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: An apparatus for locking a telescopic column in any selected extended length and for unlocking a skewed lock washer so that the column can return it to a collapsed position particularly by the use of a foot pedal to unlock same; and the use of such an apparatus in a rapidly adjustable supporting platform for displaying an article thereon. The apparatus preferably includes a movable base supporting the column.

Abstract: A new tool with interchangeable heads for the selection of a proper tool for the digging or manipulating of a surface for landscaping or construction purposes. The inventive device includes a shaft and interchangeable head members insertable into the shaft including a first head member with an auger head section extending from a rod section, a second head member with an mallet head section extending from a rod section, and a third head member with a chisel head section extending from a rod section.

Abstract: A telescoping assembly is attached to a base for supporting the assembly above a floor. The assembly includes nestable elongated members having threaded sleeves configured to tighten the members in place in a nested position and in an extended position. A trouble light hook is attached to a distal end of the elongated member which is most distal from the base when the assembly is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A fail safe hold open telescoping rod movable from a retracted to an extended position. A locking member coacts with telescoping tubes of the rod to allow the tubes to be fully extended by pulling the member away from the tubes and locking the same in a retracted position permitting extension of the tubes without need for manually holding the locking member. When the fully extended position is reached, the locking member automatically returns to a lock position holding the tubes in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A plug-in-lock assembly particularly useful for locking in fixed position a pleasure boat seat with respect to the deck of the boat. The plug-in-lock assembly features a base assembly and stem combination. The base assembly features a base within which is formed a reception cavity and a bushing ring supported by the base and extending into the reception cavity. The bushing ring has an interior surface which contacts with the stem once inserted. The base assembly also includes a center post positioned within the reception cavity and supported by the base. The center post has a top surface and a side wall with the side wall being spaced from an interior surface of the base defining the reception cavity so as to define a stem reception gap between said wall and interior surface. The invention also features a method for assembling the plug-in-lock assembly.

Abstract: In a wood planing machine, two pairs of spaced front and rear pillars extend upwardly from a bed at opposite end portions of the latter. Each of two upright threaded rods is mounted stationarily on a respective one of the opposite end portions of the bed between a respective one of the pairs of spaced front and rear pillars. An upper housing has opposite end portions through which the front and rear pillars extend slidably. Each of the opposite end portions of the upper housing has a transmission gear that is mounted rotatably thereon and that has a respective one of the threaded rods extending threadedly therethrough. The upper housing further has a horizontal coupling rod mounted rotatably thereon. The coupling rod is provided with a pair of driven members that engage the transmission gears on the upper housing. The wood planing machine is further provided with a locking unit to permit locking of the upper housing at a desired height relative to the bed.

Abstract: An expandable stop ring slides over the end of a top post until it engages a selected one of a number of spaced apart grooves in the end of a top post. The end of the top post is inserted into a bottom tubular post until the stop ring fits inside a keeper that is mounted to the upper end of the bottom post. The keeper prevents expansion of the stop ring, hence the stop ring and keeper combination support the top post and any equipment carried thereon. The top post height adjustment is made by lifting the top post to remove the stop ring from the keeper, thereby permitting sliding movement of the stop ring to another selected groove on the top post.

Abstract: A telescoping wall mount includes two long structural bars (1) and (6) having specific lengths and that are coupled together telescopically. The first bar (1) has a cross section similar to an open rectangle with wings (4) on the open side, each wing terminating with a U-shaped inwardly bent edge (5). The second structural bar (6) is made to be housed and to run inside the first bar. The second bar (6) has a cross section similar to an open rectangle with the wings (7) housed inside the U-shaped edges (5) of the first structural bar and sized so as to avoid transversal slack.

