Abstract: A plain bearing for a steering spindle of a steering column for a motor vehicle. The bearing includes an inner ring with an axially continuous bearing opening for slidably receiving the steering spindle. A prestressing element is configured to exert a prestressing force on the inner ring to clamp the inner ring on the steering spindle and thereby to assign a defined, uniform braking torque.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infinitely adjustable depth stop for a laparascopic instrument having a shaft, the depth stop including a first component having a first annular space adapted to allow the shaft to be fitted therethrough. The first annular space has a reducible diameter and an interference surface against which the shaft may be fitted. Upon reduction of the reducible diameter, the interference surface frictionally engages the shaft to arrest relative movement of the depth stop along the shaft. The frictional engagement may be along a curve, a spiral curve, or an area. Means are also provided to reopen the reducible diameter to release the depth stop.

Abstract: A positioning clip to position an inner tube in an outer tube of an endoscope includes at least one inner support surface to support the positioning clip on the inner tube, at least one outer support surface to support the positioning clip on the outer tube, and a clamping device to clamp the positioning clip on the inner tube or on the outer tube.

Abstract: An extendable pole mechanism may be used with a pair of poles that are longitudinally movable to adjust the overall length of both poles. The mechanism may include a collar that receives the poles and a roller sleeve that rotates with respect to the collar to adjust the mechanism between a use condition, where the poles are held in a longitudinally relative fixed position, and an adjustment condition, where the poles are longitudinally moveable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A compact, highly-reusable, locking device includes a carrier, roller elements, a body, and a band spring. The carrier includes a plurality of apertures for receiving each a corresponding roller element. The body includes a plurality of detents separated by ridges. The number of detents is different than the number of roller elements. The body is at least partially received in the carrier such that the detents are in radial alignment with the apertures. The band spring is disposed about the roller elements. The roller elements travel across the detents and ridges to cause elastic deformation of the band spring when the body is rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A method assembling parts uses a shim for filling a void between interfacing part surfaces. The surface profile of each of the part surfaces is determined and a digital volume is generated that substantially matches the void. A three dimensional digital representation of the shim is generated by mapping the part surface profiles onto the digital volume. The shim is fabricated using the three dimensional representation of the shim.

Abstract: A laminated product having a thickness that can be adjusted by chipping, and including alternating sheets and layers of an adhesive material in a stack, each sheet possessing an intrinsic resistance to tearing and each layer of adhesive material connecting adjacent sheets in the stack with a linking force which is weaker than the resistance of the sheets to tearing, enabling each sheet to be detached from the stack without tearing. The product includes a housing which is disposed inside the thickness of the stack, and an electronic identification element which is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolled product having a thickness that can be adjusted by means of separation. The inventive product comprises an alternating stack (2) of sheets (4) and layers (6) of an adhesive material (8). Each of said sheets (4) has an intrinsic resistance to tearing and each layer (6) of adhesive material (8) joins together two adjacent sheets (4) in the stack (2) using a bond strength that is lower than the tearing resistance of the sheets (4). In this way, each sheet (4) can be detached from the stack (2) without being torn. According to the invention, each sheet (4) is essentially made from woven fibers and each sheet (4) belonging to each pair of sheets (4) which are adjacent to the same layer (6) of adhesive material (8) is impregnated, throughout the thickness thereof, with a mass of adhesive material (8) which is incorporated in the shared layer (6) of adhesive material (8).

Abstract: A locking device for locking together first and second elements that are movable relative to each other in an axial direction. The device has a bushing secured to a first element and catches that are cantilevered-out in an axial direction and are elastically deformable. The device also has an anchor portion secured to a second element and an annular setback to receive hook-shaped ends of the catches. The device also has a locking sleeve mounted to move relative to the catches between a release position in which the catches are free to flex, and a blocking position in which the catches are prevented from flexing, wherein the locking sleeve is movable in rotation relative to the catches and includes a circumferential succession of gaps and of obstacles.

Abstract: Tire making machines and driven assemblies for use in a tire making machine. The driven assembly includes a motor having a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends along a length and has a keyway extending along a portion of the length. The keyway includes a bottom surface, sidewalls, and a ramp surface. The driven assembly also includes a driven hub operatively connected to the drive shaft and having a hub keyway. A key is received in the keyway and the hub keyway for operatively connecting the drive shaft and the driven hub. The key includes a bottom surface, side surfaces, and a curved surface. The curved surface and ramp surface include transverse sections having a curved profile, and the curved surface fits into the ramp surface.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of a vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in a retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofitted by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint.

