Abstract: A connecting element (2) for joining at least two tubes (10) and/or sealing at least one tube end. The connecting element (2) can be joined to the corresponding tube (10) via a mortise and tenon joint (4, 6) or the like. The tenon (4) is preferably provided on the connecting element and the mortise (6) on the tube (10). The tube (10) is preferably hollow, at least in sections and at least in the area of the junction with the connecting element (2), and the connecting element (2) can be inserted into the tube (10).

Abstract: A connecting device for gardening tool has a locking sleeve with a screw bolt and a tool head connector firmly secured in the locking sleeve by inserting the cubic part of the connector into the cubic portion of the locking sleeve and screwing the screw bolt on the locking sleeve. The connecting device allows gardening tool heads to be changed easily and conveniently to satisfy different requirements.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.

Abstract: In order to make it easier to mount for instance playground equipment comprising a tube construction which is anchored to a base the subject invention offers a simplification by incorporating a means to facilitate the longitudinal adjustment of the grooves in relation to the base. This means comprises a tube piece (2) extending in the tube (1), which tube piece is anchored to the base and which is configured with longitudinal folds for the formation of outwardly open channels (4). In these channels (4) a wedge element (3) is inserted which by means of bolts (6) through the tube (1) can tighten the wedge and due to the cross sectional shape of the grooves cause the tube piece (2) to expand so that it squeezes against the inside of the tube (1). In this manner the tube (1) can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction in connection with both the mounting and the subsequent adjustment.

Abstract: A three-wheel roller skate comprises a sole plate and a connecting member mounted in the sole plate. An inner rod is extended through the connecting member. A wheel rod is integrally formed with an end of the inner end and provides an axle for mounting a rear wheel. The connecting member comprises a longitudinal through-slot and a groove in an end face thereof. A pin extends through a transverse hole in an end of the inner rod that extends through a longitudinal hole of the connecting member. The pin is turned through an angle so as to place the pin into the groove of the connecting member. A nut engaged on a threaded section of the inner rod is then turned to move the rear wheel away from the sole plate to a locked state.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier configured to carry recreational equipment on the exterior of a vehicle, including a recreational equipment rack configured for exterior engagement with a vehicle and a coupling mechanism configured to secure an article to the recreational equipment rack. The coupling mechanism includes a tube having two opposed walls, a removable fastener member configured to be positioned between the opposed walls and a torque-receiving member for receiving an externally applied torque. The coupling mechanism is adapted so that the article is selectively clamped to and released from one of the opposed walls of the tube upon rotation of the torque-receiving member relative to the removable fastener member. The other of the opposed walls is configured to hold the removable fastener member fixed against rotation relative to the tube.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a recreational equipment rack adapted for exterior engagement on a vehicle. The recreational equipment rack includes a torque-operated clamping mechanism, including a rotatable clamp member, where the torque-operated clamping mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release an article to the rack upon rotation of the clamp member. Also provided is a torque-applying member that is selectively configurable in an engaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate together, and in a disengaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate independently of one another. The torque-applying member is semi-permanently attached to, or otherwise integrated with the clamping mechanism so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A system for rapid and easy replacement of sacrificial machine parts, utilizing an adapter having a slot and a retainer pin fitted with at least one spring-loaded ball bearing suitable for engaging the slot when the retainer pin is inserted into the adapter.

Abstract: A tool for performing lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a housing assembly formed of a pair of telescoping tubular sections. The tool also includes a tool head, a head line and an actuating line. The tool head, which is connected to one end of a tubular section, preferably includes a spring-biased blade coupled to the head line which is connected to a slidable block. The actuating line, while engaging the slidable block so that tensioning the actuating line causes movement of the blade, is also slidable relative to the block upon relative movement of the tubular sections.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.

