Abstract: A planting unit lockup assembly extends between upper and lower links of a parallelogram linkage. A lockup link is pivotally coupled to the upper link and extends downwardly to the lower link. The lockup link is also provided with a slot having a hook. A slide member is mounted to the lower link and engages the slot. A control link is pivotally coupled to the lockup link by a loose pivot coupling. The control link is biased towards the lower link by a spring. The control link is provided with a trapping element that engages the lockup link. The trapping element of the control link engages the lockup link in one of two positions, a normal position and a lockup position. In its normal position, the control link biases the hook away from the slide bushing member. In its lockup position, the control link biases the hook toward the slide bushing member.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated ladder comprises two outer casing parts, two inner casing parts, an arched lock piece, and an extension spring. The inner casing parts pivotally engages with the outer casing parts and the arched lock piece is located in the inner casing parts. The spring has one hook end thereof engaging with the locating tab of one of the inner casing parts. The arched lock piece is an integral piece providing with two parallel arched parts spacing apart from each other. Each of the parallel arched parts further provides three short posts extending outward from a facial side thereof to be slidably received in the three arched openings on the inner casing parts respectively. A hook tongue extends outward from one of the flat connecting parts to engage with the other hook end of the spring.

Abstract: A collapsible skateboard includes an upright handle having lower portion on which is fixedly mounted a bracket, a connector having a curved slot having a lower end formed with a horizontal recess, an upper end formed with a vertical recess, and a circular hole under the vertical recess, an adjust pin inserted into the vertical recess of the connector and the elongated hole of the bracket, a pivot pin fitted through the circular hole of the connector and the circular hole of the bracket, a spring having an upper end connected to the adjust pin and a lower end to the pivot pin, and a platform on which is fixedly mounted the connector, whereby the skateboard can be easily folded up as desired.

Abstract: A backpack-type working machine comprises an engine on a shouldering frame and a swingable arm on a side thereof. A throttle lever on the arm controls the engine. A base of the arm is connected to a holder by means of an elastic pivot means including a bolt around which the arm swings and a spring. To allow the arm to move on a plane orthogonal to a swing direction (plane including a center line of a pivot means), the holder and the base of the arm are connected such that only parts opposing and oppositely of inclined surfaces thereof are in partial contact with each other.

Abstract: A rotating shaft unit includes a first shaft section with a first sleeve adapted to be fixed on the first object, and a second shaft section with a second sleeve fixed on a second object. A fixed plug is secured within the first sleeve. A movable plug is disposed axially and movably within the second sleeve. Each of the fixed and the movable plugs has an integral annular tooth unit. A radial push rod extends movably into the first sleeve and the fixed plug, and is biased to move outward in the first sleeve and the fixed plug. An axial push rod is fixed on the movable plug, extends movable through the fixed plug and the first sleeve, and is biased to an extended position, in which the annular tooth units engage each other to secure relative angular position of the fixed and movable plugs.

Abstract: A skate board scooter includes a base, a head tube, a handlebar stem extended through the head tube, and a connecting member extended from the head tube. A first mounting wall and a second mounting wall are mounted on the first end of the base. The first mounting wall and the second mounting wall are spaced to allow the lower end of the connecting member to pivot therebetween. The first mounting wall includes a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole. The second mounting wall includes a third positioning hole aligned with the first positioning hole, a fourth positioning hole aligned with the second positioning hole, and a connecting slot that communicates the third positioning hole with the fourth positioning hole. A pivotal pin is extended through aligned pivotal holes of the first mounting wall and the second mounting wall and a pivotal hole of the connecting member.

Abstract: A connector assembly for securing a device such as a cell phone to a mounting surface to provide a full range of motion. The connector has a base plate rotatably connected to a pivot arm. The upper end of the pivot arm supports the device or a holder for the device. The rotatable connection comprises engageable gear rings having a low tooth profile which will “slip” in the event of a severe impact for safety and to prevent breakage. In a preferred embodiment, the connector gear rings are of a material having some flexibility to assist in providing slippage.

