Handles Patents (Class 74/543)
  • Patent number: 6572159
    Abstract: The actuating system has a handle pivoted about a handle axis on the door, an actuating part fixed on the handle and extending radially from the axis, and a damper fixed on the door adjacent the axis and having an input element. The actuating part is connected to the input element for displacement of the input element and operation of the damper on pivoting of the handle. The input element is rotatable about a damper axis and the connection is a positive rotational coupling. The coupling includes gear teeth on the actuating part and gear teeth on the rotary input meshing with the actuating-part gear teeth. More specifically the rotary input element is a gear wheel and the actuating part includes a sector gear in mesh with the gear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Karl Lambertz, Ronald Toranto
  • Patent number: 6536301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grab handle for vehicle interiors, having a u-shaped holding strap (10) which has a tubular, essentially rectilinear central part (12) and two bent end parts (14.1, 14.2) each having a twist and plug-in securing means, the twist and plug-in securing means being plugged from opposite end sides of the central part (12) into the central part (12) and being held there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Utescheny AG
    Inventors: Uwe Luksch, Klaus Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 6536302
    Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a component in a vehicle including a control device for actuating the mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes an input shaft coupled to the control device and an output shaft operatively coupled to the input shaft. A support bracket axially supports the input shaft and the output shaft. A drum shaped housing having a cylindrical inner surface is fixedly secured to the support bracket and rotatably received the input shaft. A coupler is mounted to the input shaft and rotatably disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a pair of spaced apart tube walls planar with and spaced from the inner surface of the housing and a pair of circumferentially opposite tabs projecting between the tube walls. A coiled spring is disposed between the housing and the coupler and compressed against the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Publication number: 20030024341
    Abstract: Control handle for a vessel comprising a handle bar, the handle bar being provided with a first handle with a throttle twist grip, a second handle and an additional control provided in connection with one of said handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Ullman
  • Patent number: 6513199
    Abstract: A handle of a trowel, comprising a penetrating hole disposed longitudinally within, with one end rim thereof extending to form an arcuate bearing piece permitting a narrow rod of a blade to insert in the penetrating hole and to press against onto a concaved arc-plane on the front rim of the bearing piece, is characterized that the circumferential side of the penetrating hole of the handle is disposed longitudinally with a plurality of ribs to enable the inserted narrow rod at the distal end of the blade to have preferred tightness; a disposed sealing cover and the bearing piece have corresponding shapes, both interlock correspondingly by means of a concave and a convex fastening members to sheath and firmly seal the narrow rod of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Yong Cheng
  • Patent number: 6467371
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Publication number: 20020121154
    Abstract: A plated synthetic resin member for a vehicle has a main body made of a synthetic resin and a plating coat formed on the surface of the main body and having a metallic gloss. The main body is molded from a translucent synthetic resin. The plating coat formed on the surface of the main body is translucent. The main body has a built-in lamp that can light up. Lighting up the lamp at night puts the plating coat in a light-emitting state. Thus, the plated synthetic resin member for a vehicle that can provide a high-class image even at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Yamazaki, Naoki Sakamoto, Hideaki Kosuge, Yasufumi Sugauchi, Junichi Togasaki, Akira Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20020020250
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of mounting an assist grip to a body panel and related mounting structure elements that provide a removable attachment between the assist grip and the body panel and that simplify the manufacture of the body panel as well as the assembly and disassembly of the assist grip to the body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sakuma, Takashi Hosokawa, Chiharu Totani, Hiroyuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 6308998
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door holding a lock provided with actuating elements operable to lock the door has an actuating system having an outside opening handle displaceable on the door, a pivot on the door, a first compensating lever pivotable on the pivot and having an outer end forming a seat, and a first rod part having an outer end connected to the handle and an inner end bearing on the seat in a predetermined direction. A second rod part having an outer end connected to the lock actuating elements and an inner end connected to an outer end of a second compensating lever pivotable on the pivot. A spring braced between the levers urges their outer ends angularly apart with the outer end of the first compensating lever bearing against the predetermined direction on the first rod-part inner end. A screw engaged between the levers offset from the pivot can releasably fix the levers together for joint pivoting. This screw is loosenable for relative pivoting of the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Stefan Armbruster, Johannes-Theodor Menke, Thomas Schönenberg
