Abstract: Provided herewith is a system for assembling a temporary structure using a plurality of separate members. A first member has ends at opposite sides of an elongated body portion, with notches on the top and bottom sides of each end. A second member has ends with notches formed on opposite between the ends. These notches enable the first and second members to engage with other such separate members. A third member has a triangular shape that functions as a roof truss with opposing sloped surfaces and an underside. A pair of truss notches is formed at positions corresponding to the notches of the first member, for each engaging with one of the plurality of separate members. The third member also includes feature hooks, formed on the sloped surfaces, for engaging with a fourth member defined by a planar roofing material having a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A hide for a small animal habitat is provided. The hide includes a base, four side panels, a roof and one or more coupling mechanisms for removably coupling the hide to the base. A plurality of coupling mechanisms is contemplated and include tabs having a radially extending flange, an L-shaped in cross section clip, and a rotatable disc.

Abstract: An ornamental monitor border device is disclosed. The device includes a substantially U-shaped frame, a track disposed on an interior side of the frame, and a plurality of protruding members disposed on an exterior side of the frame. The track includes a receptacle adapted to slidably engage an edge of a monitor thereby enabling a user to mount the U-shaped frame onto the monitor. The plurality of protruding members include light sources or decorative members that extend outwardly from the frame. The frame includes electrical wiring that is operably coupled to the plurality of protruding members and an electrical connector for connection to an electrical socket and providing power to the plurality of protruding members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a didactic set of pieces for assembling structures, which comprises pieces (1)(2)(3) of optional usage for assembling structures with didactic purposes, comprising compatible assembly pieces (1)(2)(3) and provided with means of reciprocal assembly (4)(5)(16) that, assembled between each other, are able to form structures. It comprises a basic set (1) of pieces (1a)(1b)(1c)(1d)(1e)(1f) which assembly slots (4)(5) are open on any or all the sides (11)(12)(13)(14) comprising the piece perimeter.

Abstract: A building toy and a method of building with it. The toy is designed to be constructed of a rigid and generally non-deformable material such as but not limited to, wood and particularly hardwood, and is constructed in the fashion of a log-style building toy. The toy utilizes interconnecting notches in its construction, but provides for a variety of specialized pieces which allow for interconnection of parts where there is one notch but not another, as well as the ability to build roofs, floors, and specialty structures such as fireplaces through the use of specialized components. Further, the use of more strongly connecting components allows for stronger structures to be built.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: A fence (1) has at least two hollow fence posts (2), between which at least two crossbeams (3) extend, where each crossbeam (3) fits into an opening (4) provided in the fence post (2), a plate-shaped blocking element (5) extending into the cavity of the fence post (2) which is provided to block the crossbeams (3) against displacement, where the crossbeam (3) is provided in its external circumference with at least one recess (6) which lies within the hollow inner area of the fence post (2) and wherein the plate-shaped blocking element (5) is movable between a first position and a second position in which the crossbeam (3) is blocked in place.

Abstract: A structural system and method of assembly comprising structural members with slots, and interior structural members. Specific structural members are sequentially interconnected in rigid alignment. A first structural member is positioned with two upward facing slots. Additional structural members are added by engaging downward facing slots of the additional structure members with upward facing slots of the prior structural member. The structural members further include engagement features in cooperating slots. A protruding features engages a recess to retain the engaged structural members. The features may be a partial sphere and a matching recess which may be disassembly, or a tapered protrusion having a squared-off rear edge which resists disassembly, or one of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A building toy and a method of building with it. The toy is designed to be constructed of a rigid and generally non-deformable material such as, but not limited to, wood and particularly hardwood, and is constructed in the fashion of a log-style building toy. The toy utilizes interconnecting notches in its construction, but provides for a variety of specialized pieces which allow for interconnection of parts where there is one notch but not another, as well as the ability to build roofs, floors, and specialty structures such as fireplaces through the use of specialized components. Further, the use of more strongly connecting components allows for stronger structures to be built.

Abstract: An assembly for integrating an elongate structural member such as a post or a beam, and one or more panels is provided. The elongate structural member includes a notch defined within the elongate structural member. The notch includes a base surface and two side surfaces at opposite ends of the base surface. At least one of the side surfaces is tiered, with the tiered side surface including an inner portion and an outer portion that are substantially parallel to each other. The inner portion is substantially perpendicular and is adjacent to the base surface. The outer portion is offset from the inner portion and is positioned further away from the other side surface compared to the inner portion. A first panel is positioned within the notch and in contact with at least the base surface and the inner portion of the tiered surface. A second panel may also be positioned within the notch.

