F16C11/00

Joint device

A joint device includes a first latch, an actuating mechanism, and two connection parts pivotally connected to each other. The first latch is selectively moved to a first locking position for locking the two connection parts or a first unlocking position for unlocking the two connection parts. The actuating mechanism is disposed adjacent to where the two connection parts are pivotally connected. The actuating mechanism is connected to the first latch to be operable to selectively move the first latch to the first locking position or the first unlocking position, and it facilitates operation of unfolding and folding a stroller equipped with the joint device of the invention.

Pinch free folding lock

A folding lock assembly for use in a frame for a portable child enclosure that includes a body housing first and second hinges for connecting a pair of equal-length side frame members. The hinges are limited in the degree of pivotal movement permitted between a locked position in which the frame members are linearly aligned and a folded position in which the frame members are substantially parallel. The first hinge permits angular rotation less than 90 degrees while the second hinge permits angular rotation greater than 90 degrees. The differences in the range of hinge rotation offset the distal ends of the frame when the connected members are folded to eliminate a pinch point between frame end members.

Retaining wall soil reinforcing connector and method
09605402 · 2017-03-28 ·

An apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, and a method of manufacturing the same. A one-piece, flat, plate-like connector has a stem and a tab, wherein the stem is resistance welded to a soil reinforcing element embedded within the earthen formation. The tab is connected to a facing anchor attached to the concrete facing. The stem of the plate connector has grooves formed in its opposing sides and longitudinal channels to increase the strength of the resistance weld.

Zero play hinge for a stroller
09566995 · 2017-02-14 · ·

A hinge for pivotally joining a first frame member and a second frame member of a frame of a stroller may include a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a release actuator and a locking member. The first housing portion may be operably coupled to the first frame member. The second housing portion may be operably coupled to the second frame member. The release actuator may be configured to operate to enable the hinge to shift between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member may be configured to move in an axial direction responsive to shifting between the locked state and the unlocked state. The external periphery of the locking member may include a first incline surface that engages both the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the locked state.

Zero play hinge for a stroller
09566995 · 2017-02-14 · ·

A hinge for pivotally joining a first frame member and a second frame member of a frame of a stroller may include a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a release actuator and a locking member. The first housing portion may be operably coupled to the first frame member. The second housing portion may be operably coupled to the second frame member. The release actuator may be configured to operate to enable the hinge to shift between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member may be configured to move in an axial direction responsive to shifting between the locked state and the unlocked state. The external periphery of the locking member may include a first incline surface that engages both the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the locked state.

Magnetically coupling manikin joints

A manikin (mannequin) with limbs that magnetically attach to the torso by an assembly of an attach base mounted on the torso and a lead-in base on the limb. Magnets of one Pole are accommodated within the attach base, and of the opposite Pole within the lead-in base. The magnets attract corresponding magnets of the opposite Pole, facilitating self-aligning of the magnets, whose depth-of-pull force is not over 80 Gauss. The attach and lead-in bases can regulate the attraction force via a layer of flux shield over the magnets for various applications. Attach and lead-in bases have complimentary guiding means to give an assembler a sense of touch through fabric to understand where the limbs are with respect to the torso when forming a joint. The lead-in pin hooks the limb into the torso, allowing limbs to pivot and return to their original position if bumped.

Joint locking mechanism

Projection and camera systems may employ a joint locking mechanism that may enable a user to reposition or move structures (arms, lenses, etc.) that are otherwise locked in position. The joint locking mechanism may include a touch-activated presence detector to sense a presence of an extremity of a user. In response to the presence detector sensing the presence, an actuator may unlock a joint or structure to enable movement of the joint or structure while the presence detector continues to sense the presence. In response to a detection of an absence of the extremity, the actuator may return to a locked state to prevent further movement of the joint or structure.