Abstract: A device adapted for holding one or more discrete cables includes: a flexible main body formed of a polymeric material having a length, a width, a thickness, and a longitudinal axis, the main body including a wrapping portion and a mounting portion, wherein the wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped such that the main body circumscribes the one or more discrete cables, and wherein a plurality of undulations are present between the mounting portion and the wrapping portion; a securing feature attached to or integral with the mounting portion of the main body and configured to be secured to a mounting structure; and a plurality of apertures along the longitudinal axis of the wrapping portion of the main body. The securing feature is configured to be received through one of the plurality of apertures when the main body is wrapped around the one or more discrete cables. At least one of the undulations varies in height, width and/or thickness from at least one of the other undulations.

Abstract: A construction element includes superposed wooden structural boards that are provided with grooved patterns at the contact interface between the boards in order to prevent the first board and the second board from sliding relative to each other along at least one axis. The construction element further includes a retention system for retaining the boards against each other at the contact interface. The grooved patterns are pre-pressed against each other and the retention system includes at least one metal threaded rod component at least partially passing through at least two of the wooden structural boards at the contact interface.

Abstract: A riveting system, for use in mechanically linking adjacent workpieces, including a rivet having a height greater than a sum of thicknesses, measured along a line of riveting, of the workpieces being linked, so that the rivet can pass fully through the workpieces. The system also includes a riveting die, which may be a separate product. The die includes a protrusion extending from a peak toward a transition point; and a trough having a trough surface. The trough surface includes a trough inner wall, extending from the transition point to a trough bottom, and a trough outer wall, extending from the trough bottom to a trough outer edge. The technology also includes computerized systems for comparing a load-displacement profile of riveting to a pre-set profile to determine whether the riveting was performed properly.

Abstract: A die changing apparatus comprises a first die support for supporting a plurality of dies, the die support having first and second die supporting portions which are spaced from one another. The die support is movable so that either the first die supporting portion or the second die supporting portion are locatable at a first transfer position. There is also provided a transfer arrangement comprising a first grip portion configured to grip a die from one of the first and second die supporting portions when said one of the first and second die supporting portions is located at the first transfer position, and thereby remove said gripped die from the first die support.

Abstract: An insulator pin for overhead electrical lines has a frangible portion. The pin has an elongate support for attachment to an electrical distribution pole and a body. The body has a connector for an insulator, a frangible portion and an elongate support holding portion from which the elongate support extends. Preferably the elongate support is a bolt. The frangible portion permits the body to break into two pieces for preventing damage to electrical distribution poles from forces transverse to the overhead electrical line. The frangible portion is located between the connector and the elongate support holding portion. The insulator pin may be attached to an electrical distribution pole to protect the pole from forces transverse to an overhead electrical lines supported by the pole. A method of making the insulator pin by molding is disclosed.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided that attaches sheet pieces. The mechanism includes a sheet of material and various self-locking shapes that are cut therefrom, where this cutting forms an aperture in the sheet. Some of the self-locking shapes are releasably affixable to the aperture by removing them from the sheet, rotating them, and inserting the rotated shapes back into the aperture, where this releasable affixment results from a plurality of sides of the rotated shapes making contact with and laterally pushing against the aperture. One of the self-locking shapes is an ellipse which is releasably affixable to the aperture by rotating the ellipse while it is within and in planar alignment with the aperture until radially opposing sides of the ellipse make contact with and push against the aperture. A peripheral edge of another one of the self-locking shapes forms an ellipse and includes one or more flexible fingers.

Abstract: A shield for spliced electrical connections includes a cover for T-tap electrical connections. In embodiments, the cover includes complementary halves designed to quickly and securely snap together when the halves are mated with each other to create a shield for a T-tap connection. Fully assembled, the shield provides sleeves that allow the cables being spliced to enter and/or exit the shield. Each of the sleeves is provided with an adhesive sealant that tightly seals the shield against contamination from the elements. Integrated with the cover are structural elements such as gussets that enhance the resistance of the shield to impact damage such as crushing. The shield may be molded from a polymer that, when cured, provides a rigid or semi-rigid cover that generally protects the t-tap connection from all types of environmental damage.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams and the like, against buckling under compressive forces and loads. In various embodiments, a seamless multi-layer jacket is constructed around the structural member by wrapping a thin sheet of material around the structural member, as many times as needed, at a distance from the structural member. While maintaining the thin sheet of material wrapped around the structural member, a filler material will fill the annular space between the jacket and the structural member, wherein the structural member, the jacket, and the filler material cooperate to better resist the buckling of the structural member when subject to compressive forces and loads.

