Abstract: A patient interface a positioning and stabilising structure, which includes a gas delivery tube with a tube wall that has an interior passage for flow of pressurized air. A portion of the tube wall includes a patient contacting portion and a non-patient contacting portion. The patient contacting portion includes a layer of textile material or foam material configured to lie against the patient's head. At least a section of the non-patient contacting portion includes of a transparent and/or translucent material. The layer of textile material or foam material is bonded to the transparent and/or translucent material so that the tube wall is formed as a one piece construction. A plane extends generally transverse to longitudinal axis contains both (1) the textile material or foam material and (2) the transparent and/or translucent material, so that the patient may view the interior passage along a transverse axis extending through the plane.

Abstract: A tube coupling for coupling a first tube and a second tube. The tube coupling includes an inner shroud including a ball portion and an outer shroud including a socket portion. The socket portion receives the ball portion. The tube coupling includes a compressive ring configured to elastically compress the outer shroud onto the inner shroud. The ball portion and the socket portion form a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint allows relative angular movement and relative axial movement between the inner shroud and the outer shroud.

Abstract: A tube coupling for coupling a first tube and a second tube includes an inner shroud located circumferentially around a first tube distal end at an inner shroud distal end, the inner shroud distal end having one or more radial teeth, an outer shroud having a first outer shroud distal end and a second outer shroud distal end, the first outer shroud distal end located circumferentially around a second tube distal end and the second outer shroud distal end located circumferentially around the inner shroud distal end, and a band configured to elastically compress the first outer shroud distal end onto the inner shroud distal end. The band elastically compresses the first outer shroud distal end and the inner shroud distal end such that the one or more radial teeth are swaged into an outer surface of the first tube.

Abstract: A valve having a hollow body which extends along a main axis (X), in which at least one secondary body is arranged at one end of the hollow body substantially coaxial to the main axis (X) and has an inner end portion with a collar protruding towards the inner surface of the hollow body is disclosed. The hollow body has at least one annular groove in which a ring is arranged at least partially to prevent the movement of the secondary body towards the end of the hollow body, in which the ring is divided into at least two arcs configured to be inserted individually inside the groove of the hollow body to form the ring.

Abstract: A unitized build assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust duct, a hot section with a locking structure and including a combustor and turbine section. The hot section at least partially circumferentially surrounds the exhaust duct. The build assembly includes a compressor section with an interface structure and is proximal to the hot section. The hot section at least partially circumferentially surrounds at least part of the compressor section and the locking structure is configured to engage the interface structure to limit movement of the hot section relative to the compressor section.

Abstract: A coupling device configured to couple first and second pipes, which comprises a first part coupled to the first pipe and which has a first contact surface, a second part coupled to the second pipe, separate from the first part, and which has a second contact surface configured to collaborate with the first contact surface, at least one clamp comprising at least one clamping jaw comprising a groove, configured to collaborate with the first and second parts, which has a cross section such that a concentric tightening of the clamp causes the first and second contact surfaces to be kept pressed against one another. Thus, the coupling device makes it possible to obtain a ball joint type connection between the first and second pipes.

Abstract: A hinged connection device includes first and second tubular components around a main axis which respectively include a first male hinge member provided with an end head shaped as a spherical segment and a second female hinge member provided with a complementary seat receiving movably inside the end head of the first member. The first member is configured to be housed at least partially inside the first component and to be assembled to the second component throughout the second member. The second member is configured to be mounted around the second component and assembled to the first component over the first member such that the two tubular components are assembled together by the reciprocal intersection of the two hinge members.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus including band means which is annular or substantially annular in form. The band means has two opposing ends and protruding means are provided to protrude outwardly of the band means at each of the opposing ends. At least one of said protruding means is integrally formed with the band means.

Abstract: The proposed solution concerns in particular an engine assembly with a casing part extending along a central axis, at least one cover part which at least partially covers an outside of the casing part, and for this, in relation to the central axis, extends along a circumferential direction which points along a circular path around the central axis, and at least one connecting element via which the at least one cover part is fixed relative to the casing part and which compensates for different thermal expansions of the casing part and the at least one cover part.