  • Patent number: 6260435
    Abstract: A brake lever for automobile vehicle safety brake has a power arm with a hand grip portion provided with a longitudinal cavity and a rear portion linked to the hand grip portion and having a U-shaped cross-section with two plates spaced from one another and prolonged longitudinally to form resistance arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventors: Francisco Ruf Morales, Jose Antonio Carcaño Sobre
  • Patent number: 6244130
    Abstract: A gripping device equipped with a replaceable head portion which can have various artistic forms for choice according to individual preference, for use on a gear shift lever of automobiles. The gripping device made up of a head portion and a supporting case that are separably bound together by a bolt with ease is mounted to the top of a gear shift lever by a screw. The supporting case has a opened top and an axial open-ended hollow column at the center, in alignment with an engagement protrusion defined on the bottom side of the head portion of the gripping device, permitting the supporting case to be engaged with each other in assembly. There are continual axial contour grooves defined on the external surface of the supporting case in consideration of hand fitness of a driver so that the gear shift lever can be firmly and comfortably held without slip in gear shifting operation. In addition, the top of the head portion can be designed in various artistic forms to conform to individual preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Tian Shung
  • Patent number: 6234041
    Abstract: An outside door handle assembly for a motor vehicle. The handle assembly includes a housing mounted in the door and a handle having a grip portion and an arm portion extending inwardly from one end of the handle for passage through an opening in the handle for coaction with a latch release mechanism positioned within the door. An annular resilient member is mounted on the arm portion proximate the juncture of the arm portion and the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Larabet, Michael Boorsma
  • Patent number: 6202583
    Abstract: A steering structure of a personal watercraft comprising, a mount member 3 provided on a mount base 2 on an upper portion of a deck 1, a hold member 8 provided inside of the deck separated downward from the mount members 3 by a predetermined distance, a handle support shaft 4 supported by the hold member 8 and the mount member 3, and a support collar 11 provided at the handle support shaft 4, for rotatably supporting the handle support shaft 4, and for absorbing a deviation of support positions of the handle support shaft 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukio Asakura
  • Patent number: 6185786
    Abstract: A cushioning device adapted to circumscribe the handle of a vice or the like to inhibit injury to the user's hand during tightening and losing thereof, wherein a pair of cups are provided in which an insert is provided which conforms to the shape of the handle and is formed of a sturdy yet pliable material that holds its shape, and a shell of soft deformable material, and further wherein the insert is nested in the shell, and two such cups are secured together to circumscribe the handle to provide cushioning in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Richard J. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6167779
    Abstract: Boss axes are provided to a pair of supporting walls, which are opposed to each other, on a base to project therefrom. Flat surfaces of the boss axes are tilted relative to a center line of the groove in a latching position such that a releasing direction of a handle in a releasing position is positioned on an opposite side to an operating portion positioned in the latching position. Accordingly, overlapping lengths between circular arc surfaces of the boss axes in the unlatching position and the partial inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole can be increased. Therefore, a surface pressure applied to the boss axes of the base can be reduced in the unlatching position and thus the handle supporting strength can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Sano, Ryuji Minemura
  • Patent number: 6158301
    Abstract: A gearshift knob cover for removably attaching to the knob of a floor-mounted gearshift lever with an upper portion fitted snugly over the gearshift knob; and a lower portion connected to the upper portion wrapping around the shaft of a gearshift lever to hold the gearshift knob cover in place.The upper portion has a soft leather outer covering and an inner backing filled between with padding, typically foam rubber. The lower portion is also typically made of soft leather.Both the upper portion and the lower portion are provided with openings for gearshift buttons.The lower portion is provided both with snaps to hold the gearshift knob cover in place and with pockets for pens, pencils, cigarette packages, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Walter Smart
  • Patent number: 6145393
