Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling structure for a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The ceiling structure has an opening. The vehicle further includes a sunvisor assembly that is mounted to the ceiling structure. The sunvisor assembly has a panel and a swivel rod received by the opening to attach the panel to the ceiling structure. The swivel rod is movable from a first position to a second position upon receiving a predetermined force to the panel. The second position is a position in which the swivel rod is positioned further into the opening of the ceiling structure than when in the first position.

Abstract: An entertainer for a child that is specifically configured and adapted for use in several operational configurations. The entertainer includes a plurality of legs and a tray for supporting a plurality of activity items for the child. A multi-functional plate is attachable to the legs to allow the entertainer to assume a seat support configuration. The multi-functional plate is detachable from the legs and positionable over the tray to allow the entertainer to assume a table top configuration.

Abstract: A joining connector is provided which can be fitted by the turning part of the frame bar of the shelf board. The joining connector includes a base plate having inner and outer sides. Recessed joining parts are formed on the outer side and define a vertical and a horizontal wall. The vertical wall and horizontal wall can match the outer edge of the turning part of the frame bar. Limiting projections are formed on the outer side of the base plate in a preset concrete shape, and located on a position between but spaced from the vertical and horizontal walls of the recessed joining part, so that the turning part of the frame bar can be pushed and fitted into the recessed joining part from the direction of the outer side of the base plate, and the limiting projection can correspondingly limit the inner edge of the turning part.

Abstract: The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it.

Abstract: A quick-release joint for a sports goal structure, the quick-release joint comprises a first tube having first and second ends and a press button formed on the second end thereof; and a second tube having first and second ends and a slot formed on the first end thereof, with the first tube selectively pivoted with respect to the second tube; the quick-release joint is in first, second and third positions selectively, with the press button engaged with the slot and the first and second tubes fixed to each other in the first position of the quick-release joint, with the press button gradually detached from the slot in the second position of the quick-release joint, and with the press button completely detached from the slot and the first tube being able to detach and rotate with respect to the second tube in the third position of the quick-release joint.

Abstract: A joint instrument support assembly is disclosed. Both sides of a rotating elbow have an ear part, respectively. A groove is formed between the two ear parts. One ear part communicates with the groove via a circular hole. The two ear parts have a circular wall toward the groove, respectively. A rotating block is disposed in the rotating elbow. A rod goes through the rotating block. A limiting element locks on the rod and positions in the axle hole to rotate with respect to the rotating block. A sliding block having a through hole and an outer thread part is disposed in an accommodating room. A pad is mounted on the outer thread part and strides across the outer edges of the two circular walls. A fastening element locks onto the outer thread part outside the pad.

Abstract: A rod end mounting bushing for use in a connection assembly is disclosed. The rod end mounting bushing has a generally cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis line extending through the body and opposite end faces wherein each end face has a defining geometric plane. Each geometric plane is constructed and arranged at an angle of incline relative to the longitudinal axis line of the generally cylindrical body. The body defines a through aperture which extends from one end face to the opposite end face. This through aperture has a longitudinal axis line which is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the end faces.

Abstract: A fluid flow coupling assembly includes an inlet housing defining an inlet channel communicating with a first bushing recess and an outlet housing defining an outlet channel communicating with a second bushing recess. The assembly includes a bushing defining a flow bore communicating between the inlet channel and the outlet channel and a first bushing section disposed in the first bushing recess and a second bushing section disposed in the second bushing recess. The inlet and outlet housings are coupled to the bushing such that the inlet housing rotates about the bushing independently from the outlet housing. The first bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the first bushing recess and the second bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the second bushing recess.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a connector body comprising longitudinal and lateral bores communicating each other; a male member adapted to secure to a coupling end of a portable power tool, and a stepped-diameter section rotatably secured to the connector body; and an L-shaped fitting having one end adapted to connect to a line for conveying pressurized fluid and the other end adapted to connect to the lateral bore. An outer surface of the other end of the L-shaped fitting comprises a retaining mechanism for securing the connection of the L-shaped fitting to the connector body and allowing a free turning of the L-shaped fitting about the connector body. The quick connector is adaptable.

Abstract: A breakaway knuckle for an arm of a car wash is disclosed. The knuckle allows the arm of a car wash to receive an impact from a vehicle without breaking and return the arm to its original position automatically. The knuckle preferably comprises a joint having a series of inclined grooves and corresponding balls. The knuckle is spring loaded to actuate the return of the arm to an in-use position after an impact, and the balls roll into the grooves to hold the arm in place.

Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.

Abstract: A mechanism includes a hook (150) provided with a rectilinear shank (115) sliding in a housing (109) dependent on one (107) of the rigid elements and a co-operating part (103) dependent on the other (108) rigid element, and which is engaged in the recessed zone of the hook (150). At its end opposite the shank, the curved portion of the hook includes a rectilinear extension (152) parallel to the shank, and a sheath (153) is adapted to receive the extension, which is capable of a rectilinear translational movement parallel to the shank (115), while remaining permanently engaged in the sheath (153).

Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A least one protrusion is formed on the mounting bracket and at least one recessed area is formed in the diverter vane with each recessed area receiving a corresponding protrusion of the mounting member. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.

Abstract: A fixture mounting assembly and method according to which a coupling member is attached to the fixture, and a down-rod is pivotally mounted to the coupling member and is mounted to the ceiling.

Abstract: A foot assembly includes two first legs each having a first ring provided with a first limiting recess defined in an inner face of the first ring and a first finger extending from the inner face of the first ring, two second legs each having a second ring and a second limiting recess defined in an inner face of the second ring to movably receive therein the first finger of the first ring and two joints each having a third ring, a tube and a tubular extension formed on a bottom rim of the third ring to extend into the first ring and the second ring. The joint has a second finger to be movably received in the first limiting recess such that the first leg is able to align with the second leg for storage.

Abstract: A bed rail assembly includes a joint device connecting two top tubes, a pair of corner members mounted to free ends of the top tubes, two vertical tubes mounted to and depending from the corner members, and a pair of knuckle devices mounted to lower ends of the vertical tubes. Horizontal support tubes extend from the knuckle devices in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by the top tubes and the vertical tubes. Extensions project from the knuckle devices to receive and fix support tube thereby forming a rectangular frame onto which a cover is attached to shield the frame. Each knuckle device includes a movable member movably connected to a base of the knuckle device to allow collapse of the bed rail. A Y-shaped belt and an L-shaped retention member are used to secure the bed rail assembly to a mattress.

Abstract: A pivoting joint for pivotally joining a brake head to a brake beam of a railway car allows the brake head to modify its radial and lateral direction with a controlled degree of rotation with respect to a bogie wheel, allowing the brake shoe to adapt to the wheel contour, and achieving an adequate force distribution along the brake shoe, and thus optimizing the utilization of the brake shoe material.

Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.

Abstract: A supporting structure for vehicles that have an expandable room. Telescoping double tube extension beams are secured to the vehicle structure and combined with hydraulic extension cylinders to move the extendable room from the retracted to the extended position and back again. The inner tube of each extension beam is connected to the outer wall of the extendable room using a pivot connector that includes a mounting plate which has extending from it spaced apart support plates that provide bearing surfaces to support a journal. The journal has a transverse opening extending through it between the support plates, and a connecting member is used to attach the inner tube to the journal and therefore to the room mounting plate.

Abstract: A flexible rod (20) is articulated at a first end to a control ring (30) and is fixed at a second end to a pivot of a blade (10) that is to be controlled. At this second end, it is held so that it can rotate without play on the blade pivot by a holding device (44; 52; 54). The articulation device comprise a pivot (24) passing through a first orifice (22) pierced in this first end and engaged in a radial housing (28) of the control ring, the pivot being held in position by a locking ring (34) which has openings (36) for the passage of this pivot and which slides on this control ring. The fixing device comprise a fixing screw (40) passing through a second orifice (38) pierced in the second end of the rod and introduced into a hole (42) of the pivot of the blade that is to be controlled.

Abstract: A pivot joint comprises a receiver supported relative to a first member. The receiver is provided for receiving a second member. The receiver is partially cylindrical. A retainer is adapted to be supported relative to the first member to trap the second member in the receiver. The retainer has an arcuate shaped portion that is adapted to engage the second member. Moreover, the retainer has a resilient portion that is adapted to conform to a portion of the second member.

Abstract: A joint for pivotally joining a brake head to a brake beam of a railway car which allows to the brake head to modify its radial direction with respect to a bogie wheel, allowing the brake shoe to adapt to the wheel contour, and achieving an adequate force distribution along the brake shoe.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a tail portion and a head portion securely affixed thereto wherein the head portion of the pivot joint has at least an engaging slot for pivotally connecting a guest tube frame of the foldable furniture and the tail portion of the pivot joint is adapted for rotatably affixing on a host tube frame of the foldable furniture in such a manner that the guest tube frame is adapted to rotate in various directions with respect to the host tube frame.

