Abstract: A method of forming a fabric covered end on a wallboard spline structure is disclosed herein. A fixture is provided with a series of recesses to position the fabric and the spline in a desired relationship. An adhesive is provided on a portion of the vertical web of the spline and the inserting of the fabric and the spline into the fixture positions the fabric on the desired portion of the spline.

Abstract: A pile section for a sectional pile including a string of sections includes a concrete member (10) having at least one longitudinally reinforcing rod (12), the rod including a spigot (14) at one end and a socket (18) at the other which in use are adapted for permanent interconnection so that on driving one section against its neighbor a continuous reinforcing element is provided.

Abstract: An electrode member comprising an electrode body having cementing pitch adhered to and impregnated within at least a portion of its electrode joint surface. Also a process for producing an electrode joint comprising applying a cement which is a solution/slurry of cementing pitch in nonaqueous organic solvent to at least a portion of the mating surfaces of such electrode joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a grommet composed of a body member having a shank and fitting recesses for receiving a linear article therein; and a retaining member for supporting the body member through the shank and securing the same to a vehicle at its predetermined location. The invention method comprises the steps of forming either the retaining member or the body member by injection molding a first synthetic resin; and forming the other member on the first molded member by injection molding a second synthetic resin which is different in kind from and nonconjunctive to the first synthetic resin so as to obtain an assembly of the retaining member and the body member.

Abstract: An electrode joint for connecting two electrode sections together including a threaded nipple screwed into a threaded socket within the end of one electrode section is provided with a reservoir containing a cementitious bonding material comprising pitch particles and a foaming agent selected from the group consisting of sulfur, nitrated decant oil, 2,4-dinitroanoline and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An end connection for a shaft made of composite material, which accommodates for differences in stiffness, thermal expansion, chemical resistance between the shaft and the member connected thereto and operates under oscillating torque, thrust, and bending loads, and also provides for manufacturing flexibility in enabling the shaft and connection to be produced as separate parts which are formed when final assembly is to occur. The connection has a male insert which is inserted into the end of the composite shaft. Axial and circumferential grooves in the surfaces of the male insert and the shaft. These grooves are aligned to form circumferential and axial keyways which intersect each other. Material is injected into the keyway and polymerizes to form structural keys which transmit the thrust and torque, while locking the insert member and the shaft permanently together. The bending loads are transmitted through the tight fit extending axially between the shaft, insert member and keys.

Abstract: An improved joint for a bicycle frame has a first sleeve for receiving a head tube and a second sleeve projecting laterally from the first sleeve, for receiving a top tube or a downtube, wherein the second sleeve includes an inner tube and an outer tube, which coaxially project from the first sleeve and which are spaced from each other with a circumferential clearance which is slightly larger than the thickness of the top tube or the downtube so that the top tube or downtube may be snap fit into this clearance.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame comprising a plurality of tubes having hollow ends and a plurality of fittings having pins fitting in the hollow ends, each pin extends along an axis and has an outer surface portion of axially constant section centered on the axis and engaged in the respective tube end, an inner surface portion centered on the axis and flaring axially inward away from the inner end of the respective outer surface portion, and a shoulder surface projecting generally perpendicular from the inner end of the respective inner surface portion and facing outward. Each tube end has an end surface abutting flatly inward on the respective shoulder surface and an inner surface having an inner surface portion fitted tightly over and complementary to the inner surface portion of the respective pin and an outer surface portion radially slightly spaced from and facing the outer surface portion of the respective pin.

Abstract: A metal and plastic two-stage composite piston including an annular metal cup, a hollow plastic annular core bonded about the periphery of the cup, a plastic high pressure piston bonded to the interior of the cup, and a plastic low pressure piston bonded about the periphery of the core at the base of the high pressure piston in a fashion such that substantially all of the pressure loads on the pistons are carried directly by the cup and the core of the composite piston.

Abstract: The following structure is connectible to a well sucker rod string:(a) an axially elongated coupling section having threads at its axially opposite ends for coupling to and between successive sucker rods in the string, to transmit string loading,(b) a rod guide extending about and bonded to the coupling section to project outwardly therefrom for engagement with the well bore during up and down stroking of the string.The guide typically comprises molded plastic material, is generally annular, and has a bore bonded to the outer surface of the section.