Abstract: A suspension assembly structured to facilitate a selective variance in a height of a vehicle including at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of the vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofit by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to micro-scale or meso-scale hydraulically or pneumatically actuated devices, methods for forming such devices using multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods and particularly fabricating (i.e. building up) a plurality of components of devices that are moveable relative to one another in pre-assembled configurations wherein special features are designed into the devices (e.g. wide gaps in fabrication positions and narrowed gaps in working regions of component movement, mechanisms that inhibit the return of device components to fabrication positions after being moved into working regions, used of cylindrical interference and/or checkerboard bushings, etching holes in selected locations to allow removal of sacrificial material) to allow such fabrication to occur without violating intra-layer minimum feature size constraints while still obtaining effective gaps between components that are smaller than the minimum features size limits.

Abstract: A machine element is provided that includes, but is not limited to a clamping element without a slit, which is incorporated into a receiving area of the machine element. The clamping element has an opening for accommodating a shaft, and can be twisted against the machine element. A support sleeve is arranged radially outside relative to the clamping element. This makes the machine element easy to manufacture, convenient to use, and allows the absorption of high levels of force.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a shaft, a bearing, a coupling supported by the bearing is disclosed. The shaft is engaged by an end trunnion inside the coupling and fixed to the coupling by a cylindrical nut. The engine is characterized in that the nut is in axial abutment in a first direction against the coupling and the trunnion is screwed onto the nut. A slotted stop ring housed in an annular groove of the nut forms an axial abutment in the direction opposing the first direction, so as to allow the removal of the trunnion from the coupling by unscrewing the nut.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a plurality of screws point load the tapered sleeve and drive it from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. Once the initial position has been reached a plurality of fasteners then drive the sleeve from the initial position to a final position. The difference between the initial position and final position determined by the width of a removable spacer used in the mounting system. The system also incorporates a jack screw mechanism used to dismount the bearing assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail and a targeting and/or nailing instrument includes a connector end which has an axially parallel projection which cooperates with an axially parallel recess on the hollow connection end of the nail. The engagement of the projection and recess fastens the nail under axial engagement on the connection end of the instrument in predefined rotational position on the instrument. A quick-fastener element engages in the connection end of the nail and has a first coupling element and the connection end of the nail has a second coupling element. The coupling elements are configured so that in a first rotational position relative to the axially parallel projection the instrument can be introduced into the connection end of the nail and in a second rotational position the coupling elements cooperate so that the nail is held axially fixedly on the instrument.

Abstract: The bicycle angle adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part. The first bicycle part is provided with a hole with an internal toothing. Also, an intermediate ring is provided with an external and internal toothing, wherein the intermediate ring's external toothing, when 5 mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the first bicycle part. In this way, a first set of meshing toothings is formed. The second bicycle part is provided with an external toothing which, when mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the intermediate ring, in such a way that a second set of meshing toothings is formed. The first set of toothings has a first minimum angular rotation and the second set of toothings has a second minimum angular 0 rotation. The first minimum angular rotation of the first set of toothings differs from the second minimum angular rotation of the second set of toothings.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a plurality of screws point load the tapered sleeve and drive it from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. Once the initial position has been reached a plurality of fasteners then drive the sleeve from the initial position to a final position. The difference between the initial position and final position determined by the width of a removable spacer used in the mounting system. The system also incorporates a jack screw mechanism used to dismount the bearing assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: A clamp with liner and mounting base are provided for the attachment of control lines to a subsea riser. The clamp comprises an upper clamp half and a lower clamp half. Each clamp half is hingedly connected along a hinge edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half and latchably connected along a latch edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half by latch structure carried by each clamp half. The latch structure carried by the upper clamp half comprises a pair of parallel ears protruding transversely away from the latch edge of the upper clamp half and defining a pair of aligned boreholes, a pivot pin having a transverse borehole carried by the aligned boreholes through the ears, a bolt carried in the transverse borehole through the pivot pin, and a toggle bar having a threaded transverse borehole therethrough threadably mounted on the bolt.

Abstract: Inner circumference projections of a driven coupling are engaged with inner circumference recesses of a drive coupling. Outer circumference projections of the driven coupling are engaged with outer circumference recesses of the drive coupling. A chamfered portion formed at each tip of the rotational leading-side side surface of the inner circumference projections is capable of contact with the leading-side side surface of each inner circumference recess. A rotational trailing-side circumferential end face of each outer circumference projection and a rotational trailing-side circumferential end face of each outer circumference recess are in surface-to-surface contact with each other. As a result, the drive coupling and the driven coupling can rotate integrally without rattling in the rotational direction.

