Lever Actuator Patents (Class 403/374.5)
  • Patent number: 11851186
    Abstract: Passenger seats having improved comfort emergency egress solutions for mini suites or other types of passenger seats that have a privacy screen, wall, or sliding door that divides the passenger seat from the aisle area or other common area. Specific embodiments find particular use on-board passenger transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, where comfort and privacy must be balanced with safety and federal regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignees: Safran Seats USA LLC, Safran Seats
    Inventors: Bastien Bonnefoy, Arthur K. Glain, Victor Carlioz, Matthew Cleary, Eric O. Freienmuth, Patrick Herault, Christopher La Montagna
  • Patent number: 11598133
    Abstract: A door roller includes a carriage member comprising a plurality of bores, and a plurality of roller assemblies connected to the carriage member, each roller assembly of the plurality of roller assemblies including a pivot bearing rotatably disposed within a bore of the plurality of bores and a pair of rollers coupled to the pivot bearing. Each wheel assembly is configured to pivot relative to the carriage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Bennett Bacon, Bart Marcus Shafer
  • Patent number: 11498180
    Abstract: A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the first accessory from the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly can further comprise a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members. An attachment plate can carry the clamp assembly. The attachment plate can have a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Kuehne, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Kevin W. Covell
  • Patent number: 11339916
    Abstract: A tripod combines a ball mount base with a tilt/pan head includes a ball stud that is attached to the center column of the tripod. A lockable ball mount is attached to the ball stud and a tilt/pan head is attached to the ball mount. The tilt/pan head thus can be leveled using the ball mount irrespective of the orientation of the tripod itself. The tripod may also have telescoping legs each with a friction lock. The friction locks have identical threads notwithstanding that each successive telescoping leg segment is smaller in diameter than the previous. A universal end cap can be attached to any one of the leg segments. Telescoping arms attached to the legs form a V-shaped cradle to support an item attached to the tripod head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Cade Smith
  • Patent number: 10307878
    Abstract: A method produces a component, particularly a body component for a vehicle, or a component composite consisting of several components. The steps include forming a metal plate in a forming tool, particularly in a deep-drawing die, producing a reference marking at a predefined location of the metal plate, rough positioning of the formed metal plate by a positioning device such that the reference marking is situated in a predefined space area, identifying the reference marking of a position recognition device, such as a camera system, the position recognition device generating position data corresponding to the position of the reference marking, positioning of a first fixing element at the location of the reference marking based on the position data by an electronically controlled positioning device, and connecting the first fixing element with the formed metal plate, particularly by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Herzinger, Johann van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 10071695
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism with a pawl slidably mounted on a ratchet bar. Two fingers in the pawl on opposite sides of ratchet bar pinch the bar between them when the pawl is pivoted to a pinch angle relative to the bar. A lever on the pawl pivots the pawl to release the fingers from the ratchet bar. An over-rotation stop on the pawl contacts the ratchet bar in the release position, and prevents the pawl from pivoting past the release position to a position that drags a finger against the ratchet bar. The over-rotation stop may extend from the pawl lever, contact and slide along the ratchet bar in the release position, and maintain an ideal release position of the pawl relative to the ratchet bar during sliding of the pawl on the ratchet bar. The ratchet bar may be toothless, providing smooth selection of stopping points on the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Cal M. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9677854
    Abstract: A firearm magnetic locking accessory rail that allows for quick one step attachment or detachment. By having two components connecting together in an interlocking design, the rail allows for easy firearm accessories configuration to meet any shooting requirement. The two magnets in the railing system act as the locking and precision elements that provide sighting accessories same accuracy when remove and re-attach to the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Si Tran
  • Publication number: 20150093191
    Abstract: A device for securing safety guards around machinery is described which includes a portable wedge clamp device which is inserted through both the safety guard and the post. The portable wedge clamp device includes a base wedge member and a corresponding drive wedge member. A set screw is used to prevent the drive wedge member from moving and becoming unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: VANDERGEEST, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Vandergeest, Karen Vandergeest
  • Patent number: 8956070
    Abstract: The invention comprises systems and devices for securely clamping and easily unclamping a first t-slot profile to a second t-slot profile. The clamping devices may move along a first t-slot profile, allowing the invention to clamp at different places along the first profile. The clamping systems and devices may be used for positioning a side-fence, connected with the second profile, relative to a saw blade, or for construction of a trade show booths, display assemblies, or other structures that may be securely clamped together, and easily unclamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Bela Vidor