Abstract: A joint comprising first and second abutting components, and an adjustable strap assembly bridging the abutting components, the strap assembly including a first strap part attached to one of the components, and a second strap part attached to the other component, the first and second strap parts having mating inclined faces for adjustment of the second strap part with respect to the first strap part such that the position of the second strap part is adjustable with respect to the first strap part in the direction of the incline. Also, a method of forming the joint, comprising attaching the first strap part to the first component, providing the second strap part such that the inclined faces of the first and second strap parts are in mating engagement, adjusting the second strap part with respect to the first strap part in the direction of the incline to position the second strap part in a desired relationship with respect to the first strap part, and attaching the second strap part to the second component.

Abstract: A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material.

Abstract: A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centerline, a tip, and a base. The centerline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centerlines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.

Abstract: A clip can couple components together and includes a substantially u-shaped clip portion. The substantially u-shaped clip portion includes a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, and a curved clip portion interconnecting the first and second lateral portions. The clip further includes a retention clip portion extending from the first lateral portion. Additionally, the clip includes an insertion clip portion extending from the retention clip portion. The insertion clip portion is obliquely angled relative to the retention clip portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint using a self-piercing rivet includes the steps of: positioning the sheet material over a die and providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52. The method also includes positioning a rivet over the sheet material at a position opposite the die and using a punch to set the rivet and force it into the sheet material such that it pierces the upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the material but without penetration to the die side of the material.

Abstract: A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centerline, a tip, and a base. The centerline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centerlines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.

Abstract: A method for clamping a plate on a sheet or fabric material support, comprises the step of providing a plate and a counter-plate, the plate comprising a plurality of oin supporting elements bearing, on a non exposed to the view rear side thereof a plurality of pins for engagement each in a corresponding hole of the counter-plate, characterized in that method further comprises the step of providing a pre-plate including a plurality of temporary attachment points on non exposed to the view parts of said elements.

Abstract: A connector for a container, particularly a cask, comprises a bush (14), intended to be received in an opening (11) in the container through which liquid is discharged, in use. The bush has a closed end (17) with a weakened portion (18), an inner thread (20) and an inner deformable portion (21). Sealing means (23) are intended to be disposed between the exterior of the bush and the interior of the opening at the position of the deformable portion. An insert (15) is screw-threadedly engageable within the bush so as to deform the deformable portion, thereby effecting compression, and thus sealing, of the sealing means between the bush and the container.

Abstract: A post anchoring method for fence, deck, balcony and railing applications comprising providing an apparatus comprising a base member adapted to being attached to a surface and a tubular member that defines an inside surface, an outside surface and has a base end and a terminal end, and is at least twice as long as it is wide, wherein the base end is connected to the base member, and the terminal end defines an edge capable of piercing into the post; and carrying out the following steps in any order: attaching the base member to the surface; and aligning the post with the tubular member, abutting an end of the post to the terminal end and forcing the tubular member into the post to substantially impale the post such that the outside and inside surfaces frictionally engage the material of the post to secure the tubular member to the post.

Abstract: Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).

Abstract: A valve pin insert has a body for insertion into a valve plate and a stud integrally formed with the body and extending from one end of the body above the valve plate. The body has a lower shank at an end of the body that is opposite from the end at which the stud is positioned, and an upper shank at the end of the body adjacent to the end of the body at which the stud is positioned. The lower shank is of a lesser diameter than the upper shank and an undercut shoulder between the shanks forms a recess opening in the direction toward the lower shank and forms a tooth which shears material of the valve plate as the pin is inserted into a hole in the valve plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the online determination of a bulge/upset dimension xST and rivet head end position K of a rivet 3 with a length L in a punch rivet process with the help of a moveable punch 10 and a rigid die 20. The path covered by the punch 10 and the force applied by it are determined and evaluated online during the joining process. The quality characteristics of the joint connection are determined with the help of defined threshold values or a graphical evaluation of force/path data of the joining process.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a functional element attached to it by a riveting process or by a riveting and piercing process or by a press-in process, wherein the sheet metal part is provided with an imprint, is wherein the imprint is produced prior to attachment of the functional element and consists of a sequence of regions which are raised and recessed relative to one another and wherein, during the attachment of the functional element this is pressed against the sheet metal part in such a way that the imprint of the sheet metal part leads to a complementary shaping of the functional element in the region of the functional element which comes into contact with the imprint. A sheet metal part and a functional element are also claimed.

