Abstract: Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0° and 90°.

Abstract: Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0° and 90°.

Abstract: A tubular article (F), such as a fire extinguisher, is normally retained on a bracket (10) by a releasable latch mechanism (19). An elastomeric pad (26) is compressed between an upper end of the article and the bracket for ejecting the article outwardly from the bracket upon release of the latch mechanism. A lower end (R) of the article is retained on the bracket by a lug (28) which releases the article for forward pivoting movement upon ejection thereof from the bracket.