Abstract: In a snap connection system in which a shaft is inserted into a tube to a predetermined position, where co-operating surfaces on tube and shaft engage as in a laterally acting wedge. Two axially spaced spring loaded balls on one side of the tube urge the shaft into wedging engagement with the tube when in the pre-determined position. During insertion, a further spring loaded ball on the opposite side of the tube adjacent the wedge apex urges the shaft out of wedging engagement with the tube. A detent in the shaft accommodates this further ball at the predetermined position, locating the shaft axially and permitting wedging. The balls are biased by a spring sleeve and a tang thereon locates the sleeve on the tube. The tang may extend to the tube interior to coact with a detent in the shaft so that unclipping is necessary for disassembly. Alternatively, a spring loaded pin extending through sleeve and tube wall may accomplish the same end.

Abstract: A locking device for a pair of telescoping tubular poles. An engagement member fits to one end of first pole and is slidingly engaged within second pole. A groove of the engagement member engages with a rib in the second pole so the first pole cannot rotate relative to the second pole. First pole also slidingly engages through a clamp which is mounted to the end of the second pole. A cover fits over the clamp. A cam located between the inside wall over engages with a clamping element of the clamp. A lever extends from cam through an opening in the cover. By manipulating the lever the cam can cause the clamping element to clampingly lock the first pole against sliding movement in the second pole.

Abstract: A joint for joining two tubes together that provides a connection that is highly resistant to relative rotational movement of the two tubes and that provides for connecting the tubes without requiring tools. A tube with a swaged end of smaller diameter that is to be joined to a second tube with a larger diameter contains an interconnection member disposed within the swaged end of the tube. The interconnection member is a button that is spring-biased to extend through a hole in the swaged tube. The end of the swaged tube also includes two slots, disposed on opposing sides of the tube, that receive within them a rivet that extends transversely through the larger diameter tube. As the swaged tube is inserted into the larger diameter tube, the button in the swaged tube springs into a corresponding hole in the larger diameter tube when the holes in the swaged tube and the large diameter tube are in alignment.

Abstract: A depth-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle whose shaft is disposed in a tube body including two tubes (2, 3), one sliding in the other, a sheath (5) being disposed between the two tubes (2, 3). The sheath (5) comprises projecting elements which are flexible in a radial direction and come into contact with at least one of the tubes (2, 3). The projecting elements are orientated longitudinally, namely parallel to the axis of the tubes (2, 3).

Abstract: A rotational latching device for use with a damper device comprising a cylinder and a piston so as to hold the piston in the closed position includes a rotating latching member and a heart-shaped cam part. The cam part includes a V-shaped portion. The latch member includes a latch guide pin which is retained in a V-shaped portion of the cam part in the closed position and is unlatched therefrom when the front end of the piston is moved slightly into the cylinder. The rotating latch member comprises a one-piece construction, can be easily formed by injection molding, and is readily assembled.

Abstract: An extendable rod comprises a bracelet which is releasably lockable on a rod-shaped element of the rod, a depression which is formed in the bracelet and which can accommodate an end portion of a lever pivoted on the bracelet in such a manner as to permit the relative sliding of the bracelet on the rod-shaped element, and a surface which is raised with respect to the depression and which is engaged by the end portion of the lever in order to tighten the bracelet on the rod-shaped element.

Abstract: A locating structure for luggage pull rod, including a rectangular outer tube, a rectangular inner tube, a locating cord, an engaging body, a small spring, a large spring, a control linking lever, two opposite cover bodies and two sealing caps. The outer tube is integrally made and two ends of top face of the outer tube are respectively formed with two notches. The top face of the inner tube is formed with an arch channel. The locating cord is disposed with multiple ball members at equal intervals. The engaging body is U-shaped. The top face of the engaging body is disposed with two concaves, while the bottom face thereof is formed with a central circular dent. One end of the control linking lever is connected with a control body, while the other end thereof is connected with a depression body. Two ends of the control body are disposed with two abutting legs. A rectangular hole is formed between the two abutting legs. Each of the two cover bodies has a small dimension insertion section.

