second channel extending in the direction of its longitudinal axis and undercut along the channel sides to form grooves. The connecting element is arranged at least partly in the second groove where it is held by the undercut second grooves. The connecting element has a lateral projection which extends into one of the first grooves of the sectional rail. Projecting into the other groove of the sectional rail is either a shoulder of the facing panel or a second lateral projection of the connecting element.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a support for a sun visor. The support includes a flat support member and a clamping spring which wraps around the support shaft for the sun visor at a cutout in the flat support member. The spring extends from a web wrapped around the mounting shaft and has arms extending past the opposite surfaces of the support member to beneath the support member. One arm of the clamping spring terminates in a hook defined by two successive bends. The other arm terminates in an inclined extension, and the extension terminates at a hooking edge at the bend in the second arm defining the extension. The hook of the first arm hooks behind the hooking edge of the second arm. The extension on the second arm defines a bevel for guiding the hook of the first arm behind the hooking edge. The hooking edge is defined in a window cut into the extension of the second arm.

Abstract: A device for fastening handles, that consists of a connecting bushing (16) and an insert (18) that are attached to both the implement (86) and to the handle (10). The insert (18), which has a rectangular cross-section, is locked into the insertion opening in the connecting bushing when a catch (62) on a leaf spring (64) engages a hole (61) in the insert. The resulting positive lock can be disengaged by a push-button (48) or sliding sleeve. The push-button (48) rests against the end (74) of the leaf spring (64) and can be used to displace the catch (62) on the leaf spring from the hole (61). An axially elastic sleeve (84) between the end of the handle and the connecting piece (20) compensates for tolerances. The circular handle merges gradually into an oval or ellipse toward the connecting piece (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to fasteners for two parts of a body which are wholly contained within the body and not visible when the two parts are joined.The fastener comprises a resilient member secured inside the first part of the body projecting internally of the body and an orifice formed inside the second part of the body. The resilient member is shaped to enter the orifice and verge the two parts together and to permit separation of the two parts by a relative pivoting movement adjacent to the abutting joint between the parts whereby the resilient member is retracted from the orifice.

Abstract: A harness formation end-effector comprising a housing disposed for cooperable receipt and retention of a removable tool tip, wherein the tool tip may take the form of a contact insertion tool tip or a crimping tool tip or the like.