Abstract: This invention discloses a connector device with a particular T shape, which allows for the connection of two pieces of lumber in a perpendicular fashion. A user secures the connector device to two pieces lumber and fit it within a truck bed, setting up three separate compartments for storage within the truck bed. By using two or more connector devices, and three or more pieces of lumber, at least four separate compartments can be created.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism adapted for use to connect a vehicle headliner with a vehicle header is provided. The attachment mechanism includes a locating block that is adapted to be inserted into an opening in the header of a vehicle. The attachment mechanism includes a base member that devises a center portion and a pair of troughs adjacent the edges of the center portion. The locating block extends from the center portion of the base member. The attachment mechanism includes a plurality of magnets disposed in the troughs and adapted to connect with the header of the vehicle. The attachment mechanism connects to a center check and is helpful in installing the center check with the opening in the vehicle's header.

Abstract: A pop-up card includes an erectable pop-up display structure that can be easily removed from the card to be displayed. The pop-up card is foldable between closed and opened positions. The card includes a slot therein for holding the pop-up display structure. The pop-up display structure comprises a plurality of intersecting slice-form elements mounted on a foldable base. At least a portion of the foldable base is removably inserted in the slot such that when the card is closed, the foldable base is folded and the pop-up display structure is in a flattened state. When the card is opened, the foldable base is unfolded and the pop-up display structure is in an erected 3-D state. The pop-up display structure can be slid out of the slot in the card and displayed when desired.

Abstract: A whistle system that enables an official or other user to not only have the whistle in a secure position for quick and easy use while also enabling the user to be able to use both hands as well. In particular, the whistle system includes a fingergrip that allows the user to quickly move the the whistle in position for use in a natural motion, while allowing the fingergrip to then quickly separate from the whistle to allow both hands of the user to be utilized. Alternatively, the whistle allows individuals with restricted movement in one arm to still officiate. A user having restricted movement in one arm can simply wear the whistle on one hand, move it into position in the mouth to be blown, and then quickly separated from the whistle to allow the signal to be indicated with one hand. The whistle system includes a whistle with a fingergrip. The fingergrip is securely attached to the whistle by a securement system that also allows the fingergrip to be separated from the whistle with an application of force.

Abstract: A squeegee apparatus including a handle with a magnetic blade receptacle to enable quick blade release and reload. When the squeegee blade becomes dull or damaged, the spent blade is pulled from the handle, and a new blade can be positioned and magnetically pulled into the blade cradle ready for use. An internal LED light source that is actuated by a button located on the handle can be used to illuminate the work space.

Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling assembly such as a coupling assembly for coupling an ostomy bag to a base plate, said base plate being adhered around a stoma. The present invention especially relates to a coupling assembly comprising a first, second and third coupling part, which are coupled together to form a coupling assembly.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A tool adapted for tightly joining two assembly parts into each other is disclosed. The tool comprises a first handle and a second handle hinged together to form a pliers tool. Each handle has an arm extending therefrom. Each arm has a slot therein that receives an assembly part. To couple the two parts together, the two handles are squeezed together to bring the arms and hence, the two assembly parts together. A rotatable mechanism may be turned to pull the arms and hence, the assembly parts closer together after the handles have been squeezed together.

Abstract: An anchor having an internal passage defined by a revolved wall profile. The anchor is conceptually divided into four regions: a neck region, a transition region, a mid region, and a distal region. Each of these regions has its own design considerations. A portion of a parabola is used to define at least part of the revolved wall profile. The parabolic portion is preferably used in at least the neck and mid regions. In order to create a tangency condition proximate the neck anchor boundary, the parabola used to create the wall profile is angularly offset from the wall profile's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A torque tube includes a composite body and an end fitting. The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, wall thickness, an end having an edge, and a set of grooves. Each groove of the set of grooves passes through the wall thickness. Each groove of the set of grooves begins at the edge and ends in the body. The end fitting includes a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs configured to mate with the set of grooves.

Abstract: A frame system for an article storage apparatus which defines an article storage space therein, includes a first upper frame extending horizontally, a first lower frame extending horizontally, and at least one first connecting frame extending vertically and interconnecting the first upper frame and the first lower frame. The first upper frame has receiving bores formed therein through which elongate supports extend vertically when the elongate supports are attached to said first lower frame to suspend the first lower frame.

