Abstract: The invention relates to a multiaxis robot with at least one gear associated with a robot axis and having a gearbox with positional retaining strips for fixing control cams for monitoring the swivel angle of the robot axis, the retaining strips having a substantially arcuate construction with an inner circumference roughly corresponding to the outer circumference of the gearbox and the retaining strips can be frontally braced against one another for fixing on the gearbox.

Abstract: The combining device for combining stacked plates includes a first plate at a bottom layer thereof, a plurality of upper plates, and an inserting means. The first plate is formed with at least two buckling rings; and a proper distance is retained between the two buckling rings. The upper plate is formed with at least one hole at position corresponding to one of the buckling rings. The buckling rings is inserted by the two inserting ends of each inserting means; and then the elastic pieces aside the inserting end pass through the buckling ring and resists against the inserting end. Thereby, the plates are combined, while the inserting end can not be released. Therefore, the combining device of the present invention provides a low cost and conventional way for combining a plurality of overlapping plates. Moreover, by the present invention, the combining surface is flat.

Abstract: A method for applying a lateral support load to a jet pump slip joint. The method includes positioning an ovalization device around the diffuser and actuating the ovalization device to apply a predetermined load to the slip joint which creates an oval deformation of the diffuser. The force applied by the ovalization device creates a plastic strain in the diffuser wall which permits the diffuser to maintain an oval shape, and an elastic strain in the wall of the inlet mixer. The elastic deflection of the inlet mixer which is restrained from its original shape applies a lateral preload force to the diffuser at the area where the diffuser has a reduced diameter due to the oval deformation. This lateral preload force maintains a rigid contact between the inlet mixer and the diffuser collar to prevent oscillating motion and suppress FIV.

Abstract: A re-attachable breakaway safety connector is disclosed which is adapted for use with a rope or other objects arranged in at least a substantially linear manner such that when force is provided to the objects, a tensile force is transferred to the connector. The breakaway connector is designed to fail, i.e., the components separate, when the tensile force transferred to the connector exceeds a predetermined level, and may be selectively adjusted to reduce the amount of force required to separate a male and female component of the safety connector.

Abstract: Holding device particularly for the fixing and/or release of installed parts in the field of vehicle manufacture and/or maintenance, characterized by a magnetizing body (1, 1a, 1b, 1e) with an operating means (2) arranged on it. The object of the invention is, therefore, to show how a large number of different individual parts and/or mounted parts can be held in the simplest possible way, particularly for fixing or release.

Abstract: A tent pole assembly and a connecting structure thereof include a reduced tube part of a prescribed length formed at an end, the reduced tube part being inserted into a tent pole section, and a reinforced rod disposed inside a start part of the reduced tube part to reinforce the start part, the reinforced rod having the external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the start part.

Abstract: A clamp assembly prevents separation of a thermal sleeve penetrating a nuclear reactor pressure vessel wall and a jet pump riser elbow welded one to the other and lying within an annular space between the pressure vessel wall and core shroud. The clamp assembly includes a pair of heads having semi-cylindrical recesses. Pins project inwardly from each of the heads in the semi-cylindrical recesses and have axes which lie parallel to one another. By using actuators mounting multiple electrodes, holes may be formed in situ in the adjoining ends of the thermal sleeve and elbow. Once the holes are formed, the heads can be applied in situ with the pins being received through the holes and the heads clamped to one another. Thug, the pins in each of the sleeve and elbow prevent separating movement of the sleeve and elbow in the event of failure of the welded joint therebetween.

Abstract: A keyless mounting device has inner and outer tubular sleeves telescopically engaged. The confronting surfaces of the inner and outer sleeves are tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeve in one direction expands the outer surface of the outer sleeve and contracts the inner surface of the inner sleeve. Relative axial displacement in the other direction allows the outer surface to contract and the inner surface to expand. The inner and outer sleeves are threaded at one end and the free end of each sleeve adjacent the threads provides an annular abutment surface. An adjustor is provided to effect the relative axial displacement of the sleeves. The adjustor has one set of threads to engage the threads of the inner and an abutment surface to engage the abutment surface of the outer when the threads are tightened and second threads adapted to engage the threads of the outer and second abutment surface adapted to engage the abutment surface of the inner when loosening the sleeves.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism includes an axial space formed in a cylindrical wall of a pulley, and a pin protruding and extending from a back surface of a discharge disc. The pin is inserted into the axial space, and a rubber damper is installed between the inner surface of the axial space and the pin. When torque difference between the pulley and the discharge disc exceeds a threshold, a root portion of the pin is broken to separate the discharge disc from the pulley, thereby interrupting rotation transmission from the pulley to the discharge disc.