Abstract: A shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members and to one another. The linking device is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella rod structure having multiple tubes. The rod comprises at least two tubes, such as an outer tube and an inner tube, which have arched grooves and positioning holes, and a V-shaped stopper having a projection on one end disposed in the inner tube to extend from positioning holes of both tubes. The arched contacts between the grooves of both tubes and the engagement of the projection and the positioning holes make the rod be secure and firm when it is stretched while the structure of the invention is simple and the manufacturing and assembling is easy and convenience.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a safety system for steering shafts, in which shaft parts non-rotatably engage each other and are secured against relative displacement in relation to one another by injected shear materials, which are designed for maximum axial forces in the steering shaft and engage recesses on the outer circumference of the inner shaft part and on the inner circumference of the outer shaft part. Such a safety system has an at least double telescoping shaft system, in which at least two shaft parts are connected to one another by an intermediate shaft part, and the inner shaft parts engage a radial expansion of the corresponding outer shaft part, and a cross section of the shear material designed for shearing is arranged between the shaft parts in the area of the expansion.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus, comprising:an elongated tube having a first and second end, and a length sufficient to regulate a golfer's stance;a lower leg lateral restraint having a first and second end, said lower leg lateral restraint movably positioned within said first end of said elongated tube, said first end of said lower leg lateral restraint having a sharp point for facilitating the insertion of said lower leg lateral restraint into the ground;a lateral foot restraint having a first and second end, said lateral foot restraint movably positioned within said second end of said elongated tube, said first end of said lateral foot restraint having a sharp point for facilitating the insertion of said lateral foot restraint into the ground;a locking mechanism for locking said elongated tube, said lower leg lateral restraint, and said lateral foot restraint together; andwherein said elongated tube, said lower leg lateral restraint, and said lateral foot restraint can be disassembled into separate components fo

Abstract: An extendible rod comprises two rod-shaped elements slidable telescopically inside each other, and an expander device for locking the rod-shaped elements against sliding in an extended position of the rod, wherein the expander device comprises a linkage acting between first and second constraint members, being each associated with a respective one of the rod-shaped elements to drive them through a stroke of mutual separation, and wherein the length of that stroke may be adjusted.

Abstract: A locking-unlocking mechanism is disclosed which is capable of realizing firm and reliable connection between pipes when a plurality of pipes telescopically arranged are extended, and capable of disconnecting the connected pipes rapidly and precisely.

Abstract: A collet assembly for telescoping pole structures and the like including inner and outer collet members. The inner collet member is mounted upon a first pole and includes a plurality of integral flexible fingers. The inner collet member is staked to the pole by deforming small sections thereof into spaces between the flexible fingers. The outer collet member has a tapped interior threadedly engaging a tapped exterior portion of the inner collet member, which threaded portion is spaced inward from the free ends of the flexible fingers. An interior peripheral portion of the outer collet member is tapered to urge the fingers radially inwardly when the outer collet member is threaded onto the inner collet member. A collet ring is positioned within an annular recess collectively formed by recesses provided along the interior periphery of each of the fingers and is pressed against a second tube telescoped into the collet assembly when the outer collet member is tightened onto the inner collet member.

Abstract: A sleeve for coupling a tool to a handle includes a collar, a shank and a pair of resilient clips. The collar defines proximal and distal ends, and includes an exterior surface which converges from the proximal end toward the distal end. In addition, the collar includes a central bore for receiving a shaft of the tool. In an especially preferred form, the central bore is so dimensioned as to fit closely around a shaft of the tool. In addition, the exterior surface of the collar meets an interior surface of the central bore at a right or acute angle. Then, the portion of the exterior surface of the collar near the juncture with the interior surface of the central bore acts as a knife edge to scrape deposits such as caked mud from the shaft of the tool as the shaft is inserted into the sleeve.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft including a polygonal tubular shaft, a polygonal solid shaft telescopically received in the polygonal tubular shaft, a spring which thrusts the solid and tubular shafts in opposite lateral directions to eliminate lash attributable to running clearance between the solid and tubular shafts, and a control operative from outside of the tubular shaft to relieve the lateral thrust of the spring. The solid shaft has an outside longitudinal groove facing an inside longitudinal groove in the tubular shaft and cooperating with the inside longitudinal groove in defining a longitudinal passage between the solid and tubular shafts. The spring is a helical coil spring wedged between the inside and the outside longitudinal grooves. The control includes a lever on the coil spring and a lateral slot in the tubular shaft through which the lever protrudes.