Abstract: A pivotal connector for scanner comprises a plurality of pivotal cavities concavely arranged on one side of a main body of the scanner, and a plurality of pivotal bodies convexly arranged on one side of a document cover of the scanner and having locations corresponding to those of the pivotal cavities. Each pivotal cavity has two guiding grooves on both sidewalls thereof, and each guiding groove has a recess connected to lateral side of the main body. The pivotal body has two pivotal rods extended from two sidewalls thereof and are placed into the guiding grooves through the recesses. The pivotal rods are movable in the guiding grooves such that the document cover can be tightly attached on a thick document to be scanned.

Abstract: An assembly rail has at least one profile element with support legs. A rail slot is defined between the support legs and extends in a longitudinal direction of the at least one profile element. The support legs are oriented inwardly toward an interior of the at least one profile element. A hollow profile that is larger than the at least one profile element has edge strips arranged along at least one longitudinal side of the hollow profile. Between the edge strips a receiving slot is formed. The at least one profile element is arranged in the receiving slot and is connected fixedly to the hollow profile. The rail slot of the at least one profile element opens outwardly.

Abstract: A coupler for a sport practice net rack includes a first angular tube having a first flat section and a first angular section, and a second angular tube pivotally mounted on the first angular tube and having a second flat section and a second angular section. The second angular section of the second angular tube is detachably received in the first angular section of the first angular tube.

Abstract: A unitary connector (1) is provided for interconnecting individual panels on a framework of a partitioning system. The connector has a base plate (2) and prongs (4) located on the base plate for engaging a planar surface of a panel. A hook (3) is arranged to be pivotally connected to the base plate for engagement with the support framework attached to the base plate. Conveniently, a plurality of such connectors (1) can be located in a column one beneath the next or side-by-side as appropriate to the size or the plate being attached to a framework. Each connector can be a one piece unitary connector. The unitary connector advantageously provides a base plate of increased strength, grip and purchase on a panel of a partitioning system, and also a substantial reduction both in manufacturing and fitting costs.

Abstract: A three-degree of motion joint comprising a translational joint, a first support member, a first rotational joint, and a second rotational joint. The translational joint allows a first component and a second component to move with respect to each other along the z-axis. The translational joint includes a first translational flexural member that connects a first member and a base member. The first support member is attached to the base member. The first rotational joint allows the first component and the second component to be moved with respect to each other in the &THgr;x direction. The first rotational joint includes a first rotational flexural member that is attached to the first member. The second rotational joint allows the first component and second component to move with respect to each other in the &THgr;y direction. The second rotational joint includes a second rotational flexural member attached to the first support member.

Abstract: In a rotary damper device and a sun visor attaching apparatus using the same, a damping force works in one way. The rotary damper device includes a case, a rotor and a viscous fluid. The rotor is rotatably held in the case and connected to a shaft. The viscous fluid is sealed in the case. The rotor includes a rotary vane, a through-hole passing through the vane, and a valve. The rotary vane is used to agitate the viscous fluid. The valve opens the through-hole when the shaft is rotated in one direction and closes the through-hole when the shaft is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A clip for mounting panels and doors to indexed poles utilizes a resilient C-shaped pole receiving member with an interiorly-directed ridge centrally located along the inner perimeter thereof. The interiorly-directed ridge is received in any desired unoccupied annular groove along the indexed pole. The clip further utilizes first and second opposing panel interface members that extend in one direction from the exterior of the C-shaped pole-receiving member. A raised button or projection extending from a first panel interface member toward a second panel interface member may be provided to secure a panel between the two panel interface members. Use of the clip allows mounting and dismounting of panels to indexed poles, such as the indexed poles found in shelf organizing systems, without the need for tools. By utilizing clips along only a single edge of a panel, each of the clips can serve as a hinge and the panel as a door member.

