Lapped Rod Ends Patents (Class 403/393)
  • Patent number: 11851905
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a modular railing, in which the various modules that constitute it can be connected to each other in a simple and aesthetically homogeneous way. This modular railing provides that even the individual modules can in turn be made with interchangeable parts. All suitably standardized, so as to preserve the possibility of using, in large quantities, identical pieces. Each module of the railing comprises: at least a support pole placed at one end of said section of railing, and suitable for being fixed to the ground, an upper horizontal bar that connects two support poles (and coupled to them near their upper end), a lower horizontal bar that connects two support poles (and coupled to them near their base), and a plurality of vertical rods that connect said two upper and lower horizontal bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: RAILY S.R.L.
    Inventors: Hannes Niederkofler, Stefano Pederzolli
  • Patent number: 11718988
    Abstract: A ceiling grid system as part of a suspended ceiling having a plurality of ceiling panels includes main runners and cross-runners oriented transverse to each other and forming a two-dimensional array having openings, each opening defining a position within the suspended ceiling in which a ceiling panel is disposed, the main runners and the cross-runners being configured to attach to each other and to be fixed in the horizontal plane in the physical space, each one of a plurality of panel support members is connected with a main runner or a cross-runner and is configured to support one of the ceiling panels, each panel support member is movable in a rotatable manner with respect to the main runner or the cross-runner to facilitate the installation or removal of one of the ceiling panel with respect to its predetermined position within the suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Preston Godfrey
  • Patent number: 9819110
    Abstract: A separable clasp connector is provided that has first and second parts that are pivotable with respect to one another by a die set. The clasp connector includes one or more die alignment features to ensure proper alignment with the die set so as to apply an unlocking force in a predetermined direction. Die sets and methods also provided to move a separable clasp connector back-and-forth among a locked position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Normand Castonguay
  • Patent number: 9526961
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for securing a movable soccer goal to a fixed football goal or other vertical post. When in use, the apparatus functions to prevent the soccer goal from being overturned, thereby, making it considerably safer than an unsecured soccer goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ABT, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Harold Wallace
  • Patent number: 8801324
    Abstract: A device which can slide up and down on a chain or cable, can be loosened to attach to the chain or cable, but does not have any parts that come free when the part is loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C
    Inventor: James Kempf
  • Patent number: 7993719
    Abstract: A vehicle primarily a mass transit vehicle is formed primarily of composite materials which define a roof section and a floor section of two fiber reinforced sheets connected by an integral core and two rigid side wall sections each formed from welded steel or optionally bolted aluminum defining a series of window openings in a row along the side wall section in a ladder shape. Releasable joints of adhesive are provided between the metal rails and the edges of the composite panels where a web of the panel and the web of the rail extend across the panel at an angle to the first and second surfaces different from 90 degrees so that the web of the panel meets the flange of the panel at an angle greater than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: William H. Stanton
  • Patent number: 7665270
    Abstract: A lattice structure includes a plurality of members and a plurality of connection rods. The plurality of members may be individually oriented to form the lattice structure. Each of the plurality of members may include at least one of (i) an end section having a sidewall and a platform that define an end gap, or (ii) a mid-section having two sidewalls and a platform that define a mid-gap. Each member of the lattice structure may be connected to at least one other member, so that the lattice structure includes a plurality of connections between individual members in the plurality of members. Furthermore, each of at least some of the plurality of connections is formed by one of (i) an end section of a first member of that connection overlapping an end section of a second member of that connection; or (ii) an end section of the first member of that connection overlapping with a mid-section of the second member of that connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: LatticeStix, Inc.