  • Publication number: 20140376999
    Abstract: An expansion card mounting assembly includes a slot cover mounted on an expansion card, a mounting wall, a pressing member pivotably mounted on the mounting wall, and a sliding member slidably mounted on the mounting wall. The slot cover includes a bent portion. The mounting wall defines an expansion slot and a receiving slot and includes a support piece. The slot cover covers the slot with the bent portion located on the support piece. The pressing member includes a guiding piece aligned to the receiving slot. The sliding member can move on the mounting wall to shield the receiving slot and block the guiding piece to maintain the pressing member pressing the bent portion, or to be misaligned with the receiving slot to allow the guiding piece to move in the receiving slot to release the bent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: ZHAN-YANG LI
  • Patent number: 8776810
    Abstract: A stick is provided in which a gripping tube is fixed to a front end portion of an upper connection tube having a large diameter and a circular-arc engagement portion formed by a front-end cut portion of the gripping tube is tightened or loosened with the operation of a cam lever so that the outer periphery of a lower connection tube is fixed in a pressurized and gripped state or the pressurizing force is released, wherein a contracted tube portion is formed in the outer periphery of the lower connection tube at the portion with which the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact when the lower connection tube is pressed into the upper connection tube so as to reach a shortened position, and when the cam lever is locked at the shortened position, the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact with the contracted tube portion having a small outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jeh-Kun Lah, Jang-Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 8746417
    Abstract: A roller lock device has a shaft and a housing configured over the shaft for selective relative movement thereto. A plurality of rollers is configured between the housing and the shaft, at least some of which are substantially conically shaped. A cage is configured between the housing and the shaft and adjacent the rollers such that the rollers are at least partially constrained from movement by the cage. A control is configured to move the rollers axially thereby engaging and disengaging the roller lock. The housing has ramps configured to receive the rollers, the ramps having a curved contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Triebold, John Nutter, George D Larson
  • Publication number: 20140064841
    Abstract: A rotary connector has a sleeve body having an end region, an opening, an inner surface with clamping surfaces, spokes, levers acting to press the clamping surface against an axle when the rotary connector is rotating, individual masses forming the outer body of the rotary connector, azimuthal gaps and radial gaps for allowing the individual masses to clamp or release an axle inserted into the rotary connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Maarten Hartger Kimman, Jeroen Paul Van Schieveen
  • Patent number: 8608118
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a flexible sleeve secured to one segment of a telescopic rod and having a collar for receiving the other segment, and two lugs displaceable between untightened and tightened positions, and an elastic lining member disposed on the collar such that, as a result of displacement of the lugs from the untightened position to the tightened position, the elastic lining member is strained to acquire a biasing force that biases the lugs back toward the untightened position, thereby facilitating telescopic movement of the telescopic rod during length-adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hsin-Yuan Lai
    Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Lai
  • Patent number: 8590849
    Abstract: A support post for a safety fence assembly. The support post has a floor engaging end that has a number of claws, a shaft coupled at one end to the floor engaging end, a first longitudinally extending telescoping tube, a second longitudinally extending telescoping tube adapted for sliding telescoping engagement with the first telescoping tube, a ceiling engaging end, and an over-center locking lever assembly. Each of the claws has a number of sharp penetrating points for engagement with a supporting surface. The shaft has a free end which is threaded along at least a portion of its length. The first longitudinally extending telescoping tube has an internal nut for threaded engagement with the shaft. The ceiling engaging end is coupled to the second telescoping tube. The over-center locking lever assembly fixes the relative position of the first and second telescoping tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan Jonny Melic
  • Patent number: 8578956
    Abstract: A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having a coupler at one end for coupling with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. The coupler has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall thereof. Each of the slots have an axial portion open at the top and a circumferential portion extending circumferentially from the axial portion. The axial portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be pushed over a central hub with spokes of the framework passing through the slots, and the circumferential portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be rotated into locking engagement with the spokes. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Dankenbring
  • Publication number: 20130294827