Abstract: In an articulated sequence or array of ground-reinforcement panels, each panel has parallel rectilinear edges, one of them provided with a number of male interlock members projecting therefrom in the plane of the panel and the other provided with a corresponding number of female interlock members recessed therein, so constructed and arranged that the male members can be forcibly but detachably interengaged with the female members in a next-adjacent panel in a direction vertical to the plane of the panels but cannot be disengaged therefrom in the plane of the panels, while, when interengaged, the respective male and female members and the adjacent panels associated therewith are capable of limited rotation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for positioning a spring-loaded or sliding mechanism includes a oting lever and a fixed support arm in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship to the spring-loaded or slide mechanism. The lever incorporates a hollowed-out portion that receives one end of the spring-loaded or slide mechanism and a portion of the support arm therein. The spring-loaded or slide mechanism is hingedly coupled to the lever at the hollowed-out portion. The hollowed-out portion is further sized to allow the support arm to pass therethough. A latch mechanism is incorporated in part on the support arm and in part on the lever at the hollowed-out portion. In use, the lever moves the spring-loaded or slide mechanism between a first position and a second position as the lever is supported by the support arm passing through the hollowed-out portion. The latch mechanism can be engaged to maintain the spring-loaded or slide mechanism in at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A portable activity floor comprised of a plurality of separate panels that can be readily and selectively interlocked together into a finalized configuration. Each panel has an underlayment providing a core with spaced stringers fastened to the underside thereof. Elongated finishing strips mounted on the upper surface of the underlayment form the outer surface of the panel. In one type of floor assembly, alternate strips are longer than their adjacent strips at the inner side of each panel to form laterally spaced interlock fingers. A pair of hinge members pivotally connects adjacent panels to one another and allows them to be relatively pivoted on a fixed axis with finger interlock alignment accuracy from an initial connected position to a fully assembled position in which the fingers of the finishing strips closely mesh and interlock. Further, the hinge members when connected prevent lateral movement of adjacent panels.

Abstract: In a PC card, a casing and a card are rotatably and bendably connected to each other by a hollow connecting member. A flexible wiring member is disposed in the connecting member and electrically connects the casing and card. The connecting member has a rotatable piece received in a first receiving portion formed on one end of the casing, a first cap rotatably supporting the first receiving portion and rotatable piece, an arm inserted at one end thereof in a second receiving portion formed on one end of the card, and a second cap rotatably supporting the second receiving portion and arm. The other end of the arm is bendably connected to the rotatable piece. The casing is freely moved about the arm in the up-and-down and right-and-left directions, as desired. Hence, the casino does not obstruct the operator's access to various switches and so forth arranged on a data terminal while the card is free from loads and damage.

Abstract: Pivot for articulating the load-bearing components of a jack. The pivot comprises a shaft that rotates in a bore. The components are lengths of U section or have lateral flanges or upright edges that overlap in the vicinity of the pivot. The object is to decrease the weight of the jack. Instead of a solid bolt, the axis is a hollow neck (19) stamped through the sides (15 & 17) or flanges (13) of one component and extending through the bore (18) in its counterpart.

Abstract: The invention proposes a motor vehicle screen wiper of the type comprising at least one elongate element, made of press-formed and bent sheet metal, and having, in cross section through a transverse plane, the form of an inverted U which comprises two vertical side portions joined together through a spine portion, in which, in one of the end portions of the elongate element, the spine portion has a zone of locally reduced thickness, such as to give a curvature to the external face of the elongate element in its end portion.

Abstract: A foldable chair 100 comprises a front frame 1 made of pipe material with a backrest 12 provided at its top end and having a pair of front legs 11 continuously extending downward from the top end; a rear frame 2 made of pipe material having a pair of rear legs 21 continuously extending downward from its top end with a sliding shaft whose top end is pivotally mounted to the front frame 1 and whose bottom end is slidably inserted into the top end of each of the rear legs 21; and a seat 3 having its lateral sides pivotally supported near its rear side by the rear frame 2 and by the front frame i forwardly of the position supported by the rear frame 2; and is characterized by that the front frame 1 being provided with concaves 4 formed therein above the seat 3 in use by plastically transforming the pipe material, that each sliding shaft is provided at its upper end with a pivot member 51 mounted to the concave 4, and that the front and rear frames 1, 2 are so arranged that the axis of the rear leg 21 is generally

Abstract: A connector for segments of a modular surgical implant includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion are configured to snap-fit together to mate and form a swivel coupling. A modular implant includes at least first and second segments which are connected by such a connector having first and second portions. The first portion is secured to the first segment and the second portion is secured to the second segment. The first portion and second portion are configured to mate and form a swivel such that the first segment and second segment are movable in multiplanar orientation relative to each other.