Abstract: A biasing system for use with a fastener is disclosed. The biasing system can include a sleeve configured to be disposed about a shank of a fastener and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path between the fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the sleeve. The biasing system can also include a spring configured to be associated with the sleeve and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component.

Abstract: A swivel connector has a bore for conveying fluid and has end portions that rotate with respect to each other. An interface between the end portions intersects the bore at a narrow portion of the bore to create a venturi to keep debris out from the interface between the end portions.

Abstract: A disposable dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having an interior, a tip receiving end for receiving a tip, a socket hose receiving end for receiving a tube having a beaded end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, and the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining first and second pipes of adjacent elevated spans of an irrigation system, the joint assembly comprising a tower end extension, a pivot end extension, an alignment ring, and an alignment bracket. The tower end extension connects to a tower end of the first pipe. The pivot end extension connects to a pivot end of a second pipe. The alignment ring is connected to the tower end extension and is configured to pivot about a yaw axis. The alignment bracket is connected to the pivot end extension and the alignment ring. The alignment bracket is configured to pivot about a pitch axis relative to the alignment ring and to rotate about a roll axis relative to the pivot end extension.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to a blind flange and a method of installing same for isolating hazardous energy in order to provide a safe environment for workers to conduct maintenance or repair work on a facility. The blind flange has a body that defines one or more modified bores. The one or more modified bores are alignable with flanged-connection apertures of one side of a flanged connection. The one or more modified bores are configured to receive and releasably hold a connection member therein, so as to connect to only one side of the flanged connection. The modified bores allow a blind flanged-connection to be disassembled and reassemble in less time than known blind flanged-connections when one side of the blind flanged-connection is disconnected from the blind flanged-connection. Furthermore, the blind flange of the present disclosure allows the blind flange to remain connected to one side of a flanged connection while the other side is disconnected.

Abstract: A ball swivel of the configuration typically utilized for pool cleaners includes male and female portions featuring an interposed stopper to minimize an area of engagement between the male and female portions under load, while still sealing and allowing rotational and pivotal motion.

Abstract: Various systems and assemblies that can be utilized with hydraulic and other fluid flow lines are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present application discloses an assembly that can include a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section can define a first passageway therein to receive and allow for passage of a fluid. The second section can define a second passageway that communicates with the first passageway. The second section and the first section together can form a first ball joint having an internal portion and an external portion. The first ball joint can comprise a moveable coupling between second section and the first section. The third section can define a third passageway that communicates with the second passageway. The third section can telescopically receive the second section therein and can be configured to form a linearly moveable joint between the third section and the second section.

Abstract: A seal housing with fluid regulating capability is provided for use with an outlet. The seal housing includes a seal element, a fitting and a valve. The seal element includes an angled flange that is fittable to the outlet and a seal element body from which the angled flange extends. The seal element body defines a bore extending between opposite open ends of the body and receptive of fluid from the outlet. The fitting is configured to tightly engage with the outlet and to urge the angled flange against the outlet with increasing pressure as fitting-outlet engagement proceeds. A valve is constrained within the bore and configured to regulate a flow of the fluid, which is received from the outlet, through the bore.

Abstract: A conduit connection system may have a first coupling connected to a first conduit. The first coupling may have a first undercut. The conduit connection system may also have a second coupling connected to a second conduit. The second coupling may have a second undercut. The conduit connection system may have a clamp. The clamp may have a first projection. The first projection may be configured to be received in the first undercut. The clamp may have a second projection. The second projection may be configured to be received in the second undercut. The conduit connection system may also include a connector. The connector may be configured to engage with the clamp to connect the first coupling and the second coupling.

Abstract: An articulating joint for conveying fluid flow includes first and second conduit members forming a fluid flow path therethrough. An annular member is disposed about the outer surface of the first conduit member and has an outer surface forming a convex partial sphere. A retainer is disposed about the first conduit member and has a seal-retaining ring coupled to the second conduit member. An annular seal is disposed between the seal-retaining ring and the partial sphere to retain fluid in the flow path. A drilling mud return line includes a first such articulating joint, and may include a second articulating joint connected end-to-end to the first articulating joint.