    Inventor: John Moffly
  • Patent number: 7386938
    Abstract: A hydroformed dovetail joint and method of joining tubular members includes a first hydroformed tubular member having a depression therein and a second hydroformed tubular member having an end. The end of the second hydroformed tubular member is disposed over the depression of the first hydroformed tubular member to join the first hydroformed tubular member and the second hydroformed tubular member together to form a dovetail joint between the first hydroformed tubular member and the second hydroformed tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Bruggemann, Joseph M. Lendway, IV, Chi-Mou Ni
  • Patent number: 6997635
    Abstract: A latch structure for a mobile electronic device (1), for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) is disclosed. The latch structure comprises a side flange (20) of a cover (10) and a side panel (30). The side flange (20) includes a cantilever (200) and at least a first engaging portion (205). The cantilever has a slanted face (201) and a lock (203) on a free end thereof. The lock has a first ramp (207). The side panel detachably connects to the side flange and defines a hole (301). The side panel includes a second engaging portion (303) and a third engaging portion (305). The hole corresponds to the slanted face. The second engaging portion has a second ramp (307) corresponding to the first ramp of the lock. The lock engages with the second engaging portion in a first position and disengages from the second engaging portion in a second position. The first engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion in the first position and disengages from the third engaging portion in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corporation
    Inventors: Sheng-Ming Liu, Ching-Shih Chen
  • Patent number: 6826885
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen S. Raskin, William Wallace
  • Patent number: 6736567
    Abstract: A device is provided for releasably connecting together two elements of an orthosis or prosthesis. The device includes two plate members each attachable to a different orthotic element and a slider plate that is movable between a first released position and a second locked position. The device also may include a stop to secure the slider plate in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Dibello
  • Patent number: 6718598
    Abstract: A two-part clip construction includes a U-shaped clip made from a plastic material with the legs of the clip spaced so as to fit over and then be deformed through a through passage in a leg locking member. The construction is especially designed to permit utilization of polymerics for forming the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Gorman, James S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6698965
    Abstract: A shim carrier assembly for optionally retaining shims therein, wherein the carrier has at least three intercontiguated planar portions with holes or slots therein, such that a fastener may be inserted through the holes or slots for aiding in the shimming of fastened components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Gornick, Michael A. Van Camp
  • Patent number: 6368013
    Abstract: The invention concerns a joint, the ends of which (330) comprise means (333) which can be removably fitted into one another so that they can be mutually attached to or detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Pouyet, S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Desard
  • Patent number: 6364567
    Abstract: A method of connecting respective one end portions of two carrier tapes, to each other, each of the two tapes having accommodating pockets at a first pitch and tape-feed holes at a second pitch, each of the accommodating pockets accommodating an electric component, the method including the steps of aligning a tape connecting member which includes a flat main portion having tape-feed holes at a third pitch equal to the second pitch, and caulking projections projecting perpendicularly from the flat main portion, with the respective one end portions of the two tapes, such that tape-feed holes of the connecting member are aligned with respective tape-feed holes of the two tapes, causing at least two caulking projections of the connecting member to penetrate through respective thickness of the two tapes, so that the flat main portion of the connecting member contacts respective one major surfaces of the two tapes, and caulking respective portions of the two caulking projections that penetrate out of the respective
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignees: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd., Meiwa, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Asai, Kunio Ooe, Yoshifusa Hyodo
  • Patent number: 6361244
    Abstract: A hydroformed tubular structure includes at least two hydroformed members connected at a joint. At least one of said members includes a flattened portion having opposite sides in engagement. One of the sides engages and is secured to a mating portion of another of the members and a hydroformed conjugate portion is formed in the one side adjacent the flattened portion and is secured in a recess of the other member. A hydroformed structural portion extends from the conjugate portion in a direction away from the flattened portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Mou Ni, Tehui Peng, Thomas B. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6070347
    Abstract: There is provided a frame mountable identifying device for displaying identifying indicia from a chair having a bracket with a mounting slot. The device includes a mounting bracket with a pin being releasably engaged with the mounting slot for mounting it to the chair. A spacer defines a gap between the mounting bracket and a platform. The platform may display identifying indica. The mounting bracket may include a threaded aperture which cooperates with a threaded fastener so it is movable between a mounting position for allowing the pin to be engaged in the mounting slot and a securing position for engaging the bracket of the chair to prevent release. The threaded fastener includes a leading end having a tool engaging configuration and has a length sufficient to maintain the leading end disposed in the gap upon movement between the mounting position and the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Greenwich Industries, L.P.