    Abstract: A coupling/uncoupling mechanism maintains a condition that a male coupling body is inserted in an insertion space and the other end of a lever member is in a position in proximity to the insertion space, so that an engaging surface of an engaging member is contacted with an engageable surface of the male coupling body. When the male coupling body and the female coupling body are uncoupled, the other end of the lever member moves to a direction to be apart from the insertion space, so that the engaging surface moves toward a withdrawing direction. This allows releasing the contacting of the engaging surface with the engageable surface. This provides sufficient fastening force with a simple configuration and the coupling status can be retained with a smaller force as compared with such a fastening force, and further, a recombination can be easily achieved even after a separation is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Youichi Horie
  • Patent number: 8468659
    Abstract: A device for fixing a first and second object with respect to one another includes a base which has a first channel or sleeve and a second channel or sleeve each suitable for receiving the first and second objects, respectively. A first member is and a second member are movably connected to the base. The first and second members can be moved into a locking position whereby the first member projects into the first channel, and the second member extends into the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Litanzios
  • Patent number: 8453369
    Abstract: An offset mountable accessory, including an accessory having an accessory body; and an accessory mounting clamp coupled to the accessory body, wherein the accessory mounting clamp is capable of mounting the accessory body to an accessory rail, such that the accessory body is mounted offset from the accessory rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Kincaid, Craig Adam Lamb, Birten L. Todd, Thomas M. Gregory, Eric M. Yeates
  • Patent number: 8321998
    Abstract: A tensioning device that is inexpensive to manufacture and is useful for various rope tensioning applications. The rope locking device can be used anywhere along a length of rope that is being used to hold, tie down, or secure a load or item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Roto Kinetics LLC
    Inventor: Richard L. Warren
  • Patent number: 8186768
    Abstract: A quick release for bicycles comprising a pull rod extending in the axial direction, an end element at a first end of the pull rod, a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod, and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element. The tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element. The lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and against the biasing force of a biasing spring is movable outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position. In the turn position an angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Spahr
  • Patent number: 8132355
    Abstract: An adjustable accessory mounting clamp for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail, including an accessory band, a primary locking arm, a secondary locking arm, and a threaded adjustment rod that is anchored, at a first end, to the primary locking arm, extends through an aperture in the secondary locking arm, and is threadedly coupled to a cam lever pin of a cam lever, wherein the cam lever includes at least one camming surface, such that when the cam lever is in a closed position, the camming surface contacts an outer surface portion of the secondary locking arm to provide tension to the threaded adjustment rod, such that a distance between the primary locking claw and the secondary locking claw is adjusted to accommodate varying width accessory mounting rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Kincaid, Thomas M. Gregory, John E. Proc, Birten L. Todd, Eric M. Yeates, Clifton L. Cook, Thomas A. Marx
  • Patent number: 8128306
    Abstract: A regulating device for gymnastic machines and the like, includes at least a lever (2) for manual selective lock and release, associated with a first member (3), at least a toothed rod (4), associated with a second member (5) slidable relative to said first member (3), and a pawl (6) mechanically interlocked with the lever (2) and selectively engageable in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4) to block rigidly the second member (5) with respect to the first member (3) in any position by a user the lever (2) being selectively movable from at least a first position of sliding of the second member (5) relative to the first member (3), wherein said pawl (6) can be released from said toothed rod (4), to at least a second position of blocking said second member (5) relative to said first member (3), wherein the pawl (6) is rigidly engaged in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4), to at least a third position of substantial clearing of the mechanical backlashes between the second member (5) and the first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Technogym S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Gorza
  • Patent number: 8112933
    Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of a clamping assembly is adjustable. The mounting assembly includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that retention nut controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly. A lock lever connected to the actuator arm selectively locks the position of the retention nut on the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 8075217
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus (1) that comprises a compression sleeve element (2) established at least partially around portions of a first elongated member (6) that telescopes from a larger elongated member (8) in which it may nest. A relative motion obstruction element (4) may disallow only certain types of motion, e.g., rotational and axial, of the compression sleeve element relative to the elongated members around which it may be at least partially established. As it may be the compression enhancement element (3) —which may be used to generate a retaining compression force element—that prevents perpendicular displacement of the compression sleeve element, deactivation and effective disengagement of the compression enhancement element may allow for a quick removal of the compression sleeve element without requiring that it be slid off an end of either elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Swift Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Eason
