Abstract: The invention provides a cord tying-up connecting device including a first component (1) having a groove. One end of first component (1) includes an insertion end for insertion of a heald into the groove, while the other end includes a cam for connection with second component (2). Second component (2) is formed by a hollow body including a bilaterally coincident cam which engages with the cam for first component (1). A third component (3) includes a through-with hole and a shoulder for engagement with second component (2).

Abstract: A connecting device for first and second rods has a first profile provided on the first rod and a second profile provided on the second rod. The first and second profiles are joined in a connecting position along a partition line by being moved relative to one another in a direction of a degree of freedom predetermined by the first and second profiles. The first and second profiles are moved immediately before reaching the connecting position in the direction of the predetermined degree of freedom. The first and second profiles in the joined state define a cutout bridging the partition line. A locking bar matching the cross-section of the cutout is inserted into the cutout and provides a movability lock for locking a unit, formed of the first and second rods and the locking bar, in a locking direction opposite to the direction of the degree of freedom.

Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.

Abstract: A system for organizing elongated objects (such as wires, cables, pipes, hoses, ducts, tubing, and other similar items) into bundles to create a more uniform, neat and functional arrangement is disclosed. The system includes a fastener adapted to extend along the length of an elongated object. The fastener provides a continuous attachment to another elongated object or to another object for a distance along the length of the elongated object. The fastener is preferably integrated with the structure of the elongated object, or alternatively, it may be applied as a wrap around the elongated object.

Abstract: An adjustable key-locked clamp for securing car stereo equipment against a mounting surface. A single rotary lock fixes the adjustable clamping member and secures the clamp to its base. A key is required to release the clamping member and remove the device from its base. Thus, without the key, it is very difficult to remove the car stereo equipment.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a portable floor comprised of interlocking floor panels which may be used for dancing, theatrical productions, musical performances, trade shows, and other settings where it is desirable to have a firm wooden floor surface. The disclosed invention enables a single person to install or disassemble the portable floor. It eliminates the need for storing any additional hardware to connect the panels to one another. No special tools are required to assemble or disassemble a floor. The floor is easy to assemble. Once the portable floor is assembled each panel is locked at two different places, thus firmly connecting the floor together. Panels may be added as desired to increase the size of the floor.

Abstract: A fastening device includes two side boards attached to each other with an included angle therebetween and two securing members respectively and pivotally mounted to the side boards with a space formed between each securing member and the associated side board for accommodating a panel therebetween. A nut is rotatably fixed to the boards and linearly movable with respect to the boards whereby the nut is engageable with an edge protrusion of each securing member when subject to the linear movement. A bolt threadingly engages the nut. When the bolt is turned, the nut is linearly moved with respect to the side boards and forcibly drives the securing members to rotate with respect to the boards and thus securing the panels between the securing members and the side boards.

Abstract: A connector is described comprising a longitudinally extending central portion, a plurality of planar walls, radially extending from the central portion, and a plurality of hammer-shaped members interposed between the walls, and radially extending from the central portion. An asymmetrical channel is defined between each of the walls and the members for retaining inserts.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting adjacent panels includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a connectable edge adapted for connection to a connectable edge of an adjacent panel. At least one first panel interface is disposed on the first panel and at least one second panel interface is disposed on the second panel. Each panel interface is positioned on a surface of the respective panel near the respective connectable edge. First and second interlocking elements are disposed on the respective connectable edges of the panels. The apparatus also includes at least one connector with a base and first and second engaging parts projecting from the base. To connect the panels, the interlocking elements of the connectable edges are interlocked with one another. The connector is mounted to the first and second panels such that the base traverses the connectable edges.

Abstract: A lamp rod comprises a retaining seat and an inserting rod. A wire connecting box has a via hole at a periphery thereof. A lateral side of the retaining seat extends with an inserting portion exactly passing through the via hole of the wire connecting box. A positioning ring is positioned at an interior of the wire connecting box for locking the inserting portion. One end of the retaining seat far away from the wire connecting box has two sliding grooves. One end of the inserting rod coupled to the retaining seat is installed with an inserting seat. Two sides of the inserting seat have stepped guide blocks. The guide blocks are exactly engaged with the two sliding grooves of the retaining seat. Thereby, in transfer and storage, the inserting rod can be pulled out from the wire connecting box so as to occupy a smaller space.

