Abstract: A snap-fit sensing apparatus (20) for use in automotive applications including a housing (22) having a pair of flexible arms (30), a top portion (24), and a bottom portion (26), the flexible arms (30) extending from the top portion (24) to the bottom portion (26), at least one of the flexible arms (30) comprises a locking flange (32). The sensing apparatus (20) also includes a retaining mechanism (40) fixedly connected with the top portion (24), the retaining mechanism (40) securing the sensing apparatus (20) in place. In one preferred embodiment, the sensing apparatus (20) further comprises a sensor (50) located within the housing (22) for sensing one of temperature and pressure. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible arms (30) are connected with the top portion (24) and the bottom portion (26).

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 tilt device for a sunshade comprises an upper sleeve having an upper end securely connected to an upper end of an upper support tube of a sunshade and a lower sleeve having a lower end securely connected to a lower end of a lower support tube of the sunshade. A lower end of the upper sleeve comprises several positioning grooves. The lower end of the upper sleeve is pivotally connected to the upper end of the lower sleeve. A push member is biased to selectively engage with one of the positioning grooves of the upper sleeve. The push member moves downward and inward when it is pushed inward.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for a sign stand base having support legs pivotally joined to a support flange. The support legs are notched to receive the support flange. A locking pin extends through the support leg and is positioned so s to selectively interfere with an outer periphery of the support flange. The locking pin is mounted for rocking or swiveling motion within the support leg and can be moved out of contact with the support flange, thereby allowing the support leg to pivot with respect to the support flange. A flat spring strip secured to an outer surface of the support leg biases the locking pin to a position engaging the support flange.

Abstract: A hook assembly for a vacuum cleaner handle which has a base member formed in the handle with a continuously internally walled extension defining an opening into which a continuously externally walled extension of a hook member can be inserted so that portions of the externally walled extension engage portions of the internally walled extension so that loads applied to the hook are transmitted to the handle through those surfaces. A spring normally biases the surfaces together, but can be manually overcome to rotate the hook for easy removal of the cord. A double hook arrangement is also provided to support a vacuum hose and an electrical cord with similar interengaging surfaces to transmit the load.

Abstract: The locking joint mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,767 is improved by including elements that prevent roll of one joint member relative to another joint member. The roll preventing elements include at least one actuator head or pin spaced from another actuator head or pin and which is received in a concavity defined between adjacent protuberances. Various protuberance patterns and overall operating mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screwdriver-type tool includes a handle having first and second handle parts connected pivotally to each other. An inclination positioning unit is provided such that the first and second handle parts are rotatable between an alignment position, where the first and second handle parts are aligned with each other, and an inclined position, where the first and second handle parts form an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: A footrest assembly of a bicycle is essentially composed of a pivoting seat, a rod, a fastening piece, an outer cover, and a plurality of C-shaped rings. The rod is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the pivoting seat which is in turn fastened with the rear fork tip of the bicycle. The rod can be turned on a pivot of the pivoting seat so as to be parallel or perpendicular to the rear fork tip of the bicycle. The rod is fastened at other end thereof with the outer cover by the fastening piece. The outer cover is coated with a fluorescent material. The C-shaped rings are coated with the fluorescent material and fastened on the rod at an interval.

Abstract: A polymeric torque control is secured to a vehicle armrest and includes an integrally molded coupling surrounding an aperture for receiving and lockably mounting the torque control to a pivot axle extending from a vehicle support member. The integrated coupling is defined by an arcuate slot extending through the torque member in concentric spaced relationship to a pivot axle aperture. A transverse slot in the torque member communicates with the arcuate slot to define a pair of resilient arms having, in the preferred embodiment, outwardly projecting tabs at their free ends extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the torque member. Such construction allows a tool, such as a flat-bladed screwdriver, to be easily inserted between the ends of the arcuate arms for deflecting the arms outwardly from the pivot axle, which they surround, to release the armrest from a captive circumferential recess in the pivot axle for removal of the armrest.