Abstract: In an improved child security fence system or pool gate, pole adapters are used for locking together two panels of the fence or pool gate. The pole adaptors are inserted into the support poles of two adjacent fence panels. The two panels are then attached to one another by a lock that bridges the two pole adaptors. The pole adaptors and the lock all have holes drilled through them that align with each other when assembled. Tension clips are positioned inside each pole adaptor so that dimples or tabs extend from the clips and through the aligned holes. In order to disengage the lock, the dimples or tabs from the clips must be simultaneously depressed at four points of the locking assembly.

Abstract: A core sampler apparatus for use at the end of a drill string of a drilling rig having a hollow barrel assembly for receiving a subterranean core sample, a shoe supported at a bottom end of the barrel assembly, and a connector member providing a pinned attachment of the barrel assembly to the drill string.

Abstract: A bottom mount pin retainer is disclosed for retaining a mounting pin detachably mounting a first member of a ground engaging tool to a second member thereof. The pin retainer utilizes a retainer assemblage that is adapted to relieve a snap-ring employed for retaining the pin from high axial loads in an upward direction while preventing axial movement of the pin in a downward direction. A non-load bearing member used has sufficient load bearing capacity to restrain the upward movement of the snap-ring during the insertion of the pin into the pin openings in order to seat the snap-ring in its snap-ring groove in the pin.

Abstract: The invention is a retaining device to secure a socket to an anvil of a pneumatic air gun. The retaining device comprises an O-ring, a projection, and a metal insert attached to the projection. The O-ring has a diameter and defines a plane. The projection extends inwardly from the O-ring along the plane of the O-ring. The metal insert comprises a near portion, a shoulder portion, and a far portion. The diameter of the near portion is greater than the diameter of the far portion. The far portion, the shoulder portion, and the shear-resistant portion of the near portion all have a solid metal core. The near portion has a hollow core extending from the solid core to a near end of the metal insert. The near portion has at least one aperture opening from the hollow core to the outside surface of the metal tip, and an external annular groove intersecting the aperture.

Abstract: A clamp having a U-shaped clamp body which engages a profile such as a rectangular pipe on three sides, while a fourth side of the profile is engaged by a bolt which is secured by a nut and extends through conical holes in the free legs of the clamp body. Conical washers on the bolt engage the conical holes on the far side from the pipe, meaning that the bolt is located eccentrically in the holes. Tightening the bolt the nut makes the clamp body squeeze the top side and the bottom side of the pipe. The conical washers in the conical holes make the bolt squeeze the pipe in the direction of the back side of the pipe. The pipe is thus squeezed from all sides.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a specialized structural member having an internal cavity to a foundation to resist uplift forces imposed on the structural member. Structural members having interior cavities with external openings are anchored to foundations by way of an anchor member embedded in the foundation and received and enveloped by the internal cavity. The anchor member is connected to the structural member by a plurality of fasteners. The anchor member is formed to provide multiple point-to-point contact with the structural member.

Abstract: An actuator used to close and open a shut-in valve of a flowline. An indicator rod is threadedly connected to a connector which, in turn, is threadedly connected to the valve stem of the shut-in valve. A compression spring extends between a diaphragm plate and the bottom of the actuator. The shut-in valve is opened by pneumatic pressure above the diaphragm and the compression spring closes the shut-in valve by moving the valve stem when the pneumatic pressure above the diaphragm is exhausted to the atmosphere. The actuator including the compression spring may be disconnected from the bonnet on which the actuator is attached by rotating the indicator rod and removing the attachment bolts between the actuator and the attachment flange. The connector will be left on the valve stem.

Abstract: A device is provided for aiding in the removal and replacement of a spa cover atop a spa tub. A pair of lifting assemblies are located on opposite sides of the spa tub. Each of the lifting assemblies includes a spring having an anchored end secured relative to the spa tub and a moveable end. Each lifting assembly employs a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end attached to the spa cover, a spring-engaging end attached to the moveable end of the spring, and a fulcrum located between the lifting arm ends. The lifting arm is rotatable between extreme covering and uncovering positions in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm lies on opposite sides of a straight line extending between the lifting arm axis of rotation and the anchored end of the spring. The lifting arm is rotatable through an intermediate position in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm passes between the fulcrum and the anchored end of the spring.