Abstract: A timber structural member is provided. The structural member includes a first timber round having a first cooperating surface extending longitudinally along the length thereof, and a second timber round having a second cooperating surface extending longitudinally along the length thereof. The first cooperating surface is shaped to cooperate with the second cooperating surface and the two timber rounds are secured together to form a structurally integral unit in which the first cooperating surface is in contact with the second cooperating surface and the first timber round is substantially parallel to the second timber round. The first timber round is secured to the second timber round by a plurality of fasteners spaced along the length of the member, the plurality of fasteners including fasteners provided at both acute and obtuse angles from a longitudinal axis of the structural member.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of construction and in particular to a modular construction system used for building of construction modules. The construction system comprises plurality of flat elements (1) with identical thickness C and having slots (3) on at least one of its long sides (4), as the slots (3) are located at a distance from each other so that the flat elements (1) can intersect each other through their slots (3) in order to form a grid. The elements (1) of the system have slots (3) located at equal distances n or b from each other where the ratio n:b is within the range from 1:1 to 1:10. The building construction module is made as three-dimensional frame structure shaped like polyhedron including a floor (20), a ceiling (21) and at least two walls (22) grids connected together. The grids are made by intersecting through slots (3) flat elements (1).

Abstract: A set of building blocks are provided for building up to a unique structure using substantially simply designed blocks. The building blocks according to the present invention are classified into a first piece P1 and a second piece P2. The first piece P1 has a groove G provided therein of which two surfaces Ga, Ga are tilted symmetrically from the reference plane H orthogonal to a flat plane S or a plane S? including the flat plane S. The bottom Gb of the groove G extends parallel with the flat plane S. The second piece P2 has at least a corner edge thereof arranged at a right angle, when viewed in the lengthwise direction of the groove G, to engage with the groove G with its one side Af coming substantially in face contact with the grooves G. In particular, the width WS of the flat plane S is greater than the width WG of the groove G along the direction perpendicular to the reference plane H while the flat plane S and the groove G are coincided with each other at the center of the width WS, WG.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to green roof, deck and patio apparatuses, also known as roof, deck and patio landscaping apparatuses and roof, deck and patio gardens, that are suitable for supporting live plant growth on building decks, rooftop and patio surfaces.

Abstract: A folding toy figurine includes a lid formed from a flat foldable stock and has a top wall and side walls when it is folded into erect position. The toy also has a box component which is formed from flat foldable stock which, when folded into erect position, has a bottom wall, walls and a hollow interior. At least one of side walls has a small slot therein and a lid fitting snugly over the box component to form a hollow box. The toy has parts that are loosely held inside the box. At least one of the parts is removable from the interior of the box and insertable into said small slot in side wall, from the exterior thereof. The invention also provides a method of making parts with boundaries for insertion into slots.

Abstract: A log based building system including a plurality of logs having different lengths and a square cross section; at least one connector having an opening sized to slide over an end of a stack of at least two logs and thereby clamp the at least two logs together. The two logs can include notches that allow a third log to be clamped in place by the connector, this arrangement allows for building toys with long reach arms.

Abstract: A log based building system including a plurality of logs having different lengths and a square cross section; at least one connector having an opening sized to slide over an end of a stack of at least two logs and thereby clamp the at least two logs together. The two logs can include notches that allow a third log to be clamped in place by the connector, this arrangement allows for building toys with long reach arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large variety of pieces having shapes that naturally occur in living things and nature. The objective is to construct art objects sculptures of people, animals, plants and other products of nature rather than representations of man made buildings, amusements or machinery. The assembled art objects have a soft texture due to the predominantly curved parts and almost total absence of straight edges or sharp corners.

Abstract: Cogging piece (1) for use when notching log constructional elements (2) to other log constructional elements (2) or to corresponding separate log constructional elements (9). The cogging piece is adapted to be attached to both ends of each log constructional element (2) and to the end of each end constructional element (9) that is adapted to face a cogged joint. The cogging piece (1) is provided with lateral (4at, 4bt, 7at, 7bt) and axial (5at, 5bt, 6at, 6bt) inclined surfaces that are adapted to rest against corresponding axial and lateral surfaces respectively of cogging pieces attached to below and/or above intersecting log constructional elements and end constructional elements. Thus an increasing vertical force on a wall leads to an increased axial contraction of the cogged joints in the same wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular elements made of insulating materials for constructions, provided with at least one network element in the interior; to a network obtained by connecting modular elements; to a supporting structure achieved by casting a hardening material in the network achieved by connecting the modular elements and joining them through the supporting structure, as well as to the process for obtaining thereof. The modular element has an interior network element made up of at least two main half joints and optionally it may have one or more secondary half-joints, connected through vertical and oblique channels. The network obtained by assembling the modular elements is made up of main and secondary joints, connected trough vertical, horizontal and oblique channels. The unitary supporting structure is obtained by casting a material that will be harden in the unitary network for the entire construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a log-cabin type façade for cladding walls in internal and external areas. Said façade comprises elongated contoured elements (12) and corner elements (16), which are designed to produce an interior corner and an exterior corner for internal and external areas.