Abstract: A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed.

Abstract: A hose coupling according to the present invention for securing a hose has a cylindrical nipple and a cylindrical socket disposed radially outwardly thereof. A plurality of circumferentially extending annular hose gripping projections are provided on a radially inner surface of the socket in a predetermined interval along a longitudinal direction of the nipple. The hose comprises an elastic tube layer and a reinforcing layer disposed radially outwardly thereof, and is to be secured between the nipple and the socket by crimping the socket after the hose is inserted between the nipple and the socket. At least one hose gripping projection of the plurality of hose gripping projections protrudes radially inwardly of the socket greater than other hose gripping projections.

Abstract: A metal/composite joint. An illustrative embodiment of the metal/composite joint includes a metallic component, a composite component provided in engagement with the metallic component, an engagement region defining contact between the metallic component and the composite component and a plurality of attachment projections joining the metallic component and the composite component. The attachment projections may be non-uniformly distributed along the engagement region. A method of joining a metallic component and a composite component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.

Abstract: In a method for inserting a bolt element (10) having a head portion (12) and a shaft portion (16) into a sheet metal component (52) the bolt element is passed through the sheet metal component by means of a setting head (38), with its end (100) remote from the head portion at the front, and is riveted to the sheet metal component (52) in the region of its head portion (12) by the cooperation of the setting head with a die (54) arranged at the side of the sheet metal component remote from the setting head (38). The sheet metal component (52) is pierced either by a hole punch or by the specially shaped bolt element (10), by the end of the shaft portion (16) remote from the head portion (12) under the action of the setting head (38), to form a ring collar which is subsequently deformed radially into contact with a groove in the shaft portion. In this arrangement the end (100) of the bolt element (10) which performs the punching work is preferably executed in accordance with the Ka shape of DIN 78.

Abstract: A functional element arrangement which includes a functional element which is to be mounted on a component, especially but not exclusively on a brittle or non-rigid component made of a material containing cavities or pores, e.g. plastic, wood, metal foams, plastic or metal filled with hollow bodies, or another relatively soft material, selectively embodied as a sandwich construction or as a composite material e.g. in the form of a single layered or multilayered structure comprising, for example, two layers of sheet metal or plastic and a core made of one of the above-mentioned materials. The invention is characterized in that it is provided with an auxiliary assembly element which enables the functional element to be blocked using forming techniques when it is mounted on the component in a riveting process or a stamping and riveting process.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: A crossarm system adapted to support power lines from a vertical pole. The crossarm system comprises a wooden crossarm member and first and second nail end plates. The wooden crossarm member defines upper, lower, inner, and outer surfaces and first and second end surfaces, a main bore, a plurality of pin bores, and at least one brace bore. Each nail end plate comprises a plate member defining an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of nail projections extending from the inner surface of the plate member. Each nail projection defines a width dimension. In use, the first and second nail end plates are displaced towards the first and second end surfaces, respectively, such that the nail projections enter the wooden crossarm member. The nail projections are arranged such that the width dimensions substantially prevent splitting of the ends of the crossarm member.

Abstract: A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing member and crimps the framing members together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a garment clamping device for automobile antennas upon which a flag or banner may be secured and displayed. The clamping device comprises two generally rectangular shaped halves which are joined together by a hinge strap mechanism. Each half has at least one aperture and at least one corresponding mounting stud for clamping the two halves around an automobile antenna. Further, each half has at least one barb and at least one corresponding aperture located on the other half for holding and supporting a display flag after the apparatus is clamped around the antenna. Extending from one half is a cap for securing the apparatus atop the antenna. In operation, the device is positioned around an antenna and the mounting stud, barbs and respective apertures are engaged. Once engaged, the hinge straps form a cavity wherein the antenna is displaced.

Abstract: A device for connecting a shaft (10), in particular a worm shaft, to a ring (12), in particular a ring magnet, which has an inside face (14) that is in contact with an outside face (16) of the shaft (10). It is proposed that on the outside face (16) of the shaft (10), there are deformation regions (18), by means of which a nonpositive-engagement, rotationally fixed connection of the ring (12) to the shaft (10) is assured.