Abstract: A toggle joint combination for extending a receptacle of automobile cigarette lighter and application thereof, wherein an insertion portion of this invention is plugged in the receptacle of automobile cigarette lighter; every extension portion may be extended by coupling with additional extension portions; the rear end of the last toggle is used to connect with various articles, such as a beverage rack, electric fan, illuminating ashtray, electric extension connector, map light, hold-free mobile phone set, etc, which can be adjusted at will. This invention comprises at least an insertion portion, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion, and, more than two extension portions can be combined if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

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 bearing structure has first and second support members in which first and second stepped small-diameter portions of drive and nip rollers are rotatably mounted by bearings. The first and second support members are disposed in respective first and second holes defined in a side wall and have respective first and second inner engaging teeth and respective first and second outer engaging flanges which are held against respective opposite surfaces of the side wall to retain the first and second support members on the side wall against removal. The first and second support members thus firmly retained in position on the side wall can reliably bear thrust forces from the drive roller and the nip roller. The drive roller and the nip roller and the bearings can be assembled and serviced with ease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable coupling includes two coupling members pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis. One coupling member includes a locking rib of circular configuration coaxial with the pivot axis, and the other coupling member includes a pair of pivotal arms having locking surfaces normally engageable with the locking rib to lock the two coupling members against pivotal movement, but manually moveable to release the locking rib and to permit one coupling member to be pivoted with respect to the other to any desired angular position.

Abstract: A collapsible skateboard includes an upright handle having lower portion on which is fixedly mounted a bracket, a connector having a curved slot having a lower end formed with a horizontal recess, an upper end formed with a vertical recess, and a circular hole under the vertical recess, an adjust pin inserted into the vertical recess of the connector and the elongated hole of the bracket, a pivot pin fitted through the circular hole of the connector and the circular hole of the bracket, a spring having an upper end connected to the adjust pin and a lower end to the pivot pin, and a platform on which is fixedly mounted the connector, whereby the skateboard can be easily folded up as desired.

Abstract: A golf cart handle adjusting device includes a fixing member, a sleeve and an elastic push member. The fixing member consists of a base portion and two wings extending in parallel from the base portion. The base portion fits around an upper end of a post rod, and the two wings have an upper slide rail and a bottom side rail parallel to each other and a plurality of U-shaped recesses behind the upper and the bottom slide rail. The sleeve fits around a handle rod, having a slide block at two sides to fit outside of the two wings. A torque spring is provided to push back the push member. When the elastic push member is pushed, the sleeve slides along the handle rod, with the engage rod portion changed to disengage from one pair of the U-shaped recesses to another, so the handle rod with the handle may be adjusted in its angle very quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: An electronic device (10) has a foldable housing (11) including a base unit (12) and a cover unit (14). The cover unit is rotatably joined to the base unit by a hinge mechanism. Within cover unit is a frictional hinge mechanism including a cam member (30), a cam follower (32) and an o-ring (34). The cam member has an attachment post (38) connected to an attachment gear on base unit such that the cam member is fixed to the base unit. The cover unit rotates against noticeable friction produced by o-ring rubbing between cover unit and cam member while cover unit is at angles of rotation larger than a pre-set angle, and cover unit rotates against minimal friction at angles of rotation smaller than the pre-set angle. The friction allows cover unit to maintain a multiplicity of positions with respect to base unit within a preselected range of angles larger than pre-set angle.

Abstract: A tripod structure including a plastic-made connecting seat. A bottom end of the connecting seat is formed with three cavities each of which is defined by two lateral securing plates. An angular metal plate is fixed on the outer faces of the two interconnected securing plates. The metal plate is bent to form a left plate and a right plate which are integrally connected with each other and respectively tightly attach to the securing plates. The left and right plates serve to reinforce each other to achieve a good bending strength. Therefore, the securing plates of the connecting seat is able to bear greater lateral force and bending force without deformation. Accordingly, the tripod structure can be stably used without tilting.