    Inventor: Arthur Hergott
  • Patent number: 6018917
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: 5992497
    Abstract: A connection system for interconnecting various components, such as components of an overhead garage door system, is provided which includes, in one aspect, a first component having a pair of spaced apart hook members, an intermediate guide member and a detent extending from a planar body of the first component. A second component includes a pair of spaced apart apertures which are shaped and aligned to receive the hook members, and an intermediate aperture which is shaped and aligned to receive the guide member upon registration of the first and second components in face-abutting relationship. As the first and second components are translated relative to each other, the detent of the first component engages the intermediate aperture of the second component to thereby establish a connection between the first and second components. Connection of a roller bracket to a door stile of an overhead garage door system is provided by the novel connection system, as well as connection of a door stile to a door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Clopay Building Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin C. Jaehnen, Richard J. Lewis, Jr., Kenneth E. Carper, Bob Bailey
  • Patent number: 5987846
    Abstract: A wallboard fastening member and methods of using the same which is adapted to be positioned as a wall stud or joist between existing studs or joists present in a walls and ceilings of residential, commercial and industrial structures. The wallboard fastening member in accordance with the present invention is intended to be used where opposing ends of a piece of wallboard, such as gypsum drywall wallboard, are not aligned with an existing stud or joist to avoid the necessity of fitting up or cutting the wallboard and thus creating undesirable scrap. The preferred embodiment of a wallboard fastening member is a generally elongated member and preferably includes a stepped configuration on one side to permit the wallboard fastening member to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard having different sizes by using the side having a stepped configuration or to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard of the same size by using the flat side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Nahas
  • Patent number: 5967221
    Abstract: In a conveyor or other foundry equipment having surfaces protected by a wear plate secured to a structural part of the equipment, the wear plate is detachably secured by means of studs permanently secured to a structural part of the equipment. Heads of the studs cooperate with engagement flanges in keyhole-like recesses in the wear plate, all in such a manner that the wear plate can be detached by sliding it in a direction to disengage the flanges from the heads. With this arrangement, the wear plate can be attached and detached without the use of tools other than possibly a soft mallet, and without the use of screws exposed at the wear face of the wear plate. The arrangement can also be used to detachably secure a wear plate to other structural parts of foundry equipment such as a moulding chamber or a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Disa A/S
    Inventor: Viggo Persson
  • Patent number: 5947630
    Abstract: A system comprising: a fastener and a housing (70), the fastener including a rivet portion having a first head (304) and a shaft (302) extending therefrom, a spring cup (210) received upon the shaft having a top portion (211) adjacent the head (304) and a plurality of spring fingers (212) extending from the top (211) and a hollow collar (214) having a first portion (216) received within the spring cup (210) and a second portion (218) extending beyond the fingers (212), an end portion (308) of the shaft opposite the head (304) being malleable and formable into a rivet head (308') to mate with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Dillon
  • Patent number: 5921643
    Abstract: A zero clearance connecting system for use in locating and connecting together first and second housings, with each housing having a predefined interior envelope, is provided. The system comprises a locating and connecting pin having first and second ends attached to the first housing. A head is located at the first end of the pin and has a reduced diameter portion. A shank portion is located adjacent to the head and installed in an aperture defined in a surface of the first housing, with the head protruding from the surface by a predetermined distance. A slot having a large portion and a smaller portion is defined in a mating surface of the second housing. The smaller portion of the slot is in a complementary position to the head when the first and second housings are located and connected together. The large portion of the slot is sized for insertion of the head into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Terry W. Louth
  • Patent number: 5879101