Abstract: A device for preventing disconnection of a coupling. The device includes a main body portion having defined therein a fastener chamber and an opening in communication with the fastener chamber. The opening is located above the fastener chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a standard size socket cannot be inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided for fastening a first structural component to a second structural component for use especially in the motor vehicle industry, which has at least one fastening screw, a corresponding first preassembly thread on the first structural component, in which the fastening screw is fastened after the preassembly and a fastening thread on the first structural component or the second structural component for fixing the first structural component to the second structural component by the fastening screw, whereby this screw, after fixing, is fastened in the associated fastening thread, whereby the fastening screw has at least one front threaded area arranged on the free end of the screw shank and a second area adjacent to the screw head, whereby this is provided with a plastic coating, into which a thread corresponding to the preassembly thread is incorporated only when the fastening screw is screwed into the preassembly thread.

Abstract: A clevis pin joins a thrust link to a support in an aircraft engine thrust mount. The pin includes a shank having a semicircular section for carrying in shear thrust load between the link and support. A head is disposed at one end of the shank, and a tip is disposed at an opposite end of the shank. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of the pins are nested together for collectively effecting a circular cross sectional area for carrying the thrust load in shear therethrough.

Abstract: In the mounting of working parts, especially the vehicle's axles, it is difficult to weld on the female threaded parts. To overcome this problem, the female threaded part is configured as an internally threaded stud. This stud is passed through a bore disposed in the lower flange of the beam. A flange fixedly attached to the stud is spot-welding to a cage whose walls are spot-welded to the upper and lower flanges of the beam. The welding procedure is thereby greatly simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiaxis robot with at least one gear associated with a robot axis and having a gearbox with positional retaining strips for fixing control cams for monitoring the swivel angle of the robot axis, the retaining strips having a substantially arcuate construction with an inner circumference roughly corresponding to the outer circumference of the gearbox and the retaining strips can be frontally braced against one another for fixing on the gearbox.

Abstract: Two alternative mounting methods and devices for mounting rails achieve new points of mounting (8) by adding new pitch-holes to mounting rails (2) and using either adjustable cage-nuts or cage-nuts containing two nuts in their respective pitch-holes. The shape of the new pitch-holes preserves the structural integrity of mounting rails (2). The number of mounting points and possibilities can be dramatically increased, thereby satisfying various ventilation and pass-through requirements between devices (5).

Abstract: A toolholder for securing a cutting tool used for mining and construction applications whereby the holder has a recessed groove to provide access to the underside of a flange on the cutting bit to promote removal of the cutting tool from the toolholder.

Abstract: A quasi-kinematic coupling for mating components (mechanical parts, surfaces, assemblies and the like) employing mating sets of surface of revolution, (conical) grooves and cooperative surface of revolution (spherical/conical) protrusions for establishing six lines (not just prior points) of contact at the kinematic interfaces, and with elastic compliance therebetween and preferably with relief features to define the effective orientation as a clamping force seats the protrusions in the grooves and seals the component mating surfaces into contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method employing a first Bowden cable retention member to retain the first cable member of a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable retention member to retain the second cable member of a second Bowden cable. The first Bowden cable retention member is sized to receive the first cable member, but not the second cable member. The manner in which the first cable member is sized may relate to a particular dimension, such as diameter or length or its overall shape in relation to the corresponding particular dimension or overall shape of the second cable member.

Abstract: A device for fastening a machine plate in an offset press is disclosed. The machine plate fastening device may be gripped by a plate lock-up device on the offset press. The device has a plate and a leaf spring, the plate having fastening pins and the leaf spring holding the machine plate on the pins. The leaf spring has holes corresponding to the fastening pins. Also disclosed is a joint plate which can be attached to fix the fastening device at an appropriate angle on the offset press.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes an interchangeable ball having a first bore for removably receiving a stub shaft attached to the towing vehicle. Both the ball and stub shaft have transverse bores that can be aligned with one another to receive a removable pin for securing the ball to the stub shaft during normal use. When the ball is not on the stub shaft, a clip can be inserted into the first bore of the ball to removably engage the pin and prevent the pin from being withdrawn from the ball. This feature helps to prevent the pin from becoming lost or misplaced while the ball is in storage.