Abstract: Method and device for the manufacture of rod-shaped constructional elements of large extension. A core of foam material, inherently stable at right angles to its longitudinal extension, is guided horizontally. At least one dry unidirectional layer of fibres is applied on to the surface of the core. The surface of the unidirectional layer of fibres is wetted with synthetic resin. At least one braided hose with dry fibres crossing one another at an angle is applied on to the wetted surface. The strand manufactured in this way is separated into predetermined sections. The separated strand is held in the desired configuration of the constructional elements during hardening of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to develop an easily fabricated and assembled gear train arrangement, specifically a worm gear arrangement, which requires only a low overall height and at the same time assures operating reliability under extreme temperature ranges for application is motorized vehicle accessory drives such as power window lifts, wherein an output shaft mounted in a gear housing is linked in an elastic, slightly rotating connection to a worm wheel by way of a catch plate fastened to the output shaft, with the worm wheel being driven by a worm gear drive shaft which penetrates into the gear housing. In accordance with this invention the catch plate is designed as a single-piece plastic injection molding mounted onto the output shaft, with a first bearing bushing to mount the output shaft in the gear housing and a second bearing bushing mounted concentrically to the first bearing bushing to mount the worm wheel on the catch plate.

Abstract: A joint housing has mounted therein a bearing supporting a ball portion of a ball stud, extending outwardly therefrom, so as to allow angular displacement thereof. The ball portion comprises a greater diameter portion of the ball stud, such as a sphere-segmental head on its extreme end, and a sphere-segmental shell coaxially surrounding the ball stud with a spacing therebetween. The shell has an inturned annular rim at one end thereof in an opposed relation to an annular shoulder provided by the head of the ball stud. A one-piece elastomeric bushing is injection molded in place between the ball stud and the shell. Part of the bushing further fills the annular gap between the shoulder of the ball stud and the inturned rim of the shell. Preferably prestressed, this part of the bushing serves to prevent the development of looseness with the progress of wear and further to minimize the axial displacement of the ball stud relative to the joint housing under load.

Abstract: A water draining system for frames of motor vehicle sliding roofs, tiltout roofs and similar devices, having at least one water draining pipe consisting of plastic. The draining pipe is used for draining water from a gutter, formed by the frame and surrounding an opening in the roof at least on part of its circumference, via an aperture in the frame. The water drain pipe is directly molded onto the frame, and is especially injection molded on or vulcanized on.

Abstract: A gas and fluid sealing connection and process for making same are disclosed for connecting between a synthetic resinous material/plastic material body and a metallic body which is embedded therein by flowing the synthetic material in a form under pressure. The metallic body has at least one circumferential groove at its outer side. At least one of the grooves disposed in the region of the plastic to be embedded there is disposed and carried an elastomeric ring which fills the groove in the axial direction and the groove is so shaped that the ring is left with an expansion gap space in the region of the groove bottom. Alternative embodiments dispense with the expansion gap space and utilize a ring which is formed out of closed pore elastomeric foam.

Abstract: In a composite aircraft formed of graphite reinforced epoxy plates forming walls of the aircraft and walls of fuel tanks therein, for example, there is an adhesive seal for bonding overlapping faying plate surfaces together. The seal is formed of spaced glass fibers mixed with a conductive material and impregnated with a resin. The resin is cured between the surfaces of the plates to which it is bonded. The conductive filler is carbon in the form of approximate microspheres, generally hollow and having diameters in the range of 5 to 150 microns. The carbon microspheres function to weaken the adhesive seal between the plates so that they can be forcibly separated by a wedge without structural damage to the plates. The conductive material equalizes negative and positive static charges in the aircraft, particularly in fuel tanks, to eliminate electrical potential differences in the wall structures and in the materials therein.

Abstract: In a composite aircraft formed of graphite reinforced epoxy plates forming walls (14, 16) of the aircraft and walls of fuel tanks (12) therein, for example, there is an adhesive seal (36) for bonding overlapping faying plate surfaces together. The seal (36) is formed of spaced glass fibers (58) impregnated with a resin and with a filler of conductive material (50). The conductive filler is carbon in the form of approximate microspheres (52, 54), generally hollow, and having diameters in the range of 5 to 150 microns. The resin is cured on the faying surfaces after they have been secured together by fasteners (28) coated with a dielectric (30). The carbon microspheres (50) function to weaken the adhesive seal (36) between the plates (16, 22) so that they can be forcibly separated without structural damage to the plates.