Abstract: A fastening element for doubleglass panels has a threaded bolt having a forward end and provided with an expansion cone at the forward end, an annular expansion element pushed onto the expansion cone for expansion in a hole drilled in a rear glass panel and provided with an undercut in a region of a bottom of the drilled hole, a cap placed on the expansion element and resting against an end face of the threaded bolt, and a spacing sleeve arranged on a shank of the threaded bolt so as to rest against the rear glass panel and to pass through a front glass panel, the spacing sleeve having a portion engageable in the hole drilled in the rear glass panel and providing an abutment for the expansion element.

Abstract: A two-piece detachable holder includes a position seat and a fastener. The position seat is fastened on a support while the fastener is used for holding the object to be fastened. An inserting device is set between the position seat and the fastener to enable the fastener to be quickly inserted on the position seat in vertical, transverse, and oblique directions and to be fastened by the position seat.

Abstract: A device for connecting a control mechanism to an end of a support arm system with mounting screws that have screwheads projecting from the control mechanism and that can be inserted vertically and up into keyhole type screw receptacles of the support arm system. The mounting screws can be temporarily held in the holding slots of the screw receptacles by horizontal displacement and fixed in the holding position by rotation. According to this invention, if a vertical lowering of the mounting screws and insertion of the screwheads into securing receptacles at the end of the holding slots of the screw receptacles are performed after horizontal displacement of the mounting screws, which prevents horizontal displacement of the mounting screws from the holding position, then the set holding position is secured so that unintentional release of the control mechanism from the support arm system is reliably prevented.

Abstract: An adapter clip for receiving an auxiliary rail having an upper slot and a lower slot, the adapter clip being shaped to be received in a shelf edge having an upper and lower groove. The adapter clip comprises an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper and lower flanges being shaped to be received in the upper and lower groove, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the shelf edge. The adapter clip further comprises an upper tang and a lower tang, the upper and lower tangs being shaped to be received in the upper and lower slot, respectively, to thereby couple the adapter clip to the auxiliary rail.

Abstract: A disconnect tool includes a housing that has a first segment and a second segment. A first collet is coupled to the first segment and has a first plurality of fingers, each of the first plurality of fingers is bendable between a first position in which the fingers engage the first segment and prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments, and a second position in which the fingers do not engage the first segment and do not prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments. A first piston is positioned in the housing and has a third position wherein the piston engages and prevents the fingers from bending from the first position, and a fourth position wherein the piston does not engage and prevent the fingers from bending from the first position. The disconnect tool includes means for selectively retaining the first piston in the third position and means for moving the first piston from the third position to the fourth position.

Abstract: A curtain-rail assembly in which the rail segments are joined by a connector at meeting ends of the rail segments and the connector has bridging shanks which overlie guide strips of the rail flanking a slot. The bridging flanges are formed with run-up and run-off ramps for a carrier guided through the slots and between the bridging shanks.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter includes a substantially rectangular shutter frame having first and second pairs of opposed spaced apart frame members 3a, 3b defining a substantially rectangular opening between the frame members. A plurality of substantially parallel louvers 5 are operatively mounted within the shutter opening and extend between the opposed pair of first frame members. The louvers are capable of at least partially occluding the rectangular opening of the shutter frame. A respective frame cover 6a, 6b is operatively affixed to each one of the frame members. An adjustment mechanism is disposed between at least one frame member and its respective frame cover, and is operable to adjust a separation between the frame member and its respective same cover, such that a first overall dimension of the shutter can be adjusted. Finally, a respective corner cover member 7 is disposed in operative relation to each of the frame covers to visually occlude a gap between each adjacent frame cover.

Abstract: A component group for providing support elements has two end pieces (3, 4), and at least one intermediate piece (1 or 2) which can be fitted together with the end pieces. The joints between the end pieces and the intermediate piece are configured so that the end pieces, which each have on one side only at least one rib (6) and at least one groove (5), are interchangeable.

