Abstract: A swivelling device to adjust the swivelling of two mechanical parts includes a flexible coupling placed between the two mechanical parts which have opposed interior surfaces facing each other. The opposed external surfaces of the swivelling device are contiguous with respective opposed interior surfaces of the two mechanical part and providing a flexible cushion between the two parts. The method for positioning the flexible coupling includes the operations of drilling a hole into one of the mechanical parts and then injecting a flexible material through the hole to form a flexible coupling between the two mechanical parts.

Abstract: A device to adjust the swivelling of two mechanical parts and a method for making this device are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible coupling placed between the two parts and acting as a ball joint between the two parts and means to adjust the distance between the two parts, these means being located at a given distance from the joint. The method for positioning the flexible coupling between the two mechanical parts comprises the following operations: a hole is drilled into one of the mechanical parts and the material of the flexible coupling is injected through the hole.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes a pair of hollow handle tubes, a pair of front legs, a pair of plungers, and a pair of actuating members. Each handle tube has a lower end with an enlarged portion. Each front leg has an upper end with a rearward enlarged part. When the handle tubes are moved from a first folded position to a first stretched position, the enlarged portion of the respective handle tube moves from a first angular position where it does not overlap with the rearward enlarged part of the respective front leg, to a second angular position where it overlaps with the rearward enlarged part. Each locking member has a hooked portion mounted on the rearward enlarged part of the respective front leg, and a rear hooking portion mounted on the enlarged portion of the respective handle tube. Each plunger has actuated and coupling ends, and a middle portion coupled to the rear hooking portion of the respective locking member. Each actuating member has actuating and linking ends.

Abstract: An improved bathroom-use mirror lamp having a mirror lamp and gimbal frame that are capable of a flexible range of angular adjustment. A gimbal frame is situated on the upper extent of the lower base, and a mirror lamp is mounted to the gimbal frame, with the gimbal frame containing internally routed electrical wiring. The electrical wiring of the mirror lamp is routed from the interior section of the mirror lamp through the two lateral arms of the gimbal frame and extended out at the bottom end of the lower base. The gimbal frame and mirror lamp each have a laterally disposed semicircular shaped recess at a connection section with a position limiting ball bearing in each. When the mirror lamp is rotated 180 degrees, the position limiting ball bearings become restricted against two edges of the insertion conjointment slots, causing the mirror lamp to become incapable of further rotation and preventing the twisting of the electrical wiring.

Abstract: A skate cart includes a board with a front wheel and a rear wheel. A handlebar stem is pivotally connected to a connection port extending from a front end of the board and the front wheel is connected to the handlebar stem. The connection port has two lugs and a lower end of the handlebar stem is engaged between the two lugs. A rod is movably inserted through one of the lugs and a passage in the handlebar stem. When pulling the rod out from the passage in the handlebar stem, the handlebar stem is pivotable relative to the board.

Abstract: An adjustable rotary positioning mechanism comprising a clevis having a central axis, a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of bores arcuately spaced around the central axis through the first arm of the clevis. A rod end having a central axis and a plurality of sockets is rotatably connected to the clevis through the central axis. The plurality of sockets are arcuately spaced around the central axis and positioned colinearly with the plurality of bores. A plurality of locking pins are carried in the sockets and configured to project into the plurality of bores to lock the clevis and the rod end together and to retract from the plurality of bores to permit relative movement of the clevis and the rod end. Another embodiment of the invention is a wheelchair comprising a frame, drive wheels and steerable wheels supporting the frame, and paired foot supports each adjustably connected to the frame using the adjustable rotary positioning mechanism described above.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a novel hood coupling apparatus is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a frame provided with a compartment and a hood. The hood is coupled to the frame by at least one hinge and at least one latch. The latch includes a stationary portion associated with the frame and a movable portion associated with the hood, and the hinge includes a first portion associated with the frame and a second portion associated with the hood. The latch is configured for the stationary portion to engage the movable portion in a particular location when the hood is closed, and the second portion of the hinge is configured to assume an approximate position with respect to the first portion of the hinge, and thereby to the frame, upon engagement of the latch, the latch thereby aligning the hood and the second portion of the hinge to the frame when engaged. The work vehicle may also include a hood biasing device and a hood positioner for controlling the amount of opening of the hood.