Abstract: A method for hardening a portion of a fiberglass product and fibrous product with a hardened portion are disclosed. A heated thermoplastic resinous material is applied to a fibrous product. The thermoplastic resinous material has a viscosity that allows the resin to permeate the fibrous product. THe resinous material is only applied to the portion of the fibrous product to be hardened. The resinous material is then cooled whereby the resinous material solidifies and the portion of the fibrous product permeated with the resins is substantially hardened.

Abstract: The handle of a maul is attached to the head of the tool within an eye in the head. A U-shaped retaining member straddles a connecting portion of the handle within the eye. The space within the eye between the handle and the head is filled with epoxy cement in which the retaining member is embedded. The retaining member coacts with the handle and the head to increase retaining force therebetween when pull-off force is applied to separate the handle from the head.

Abstract: A connector for high tensile load attachment to an elongated rod, such as a resin bonded, glass reinforced rod, includes a high strength, elongated, metal cylindrical retainer having an internal shoulder formed at one longitudinal end and a plurality of outer peripheral threads formed at the other longitudinal end for the threaded attachment of a hook or other load bearing device. The connector further includes a plurality of metal collets or rings, whose inner peripheral profile configurations are that of a pair of truncated cones placed base-to-base, serially, longitudinally received within the retainer. The slopes of the cones of the collets received within the retainer are independently, variably preselectable to achieve optimum results. The junctions or edges defining the intersections of the bases of the cones are rounded off to avoid excessive stresses being transmitted to the rod.

Abstract: A multiple tenon joint for wooden frames in particular for solid wood strut constructions such as are usual in tables, chairs and furniture frames.Owing to the generally small dimensioning of wooden components, the known joint constructions are not sufficiently stable. This problem is solved by the use of machined square multiple tenons which are pressed into round cylindrical multiple bores and are glued, the glue flowing back in open segments between the tenon and bore walls. The bores are smaller in diameter than the diagonal dimension of the tenons.

Abstract: A plastic support for attaching a plastic bumper to the metal frame of a motor vehicle comprises a metal pad having means for attaching the pad to the metal vehicle frame. The means for attaching the pad extends from, and is affixed to, one face of the pad. The pad is completely embedded in a moldable thermoplastic matrix except where the means for attaching the pad to the metal vehicle frame extends through the matrix. The matrix adjacent the other, or opposite, face of the pad is affixed to the plastic bumper, forming a plastic-to-plastic joint.

Abstract: A stronger, lighter sucker rod formed from cold-drawn medium to high carbon steel composed of three basic components which provide versatility in forming the sucker rod. A sucker rod is disclosed which is formed of machined, cold-drawn steel elements. The construction of the sucker rod significantly increases the resistance of the rod to metal fatigue and yields a rod which is smaller in diameter and lighter in weight than an equivalent strength rod made from hot rolled or heat treated steel metal stock.

Abstract: An intersection joint for wooden members of trusses, particularly in spaceframes, with fixing elements for thread bolts attached on the ends of the wooden members, which are screwed into tapholes of joint elements. The fixing elements are configured as profile parts of one piece (at least in their attachment areas,) and secured into corresponding cutouts in the head ends of the wooden members.

Abstract: A sucker rod fitting for connecting together in an end-to-end relationship a plurality of sucker rods to form a sucker rod string for driving a pump in an oil well by an above ground oil pumping unit, the fitting comprising an elongated body having a central bore extending from an open end to a closed end, and the bore being defined at its end sections by cylindrical end walls, and between its end sections by alternately converging and diverging tapered sections which cause any breakage in a retained sucker rod to occur within the fitting.

Abstract: A thermally isolated structural support link having a tube-like support element, a pair of bearing housings being fixedly secured within each end of the support element, respectively, by an exceptionally strong adhesive, and a spherical monoball bearing affixed within each bearing housing by an exceptionally strong adhesive. Each bearing housing is made of a pair of substantially identical bearing casings which support therebetween the bearing. The tube-like element, bearing housing and adhesive all are made of a material having excellent thermal isolation properties in order to provide not only thermal isolation between components of an assembly but also excellent supportive strength.