Abstract: A hook assembly for a vacuum cleaner handle which has a base member formed in the handle with a continuously internally walled extension defining an opening into which a continuously externally walled extension of a hook member can be inserted so that portions of the externally walled extension engage portions of the internally walled extension so that loads applied to the hook are transmitted to the handle through those surfaces. A spring normally biases the surfaces together, but can be manually overcome to rotate the hook for easy removal of the cord. A double hook arrangement is also provided to support a vacuum hose and an electrical cord with similar interengaging surfaces to transmit the load.

Abstract: A dual-pivot adjustable armrest assembly includes a support column and a first and second horizontal pivot arms. The first horizontal pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the support column to allow rotation around a first vertical axis of rotation. The second horizontal pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the first horizontal pivot arm to allow rotation around a second vertical axis of rotation, which is independent from rotation of the armrest about the first axis. The armrest assembly allows incremental rotation of 360 degree about each axes of rotation so that the armrest can be rotated to selected positions.

Abstract: An adjustable snowplow designed to remove snow and other materials from various surfaces by pushing the snowplow along the surface. The adjustable snowplow has a handle attached to twin, mirror imaged, curved, blades which are adjustably joined to each other at their respective inner end to form a unitary plow blade. The width or footprint of the plow can be adjusted by angling the blades closer or further from each other to plow a narrower or wider path depending on the task at hand. The symmetry of the blades about the length of the attached handle causes snow and other materials pushed by the plow to be distributed equally to either side of the plow.

Abstract: A breakaway connection for securely mounting a tool to a robot is disclosed. The breakaway connection incorporates a plunger that is spring biased from a moving member into a notch in a fixed member. Moment arm forces on the tool are translated to the connection between the plunger and the notch. Should those overload forces exceed the spring force on the plunger, the plunger moves out of the notch. At that time, the tool is free to pivot relative to the housing to a disabled position. This pivoting movement allows the tool to move away from an obstruction that might have caused the force. A universal joint connection is used between the moving member and its housing. The spring force on the plunger may be adjusted. In addition, a sensor may monitor movement of the plunger and communicate with a control for the robot to allow the robot to identify when the plunger begins to move.

Abstract: A modular connector system for tubular structural members includes a variety of connector members, each having a connection wall for connection to a tubular structural member and a mating wall for connection to another connector member. The connection walls include cylindrical mounting collars and segments of cylinders. The mating walls include connector tabs and circular end walls. Each mating wall includes a peg disk relief, a fastener bore, and an array of peg recesses spaced about the bore. The connector members are secured together in sets of two, three, four, five or six by positioning a peg disk between the mating walls of the connector members to be connected together and passing a fastener through the connector members and the peg disk or disks. Each peg disk includes a peg disk plate having a fastener bore and an array of pegs spaced about the bore. The connector members are used to connect the tubular members to form various configurations of temporary shelter structures.

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: A hotstick component has a fastening subassembly for securing the component to another component or a hotstick and allowing reorientation of the component with respect to the hotstick while it is still attached. The component has a fastening end with a through hole. A fastening subassembly includes a screw member and a spring member. The screw member is received through the through hole and secures the other component to the hot stick component. The spring member is received along the screw member and maintains the component in an engaged position. The component is reoriented by moving it against the spring member into a disengaged position, readjusting the component's position, then allowing the spring member to push the component into an engaged position.

Abstract: The invention is related to an articulated joint fitting preferably for automotive vehicles with a wobble gearing to create a swivelling motion of the joint parts. As a development of the articulated joint fitting, a reduction of costs is achieved in that the spur gear wheel is composed of a plurality of elements and a simplified adjustment of the eccentric with respect to one of the articulated joint fittings is attained.

Abstract: A connecting pin has a body of great strength which will not come off position when locked and will not be caught on the way of insertion and removal.In the connecting pin, a flange 10 for locking is provided on the rear end of a column-like body. A long hole 11 is formed through in the shank part on the forward end side of the body. A shaft 12 is inserted in the shank part on the forward end side of the body in a direction intersecting the long hole and opposed two holes 17 are formed in parallel with this shaft. A lock piece 13 supported on the aforesaid shaft at a midway point and having a plurality of slots 16 in both sides is rotatably inserted and in the hole is inserted a positioning member which selectively engages in one of the slots.