  • Publication number: 20110286791
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: LeMond Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, JR., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20110280654
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: LeMond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, JR., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20110070021
    Abstract: A fixing device for an extension tube of an exercise includes an outer tube and an inner tube received in the outer tube, wherein the extension tube extends through the inner tube. A quick release device laterally mounted to an outer periphery of the outer tube. The quick release device extends through the outer tube and the inner tube to quickly fixing/releasing the extension tube when adjusting the stretching distance of the extension tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Hsuan Fu Huang, Tsung Chi Chang, Shang-Wei Yeh
  • Patent number: 7905045
    Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of the clamping actuator is adjustable. The mounting assembly generally includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that retention nut controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 7886476
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting accessories to a dovetail rail on a firearm is provided. The mounting assembly includes a main body having a lower portion with a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof and a clamping assembly installed into the main body opposite the engagement member such that the clamping assembly can be engaged and disengaged with the dovetail rail to hold the mounting assembly on the dovetail rail. In addition, a buffer pad is provided between the clamping assembly and the interface point on the dovetail rail to protect the rail from wear. The clamping assembly includes a means for retracting the buffer pad when the clamping assembly is in the disengaged position, the retraction means preferably being magnetic. Such that the buffer pad is held out of the way when mounting or dismounting the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 7802395
    Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably mounted onto a standard dovetail rail profile and includes a positive index that corresponds to a fully opened position. The mounting assembly includes a boss formation that extends from one side thereof. A foot portion and an actuator arm are installed into the boss formation and serve as a means for engaging and disengaging the mounting assembly relative to the dovetail rail. An indexing formation is provided on the boss and is configured such that the indexing formation engages the clamping assembly to prevent over rotation of the foot portion and thus allowing the actuator arm to be positioned in a fully disengaged, open position where the foot portion will not interfere with removal or installation of the mounting assembly relative to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 7757423
    Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of the clamping actuator is adjustable. The mounting assembly generally includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that retention nut controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 7757422
    Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of the clamping actuator is adjustable. The mounting assembly generally includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that a retention nut, which is locked relative to the clamping assembly, controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 7735255
    Abstract: An adjustable accessory mounting clamp for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail, including a primary locking arm; a secondary locking arm; a threaded adjustment rod that is anchored, at a first end, to the primary locking arm, extends through an aperture in the secondary locking arm, and is threadedly coupled to a cam lever pin of a cam lever, wherein the cam lever includes at least one caming surface, such that when the cam lever is in a closed position, the caming surface contacts an outer surface portion of the secondary locking arm to provide tension to the threaded adjustment rod; such that a distance between the primary locking claw and the secondary locking claw is adjusted to accommodate varying width accessory mounting rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Kincaid, Thomas M. Gregory, John E. Proc, Birten L. Todd, Eric M. Yeates, Clifton L. Cook, Thomas A. Marx
  • Publication number: 20100080650
    Abstract: A regulating device for gymnastic machines and the like, includes at least a lever (2) for manual selective lock and release, associated with a first member (3), at least a toothed rod (4), associated with a second member (5) slidable relative to said first member (3), and a pawl (6) mechanically interlocked with the lever (2) and selectively engageable in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4) to block rigidly the second member (5) with respect to the first member (3) in any position by a user the lever (2) being selectively movable from at least a first position of sliding of the second member (5) relative to the first member (3), wherein said pawl (6) can be released from said toothed rod (4), to at least a second position of blocking said second member (5) relative to said first member (3), wherein the pawl (6) is rigidly engaged in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4), to at least a third position of substantial clearing of the mechanical backlashes between the second member (5) and the first
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Roberto Gorza
