Abstract: A steering wheel comprising a one-piece plastic body including a hub portion, an annular rim portion and a plurality of spokes extending from the hub portion to the rim portion. A sheet metal insert is molded in situ in the hub portion to define the opening for a steering shaft. The metal insert includes a central generally circular portion and ends which abut one another and extend radially outwardly in the hub. Aligned openings in the circular portion and hub portion are adapted to receive a locking pin for locking the wheel to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A porthole construction for placement in an opening of a hull of a ship comprising a first plastic member made of transparent material and a second member made of plastic material. The first member includes an axial wall frictionally engaging the porthole opening, a transverse wall defining the window, and a radial wall extending radially outwardly from the axial wall and engaging the outside of the hull. Fasteners extend through the radial wall to hold the first member in position on the hull. The second member includes an axial wall frictionally engaging the inner surface of the axial wall of the first member, a radial wall overlying the radial wall of the first member and a second axial wall extending from the radial wall and engaging the hull about the radial wall of the first member. Interengaging members are provided between the radial walls of the first and second member to further hold the second member on the first member.

Abstract: A slide-adjustable reclining double seat for boats and like applications comprising a support box and a pair of seats hinged back-to-back resting on the upper edges of the box sidewalls. A locking bar is cantilevered rearwardly beneath each seat bottom. A pair of opposed slides of molded plastic construction are affixed to the box sidewalls and have channels which slidably receive ends of the locking bars. Laterally aligned recesses in the channels define locking positions of the reclining seats.

Abstract: A button construction which enables upholstery to be formed and held in tufted shape with concealed nails and without the danger of accidental dislodgement of the button. The button comprises a round holding member having a central recess for receiving the nail head, and a cover member insertable in said recess so as to be flush with the holding member. The tuft will only exert upward pressure on the fastened holding member and there will be no tendency of any portion of the assembly to be dislodged by upward pressure.

Abstract: Retaining means for preventing loosening of a gland nut, for example, at the end of a push-pull outboard motor steering cable. The gland nut is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending ribs. The retainer comprises a ring of spring-like material with a plurality of locking fingers engaging the conduit fitting and axially extending fingers fitting between the gland nut ribs. The latter fingers have rounded end depressions allowing positive rotation of the gland nut but preventing loosening of the nut through vibration.

Abstract: A hinge for a foldable boat ladder which permits the ladder to be stowed in its folded position without the need for additional fastening means. The hinge comprises a pair of sockets each having a plurality of leaves, the leaves interfitting. The leaves for the upper portion of the ladder have aligned holes carrying a stationary hinge pin. The leaves on the lower socket have inclined slots engaging this pin. In the lower hinge position the sockets are aligned. When the lower socket is swung upwardly 180.degree., its leaf slots slide downwardly and inwardly. The lower ends of these leaves engage the lower portion of the upper socket, and a bridge extending between the leaves above the pin engages a leaf on the upper socket. This prevents rattling and permits the sockets to be held firmly together, but still far enough apart so that steps on the upper and lower ladder portions may be aligned without touching.

Abstract: A ladder is made from extruded aluminum steps supported on a pair of vertical tubes fitted through large diameter holes drilled vertically through the steps. The steps are hollow except for a pair of vertical walls extending longitudinally thereof and lying on opposite sides of the vertical holes. Small horizontal holes are drilled through these walls from the rear of the steps to receive fastening pins which are driven through the tubes to locate and support the steps on the tubes.