Abstract: A pipe adapter includes a first tubular element having a first portion and a second portion axially adjacent the first portion defining a socket. A second tubular element has a first portion and a second portion axially adjacent the first portion, the first portion defining a distal end sized for insertion into the socket and having a radially extending stop. An annular sealing member is located between the first portion of the second tubular element and the second portion of the first tubular element and provides an axial seal therebetween. An annular securing member is rotatably disposed around the first portion of the second tubular element and located within and fixed to the socket. The annular securing member contacts the stop to secure the second tubular element axially relative to the first tubular element while also allowing the second tubular element to rotate relative to the first tubular element and annular securing member.

Abstract: A ball joint for use within a washing machine suspension system may generally comprise a joint body including a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may define an outer surface having a curved profile. In addition, the joint body may define at least one lubrication inlet port extending between the upper and lower portions and at least one lubrication channel extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the lower portion along the outer surface. The lubrication channel(s) may be in fluid communication with the lubrication inlet port(s) such that, when a lubricant is injected into the lubrication inlet port(s) at the upper portion of the joint body, the lubricant flows from the lubrication inlet port(s) into the lubrication channel(s) and then flows circumferentially within the lubrication channel(s) along the outer surface.

Abstract: This invention differs in design from other flange brackets in its shape and not limited in use as prescribed. The design of this invention differs from existing flange bracket designs in that it uses at least two bisecting section and a two piece assembly design. The “T” formed shape of the metal pieces offers a strength benefit by providing additional and distributed strength along and against the pipe flange. The application of operable fitted bolts tightened with operable nuts increases the strength of the bracket. The ability of the user to install this flange bracket is easily managed without having to cut the flanged pipes. With other repair systems metal pipes have to be cut; bracket installed then pipes reattached usually by welding the pipe or affixing a compression coupler; or with systems having interlaced flanged pieces do not provide the strength along and against a flanged pipe due to their flat construction.

Abstract: A flange (28A-C, 28E, 30A-E) with a primary contact surface (29B-C, 31B-D) that is curved (C) in a section plane (P) normal to a direction of the flange around a perimeter (60) of a component. The curve may have a maximum departure (D), from a straight line drawn between the ends (34, 35) of the curve, of at least 5% of a length of the straight line. The curve may be a circular arc with a span angle (A) of at least 40 degrees. The primary contact surface (29C, 31C) may be defined by an annular portion of a torus. Alternately, the primary contact surface (31D) may follow a non-circular perimeter path. A toric or other non-planar flange interface (32A-B) may be formed by mating contact surfaces on first (22, 36) and second (24, 38) components.

Abstract: An object is to provide a turbine housing assembly in which reduction of weight, facilitation of manufacture, cost-cutting, and reduction of heat capacity are further promoted compared to a conventional turbine housing made of sheet metal. A turbine housing assembly includes a plurality of constituent members connected to one another to constitute a turbine housing into which a turbine wheel is inserted. The turbine housing assembly at least includes a scroll part 2 and an exhaust part 8 of a tubular shape having a separate body separate from the scroll part 2. The scroll part 2 is formed by processing a single piece of sheet metal so that, on a back face side of a bottom face part 22 of the scroll part 2, a recess portion 22b on which a through-hole of an exhaust gas outlet 2B is formed and a projecting portion 22a formed by a bottom surface of an exhaust gas flow path 2A projecting toward the back face side are formed, the projecting portion 22a surrounding the recess portion 22b.

Abstract: A platform for receiving an upright vacuum cleaner having has a base, a suction hose, a hose connector, and a vacuum hose. The suction hose is in fluid communication with the suction box opening. The hose connector is in fluid communication with the suction hose. The vacuum hose is in fluid connection with the hose connector. A vacuum having a vacuum head may be positioned in the recessed portion of the base with the vacuum head in fluid communication with the suction box.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a ball member, a socket member, and a resilient pressing mechanism. The ball member couples with the socket member. The resilient pressing mechanism is positioned between the ball member and the socket member, applying compression to cause the ball member to tightly contact the socket member. The resilient pressing mechanism includes a plurality of springs positioned in parallel between the ball member and the socket member.

