Abstract: A tongue and groove construction panel in which the tongue comprises a protruding extension formed on a first edge of the panel. The tongue has a head with chamfered sides that expand from a narrowed tip to a neck having essentially parallel sides. The neck merges into a shoulder portion having chamfered sides that expand to merge with the panel. The groove comprises a correspondingly shaped cavity formed on a second edge. The groove has a head with chamfered sides that expand from a base to a neck having parallel sides that merge into a shoulder portion having chamfered sides that expand to a groove opening. The tongue and groove have adjacent chamfered head and shoulder surfaces in an assembled joint. The chafered surfaces of the tongue are disposed at a more acute angle than the chamfered surfaces of the groove to leave spaces therebetween in an assembled joint.

Abstract: A method for machining a part with gear teeth onto an unmachined part to form drive pinion gears is disclosed. A center bore is formed at one end of the part and receives a tool center to mount the part for machining. The center bore includes a plurality of lobes which are in point contact with the lathe center, allowing adjustment between the unmachined part and the lathe center. Drive apertures are formed radially outwardly of this center bore to receive drive pins from the machine tool. Most preferably the drive apertures are slots which provide clearance, facilitating the alignment of the drive pins in the drive apertures.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure for a vehicle door includes an elongated resin reinforced member disposed horizontally between the inner and outer panels of a vehicle door. The elongated member includes first and second enlarged ends, each having an outwardly diverging surface. The elongated member is supported at either end by first and second support members which attach to the vehicle door frame. The support members both include female receptacles having a compatible taper which allows them to mate with the respective enlarged end of the elongated member. The energy absorbing structure absorbs energy imparted laterally upon a vehicle door during side impact through deflection of the elongated member and additionally through distortion of the first and second support members.

Abstract: A joint structure for joining two pole members is disclosed. A female component of the structure is formed on a first end of a first pole member. At least one, and in some embodiments two, diverging segments are provided on an end of pipe member to form the female component of the joint. A complementing male component is formed on an end of another pipe member. The male component includes at least one, and in some embodiments two, converging segments. The values of the angles and lengths of the converging and diverging segments are preferably as close to each other as possible. The joint structure can be adapted to allow pole members of many different shapes, sizes, and materials to be securely joined together without the need of fasteners such as bolts. Once assembled, the joint structure resists disassembly and lateral deflection of the pole members and provides for long service even under rigorous use.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for slitting superimposed layers of paper webs, with the cutting roller provided as the lower knife or blade shaft, is replaceable in a few minutes by means of a fast assembly device. For this purpose a rapid assembly coupling is associated with each of the journal-free ends of the cutting roller, of which one simultaneously serves as a drive coupling for drive connection with an operating drive. Each coupling has a coupling member, formed by a cone pulley which is mounted in rotary and axially displaceable manner with respect to a base and a fixed coupling member located on the cutting roller, which is constructed as a complementary inner core. For transferring the cutting roller between its fitted position and a removal position, roll or sliding rails are provided, which slightly raise the cutting roller on engaging couplings and therefore make it contact-free.

Abstract: A portable game apparatus is a kit which includes a lower stake member and a set of upper stake members. The members have threaded portions which allow the members to be securely joined together end to end. One of the upper members is structured to allow the upper members and lower member (when joined together) to be pounded into the ground. The upper member is detached from the lower member while the lower member remains embedded in the ground to provide a foundation for the other upper members which are specifically structured to allow various game structures such as volleyball nets, basketball nets and backboards as well as tether balls and ropes to be secured thereto. Truncated cone portions on the members (at their joined portions) add structural rigidity to the members, and ridge and groove structures secure the members in a desired joined together position.