Abstract: A foldable joint for a playpen comprises a seat having two spaced apart side plates one of which defines holes respectively in both end and an integral connecting plate; two tubes respectively pivotally mounted on the end of the seat by a pivot, each having a first aperture and second aperture defined therein; and two U-shaped trips respectively disposed in the tubes, each having a first lug being inserted through the first aperture of the tube and the hole of the side plate, and a second lug being inserted through the second aperture of the tube; whereby, the tubes can be folded upward when the first lugs are pressed inward.

Abstract: A fishing cart includes a base frame having two front foot members and two upright stop rods bilaterally disposed on the middle, a transverse wheel holder frame tube welded to a rear side of the base frame to hold a pair of wheels, a back frame pivoted to the rear side of the base frame by pivot means and set between an operative position and a collapsed position, the back frame having parallel barrels and receptacles for holding fishing rods, a U-shaped handle frame pivoted to the back frame by pivot means and turned up and down between an operative position and a collapsed position, two releasable retaining devices bilaterally mounted on the back frame for locking the handle frame in the operative position, a pull cable connected between the retaining devices for pulling by hand to disengage the retaining devices from the handle frame for permitting the handle frame to be collapsed, and a backpack carried on the base frame between the upright stop rods and the back frame, the backpack having hook and loop m

Abstract: A pulling device for a foldable ladder joint, comprising: two inner bodies, having facing front surfaces, with aligned sets of three arc-shaped holes each along a circular path; an arc-shaped piece, inserted between the front surfaces of the two inner bodies, extended along the circular path and glidingly movable along the circular path, guided by pins or projections, which extend into the arc-shaped holes of the inner bodies; and a spring with two ends, which are held on a fixed position on one of the inner bodies and one end of the arc-shaped piece, so as to exert an elastic force on the arc-shaped piece along the circular path.

Abstract: A fastening device provides for the securement of an elongate member to a support structure. The fastening device includes a housing having a support portion for supporting the elongate member. The fastening device further includes a fixed component fixably securable to the support structure. The housing is insertable over the fixed component and may be variably positioned thereon at select angular orientations such that the support portion is variably positioned about the fixed component.

Abstract: An adjustable depth control mechanism for use with earth penetrating equipment. The invention includes a hub and spindle assembly for use with an adjustable depth gauge wheel, which is mounted on a support axle. It may also include a position indicator that an operator can readily view to determine the relative position of the depth gauge wheel and, accordingly, the depth setting of the ground penetrating disc. The indicator rotates to certain positions that correspond to the depth to which the disc is allowed to penetrate into the ground. Preferably, both the position indicator and the adjustment mechanism of the assembly are located internal to the depth gauge wheel and are covered and protected by the rim of the wheel from contamination by soil and crop residue.

Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge for a training golf club comprises first and second hinge members (10, 20) pivoted to each other by a transverse pivot pin (30). Member (10) has a tongue (13) terminating in a generally circular arc (14) having a depression (15) therein, and member (20) has a pair of arms (23, 24) forming a fork between which the tongue (13) of member (10) is received, the pivot pin (30) passing through both arms and the tongue. Member (20) has an axial bore (25) containing a spring-loaded detent element (27) which bears against the circular arc (14) and engages in the depression (15). Member (20) is threaded externally at (43) towards the end opposite the pivot pin (30) and is slotted at (41) in the same region to provide communication with the bore (25) containing the spring (26).