Abstract: A ladder joint includes a pivot, a first base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a first side rail section of one side rail of a ladder, a second base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a second side rail section of the side rail, a spring-supported lever pivoted to the pivot, a lock bolt inserted through an eccentric hole on the second base plate and controlled by the lever to engage into either of a series of eccentric holes on the first base plate.

Abstract: Utility clamp for use in a laboratory or other environment containing caustic elements. The clamp has a fully-enclosed hinge which is isolated from the environment. The critical hinge components such as the hinge pin and coil spring are internally located in the hinge and are protected from corrosion or attack by agents which might contact the clamp during normal use. A method is also provided for assembling the clamp whereby pre-loaded springs are positioned within the internal cavity to normally bias the jaws of the clamp in an open position relative to each other.

Abstract: A computer base unit has a keyboard and computer peripherals. A removable workslate, capable of stand-along operation and containing a digitizer display, computer and rechargeable power supply attaches to the base unit through an interlocking connector that holds the workslate in a tilted position and connects the base unit and its peripherals to the workslate computer. The base unit and workslate comprise housings are constructed of a composite comprising layers of woven, resin impregnated fibers and a layer of electromagnetic shielding.

Abstract: A collapsible recuperating walker having a seat frame, a standing frame, collapsing units and two brake units. Each collapsible unit consisting of bendable tube joints connected in intermediate portions of upper horizontal tubes and lower horizontal tubes of the seat frame and the standing frame. The collapsible units are capable of being folded so as to make the recuperating walker collapsible to a smaller dimension for transportation or storage. The brake units are used to break the casters and are provided below the standing frame.

Abstract: An adjustably tensioned snap-release joint for use as a golf club swing training device is described which includes an upper shaft insert, a lower shaft insert, a screw inserted into a first bore in the lower shaft insert and inserted into a correspondingly threaded second bore in the upper shaft insert, the screw defining a rotation axis of the lower shaft member in relation to the upper shaft member to a transverse axis from a longitudinal axis defined by a linear alignment of the upper and lower shaft inserts in the golf club, an indentation positioned in a co-linear axis with the longitudinal axis of the golf club on an interior surface of the upper shaft insert, and an adjustable spring-biased hollow screw assembly having a ball positioned at the tip of a threaded shaft, capable of exerting pressure on the indentation.

Abstract: An improved flaring tool includes the usual plurality of expandable die blocks retained by a U-shaped frame. A clamping screw is treaded through a clamp block which is rotatably mounted between the legs of the frame at its open end. The screw is movable toward and away from the die blocks to clamp or unclamp tubing between adjacent die blocks. A conical flaring tip is movable against the end of a clamped tubing for flaring same. The clamp block's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the die blocks and the screw. The improvement comprises a facility which locks the clamp block against rotation when the screw is aligned with the die block and their direction of movement. The locking facility prevents unintentional rotation of the clamp block as the screw is rotated to clamp or unclamp the tubing, but may be manually overcome to intentionally rotate the clamp block.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a denting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: A locking device for an adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle has first and second interengageable disc members each being provided with toothed areas which pass through respective windows of the other disc member to engage in corresponding portions of the steering column. A spring is interposed between the two members to urge them apart which has the effect of withdrawing the toothed profiles out of engagement with the steering column assembly so that they are retracted in the windows. The invention has for its effect to facilitate free movement of a steering column in a fore and aft direction and/or up and down direction, while being able to reliably lock the column in position when desired.