Abstract: A fluid power assisted rack and pinion steering system includes a steering gear assembly having a valve core, a valve sleeve, and an axially extending torsion bar. The input shaft of the steering gear is formed as the valve core, and one end of the torsion bar is pinned to the input shaft before the valve is balanced. A pinion is connected to and rotates with the valve sleeve, and the other end of the torsion bar is rotationally fixed to the pinion. The pinion has an axially extending tapered bore in which is received a matching tapered portion of the torsion bar. The tapered portion of the torsion bar engages the tapered portion of the bore in the pinion in a rotationally fixed locking engagement. Upon assembly of the steering gear, if the valve is not properly balanced, the tapered connection is easily loosened to adjust the relative angular orientation of the pinion to the torsion bar, and then retightened to again fix the torsion bar to the pinion.

Abstract: A shelving apparatus includes a vertically extending first leg having a first end with a frusto-conical outer surface. A horizontal shelf has a frusto-conical hole. A vertically extending second leg has a first end with (a) a frusto-conical inner surface having a taper shaped to engage the frusto-conical outer surface of the first leg, and (b) a frusto-conical outer surface having a taper shaped to engage the frusto-conical inner surface of the shelf hole. Preferably, all engaging frusto-conical surfaces and holes are coaxial and cofrustal. Alternative tapered structures for the first and second legs and shelf hole may be provided.

Abstract: A stacked array comprising at least one or more similar or dissimilar metals or composites and having either a tapered bore or a tapered sleeve. A tapered bolt adapted to be inserted into the tapered bore and having a taper that is different from the tapered bore. A method for selecting a greater or lesser taper on the bolt than the taper on the bore depending on the relative strength of the materials forming the stacked array as a means of reducing the installation force of the tapered bolt within the tapered bore.

Abstract: A cutting tool kit for outdoorsman consisting of a knife, a saw, a hatchet, and an ax. Four handles including two head handles releasably secured to the coupling hub openings in the ax and hatchet having tubular ends adapted to telescope onto the head handles and to a corresponding shaft on the saw. The hubs and head handles have coupling tapered keyways and keys which taper outwardly from the inner end of the hub to the outer end such that the ax coupling forces increase as the ax tends to move from the handle. The handles have slightly different lengths to form different operations. The grip handles have radial pin openings for coupling to spring-loaded pins in the head handles and shaft. A flat carrying case includes individual pockets for storage of the separate parts of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure for securely and accurately positioning an object on a rotatable shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting structure is utilized to position a rotary bell on a rotatable shaft of a rotary atomizer coater. More specifically, the mounting structure includes a rotatable shaft member having an axis and adapted to be connected to a rotating drive mechanism. The shaft member is provided with a first tapered mounting position. An object is adapted to be securely mounted on the shaft member for rotation therewith, and is provided with an internal bore having a second tapered mounting portion engageable with the first tapered mounting portion. The first and second tapered mounting portions cooperate to accurately align the object with respect to the shaft member.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a construction joint of a bicycle frame comprising a rear dropout body having projecting portions decreasing in taper as they extend away from the body, each projecting portion defining an elongated screw hole extending along a longitudinal axis of the projecting portion, the projecting portion defining a slit extending on both sides of the screw hole; chainstay and seat stay pipes, each surrounding a projecting portion, the chainstay and seat stay pipes having gradually decreasing diameters towards the base end of the projecting portions; a screw or wedge inserted into the screw hole to enlarge the outside circumference of the projecting portion until it fixedly contacts the interior of the chainstay and seat stay pipes; and an adhesive agent spread around the projecting portion of the rear dropout body and inside the chainstay and seat stay pipes.

Abstract: A zero-play pin clevis joint for deployable space structures includes a tapered pin and tapered bores extending through a shackle and through a tang such that the tapered pin is received in the tapered bores. Spring washers urge the tapered pin into the tapered bores of the shackle and also urge the tang onto the tapered pin. Deployable truss structures use a plurality of the aforementioned zero play pin clevis joints to connect a plurality of truss tubes. The angle of taper for the various components is preferably about 12.degree. included angle.

Abstract: In a marine drive having a tapered propeller shaft section (14) and a tapered propeller hub (20, 60) matching and fitting therearound in flush contact, a relief inner diameter section (28, 66) is provided in the hub, spaced from the propeller shaft, to prevent flush contact and facilitate removal of the propeller hub from the propeller shaft. In a further embodiment, a thrust collar (50) with a substantially steeper tapered section (56) further facilitates removal.