Abstract: A portable radio transceiver of the invention includes an antenna base portion, a coil spring for producing a predetermined repulsive force between an antenna base portion and a casing and a hook portion for housing the antenna base portion within a rear surface of the casing when the coil spring is compressed. One end portion of the antenna base portion is constituted with a pin shaped shaft fixedly implanted in the casing and a rotary base portion in the form of a hollow cylinder having an elliptic cross section. The rotary base portion which is movable along an axis of the hollow portion thereof and and rotatable therein is biased by the coil spring in a direction away from the casing. When a communication is to be done, the antenna is rotated to protrude it in a direction away from a user to thereby reduce influence of the user on the antenna.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking a tilt steering wheel assembly in adjusted position comprises a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart plates affixed to the jacket of the steering shaft, and a pawl between the plates pivoted to the steering wheel assembly. Each plate has a hole and the holes are aligned. The pawl has a series of spaced holes. The pawl has a cam track. A cam on the bracket is engageable with the cam track to cause the pawl holes to align successively with the bracket holes when the steering wheel assembly is pivoted to various different positions. A lock pin is engageable in the aligned bracket and pawl holes to lock the steering wheel assembly in a desired position of adjustment.

Abstract: A linkage has a coupled state, where actuation of a multi-functional apparatus causes an interference device to move between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the interference device does not allow a handle for opening door latches to actuate, and in the unlocked position the interference device allows the handle to actuate. The linkage further has a decoupled state, where actuation of the manual actuation device causes the decoupling linkage to uncouple from the multi-functional apparatus, and causes the interference device to move between the locked and the unlocked positions without moving the multi-functional apparatus. This arrangement allows for a manual override of the power liftgate lock multi-functional apparatus.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a pivotable assembly is provided, enhancing resistance to deflection of the componentry of the pivotable assembly when subjected to shear loading. The pivotable assembly is expressly suitable for use as a recliner for a motor vehicle seat, an inertia latch, etc or other device where precise alignment of componentry is critical. The pivotable assembly has a support bracket generally including a pair of support brackets for mounting other componentry of the pivoting assembly, a pivoting member pivoting on a pivot attached to the support brackets, and a reinforcement member attached to the pivot. In one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement member has a projection, optionally a unitary semi- pierce projection, which extends into and preferably abuts an opening in one of the support brackets. The edge of the opening acts as a stop, to participate in carrying impact loads and to resist excessive static loading.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly comprises a first frame, a second frame, a coupler, a hollow bracket, a ferrule, a hollow snap fastener, and a socket pipe. The socket pipe is disposed on the lower end of the first frame. The socket pipe has a plurality of round holes. A hollow press plate is fastened on the lower end of the first frame. The hollow press plate has a snap hole and a bevel. The ferrule is disposed on the hollow bracket. The hollow snap fastener is inserted in the ferrule. An elastic element is inserted in the hollow snap fastener. A hollow seat is inserted in the hollow bracket beneath the elastic element. The upper end of the second frame is inserted in the hollow seat. The coupler has a slot and two parallel lugs. A plurality of through holes are formed on the coupler. An upper portion of the second frame is inserted through the slot. The socket pipe is positioned between the parallel lugs.

Abstract: A goal joint structure includes a first section and a second section pivoted to each other. The first section has a hook member provided thereon. The second section has two spaced walls define therebetween a distance large enough to receive therein the hook. Each of the walls has an elongated slot formed thereon to be in alignment with each other and each has two expanded lengthwise ends defined by circular holes. A retaining bar extends through the two slots and is dimensioned to be movable along the slots. An expanded section that has a diameter substantially corresponding to the circular holes and larger than the width of the slots is provided on the retaining bar. The retaining bar is spring-biased to have the expanded section located within one expanded ends of the slots so as to make the retaining bar fixed in the lengthwise direction of the slots.

Abstract: A detent mechanism that acts between two components that rotate with respect to one another to control rotation from a first set position to at least a second set position. The detent mechanism (10) comprises at least one rotating cam (23) positioned between adjacent surfaces of two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is spaced from the axis of rotation of the two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is journalled for rotation on one of the components (11) about an axis that is substantially transverse to the axis of rotation between the two components (11 and 16). The operating surface (25) of the cam (23) comprises at least one cam lobe that is caused to rotate as the two components (11 and 16) rotate. The cam (23) acts to separate the two components (11 and 16). Spring (17) acts to urge the adjacent surfaces together so that a predetermined torque is required to cause relative rotation between the components (11 and 16).

