Abstract: A method is provided for fitting a snap fit arrangement, as well as a fitting arrangement for fitting the snap fit arrangement for joining a first part with a second part. The snap fit arrangement comprises an engagement hook which is arranged at the first part. The snap fit arrangement comprises a latch element which is arranged at the second part. When the snap fit arrangement closes, the engagement hook deforms elastically and engages into the latch element. In the method, an auxiliary tool is provided. The elastic deformation is caused in the engagement hook by means of the auxiliary tool. The first part is joined to the second part and retracting the auxiliary tool. Retracting causes a spring-back of the elastic deformation in the engagement hook.

Abstract: The concave part includes an open end portion having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of a tip end portion of a ball stud, a fitting portion which is connected to the open end portion and has an inlet smaller than the outer diameter of the tip end portion and in which the tip end portion is housed, and a plurality of slits which are formed in a fitting direction of the ball stud from the open end portion and arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumference of the concave part. The pull-out prevention part includes a plurality of first ribs located on extensions of the respective slits.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other. A set of floor panel provided with a locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove in a first edge of a first floor panel, cooperating for vertical locking of the edges with a tongue groove in adjacent second edges of a second floor panel, the locking system further including a locking strip with a locking element in one edge which cooperates, for horizontal locking of the edges, with a locking groove in an adjacent edge, the displaceable tongue includes a protrusion and the displacement groove a cavity, the protrusion is slideable against a wall of the cavity to obtain a displacement of the tongue in a first direction perpendicular to the edges and thereby the vertical locking of the edges.

Abstract: A portable shoe cover apparatus. The portable shoe cover apparatus includes a shoe cover portion and a shoe cover connection portion. The shoe cover portion is attachable and removable for covering a top portion of a shoe but not covering a bottom portion of a sole of the shoe. The shoe cover portion comprises a waterproof or water resistant portion. The shoe cover connection portion is connected to a top end of the shoe cover portion and is attachable and removable to a portion of a person wearing the shoe and comprises an insect repellant portion. The shoe cover apparatus is attachable and removable to the shoe via plural different types of attachment means.

Abstract: A widthwise expandable tape is provided, the tape having a first adhesive side, a second adhesive side, and a flexible region between the two. The tape is adapted to be expandable and contractable in a widthwise direction.

Abstract: Articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include an upper/foot-covering member having medial and lateral strap tensioning components located on opposite sides of the ankle area. A securing system is provided that includes: (i) a first strap portion extending across the instep area, engaging the lateral strap tensioning component, and extending in front of the foot-insertion opening to the medial ankle side (where it may be secured), and (ii) a second strap portion extending across the instep area, engaging the medial strap tensioning component, and extending in front of the foot-insertion opening and to the lateral ankle side (where it may be secured). The first and second strap portions cross one another at two separated crossing locations.

Abstract: A universal dust shroud includes a unitary mounting bracket on top of the shroud body. The bracket includes a plurality of collar sections attached to the body via a ‘Z’ shaped joint which allows the collar sections to move radially inwardly and outwardly relative to each other to accommodate different angle grinders. The bracket may include slots formed at the base of the bracket. The slots allow air to flow in through the slots, out past the grinding disk, and to the vacuum port. As such, the slots can aid in cooling the grinder output and bearings, and helps keep dust and debris away from the bearings in order to extend the life of the grinder.

Abstract: The fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects includes a holding element that can be fixed to one of the objects to be held together, and a retaining device that can be fixed to another one of the objects to be held together and engage the holding element. The retaining device includes a plurality of separable parts that can be held closely together around the holding element by a disengageable pre-tensioning device. The separable parts are connected to each other by an elastically deformable mechanisms which stretch to in order to draw the parts located at a distance from each other together, while the pre-tensioning device includes a link wound around the parts in order to keep them closed on the holding element, at least one end of the link being fixed to a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A fitting system for securing a panel to a wall frame having a first member removably secured to a second member. The first receiving member includes an outer flange with a center aperture and a ring-like member extending backwards from a bottom surface of the flange to define a receiving passageway. The flange has a plurality of apertures for securing the first member to the wall frame with the ring-like member disposed within a recess in the wall frame. The second insertion member includes an outer flange and a male insertion portion. The outer flange is used to secure the second member to the panel. The male member is adjustable making its insertion within the receiving passageway easier. Attachment clips of the second member mate with an inner ledge of the receiving passageway to lock the two members together and thus secure the panel to the wall frame.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an engagement mechanism employed in a first assembly part and a cooperating second assembly part. The engagement mechanism comprises a pivot member assembled in the first assembly part; and an elastic member having a double-wedged surface at an endmost portion thereof which extends outwardly from the projecting portion of the first assembly part. The elastic member is employed to provide an elastic force of maintaining the projecting portion extending outwardly from the first assembly part to engage with the second assembly part. The present invention, via the design of the double-wedged surface of the projecting portion, facilitates easy engagement or disengagement of the engagement mechanism, and overcomes the problem of having to provide extra disengagement arrangement in the prior art.