    Abstract: The invention is a floated gimbal instrument platform that provides a stable optical path for optical instruments. The instrument platform has an outer vessel with a transparent viewing port, an inner vessel also with a transparent viewing port, a transparent suspending fluid filling the outer vessel and in which the inner vessel floats in neutral buoyancy, an optical instrument secured inside the inner vessel, spacing studs which centrally position the inner vessel within the outer vessel, and jets which align the second viewing port with the first viewing port, the jets being used to rotate the inner vessel in the suspending fluid. Any misalignment between the viewing ports can be compensated by rotating the inner vessel and any translational forces applied to the platform is dampened by the fluid, thereby eliminating jitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Dino Canton
  • Patent number: 6135621
    Abstract: An illuminated handle comprising a tubular bar having a first end and a second end, a first lens located at the first end of the bar, a first light source located at the first end of the bar, a first curved mirror partially surrounding the first light source and enclosing the first end of the bar, a polished surface located at the second end of the bar, and a second curved mirror enclosing the second end of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Kent Bach, Tom Jonke
  • Patent number: 6131484
    Abstract: A grip for a gardening tool is formed with a fitting hole adapted to prevent rotation of the tool. The inner wall of the fitting hole has multiple symmetrically arranged engaging faces which define a space for accommodating a flat, rectangular or hexagonal fitting section of different tools so as to avoid rotation of the tool's fitting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Kuang-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6120119
    Abstract: An incubator or drying oven is provided having a housing bounding a useful space. The useful space communicates with the exterior through a front opening. An inner door is hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the front opening. An outer door is also hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the inner door. Mounted on the housing adjacent to the front opening is a locking element. The locking element has a slot formed on the side thereof. A latching assembly is mounted to the inner door. The latching assembly includes a hub rotatably mounted to the inner door about a first axis, a tongue projecting from the hub and configured to be received within the slot of the locking element, and a handle attached to the hub opposite the tongue. The handle is rotatably connected to the hub about a second axis that is substantailly perpendicular to the first axis. A spring continually biases the handle away from the inner door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, GmbH
    Inventors: Sonja Jelinski, Stefan Ferger, Harald Langen
  • Patent number: 6116370
    Abstract: A new anti-theft system for permitting removal of the gear selection shaft from a vehicle having a gear selection console with an aperture extending through it that permits external gear selection of a transmission, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a transmission engaging lever that is movably mounted to a transmission. The first end of the transmission engaging lever is insertable into the lower end of a shaft member that extends through the aperture in the console. A release lever extends from the aperture of the shaft member towards the lower end of the shaft member. The second end of the release lever has a flange extending from it that is inserted into a notch in the transmission engaging lever when the release lever is in an engaged position, thereby coupling the shaft member to the transmission engaging lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Fernando Marina Puigbo
  • Patent number: 6112617
    Abstract: Winch handles for use in manually operating winches, such as those found on marine vessels. The handles include a grip member, a body member and a lug member. The body member is comprised of continuous fiber reinforced composite material. The handles are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and capable of floating in water if dropped overboard of a marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: David Bartlett Abrams, Kenneth Charles Gamble
  • Patent number: 6108979
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a motor vehicle door operative for selectively releasing a latch mechanism. The handle assembly includes a mounting portion attached to the motor vehicle door and a handle proper adapted to be manually grasped. The handle proper is linearly translatable between a first position and a second position for releasing the latch mechanism. In a preferred form, the handle proper is biased to the first position by a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Siegel-Robert, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Saffran, Glenn W. Abbott, James Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 6094781
    Abstract: A handle for tools such as screwdrivers where an end region is shaped as a smooth rounded surface and made by injection molding in multiple steps from at least two differently colored plastic materials, which are tactilely indistinct, to form a visible marking for identification of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventors: Conny Jansson, Hans Himbert, H.ang.kan Bergkvist
  • Patent number: 6092437