Abstract: A rotary support joint assembly for coupling a first portion of a surgical instrument to a second portion of a surgical instrument. In various forms the joint assembly includes a first annular race in the first portion and a second annular race in the second portion. The second race is configured for substantial registration with the first annular race when the second portion is joined with the first portion. A ring-like bearing is supported within the registered first and second annular races.

Abstract: A pipe connection includes a ball joint having shell parts and pipe connection elements at the ends of the shell parts which face away from each other are to be connected to a respective pipe section. The shell parts surround one another in a contacting manner and define a respective longitudinal center line; they are rotatable relative to one another between an aligned position, in which the longitudinal center lines coincide, and a rotated position, in which the longitudinal center lines form an angle which differs from zero. The shell parts together enclose an axial passage which extends between the ends of the shell parts. A sealing element is provided between the outermost and innermost shell part. A lining extends between the outermost shell part and the corresponding pipe connection element. The inner lining surface has a curvature corresponding to that of the outer surface of the innermost shell part.

Abstract: A control rod configuration for adjusting a position of a rotor blade of a helicopter. The control rod configuration includes a control rod which has a bearing eye, adjacent the swash plate, which is penetrated by an axle shaft which has a bearing supported by a bearing bracket. The control rod configuration, which can be simply constructed and is less susceptible to malfunction, has an eccentric with its pivotable bearing in the bearing bracket and which is provided between the bearing bracket and the bearing eye. In addition, a method in which a rotor blade of a helicopter has an assigned control rod which is supported by an axle shaft with a bearing in the bearing bracket which is mounted to the swash plate so as to enable adjustment of the control rod by pivoting the axle shaft during flight.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending a pipe through a wall. The apparatus includes a ball joint through which at least one pipe extends, an inner pipe, which extends through the ball joint and through which a fluid material may transfer, a housing unit, which substantially surrounds the ball joint and comprises resin bonding surfaces that that seal the housing unit to the ball joint, and a flange unit, which affixes to the housing unit and comprises resin bonding surfaces that seal the flange unit to a wall. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe and a line orthogonal to the wall through which the pipe extends is in the range of between about 0 and 20 degrees.

Abstract: An adjustable drainage coupling includes a housing comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner cavity positioned between the first end and the second end, the second end comprising a securing apparatus, and a drainage apparatus comprising an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a pivoting body fluidly coupled to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, the pivoting body configured such that the outlet pipe may pivot with respect to the inlet pipe. The drainage apparatus is positioned such that the pivoting body of the drainage apparatus is enclosed within the inner cavity of the housing, and a locking portion of the outlet pipe is secured to the second end of the housing by the securing apparatus, such that the outlet pipe is secured to the second end of the housing at a desired angle.

Abstract: A pipe fastening structure includes an end member attached to an end part of a metal pipe, and a nut for fastening the end member attached to the metal pipe to a counterpart. In the pipe fastening structure, the end member has a first spherical part to be brought into contact with a sealing surface of the counterpart, a second spherical part formed integrally with the first spherical part so as to be in contact with a sliding surface formed in the nut, and a neck continuous with the second spherical part and having the shape of a straight pipe.

Abstract: A connection for the fluid connection of at least one first fluid-conducting, medical-technical system to a second one, a method for connecting at least two fluid-conducting, medical-technical systems, as well as an external medical-technical apparatus and a medical-technical apparatus are described.

Abstract: An all metal ball and socket joint for connecting two misaligned conduits in fluid-tight communication utilizes a metal seal ring having a substantially conical bore which provides a relatively flush bore profile to fluid flowing through the seal ring. The cone angle of the conical bore is chosen in accordance with the maximum misalignment expected. The seal ring is attached to the nose of the ball member preferably by bolts. Seals are pressure energized by fluid flow. An annular o-ring groove and a pressure port can be provided to allow a back seal test to be carried out during installation.