Abstract: A locking system for supporting legs removably mounted to a tray, table or other structure to be supported includes cooperating engagement elements for removably connecting a supporting element, such as a pole or leg, to a clamp. The connected pole and clamp are removably retained, as a unit, in a retaining element extending from the structure to be supported. A stop element is provided on the clamp, the retaining element, or both, so that the clamp and the pole are retained as a single unit in a desired position within the retaining element when the locking system is assembled. The system may be readily assembled and disassembled into its individual components without employing any special tools.

Abstract: The clip includes a body and a lid slidably mounted on tracks on the sides of the lid. A trough formed in the body receives a cylindrical item, such as a rod, pipe or conduit. The lid slides between an open or pre-driven position wherein the lid does not cover the trough, and a closed position wherein the lid covers the trough. The tracks are somewhat inclined with respect to the body so that the lid does not contact the rod in the trough until immediately prior to the closing of the lid. Sloped stop ramps on the body detent engage apertures in the lid in both the open position and the closed position. The underside of the body includes a second trough with a “rabbit ear” detent mechanism to engage a second cylindrical item, such as a rod, pipe or conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container bottom, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff. One embodiment includes a multifunction coupling assembly having an upper coupling component and two different lower components.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a component having a housing, the housing including a backplate. The apparatus includes a pair of mounting tabs disposed on the backplate. Each mounting tab includes a support member attached to the backplate and a flange member attached to the support member. The mounting tabs are arranged so that the flange members are disposed towards each other. The apparatus also includes a bracket that includes a baseplate defining a plane and a mounting pad disposed on the baseplate in the plane. The mounting pad includes a central area, attached to the baseplate, and a finger attached to the central area. The finger projects in the plane and is articulable in the plane. The mounting pad may be disposed in a region between the support members of the mounting tabs and between the flange members of the mounting tabs and the baseplate.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly that includes an arrangement for holding the mixing components in an elevated position. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container base, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting an accessory in an artificial bathing water enclosure. The device includes a buoyant base for supporting the accessory. An anchoring means anchors the base to a side wall of the bathing water enclosure. The base either floats freely, or is pulled down somewhat while still protruding from the top water surface. The preferred anchoring means includes one or more suction cups attached to the side walls of the enclosure. The preferred anchoring means maintains the base upright. It includes a boss and a holder that are slidable with respect to each other. At least two suction cups hold the boss attached to the side wall, while the holder is attached to the base, and slides up and down as the base moves up and down. The holder has threads for receiving matingly threads of a complementary base.

Abstract: A connecting means for two parts in a fluid conducting assembly. The connecting means comprises coupling means located on joint sides opposite to one another on the parts, such means rendering possible a displaceable attachment together of the parts with an interlocking effect in the assembly direction. Furthermore connecting members are provided to act on opposite sides of the parts, of which at least one connecting member, is able to be locked using holding and securing means on the pushed together parts in order to set the relative position of same. Simultaneously the setting in place of a clamping means acting on the connecting members is facilitated. The connecting means renders possible a simple, secure and rapid coupling of the parts.

Abstract: An alignment coupling and method of joining an extensible member of a linear actuator to an actuated member for moving a load utilize an enlarged coupler (A) carried by the extensible member within a receptacle in the actuated member formed by a transverse surface (B) and a longitudinal surface (C). A floating alignment is provided by a compressible resilient retaining member (D) permitting limited axial and radial adjustment of the extensible member. The receptacle has an open passageway for insertion of the coupler to facilitate assembly of the components thus providing a foreshortened alignment coupling.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: A device for fixing a flexible element to the tubular body of a roller for rolling shutters, guards or blinds, wherein the tubular body has a slot made in its lateral surface and accessible from the outside through a first and a second opening the first oriented at right angles to the axial direction, the second at right angles to the tangential direction, of the tubular body; the radial measurement of the first opening relative to the tubular body is larger than the corresponding measurement of the second opening; the flexible element has at one end of it an enlarged fixing head especially shaped to allow it to be inserted into the slot through the first opening and through the second opening, remaining trapped inside the slot when the flexible element moves through the second opening.

