Abstract: An articulating tie-down anchor (10) for securing cargo straps or roping includes a base plate (16), a top plate (18) and a knuckle (32) interconnecting the base (16) and top (18) plates. A ring (24) has a shank (26) pivotally journaled in the knuckle (32) and a swinging section (28) which is capable of moving in a 180.degree. arc when mounted on a flat support structure (12). The swinging section (28) of the ring (24) surrounds the smaller top plate (18) when in a compact folded storage position and rests on the larger base plate (16). A bolt (36) passes through aligned receiving holes (20, 22) in the top (18) and base (16) plates to attach the assembly (10) to the support structure (12). A resilient tube (34) is disposed within the knuckle (32) and is partially compressed lengthwise against the shank (26) to restrain the ring (24) in any pivotally articulated position relative to the base plate (16).

Abstract: A method and product for forming a joint between intersecting sections of tubing for the conduct of fluid flow. For forming the joints, there is included a section of primary tubing which is drilled or punched to form a radial aperture defining the location at which the joint is to be formed. To effect joinder with the primary tube, there is provided a secondary tube having an end that includes a pilot portion extending rearward from a recessed end plane and which merges with an integrally shaped saddle bead formed about the tube periphery. Inserting the pilot end of the secondary tube into the provided aperture of the primary tube enables the saddle bead to incur a contour overlay against the outside diameter of the primary tube for effecting lateral alignment therebetween while enabling joinder by welding, brazing or soldering. Also disclosed is the method of forming the secondary tube to produce a recessed end face/saddle bead combination by the use of upsetting swaging dies.