Abstract: A half round end yoke and a pair of retainer straps retain an opposed pair of bearing cups to the half round end yoke in such a universal joint. The half round end yoke includes a body defining an axis of rotation having first and second arms extending therefrom. Each of the first and second arms has a semi-cylindrical recess formed therein that is adapted to receive a bearing cup. A pair of threaded bores is formed in each of the first and second arms. Retainer straps are disposed about the bearing cups to retain them within the semi-cylindrical recesses. Each of the retainer straps includes a curved central portion having a pair of straight end portions extending outwardly therefrom. The end portions have respective apertures formed therethrough that can be aligned with the threaded bores formed in the arms of the half round end yoke.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a connecting device for connecting a first panel onto a second panel, the connecting device having a substantially plate-like connecting element including an aperture therein, where the connecting element has a first flat part structured and arranged to engage an inner face of the first panel and a second flat part structured and arranged to engage an inner face of the second panel, and wherein the second part is located in a different plane from and is substantially parallel to the first flat part. The disclosure also describes a device having an adjuster element disposed within the aperture of the connecting element, the adjuster element including a horizontally elongated slot and a means for moving the adjustable element within the aperture for adjustable movement in a vertical direction with respect to the connecting element in order to provide independent adjustment in either the horizontal or vertical directions.

Abstract: A connector, particularly designed for attachment to an automobile door having an opening therein, including a hood passing through the opening when the device is installed. The hood carries, on one surface, a lock piece with an engagement projection and its distal end. Since the entire connector is molded of resin, contact with the perimeter of the opening in the door can scratch the sloped surface of the engagement projection and hinder its insertion. There is provided a metal cover fitting over a sloped surface of the lock piece so that, when the connector is inserted, there is only metal to metal contact between the perimeter of the opening and the cover of the slope surface. In this way, even if there is flash around the perimeter, the connector can be smoothly and readily attached.

Abstract: There is described a method of securing against lateral motion two bodies held in face to face asperity contact to make a joint between the two bodies. Inserted into the interface between the two bodes is a material known as a galling agent, gall promoter, gall enhancer or anti-lubricant. This material is a composition of a crosslinked siloxane having dispersed therein a gall promoting silicone. The crosslinked siloxane is formed, for instance, from the reaction between an amino siloxane and a dicarboxylic anhydride siloxane.

Abstract: A breakaway unit for a tool mount of a robotic positioner, the breakaway unit having a magnetic coupler mechanism and a mechanical coupler mechanism for omnidirectional collision contacts of the tool and/or tool mount, the magnetic coupler mechanism having an adjustably positioned magnetizable disk in one coupler component and a fixed position magnet member in the other coupler component and the mechanical coupler mechanism having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the force of release in the +Z direction of contact by the tool.

Abstract: A gasket clamp structure is provided which includes a gasket clamping bolt having a male screw and a coating material that is applied to an outer circumferential surface of a distal end portion of the male screw, a retaining member having a mounting hole, a casing having a thread hole in which a female screw is formed, and a gasket interposed between the retaining member and the casing and having a mounting hole. The gasket clamping bolt is inserted and screwed into the thread hole of the casing through the mounting holes of the retaining member and gasket, so that the gasket is clamped between the casing and the retaining member. A recess is formed in an inlet portion of the thread hole of the casing such that the recess has an inside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of a thread of the male screw of the gasket clamping bolt.

Abstract: An instrument is provided with a first connector, and an instrument panel is provided with a second connector. A bolt is provided extending from the first connector toward the second connector. A first thread is provided in the second connector, corresponding to the bolt. A second thread is provided on the instrument panel, at a position behind the first thread. The bolt is in a first position threaded into the first thread to couple the first and second connectors together, and in a second position threaded into the second thread to fix the instrument to the instrument panel. The coupling of connectors and the fixing of an instrument to an instrument panel are effected with one and the same bolt.