Abstract: A pipe connection includes a ball joint having shell parts and pipe connection elements at the ends of the shell parts which face away from each other are to be connected to a respective pipe section. The shell parts surround one another in a contacting manner and define a respective longitudinal centre line; they are rotatable relative to one another between an aligned position, in which the longitudinal centre lines coincide, and a rotated position, in which the longitudinal centre lines form an angle which differs from zero. The shell parts together enclose an axial passage which extends between the ends of the shell parts. A sealing element is provided between the outermost and innermost shell part. A lining extends between the outermost shell part and the corresponding pipe connection element. The inner lining surface has a curvature corresponding to that of the outer surface of the innermost shell part.

Abstract: A multi-axis hose connector is provided. The assembly comprises a first and second hose connector end secured to a first and second housing. The housings and the inner end of each connector end support a captive ball therein, where the captive balls form a first and second ball joint that permits the connector ends to freely swivel and pivot relative to one another. Between the ball joints is an elongated tube member having open ends and an open interior. The tube member secures to the captive balls and aligns with an open conduit therethrough, while each of the housings and connector ends include an open interior. The open interior of the tube member, captive balls, housings, and end connectors form a continuous conduit through which fluid flows, despite the angular position of the assembly. In this way, the assembly provides a unique hose connector with several degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Rain gutter downspouts are fitted with either a one ball or two ball and socket joint. The joint is rigid. It bends up to 30° for a one ball joint or 60° for a two ball joint. Non-sealing joints are used to draw air downstream with the water. Further debris and clog clearing is provided with a venturi effect coupled with an acceleration along the concave sides of the balls toward the center of the gutter downspout pipes. Rotation of the ball along with tilt give the installer flexibility in keeping the wide side of the downspout pipe flush with the house as well as allowing zig zag patterns to avoid windows.

Abstract: A seal designed, in particular, to connect together two ducts for carrying fluid or gas, including: a female endpiece having a first end, a male endpiece having a second end, the male endpiece being received in the female endpiece. The seal includes a sliding element situated between the first end of the female endpiece and the second end of the male endpiece, the sliding element including a stack of at least two layers of an intermetallic material, making it possible to prevent the propagation of a crack from one layer to the next layer.

Abstract: A misalignment ball joint fitting includes first and second body portion coupled together and having spherical inner surfaces. A ball secured inside the body portions has a passage therein. The passage has a funnel shaped portion in a first end portion of the ball. The ball is allowed to at least partially rotate when secured inside the first and second body portions. A guide sleeve is coupled to the first body portion. The guide sleeve is coaxial with the ball passage. A recess is in an inner surface of the ball near a center of the ball. An end of the guide sleeve extends into at least a portion of the recess when the ball is in a neutral position with walls of the passage in the ball parallel to walls of the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A pipe having a cylindrical inner wall, a rig end, the rig end having an inner wall having an inside diameter and a remote end. The remote end further comprises a first hemispheric extension that extends from the remote end to at least an outer diameter. A second hemispheric extension connects a surface at an outer cylindrical surface to a pipe exterior wall, wherein the first hemispheric extension and second hemispheric extension form a partial sphere through which, a cavity defined by the inner wall extends.

Abstract: A bearing plate assembly for a turbine engine fuel injector includes a bearing plate 30, with an opening 80 bordered by a race 82. A swivel ball 90 nests inside the race and is rotatable relative thereto. A lock, which may be a tip bushing 108 resists disengagement of the swivel ball from the race. A fuel injector nozzle 38 extends through an opening 98 in the swivel ball. During engine operation, the ball can swivel inside the race to accommodate rotational movement of the nozzle about lateral and radial axes.