Abstract: A crimping tool comprises a pair of handles, crimping jaws, dies, and/or die nests, positioned at one end of the handles and in alignment with each other to receive a connector therebetween, a linkage extending between the handles and joining same together such that one handle pivots relative to the other and forces the jaws, dies, and/or die nests toward each other. A rotatable die wheel, with dies, of different sizes and shapes, is located at the forward end of one handle, in alignment with the working surface of a crimping jaw secured to the forward end of a second handle. The die wheel has a plurality of passages extending transversely therethrough. A chamber is formed in one of the handles, and a ball is placed therein. A strap, formed of spring steel, is secured to one of the handles and exerts a biasing force upon the ball.

Abstract: A rotatable stock for a crossbow having a barrel and a pistol grip portion is disclosed. The stock comprises a body portion and a first end on the body portion adapted to butt against a user's shoulder. A second end on the body portion is spaced distally from the first end. The stock further comprises a mechanism, located at the second end, for rotatably connecting the stock to the barrel at an end adjacent the pistol grip portion, wherein, upon actuating the rotatable connecting mechanism, the stock may be selectively rotated between an open, first locked position and a closed, second locked position.

Abstract: A universally adjustable paint roller in which the roller may be adjusted about three orthogonally disposed axes. The paint roller includes a roller head; a support arm having first and second ends with the roller head being rotatably supported on the first end; a handle for allowing a user to hold the paint roller; and a universal rotating mechanism for rotatably securing the support arm to the handle such that the roller head can be rotated with respect to the handle about three independent axes disposed orthogonally with respect to one another to enable the roller head to be universally adjustable, wherein the roller head is rotatable 360 .degree. about at least two of the axes. The paint roller further includes lock mechanisms for locking the rotating mechanism in a desired position.

Abstract: The display and keyboard halves of a notebook personal computer are pivotally connected together by a shaft and a base plate so that torsional force required to rotate the shaft is changed during pivoting of the halves by a corrugated spring plate having peaks and furrows which alternately engaged raised portions on the base plate.

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: An ergonometrically designed tool handle has a pair of perpendicularly extending hand grips secured at spaced locations along the handle. The tool handle allows prolonged usage by an individual without back strain. The tool handle includes a plurality of intersecting inclined portions which dispose the hand grips in optimal orientation. In a first embodiment, the tool handle has a distal end dimensioned for engagement with a hollow cylindrical socket on a tool head shank. In a second embodiment, a pair of offset sockets are provided on the handle for removable reception of a pair of tool head shanks. An adapter is disclosed which enables conversion of the dual socketed handle for use with single socketed tools. The adapter also provides an angulated extension of the tool handle. The tool handle is designed for use with interchangeable tool heads which may include a hoe, a shovel, a rake, and a scraper.

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: An adjustable jointed coupling (10) for attaching paint rollers, paint brushes, paint shields, and other tools to detachable handles or extension rods, which is rotatable about a central axis through a displacement window of approximately two-hundred degrees. The jointed coupling (10) includes a shank (50) with male threads (52) for accepting a paint roller handle or the like, and a shank (12) with female threads (14) for accepting a handle or extension rod. Each half of the coupling is geared internally and may be locked into a selected position by means of a single gear (36) which engages both halves of the coupling (10) simultaneously. A single push button (102) releases the gear (36) for rotation of the two halves of the coupling and re-engages the gear to lock the selected position. The gear and lock mechanism is constructed such that the push button (102) can be depressed and the coupling (10) adjusted and locked into a new position with the use of only one hand.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has base and pedestal members designed to connect an electronic device and accessory, and includes spring-loaded pins cooperating with recesses to maintain a selected rotational position therebetween, while permitting manual rotation of the pedestal member relative to the base member.

Abstract: An improved vibration dampening and shock absorber suspension device for the cab of a truck vehicle is set forth having a base member adapted for mounting to the truck frame and an impact plate adapted for attachment to the truck cab where the impact plate has a lateral dimension which is less than the lateral distance between the side beams of the truck frame. Interposed between the base member and the impact plate is a pair of air springs which are maintained at a constant height by a height control valve. A pair of hydraulic shock absorbers are pivotally connected to both the impact plate and base member where the central axis of the shock absorbers form the opposite sides of a trapezoid.In another embodiment of the invention a suspension device is set forth having a base member adapted for attachment to a support body and a pair of air springs intermediate the base member and an impact plate.