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a clamp, an elastic band member is bent into a direction of an inner surface at a center position of the band member. The band member having the inner surface and an outer surface. The band member is bent into the direction of the inner surface at first bending portions having a first predetermined length from the center bending portion to form first extending portions. The band member is bent into a direction of the outer surface at second bending portions having a second predetermined length from the first bending portions in tip directions to form second extending portions. The band member is bent into the direction of the outer surface at third bending portions having a third predetermined length from the second bending portions in the tip directions to form third extending portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Hagura
  • Patent number: 5800089
    Abstract: A detachable anchor for a pool cover includes a two piece C-shaped body which fits over and engages a metal pool frame. The anchor is detached when the pool cover is removed. The anchor includes an anchor knob which engages the loop of a spring-loaded attachment mechanism attached to a swimming pool cover. The anchor is adjustable for different sized pool frames, so that the same anchor can be used for different pool frame sizes. The adjustable detachable pool cover anchor accommodates a wide variety of pool frame sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: William S. Donaton
  • Patent number: 5778730
    Abstract: A robotic arm utilizing two pulleys connected by two metallic drive bands wound in opposite directions and rotatably attached to the pulleys. The metallic drive bands may include multiple metal strips separated by a visco-elastic material. One end of one drive band is attached to the pulley by a pin. A positioning mechanism is provided to adjust the tension of the band. The positioning mechanism includes a retaining piece, a wedge piece and an adjustment piece. The retaining piece is laterally movable and has an attachment point to the metal band and a slanted face. The wedge piece is vertically-movable and has a face abutting the slanted face of the retaining piece. The adjustment piece attaches the wedge piece to the pulley and moves the wedge piece vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Smart Machines
    Inventors: Todd R. Solomon, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 5769561
    Abstract: A leveling device with which to orient a workpiece--or tool--affixing upper part relative to a lower part connected to it, the device having at least one adjusting screw of which the shank rotatably passes through the upper part and engages a thread in the lower part. To permit economical manufacture of the device without degradation in accuracy, the invention anchors the upper part in the lower part at a specified spring loading and at a spaced apart distance from the adjusting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: System 3R International AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Pettersson
  • Patent number: 5763830
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an inner module container provided for containing active circuit elements for processing and transmitting cable television signals receivable from and transmissible through pins of coaxial cables. The inner module container includes direct access openings for receiving coaxial cable pins for securely connecting to the active circuit elements whereby the pins of the coaxial cables are connected to the active circuit elements without requiring a separate connector outside of the inner module container. In a preferred embodiment, the active circuit elements further include mechanisms for locking coaxial cable pins for directly and securely locking to the coaxial cable pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Transystem, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Hsueh
  • Patent number: 5733060
    Abstract: A device for mounting objects such as a cupholder, a case for glasses, an ashtray, or other items, on a support with an inner surface and an aesthetically pleasing outer surface formed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The mounting device includes an opening provided in the support, a projection secured to the object to be mounted and designed to be releasably inserted through the opening and at least partially into the space behind the support, a holder so as to retain at least part of the projection against the inner surface of the support in order to stabilize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Reydel Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Alain Choquet
  • Patent number: 5718533
    Abstract: A support bracket and track assembly for the support of sectional overhead doors. The assembly comprises a track (110, 112, 114) for supporting the overhead door sections and a horizontal support bracket (80) for supporting the track (110, 112, 114). The assembly further comprises a flag bracket (140) for mounting the track (110, 112, 114) and the support bracket (80) to a structural support, and a tab (90, 120, 130) for attaching the track (110, 112, 114) to the support bracket (80) and the flag bracket (140). A related fastening system for use with overhead sectional door components comprises first (80, 140) and second (112, 114) components, a tab (90) extending from the first component (80, 140) for engaging the second component (112, 114), and a tab slot (120, 130) in the second component for receiving the tab (90) of the first component (80, 140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Thomas Brenton Bennett, III, Roger Lee Dague