Abstract: Panels for assembling a sandbox frame include an elongate A panel and an elongate B panel. Each panel has an end portion terminating in an end edge. The end edge is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the panel. A first cord receiving notch is disposed in the A panel end edge. A second cord receiving notch is disposed in the B panel end edge. A first elongate A slot is proximate the A panel end portion. The first slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the A panel. A second elongate B slot is proximate the B panel end portion. The second slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the B panel. A first groove is disposed in the A panel end portion. The first groove is oriented transverse to the A panel length dimension. The groove is recessed from a main surface of the A panel and defined by opposed groove walls wherein one of the groove walls is beveled. When the A and B panels are assembled, the A panel slot interlocks with the B panel slot.

Abstract: A construction set is made up of parts having biomorphic shapes, parts having geometric shapes and parts with shapes resembling whole or parts of living things. The parts have provisions for attachment to one an other that allow maximum freedom of linear and angular relationships between mating parts, and have instructions for use allowing assembly of objects that are freely formed by the imagination and creativity of the user.

Abstract: An improvement to a self powered fire alarm consisting of an improved housing sealing method that improves the reliability of the alarm by preventing insect infiltration. Additional improvements consist of an improved alarm activated notification, along with the incorporation of a wind down prevention detail and a retainer for the winding key. Each of these improvements provides additional benefit to the user.

Abstract: The invention titled “Roof System for a Log Building Toy” (hereinafter “The Roof”) under this section consists of the design of the parts and the unique process of assembly of The Roof. The design of the pieces of The Roof include logs and slats that provide a new and unique manner of assembly of a log building toy or construction play set. The name of the pieces, proper identification, their description, functions and physical characteristics are described in detail on The Specification attached as well as in the nine drawings submitted along with the application. The process of assembly consists on the edification of The Roof by placing and positioning two Lateral Support Logs on sides on top of building's structure, a Central Support Log on the center on top of building's structure, and then placing the Special Roof Slats a the top of the building, which are held together in place by the Lateral Support Logs to get The Roof fully assembled.

Abstract: Building elements for constructing a play structure comprise polyethylene members. In one embodiment, the members are extruded cylinders and include notches or other interlocking features. In another embodiment, the members are flat panels and include notches, teeth, apertures or other interlocking features. A play structure comprises a plurality of the building elements connected to one another. In one embodiment, the play structure comprises a cabin. Walls of the cabin are constructed by interlocking elongate wall elements. The cabin includes a roof constructed from interlocked flat panels or slats. A roof support elevates the roof over the walls and connects the roof to the walls. A method of constructing a play structure comprises assembling a plurality of the building elements.

Abstract: A set (1) for the composition of bi-dimensional images into tri-dimensional form, comprising a panel plurality (2), each panel (21, 22, 23, 24) reproducing a respective bi-dimensional image, and a support unit (3), apt to support the panels so that they are substantially parallel to a same plane, which unit has members (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) rotatably connected one to the other by rotatable connection means (5), to make the set assume a plurality of exhibition configurations and a minimal encumbrance configuration, wherein the panels and the support unit have reversible means of mutual engagement (4) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: The invention provides a weather-resistant exterior building material which has been unavailable in the past with respect to characteristics of keeping harmful insects such as white ants, and so forth away therefrom, light weight, a long service life, insusceptibility to variation in temperature, hygroscopicity, and easiness in fabrication, and an exterior article made up of the same. The weather-resistant exterior building material according to the invention makes use of a compact formed of RB ceramic, CRB ceramic, or fire-resistant CRB ceramic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for building a wall. It includes a first log having a substantially cylindrical surface and at least one axially-extending groove formed in the substantially cylindrical surface, a second long and an elongated chink. The first log, the elongated chink, and the second log are collectively adapted for mutual contact such that both the first log and an axially-extending protruding surface of the first elongated chink abut the second log to form a first chamber bounded in part by the first log, the first elongated chink, and the second log.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.