Abstract: A telescopic element, particularly for frames of folding bicycles, comprising a sliding inner element that can be locked in an operating position within an outer element by a quick locking element, the locking element comprising a ring that is normally in the position for locking the axial movement of the inner element with respect to the outer element, the locking element being movable radially by means of a release button.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved closing wheel attachment mechanism which has longer wear life than that of the typical attachment mechanism. The closing wheel arm on an agricultural planter has installed thereon an improved grease bushing assembly which has increased wear surface and the capability to utilize a grease on the surface. The combination of increased wear surface and greasing will greatly increase the operational life of the planter. Also included in the invention is the process and fixturing to incorporate the improved configuration on to an existing planter closing wheel structure. Included in this attachment mechanism is a welding jig which assures proper alignment of the improved bushing assembly.

Abstract: A rod gripping device, having a support member with a locking pin hole and a rod receiving hole, where the bores of each hole are situated perpendicular to each other, but parallel to a given plane that bisects the support, and where the bores of the holes intersect to form a common area shared by both bores. When a rod is inserted into the rod receiving bore, so that the rod occupies the common area shared by the bores, a set of angled wedges are situated on either side of the rod, with the wedges being located in the locking pin hole bore. A first wedge has a smooth bore through it, with the second wedge having a threaded bore. A locking pin is inserted through the first smooth bore wedge, which can slide along the shaft of the locking pin to the locking pin handle edge, with the second threaded bore wedge receiving the locking pin's threaded shaft portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a base edge of a bucket of an earth working machine includes a fixed component secured to the base edge of the bucket, the fixed component having a first aperture extending therethrough. The apparatus also includes a protection member having a second aperture extending therethrough, wherein (1) the protection member is positioned relative to the fixed component such that the first aperture and the second aperture align to form a passageway having a first end and a second end, the passageway defining a passageway sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, (2) the protection member has a first notch defined therein, (3) the first notch is defined in the passageway sidewall, and (4) the first notch is spaced apart from both the first end and the second end of the passageway sidewall.

Abstract: A railroad bungalow having a roof, a floor and adjoining walls forming vertically extending corners. An elongated guide sleeve is mounted on the exterior surface of each corner forming a guide slot. A support leg in the shape of an angle iron is movably mounted in each guide slot. The legs are provided with spaced openings and corresponding openings are provided in the sleeve and wall so that a pin or bolt can be inserted to hold the leg at a selected position to adjust the height of the bungalow above a supporting surface.

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: An improved rope fastener is disclosed having a resilient thermoplastic body with at least one longitudinal passage for receiving a rope therein. The fastener includes one or more nail receiving bores transverse to the rope passage and extending across the rope passage to enable a nail to be driven through the fastener and a rope to retain the rope in the fastener body. To prevent pushing of rope fibers into the nail bore as the nail is being driven through the rope, a closure is provided in the nail bores to prevent rope fibers from entering into the nail bore. The nails pierce through the closure as they enter the opposite side of the fastener body.

Abstract: A pipe joint unit having key members which are struck to bite the surfaces of the pipes is provided with which the pipes can easily and quickly be joined to the body of the pipe joint unit with small force, without skill and regardless of the person who drive the key member. The pipe joint unit according to the present invention includes a body of the pipe joint unit having through holes each of which faces a portion of an inserted pipe in a direction of a tangent line; and key members to be driven into the through holes, wherein each of the key members has a tapered portion which is brought into contact with the surface of the pipe in an initial stage of a driving operation and which bites the surface of the pipe as the driving operation proceeds, and a secured portion to be secured to the bitten portion.