Abstract: A structural joint which may be for orthopedic use is effective to simultaneously resist bending and torsional loading. It includes a female member formed with a cone shaped bore and a mouth defining entry into the bore. A male member matingly engageable with the female member has a contoured outer surface which includes a coupling element sized and shaped for mating engagement with the bore. When the male and female members are joined, the coupling element extends to a location within the bore spaced from the mouth and joins, via a smooth surfaced intermediate element, to a transitional element whose transverse dimension is substantially smaller than the mouth of the bore as it extends through and beyond the mouth. The bore and the coupling element may be mutually tapered such that the male and female members become locked together when engaged.

Abstract: A plurality of abrasive sleeves (3) surround a wire rope (2) and are spaced at predetermined intervals longitudinally of the wire rope. An elastic material (4) of rubber such as natural rubber is formed between the abrasive sleeves in such a manner as to surround the wire rope. A rubber/metal bonding agent (7) such as chlorinated rubber type bonding agent is used to effect vulcanization bonding between the opposite end surfaces of each abrasive sleeve and the elastic material and between the wire rope and the elastic material. The ends (19) of the wire rope are connected together by a combination of end connecting members (5, 6a) provided with male threads (17, 17a) and fixed to the ends of the wire rope and on internally threaded connecting sleeve (30), whereby a closed loop is formed.

Abstract: A collapsible construction set comprises a plurality of parts, each of which includes at least one integrally formed connector. A plurality of connector designs are provided. A first design includes a tapered receptacle and a stabilizing pin at the center of the receptacle. A second design includes a tapered end which fits in the receptacle and a hole which receives the stabilizing pin. A third design includes a ledge which forms a recess, and a fourth design includes a hook which engages the ledge and extends into the recess. The ledge of the third design is preferably formed adjacent the receptacle of the first design, and the second design preferably also includes at least one flange which overlies and holds a hook of the fourth design. To dismember the parts of a structure, a tapered end is moved out of the tapered receptacle until the stabilizing pin disengages from the hole, and then all of the parts of the structure topple.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved construction for joining chainstays with a bottom bracket shell in a bicycle frame. The construction consists of a pair of taper-shaped projecting parts of a bottom bracket shell, inserting portions of chainstays placed around the projecting parts and a connecting ring provided with a pair of taper-shaped connecting holes. The connecting ring is placed around the joining part of the bottom bracket shell and chainstays and joins the bottom bracket shell and chainstays together by the bonding strength of an adhesive agent and a screw from the connecting ring to the bottom bracket shell. The adhesive agent is uniformly spread between the bottom bracket shell and chainstays and should the adhesive agent become ineffective, the chainstays will not loosen from the bottom bracket shell due to the screw.

Abstract: A connection between a circular cylindrical tube and a plate or sleeve includes a housing extending along an axis from an inlet opening in a surface of the plate or sleeve and a circular cylindrical tube having an end fittable in the housing. The housing includes a first cylindrical truncated cone extending to the inlet opening and having a vertex angle .beta. with respect to the axis of between 5.degree. and 20.degree., and a second oval truncated cone coaxial with the first cone and connected thereto. The second cone has generatrices forming an angle .alpha. of between 0.5.degree. and 5.degree. with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A sucker rod coupling pin comprises a hole into which the sucker rod is to be inserted, and has a plurality of annular depressions which surround the inner wall of the hole. As viewed crosswise, the annular depressions respectively have tapered surface portions arranged in series from the open end to the closed end of the coupling pin hole. The tapered surface portions whose cross sections progressively increase toward the closed end of the coupling pin hole have their respective lengths progressively shortened in relation to the preceding tapered portion, toward the closed end of the coupling pin hole, and the angle of inclination of the respective tapered surface portions progressively increases toward the closed end of the coupling pin hole.