Abstract: A shutter assembly which includes separate top and bottom portions and intermediate slatted portions. The top and bottom portions both include right and left side flanges which include inner and outer channels. Likewise the slatted portion includes a right and left sides which include right and left channels which align with the inner channels on the top and bottom members. Right and left side rails snap fit into the three sections holding them together. The inner wall of the rails snap into the inner channels and the channel in the slatted portion. The inner walls of the side rails include upper arcuate lips that extend over the top edges of the side walls of the top, bottom and slatted sections. The outer wall of each rail includes an L-shaped projection which fits within the outer channels in the flanges. The shutter can be adjusted by removing sections of the slatted portions along pre-formed score lines and then cutting rails to the desired size.

Abstract: A pair of steel counterpart pieces, of steel, each being integral, and including a backing element, a side blade element, and a hook element. The side elements are on opposite side edges respectively of the backing elements. The pieces are mounted on frame members to be connected that have flat surfaces that interengage. Upon camming action between the pieces of the connector the frame members are brought toward each other with their flat surfaces interengaging.

Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.

Abstract: An attachment for a noise-and-vibration dampening fixing of a windshield wiper system to a vehicle body comprises a fastening eye with a circular aperture for receiving a rubber-elastic, hollow, cylindrical, noise-and-vibration dampening element with circumferential annular groove on its outside surface. Good stability of the attachment and its easy assembling are achieved in that, proceeding from the circular aperture, an open break extends through an edge, raised in an approximately perpendicular manner, so that a web is fastened on yoke tongues of a resulting yoke opening and bridges the yoke opening. The dampening element is insertable sideways through the yoke opening as far as into the aperture.

Abstract: An interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction which includes plastic modular platform sections aligned in a two-by-two arrangement with interlocking flanges between the adjoining surfaces of the platform sections, the flanges interlocking in a downward sliding manner. A plurality of leg structures extend down from the lower surface of the platform sections. A center conical support structure with a locking lip or tab is formed by the adjoinment of the platform sections. A band or ring of durable material, e.g. metal, is placed onto the conical structure to draw and lock together, via the locking tab and ring, the adjoining platform sections. A series of upper and lower frictional, rubberized pads are aligned and interlocked through the lattice holes along the perimeter of the pallet lattice.

Abstract: A fence rail clip attaches a fence rail perpendicularly to a fence post and includes a oval-shaped base which mounts to the fence post and a locking bracket which receives an end of the fence rail and interlocks with the base. The base has a tapered edge which is angled inwardly from front to rear and two counter bored holes formed therein for receiving a pair of screws. The locking bracket has a generally U-shaped panel with an outwardly extending peripheral wall, and has a similar shape to that of the cross-sectional shape of the fence rail. A channel is formed between a pair of spaced legs of the U-shaped panel and includes a narrow bottle-neck section formed between an oval-shaped section which is complementary in shape to a rear of the base and an outwardly angled bottom section which guides the bracket over the base. An outer edge of the channel is tapered inwardly from a front to a rear of the locking bracket in a complementary relationship to the tapered edge of the base.

Abstract: A connection for connecting structural elements (6, 7) in a butt joint, comprised of rigid connecting elements (B1) having a substantially rectangular cross-section of a predetermined thickness (d), wherein a first connection half formed of the connecting elements (B1) is fastened to the surface of a first structural element (6) to be connected, and a second connection half formed of the connecting elements (B1) is fastened to the surface, or preferably in a recess, of a second structural element (7) to be connected. The connecting elements (B1) each have an offset connecting tab (1) with an offset (V) corresponding to the thickness (d) of a connecting element (B1) ensuring that the connecting tabs (1) engage one below the other without clearance and under positive locking.

Abstract: A locking device for releasable connection of frame members and knock-down structures. The device includes a first rail having a front wall provided with a slot. A second rail has a front wall provided with a slot. The front walls of the first and second rails are positionable in confronting relationship with one another. An elongated member has at least one hook extending therefrom. The elongated member is disposed on a back side of the front wall of the first rail with the hook extending through the slots of the first and second rails. The elongated member is movable along a longitudinal axis of the first rail from an unlocked position to a locked position with the hook engageable with the second rail. A pin structure engages transversely between the first and second rail for holding the first and second rail in fixed alignment with one another to prevent relative movement between the first and second rails in a plane generally coplanar with the front walls of the first and second rails.

Abstract: An eccentric gear for a transmission for a washing machine which uses an off center gear having a dual part construction combination with a rack and pinion mechanism, a brake clutch, and a drive clutch to provide the agitation and the high speed spin of the washing machine.