Abstract: A joint is disclosed for the swivel bearing of a casing tube of an inclination-adjustable steering column on a casing tube suspension, having a joint head which is held between laterally surrounding fork legs, coaxial passage bores in the surrounding fork legs from which a longitudinal section of a bearing axle projects into an opposite fitted seat of the joint head, and two bearing bushes which surround the projecting longitudinal section of their bearing axle and which are conically constructed on their outer circumference and engage in their associated, fittingly conical fitted seat. An axial loading of the bearing bushes tapering toward one another is by way of a screwed advance of their bearing axle by means of which the bearing bushes are pressed without play into their fitted seat.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has a steering gear (26) connected with a frame (12) to turn steerable vehicle wheels (14). A body (16) of the vehicle (10) is resiliently mounted on the frame (12). A steering wheel (28) is connected with the body (16) of the vehicle and is rotatable to actuate the steering gear (26). An improved shaft assembly (38) is utilized to transmit force between the steering gear (26) and the steering wheel (28). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering wheel (28) through an upper universal joint (40). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering gear (26) through a lower universal joint (42). The shaft assembly (38) includes a variable length portion (46) having upper and lower sections (48 and 52) which are disposed in a telescopic relationship. A connector assembly (54) interconnects an extension section (50) with the variable length portion (46) of a shaft assembly (38) when the upper and lower universal joints (40 and 42) are in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting components of knockdown furniture includes two connector blocks which are rigidly mountable on the furniture components, and a tapered pin which interconnects the two connector blocks. Each connector block includes parallel tongues which are rigidly supported on a base plate in spaced apart relation. The tongues of each connector block are positioned in the spaces between the tongues of the other connector block. Each tongue has a tapered pin-receiving opening which is aligned with the openings of the other tongues. The transverse dimensions of these openings decrease progressively from one tongue to another. The tapered pin extends through the pin-receiving openings and it frictionally engages the tongues with sufficient friction to prevent movement of the tapered pin relative to both connector blocks.

Abstract: A bicycle rack with a substantially planar carrier surface extending in the longitudinal direction, longitudinal frame members, whereby the carrier surface is adapted to be modified at least in one of size and configuration by the use of cross rail assemblies forming tubular members and extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction and of support arms rotatable as well as axially adjustable within the tubular members; the support arms can be held fast in a preselected axial and rotatable position, whereby the frame members are so arranged that the maximum height of the cross rail assemblies lies substantially within the plane of the carrier surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering wheel including a hub, a longitudinal bore in the hub which receives a distal end of a steering shaft, a lateral bore in the hub which intersects the longitudinal bore, a cross bolt, and a plastic sleeve on a plastic shroud on the steering wheel which secures the cross bolt in a temporary position to the steering wheel. The plastic sleeve resiliently grips a screw-threaded barrel of the cross bolt and a pilot of the cross bolt partially obstructs the longitudinal bore in hub. The distal end of the steering shaft cams aside the pilot when the distal end is inserted in the longitudinal bore. The connection of the plastic sleeve to the shroud snaps the pilot of the cross bolt into a lateral notch in the distal end of the steering shaft to signal complete penetration of the distal end into the longitudinal bore in the hub.

Abstract: A handheld appliance including a housing including a surface area, a moveable member moveable relative to the surface of the housing, and a latch for releasably preventing and permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and including a series of indentations in the surface area of the housing, and a latch member movably carried on the moveable member for movement between a latch position preventing movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and a release position permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing, the latch member including a generally planar base portion, and a flange portion which is received in a selected one of the indentations when the latch member is in the latch position and free of the indentations when the latch member is in the release position.

Abstract: A coupling for transferring torque and axial force from a first member to a second member. The coupling includes a first cylindrical member having an outer peripheral surface and an end portion and a second cylindrical member having a receiving end portion. The receiving end portion has an end face with a longitudinal bore in the receiving end portion for receiving the end portion of the first cylindrical member. The end portion of the first cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse keyways in the outer peripheral surface. The receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse slots in the receiving end portion corresponding to the plurality of transverse keyways. A key is received in each transverse keyway and protrudes from each transverse keyway into the corresponding transverse slot. A retainer ring has a bore such that the retainer ring extends over the plurality of transverse slots of the receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member.