Abstract: An adaptor for reducing the size of an original hole in a frame member to an adaptor hole sized to receive a selected bolt and which permits adjustment of the relative location of the adaptor hole relative to the original hole and the frame member. The adaptor comprises a washer plate having first and second projections extending outward from opposite sides of the washer. The adaptor hole extends through the washer plate and the first and second projections. The location of the adaptor hole relative to the first projection is different from the location of adaptor hole relative to the second projection.

Abstract: The device, for connecting an end of a control cable to a control member, in particular to the gearshift lever of a motor-vehicle gearbox, includes: an outer body connectable to the control cable and having a through aperture; a bush insertable into the through hole of the body to be releasably locked in an assembly position; and a cover for closing the through aperture at the axially opposite side to that in which the bush is insertable. The bush is provided with resilient engagement means for cooperating with respective retaining members on the body so as releasably to lock the bush in the assembly position, and cam portions formed in one piece with the resilient engagement means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, an attachment device is provided for attaching a support post to a floor having a top, a bottom, a floor opening between the top and the bottom, and a side edge. The attachment device comprises a floor locking nut configured to be rotatably supported at the bottom of the floor. The floor locking nut includes a nut bearing surface disposed adjacent a nut aperture and facing downward from the bottom of the floor. The nut bearing surface includes an inclined surface leading to a raised surface.

Abstract: A system for joining two rails includes a rotatable disc in a slot in an end of a rail, where the disc has a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a pair of diametrically opposed first sectors having a first radius, and a pair of diametrically opposed second sectors having a second radius larger than the first radius. A movable stopper in the rail is urged into the slot at a position where the stopper engages one of the first sectors when a pin in the rail engages one of the notches, and one of the second sectors is between the one first sector and the notch engaging the pin.

Abstract: The quick fastening device fastens cable lines and absorbs vibration, especially on abutments of automobiles. The device has a retainer ring with a spring, as well as a pendulum tube and cable components. A firm component in the interior of the quick fastening device integrates components of a cable on one side, and an intake slit with a pendulum tube on the other side. The firm component is surrounded by a ductile component on which a sliding ring is arranged. The sliding ring is under a retainer ring. A spring is arranged in the interior of the retainer ring with one side against the ductile component and one the other side against the retainer ring. The retainer ring and the ductile component form a groove into which the abutment fits. The retainer ring is pulled back against the resistance of the spring, enlarging the groove, so that the abutment may fit into the groove.

Abstract: A cleaning brush comprises a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, a rotary connector, and a retaining sleeve wherein the brush embodiment having a threaded coupling hole disposed at the center thereof to be engaged with a threaded sleeve of the telescopic tube is provided with a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto. The valve assembly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve is sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube. A pivot rod of the retaining sleeve is led through a pivot hole of the rotary connector and fixedly located at a water inlet hole of the valve body thereof via ultrasonic wave or fastening agents.

Abstract: An expandable rod of a tree pruner is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube, which are located by a drive block and a stop block such that a first end of the drive block is retained in a first tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a first protrusion of the stop block, and that a second end of the drive block is retained in a second tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a second protrusion of the stop block.

Abstract: A water inlet control mechanism for cleaning brushes has a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, and a rotary connector wherein the brush embodiment having a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto is attached to one end of the telescopic tube. The valve assembly sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube is mainly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve. The valve sleeve adapted to a transverse retaining hole of the valve body has a sealing ring abutting against a projecting flange of the valve body to seal up the discharge of water, and two arc ends located onto an eccentric arc facet of the switch sleeve via a guide slope for regulating the water discharge. The switch sleeve is rotated to one side to dislocate the sealing ring thereof from the projecting flange thereof via the eccentric arc facet pushing both arc ends thereof to reveal a gap there-between for the discharge of water.

Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.

Abstract: A quick fastener with a torsion spring, wherein a pressure piece has a wedge-shaped ramp contour which engages in a housing having a wedge-shaped ramp contour, and wherein the torsion spring is arranged between the pressure piece and the housing so that it holds both parts closed.