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: An extendable support arm for a carpet stretcher is provided. The extendable support arm is a multiple section telescoping arm having several telescoping sections made from angle aluminum extrusions. The angle extrusions all have the same cross-sectional shape and size thereby reducing manufacturing costs and allowing the changing of the total telescoping length by either removing or adding telescoping sections. Gravity-operated locks hold each section in the extended position, while a combination in gravity-actuated and manually-actuated locks allow fine adjustment of length on one of the telescoping sections. Turning the entire assembly over to the upside down position unlocks all sections allowing the arm to be collapsed. A tail block with casterable wheels is provided to allow easy movement of the stretcher within a room.

Abstract: A telescoping support pole suitable for supporting tarpaulins or camouflage netting is described. The pole is made up of a plurality of tubes that nest within one another for storage. To deploy the pole, the tubes are extended in a telescoping fashion. Ball locks are provided for maintaining the extended poles in desired longitudinal relationships. The ball locks are activated by spring loaded collars that force balls into circumferential grooves formed in the outside surfaces of the inner telescoping tubes. The collars may be manually operated to release the ball lock mechanism to permit the pole length to be adjusted or to permit the tubes to be nested within one another for storage. Pivoting fixtures suitable for use at the upper end of the support pole are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slideably moveable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed including a shelf (80) mounted to a lift tube (76) of a lift sub-assembly (74). An adjustment cone (88) is secured to the lower end of a rod (86) having its upper end pivotably secured to a handle (82) in turn pivotably secured adjacent the upper end of the lift tube (76). The lift tube (74) is slideable in cylindrical inner surfaces (58) of top and bottom bushings (50, 68) separated by positional spacers (66) having inner surfaces spaced from the lift tube (76). Indexing spacers (26) are slideably received and stacked end-on-end inside a vertical tube (18) below the bushings (50, 68) and the positional spacers (66).

Abstract: A flagpole is provided for displaying a flag, the flagpole comprises at least one longitudinally extending tubular segment and rotatable flag engaging rings concentrically disposed on the tubular segment. One of the rotatable flag engaging rings includes a pawl device, concentrically disposed on the tubular segment, for allowing only uni-directional lateral movement of one of the flag engaging rings.

Abstract: In order to simplify the design of a clamping device (1), in particular for securing an axially displaceable rod (3) in optional adjustment positions, in which a rolling body (17) is supported at a housing (5) enclosing it for clamping purposes, the rolling body (17) is arranged in a lever head (9) of a lever (6) having at its end remote of the lever head (9) a push button (11) which is guided out through the housing (5) and the rolling body (17) contacts a portion of the wall of the housing (5) constructed on its inner side as an oblique plane (19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray table for invalid chairs operable in two modes, and methods for making and operating the tray table. Runners on the tray slide into brackets mounted to the arms of the chair, thus maintaining the tray in position in front of the patient. A detent mounted to at least one bracket is capable of engaging a hole on at least one runner. In one mode, the detent engages the hole in the tray table, locking the tray table in position on the chair. In a second mode, a sliding block is displaced under the knob of the detent. The detent is thereby maintained in a retained condition such that the runner may freely slide in and out of the bracket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle includes a steering column shaft (1) mounted so that it can move rotatably inside a column body (2), and a restraining arrangement (5) for temporarily axially immobilizing the shaft within the body for fitting the assembly onto the rest of the structure of the vehicle, it being possible to move the restraining arrangement between an active immobilization position and a non-obstructing position. The restraining arrangement includes structure (10) for enabling a limited degree of axial movement of the shaft within the body when the arrangement is in the non-obstructing position.