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 noise and vibration dampening connector for a two-piece transmission shift lever assembly includes a lower shift lever member and an upper shift lever member which are connected together by the dampening connector. The upper end of the lower shift lever member is cylindrical in shape, having a flat formed thereon. The lower end of the upper shift lever member has a cylindrical knurled surface. The dampening connector includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve having an axial bore formed therethrough. The axial bore is stepped so as to form an internal shoulder which divides the sleeve into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the sleeve has a relatively large internal diameter and a relatively thin wall thickness, while the lower portion of the sleeve has a relatively small internal diameter and a relatively thick wall thickness. A welch plug is seated on the internal shoulder, and a cup-shaped rubber isolator is seated on the welch plug.

Abstract: A handle stem fixing device in a bicycle includes a stem-binding cylinder 30 fitted on an upper portion of a fork stem 10 and a screw cap 4 engaged with an upper portion of the fork stem 10, wherein a thread is formed on an outer surface of the fork stem 10, and the screw cap 4 has a bore with internal thread. The cap 4 can be engaged with the thread of the fork stem when the upper portion of the fork stem 10 projects out from an upper end of the stem-binding cylinder 30. While the screw cap 4 is tightened, the 10 stem-binding cylinder 30 is depressed in an axial direction thereof by the cap 4 and is fixed on the upper portion of the fork stem 10.

Abstract: A spindle connector including a holder base having two rectangular mounting holes arranged at two opposite ends at right angles, two annular grooves spaced around the periphery, and two radial pin holes respectively made through the annular grooves for mounting a respective pin to hold a respective transmission shaft to the holder base; a transmission shaft having two opposite flat coupling portions at two opposite ends for fitting into one rectangular mounting hole on the holder base and two pin holes respectively arranged at the coupling portions at right angles for connection to one pin hole on the molder base; two binding rings respectively mounted around the annular grooves to hold a respective pin in each pin hole on the holder base; and a socket sleeved onto one end of the holder base and covered over the linked coupling portion of the transmission shaft for protection.

Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying various articles such as skis and ski poles, bicycles and luggage. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicle moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of the way when access to the rear of the vehicle is desired. One form of illustrated carrier, for carrying (1) skis and ski poles and (2) bicycles, includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding those articles. Another form of illustrated carrier, for carrying luggage, simply extends rearwardly and supports a horizontal platform.

Abstract: A folding stool is provided which includes a pair of leg assemblies each having a leg base frame comprising a pair of leg members integrally connected to a crosspiece. The leg base frames are pivotally interconnected for folding the stool to a folded configuration thereof. A plurality of leg extensions are provided and each is length-adjustably telescopically received in a respective leg member and is selectively secured in fixed relationship therewith by a respective locking pin. A flexible seat extends transversely between the crosspieces and includes passages at ends thereof for receiving the leg base frame crosspieces.

Abstract: A connector for a studded T-post comprises a tube having an internal keyway therein. The keyway slidingly receives a studded T-post and is configured to prevent relative rotational movement of the post within the tube when the post is inserted into the tube. A locking member passes through the tube and cooperates with studs of the T-post to inhibit longitudinal movement of the T-post within the tube. A second similar tube may be attached to the first tube such that two T-posts may be inserted in the respective tubes and supported relative to one another in any number of angular orientations, thereby providing support for a wire-formed trellis.

Abstract: A basic connector body (13) which electrically connects and mechanically secures a ground wire (1) to a grounding member (14), e.g. pipe or electrical conduit, which body is made of a one piece brass alloy casting. The generally cylindrical, basic connector body has a smaller diameter, wire section and a larger diameter, pipe section, the size of the latter allowing the body to be slipped over the pipe end. In contrast, the smaller, wire section prevents the pipe from passing through the connector body due to the presence of a ridge (7). When the connector body is slipped over the end of the grounding pipe until the end of the pipe bears against the ridge, a first set screw (8) is screwed down until it drives itself down against the outer, exterior surface of the pipe, electrically connecting and mechanically securing the connector body to the pipe.