Abstract: A lock (1) for a necklace, bracelet or such ornament, which lock is provided with a carbine hook (2) defining an eye-shaped space and with an end eye (3), which carbine hook (2) is provided with a hook portion (4) and a locking portion (5), which locking portion (5), in an open position of this locking portion, extends at least partly into the eye-shaped space (R) so that a passage (D) is formed in the carbine hook eye, through which passage the end eye (3) is movable to fix the end eye (3) to the carbine hook (2), to which end eye (3) a safety element is fixed, which locking portion, in an operative position of the end eye (3) relative to the carbine hook (2), cannot be brought into the open position, which safety element, in a swung position of the end eye (3) relative to the carbine hook (2), is moved out of the eye-shaped space (R) so that the locking portion can be brought into the open position.

Abstract: An interchangeable jewelry system based on a simple and secure two part coupling device which is a combination of a male prong containing a hook and a snap, and a specifically designed female soleplate having a curved substructure. The shape of this special soleplate guides the prong to a point at which it can be lifted to engage the hook, and rotated to engage the snap. The size and shape of the prong relative to the specific design of the soleplate structure prevents it from being disengaged while being worn. The elements of the coupling device are an integral part of, and incorporated into, the back sides of a wide variety of jewelry elements, resulting in a coupling invisible from the front or the sides of the assembled item of jewelry, the ultimate effect being that of an unalterable entity. All elements in a collection, having these same components, are interchangeable in a countless number of combinations.

Abstract: An assembly (20) of artwork (21) and backing (22) wherein a combination of floater anchors (24), hard anchors (26), and soft anchors (25) produce a floatability of artwork about its backing and which eliminates curling or rippling to it due to temperature and humidity changes. The floater anchor (24) is formed from a pair of tape pieces (35-1, 35-2) fastened together by a pair of crossing ties (37, 38) that interlace the pieces (35-1, 35-2). Piece (35-1) is adhered to artwork (21) and piece (35-2) is adhered to backing (22), whereby artwork (21) can shift about backing (22) to the extent of the spacing distance between the attachment, such as by glue spots (40), of ties(37, 38)to pieces (35-1, 35-2). Hard anchors (26) are formed by providing ribbons (42) of glue between pieces (35-1, 35-2) and ties (37, 38) so that the pieces (35-1, 35-2) do not shift between each other.

Abstract: A luggage case includes a primary case provided with a plurality of male fasteners each including a base and a plug, the base being riveted on the primary case and having a passage going through the primary case, and a secondary case provided with a plurality of female fasteners riveted on the secondary case, each of the female fasteners having a recess adapted to receive the plug, a neck portion having two holes at two opposite sides thereof, and two positioning arms at the two opposite sides thereof each having a protuberance engageable with the holes of the neck portion, whereby the secondary case can be easily engaged or disengaged from the primary case.

Abstract: A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles.

Abstract: A snap button for attachment to a cloth is composed of male and female buttons engageable with each other. Each of the male and female buttons includes a face plate centrally from which a smashable shank projects, a snap body, and a resilient plate. The snap body has a respective one of concave socket and plug portions in which an axial shank-insertion hole, and a peripheral flange extending from a base portion of the plug and socket portions off an inner open end thereof. The resilient plate is adapted to be pierced by the shank so as to clamp the cloth between the face plate and the resilient plate. As a result, the cloth is held not only between the resilient plate and the shank but also between the shank and the snap body, and this clamp structure prevents the cloth from being removed off the each of the male and female buttons.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fixing assembly for use in, e.g., a switch device, said assembly comprising a female element (10) in the first piece (21) to be connected and a male element (12) in the second piece (18) to be connected. According to the invention, the male element (12) is elongated and elastic and has its end (14) provided with at least one locking surface (15), and the female element (10) comprises at least one locking shoulder (11) and a corresponding widening recess (19) of the female element passageway for the purpose of permitting the entry of a locking surface (15) of the end (14) of the male element (12) to the rear of the locking shoulder (11) into a locking position by way of a twisting/untwisting motion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a profile-shaped clamp means wherein one or two inside profile elements (6), shaped as gripping springs, press resiliently against an object which is thereby retained. When the object is constituted by a male part (7,9) adapted to fit the profile element of the female shape of said clamp, the total clamp means can be utilize for locking two objects (10,11) to each other. The clamp means is preferably constructed as a profile in a homogeneous material, and a clamp effect and/or a joint is obtained without use of tools or small parts. The profile elements are preferred to be convexly curved, while the male part may be substantially complementary to the curved profile.

Abstract: A picture frame mount (14) comprising first and second strips or tapes (17) (26) in crossed relationship, the one (26) having a channel (29) in which the other (17) is disposed. Tape (17) includes two tongues (20) (21) outside of the channel (29) and an aperture (18) in alignment with the channel (29). The bottom of tongues (20) (21) and the top of tape (26) include adhesive characteristics or coatings, while glue in aperture (18) fastens tape 26 to itself. The tongues (20) (21) are applied to a backing (11) and tape (26) is applied to artwork (12) to provide a "floating" arrangement when mounting between artwork and backing is undertaken. Release sheets (33) (34) protect the adhesive characteristics until the tapes are ready for use.