Abstract: A fastening system (10) for fixedly securing a first member (12) and a second member (14) of a container (16). The first member (12) is generally planar in contour and the second member (14) includes a fastening portion (30) defining a dome configuration which is drawn from the second member (14). A slot (36) is cut into the fastening portion (30) on one side thereof with the other side defining a cavity (34). The first member (12) is inserted through the slot (36) and extends to a first member portion (38) contained within the cavity (34). The first member portion (38) is bent into a bent portion (38) out of alignment with the slot (36). An adhesive element (42) is inserted within the cavity (34) to substantially fill the same and adhesively secure the first member (12) to the second member (14). In this manner, first member (12) is fixedly secured in a substantially tamper-proof manner to second member (14).

Abstract: Upholsterable base for seating furniture comprises a plurality of very low-density and light-weight foam panels including a pair of upright arm-panels and at least one intervening-panel wherein inter-panels angularity is maintained with opposed "angleiron-type" stiffener connections provided by flexible fabric sheeting adhered to the meeting foam panels. Thus, non-resilient inflexible framework is unnecessary for maintaining the armrests and backrest upright and perpendicular to each other. The fabric sheeting type stiffener connections are of low airflow permeability so as to prevent foam panel decompression by the seated occupant, though such stiffener connections are located below the armresting top-edge so as to enhance occupant comfort.

Abstract: A simple method of manufacturing a bearing housing coaxially accommodating two bearings is proposed. A male mold with a core and a female mold are used. A fluid synthetic resin is inserted into a space left between the male mold and the female mold to form a bearing housing. This method assures that two bearings are exactly coaxial with each other.

Abstract: Strut of a tubular wrapping of reinforcing fibers in a synthetic resin on a core, with two rounded tension end caps, the wrapping terminating on the rounded portions thereof, and with respectively one compression cap on an outer peg of each tension end cap and around the rounded section of the wrapping, in which strut the wrapping has longitudinal fibers extended over the rounded portions about pins affixed thereat and oriented obliquely toward the outside, and the core is a fiber-reinforced synthetic-resin pipe respectively attached on an inner peg of the tension peg for the concomitant absorption of the longitudinal compression or the longitudinal compression and longitudinal tension.

Abstract: Two members 2, each located in a heat sealable sheath 4, are joined together to form a right-angle joint. Two plates 8 of heat sealable material are attached to the associated ends 6 of the members 2 by means of dowels 10 inserted into holes 12 in the member ends. The outer surface 14 of each plate 8 is flush with its associated sheath end 4. The mounted plates 8 are hot-plate welded and then pressed together with the ends of the sheaths 4 to form the joint. The plates 8 provide additional strength to the joint.

Abstract: A connecting rod comprises a fibrous tubular body with a connecting end member at one end. The end member is screwed into a separate brace member having a conical external surface about which is mounted a radially expansible member having a corresponding conical internal surface. The expansible member has closed longitudinal slots and a cylindrical external surface of diameter equal to the internal diameter of the body. A cap is screwed on the bracing member and has an internal diameter equal to the external diameter of the body, which is received between the cap and the bracing member.

Abstract: Device for the joining of components, by way of example furniture components, which device comprises at least one connecting piece (19), which in mounted position of the components (15, 16) is attached to the components by means of a glue joint, so that they are held together. The glue for the glue joint is supplied by the connecting piece (19, 23) having a portion with double walls, between which a quantity of glue (21) is placed, the cross-section of said connecting piece across said portion being larger than the mounting space (17, 18), into which the connecting piece shall be inserted, so that during the assembling the double walls are pressed against each other and squeeze out the glue onto the outer surfaces of the connecting piece through openings provided in the walls.