Abstract: An embodiment of the connection system is for connecting a plurality of components together. One embodiment of a method of the system provides a dowel having first and second portions. Each of the portions has first and second ends, the first and second portions being connected to one another at their second ends. At least one portion of the first and second portions has at least three dowel sections of successively decreasing diameters. One of these dowel sections has a side wall and an end wall that forms the first end of the at least one portion and each of the other dowel sections has a side wall and step wall. A first component has a first opening configured to substantially fit the first portion, and a second component has a second opening configured to substantially fit the second portion. An adhesive material is then applied on at least part of the first portion, and the first portion is inserted into the first opening in the first component.

Abstract: An actuation lever is provided that comprises a lever having a first end configured to engage and support a knob, a second end configured for connection to a lever-actuated device and a longitudinal axis. The mating knob includes at least one pocket having at least one inner peripheral surface. The first end of the lever includes a resiliently deflectable retaining member having a tine that includes a barb-like tip that engages the inner peripheral surface of the pocket. As the knob is inserted onto the first end of the lever, the tine deflects inwardly towards the longitudinal axis. The spring force generated by the deflected tine causes the retaining member to exert oppositely directed forces against the inner peripheral surface of the pocket. The barb-like tip on the end of the tine imbeds into an inner peripheral surface of the pocket to retain the knob on the first end of the lever.

Abstract: A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing members and crimps the framing members together.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall assembly having an embedded anchor plate which enables reliable mounting of fixtures, such as curtain rod brackets and the like, to an exposed surface of an interior wall of a building. The anchor plate is preferably an expanded metal plate having securement apertures of a size to receive and positively engage a fastener extending through wallboard and the anchor plate thereby permitting the fixture to be drawn into tight engagement with the wallboard by positive engagement of the fixture mounting fastener with the anchor plate. In addition, the anchor plate preferably has integrally formed securement projections, or spikes, which enable the anchor plate to be pressed into engagement with the rigid foam insulation before wallboard, such as drywall, is applied over the insulation. The invention also relates to a method of assembling an insulated concrete wall.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for connecting together plies, or wythes, of pre-cast concrete wall or ceiling panels which have the necessity of being cast in several plies or layers. The connector joins together first and second concrete layers with an intervening insulation layer. Also disclosed is a method for creating these concrete panels using the connector and an insert tool for use in inserting the connector.

Abstract: An anchor for an elongated structural member comprising sidewalls rigidly affixed in a spaced apart and confronting relation to a generally planar base for defining a channel to receive and secure the structural member to the planar base. The sidewalls have diverging sidewall surfaces from apexes from which the spaced and parallel sidewall surfaces extend in opposite directions along the planar base and support at least one prong to secure the planar base by the parallel sidewall surfaces. The prong is operatively positioned by upon rotational movement of the diverging sidewall surfaces to adjacent opposite sides of such a structural member.

Abstract: A plurality of mounting feet securely attach a power inverter to a body. The tabs are to be adjustably or pivotally mounted on the under carriage of the power inverter such that they may be positioned by the user when mounting to a body. When mounted, the tabs absorb vibrations from the host body and prevent the power inverter from resulting damage. During shipping or storage the tabs are retracted to the underside of the power inverter to minimize space required by the power inverter. The tabs are made from elastomeric electrical insulator material in order to ensure a proper ground is maintainer as long as the power inverter is secured via the tabs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably rod-shaped and variable-length connecting element for transmitting traction or pressure forces between at least two points of application of force, from and to assemblies connected to the connecting element, with fastening elements located on the free ends of the connecting element for fastening the connecting element to the assemblies. The invention is based on the object of improving a connecting element of this kind so that it can be assembled more easily and accurately. According to the invention, it is proposed that the connecting element be of essentially two-part design, having a receiving element and a plug-in element that can be inserted into the receiving element in a manner at least permitting longitudinal displacement and that can be fixed in the receiving element in a desired position relative to the receiving element.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for coupling a hydrodynamic torque converter to a rotating shaft so that the torque converter is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the rotating shaft includes at least one fastening element arranged at a converter housing. The at least one fastening element is arranged at the converter housing such that a fastening portion of the at least one fastening element meshes or interlocks in a positive engagement with a receiving portion of the converter housing.

Abstract: A one-piece window connector assembly, or clip, is disclosed. The window clip is inserted into adjacent window spacers to permanently connect the spacers that form a window frame and space multiple panes of glass. The window clip includes a central base having first and second side rails that contribute to the overall rigidity of the window clip as the window clip is inserted into the window spacers. These-rails include locking barbs that enable the clip to permanently lock the window spacers together. The window clip is characterized by each rail extending from the central base through a reverse bend such that internal and external flaps are formed in the rails to increase the rigidity of the rails and assist in more efficient insertion of the window clip into the window spacers.

