Abstract: A connector for connecting discrete modular storage units defined by plural hollow elongate support members having longitudinal ends including apertures into which vertical connection members can be inserted to connect adjacent modules. The inserts may be of a predetermined length to connect two horizontally adjacent modules or a length twice the predetermined length to connect two horizontally adjacent modules. For vertically and horizontally connected modules, the inventive connector may be utilized to connect modular shelving units having both an in-line and perpendicular configuration. The connector ideally comprises two identical insert members joined to each other in a desired orientation, so that the modules can be connected in different configurations, whether in-line, staggered or perpendicularly. The inventive connector also vertically connects the horizontally configured shelving modules to a variety of vertically disposed and configured shelving module units in a desired configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable connector for elongated members is provided having a mount attached to a first elongated member, such as a chair support, and a tubular arm assembly pivotally connected to the mount and attached to a second elongated member, such as an umbrella or flag. The arm assembly is selectively positioned in relation to the mount by adjusting pegs that extend from the arm assembly and engage receivers in the mount. A tubular cam within the arm assembly is connected to a tubular sleeve on the exterior of the arm assembly. The sleeve is slid toward the mount causing the cam to disengage the pegs from the mount receivers permitting repositioning of the arm assembly from a position adjacent to the mount, through perpendicular to a position parallel to the mount. The connector may be collapsed and remain connected to the elongated members when not in use.

Abstract: A coupling device 1 for releasably coupling first and second axially aligned hollow tubes 10 and 11 end to end. The coupling device comprises a substantially cylindrical body 2 that is adapted to be received within the adjacent ends of the first and second tubes 10 and 11, wherein the device includes an adjustment mechanism 3 operable for radially expanding and contracting the cylindrical body 2. In an expanded state of the cylindrical body 2, the coupling device forms a friction joint with each of the tubes, locking the tubes relative to each other. The cylindrical body 2 includes one or two longitudinal slots 4 to allow expansion and contraction of the cylindrical body. The coupling device is particularly used for the joining of pole sections of dance exercise poles.

Abstract: A height adjustable accessory structure includes a C-shaped ring disposed in an engaging sleeve including a main sleeve body and an assistant sleeve body engaged with each other for allowing insertion and positioning of an engaging rod with a plurality of engaging portions. The bottom of the engaging rod includes a tightening section and an engaging member whose size is between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the engaging sleeve. The tightening section allows free deformation of elastic hooks at the bottom of the engaging sleeve, thus allowing the elastic hooks to successfully pass through the sleeve and enabling the elastic hooks to be positioned below the engaging sleeve after inserting through the sleeve. The engaging member will be stopped against the engaging sleeve, and the engaging rod cannot be pulled away from the engaging sleeve.

Abstract: A securing apparatus, including: a deformable body, wherein the body is configured to provide a secure interference fit with at least one article to which it is fitted, and an aperture within the body, wherein the aperture is configured to accept a noncircular section of a releasing tool, wherein the securing apparatus is only unlocked by the operation of the releasing tool with respect to the body and is locked at all other times upon removal of the releasing tool.

Abstract: A snap-fit arrangement for joining component parts, such as tubular sections and fittings includes a male coupling and a female coupling. A portion of the male coupling extends from one component part and includes cantilever prongs with enlarged heads. The exposed portion of the male coupling and prong heads are structured and disposed for insertion into another component part and through the female coupling until the prong heads exit the inner end of the female coupling and snap outwardly into locked engagement, thereby releasably connecting the two component parts.

Abstract: A pole connector assembly for connecting adjacent pole sections in order to construct a pole. In some embodiments, these pole connector assemblies have two inserts connected together by a fastener. Each of the two inserts can be received within an open end of a respective pole section. The fastener can be received within an aperture in each of the inserts in order to connect the pole sections together. In some embodiments, each insert can have at least one projection that extends into the pole section within which the insert is received. The fastener can limit the at least one projection from being inwardly deflected in order to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section. In other embodiments, the fastener can have at least one deformable portion to allow the fastener to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section.

Abstract: In a device for coupling a tooth onto an adaptor nose with a key, the tooth includes a skirt shrouding the adapter nose beyond the key passage zone and having a configuration connected to a return wall, comprising a bordering ridge. The wall is provided in the width of the skirt and corresponds to the passage and positioning of the key. Proximate the ends of the wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, are provided passage openings for the key devoid of abutting function in operation and ensuring a guiding and stopping function only when the key is inserted or removed. The key comprises two components transversely mobile relative to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hitch receiver/implement threaded fastening assembly. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel device for securing in place an implement such as a tow bar, ball mount, bicycle rack, and the like, in a hitch receiver mounted on a vehicle. The device replaces a conventional draw pin. An insert device for removably securing a tube type shank of an implement to a hitch receiver tube comprising a resilient elongated double “U”-shaped frame which at a first central location bends in a “U”-shape along a first plane, and the pair of arms of the frame at a pair of complementary second locations on the frame, bending in a pair of “U”-shapes in parallel along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, a first nut secured within one of the arms of the second “U”-shape, and a second nut secured within the other of the arms of the second “U”-shape, the first and second nuts being spaced and aligned in parallel arrangement with one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tightening a draw bar, hitch bar or accessory mounting post in a receiver box of a trailer hitch receiver assembly. The apparatus broadly includes a body having an intermediate section with a threaded aperture and a pair of projecting mounting lugs. The apparatus also includes a threaded mounting bolt for engaging the threaded aperture in the body. The body is essentially W-shaped including a pair of shoulders on the intermediate section and a beaded tip at the end of each projecting mounting lug which securely seat and hold the tightening apparatus in the lumen of a tubular hitch bar. The threaded connecting pin is tightened in the threaded aperture in the intermediate section of the body when the hitch bar is positioned in the receiver box in order to tighten the hitch bar against the wall of the receiver box and prevent rattling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot. This invention also relates to vehicles having parts connected with the above sealing spring fasteners.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention provide a pole connector assembly for connecting adjacent pole sections in order to construct a pole. Preferably, these pole connector assemblies have two inserts connected together by a fastener. Each of the two inserts is received within an open end of a respective pole section. The fastener is preferably received within an aperture in each of the inserts in order to connect the pole sections together. In some preferred embodiments, each insert has at least one projection that extends into the pole section within which the insert is received. Preferably, the projection can be deflected in order to engage (or more fully engage) the insert within its corresponding pole section. Preferably, the projection can be deflected by the fastener and/or by one or more internal surfaces of the pole section as the insert is inserted within the pole section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot.

Abstract: A replaceable top tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube retractably received therein. Two sleeves are respectively connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and two locking plates are respectively connected to the two sleeves. Two hooks are respectively connected to the inner tube and the outer tube so that when the sleeves are pulled, the locking plates are moved away from the hooks so as to hook the seat post and the handlebar stem of a bicycle. Each of the two sleeves are positioned by a resilient member.

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

Abstract: A quick coupling arrangement installed in a telescopic shaft between an upper shaft section, including a bushing fixedly fastened to the bottom end of the upper shaft section, a tapered, threaded connector fixedly fastened to the top end of the lower shaft section, and a split, peripherally embossed screw cap threaded onto the threaded connector and rotated relative to the connector between a first position where the screw cap is radially expanded and forced into engagement with the inside wall of the upper shaft section to stop the lower shaft section from axial movement relative to the upper shaft section, and a second position where the screw cap is released from the inside wall of the upper shaft section for enabling the lower shaft section and the upper shaft section to be moved axially relative to each other.