Abstract: A fold latch assembly is provided for use with a collapsible stroller. The fold latch assembly includes a latch slidably connected to an arm of the collapsible stroller, a housing pivotally attached to the latch and slidably attached to the rear leg of the stroller, and a mount fixedly attached to rear leg of the stroller. The latch operates to releasably secure the collapsible stroller in an operative position and may be released to allow the stroller to be biased into a collapsed position.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a base with two pairs of wheels connected to two sides of the base. A seat is connected to the base and a backrest is connected to the rear end of the seat. A seat shaft is located below the seat and a backrest supports the backrest. Two identical transmitting systems are connected between the seat shaft and the backrest shaft, wherein the seat shaft is driven by a motor. Each of the seat shaft and the backrest shaft has a rotatable member and a fixed member co-axially mounted to one of two ends thereof. A connecting tube is connected between the rotatable member on the seat shaft and the fixed member on the backrest shaft. Each of the rotatable member and the fixed member has arciform slots defined therein so that a chain is engaged with the arciform slots and passing through the connecting tube. The seat can be pivoted to an upright position to assist the disable person to stand up by rotating the rotatable members.

Abstract: The collapsible sheet support apparatus comprises a horizontal center beam to which a plurality of arms, which are pivotable relative to the center beam, are engaged. At least one pair of bottom arms creates legs for supporting the center beam. At least a further pair of top arms may be engaged to the center beam to allow engagement of a sheet larger than can be accommodated by the center beam to the apparatus.

Abstract: A coupling member for joining a first article to a second article comprising first and second elongate arms that are pivotally connectable to a main housing via ball and socket joints. Each arm has one end formed for connection to one of the articles and the other end adapted to be engaged in the ball and socket joint. A locking system is also provided to lock the arms in position with respect to the main housing after the arms have been connected between the first and second articles to create a rigid connection between the first and second articles. The pivotable nature of the coupling member allows for a connection to be made between the first and second articles to be joined without the articles being in perfect alignment whereupon the locking system is applied to create a rigid link.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a prosthesis or the like on an appendage of the human body, the apparatus having a first assembly adapted to be mounted on the prosthesis; a second assembly adapted to be mounted on the appendage; and an adjustment assembly operable to link the first assembly and the second assembly for selective adjustment, relative to a predetermined axis of reference, in both lateral deviation and angulation.

Abstract: The implementation of smart materials (shape-memory alloys (SMA) or piezoceramics) as integral actuating devices for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) hinges, thereby providing mobility as well as actuation to a wide range of mechanisms used in industrial, automotive and aircraft systems. A single DOF hinge is used in which smart materials are used both for actuation and for performance enhancement. The hinge consists of a tang and clevis, two conical inserts, one push block, one bolt and nut, and two washers. Assembly takes place by first putting the push block inside the clevis and putting the tang in place, then inserting the cones, inserting a bolt in the cones and finally tightening the bolt in this arrangement together with the nut to a specified torque. The amount of torque applied is related to the amount of preload in the undisturbed configuration of the hinge and the expansion of the conical inserts required to initiate rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a baby carriage which includes a flexible handrail and a pair of two-way toggle joints for connecting opposite ends of the handrail to a pair of spaced arms, each two-way toggle joint having a butt joint fixedly connected to a respective end of the handrail and a joint stand pivotally connected to a respective arm. The butt joint is pivotally connected to the joint stand by means of a pivot member. A latch member is pivotally mounted between lips of the joint stand. The latch member is biased by a spring into engagement with the pivot member. A groove formed within a forward end of the arm receives a portion of the latch member when the handrail in a fully extended position for preventing pivotal movement of the joint stand relative to the arm.

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

Abstract: A motor vehicle screen wiper comprises a screen wiper arm having a drive head fastened on an end portion of a motor shaft, which is part of a screen wiper drive unit. The motor shaft end portion comprises a conical portion which is received in a complementary through hole associated with the drive head, and which is extended by a threaded terminal shank on to which a fastening nut is screwed. The radial thrust face of the nut cooperates with a portion, in facing relationship with it, of the upper face of the drive head. The drive head comprises an orientation ring in which the conical through hole is formed, with one face of the orientation ring being formed with a set of ridges which cooperate with a complementary ridged engagement surface formed, in facing relationship with the ridged face of the orientation ring, on the body of the drive head. The body is formed with an oblong through hole through which the end portion of the motor shaft extends.