Abstract: A power assisted combination shear used for forming structural louvers in the crimped seam of structural steel decking comprises a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. One jaw terminates in a blade and the other jaw has a corresponding die member. The blade and die have undercut reliefs in the root portions, which permit the louver to be formed without breaking through to the edge of the seam. The louver comprises a sheared portion in the form of a bowed tab bridging a corresponding window formed in the seam by the shearing of the tab. The interference between the louver and window provides a substantial increase in the lateral resistance (shear strength) of the crimped seam, thereby obviating the need to additionally weld or screw the seam to provide the necessary shear strength for even the highest stress applications.

Abstract: A panel fastener strike comprises a unitary casing formed with two substantially parallel face plates unitarily bridged together by a strap at one end and formed with two substantially coplanar flanges at an opposite end, and a pin mounted to the two face plates spaced from the casing strap. In manufacturing the strike the face plates are bent from a coplanar orientation to a parallel orientation while simultaneously seating opposite ends of the pin in the face plate mounting holes.

Abstract: A unitary connector (1) is provided for interconnecting individual panels on a framework of a partitioning system. The connector has a base plate (2) and prongs (4) located on the base plate for engaging a planar surface of a panel. A hook (3) is arranged to be pivotally connected to the base plate for engagement with the support framework attached to the base plate. Conveniently, a plurality of such connectors (1) can be located in a column one beneath the next or side-by-side as appropriate to the size or the plate being attached to a framework. Each connector can be a one piece unitary connector. The unitary connector advantageously provides a base plate of increased strength, grip and purchase on a panel of a partitioning system, and also a substantial reduction both in manufacturing and fitting costs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for joining two or more panels together are provided. The methods allow joining of panels of material such as glass fiber board, and are particularly useful for forming ducts or tubes. Fasteners provided have two planar members, joined together, and the planar members have protrusions that are integral to the planar members and are intended to at least partially protrude the panels joined by the devices.

Abstract: An improved dowel that is capable of quickly and easily connecting two or more adjoining components. In one form of the invention, a dowel is provided, that, may be used for connecting two or more components. In one embodiment, the dowel may have three dowel sections positioned between a base and a tip. Each dowel section has a diameter and may be positioned axially adjacent at least one other dowel section wherein the diameters decrease over the length of the dowel from the base to the tip. Alternate embodiments may have two, four or more dowel sections.

Abstract: A calibrated gusset plate for joining a pair of abutting wooden members in the construction of roof trusses, floor or ceiling joists and the like. In a preferred embodiment the calibrated gusset plate is characterized by a rectangular sheet metal gusset plate stock having multiple prongs which are struck from the gusset plate stock and projected to one side thereof in a series of longitudinally-extending rows. A calibrating mark such as a notch is formed in the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and each transverse edge of the gusset plate for alignment with the abutting surfaces of a pair of wooden truss members which are to be joined by the calibrated gusset plate. In another embodiment, a calibrating bead projects from the gusset plate on the side of the prongs at the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and at the mid-point of each transverse edge of the gusset plate.

Abstract: An assembly (10) formed of two parts pressed together in cruciform arrangement comprises a cylindrical part (11) and a tubular part (12). The tubular part (12) has a transverse hole (14) bordered by rims (18) extending toward each other. A spacer (16) in the form of a ring is inserted between the walls (15) of the tubular part (12), surrounding the region where the hole is to be formed. The rims are then deflected toward each other into engagement with the interior of the ring, the ring having a height equal to the distance between the walls (15). Thus, the ring (16) braces the tubular part (12) internally around the hole (14).

Abstract: A corner jack connector having integral prongs is provided. The corner jack connector is formed of a substantially planar piece of rigid material, preferably steel, and is configured so as to allow joining of wooden work pieces at various angles to one another as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The corner jack connector includes a central portion and first and second extensions disposed in spaced relation from each other and integral with the central portion. The skewable corner jack connector includes a plurality of integral prongs for securing the corner jack connector to the work pieces. In order to facilitate skewing of the corner jack connector, a plurality of hole members, which are preferably elliptical, are disposed along fold regions at the junction between the central portion and each of the extensions. In the preferred embodiment, the extensions are disposed at a right angle to each other.