Abstract: A releasable fastening system for retaining two surfaces at each other or disengaging the two surfaces from each other comprises a first electrode disposed at a first surface, a second electrode disposed at a second surface, and a polymer film disposed between the first and second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode, the polymer film, and the second electrode. A volume of the polymer film is controllably variable to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface. A method of releasably fastening adjacently-positioned surfaces comprises disposing a first electrode at a first surface, disposing a second electrode at a second surface, and increasing the volume of an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface.

Abstract: An improved lockable fastener that can be employed in a circuit breaker application includes a first member and a second member that are threadably cooperable with one another and a locking member that extends between the first and second members to resist loosening of the first and second members. The second member includes a threaded shank that is threadably received in a first threaded portion of a cavity formed in the first member. The locking member includes a threaded body and a taper, with the threaded body being threadably receivable in a second threaded portion of the first member, and with the taper being at least partially receivable in a receptacle formed in the shank of the second member. The receptacle defines a seat on the shank, and the taper engages the seat to deform at least a portion of the shank into engagement with a ledge that is interposed between the first and second threaded portions of the cavity.

Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The improved rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced.

Abstract: A separable, form-fitting joint (5) is proposed in which one plastic component is designed as a base component (6) and another component, a cover (7), is designed as a component to be mounted on the base component (6), and the cover (7) is equipped, as viewed from the mounting direction (10), with opposing pocket-shaped receptacles (13, 14, 20, 21) which are formed on cover (7) by tongues (16, 17, 22, 23) on the cover (7) and which accommodate the insertion of flange-shaped edge sections (9, 12) of the base component (6).

Abstract: The combining device for combining stacked plates includes a first plate at a bottom layer thereof, a plurality of upper plates, and an inserting means. The first plate is formed with at least two buckling rings; and a proper distance is retained between the two buckling rings. The upper plate is formed with at least one hole at position corresponding to one of the buckling rings. The buckling rings is inserted by the two inserting ends of each inserting means; and then the elastic pieces aside the inserting end pass through the buckling ring and resists against the inserting end. Thereby, the plates are combined, while the inserting end can not be released. Therefore, the combining device of the present invention provides a low cost and conventional way for combining a plurality of overlapping plates. Moreover, by the present invention, the combining surface is flat.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism having a first attachment member supported by a first body. The first attachment member includes an engaging portion. A plurality of second attachment members is also provided and is supported by a second body. Each of the plurality of second attachment members includes an engaging portion selectively engageable with the engaging portion of the first attachment member. An actuating device is further provided and coupled with the plurality of second attachment members. The actuation device is operable to selectively actuate the plurality of second attachment members relative to the first attachment member to positionally manipulate the first body relative to the second body while the plurality of second attachment members is engaged with the first attachment member.

Abstract: A freight container for use in intermodal freight transportation systems that includes lift castings having a top lift aperture located on the lift casting at an outboard position, such that when other containers are stacked on top of the container, loads are properly distributed through reinforcement beams of the container, thereby substantially reducing bending stresses in the container, substantially reducing the possibility fatigue failure of the container, and reducing the costs of maintenance and inspection of the container.

Abstract: A sediment control barrier, comprising a ground contacting surface having a length suitable for controlling fluid flow across ground, barrier material extending perpendicularly from the ground contacting surface, means for securing the ground contacting surface to the ground; and the barrier material being structured to conform to a ground contour. A sediment control barrier is proposed that has slots to enable flexing of the barrier material. Another sediment control barrier is proposed having a graded permeability from a first, lower, non-zero permeability adjacent the ground contacting surface to a second, higher, permeability away from the ground contacting surface.

Abstract: A lightweight spacer for mounting a vacuum brake booster on a panel provides integral flexible sealing lips to seal the interfaces between the panel, spacer, and booster. Integral retaining tabs are provided for holding the spacer in place on the booster during shipping and installation of the booster. Tubular inserts within the spacer are retained and cushioned against rattling by a thin web of material extending over the end of the insert.