    Abstract: A winch bar is adapted at each end for use with ratcheting winches on truck trailer beds to respectively wind and tighten tie straps for securing cargo on the truck bed. The winch bar is provided with a hooked end member and a handle portion at one end to assist in the rapid winding of a strap secured to the ratcheting winch member. At the other end, the winch bar is provided with an angled end member which may be tapered so as to securely engage the winch member for tightening the strap. The handle portion may be used to provide leverage when tightening the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: David E. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6076424
    Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Wald Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David K. McMurtrey, Dennis P. Pawsat
  • Patent number: 6073512
    Abstract: A manual quick change tool changer, said tool changer including a master plate. The master plate connected to a rotatable sprocket with the sprocket having a plurality of teeth. A thrust bearing engaging the sprocket. A handle connected to the sprocket such that the handle moves a predetermined distance. The tool changer further including a secondary plate that mates with the master plate. The secondary plate further including a plurality of leaves such that the plurality of teeth from the master plate locks underneath the leaves of the secondary plate to secure the master plate to the secondary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter McCormick, Dan Beall
  • Patent number: 6073397
    Abstract: An outside door handle assembly includes a door handle for opening and closing a vehicle door, a case for being fixed to a door panel which stores and retains the door handle and an elastic member generating an elastic force between the door handle and the case, wherein the door handle includes a pair of arm portions which are disposed on right and left sides of the door handle respectively, the case includes two pairs of stay portions each of which are disposed on right and left sides of the case and a storing portion storing the elastic member, each of the arm portions includes a pair of groove portions which are disposed on respective surfaces of the arm portion and an opening which is connected to one of the groove portions in the depth direction of the groove portion such that a depth of the opening is larger than that of the groove portion and such that a diameter of the opening is smaller than that of the groove portion, one stay portion of each pair of stay portions includes a first axle portion which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tanimoto, Morihito Nomura, Kouji Ooe, Kouichi Nagata
  • Patent number: 6067869
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door has a latch assembly having a door latch having a release lever displaceable to unlatch the door and a horizontally displaceable outside door handle. A transmission member rotatable about an axis is connected to the handle such that horizontal displacement of the handle rotates the transmission member about the axis. An actuating head is rotationally fixed to the transmission member and a shaft generally coaxial with the transmission member carries a formation axially fittable with the actuating head for rotationally coupling the transmission member to the shaft. A crank extending from the shaft is movable angularly about the axis on rotation of the shaft and a link is connected between the crank and the release lever so that when the handle is displaced horizontally the shaft is rotated about the axis, the crank and link are displaced and in turn displace the release lever, and the latch is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kiekbert AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Chilla, Hans Deischl, Thomas Heide, Klaus-Jurgen Heimbrodt, Dieter Heise, Rolf Knop, Rudi Kolle, Simone Thiele nee Fischer
  • Patent number: 6065365
    Abstract: A control lever assembly for generating an electrical signal representative of the position of a linearly-moveable control lever which extends through an elongated passage in a console cover includes a control lever guide rotatably mounted to a bracket beneath the console cover. An arm projecting above the console cover is provided for moving the guide between rotational positions. The guide has an opening with slots of predetermined length associated with the rotational positions which define ranges of linear movement of the control lever. The movement of the control lever causes a sensing circuit to generate the electrical signal representative of the position of the control lever. The assembly also includes a switch actuated by a cam on an end of the guide depending upon the rotational position of the guide. The assembly also includes detent mechanisms for releasably retaining the control lever and the guide in various detent positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Ostler, Hermann H. Regep, Darrel J. Svendsen, Patrick M. Lourigan, Ted W. Gregory, William L. Christopher
  • Patent number: 6062615
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has an element displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a bowden cable has one end connected to the element and an opposite end. A latch-actuating assembly has a housing, a main lever pivoted on the housing about a main axis between an actuated position and an unactuated position and formed offset from the main axis with an entrainment formation, and a secondary lever pivoted about a secondary axis and having an attachment point offset from both axes and connected to the bowden cable. Thus the secondary lever pivots about the secondary axis relative to the main lever synchronously with the element between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Robert Hunt, Raja Raymond, Claus Topfer