Abstract: The invention is a glazing panel wall system having unique and advantageous glazing clips. The clips, several different embodiments of which are described, serve to hold the glazing panels and frame member face covers in place. The system comprises the various glazing clips; interconnected frame members, each frame member having recesses adapted for containing glazing panels and a channel adapted for engaging the clips; and face covers which are placed over the front face of the frame members. The invention thus provides a convenient, time-saving, and very effective way of constructing a glazing panel wall.

Abstract: A sunshade device has a lower hollow shaft, an upper shaft inserted in the lower hollow shaft, a plurality of stretchers connected to the upper shaft, and a sunshade awning disposed on the stretchers. The upper shaft has a lower end cover, a neck bar disposed on a bottom of the lower end cover, and a base disk disposed on a bottom of the neck bar. A first semicircular sleeve and a second semicircular sleeve are inserted in the lower hollow shaft to surround the neck bar.

Abstract: A detachable fitting device fits a mechanical component endowed with a cylindrical hole onto a shaft of circular section. The fitting device has an end collar having a substantially elliptical seat and a bush equipped with an elastically deformable external side surface for the reception of the shaft. The fitting is shaped to fit in the elliptical seat. The bush has a first size, measured along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the bush, inclusive between minor and major diameters of the elliptical seat, and a second size, measured along a straight line perpendicular to the bush axis, which second side has a length which is less than the minor diameter of said elliptical seat.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for connection between a sheath and a manipulating section of an endoscopic treatment instrument is provided. A joint includes a leading end portion connected to said sheath, and an expanded base end portion having a first cross sectional shape. A receptacle ring is mounted on an leading end portion of said manipulating section and rotatable within a predetermined angular range relative to said leading end portion of said manipulating section. The receptacle ring is formed with an insertion hole having such a second cross section as to permit said expanded base end portion to be passed therethrough. A fitting hole is formed in said leading end portion of said manipulating section so as to non-rotatably receiving said expanded base end portion that has been passed through the insertion hole.

Abstract: A connecting assembly includes a first tube having an oval inner periphery with a boss extending from an outer periphery thereof, a second tube having a circular outer periphery and a sleeve connected the first and the second tube together. The sleeve has an inner tube which connects to two end plates extending radially and inwardly from one of two ends thereof so as to define a cylindrical recess between the sleeve and the inner tube. The inner tube has an oval outer periphery and two slots defined diametrically opposite therein. The sleeve has a transverse opening defined therein and which communicates with one of the two slots. A longitudinal recess is defined in an inner periphery of the sleeve and which communicates with the transverse opening so that the second tube and the first tube are firmly and respectively received in the inner tube and the tubular recess by rotating the sleeve.

Abstract: A hand-guided working tool has a telescopic rod with a first and a second end. A drive motor is connected to the first end of the telescopic rod. A working tool, connected to the second end of the telescopic rod, is driven by the drive motor. The telescopic rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube inserted with an inner end into the outer tube and displacable in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic rod. A first clamping member is connected to the first end of the outer tube for fixing the axial position of the inner tube. The inner tube has an outer mantle surface and the outer tube has an inner circumferential surface. The outer mantle surface is spaced at a radial distance from the inner circumferential surface. A first cylindrical bearing body is supported on the inner end of the inner tube. The first bearing body is displacably supported in the outer tube.

Abstract: A handlebar stem assembly includes a handlebar stem, a tubular housing formed on one end portion of the handlebar stem, a passage transversely defined in an inner wall of the tubular housing, and an adjusting member rotatably mounted in the passage such that a handlebar of a bicycle can be eccentrically mounted in the adjusting member.

Abstract: A stagelessly ajustable telescopic waking stick having a position retaining device is made up of an upper pipe and a lower pipe that are telescopically adjusted so as to permit the walking stick to be extended to any length within a limited range and be firmly retained at any selected length by the position retaining device so as to permit the telescopic walking stick to be suitable to people of various physical sizes.

Abstract: A tool reach extension pole includes an inner slider tube 12 telescopically received in an open end of an outer handle tube 10 for relative longitudinal shifting movement. The slider tube 12 includes a radially extending hole within which a locking pin 48 is received, and the pin extends through a slot 22 formed in the handle tube 10. The pin 48 includes a head 50 having a width greater than that of the slot 22, and is received in a circumferentially extending eccentric slot of a locking grip 52 that is rotatable and longitudinally shiftable relative to the handle tube 10.