Abstract: A mounting device (2) for securing a sign to a post (46) is disclosed comprising: (a) a saddle portion having a pair of opposite side members (4) of similar form and spaced apart, the side members being adapted to seat against a post (46); (b) a base element (6) joining and spacing apart the side members (4), the base element (6) having a narrower neck portion (7) extending away from the post and connected to an enlarged abutment portion (3), the neck portion (7) being adapted to allow the abutment portion (3) to pass slideably into a channel (32) attached to the sign, the channel having a mouth with inturned lips to retain the abutment portion (3) in the channel; and (c) a pair of attachment members (8) held at opposite ends of the saddle portion and connectable to the post by strapping passed around the post, wherein the attachment members (8) have stem portions (25) connected to the abutment portion. Preferably, the mounting device (2) is made from a single component, e.g. folded from a sheet metal blank.

Abstract: A windshield wiper adaptor system that fits hook, bayonet and small and large pin wiper arm styles is disclosed. A bracket semi-permanently snap fits to a spring steel flat strip wiper frame. Adaptors fit to the bracket. The bayonet arm adaptor uses an easily molded slot to provide the detent for holding the arm. A resilient element presses the bayonet arm from below. The hook/bayonet adaptor pin, and pin arm adaptors, are held in the bracket by a barbed resilient arm attached to the pins. A further extension on the resilient arm of the pin arm adaptors engages the pin arm annular groove. Deflecting the arm causes the barb to engage the bracket while the same motion engages the pin arm groove. The adaptors could also be used in a convention frame where the bracket is not applicable.

Abstract: A wall element includes a wall panel with its first side edge bent into an L-section and the second side edge bent into a Z-section. The bent sections are provided with holes at specific intervals from each other along the height of the wall panel. When two panels are placed side by side so that the L-section of one panel is fitted against the Z-section of another panel, the holes are positioned opposite one another. A U-shaped tongue strip is fitted against the L-section of the panel, the tongue strip being provided with tongues shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes of the side edges of both panels. A U-shaped wedge strip is fitted against the Z-section of the panel, the wedge strip being provided with holes shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes. The panels attach to each other when the wedge strip is knocked downwards.

Abstract: A trolley having a top member and a base member that are releasably coupled together without the use of a separate fastener. The top member has a top connecting portion with a top locking element, and the base member has a base connecting portion slidably engaging the top connecting portion. The base connecting portion has a base locking element hinged thereon and releasably engaging the top locking element for releasably locking the top and base members. To unlock the top and base members, and allow them to freely slide relative to one another, a screwdriver can be used to bias the base locking element away from the top locking element. The base member further has a portion for attaching a holding device. The top and base members define a through passageway that receives an elongated support therein and has rollers for allowing the trolley to move along the support.

Abstract: A locking device (1) for locking an article (2) relative to a support (3), wherein the locking device (1) includes at least two locking members (4, 6) having grooves (8, 9), anchored to the support (3) and at least two locking members (5, 7), having projections (10, 11), anchored to the article (2). The locking members (5, 7) are brought to cooperate with the locking members (4, 6) by inserting the projections (10, 11) into the grooves (8, 9) and displacing the projections (10, 11) therein in a direction of displacement (F) whereby at least two locking members (4, 5) cooperating with each other can be locked relative to each other by locking means (14) to prevent relative displacement of the locking members (4, 5) in the direction of displacement (F).

Abstract: A coupling device allows for the rapid releasable connection of harness cords to lifting cords on weaving machines. A first coupler is connected to lifting cords and a second coupler is connected to harness cords. An intermediate coupler is removable connected to the first and second couplers. The intermediate coupler allows for quick and easy, manual or automatic, coupling and decoupling of the first and second elements. The second coupling elements and the intermediate elements are adapted so that only the connection therebetween is breakable when pulling forces are exerted thereon.