  • Patent number: 5695296
    Abstract: A connector for plates, including a connector body having a base plate bent at its intermediate portion to form plate insert recesses and, and pin insert holes formed through the base plate; a pin member having a shaft portion and a head portion formed at one end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion having elastically deformable locking lugs, the other end portion of the shaft portion being inserted in at least one of the pin insert holes; and breakable connecting portions integrally formed between the other end portion of the shaft portion and the inner circumferential surface of the at least one pin insert hole, for connecting the pin member and the connector body. With this structure, the plates can be reliably connected and fixed together by the connector with a simple operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideya Miura
  • Patent number: 5685664
    Abstract: An arrangement for interconnecting first and second objects, comprises a connector element and an anchoring element which are formed on the first object and a connector aperture and an anchoring aperture defined in the second object. The connector element extends from the first object along a notional line. The anchoring element is disposed at a distance along the notional line from the connector element, and extends parallel to the connector element. The anchoring aperture is disposed at a distance along the notional line from the connector aperture. The connector element is received in the connector aperture and disposed at an engaged position where the connector element engages the periphery of the connector aperture. Within the connector aperture, the connector element is movable along the notional line between the engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Parham, Edmond B. Reinagel
  • Patent number: 5682795
    Abstract: A robotic arm utilizing two pulleys connected by two metal drive bands wound in opposite directions and rotatably attached to the pulleys. The metal drive bands may include multiple metal strips separated by a visco-elastic material. One end of one drive band is attached to the pulley by a pin. The pin has a laterally movable retaining piece with a slanted face having an attachment point connected to one end of the metal band, a vertically movable wedge piece with a face abutting the slanted face, and an adjustment piece which attaches the wedge piece to the pulley and moves the wedge piece vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Smart Machines
    Inventors: Todd R. Solomon, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 5678946
    Abstract: A joint structure provides a strong contact force between two metal plates that are joined together by the joint structure. A first metal plate is provided with a lug and an opening under the lug. An edge portion of a second metal plate is inserted under the lug and partially press molded with the lug, so as to be press-fitted into the opening in a state wherein the press-fitted portion is held between the opening and the lug. The press-fitted portion of the second metal plate has a cutoff edge portion which is cut off from the remaining portion of the plate, and a connected edge portion which is not cut off from but remains connected with the remaining portion. The cutoff edge portion contacts a corresponding edge of the opening in the first metal plate to ensure and maintain proper lateral registration of the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Enami
  • Patent number: 5673892
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a hub for a rotatable chair, said hub comprising an essentially pyramidal body having its side faces (1) suited for the mounting of the chair's leg element (2) thereon and further including a centrally aligned cylindrical cavity (3) suited for accommodating the center rod (4) of the chair seat cushion. The hub is characterized in that the lower part of each side face (1) is flared outwardly forming a slanting flank (5) with at least one hole (6) suited to accommodate a fixing screw (7) adapted to be screwed from underneath the hub into each leg element (2), and that each side face (1) further includes an essentially radially projecting support element (8) adapted for insertion into a mating groove (9) provided to each leg element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Oy Ortus Ab
    Inventor: Helena Kjellman
  • Patent number: 5671974
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism and method which allows for removably securing a chair or sofa back to a chair or sofa base. The coupling mechanism comprises a mounting bracket which attaches to the base of a piece of seating furniture and an engaging back bracket which attaches to the back of seating furniture. The back bracket has a pair of pins which are cooperable with a pair of slots located on the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Brian Boycott, Edward Boycott
  • Patent number: 5669196