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly is disclosed featuring an eccentric collar and collet which is used to frictionally lock an inner pole which slides within an outer pole. The locking mechanism of the present invention is especially suitable for fiberglass and plastic poles which tend to slip or fracture upon concentric loading as is used in the locking mechanisms of the prior art. The eccentric collet and collar cooperate to form a pathway for the inner sliding pole when the collet is aligned in the open position, and the collet and the outer pole trap the inner pole due to the eccentricities of the collet and the annular collar, which causes a misalignment of the pathway when the collet is rotated into a locked position. The telescoping pole assembly of the present invention is especially suited for tree trimming equipment because the locking assembly does not inadvertently unlock when a torque is applied to the poles, as might be the case when a user attempts to cut a tree branch by twisting the cutting blade.

Abstract: Lockable telescopic members are known that employ separate compression fittings or spring clips, and which can with advantage be avoided. Twist locks are also known where the members can be over rotated to release the connection and cause damage to the members.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a steering shaft, a steering wheel having a hub thereon, and a lateral thrust attachment between the steering shaft and the hub of the steering wheel. In a first preferred embodiment, the lateral thrust attachment includes a cylindrical passage in the hub having a pair of flat sides converging in a V-shape, a first cylindrical journal on the steering shaft in the cylindrical passage in the hub having a matching pair of the flat sides converging in a V-shape, a laterally eccentric cylindrical cavity in the hub around a second cylindrical journal on an end of the steering shaft, and an eccentric sleeve on the second cylindrical journal in the eccentric cavity. In a second preferred embodiment, lateral thrust between the hub and the steering shaft is induced directly by a rod on the hub which laterally traverses the end of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending the reach of a tool includes a tubular receiving member and an elongated slidable member telescopically received therein. A locking assembly is provided between the members for releasably locking the slidable member in any selected axial position relative to the receiving member upon relative rotation of the members. The locking assembly includes a cam supported on the slidable member, and a shoe supported between the cam and the inner surface of the receiving member. The cam is rotatably snapped between a locked position in which the cam forces the shoe against the inner surface of the receiving member to lock the slidable member against axial movement, and an unlocked position in which the cam releases the locking force on the shoe to allow the slidable member to be extended and retracted. The snap-fit movement of the cam positively retains the cam in the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement (10) comprises a bush part (3) seated on a shaft (1) and having an outer circumferential surface (11) designed as a spiral surface (5). At one end, the bush part is connected to an outer component (100) to be fixed on the shaft (3). A clamping ring (8) provided with an inner circumferential surface (13) having a spiral surface (7) is furthermore provided on the bush part (3). The clamping ring (8) can be clamped fast on the shaft (1) by rotating it relative to the bush part (3).

Abstract: A locking device for releasably securing a pair of members in relatively telescoped relationship is disclosed. The device comprises a body to be attached to the end of one member and having an internal bore to receive the other member. The body has a deflectable holding element to frictionally engage against a member to lock it against relative telescoping movement. A projection carried by a rotatable eccentric is moved into and out of engagement with the element to lock or release the members depending on the direction the eccentric is rotated.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle handlebar stem which is based on a C-clamp enlarged adequately to accommodate a pair of half-cylindrical upper and lower adjusting members. The adjusting members are made as a hollow structure to decrease the weight of the bicycle. The upper and lower adjusting members are interlocked through the meshing of a keyway and slot. Since both adjusting members contain two symmetric eccentric curved notches to accommodate the bicycle handlebar, the position of the handlebar can be changed using the eccentric changes of the center of the adjusting members. The fore-and-aft distance and upper-and-lower angle of the handlebar can then be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a toothbrush having a brush head 26 moved by an electromotive drive 12. It is suggested to arrange a mechanical torque limiting device 15 including a cam follower 13, 14 which is acted upon by a spring 16, 17 between a drive shaft of the electromotive drive 12 and the brush head 26. The user of the toothbrush and the electric motor 12 of the toothbrush are thereby protected against damage resulting from an improper manipulation of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A support stand is described which is stackable with other similar stands. The base in one embodiment includes at least one inwardly extending slot, and an upright member is secured to the base. In another embodiment a microphone stand is described which includes two upright members which are telescoped together. The uppermost upright member can be locked in a desired position by a rotatable collar.

Abstract: A stagelessly adjustable telescopic waking stick having a position retaining device is made up of an upper pipe and a lower pipe that are telescopically adjusted so as to permit the walking stick to be extended to any length within a limited range and be firmly retained at any selected length by the position retaining device so as to permit the telescopic walking stick to be suitable to people of various physical sizes.