  • Patent number: 7621200
    Abstract: A steering wheel adapter comprises a base having an opening, a plate with a plug formed, and a ring capable of sliding and rotating along the outer face of the base. In the steering wheel adapter, a guide hole penetrating the side face of the base from the outer face into the opening is disposed, a locking member capable of protruding into the opening is provided in the guide hole, and a cam face is provided facing the guide hole on the inner face of the ring. When the ring is slid and rotated in a state where the plate is mounted on the base to insert the plug into the opening, the cam face pushes and protrudes the locking member into the opening, and the locking member is pressed to contact the outer surface of the plug. Consequently, both easy attachment/detachment and prevention of rattle can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Works Bell Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20090196684
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compression type fixing mechanism for an electronic device. The compression type fixing mechanism includes a first component, a second component and a casing having a base plate to carry the first and the second components. The compression type fixing mechanism includes a first limiting unit having a first wedging section disposed on the casing and a second wedging section disposed on the first component for limiting the first component to move relatively to the base plate in a first direction; a second limiting unit having a third wedging section disposed on the casing and a fourth wedging section disposed on the second component for limiting the second component to move relatively to the base plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a positioning unit disposed on the first component and having a propping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Tiger Hu, Tsai-Kuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 7562943
    Abstract: A bicycle component securing structure includes a shaft, a head, a lever and a pivot pin. The head has a recess with the shaft at least partially disposed therein. The lever has portions disposed on opposite sides of the head. The pivot pin couples the head and the lever to the shaft. The pivot pin has a cam section disposed between first and second end sections. The cam section is disposed within the recess to longitudinally move the shaft relative to the head in response to movement of the lever. The first end section is non-rotatably mounted in a first mating hole of the lever such that the lever and pivot pin rotate together. The first end section has a larger maximum transverse width than the second end section. The second end of the pivot pin is retained within the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 7537291
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a shaft member, a head member, a lever member and an adjustment member. The shaft member has a first threaded end and a second end with a center axis extending therebetween. The head member is disposed on the second end of the shaft member. The lever member is operatively mounted between the shaft member and the head member to move the shaft member in an axial direction relative to the head member in response to movement of the lever member. The adjustment member is axially adjustably coupled to the head member such that an axial position of an abutment surface of the adjustment member can be adjusted relative to the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 7459004
    Abstract: A mounting structure for an air cleaner on a combustion engine according to the present invention includes an engine cover (9) for covering at least a portion of the combustion engine (E). The cover (9) includes an air cleaner casing (81) having an opening and an air cleaner cover (83) for covering the opening of the air cleaner casing (81). Flanges (81f, 83f) are formed in respective joint portions of the air cleaner casing (81) and the air cleaner cover (83). The mounting structure also includes a slider (10) movable between a disengagement position and an engagement position in a direction parallel to the joint portions. This slider (10) when moved to the engagement position connects the flanges (81f, 83f) of the air cleaner casing (81) and cover (83), but when moved to the disengagement position the slider (10) enables the cover (83) to be released from the casing (81).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitomi Miyake, Yoshiteru Ueda, Ichiro Uemura, Tetsuhiro Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 7357593
    Abstract: A tube connector for connecting one tubular section to another tubular section. A hook apparatus is joined to a first tubular section and a latching apparatus joined to a second tubular section. The latching apparatus of the second tubular section removably engages the hook apparatus of the first tubular section forming a sturdy joint able to hold up under vigorous activity. The latch and hook are easily joined and locked into place. The second tubular section covers the engaged latch and hook joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Brian A. Florence
  • Patent number: 7354217
    Abstract: A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising at least one locking member on the object or the support structure and adapted for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure or the object. A transverse hole in the locking member which, at the time of fitting the object, is adapted to be partly masked by the material surrounding the aperture. An engagement device having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery is inserted in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member and is turned thereafter from one position to another position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure. Also a method for attaching an object to a support structure using the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Kenneth Soder
  • Patent number: 7111359