    Abstract: A relatively low cost, easy to install reinforcement coupler to be interconnected between a pair of opposing reinforcement steel bars that are either embedded in and protrude outwardly from adjacent precast concrete structures or form part of the reinforcement of a prefabricated reinforcement element or cast in place concrete member. An eyelet is welded to the protruding end of each reinforcement steel bar. A pair of steel coupler plates having bolt holes formed through each end thereof extends between opposite sides of the reinforcement steel bars so that the eyelets of the reinforcement steel bars are sandwiched between the coupler plates and the bolt holes at the ends of the coupler plates are axially aligned with respective ones of the eyelets. A threaded bolt is then inserted through the bolt holes in each of the ends of each of the pair of coupler plates as well as the eyelets disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Kjell L. Dahl
  • Patent number: 5666764
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator hinge assembly which provides for maintaining the proper adjusted position of a refrigerator door with respect to its associated cabinet. A factory setting of the refrigerator door can be accurately maintained with precision even after the hinges are removed for field installation of the refrigerator such as to pass a refrigerator through narrow doorways. A tap plate is located behind the cabinet cladding and has "wrapper" or hinge screw holes for clamping the position of the external hinge with hinge screws, while allowing for factory adjustment of the door position. After the door is factory adjusted in position, a supplemental mechanism is applied to fix the tap plate in the factory position independent of the hinge screws, such as an epoxy application or a separate and independent drill screw applied through the cabinet and engaging the tap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Beatty, David Foss, James L. Willis
  • Patent number: 5651225
    Abstract: A method and device for joining two pieces of sheet material using a unique joinder device are disclosed. The joinder device comprises first and second flange portions and a rib disposed between and interconnecting the flange portions. The rib extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the flange portions so that, when the joinder device is employed to join two pieces of sheet material, each of the flange portions lies flat against an interior side of the pieces of sheet material and the rib is disposed between the adjacent, abutting ends of the pieces of sheet material. Fasteners are driven from an exterior side of, and through, the pieces of sheet material so that distal ends of the fasteners are anchored in holes which are preformed in the first and second flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Allan T. Leeks
  • Patent number: 5632542
    Abstract: An interlock apparatus for connecting a drawer slide member having a planar connecting surface to a slide receiving member having first and second substantially parallel surfaces is provided. The interlock apparatus includes a plurality of male interlock members integral with the drawer slide member, each interlock member defining a loop extending out of the plane of the connecting surface and having a first bearing surface thereon. The apparatus also includes a plurality of apertures disposed in the slide receiving member, each aperture defining a single uninterrupted second bearing surface. Each interlock member extends through an aperture to a mounted condition with the first and second bearing surfaces in contact with each other to connect the drawer slide and the slide receiving member together. The loops are retained in the mounted condition by pins therethrough or by retaining surfaces thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Krivec
  • Patent number: 5558458
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed that comprises a catch within a tab extending from one component that locks into a receiving opening on another component. The second component slides between the tab on the first component and the first component from which the tab extends and locks when the catch is received by the receiving opening of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools
    Inventors: Gary Silvis, Thomas E. Howland, Steven R. Snoke
  • Patent number: 5553967
    Abstract: A fastening system for triangularly shaped surfaces is provided. Fasteners are located equidistant from the apexes of triangles formed from lines bisecting adjacent sides of the triangularly shaped surface and an apex of the triangularly shaped surface. A rotated fastener is located at the midpoint of the triangularly shaped surface. The fasteners have three bumps and possibly three dents disposed in a generally circular pattern with side walls perpendicular to the surface of the triangularly shaped surface. The rotated fastener is similar to the fasteners only rotated 60.degree.. Two triangularly shaped surfaces may be fastened together by aligning them such that the bumps from one triangularly shaped surface are received in the spaces between adjacent bumps or dents of the other triangularly shaped surface and are held closely by friction between the side walls. The fastening system is also suitable for fastening tetrahedrons or other solids having triangularly shaped surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Geo Snap, Inc.