Abstract: In order to couple and fix a first chassis and a second chassis, the first chassis is positioned relative to the second chassis. Then, coupling members are inserted into pairs of first and second coupling grooves, respectively. The first chassis has the first coupling grooves provided in upper portions of the first chassis and extending from a front wall along side walls, respectively, and the second chassis having second coupling grooves provided in lower portions of the second chassis and extending from a front wall along side walls, respectively. Finally, the coupling members are fixed to both of the first chassis and the second chassis.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having a main body with slats, vertical stiles and end caps that allow the length of the shutter assembly to be varied. The end caps are attached to the upper and lower ends of the main body by aligning apertures in the end caps with one of a plurality of apertures spaced vertically on the ends of the stiles. The end caps each have a first and a second panel that can be reversibly displayed as an outer surface of the shutter. An inner surface of the stiles has fastener pins protruding therefrom, allowing the shutter assembly to be mounted to a building structure.

Abstract: The device comprises a slide (3) so profiled as to be insertable in a support (2) in a slidable and coaxial manner with respect to an elongate element (1) and in intimate contact with the latter. This slide has two lateral lips (5) adapted to cooperate with ramps for clamping the slide and formed in the support (2), the lips and the ramps being inclined to the axis of the elongate element (1). The lips (5) are advantageously rounded and define an intermediate constricted part thereby achieving a self-clamping of each lip (5) of the slide (3) in the associated ramp of the support (2). The device supports an extremely high assembly prestressing without deforming or breaking, even when the prestressing is increased in an exaggerated manner, this being achieved with an overall size which is smaller than a screwed assembly of elements of a cross-shaped structure. Various applications in particular in the connection of a spinal osteosynthesis rod with a pedicular anchorage element.

Abstract: A terminal (24) is attached to the end of a flexible core element (12) slidably supported in a conduit (14) and connects the core element (12) to a disc-shaped head (26) supported on a post (28). The terminal (24) includes a body (30) and a flange (32) spaced and parallel to the body (30) to define a pocket (34) between the flange (32) and the body (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head (26) with the flange (32) defining a circular opening (36) for surrounding the post (28) and an entrance (38) more narrow than the circular opening (36) for retaining the post (28) in the opening (36). The terminal (24) is characterized by the flange (32) including a pair of holes (44) adjacent the entrance (38) for rendering the flange (32) more flexible at the entrance (38) than the remainder of the flange (32) to facilitate the enlargement of the entrance (38) by the forced movement of the post (28) therethrough and to snap back as the post (28) seats in the circular opening (36).

Abstract: A coupling comprising a male and female half (11, 12) that are coupled together in axial alignment. A keying portion (13) is provided at one end of the male half (11) which has at least one keying element (14) with a bearing surface (20). The female half (12) has an opening (17) located on one side with recesses (18) therein shaped for location of the keying element (14). The opening (17) allows the keying portion (14) to engage the opening (17) in a direction that is transverse to the aligned axis. The recess (18) has abutment surfaces (21) against which the bearing surfaces (20) locate when the keying portion (14) is engaged within the recess (18). The bearing (20) and abutment (21) surfaces prevent separation of the coupling when placed under tension along the aligned axis. The invention provides a simplified means for connection of the coupling while at the same time allowing relative rotation between the male and female halves (11, 12).

Abstract: A beam support system fastens an end portion of a wood beam to a generally upright surface of a beam-anchoring member. A mutually-cooperative interface structure is provided on a beam-fastening member and on the end portion of the beam, respectively. The interface structure forces the end portion compressively against the upright surface in a direction generally perpendicular thereto automatically in response to engagement of the end portion with the fastening member in a direction generally parallel to the upright surface. The fastening member is mounted to a wood beam-anchoring member preferably by a resiliently-deformable spring member which resiliently compresses the beam-anchoring member in a direction generally perpendicular to the upright surface thereof.

Abstract: A foldable tent frame includes a parallelepiped structure comprised of a rectangular front sub-frame having four front poles rotatably connected at four front corner members and a rectangular rear sub-frame having four rear poles rotatably connected at four rear corner members and four length-adjustable horizontal poles which are respectively rotatably connect between the front and rear corner members. Each front pole has two sections pivotally connected to a front joint member and each rear pole has two sections detachably connected a rear joint member. Four reinforcing bars respectively rotatably connected to the rear corner members extend diagonally to pivotally joint to a common central joint which includes two halves rotatably relative to each other. A brace pole, comprised of two sections detachably jointed by a joint member, is oriented upright and pivoted at two opposite ends thereof to every two horizontal poles.