Abstract: A shifter handle assembly for an automotive transmission. The shifter handle assembly comprises a shifter handle having a bore into which the shifter of a vehicle is inserted. A retaining clip is inserted within an aperture of the shifter handle which engages a recessed groove in the shifter such that separation of the shifter handle assembly is prevented. The assembly is preferably constructed of four parts, all held together by the retaining clip.

Abstract: A secure screw locking structure for a telescoping drag link and fixing rod. When used in a luggage handle, it includes a pair of symmetrical drag links and fixing rods, a loop bar or insert and a setting seat or coupling, a screw block seat or hub and a control screw bush or knob located on each end of a transverse fixing seat or cross bar. The coupling has a setting hole or axial bore and a screw block seat or hub. The axial bore receives the outer end of the fixing rod; the fixing rod receives a hollow loop bar or insert having an integral leaf spring and bore and a limiting ring block or annular flange holding the insert in position in the coupling bore; and the insert receives the drag link. The control knob can be screwed into the thread hole of the hub and a locking block or retaining member forced by a screw block or tab of the knob when screwed in. Then the drag link can be held firmly in place by the spring pushed into engagement by a pin mounted in the knob.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a stationary support, a moveable support on which a steering wheel is rotatably mounted, and a position control apparatus which achieves both positive retention of the position of the moveable support and substantially infinite positional adjustability. The position control apparatus includes a gate on the stationary support, a stack of thin plates on the moveable support which moves back and forth with the moveable support in front of the gate, and a slide on the stationary support which moves a segment of the stack of thin plates partially into the gate to immobilize the moveable support relative to the stationary support.

Abstract: A telescopic adjustable height apparatus designed to adjust the height of tabletops comprises a pair of slidably engaged columns, a multiple-step groove, and a hand wheel locking mechanism to secure the tabletop at the desired height. The column system includes an inner column, connected at one end to a tabletop and an outer column, connected at one end to a base structure. The inner column defines the vertical multiple-step groove. The outer column possesses a bore in one wall of the column through which the hand wheel fastener passes, and this bore maintains the position of the hand wheel locking mechanism. A first detent is located at the base of a first step and provides a first seat for the hand wheel locking mechanism. A second detent is located at the base of a second step and provides a second seat for the hand wheel locking mechanism. The hand wheel locking mechanism comprises a pin with a connection end shaped to be removably received within a detent, a bearing collar, and a hand wheel.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system including a polygonal tubular shaft, a polygonal solid shaft telescopically slidably disposed in the tubular shaft, and a twist lock for clamping a side of the solid shaft against a side of the tubular shaft to eliminate angular lash between the solid and tubular shafts. The twist lock includes a sleeve rotatably supported on the tubular shaft, a window in the tubular shaft, a plug in the window having an end bearing against a side of the solid shaft, a cantilever spring on the plug, and an actuator on the sleeve. In an open position of the twist lock, the actuator is remote from the cantilever spring and the solid and tubular shafts are freely telescopically slidable relative to each other. The sleeve is rotatable to effect a closed position of the twist lock in which the actuator flexes the cantilever spring to bias the end of the plug against the solid shaft and, consequently, a side of the solid shaft against a side of the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A locking device for a pair of telescopic tubes which assumes a locked position when the tubes are at rest. The locking device comprises a housing mounted around the telescopic tubes. Located interiorly of the housing is an end fitting and a collet with the collet being tightly pressed into engagement with the inner tube when the housing is in a retracted position. Longitudinal movement of the housing to an extended position will free the collet from the end fitting thereby permitting telescopic sliding movement of the tubes.

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: An extendible handle assembly for an umbrella includes an adapter for coupling to a shaft and a sleeve. The sleeve has a series of grooves, and the adapter has tabs which move within the grooves. The adapter and the shaft move axially relative to each other in order to extend the length of the handle. In another embodiment, the handle construction has an adapter, an inner sleeve, and a shell. The adapter and inner sleeve each have tabs which mate with grooves in the inner sleeve and the shell, respectively. The adapter may be rigidly coupled to the shaft with threads, or may have a switch operated opening mechanism.