Abstract: A fiberglass sucker rod construction is disclosed comprising a cylindrical fiberglass rod having a steel connector member adhesively bonded to each end thereof. The steel connector members are basically identical in their manner of being affixed to each end of the fiberglass rod, each connector member having an internal receptacle defining a series of tapered annular spaces for receiving an epoxy adhesive material which bonds the fiberglass rod in the metal connector member, thereby forming a unitary sucker rod having a male thread connector at one end and a mating female connector at the other end thereof. The epoxy adhesive cures, forming a sleeve having a series of annular tapering surfaces defining annular wedges that are oriented such that tension applied to the rod causes the wedges to be compressed between the rod and connector member, resulting in a radially inwardly directed force to retain the rod in position against such tension.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable electrical switch construction having a housing carrying an electrically insulating end plug provided with an opening passing therethrough and in which a portion of a conductive lead is disposed so that opposite ends of the lead extend beyond opposed ends of the plug and respectively define a fixed contact inside the housing and a terminal outside the housing, the portion of the lead being retained in the opening by a sealing compound disposed in the opening and extending around the portion of the lead and interlocking therewith to tend to prevent axial movement of the lead into the housing as well as to tend to prevent rotational movement of the lead relative to the end plug. The portion of the lead has a substantially unrecessed cylindrical peripheral surface throughout the entire length thereof and has a plurality of outwardly extending cog-like members that extend outwardly from the peripheral surface and interlock with the sealing compound in the opening of the end plug.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable electrical switch construction having a housing carrying an electrically insulating end plug provided with an opening passing therethrough and in which a portion of a conductive lead is disposed so that opposed ends of the lead extend beyond opposed ends of the plug and respectively define a fixed contact inside the housing and a terminal outside the housing, the portion of the lead being retained in the opening by a sealing compound disposed in the opening and extending around the portion of the lead and interlocking therewith to tend to prevent axial movement of the lead into the housing as well as to tend to prevent rotational movement of the lead relative to the end plug.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable electrical switch construction having a housing carrying an electrically insulating end plug provided with an opening passing therethrough and in which a portion of a conductive lead is disposed so that opposite ends of the lead extend beyond opposed ends of the plug and respectively define a fixed contact inside the housing and a terminal outside the housing, the portion of the lead being retained in the opening by a sealing compound disposed in the opening and extending around the portion of the lead and interlocking therewith to tend to prevent axial movement of the lead into the housing as well as to tend to prevent rotational movement of the lead relative to the end plug. The portion of the lead has a series of at least two convolutions that interlock with the sealing compound in the opening of the end plug. The two convolutions respectively have apexes that respectively engage the internal surface of the end plug substantially on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for the construction of a framework used in electrical communication engineering. At least two connection pieces are employed at a junction. Each connection piece has adhesive grooves within which glue flows. These connection pieces fit into hollow tubes to be joined and which are thereby glued together. Trapping of air bubbles during the introduction of glue is avoided by providing at least one central groove around a periphery of each connection piece and from which branching grooves extend. Also, an apertured disk can be slipped onto the connection pieces to prevent exiting of the adhesive and thereby insure a further improvement in adhesive distribution. A gap is also provided for release of trapped air.

Abstract: An elongated tool handle has a solid wood shaft member and a molded, tool holding section molded directly to the wood at the tool end portion of the shaft member. The tool holding section is composed of a high impact material which is effective to secure a tool in place on the tool holding section. The tool holding section includes a volumetric mass of high impact material which gives off an amount of heat in its molten condition effective to drive moisture out of kiln dried wood. The wood of the shaft member has an amount of moisture sufficient to maintain the natural handle strength characteristics of the wood with the tool holding end section molded directly thereto. When the tool having an eye for the reception of the handle is placed over the molded, tool holding section, a slight outward expansion occurs in the material behind the tool head. A novel method is required to produce the tool handle with a molded tool holding section molded directly to a wood shaft.

Abstract: A method and device for anchoring rods of high tensile strength insulating material in metal attachment fittings are disclosed. The end of the rod which is previously split and traversed by a hole is inserted axially into the attachment fitting through an open end thereof. A fastening member is inserted into a blind hole extending across an internal cavity in the attachment fitting in line with the hole in the rod for spreading the rod end, the split end being brought into engagement with large wall portions of the inwardly flaring internal cavity of the attachment filling. A relatively high vacuum is applied to the internal cavity. The internal cavity is filled with a high strength, nonshrinking resin having a coefficient of expansion identical to that of the metal fitting through a channel in the fastening member. After polymerization the resin hardens on the rod to form a rigid block fast with the attachment fitting which prevents the rod from being pulled out of the attachment fitting.

Abstract: The invention provides an insert for use in retaining an end portion of a cable in a socket. The insert has first and second ends and defines a central opening extending between the ends. A portion of the opening adjacent the first end of the insert has a diameter which forms a loose fit on the center wire of the cable, and the remainder of the opening is at least as large as this diameter so that during assembly a filler material can be entered into space around the center wire in the opening. The invention also provides an end assembly on a cable using the insert.