  • Patent number: 6062614
    Abstract: A invention relates to a handle (2) for a closing part, especially a door, of a vehicle, with the handle (2) being located movably in a handle pocket (9). A movable cover plate (3) is associated with the handle (2), with the cover plate (3) is maximally covering the handle (2) in one position and releasing the handle (2) in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Sven Petzold
  • Patent number: 6053071
    Abstract: A cover for transmission levers for vehicles that are pivotally mounted at one end and the distal end includes a handle. A sac assembly with a double liner covers the handle and with an engagement assembly at the opening of the sac assembly it is removably mounted over the handle. Another embodiment includes an engagement assembly that uses a threaded tubular member that is removably mounted to the threaded distal end of the lever. In both embodiments a compartment is provided with granular material contained therein. A relatively soft object results with still sufficient rigid characteristics to transmit the force applied by a user to shift the gears. The sac assembly also provides desirable gripping qualities to permit a user to dissipate his anxiety and stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Vazquez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6038937
    Abstract: A shift knob integrally includes one of a plug or socket having fixed contacts which are coupled to a control switch mounted to the shift knob. The plug or socket is mounted to a sleeve which integrally includes the other of a socket and plug with fixed contacts precoupled to the transmission wire harness such that during assembly it is only necessary for the shift knob to be mounted onto the knob-receiving sleeve to make both mechanical and electrical contact with the transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the shift knob includes a keyed plug with the contacts recessed within a housing of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6036170
    Abstract: Improvements in service valve heads which may be connected to soft drink bottles or the like, wherein a valve body is obtained, a liquid circulation channel being provided between the spout and the fishing tube, said channel having a check valve. The rod of said valve is actuated by a command means whose the articulated arm is foldable over the valve body, having folding stops and having a strap provided with a retainer. Folding stops of the valve body and corresponding recesses of the articulated arm prevent that the latter being lowered by any accidental pressure, in which case the valve rod would be displaced and an unwanted release of liquid would be produced. For delivering the carbonated liquid it is first necessary to release the folding strap. In this way the articulated arm may be unfolded until it displaces through the command channel existing on the head walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sides S.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Jose Pitocco
  • Patent number: 6021691
    Abstract: A window operating system for moving a vehicle window up and down that includes an electric drive motor having a gear coupled to a window movement mechanism through a magnetic clutch assembly wherein the drive gear includes a crank extending outwardly therefrom and through the door facing surface and is selectively connectable to a roll up crank having a fold out handle and a protruding socket member. The door facing surface includes a cavity or chamber into which the emergency crank can be stored and rapidly retrieved in an emergency. The magnetic clutch is only engaged when the power is supplied to the electric motor in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5975597
    Abstract: An outside handle of a vehicular sliding door to open/close an opening of a vehicle body, having a bell crank portion which is formed into an L-shape having a first joint and a second joint at its leading ends and is turnably supported at its L-shaped bent portion on a the base portion through a crank pin. A fixed link is formed between the handle pin of the handle portion and the crank pin of the bell crank portion to construct a four-point link mechanism together with the handle portion, the sub-link portion and the bell crank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Makiuchi, Mamoru Nishihira, Kunihiko Hisamoto, Masaji Hirano, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Morihito Nomura, Masakatsu Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 5964451
    Abstract: A weed removal tool is provided with an ergonomic handle shape which improves user comfort and reduces user fatigue and risk of injury. The handle is provided with a compound gripping surface which has been engineered and shaped to form a flattened egg-elliptical profile when viewed from the side, and a generally widened egg-shaped profile when viewed from the top or bottom. A strong, non-root cutting or severing, engineered shank is provided for gently loosening surrounding soil for removal of weed roots and is provided with a blunted tip for penetrating the soil without severing underlying roots. The shank is carefully engineered, shaped and proportioned to automatically relocate its operating fulcrum point so as to target, create, maximize and concentrate its soil and root loosening and lifting actions directly within the selected plant's root system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Louis C. Sudheimer