Abstract: A telescoping rod assembly (10) including an outer tube section (12) and an inner tube section (14) that is slidable disposed inside the outer tube section. The tube sections are locked into position relative to each other by a packing washer (18) that is fitted around the inner tube section adjacent the open end of the outer tube and a locknut (16) that is fitted around a inner tube and is rotatably secured to the open end of the outer tube. The inner tube and the locknut are provided with complementary outer and inner non-circular surfaces so as to couple the two members together so that they rotate in unison. The locknut can be tightened down over the packing washer to secure the tube sections into position relative to each other by the simple act of either rotating the outer tube or the inner tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively and hydraulically locking a hollow cylinder body, such as a lathe cylinder body, onto, and unlocking the cylinder body from, a cylindrical shaft includes a tubular sleeve defining an axially extending passage therein, the sleeve including a centrally located exterior annular channel. The hollow body includes an axially extending cylindrical passage and a single female threaded bore formed to extend radially through the hollow cylinder body to bisect the axial passage thereof. The sleeve is inserted and fixed within the axially extending passage of the body so that the annular channel faces and is closed off by the walls of the axially extending passage to thereby form an annular cavity which is in fluidic communication with the female threaded bore.

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: The invention features a new and improved safety treatment for rails, such as a highway guardrail or barrier, which through compression of elongated segments of a telescoping terminal dissipates energy from vehicle impacts approaching from substantially upstream of the rail and reduce the hazard of "spearing." The impact energy is resisted by frictional and, in preferred embodiments, mechanical compression by a smaller segment of a filler disposed within a larger segment. In some embodiments, the invention further provides a nose piece to further reduce the spearing effect.

Abstract: A pair of rigid hollow tubular members are telescoped together with one of the members having a series of spaced-apart grooves running parallel to the axis and the other having a series of spaced-apart ribs running parallel to its axis with the ribs slidably engaged in the grooves and means for releasably applying radial force between the two tubular members to force the ribs and the grooves into tight engagement to frictionally lock the tubular members together in a very stable fashion so they support a load without wobbling yet can be released when necessary.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for an automotive rear wheel steering unit is provided which is adapted for connecting an output shaft of a rear wheel steering gear train and a steering rod for steering rear wheels. The connecting arrangement includes a tapered portion formed on the output shaft, a tapered bore formed in the steering rod for receiving the tapered portion, and a fastener for locking the tapered portion of the output shaft to the tapered bore of the steering rod. With these arrangements, easy connecting operation is established with high mounting accuracy.

Abstract: A telescopic handle has a first tube with two slots and a second tube with two holes. A locking element has a first section attached in the first tube and a larger second section sited in the second tube. The second section of the locking element has two holes. A passage with a first section and a larger second section is formed through the locking element. A plunger has a first section insertable through the first section of the passage, a second section with a cross-sectional profile marginally smaller than that of the second section of the passage and a third section with a cross-sectional profile smaller than that of the second section of the passage. A spring is compressed between the second section of the plunger and a nut attached to the third section of the plunger. A pulling element links a bolt, insertable through the slots, to the first section of the plunger. Two balls are sited in the holes formed through the locking element.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft assembly for a motor vehicle includes a "counter phased" Cardan joint in the assembly. The "counter phased" Cardan joint includes forming an outer yoke of the Cardan joint with a yoke portion and a separate yoke shaft portion. The yoke portion is connected by a bearing spider to an inner "phased" yoke of the Cardan joint mounted on an end of an intermediate steering shaft and has a center position corresponding to a center position of the intermediate shaft. A connection is formed on the yoke shaft portion so that the latter is mounted on a steering shaft with a unique center position corresponding to the center position of the steering shaft. A splined bore is formed on the yoke portion and a splined end is formed on the yoke shaft portion so that the yoke shaft portion is connectable to the yoke portion in any of a plurality of relative angular positions.