Abstract: A connector for use with a subsea riser installation is provided. The connector comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a first connecting face comprising a through-passageway and adapted for connection to a first external conduit element and a ball joint within the body, wherein the ball joint comprises a through-passageway which is substantially aligned with the through-passageway in the first face, and a second connecting face on an opposite side of the connector to the first connecting face and adapted for connection to a second external conduit element. The connector further comprises at least one detent mechanism adapted to engage a corresponding locating feature on the ball joint, wherein the through-passageway are maintained in alignment and wherein the ball joint is prevented from moving relative to the body until a predetermined bending moment is applied to the ball joint across the axis of the through-passageway in the ball joint.

Abstract: An adjustable loading/unloading mouth, including: a first tubular element (2), provided with a longitudinal axis (x); a second tubular element (3), provided with a longitudinal axis (y); connecting elements (4, 5, 6) between the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) which connecting elements (4, 5, 6) define a spherical surface (S), provided with a center (O), and which enable the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) to rotate with respect to one another about the center (O); wherein the connecting elements (4, 5, 6) include at least a first connecting element (4) and at least a second connecting element (5) which are reciprocally connectable at a joining plane (P) passing through the center (O) of the spherical surface (S) on which the first connecting element (4) and the second connecting element (5) can rotate with respect to one another about the center (O).

Abstract: Interlocking bend limiter sections are substantially mirror images of each other and are joined to form an interlocking bend limiter segment without use of fasteners by engaging engaging each other's interlocking ends. An interlocking bend limiter comprises a plurality of interlocking bend limiter segment secured at an end by an end piece.

Abstract: A ball joint (1) is provided having a ball housing (10) that defines a socket (11), and a ball pivot (20) with a ball head (22) and ball pin (24), where the ball head (22) is disposed in the socket (11). A ball housing passageway (14) passes through the ball housing (10); a ball pin passageway (25) passes through the ball pin (24), and a ball head passageway (23) passes through the ball head (22). The ball pin passageway (25), ball head passageway (23) and ball housing passageway (14) are in communication with each other for routing a cable (2) through the ball joint (1). A limiter (50) may extend from an internal surface (12) of the socket (11) having a passageway (52) connected to the ball housing passageway (14). The limiter (50) prevents unlimited spinning of the ball head (22) within the socket (11).

Abstract: An adjustable drain assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base that has a concave inner pivoting surface and a top surface. An upper member is present and has a bottom surface located above the top surface. The upper member may have a concave inner pivoting surface. A pivot component may be present and have a convex outer pivoting surface that engages the concave inner pivoting surface of the base and upper member. The pivot component may be configured for engagement with a cover member. The base may have a pipe engagement surface for engagement with a pipe that is located completely below the pivot component.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pipe construction for an internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection engine. A conduit for the fuel is open at each end and a ball having a throughbore is slidably positioned over one end of the conduit. A reinforcing sleeve is positioned inside the end of the conduit so that the sleeve extends entirely through the ball. The sleeve, ball and the end of the conduit are then brazed together to attach the ball and conduit together. A double chamfer is provided at one end of the ball throughbore to facilitate inspection of the brazing quality. Additionally, a loop is formed in the conduit and a dampener is attached to the loop.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism of a shower equipment is provided. An adjusting device is mounted between a vertical supporting tube and a connector connected to a head shower, wherein the supporting tube is connected to a mounting base equipped with a faucet. One end of a lower joint pipe is connected to the supporting tube and the other end is mounted to an interior of a ball valve. A guiding base is located above the ball valve and formed with a ball-shaped slot for receiving the ball valve. One end of an upper joint pipe is connected to and received in an outer base so that the bottom of the end appropriately presses against the guiding base and the other end is connected to the connector. Whereby, in fabricating the shower equipment, it needs only to adjust the supporting tube without any additional device or hand tool.

Abstract: A method of lifting at least a portion of an attachment system to and from a predetermined location comprises providing an attachment system comprising a support member, a socket member, and a locking member, the support member located at the predetermined location and defining an indentation formed therein, the socket member defining a cavity formed therein, placing the socket member in the indentation, placing the locking member in the cavity, locking the locking member in the socket member, and lifting the locked socket member and locking member from the support member and to the predetermined location.