Abstract: A lockable elastic joint for anthropomorphous robot is described that is provided with wrist and handling organ, comprising a first part that is fastenable to the wrist of the robot and a second part that is fastenable to the handling organ of the robot. First coupling means are provided between said parts that are suitable to maintain the same parts at a pre-set distance and on planes parallel to each other and second coupling means between said parts suitable to allow in an elastic way or, as an alternative, to prevent mutual movements of said parts along two directions parallel to the planes of the two parts and perpendicular to each other and around an axis perpendicular to the aforesaid planes. In addition there are preferably provided locking means that are suitable to lock the two parts to each other in any position decentralized the one as regards the other.

Abstract: An improved freight container for use in intermodal freight transportation systems that includes lift castings having a top lift aperture located on the lift casting at an outboard position, such that when other containers are stacked on top of the improved container, loads are properly distributed through reinforcement beams of the improved container, thereby substantially reducing bending stresses in the improved container, substantially reducing the possibility fatigue failure of the improved container, and reducing the costs of maintenance and inspection of the improved container.

Abstract: When two plastic components are joined to form a permanent integral joint by means of ultrasonic welding or a form-fitting joint by means of ultrasonic riveting, the joining method may result in changes on the surface of the joined workpieces which degrade their appearance. The process of fitting the components together before welding requires that the components be precisely positioned in a way that is difficult to maintain since the components may shift relative to one another. In the case of welded components, if one component is defective all components must be replaced—a characteristic which generates unnecessary costs. In addition, the process of welding workpieces requires additional machines and tools.

Abstract: An article adapted to be releasably attached to a bed railing, the article having a housing defining an opening for slidingly receiving a portion of the railing, when the housing is mounted on the railing. The article also has a first pawl movably connected to the housing and arranged to be moved from a retaining position, in which the pawl is adapted to block the opening to prevent removal of the railing from the opening, to a release position to enable removal of the article from the railing member. Further, the article has a spring connected to the housing and bearing against the pawl to bias the pawl towards its retaining position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic gripper provides a support for releasable attachment to a ferromagnetic surface. A magnet adheres the gripper to the ferromagnetic surface. A frame is rotatably attached to the magnet where the frame defines cam surfaces to raise and lower the magnet from the ferromagnetic surface. An ear extends from the magnet to engage the ferromagnetic surface at a location spaced from the cam surfaces so that an end of the magnet near the ear can be first disengaged from the ferromagnetic surface, causing an air gap between the magnet and the ferromagnetic surface. The remainder of the magnet is sequentially disengaged from the surface as the cam surface is rotated. A foot support may be rotatably mounted to the frame so that a user can stand on the gripper to perform maintenance and repairs on the structure defined by the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining together two furniture members including a first member having an outwardly projecting tongue. The tongue includes a central portion adjacent to the first member and an enlarged terminal portion spaced from the first member. The terminal portion includes a plurality of walls that form a geometric configuration. The assembly further includes a second member that defines a groove. The groove has a configuration corresponding to the central portion and the terminal portion of the tongue. The groove receives the tongue portions to join together the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A musical toothbrush has a elongate handle having proximal and distal ends. Bristles are formed at the distal end of the elongate handle and a music box is removably attached to the proximal end of the elongate handle. The music box has a housing within which a music generator is disposed such that it may conveniently be actuated by a child prior to brushing the teeth. A retainer disposed within the housing releasably retains the toothbrush upon the handle. The retainer has a tensioner assembly and a plurality of teeth disposed proximate the tensioner assembly such that the proximal end of the toothbrush is positionable intermediate the tensioner assembly and the teeth. The tensioner assembly urges the proximal end of the toothbrush handle toward the teeth such that the tips of the teeth are substantially depressed and therefore frictionally engaged to the proximal end of the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing first and second members (12, 14) to one another includes a cylindrical body (16) to be received and secured within a sheath (40). The cylindrical body includes a pair of longitudinal recesses (30, 32) extending in its external surface, and a spherical member (24) extending from the end thereof. The sheath includes a cylindrical bore (42) for receiving the body with a pair of ribs (44, 46) extending into the bore for alignment with the recesses. The spherical member extends from the sheath and is slotted (26) for retention against an outer surface (14a) of the second member. The ribs taper from an enlarged end (58) to be frictionally secured within the recesses for axial retention and anti-rotation.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus is provided for climbing ferromagnetic surfaces, such as storage tanks and steel frame structures. A magnet assembly is rotatably mounted in a frame assembly. The frame assembly provides a pair of cam surfaces having different dimensions so that, when the frame is rotated, the cam surfaces contact the ferromagnetic surface to separate the magnet assembly from the surface. The different cam dimensions enable one side of the magnet at a time to be detached from the surface to reduce the effort needed to disengage the climbing apparatus. The cam surface also provides for smoothly attaching the apparatus. A hardened dowel pin is also attached to the frame and the pointed end of the dowel engages the surface when the magnet is attached to the surface to prevent downward sliding movement of the assembly under the weight of the user.