Abstract: A latching and sealing device suitable for use as a cover seal for a plunger or piston in a syringe or plunger pump includes a cylindrical seal member having a body portion and lip-and-latch means for both sealably engaging a surrounding surface and latching to the piston. A spring disposed in between the lip-and-latch means and the piston provide a constant sealing pressure while allowing the piston and seal member to be moved within a bore. Sealing between the lip-and-latch means and the bore is enhanced by use of a berm and notches radially aligned with the biasing spring.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting two parts, of which one forms a recess and the other a counterpiece which can be pushed into the recess, and, to obtain a simple firm connection without the direction of insertion being fixed, there is on at least one part a coating which consists of granular rigid material and which is attached to a deformable, preferably elastic carrier material. The length of the granular elements is made greater than the distance between the opposing faces of the parts to be connected.

Abstract: A system for steering the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle includes a front wheel steering mechanism including an output pinion shaft, a rear wheel steering mechanism including an input shaft, and a shaft assembly mechanically interconnecting the output pinion shaft and the input shaft. The shaft assembly comprises a front cross joint coupled to the output pinion shaft, a rear cross joint coupled to the input shaft, and a linkage shaft connected between the front and rear cross joints. A phase adjusting assembly is disposed between one of the front and rear cross joints and the linkage shaft for allowing the output pinion shaft and the input shaft to rotate relatively to each other to secure them in a desired phase.

Abstract: A metal end fitting for structurally interconnecting a crossarm brace to a crossarm and utility pole includes an extruded metal body having a dovetail recess for receiving an end portion of an enlongated wooden brace. The brace is inserted into the recess of the fitting and a bight portion of the recess abuts an end face of the wooden member. A pair of spaced apart legs integrally joining the bight portion are formed to taper toward one another to directly engage tapered dovetailed surfaces provided on opposite sides of the wooden member. A generally similar metal end fitting is mounted on an opposite end of the wooden brace. Each end fitting includes a tang integrally joining the bight portion and adapted to be secured to the crossarm or the utility pole with a single elongated fastener.

Abstract: An attachment lug is fixed to the end region of a cylindrical body, such as a power cylinder, a piston-cylinder combination or the like, to form an assembly wherein loads directed on the attachment lug are transmitted to the cylindrical member. The attachment lug comprises a fork portion of shell-type design on which a first conical surface is formed. A second conical surface is formed on an end region of the cylindrical member, the first and second conical surfaces having corresponding configurations adapted to mate with each other. The attachment lug is connected to the end region of the cylindrical member with the first and second conical surfaces mating with each other, the first and second conical surfaces being joined to each other by a bonding agent. The shell-like fork portion of the attachment lug is formed of a composite material, such as a thermosetting plastic reinforced by a continuous fiber structure.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod to be formed into a rod string for an oil well is made by placing a coupler unit having a box end on each end of the rod. The coupler unit has a bore extending the full length of the coupler unit. For fabrication, the coupling unit is telescoped over the rod and a conic expansion portion formed on the end of the rod so that the conic expansion portion may be jammed into a tapered bore on the rod. The conic expansion portion is formed when the end is clear of the coupling unit so that it may be well bonded to the rod by precise application of adhesive, heat, and pressure. By using box end couplings on the rod and pin end couplings on coupling units between the rod it is possible to have a smaller overall outside diameter for any given strength of coupling unit.

Abstract: An improved manually operated striking tool such as a pick, axe, hammer, sledge, or maul is made from a metal handle and an interactive metal plug which are caused to grip a working head by means of a steel bolt that passes through the plug and threadably engages the handle. The plug has a tapered sidewall and the handle has a tapered zone adjacent its extremity that engages the working head. The working head has a doubly tapered channel that seats the plug and handle in opposed, axially aligned relationship.

Abstract: A contour cut door beam for automobiles, and apparatus and method of forming same. A steel tube is contour cut with a laser beam from a source offset from an operative axis coincident with the tube axis, using simultaneous rotational and linear advancement between the tube and cutting beam to form an arcuate outer end terminus on the tube in a plane transverse to the axis, an arcuate inner terminus on the opposite side of the tube in a second plane transverse to the axis, and a pair of mirror image contoured edges joining said termini, with all portions being on radii relative to said axis.