Abstract: A card and picture holder is formed from two identical, generally planar half portions, which are assembled together to capture a card, picture or other planar display object therebetween. Each half portion includes a transparent center window therein, so an article(s) sandwiched within the two portions may be viewed from either side. Each half portion includes a plurality of slotted channels formed in the periphery, which channels form hinge passages in the completed assembly and serve to capture the pins of interconnectors or a hanger(s) therein. The interconnectors are identical and symmetrical, and include an intermediate member which provides sufficient distance between the two opposite pins to allow for the thickness of the holders comprising an assembly of interconnected holders. Thus, the holders may be folded over one another for compact storage.

Abstract: A clamp for securing together sections of conduit has a first clamping section and a second clamping section. Each clamping section is made up of a base portion and a connecting plate which extends from the base portion. The connecting plates each have a through-hole formed therethrough and are aligned so that a bolt may be inserted. The bolt pivotally connects the first and second clamping sections together. A pair of U-clamps are provided and secure each respective conduit section to its associated clamping section. The sections of conduit are secured within the clamping sections so as to be in a plane parallel to each other while being adjustable to any desired angle. The sections of conduit may also be rotated within the clamping sections to angle the clamp with respect to other clamps attached to opposing ends of the conduit sections.

Abstract: The deployable door of a passenger-side vehicle airbag restraint system is simultaneously fastened into an instrument panel opening and into engagement with the airbag module reaction canister. A spring clip on the canister receives a probe which is secured to the door through a pivoted breakaway connection. The probe is easily inserted into the clip but can be withdrawn only with difficulty. Airbag inflation thereafter separates the breakaway connection preferentially to the spring clip connection.

Abstract: A stamped link and a method of forming the link. The link is a clevis link formed of a single piece of sheet metal and includes a generally planar main body portion, a curl portion proximate the rearward end of the link forming a first bearing surface defining a rearward pivot axis, longitudinal edge flange portions upstanding from the main body portion, side wall portions upstanding from the main body portion proximate the forward end of the link inboard of each edge flange portion and each having an upper edge generally at the level of the upper edge of the associated edge flange, a central ridge upstanding from the main body portion between the ends of the link and blending at its forward end in the side walls, and aligned apertures in each edge flange and its associated side wall proximate the forward end of the link forming a second bearing surface defining a forward pivot axis.

Abstract: A high lift scissors jack has three sets of scissor members. Each set is joined to the adjacent sets at the corners using connectors which maintain the base and the platform parallel as the structure extends and retracts. The connectors have angularly spaced pivots and the pivots have shoulders which provide lateral support to the ends of the lever arms. The scissor sets are joined to a support base and a platform by similar transition assemblies. The transition assemblies each include a pivoted strut for each set of scissor members. The strut has its base pivotally mounted on the support base or platform and its opposite vertex connected to the end of the scissor set. Extension and retraction are performed by rotating the support base struts about their base pivots.

Abstract: A play gym comprising a horizontal bar from which swings and other rides are suspended is supported at its opposite ends by legs. Special pivot joints connect the pairs of legs to the horizontal bar which permit each pair of legs to be folded together and against the horizontal bar so that the gym can assume a stick-like configuration. When the legs are unfolded to support the horizontal bar, parts of the pivot joints engage the ends of the horizontal bar thereby preventing end-wise movement and racking of the play gym. Provision is also made for substituting one pair of legs by a horizontal pivot arrangement which can be secured to a vertical support so that the gym can be used in a small area and be folded out of the way against the support when not in use.

Abstract: A play gym comprising a horizontal bar from which swings and other rides are suspended is supported at its opposite ends by legs. Special pivot joints connect the pairs of legs to the horizontal bar which permit each pair of legs to be folded together and against the horizontal bar so that the gym can assume a stick-like configuration. When the legs are unfolded to support the horizontal bar, parts of the pivot joints engage the ends of the horizontal bar thereby preventing end-wise movement and racking of the play gym. Provision is also made for substituting one pair of legs by a horizontal pivot arrangement which can be secured to a vertical support so that the gym can be used in a small area and be folded out of the way against the support when not in use.

Abstract: A lockable joint for releasably locking two relatively articulated members in longitudinally aligned, load-bearing relation to one another is disclosed. The articulated members are connected together by a shaft carried by one member which shaft pivotally engages a cam slot carried by the other member. The confronting ends of the members are provided with a plurality of interdigitating or nesting surfaces which interlock with each other upon application of a longitudinal force applied to one or both of the members. The cam slot and shaft are designed and constructed to cause relative angular articulation of the members in response to the longitudinally applied force.