Abstract: Multi-jointed robot for use in a clean room specifically applicable during the production of semiconductor devices where contaminant material must be eliminated to the extent possible. The robot includes a sectional body defined at least in part by a plurality of arm members wherein a plurality of pivotal joints are provided to pivotably connect adjacent arm members with respect to each other. The arm members and the pivotal joints are hollow such that an uninterrupted air passage is provided in the robot extending through each of the pivotal joints and the arm members of the sectional body thereof. The robot includes a terminal arm member located at one end of the sectional body which has an opening on the exterior surface thereof defining one end of the air passage through the robot. A rotary fan is mounted in the robot at the other end of the air passage and is operable upon rotation to exhaust air through the air passage within the interior of the sectional body of the robot.

Abstract: An apparatus having two slide supports, adjustable with respect to one another, which have attachment surfaces for attaching two holding devices. The balance of the holding devices attached to the attachment surfaces of the slide supports are compensated by having the slide supports each divided into a slide support base plate and an attachment plate with the attachment surface. The attachment plates are connected in a limited adjustable manner with the slide support base plates under spring tension using spring-stressed bolts oriented perpendicular relative to the attachment surfaces. The attachment plate of the first slide support is adjustable in a limited manner through use of an adjustment bolt oriented perpendicular relative to the direction of adjustment of the slide supports on the coordinated slide support base plate.

Abstract: A printer having a fan folded output is provided with an output catching tray which cantilevers upwardly at an angle of 35.degree.-55.degree. from the printer output. The tray includes side walls defining a bottom which bears on the top of the printer. The sidewalls each define integrally formed hooks for catching onto the printer at any bar of fastening disposed in the area of the output. These books enable the cantilevered support to occur. At the bottom of the tray, an arcuate and cam-like surface is disposed against the printer output. This cam-like surface takes horizontal output from the printer and causes it to pass upwardly over its surface. The cam surface extends from an angle in the range of 45.degree. in vicinity of the printer to a slope beyond horizontal at the bottom of the paper catching tray. The end of the cam and the bottom of the paper catching tray form a notch.

Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for use in securing a secondary unit, such as a welder's mask or the like, to a primary unit, such as a protective helmet often referred to as a hard hat. The secondary unit is mounted for adjustment between operative and inoperative modes relative to the primary unit. The primary unit is provided with at least one exterior shoulder projecting laterally outwardly from a wall surface. The shoulder is provided with an upwardly extending passageway. The assembly includes a base portion which rests upon and is supported by the shoulder. Connected to and depending from the base portion are a plurality of fingers which extend into and resiliently engage the shoulder passageway and retain the bracket in assembled relation with the primary unit. Adjustable means coact with the base portion to secure the secondary unit to the bracket base portion whereby the secondary unit can assume a selected mode relative to the primary unit.

Abstract: A hollow spacer for securely separating two mutually attached members at a selectable distance, the distance based on the length of a spacer transversely sliced from an elongated, hollow, extruded body. The spacer has a polygonal transverse cross-section and a plurality of partially open channels or bolt-receiving recesses extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extruded body.

Abstract: A method for molding a wire insert in the body of a plastic article to reinforce a bolt-receiving opening. The wire insert is formed of a wire coil in which each convolution of the coil is in contact with its neighboring convolution. The coil has openings between adjacent convolutions to permit liquid plastic to flow between the convolutions as the article is being molded so that the coil is embedded within the plastic.

Abstract: Flywheel assembly with anti-cracking safeguard for protection against overspeed, including a frustroconical shaft portion, a flywheel mounted in press-fitting engagement on the shaft portion and having a force applied thereto directed toward the end of the frustroconical shaft portion having the smaller diameter, and a catching and centering device for the flywheel located adjacent the flywheel.