    Abstract: A bar or rod gripper for arresting the linear axial movement of a rod, e.g. the piston rod of a door closure between a door open or closed position, that includes a compressible bushing slidably disposed about the rod or bar, and a canter washer disposed about the compression bushing whereby the canter washer, when tilted, will cause the compression bushing to compress to impose a surface to surface frictional force onto the bar or rod to resist or restrain the axial movement thereof without scoring, pitting or indenting the outer surface of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Valentin Luca
  • Patent number: 7086546
    Abstract: A method and a display rack apparatus for the efficient display of large or bulky inventory items. The display rack includes mounting brackets attached to sloping lateral frame arms to support similar parts of disassembled items of inventory in an inclined, raised array. The mounting brackets grip the frame arms by pressure of cam pins and may include associated fingers shaped to engage the parts being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Roger L. Meier
  • Patent number: 7073971
    Abstract: An apparatus for detachably mounting a device to a rail. The rail has generally oppositely facing first and second edges, each having adjacent front and back faces. The apparatus includes a bracket on the device. The bracket has a recess for receiving the first edge of the rail. The recess includes a lip for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the first edge. The apparatus also includes a clamp on the device. The clamp has a resilient wing for resiliently engaging the front face of the rail, proximal to the engagement between the rail and the lip. The apparatus further includes a latch for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the second edge against the bias of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: EGS Electrical Group, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Edward Schurr, Jay John Bolante, John Harty Brandenburg, Dale Charles Corel, Carlos Delgado, Jamie Kim, Maureen Patricia White
  • Patent number: 7028579
    Abstract: An over-mold lever in particular for use in a clamping mechanism for a vehicle steering column, is preferably made primarily of plastics material and includes a main portion (1) a head (5) and a hand grip (4). The head (5) is molded over an integrated camming surface (2), which is provided with one or more, preferably four, raised camming portions (2A). The camming surface (2) is arranged for engagement with a corresponding camming surface of another cam component to operate the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nsk Steering Systems Europe Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Irish, Nicholas Vinsonneau
  • Patent number: 6976288
    Abstract: A bar or rod gripper for arresting the linear axial movement of a rod, e.g. the piston rod of a door closure between a door open or closed position, that includes a compressible bushing slidably disposed about the rod or bar, and a canter washer disposed about the compression bushing whereby the canter washer, when tilted, will cause the compression bushing to compress to impose a surface to surface frictional force onto the bar or rod to resist or restrain the axial movement thereof without scoring, pitting or indenting the outer surface of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Valentin Luca
  • Patent number: 6972042
    Abstract: A quick-release tube clamp and method therefor for locking and releasing a prosthetic pylon/foot component from the socket. The quick-release tube clamp includes a tubular portion, an annular socket portion, and a clamp portion. The tubular portion has a formed slot along a longitudinal length of the tubular portion. The tubular portion forms a cylindrical opening with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular pylon. The annular socket at the upper end of the tubular portion attaches to the socket of the modular lower limb prosthetic system. The clamp portion is located near the lower end of the tubular portion and firmly locks the tubular portion around the tubular pylon when the tubular pylon is inserted into the tubular position and provides a releasing position for removal of the tubular pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ampu-Clamp LLC
    Inventor: Richard Myrle Benson
  • Patent number: 6948878
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is a locking quick release device for allowing quick and easy release and adjustment to a bicycle seat and/or bicycle wheels, while still allowing the seat and/or wheels to lock to the bike frame when the quick release lever is in the closed position. The device includes a standard plug lock combined with the lever of the quick release device. In the closed position, the lock can be engaged with a key, securely locking the lever closed and the seat and/or the wheels to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Grove Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Smith, Jr., Richard L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6916135
    Abstract: A cam pin (2) is provided on a male connector (1). A cam groove (25) is formed on a lever (15) of a female connector (5). On a bottom surface (30) of a cam part (27) of the cam groove (25), an escape hole (32) is formed at the side of a cam surface (28) for separation, with the escape hole (32) penetrates through an outer wall of a cam plate part (17). The groove width of the cam part (27) is larger than the outer diameter of the cam pin (2). Even though foreign matter such as sand penetrates into the cam groove (25) in a fitted state of the female connector (5) and the male connector (1), the foreign matter can be discharged from the escape hole (32) to the outside of the connector. If some foreign matter does not pass through the escape hole (32) but is left in the cam part (27), the groove width of the cam part (27) is larger than the outer diameter of the cam pin (2) so that the foreign matter does not interfere with a movement of the cam pin (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Tanaka