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 device for carrying snow skis wherein a ski tip receiver is permanently secured at the upper surface of a snow ski defining a tapered cylindrical space sized to receive and grip a ski pole tip and oriented to permanently align the cylindrical space perpendicular to the length to the ski such that when a ski pole tip is inserted into the cylindrical space, the ski pole will be disposed perpendicular to the length of the ski. The invention permits skis to be carried by inserting a ski pole tip in each ski tip receiver, hoisting the ski poles on a skier's shoulder to align the skis vertically along, and spaced from, the back of the skier, and secure and steady the skis by gripping the ski poles with a hand.

Abstract: A taper connection between a chair column and a seat plate is proposed. The external taper of the chair column adjoins a cylindrical section of the chair column. The internal taper of the seat plate, fitted together with the external taper of the chair column, protrudes beyond the transition between cylindrical section and external taper.

Abstract: The socket for non-rotatably receiving a torsion member is so shaped that points of engagement between the external surfaces of the torsion member and the internal surfaces of the socket member travel as the torsion member is twisted, thereby greatly to increase the life of the torsion member.

Abstract: Several articles are disclosed consisting essentially of a ceramic shaft which fits into a recess in a metal shaft. The ceramic shaft is joined to the metal shaft by a ductile active brazing alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining sections to a knuckle in a spatial structure and including a first hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped out shell provided with a first plurality of equidistantly positioned holes and an inwardly bent perimeter area, a second hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped outer shell provided with a second plurality of equidistantly positioned holes, components for joining the first and second hollow base pieces to each other to form the knuckle with all holes of the first and second plurality of holes equidistantly positioned from each other, an internally threaded single piece element, a section having a face and being rigidly attached to the internally threaded single piece element so that the face rests upon the outer face of the knuckle, and a tightening screw having a head resting on the inner face of the knuckle and a body passing through one of the equidistantly positioned holes of the knuckle so as to engage by threading the single piece elemen

Abstract: A woodworking machine which has a driven woodworking head in the form of a sanding drum, planer head or molding head, the head being supported between a pair of spaced walls and a pair of bearings by a pair of Morse taper plugs, which are received respectively in the opposite ends of the head and which are driven whereby to drive the head, the plugs being removable from the head by shifting the same, when loosened, in longitudinal alignment with the head, whereby the head may be removed from the machine by lifting the same directly upwardly between the walls.

Abstract: In an apparatus for driving open-ended pipes through the ground, a hollow intermediate piece having a truncated conical transition portion with outlet openings for the removal of soil, which is forced into the pipe during driving, is disposed between the rearward end of the pipe and a pneumatic rammer for driving the pipe.

Abstract: A shaft and an impeller assembly are connected together in an interference fitted connection. Both the shaft and impeller assembly are coated with a corrosion resistant material and the connection is created between the coated surfaces at a region of complementary tapers.

Abstract: A hollow housing has a piston hammer arranged for reciprocation therein. hammer has a rear end chamber, an air distributing valve secured in the rear end portion of the housing and adapted to be received by the rear end chamber of the piston hammer. A headpiece is secured to the forward end portion of the housing and subjected to impact of the piston hammer. A retainer embraces by at least one of its ends, the forward end portion of the housing and is disposed coaxially relative to the housing and the headpiece to ensure clamping of the forward end portion of the housing between the retainer and the headpiece.

Abstract: A shaft and an impeller assembly formed by individual blade members are connected together in an interference fitted connection. Both the shaft and impeller assembly are coated with a corrosion resistant material and the connection is created between the coated surfaces.

Abstract: A helical down-hole machine comprises a plurality of sections, each such section having a helical rotor and a helical stator arranged with a preselected eccentricity to form cavities of variable volume for the passage of fluid therethrough and positioned axially in series. The identical elements of these sections, rotors or stators, are rigidly interconnected. The rigid connection of at least one of these identical elements of said sections is detachable by frictionally jointing a projection provided at the end of one such element and a recess provided at the end of the adjacent element to be secured against relative angular and axial displacements in the process of rotation.