    Inventor: Sachiko Uozumi
  • Patent number: 5549345
    Abstract: A vent cover for automotive type dashboards which includes a length of expanded plastic mesh which is sandwiched between a strip of vinyl and a strip of vinyl reinforced fabric which go around the perimeter of the mesh, and are engaged by a plurality of rivets which are around the perimeter of the vent opening on the underside of the dashboard, extend through holes in the strips, and which rivets are staked by a heated die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Albert V. Cawthon, Rudolph J. Baur
  • Patent number: 5467592
    Abstract: A sectorized tubular structure able to resist implosion pressures, especially at the links between annular sectors. The tubular structure includes annular sectors interconnected by flat linking elements, each including at its ends at least one projection whose end enables the annular sectors to be supported. Thus, each linking element ensures the transmission of forces from one annular element to another. The unit is supported by fixing screws which are never in contact with the two annular sectors to be kept assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma"
    Inventor: Ollivier Carletti
  • Patent number: 5379562
    Abstract: A flow-through cap and stirrup for reinforcement bars in a building wall and method of use thereof is disclosed. The building wall is formed from successive layers of masonry blocks having cells therethrough which form a hollow vertical core. Usually and particularly in earthquake prone areas, construction practices include the insertion and grouting in place of a pair of overlapping reinforcement bars within the core formed by the masonry blocks. The device of this invention is a cap and stirrup unit for holding the reinforcement bars in the requisite position. The device is formed from a coil spring with spaced apart coils, and has two elongated cells, namely, a cap portion and a stirrup portion. Each portion has a wall with a closed end and an open end. The cap has a channel which, when installed, accommodates the head of the lower reinforcement bar. Conversely, the stirrup has a channel which, when installed, accommodates the foot of the upper reinforcement bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann
  • Patent number: 5355539
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) is provided for releasably connecting a mobile support stand (52) with a patient transport device such as a gurney (54), in order to allow patient transfer with the support stand while eliminating the need for extra transport personnel. The clamping assembly (10) preferably includes a pair of opposed, laterally spaced apart jaws (20, 22) interconnected by a central bight section (24). A pair of oppositely extending elongated connection elements (14, 16) are secured to the opposed faces of the bight section (24), and permit the clamping assembly to be releasably and pivotally inserted into a tubular section (66) conventionally provided as a part of the gurney (54). A clamping screw (18) is threadably received by one of the jaws (20) and cooperates with the opposed jaw (22) for securely clamping the upright standard (60) of the pole unit (52) within the clamping assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: St. Francis Research Institute
    Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger
  • Patent number: 5345973
    Abstract: An adjustable connection link is provided between the dobby and the first crank lever of the control rods of each loom heddle frame. The connection link consists of two tubular bars of hollow aluminum alloy section pieces, preferably of rectangular cross-section. There is at least one internal rib that is perpendicular to the major sides of the rectangle. The section pieces, moreover, are cut away along opposing sides at their adjacent ends in order to expose the corresponding parts of their internal ribs. These are kept pressed, one against the other, in an adjustable position by a bolt. The bolt is threaded into one end of the section piece and passes through a slotted hole in the corresponding end of the other section piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nuovopignone-Industrie Meccaniche e Foneria SpA
    Inventor: Costantino Vinciguerra
  • Patent number: 5170894
    Abstract: A component carrier for accommodating circuit boards includes two front module rails and two rear module rails which connect two parallel side walls with one another. Between the side walls, guide rails for insertion of the circuit boards are provided at the module rails. The frontal faces of the rear module rails are provided with threaded holes for screwing on backplanes. Insulating strips which are equipped with fastening elements and are clamped to the module rails by means of these fastening elements serve to insulate these backplanes against the module rails. The insulating strips are provided with holes which correspond to the threaded holes in the module rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Schroff GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Joist, Hans-Ulrich Gunther
  • Patent number: 5161268
    Abstract: An interlocking joint assembly for joining a first frame member and a second frame member of a bed frame and for adjusting the width of the bed frame. The assembly includes at least one projection on the first frame member and at least one keyhole slot defined by the second frame member and adapted to receive the projection. The assembly includes a locking member provided on the second frame member which is pivotable between a locking position and a release position. The locking member has a horizontally extending ear which, in the locking position, overlies a horizontal flange of the second frame member and is engaged by a box spring placed on the assembled bed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Hollywood Bed & Spring Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Harrow
  • Patent number: 5147145
    Abstract: A connector for wires comprises a body (20) having through passage (21) adapted to receive a pair of oppositely directed wire end portions (22A, 22B) in close lengthwise relationship with each other, channels (23A, 23B) within the body (20) one to each side of the through passage acutely inclined to and, at their inner ends, breaking into the through passage, and wedge structure (24A, 24B) within the channels adapted upon attempted withdrawal of either of the wire end portions (22A, 22B) from the through passage (21) to urge the wires therebetween forcibly towards each other, whereby friction secures them firmly in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Gripple Limited
    Inventors: Hugh D. Facey, Brian E. Shawcross