Abstract: A lightweight renewable hand-held tool that may be easily renewed in the field including a tool head having a tapered shaft, an expandable sleeve, a hollow handle, and a movement assembly for moving the expandable sleeve back and forth along the tapered shaft in response to a rotation of the hollow handle. The expandable sleeve includes a tapered interior that slidably mates with the tapered shaft. Consequently, rotation of the hollow handle adjustably expands the expandable sleeve, forming a tight fit between the tapered shaft and the interior of the hollow handle. The preferred movement assembly is a threaded nut that engages a threaded stud located at a lower end of the tapered shaft. An antirotation fastener is preferably used to prevent the hollow handle from thereafter rotating during use of the tool.

Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying objects such as skis and ski poles. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicles moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of way to the side when access to the rear or the vehicle is desired. The illustrated carrier includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding the skis and poles.

Abstract: A seat pillar lock device includes a seat tube having a nut, a bushing fitted into the seat tube, a seat pillar inserted into the bushing, and a lock knob fastened to the nut on the seat tube to lock the seat pillar in any of a series of elevations, and a stepped packing ring received in an expanded bottom hole on the nut and controlled by the lock knob to tighten up the seat pillar in position, the lock knob consists of a knob, a nut fixed inside the knob, a screw member having one end fastened to the knob through a toothed joint and an opposite end terminating in a threaded portion threaded into the nut on the seat tube, a latch having a screw rod at one end inserted through a longitudinal through hole on the screw member and fastened to the nut inside the knob and a latch head at an opposite end inserted through the nut on the seat tube and any of a series of vertically spaced lock holes on the seat pillar, and a tension spring stopped by the latch head inside the screw member.

Abstract: A bed has movable upper body and knee support sections, and first and second coupling arrangements which each couple a respective drive arrangement to one of the upper body and knee support sections to effect movement thereof between inclined and horizontal positions. Each coupling arrangement includes two telescoping tubes and a locking mechanism for releasably holding the tubes against relative movement, the locking mechanisms of both coupling arrangements being released in response to manual operation of a release handle. Each locking mechanism includes a transverse cylindrical locking element rotatably supported on a first of the tubes for movement between a locking position in which a portion thereof engages a semicylindrical recess in the second tube, and a release position in which the tubes are free to move relative to each other with a portion of the second tube which extends lengthwise thereof sliding within a transverse recess in the locking element.

Abstract: A coupling for transferring torque and axial force from a first member to a second member. The coupling includes a first cylindrical member having an outer peripheral surface and an end portion and a second cylindrical member having a receiving end portion. The receiving end portion has an end face with a longitudinal bore in the receiving end portion for receiving the end portion of the first cylindrical member. The end portion of the first cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse keyways in the outer peripheral surface. The receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse slots in the receiving end portion corresponding to the plurality of transverse keyways. A key is received in each transverse keyway and protrudes from each transverse keyway into the corresponding transverse slot. A retainer ring has a bore such that the retainer ring extends over the plurality of transverse slots of the receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member.

Abstract: A yoke clamp for use with a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft has a pie shaped profile. The clamping bolt of the yoke clamp clamps across the small end of the pie shaped profile of the pinion shaft.

Abstract: Light weight fluid and compressed air supply hoses are attached to a hand held paint spray gun. The heavier air hose is attached through a swivel fitting to permit the gun to rotate relative to the air hose. One or more generally e-shaped clips secured along the air hose retain the smaller fluid hose next to the air hose, while permitting the fluid hose to move in an axial direction relative to the air hose without kinking as the spray gun is manipulated during use. The light weight fluid hose is attached through fittings to a heavier fluid supply hose. An S-shaped clip supports the fluid hose fitting from the air hose to relieve stress on the end of the light weight fluid hose.

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: 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.