Abstract: A retainer device is provided to prevent a pick head from sliding downwardly upon the wooden handle it is mounted upon. The device utilizes a thin bendable harness which wraps around the head and sides of the handle. Two shoulders are upraised from the upper surface of the harness and adapted to be outwardly oriented from the handle when the harness is wrapped around the handle. A pair of holding collars embrace the handle, engaging the shoulders. The pick head is positioned in abutment with the upper extremities of the collars.

Abstract: A pipe connector which comprises a tubular box member that is telescopically engageable with a tubular pin member, the members having corresponding frusto-conical inner and outer peripheral surfaces which overlie one another when the members are fully engaged together. To axially lock the members together, the frusto-conical surfaces are provided with pairs of interengageable annular projections and grooves. The projections and grooves have varying axial extents and spacings so that, as the members are telescoped together, in all intermediate positions of the members, there is sufficient contact between crests of the grooves and surfaces between the projections to prevent inadvertent premature engagement of a projection with a groove.

Abstract: A holder with a block-like, flat-sided main body carrying a key-holding ring at one end and having a C-shaped opposite end portion to which a ring-like detachable body is loosely but securely coupled. The detachable body is relatively thick and has a V-shaped notch in its outside surface, and the C-shaped portion has a relatively narrow passage extending from a central opening to one side edge of the main body, a finger on one side of the passage having a V-shaped end that is sized and shaped to pass the notched portion of the ring into the opening, with a non-jamming interference fit. A second key-holding ring is secured to the detachable body at a location ninety degrees from the notch, to tend to hold the notch away from the passage.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for securing an excavation tooth in a row of closely spaced teeth on large earth excavating equipment. The assembly includes a nose piece, an excavation tooth and a securement pin. The nose piece has a base portion which is secured in a conventional manner to the shovel or dipper bucket of the excavation equipment, and a tapered extension for carrying the tooth. The tapered extension of the nose piece defines a recessed flat horizontal surface at the extended end thereof inwardly spaced from the lateral sides of the nose piece to define a horizontal stabilizing surface bordered by a vertical stabilizing wall. The tooth has a channel therein corresponding in configuration to the tapered extension of the nose piece so that the nose piece can fit thereover in a mating relationship.

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 telescopic tube, comprising a plurality of relatively sliding tube members (10, 11) fitted within each other. Along a major part (L.sub.0) of their length, the tube members are straight cylindrical tubes whose ends are provided with conical bulges (14, 15), so that one end is provided with an external cone (14) which diverges towards the end and the other end is provided with an internal cone (15) which converges towards the end. The latter end is surrounded by an external annular flange (16). The external and internal conical bulges (14) and (15) of individual tube members (10) and (11) are wedged against each other with friction engagement and keep the telescopic tube in the extended condition.

Abstract: A drill string joint of the type shown and described in Rassieur U.S. Pat. No. Re. 26,938, in which the coupling surfaces are tapered.

Abstract: An attachment for driving pipe wherein a plurality of concentric sleeves having diminishing diameters are arranged in driving engagement with a pipe end with a driving hammer operating to impart a driving force to the pipe, the sleeves being arranged to form a generally concial configuration such that the sleeves are in contact with each other at points which lie along lines of contact intersecting at the axis of the driving hammer to form an acute included angle.

Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.

Abstract: A resilient ferrule cover for joining tapered tubular sections of a fishing rod wherein the ferrule cover is slid over a male ferrule portion with one end of the ferrule cover abutting a female ferrule while covering an exposed portion of the male ferrule and the other end of the ferrule cover abuts a chamfered transition between the male ferrule and its supporting rod segment. After the ferrule is repeatedly assembled, wear of the parts increases, and the ferrule cover, since it is flexible, rides up over the portion of the rod to which the male ferrule is attached, assuring a continued firm ferrule junction while covering the exposed ferrule portion.