Abstract: Repair assemblies and methods for a jet pump diffuser in a nuclear reactor are described. In one particular embodiment, the diffuser has a substantially conical shape, and the larger diameter end of the diffuser is engaged to a shroud support plate of the reactor. The diffuser further has at least a first portion and a second portion welded together at a weld joint. The assembly, in one embodiment, includes a first c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion, and a second c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion. The first and second c-rings are configured, in the one embodiment, so that when the first and second c-rings are operatively positioned, first and second openings in the first c-ring are substantially aligned with first and second openings in the second c-ring, respectively.

Abstract: A gripping device (10) is described which has an inner member (14) and an outer member (12). The inner member has a split (20) which define a first end (6) and a second end (8). A selectively operable device (18) is also included to keep the first and second ends (6, 8) apart to permit the device (10) to be placed around an object (30) and to permit the first and second ends (6, 8) to move towards each other so that the inner member (14) grips the object (30). At least part of an outer face (26) of the inner member (14) interfits with at least a part of an inner face (22) of the outer member (12) in a manner such that when a load is applied to the outer member (12), the inner face (22) of the outer member (12) acts upon the inner member (14) to cause compression of the inner member (14) thereby increasing the grip of the inner member (14) on the object (30).

Abstract: A furniture glide system for a furniture piece having a horizontal lower support member includes a pair of opposed outwardly facing indentations on the lower support member and a glide. The glide is generally channel-shaped with a pair of opposed, inwardly projecting bosses. When the glide is installed on the furniture piece, it retains the furniture piece lower support member in the channel and the shoulders of the indentations engage corresponding surfaces on the bosses to secure the glide against axial travel and rotation about the lower support member. The sidewalls of the glide may be notched above the bosses for receiving a shoulder which projects outwardly from the indentation in the lower support member. The sidewalls and end walls of the glide may be angled to impart stability and to facilitate sliding of the furniture piece over floor surfaces.

Abstract: A double locking connector with an engagement detecting member disposed slidably on an operating section of a flexible locking arm of a connector housing, in a direction of connector engagement, to slidably lock a locking lug of a flexible detection arm of the engagement detecting member on a locking section of the flexible locking arm, wherein an abutting projection against the flexible detection arm locked within a space of flection of the flexible locking arm is disposed in the connector housing to prevent the deflection of the flexible locking arm from being caused. An operating plate section of the engagement detecting member over laps a front end section of a mating connector housing in a state of the flexible detection arm being locked.

Abstract: The Structural Fastener is an internal longitudinal, reversible, gear-driven interlocking screw assembly and coupling device. The Structural Fastener uses a spring-loaded, gear driven coupler shaft with a threaded stud that mates with a female threaded socket so as to form an invisible joint that is easily decoupled. The Structural Fastener can be arranged in polar or linear arrays to increase its load-bearing capabilities, its air or water tight sealing capabilities or for redundancy. The Structural Fastener makes a rigid, reliable coupling between coupled members and forms a smooth external splice that is virtually invisible. The Structural Fastener is reversible, reusable, scaleable, precisely torqueable, and can be used with O-rings or sealing gaskets to provide air or water-tight seals.

Abstract: A screen wiper for a motor vehicle comprises a casing articulated on a head, which is secured by means of a prefitted nut on to the threaded terminal shank of the wiper drive spindle. The head has an aperture through which the threaded shank passes, and a circular base or washer portion is fixed to the nut. Around the aperture there is arranged a set of upstanding retaining lugs which extend parallel to the axis of the aperture, and which grip the base of the nut in such a way as to retain the nut centered on the aperture, but without preventing it from being able to rotate while being tightened on to the threaded shank.

Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable method and apparatus for selectively coupling the bulb stem of an electrodeless lamp to a rotatable drive shaft does not require side access to a set screw or an RF sealing arrangement. The coupler accommodates angular and eccentric misalignment of threadedly engageable members at relatively low manufacturing costs. A cylindrical coupler connected to the bulb stem is provided with a cylindrical cross-hole extending diametrically through and exposing the proximal end of the bulb stem in the longitudinal bore. A seating lock nut of generally rectangular configuration, and having a pair of opposite compressible turned out comers or "wings", is insertable through the cross-hole and is loosely retained at the intersection of the bore and cross-hole. The seating lock nut is sized, relative to the cross-hole and longitudinal bore, such that, upon being released within the cross-hole, the lock nut is loosely retained.