Abstract: Each pivotal shaft normally urged in one direction by the urging means drives the movable barrel to push the pressure spring, so that the clutch disposed either to the inner ball or to the outer ball in each joint is brought into press contact with the other ball to lock the joint. Accordingly, once the holding arm holds a tool, the holding force of the arm does not decline with time. Since the pressure applied to the pressure spring by the movable barrel is released by turning the pivotal shaft in the opposite direction by the driving means, each joint assumes an unlocked state. Thus, the tool held at the free end portion of the holding arm can be moved to a desired position, and also the holding position can be changed very easily.

Abstract: An articulation arrangement connects individual elements of a folding structure which consists of two or more individual elements and is configured to be unfolded and locked in an unfolded position and swivellably disposed on a central body. The arrangement comprises two hinge parts each rigidly fastened at one of two adjacent individual elements and swivellable about a common hinge axle, a slotted disk provided with a slot and forming part of one of the two hinge parts, a lever swivellably disposed on the other of the two hinge parts and provided with a pin. The pin is configured and arranged such that, before the unfolded position is completely reached, the pin slides on an edge of the slotted disk and, in the completely unfolded position at which locking occurs, the pin is engaged in the slot.

Abstract: A mannequin having a plurality of body sections with each of the body sections being shaped in the form of a mannequin shape of a portion of an individual's body, and a plurality of hinge assemblies for interconnecting the body sections to form a mannequin shape of at least a portion of an individual. Each of the hinge assemblies is adjustable for adjusting the force required to hingedly move one of the body sections relative to the other body section connected thereto. In one embodiment, the hinge assemblies also include a portion for rotating one body section relative to the other body section connected thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fish landing net having a handle and elongate first and second frame members, the outer ends of which are joined by a hinge-like mechanism. In the improvement, the outer ends extend along an axis and the mechanism is mounted for pivoting movement about the axis. The mechanism pivots between a first position preventing folding the frame members and a second position permitting folding such members. The mechanism is urged toward the first position by a coiled spring, the twisting force of which is manually overcome to fold the net. The net also has a similar novel hinge-like mechanism joining the inward ends of the frame members. The spring-biased hinge mechanism per se is also disclosed for joining tube-like pieces.

Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella which converts to at least two separate canopy configurations. The umbrella has a closed position, from which it can be opened and latched into at least one middle position. Such a middle position can be used as a car window shade to shade the car from sun entering the front windshield. Alternatively, the middle position can be a partially opened position latched in place for use as an umbrella in restricted places such as a seat in an open air stadium.

Abstract: A release key for adjustable track hurdles having telescoping members with a biased detent locking assembly located within a pair of longitudinal telescoping members, wherein the detent extends outwardly through aligned apertures in the telescoping members to selectively lock those members in predetermined longitudinal positions. The key features a pressure plate having inner and outer faces, with the inner face having an inwardly extending release protuberance and shaped portion which corresponds in conformation with at least a portion of the outer surface of the telescoping members. The outer face preferably includes a handle to further facilitate manipulation by the user, and the release protuberance is aligned with the biased detent in use and extends at least partially into the aligned apertures when its inner face is placed in contact with the outer surface of the telescoping members.

Abstract: A lever operated clamping mechanism for adjustably engaging and locking in position structural members comprising two shoulder bolts and a disk spring for attaching and slidably guiding a slotted structure member relative to a fixed support structure. A threaded lever engages one of the shoulder bolts for frictionally locking the position of the structural member relative to the support structure. The device acts as a positional clutch permitting substantially firm frictional engagement of structural members when the lever is in one position and firm yet slidable engagement of the structural members when the lever is in another position.

Abstract: A length-adjustable column for chairs, tables or the like has a length-adjusting element and a stand pipe. The stand pipe is in the form of a composite pipe and has an outer tube and an inner guide tube, which are connected with each other by guide webs. On the internal surface of the inner guide tube, partial cylinder surfaces are produced by chip removal as guide surfaces for the cylindrical housing of the length-adjusting element.

Abstract: A foldable Christmas tree stand having a plurality of legs that can be permanently assembled, yet is foldable in the assembled form. When unfolded it receives and supports a Christmas tree in an upright position, and when folded it occupies a flat, compact, planar space for convenient handling, storage, and shipping. The Christmas tree stand comprises pivotally interconnected legs that pivot about one or more substantially vertical axes. When unfolded, the legs can be locked in position by a locking assembly disposed about the pivot axes of the pivotally interconnected legs there by providing a stable base for mounting a Christmas tree thereto. Additionally, the Christmas tree stand is designed to enable the trunk of the tree to rest in a water supply container, partially full with water thereby keeping the tree moist to extend the tree's life.

Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing of bone screws or pins, and connecting these bone screws or pins to an external fixator, includes an additional transverse clamping coupling to achieve better external-fixator anchorage when fractures extend up into the joint (condyle) of the femur. A selectively adjustable asymmetric arrangement permits fixed settings parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femur, while a lateral offset takes into account the natural lateral offset of the centerline of the condyle of the femur with respect to the longitudinal axis of the femur.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having a C-shaped frame with a fixed head engaging pin on one side and a pair of head engaging pins on the opposite side. The opposite side of the clamp also has a rotation mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the pair of head engaging pins and a translation mechanism for linearly moving the pair of head engaging pins with respect to the fixed head engaging pin.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor has a liquid sensing element carried on the end of a curved probe which is inserted into a liquid-holding chamber. The probe can be rotated to properly locate the sensor within the chamber. A threaded nut locks the curved probe in position to maintain the sensor in the proper position.

Abstract: A baby carrier 10 having on its underside an integral pair of rockers 12 with a wedge shape pouch 13 detachably secured between the rockers, and having a support handle 14 rotatably connected to the sides of the carrier by a pair of pivots 15 which can be locked in various positions for use of the carrier to carry a baby, as a rocker, or as a chair.

Abstract: An improved elbow used to attach accessories such as stabilizers to archery bows is disclosed. The elbow comprises: an extended arm having a threaded-end capable of being attached to the bow (facilitated in the preferred embodiment by a nut) with the other end having a spherical bevel surmounted by a flat-portion, a saddle shaped wrist capable of receiving the threaded end of the accessory and encompassing the arm, and a hinge coupling the arm and wrist. The hinge uses a special pin that passes loosely through the arm and tightly through both sides of the wrist, and that also functions as a spring. The elbow has two modes of use: an extended mode, when the attached accessory and arm are in line and the attached accessory is essentially parallel to the arrow; and a folded mode, where the attached stabilizer is pivoted down or up.

Abstract: Joint for mechanically connecting, on the one hand, a scanner for symbol codes and, on the other, a processing device for processing the signals produced by the scanner, for varying through a first angle the relative position of the scanner and the processing device at least provided with an at least partially conical axle for providing a first rotational axis, which axle is movable disposed in an at least partially conical recess in a supporting block, and further provided with at least one resilient element for pressing the axle in the recess. For varying the relative position of the scanner and the processing device about a second rotational axis, the joint is provided with a disc-shaped element which is connected to the axle through an arm. At least the disc-shaped element and the arm are preferably made hollow for passing a cable through the inside of the joint.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for attaching a flexible marker shaft to a roadway. The flexible lower part of the marker shaft slides over a mandrel, and into a maker shaft cavity. Locking wedges are positioned in the cavity to surround and support the flexible marker support shaft in the cavity. A locking pin passes through a locking pin hole and locks the wedges and the marker shaft into the marker shaft cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting and maintaining a predetermined projected relation of a piston rod of a gas strut or like device with reference to the cylinder unit of which it forms a part having particular application to the support of a hatchback or rear deck closure panel, trunk lid or hood of an automotive vehicle in its open condition comprises a generally L-shaped structure formed to be firm and resistant to deformation save for the longer leg thereof and a limited portion of its shorter leg being provided with a limited capability of lateral flexing. The longer leg of this structure is normally inclined inwardly to and slightly over the shorter leg thereof.

Abstract: A canopy provides sun protection for the occupant of a recreational chair. The canopy is slidably mountable on the chair back and can be positioned immediately to any desired angle by simple but effective tension applying means.

Abstract: A variable length mechanical connection having a selectable fixed length obtainable by permitting at least one of three relatively axially movable body members to selectively rotate relative to the other body members under axially applied loads.

Abstract: A lift truck carriage (12) is provided with a cylindrical bar (34) upon which the forks (16,18) may be mounted. The forks (16,18) are each retained in any desired position along the bar (34) by a clamp (42) located between a pair of mounting sleeves (28,30), and may be rotated about the axis of the bar (34) into a stowed position without having to unlock the clamping member (40).

Abstract: A router for edging laminated plastics, such as Formica material, includes a table and an adjustable work guide assembly. The work guide assembly comprises a stationary guide and a movable guide. The movable guide is movable toward and away from the stationary guide to determine the extent of the cut to be made by the router bit. A further stationary guide is also provided which is mounted on the table parallel to the previously mentioned guides, whereby a second edge may be cut on the laminated plastic which is parallel to the first edge. Also, movable carrier guide means are provided to cut further edges transverse to the first two edges.