Abstract: A jack is mounted on a trailer tongue by a swivel connection to pivot between a vertically disposed active position and a horizontally disposed stowed position. The swivel connection includes a spacer sandwiched between a bracket on the tongue of the trailer and a bracket on the housing of the jack and rotatably received in a hole in the tongue bracket. The spacer serves to hold the two brackets out of contact with one another. A bolt extends through the housing bracket and the spacer with a non-rotatable fit and causes the housing bracket and the spacer to turn in unison relative to the tongue bracket. A nut and washer on the inner end of the bolt clamp the brackets together while allowing the housing bracket to pivot relative to the tongue bracket. The tongue bracket may either be clamped to the tongue by bolts or may be bolted to still another bracket which is welded to the tongue.

Abstract: The apparatus is for selectively preventing the motion of one part relative to another part to which it is pivotally connected. There is a plate with a planform of a segment of a circle attached to one part, the plate being perpendicular to the axis of the pivoted connection and the center of the segment coincident with the center of the pivot. A clamping apparatus is mounted on the other part and comprises a backstop on one side of the plate and a pointed part positioned on the other side of the plate opposite from the backstop and mounted on a mechanism by which a point of the pointed part can be pressed against the plate, in turn pressing the plate against the backstop to lock the connection. The working surface of the backstop is a set screw adjustable in the stop to adjust the clearance between the stop and the point of the pointed part. The pointed part has a plurality of points and can be attached to its supporting mechanism with any one of the plurality of points in position to engage the plate.

Abstract: An adjustable tool holder for carrying a tool, such as a paint brush, on a handle, such as an extension handle. The invention broadly includes a yoke assembly for mounting the holder on the handle and a carrier assembly for carrying the tool. The yoke assembly has a generally U-shaped configuration, with yoke arms extending upward from a handle mount. The carrier assembly includes a link assembly for mounting the carrier assembly on the yoke for angular movement in discrete preselected steps about an axis passing through the yoke, operable by imposing a moment force on the link assembly. Link arms extend between and in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of the yoke arms, with axle plugs joining adjacent yoke and link arms for rotational movement. A series of detent recesses and projections, respectively formed in adjacent yoke and link arms, permits rotational movement in a series of discrete steps of selected angular distance, without requiring the loosening of any screws or wing nuts.

Abstract: A connector to join the backrest frames and the handle grip of a stroller includes a first and a second tubular member, a toothed wheel, a coil spring, a circular plate and a fastening device. The toothed wheel has a pair of shallow grooves and a pair of tapered grooves formed within its inner wall. The first tubular member has first annularly spaced teeth formed in its inner wall, which are adapted to accomodate the toothed wheel. The diameter of one end of the tubular member is smaller that that of the other end. The second tubular member has a closed end with a through hole and an open end. Second annularly spaced teeth are formed within its inner wall, which are aligned with the first annular teeth, so that the toothed wheel can slide axially within the confines of the first and the second tubular member when they are engaged. The circular plate has a pair of engaging members adapted to engage the pairs of grooves.

Abstract: A rotary antenna connector includes a rotary shell rotatably fitted with a stationary shell. A plurality of radial grooves in the stationary shell are engaged by balls resiliently urged between the rotary and stationary shells. Engagement of the balls in the grooves holds an angular position of the antenna connector until the holding force is overcome by sufficient external manual torque.

Abstract: A ladder joint with an engagement spring member on it for locking/unlocking the ladder joint into position. The ladder joint has a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member has a circular portion with fixing slots on its outer circumference. The fixed member has an annular track which slidably receives the circular portion of the movable member. Both the fixed and the movable members have a straight portion for connecting with the ladder pieces. The engagement spring member is a rounded flat spring which has an extended edge on one of its ends which normally spring loads the rectangular slug into one of the fixing slots as set by the user.