  • Patent number: 5933916
    Abstract: A faucet handle has a generally cylindrical ceramic body, with a bore extending axially through the body. A mounting member extends through the bore and has an enlarged head on the exterior end thereof. The interior end of the mounting member has threads for attachment to the faucet control member. There is a cylindrical chamber formed between the exterior of the mounting member and the surface of the bore and there is an axially extending cushioning insert positioned within the chamber. The insert extends substantially about the mounting member within the chamber and is there to prevent damaging contact between the mounting member and the ceramic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd C. Loschelder
  • Patent number: 5901985
    Abstract: A duct hose coupling device for attaching a hose to a ductwork structure. The device selectively attaches and detaches the hose without use of fastening hardware. Attachment of a hose via the duct hose coupling device allows air to be efficiently forced into or withdrawn from the ductwork structure. The device retains its high efficiency over prolonged periods of usage by isolating critical moving components from exposure to contaminants and unwanted debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Barry W. Raatz
  • Patent number: 5878627
    Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and for rotating a spindle of that jack, which handle comprises a jack handle rod, a jack handle rod extension, and a jack handle coupling for releasably interconnecting the jack handle rod and the jack handle rod extension in co-axial alignment. The jack handle coupling comprises a sleeve mounted over and fixedly secured to a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod and adapted to receive a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension. A spring wire engageable with the knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension secures the two pieces of the rod in coupled engagement. Preferably, the knuckle joints of both sections of the jack handle are formed by bending the ends of the rods 180.degree. into a J-shaped configuration shaped to be permanently secured to the knuckle joint of one of the rods and to slidably receive the knuckle joint of the other rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Wald Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David K. McMurtrey
  • Patent number: 5788014
    Abstract: A spring motor mechanism for use with a child's swing that includes a spring attached to a slip clutch device to prevent the spring from becoming over wound. In addition, the spring motor mechanism includes an indicator for revealing, based upon the amount of torque stored in the spring, the remaining number of child seat oscillations that can occur before the spring must be re-wound, and an adjustable swing height portion to prevent the over-swinging of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: David Saint, James A. Sack
  • Patent number: 5768947
    Abstract: An implement control system for use with an article of construction machinery includes an implement adapted for mounting to an article of construction equipment, the implement including first and second ranges of motion, a hand support adapted for mounting to the article of construction equipment in the vicinity of an operator, the hand support including a base, an end portion upstanding at a first angle from the base and a hand grip extending outwardly from the end portion, the hand grip defining a distal end thereof and an opening between the hand grip and the base adapted for permitting an operator's fingers to extend therebetween in order to grip the hand grip, a first control lever movably mounted to the distal end of the hand grip, the first control lever being operably connected to the implement for controlling the first range of motion and adapted for movement thereof by an operator's thumb, a second control lever movably mounted to the base, the second control level being operably connected to the im
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Fee, Stephen A. Haytcher
  • Patent number: 5680797
    Abstract: A manual control appliance with includes a control lever mounted in a bearing for pivotal movement about a fixed point, converter devices coupled to the lever for converting deflections of the lever with respect to two orthogonal axes into electrical output signals proportional to the deflection of the lever with respect to each of the axes, and a preshaped part having a surface in the form of a spherical section and provided with a plurality of detent grooves which cooperate with a slider at a lower end of the lever. The slider cooperates with the detent grooves in such a manner as to transmit to a user a tactily perceivable sensation each time said lower tip moves across a detent groove in order to provide tactile information about stepped portions of said control lever without affecting operation of said converter means and without limiting pivotal movement of said control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: NBB Machrichtentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fabian Elsasser
  • Patent number: 5676023