Abstract: A swing support bracket assembly for mounting support pads to wheelchairs. The assembly includes a housing, an axle mounted for rotation in the housing, a toggle pivotally mounted in the housing and having a tapered protrusion adapted to engage a cooperating tapered recess in the axle. The support pad may be mounted either directly or by a number of adjustable clamps and support rods to the housing. In another embodiment it is mounted by such rods and clamps to the axle.

Abstract: A setting device for a joint comprises a box-like body with a U-shaped opening therein, a lower tube fixedly secured in the opening, an upper tube pivotally secured in the opening, a plurality of location holes defined through a face of the body in a semi-circular arrangement, a flexible retaining member contained within the upper tube and a lug thereof extended through the upper tube and one of the plurality of holes in body, and a pivot arm pivotally secured to the body. The upper tube may be pivotally extended away from the lower tube and retained in position by the lug which projects beyond the face of the body, and the pivot arm resting against a stop of the body. The pivot arm is moved to depress the lug into the upper tube, so that the upper tube can be moved to a second position.

Abstract: The angle between adjacent ladder sections may be adjusted by a joint assembly having two base plates secured to the sections, wherein a locking rod extending through one base plate is selectively engageable within one of plural blind holes in the other base plate to maintain the base plates and sections at a desired angle. A locating plate maintains the locking rod in an unlocked position to permit the angle between the plates and sections to be adjusted by a single user.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling including an axle, a fixed toggle mounted around the axle to hold a first frame rod, two movable toggles turned about the axle to hold a second frame rod and a third frame rod respectively, two locating plates mounted around the axle and prohibited from rotary motion relative to the axle and coupled with the movable toggles through a respective toothed joint, two cam holders fixed to the axle at two opposite ends, and two mushroom cam mounted around the axle and engaged with the cam holders, when the mushroom cams are fully received into the cam holders, the movable toggles can be disengaged from the locating plates and turned relative to the axle to adjust the angular positions of the second and third frame rods relative to the axle.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable toothbrush comprised of an elongated handle section and an elongated forward section with a brush array at its forward end. The after end of the forward section is provided with a transverse cylindrically rounded member with an axial orifice and flanked by a pair of concave shoulders facing rearwardly. A series of recesses spaced from each other is provided to circle part of the cylindrically rounded member. The handle section is bifurcated at its forward end to provide arms which embrace the cylindrically rounded member and are orificed in register with the member orifice to receive an axle pin to hold them together for rotation. The handle section has an axial bore extending from the bifurcation into the middle section of the handle and into which is disposed a slideable plunger biased forwardly by a spring toward the bifurcation so as to enter one of the recesses to lock the forward and handle sections in a particular angular configuration.

Abstract: In a slow-acting rotary shaft device, a shaft, which rotatably supports a second member, includes a hollow shaft body latched to a first member inrotatably, a cap member outwardly inserted on an end portion of the shaft body rotatably and latched to the second member inrotatably, a torsion bar which has one end latched with the shaft body and another end latched with a cap member, and a viscous grease enclosed between the shaft body and cap members. The hollow shaft body is divided into two portions, a body portion of which latches to one of the end portions of the torsion bar. In opposite surfaces of the two portions, a projection formed at one surface and a concave portion formed at another surface are loosely inserted and provided with a relatively rotatable race area.

Abstract: A bicycle of the "mountain bike" type having two aligned foldable joints in the frame, a folding handlebar assembly and a foldable pedal. Each of the frame joints is mounted in a gap in a tubular frame member and includes two disks disposed flushly against the ends of the tubular members with smaller plugs fast in the members, and two hinge leaves extending across the gap longitudinally of the frame. A rivet on one side of the joint joins two ears on the leaves to form the hinge axis, and a headed fastener with a hexagonal socket is recessed into the thickened central portion of the upper leaf and threaded into the lower leaf to clamp the leaves together. Interlocking ribs between two ears on the other side of the joint prevent relative pivoting movement when the leaves are clamped together. The handlebar assembly has upper and lower tubular adjustment sections for both upward and forward adjustment of the handlebar, and an angled hinge between these sections.