Abstract: A clamp assembly suitable for simultaneously adjusting the positions of support rods on an operating table extension in a split wishbone surgical retractor apparatus. Two independently rotatable disks are coaxially stacked on a base and tightened together by a bolt and T-shaped fitting extending through central openings of the base and disks. Channels formed between the disks and the base loosely receive the rods, and aligned bores in the base and the fitting loosely receive the extension. As the bolt and fitting are tightened, the rods and extension are clamped in fixed relative positions. The disks are interlocked at discrete angular positions by a pin and holes for adjusting the spread between the rods.

Abstract: An orthopedic rehabilitation knee brace having paired labeled hinges on either side of a braced knee is provided with easily set flexion and extension limits of movement for providing to the braced leg limited post-operative or recovery restraint of the knee. Each brace includes two improved circular hinge elements with a first group of easily set stops for producing restraint in flexion and a second group of easily set stops for producing restraint in extension of the knee. Extending upwardly and downwardly from each circular hinge housing on both sides of the brace are telescoping respective upper and lower leg wings for effecting from the hinge desired restricted movement of the leg member at the knee joint. The discrete flexion and extension stops extend radially of the hinge and are normally in the disengaged position. Each of the individual stops is exposed through the outward portion of the hinge for manipulation at attached stop operating points.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for adjusting at least one wheel alignment parameter for use in a vehicle wheel suspension system of the type having a suspension member with a bore therein adapted for mounting a ball-joint-shaft-receiving bushing and with at least one positioning surface located adjacent to the bore in the suspension member, including a bushing member with a generally cylindrical body portion and a radially extending head portion having a ball joint shaft receiving bore therethrough; an annular locking member having at least one recess in a bottom portion thereof for engaging the suspension member locating surface; and a post member insertable through axially extending peripheral bores in the locking member and the bushing head portion for adjustably locking the bushing member against rotation with respect to the locking member, the locking member being positioned between the bushing head portion and the suspension member.

Abstract: A pivot assembly including a rotating member, a mounting member for supporting the rotating member, and a pivotal interconnection for the members. The interconnection enables rotation about a pivot axis and inhibits translation of the rotating member relative to the mounting member along the pivot axis. There are also structure enabling tilting of the rotating member about a tilt axis transverse to the pivot axis, and gripping elements for inhibiting relative rotation about the pivot axis. The gripping elements increase grip between the adjacent sections when the rotating member is tilted about the tilt axis in a first direction, and decrease grip when the rotating member is tilted about the tilt axis in a second and opposite direction to enable rotation of the rotating member.

Abstract: A multipurpose hinge apparatus for a foldable telephone includes a flip element and a hookswitch. The flip element is held in the closed and open positions by an enclosed cam element which follows recesses in one shaft securing the hinge elements. The hookswitch is activated by another enclosed cam which follows a recess in a second shaft.

Abstract: A webbing of a vehicle seat belt system is supported by a webbing supporting device. The device is constructed of a bolt, a base plate, a slip joint, a resilient member, and cooperating holding arrangement. The plate is supported pivotally at one end thereof on the bolt. The joint supports the webbing thereon and is provided on the other end of the plate. The resilient member is fit loosely and rotatably on the bolt and has a portion to be connected to a vehicle body in order to prevent the resilient member from turning about the longitudinal axis of the bolt. The resilient member has a predetermined degree of resiliency in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bolt. The cooperating holding arrangement is provided respectively on the plate and resilient member so as to hold the plate on the resilient member at least at a home position of the base plate.

Abstract: A positioning joint for a folding ladeer including a pair of first joint members each of which having an axial hole and a pair of locking holes, a second joint member having an axial hole and several pairs of positioning holes, a button mechanism having an axial shaft for combining a locking member and a coil spring being placed around the shaft, and a locking member having a pair of locking bars. The two joint members are relatively pivotable about a bushing passing through the axial holes thereof and are lockable in a series of predetermined angular positions by engaging the locking bars into the locking holes and positioning holes by means of the button mechanism and locking member.