Abstract: A lingerie clasp has a male clasp member with a central projection and a pair of pins lodged in a female clasp member having projections straddling the projection of the male member and formed with channels receiving the pins thereof. The pins are narrower than the mouth slots of the channel to allow them to be inserted and withdrawn. On the face side of the clasp, spherical bulges are provided to ensure an aesthetic appearance of the closed clasp, e.g. in the form of pearls.

Abstract: Plastic profile fasteners comprising a first member having an elongated groove profile and a second member having a complementary elongated projection receivable in the groove; the first member is provided with a plurality of axially spaced apart bridges between the groove walls, and the second member with notches in which the bridges are receivable. The bridges reinforce the groove wall, and coact with the notches to prevent relative axial movement of the fastener members.

Abstract: A low profile deck clamp and cargo or deck equipment anchoring system which tilizes a removable, keyed deck clamp in association with equipment or cargo entity-provided attachment flanges, and also with preexisting deck sockets formerly used with other known prior art tie-down systems. The clamp in a more preferred form has a horizontal planar slotted body member disposed above deck, and a double offset unique key portion which downwardly depends from its forward end as a generally below-deck portion. Attachment flanges are initially or subsequently formed to the base of each cargo or equipment entity. An angular form of attachment flange with a planar base portion disposed parallel upon the deck, is provided with adjacently disposed key-passable clearance holes and a plurality of strategically placed threaded holes to manually and collectively cooperate with the deck sockets, the clamp's keyed portion and a plurality of anchoring bolts passing through the slots of the clamp's planar body member.

Abstract: The invention relates to window coverings and in particular to a device for mounting fabric covering to a headrail. The device includes a cord guide holder having a body received in and supported by the headrail. The holder has a flexibly attached tongue which extends from the headrail. A clip attaches to the fabric by receiving the fabric over a torturous path. The tongue mounts to the clip so the flexible connection permits changing the orientation of the clip with respect to the holder body in a vertical, horizontal and twisting plane.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fastener having a slight taper, is friction welded to a thermoplastic workpiece. A system for friction welding the fastener includes a way of automatically stopping rotation of the fastener while contact pressure between the fastener and the workpiece is maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel pivot structure for a seat belt buckle wherein a base plate of a seat belt buckle is connected to an anchor stay by way of a pin and spring means interposed therebetween in such a manner that the buckle may pivot relative to the anchor stay about the pin along the major surface of the anchor stay and, additionally, away from the major surface. The spring means biases the buckle toward a neutral position in which the buckle aligns with the axial line of the anchor stay. Thus, the seat belt buckle is maintained in a relatively rigid state relative to the anchor stay so that a tongue plate may be easily aimed and inserted thereinto. However, once the seat belt is securely fastened by the engagement of the tongue plate and the seat belt buckle, the buckle may pivot in any direction relative to the anchor stay and therefore will readily bend to conform to the body of the person wearing the seat belt and improve the comfort in wearing the seat belt.

Abstract: A child proof safety latch for a cabinet door or drawer. The safety latch includes a U-shaped mounting bracket that can be slipped over the edge of the door or drawer without screws or other fasteners. A hook assembly engages the mounting bracket with ratchet teeth so the hook member can be moved into locking position after the safety latch is in place on the closure. The hook member is carried on a base plate, and the base plate may have a knob to keep the hook assembly aligned for easy motion.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and tensioning a webbing particularly useful in an article of furniture in which the webbing is adapted to be stressed by a person seated thereon. Male and female members are employed, the female member being fastened to a framework, and the male member being fastened to the webbing. The male member is positioned between side walls of the female member, and first and second abutment surfaces of each member engage each other in the assembly and are urged into engagement by the stress upon the webbing. The male member is levered into engagement with the female member.

Abstract: A garment expander, of the type equipped with a bent sheet metal hook on one flap of the fly opening for hooking through a bent sheet metal eye on the other flap of the flap opening, has at one end a resilient loop which strongly but detachably captures the eye and has at the other end a planar area with a rigid bridge protruding from the planar area in a plane parallel with it for aligning and engaging the trouser hook; when tension is applied the loop may permit the eye to turn slightly within the loop for better trouser appearance; the invention is adapted for high-volume low-cost production with minimum operations.

Abstract: A two-part panel fastener comprises a socket member and a stud member. The socket member includes a base, an elongated retaining head supported above one side of the base, a receptacle defining a central bore extending from the opposite side of the base, a lip which constricts the opening to the bore, and a frusto-conically shaped flange extending from the end of the receptacle and having a concave surface facing away from the base and surrounding the opening to the bore. The elongated retaining head is adapted to pass through an elongated or "double-D" shaped aperture in a first panel and to be retained relative to the first panel when the head is turned a quarter-turn.