Abstract: A conduit length adjustment device including a tubular housing slidably supporting a cylindrical slider member (24), the housing including a box-like access opening for receiving a U-shaped lock button (26). A pair of lugs (52, 54) are disposed on the exterior of the side walls (38) and each of the legs of the lock button (26) includes a pair of holes (56, 58) for co-acting with the lugs (52, 54) for defining detents for retaining the lock button (26) in unlocked and locked positions respectively. In addition, a pair of latch levers (60) extend parallel to the legs of the lock button (26) and have ramps leading to flat ends for snapping under and abutting a pair of co-acting latch abutments (62), which also have ramps (64, 66) leading to flat abutment surfaces whereby independent and simultaneous forces must be applied to the latch levers (60) and the legs of the lock button (26) to enable removal of the lock button (26) from the locked position.

Abstract: One end of a flexible cable of specified length attached to the end of a shaft and the other end attached to a light-weight and disengageable restraint anchor with a wedge-shaped cross section within a tube. The shaft cannot be removed from the tube, nor can cable be cut, because the anchor is located at a depth in tube greater than the specified length of cable. Anchor is comprised of an inner and an outer piece and operably attached to cable via the inner piece. Outer surface of outer piece essentially conforms to the tube inner diameter. During normal operation (random vibration and impact) the anchor is held in a specific location by a low-force radial force means comprised of a metal snap ring pressing outwards on outer piece. During an undesired removal, the inner piece and outer piece together provide a high-force radial constraint by means of wedge-shaped cross section such that any amount of tension on cable will be insufficient to move anchor from specified location.

Abstract: A wear protection device for disposition between two relatively moveable members and particularly adapted for use for protecting rungs of extension ladders, the protection device being mountable on a ladder rung, the device including a fastener guide to enhance fixing and firmly gripping the device in place on the ladder rung.

Abstract: A rod connector assembly for removably securing a control rod to a spider structure and adapted for use in conjunction with a crimping tool. The rod connector assembly includes a tubular boss fixedly secured to the spider structure, the boss including at least one access hole and interior threads formed on an interior surface of the boss. A securement structure includes a coupling adapted to be fixedly secured to the control rod. The coupling includes a shaft having external threads, an upper end, and a lower end, the lower end of the shaft adapted to be fixedly secured to the control rod; a deformable collar projecting upwardly from the upper end of the shaft; and a cap adapted to be fixedly secured to an upper end of the boss and including at least one groove corresponding to the access hole(s).

Abstract: Elastic elements which can be connected together to form a flooring covering include a rectangular plastic frame, interconnected struts within the frame forming a lattice structure, male couplings in the form of elongated bars extending outwardly of the frame and having end plates, and female couplings in the form of spring latches inside the frame to connect with the elongated bars of adjacent elements. Springs extending outwardly of the frame contact an adjacent element to maintain a predetermined spacing therebetween, while the latches of female couplings contact the stop plates of cooperating male couplings to limit separation of the adjacent elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to large metal bumper mount assemblies secured to the front bumper of large tractor trailer trucks. A flower section of the bumper mount is easily broken off at its attachment to the bumper due to minor impacts with objects thereby exposing the assembly elements to further damage. There is provided a time saving and labor saving repair procedure whereby a strong metal triangular bracket is bolted to the bumper and to the bumper mount which covers the broken away exposed area and provides further protection to the underbody of the bumper mount.

Abstract: A device for steadying a first balanced rotatable member relative to a second balanced rotatable member. A steadying tool is applied to the first balanced rotatable member while another tool precision torques the second balanced rotatable member. An element having a surface placed against the first balanced rotatable member. The element includes a faceted aperture capable of locking interaction with the steadying tool. The element also includes an axis aperture to permit torquing of the second balance rotatable member with the torquing tool. The element is configured to not disrupt the balance of the first and second balance members. The element may be fixed to the first balanced rotatable member during use.