Abstract: In an axially extending rod-shaped connection element a plastics material rt having at least one layer of unidirectional fibers is connected to a transition element in an overlapping arrangement. Each of the plastic material part and transition element has an axially extending tapered surface joined by an adhesive layer over the axial length of the overlapping connection. The angle of the tapered surfaces is in the range of 2.degree. to 5.degree. relative to the axial direction of the connecting element.

Abstract: An oven door stretch gasket which comprises an extruded length of silicone rubber having a relatively short hooked metal insert adhered to the interior of the ends thereof. The insert is adhered by means of room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber cement. The hook ends are adapted to be engaged in apertures which are provided at the corners of an oven chamber in a stretching action, the openings being spaced apart somewhat more than the unstretched distance between the hook ends. To install or remove the gasket it must be stretched.The invention herein is concerned with a structure which will provide a more tenacious adherence between the insert and the length of gasket.

Abstract: Reinforced plastic yoke includes a collar portion and longitudinally extending leg portions, with a metal strip reinforcing insert having a pair of longitudinally extending legs and a web embedded respectively in the legs and collar of the yoke. The legs of the metal reinforcing strip at their distal ends each include openings concentric with clevis pin openings in the legs of the yoke and the web includes an opening which accommodates a longitudinally extending bore in the collar portion. Additionally, an internally threaded metal insert fitting may be provided in the yoke collar portion extending axially through the web opening in the metal strip reinforcing insert, with mechanical locks to prevent relative movement between the fitting, collar portion, and metal insert.

Abstract: A urethane adhesive is used on the threads of a preassembled graphite furnace electrode nipple to maintain the nipple in its exact pre-set position during shipment and assembly on the furnace. The urethane adhesive does not prevent intentional disassembly should that be necessary before or after the electrode is put in service on a furnace and because it totally volatilizes in service it does not interfere with the thermal expansion relief provided by the clearances intentionally designed into the nipple threads and the mating threads of the electrode socket.

Abstract: A cable assembly and construction method to enable a cable to be pulled lengthwise in a conduit or otherwise, wherein a perforate plate is placed among insulated wires in a bundle emanating from one end of the cable jacket or sheath. The wires are bonded to each other and to the plate by potting. An epoxy or resin may be used, if desired. Alternatively a paraffin potting step may be employed to provide a base for a resin, a paraffin block being potted between the jacket and the resin.

Abstract: A termination and method of terminating braided ropes or cables of aramid fiber includes fabricating short tapered reinforcement ropes of the same material which are inserted at each end of each rope to increase its thickness, forming a collar having a tapered interior channel and a tube to fit inside the channel having a tapered outside surface. The reinforced rope ends (four, in this example) are tied off near their ends, separated into individual fibers, and any coating thereon washed out. These ends are then dipped into a suitable resin potting compound. A centering tool is inserted through the bore of the tube and used to pull the tube tightly into the interior of the collar, thereby compressing the ropes including the resin-coated ends tightly between the collar and the tube. The resin is then cured. Where it is desired to terminate both ends, the ropes initially terminated are doubled to leave loops at the opposite end.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening the rotor of a side channel compressor on a shaft wherein the rotor includes a hub through which the shaft passes and the arrangement comprises: a first seating area between the rotor hub and the shaft which is sufficiently tight to provide centering of the rotor on the shaft; a second seating area between the hub and shaft which defines a clearance area therebetween sufficiently wide to receive a hardening plastic; and a hardening plastic disposed within the second seating area.

Abstract: Carbide inserts in earth boring drilling tools are attached to the tool base metal by means of one or more spike welds formed by electron beam welding. The spike weld is formed at an angle through the metal surrounding the base of the insert and into the side of the insert near its inserted end.

Abstract: A rope fitting is provided for heavy ropes usable for securing large ships to single point mooring buoys and the like as a substitute for conventional thimbles. The crown of an eye formed in the rope is fitted with a sheave and both are encapsulated in a suitable material such as urethane plastic thereby forming a plug which can be inserted in a shroud attachable by a cylindrical bore to a shackle by a shackle bolt. The sheave distributes the load to the rope eye. The unit is much lighter in weight than conventional gear, reducing shipping costs and is capable of being fitted to hardware in the field without trained personnel or special equipment. More than one rope can be so connected to a single multishroud unit.