Abstract: A sign to provide directional information for a check out lane. The sign has a fixed part that is attached to an appropriate surface and which displays advertising or other indicia, and a pivotal part which is hinged to the fixed part and which has directional indicia on opposed faces thereof. In one orientation, the pivotal part is raised to signify that the check out lane is closed. In a second orientation, the pivotal part is folded down over the fixed part to signify that the lane is open. The hinge is provided with an internal stop for positively positioning the pivotal part in either of the two orientations.

Abstract: This device comprising a column support structure, connected to the rest of the vehicle and comprising two side plates between which is arranged the column and mechanisms for locking the column, which mechanisms comprise a tie rod (20) extending between the side plates, bearing against one of the side plates and connected to locking elements comprising a stop component (24), an intermediate support component (25) and an operating component (26) arranged between the stop component and the intermediate support component, connected to an operating lever (27) and movable in rotation in a plane perpendicular to the tie rod, one of the facing surfaces of the operating component (26) and of the intermediate support component (25) or of the stop component (24) comprising at least one projecting part (30, 31) adapted to cooperate with a ramp (28, 29) of the other, so as to separate these two surfaces from one another and hence the corresponding locking elements so as to bring the side plates together in order to lock

Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved joint structure for a window dummy to ensure that any joints can be easily rotated, turned or bent within a remarkably wide angle, and which shows good appearance. This joint structure comprises a hollow member including two half members each of which is formed with at least one of slidably engaging section capable of slidably engaging each other; and at least two connection members whose one end is fixed to a rod of arm, leg, or the like and the other end is rotatably connected to the other connection member in the hollow member. Further each of the connection member is independently fixed to the half member of the hollow member. One of the connection member is formed with means to prevent from interfering with the other half member fixed with the other connection member.

Abstract: A shaft slide-locking apparatus comprises a stationary shaft housing, a rotary main shaft extending through the shaft housing and rotatably disposed in the shaft housing; a movable cam axially movable on the rotary main shaft; an elastic member disposed between the movable cam and the shaft housing; and a control cam opposing the movable cam and fixed to the rotary main shaft and pushing the movable cam on the side of the shaft housing to press the elastic member towards the shaft housing and the rotary main shaft when the rotary main shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A rapidly erectable four cornered shelter frame for use with a canvas top has a pair of foldable end frame members with corner posts and an end joint at the upper end of each having a pair of upwardly inclined end rafters connected by an end ridge joint which has a ridge member projecting perpendicularly to the rafters. A foldable intermediate frame member has ground support posts with side joints at the upper ends having a pair of upwardly inclined intermediate rafters connected by an intermediate ridge joint to which each of the end frame members also connects. Eave members extend from each side joint to releasably connect to each end joint, which also incorporates mechanism to lock the end rafters in extended position, while permitting them to fold down to a position in parallelism with the corner posts when unlocked.

Abstract: The opening (233) between two adjustable arms (204-205) can be varied to accommodate a wide variety of beverage container sizes. A swivel bar (203) is pivotally attached to a supporting structure (202) by inserting hinge pins (210) into hinge pin holes (212). A pair of arms, each of which includes a retaining pin (214), are pivotally attached to the swivel bar by inserting the retaining pins into holes (218) at opposite ends of the swivel bar. The retaining pins have a narrow stem (214a) and a wider head (214b), the head being wider than the holes. During assembly, the head compresses as it is being inserted into the hole, and expands after it has been forced through the hole, thereby permanently attaching the arm. A detent wheel (213), contilever spring (215) and pawl (216) hold the arms in one of three predetermined angular positions. Each arm, detent wheel and retaining pin are integrally formed as a unitary structure from a single plastic injection mold.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for controlling the movement of the cover panel of a portable computer includes a pivot arm and a slide mechanism. The ends of the pivot arm are pivotally attached to the cover panel and to the housing of the computer, respectively. The cover panel is also pivotally attached to the slide mechanism, which slides along a track mounted in the housing of the computer. The pivot points provide a predetermined frictional resistance to rotational movement whereby the cover panel, which typically includes a display, may be stabilized in an upright position while the computer is in use.