Abstract: An end fitting for a cable assembly including a conduit and a core wire slidably positioned within the conduit. The fitting includes a housing, an elongated guide member, and a locking clip. The housing includes a rear wall having an aperture, a forward wall having an rear wall aperture axially aligned with the aperture, a lock window positioned between the rear and forward walls, and a forward window spaced forwardly from the lock window. The guide member is secured at its rear end to the core wire and is slidably received at its forward end in the housing apertures. The guide member includes a plurality of axially spaced serrations and a head portion at its forward end which is radially compressible to allow the guide member to be passed through the apertures in the walls whereafter the head member expands to preclude withdrawal of the guide member from the housing.

Abstract: An attachment device including a cover plate (3) and a fastening element (10) is used for securing a structural component (1) to a solid foundation unit (12). The structural component (1) has an opening (2) formed of a round bore with two symmetrically arranged widening sections (7) located diametrically opposite one another and extending outwardly from the round bore. The cover plate (3) has projections (6) which extend into the widening sections (7).

Abstract: Any improved break-away banner rod assembly (10) is provided which includes a fixture (12) adapted for coupling to an upright support surface (14) and having a laterally extending, slotted body (30), and a coupler (16) supported by the fixture (12) with a zone of weakness (42) therein. An elongated banner rod (18) is connected with coupler (16) and extends through the slot (34) of body (30). The body (30) captively retains the inner end (44) of rod (18) in the event of load-induced fracture of the coupler (16) at zone (42), and prevents significant downward movement of the rod (18). Preferably, the slot (34) permits movement of rod (18) through a restricted arc upon fracture of the coupler (16).

Abstract: A fan housing having a peripheral wall disposed about the fan's axis of rotation. A plurality of flanges including reinforced hems are integrally formed with and extend perpendicularly of the peripheral wall toward the fan's axis of rotation. A screen fabricated from interconnected, perpendicular wire strands is coupled to the flanges by means of the reinforced hems with rigid but malleable tabs integrally formed thereon that are bent around a peripheral strand of the screen. Apertures are defined by and extend through the peripheral wall and the flanges to provide access to the tabs such that the tabs may be urged toward the flanges to secure the screen in position. The same apertures provide access to the tabs such that the tabs may be urged away from the flanges to disengage the peripheral strand from the tabs such that the screen may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A slide lock system allows one or more connector bodies to be mounted at various locations on a mounting surface. A plurality of parallel, uniformly spaced rails are formed on the mounting surface. The rails define a plurality of parallel, uniformly spaced channels which are open on one end and closed on the opposite end. A pair of parallel, spaced apart rails are formed on each connector body. The connector rail spacing is an integral multiple of the spacing between the channels on the mounting surface such that the connector rails are endwise inserted into the open end of any of the plurality of channels.

Abstract: An inflator adapter is provided for mounting a generally cylindrical inflator in an airbag module. The adapter has a hollow cylindrical shape with an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the inflator being mounted therein. The adapter contains a plurality of internal inwardly protruding teeth located around the circumference of one end thereof. When the adapter is pressed on to the inflator, the inwardly facing teeth bite into the exterior of the inflator, thereby mechanically locking the adapter onto the inflator which is then mounted in the airbag module.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing modular panels to an underlying support structure. The fastening system includes a number of pad members, preferably made of foamed material, secured to the underside of each panel, and a saw-like apparatus carried by the pad members for severing the pad members from the vehicle structure. One side of each of the pad members is secured to the panel underside. The other side of each pad member is secured to an appropriate location on the vehicle structure in such a manner that the outer surface of the panel, when the panel is properly secured on the vehicle body, lies flush with the outer surface of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An umbrella including a central shaft, a plurality of fabric support ribs extending outwardly from the central shaft, a fabric cover associated with the fabric support ribs, a plurality of rib support elements for supporting the fabric support ribs and a plurality of detachable attachment elements, each operative to detachably attach a rib support element onto a fabric support rib, whereby in response to strong winds or other forces, detachment occurs, thereby preventing breakage of the support ribs.

Abstract: An interior sleeve for a pair of telescoping tubular members, in which the sleeve is mounted in an outer tubular member. The sleeve has locking studs on its exterior surface which are aligned with locking apertures in the outer tubular member. The sleeve has an annular flange disposed on the outer end of the sleeve to abut to the outer end of the outer tubular member and a longitudinal slot to allow compression of the sleeve to fit into the tubular member.