    Abstract: A cane type emergency brake of an automobile having a handle which can turn freely over 180 degrees, and which is of durable function. The cane type emergency brake includes a stem (10) which can be held in a state of pulling a brake cable, a handle (20) combined free-rotatably to the stem (10), a return mechanism (30) for returning the handle (20) to an initial position, and a free turn stopper (40) for disabling the free turning of the handle (20). The return mechanism (30) includes a cam plate (31) and a cam (33). The cam plate (31) is pressed to the periphery of the cam (33). The cam (33) is formed monolithically on the enlarged top (15) of the stem (10) and slides the cam plate (31) against the force that presses the cam plate (31) to the periphery of the cam (33). When the handle (20) is in the initial position, the contact position where the cam (33) and the cam plate (31) are contacted with each other is shifted from the center line of the stem (10) to the direction of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Otsuka Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Masuda, Tadahiro Shoji, Kazuhito Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 5659904
    Abstract: A tub grab bar adapted to be removably mounted to a bath tub includes a main body portion having at least one grasping region oriented generally perpendicular to the tub wall. The bar has first and second clamping members adjustably positionable relative to one another in a direction generally parallel to the at least one grasping region. The clamping members are adapted to secure the grab bar to the bath tub wall. The bar farther includes first and second tub gripping elements. The gripping elements are mounted to a respective one of the clamping members. At least one of the gripping elements is multi-accurately, pivotally mounted to its respective clamping member to permit the gripping element to fully engage the bath tub wall when the clamping members are secured to the bath tub wall. The main body portion of the grab bar includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart stabilizing elements positioned with at least one of the clamping members therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Doczy, Craig Scherer, Keith D. Alsberg, Michael C. Thuma, John Steck, Brian J. Woodard, Jeff R. Condon
  • Patent number: 5655858
    Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a vertical knee-type milling machine to accommodate a handle assembly on the left side of the machine includes an elongated rotational member having a shaft portion at one end and a sleeve portion at the other end that receives a left end of a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft and the rotational member are connected to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A clutch device can move the rotational member in an axial direction of the pinion shaft to engage an overload clutch with a driven gear to rotate the pinion shaft. Connected to the rotational member is a handle engagement device for selectively engaging the rotational member with a handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: High Quality Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Cukelj
  • Patent number: 5651163
    Abstract: A door handle device including a handle body which is manipulated when a vehicle door is opened and closed, a case for receiving the handle body and mounted on the vehicle door, and a spring disposed between the case and the handle body and adapted to exert a return force to the handle body. The handle body includes a handle portion and a lever, the lever being provided at one end thereof with a cylindrical projection served as a hinge pin. The handle body thus constructed is integrally formed of a plastic material. The case, in which the handle body is received, includes a base mounted on the side of the vehicle door, a column-like stay mounted on the base and a spring retainer portion for retaining the spring, the stay is provided with a part thereof with an engaging portion into which the projection of the lever is fitted for engagement. A cut-out groove is continuous with the engaging portion and has an overhang portion with respect to a configuration of the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Sakae Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5588329
    Abstract: A mounting construction ensures to fix a shift knob to a lever shaft easily and promptly with a single assembly operation. The lever shaft 1 is formed with a circumferential groove 1a therein and has a rotation-prohibiting projection 1g thereon. A support body 2 is formed with first fastening clicks 2d and 2d and second fastening clicks 2e and 2e, which first and second clicks project on an upper end portion thereof. The support 2 is formed with a rotation preventing groove 2f at a lower end portion thereof, which groove 2f engages the rotation preventing projection 1g. The lever shaft 1 is inserted into the support body 2 so that the fastening clicks 2d and 2d of the support body 2 engage the circumferential groove 1a in the lever shaft 1 to securely fix to the lever shaft 1. The shift knob 3 is provided with a blind hole 3b and horizontally extending engagement holes 3c at a lower portion of the shift knob 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Nedachi
  • Patent number: 5585578
    Abstract: An elastic rubber piece is set in a through-hole formed in a connecting member in such a manner that it is clamped by the protruded portions of a handle member. The elastic rubber piece, being held between the end faces of the protruded portions, is deformed and brought into contact with the inner surface of the through-hole. The handle member is so set that it is swingable about the axis of the through-hole of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yasuzo Shimotori