Abstract: An angle adjusting mechanism between a first member placeable on a support post and a second member to which a support standard is attached for adjusting the angle of the standard with respect to the post. The first member having first and second spaced apart support walls. The second member having a third support wall disposed between the first and second walls. At least one friction plate at each side of the third wall and between the first and second walls. A holding metal fitting at the side of one friction plate and engageable with the inside of the second support wall, the holding metal fitting being moveable toward and away from the second wall and being prevented from moving across the second wall. A bolt and nut connection pulling the first and second support walls toward each other. The holding metal fitting uniformly distributing the compressive force around the friction plate.

Abstract: An articulable joint with two opposing disk-like joint portions or plates which are joined by and pivot about a central locking bolt. The joint portions also engage each other via ball and ball seat contact points. Spring pressed balls on one joint portion are biased into ball seats formed in the other joint portion such that the joint may be pivoted incrementally to a number of positions. The spring pressed balls are separately housed in individual ball plungers which in turn are threaded into its respective joint portion such that the ball plungers are selectively adjustable to vary the amount of turning or pivoting force that is required to unseat the balls from their respective seats and move them to respective adjacent seats.

Abstract: In combination with a bull float, hand trowel, groover, finisher, and the like, an elongated handle, which adjustably mounts through a bracket with the attachment means provided upon the upper portion of such a finishing tool, with the handle means incorporating a housing, spring biasing a detent therein, which is normally held into locking engagement with the tool bracket, as when the handle is threadedly engaged within its housing, or which can be readjusted into various other angular dispositions, for the convenience of the concrete finisher, by partially withdrawing the handle from its threaded engagement within its housing, thereby disengaging its detent from the bracket, to accommodate and faciliate the undertaking of such pivotal movement for the handle, during its readjustment.

Abstract: A pivotable joint and a joint locking mechanism for a foldable frame apparatus are disclosed. The joint comprises mating male and female joint members mounted to the ends of tubular frame members and pivotably connected together to form oppositely articulatable joints of a foldable frame useful for tent enclosures and the like. A one-piece joint locking mechanism made of wire is provided for locking the joint in its erected or folded positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding chair frame tube positioning device, which is comprised of a pivot device and a coupling buckle to releasably secure the back frame and the back stand of the chair together. The pivot device comprises a transverse axle secured to the lower end of the back frame at an outer side and two parallel plates vertically extending downward therefrom to pivotably bilaterally connect to the middle part of a back stand. The coupling buckle comprises a ring-shaped portion sleeved on the back stand, and an unitary side projection having a retaining notch on the bottom for engaging with the transverse axle of the pivot device.

Abstract: An orthopedic and orthotic hinge having a hinge body that includes two spaced, parallel plates with two hinge arm carriers having end portions pivotally mounted between the plates for movement in directions of flexion and extension. The end portions of the hinge arm carriers have peripheral teeth that respectively engage two toothed slide members. Such members are slidably disposed between the plates, preferably carried in grooves formed therein, and are independently movable with respect to each other when the hinge arm carriers are pivoted. First and second variable stops are provided by the hinge for limiting the extent of sliding movement in opposite directions of the two slide members, thereby restricting extension and flexion of the hinge arm carriers while at the same time permitting true bi-pivotal operation of the hinge. In one embodiment, the variable stops are offset from the midplane of the hinge body and the toothed slide members have extensions engageable with such stops.