Abstract: A structural system is comprised of two components. The first component is an I-shaped bearing member having an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The upper and lower flanges have undercuts formed therein. The second component is a connection member having a notch in each corner for engaging the undercuts in the upper and lower flanges. The components of this system may be used to construct a structural component comprising a plurality of I-shaped bearing members positioned parallel to one another. A plurality of connection members interconnect the bearing members; the two upper notches of the connection member engage the undercuts in the upper flanges of two adjacent bearing members while the two lower notches engage the undercuts in the lower flanges of two adjacent bearing members. A method of constructing a structural component is comprised of positioning a plurality of bearing members parallel to one another.

Abstract: The invention titled “Roof System for a Log Building Toy” (hereinafter “The Roof”) under this section consists of the design of the parts and the unique process of assembly of The Roof.

Abstract: Building elements for constructing a play structure comprise polyethylene members. In one embodiment, the members are extruded cylinders and include notches or other interlocking features. In another embodiment, the members are flat panels and include notches, teeth, apertures or other interlocking features. A play structure comprises a plurality of the building elements connected to one another. In one embodiment, the play structure comprises a cabin. Walls of the cabin are constructed by interlocking elongate wall elements. The cabin includes a roof constructed from interlocked flat panels or slats. A roof support elevates the roof over the walls and connects the roof to the walls. A method of constructing a play structure comprises assembling a plurality of the building elements.

Abstract: A submersible artificial fish bed is provided formed of hollow members that are self flooded in order to be placed.

Abstract: A game or toy comprises a plurality of rectangular elements each having a substantially square upper face and a substantially square lower face interconnected by four rectangular side faces. The upper face of each element has an alphanumeric character printed on it or molded onto or into it. The side faces of each element are dimensioned so that the elements are free-standing on any side face. Two adjacent side faces of each element have projecting half star shaped connectors means formed on them, while the other two adjacent side faces have complementary grooves shaped to receive and retain the retain the projecting connectors of another such element, so that the elements can be joined together side face to side face in two mutually perpendicular direction to form a two dimensional crossword or number game. Auxiliary connecting elements are provided for connecting the rectangular elements together with their upper faces at right angles, so that the game can be played in three dimensions.

Abstract: A grooved construction lumber element for use in constructing lumber structures such as wall framing, roof trusses, load bearing beams, deck and stair railings, and the like, is described. The construction lumber element is comprised of a straight lumber piece having a plurality of spacing grooves disposed in at least one surface of the lumber piece. The spacing grooves have a predetermined depth and are configured to receive therein an associated further lumber element to construct a specific building structure. At least some of the spacing grooves are disposed at common spaced intervals. The lumber element is preferably an elongated straight wood lumber piece of rectangular cross-section and defines opposed flat parallel surfaces and opposed flat parallel side edge surfaces. The spacing grooves are formed in one of the flat surfaces.

Abstract: A structure-forming construction element for a toy log building set, such as those sold under the well known “Lincoln Logs”. The construction element, typically a molding of plastic material, is formed with a plurality of adjacent sockets for the reception and gripping of log elements in parallel, side-by-side relation. In a typical form, the construction element is positioned on a support, and the log elements are oriented vertically in the sockets provided. A second, similar construction element may be placed on top of the upper ends of the logs. Side walls of the sockets can be notched to provide a castellated appearance, such that a structure with vertically spaced construction elements and vertical log elements has the appearance of a castle tower.

Abstract: A building system which uses a plurality of interlocking members which can be used to construct an unlimited number of structures which can be assembled, disassembled and used by children and adults. The building system requires no tools, fasteners or adhesives, yet creates rigid and sturdy structures of all sizes, through interlocking ends and edges.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical-shaped log having two planar surfaces substantially perpendicular to each other formed on the surface of the log with the remaining surface being generally cylindrical to provide structural support which is superior to that of a building log unit with only a cylindrical surface. The building log provides the child an option of interior and exterior play surfaces and further selectively provides a traditional exterior of round logs as well as a more modern exterior of a substantially planar facade, as well as providing a log structure which has excellent stability and structural strength when used as a base log, as well as a log placed in a intermediate position in a structure.

Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: A corner joint for a structure formed of stacked timbers, such as a "log" house, and a form of timber for use in the same. The timbers may be tongue-and-groove members milled from wooden stock. The joint structure is formed by two channels which are cut vertically on opposite sides of the timber, with cutout notches being formed through the timber above and below a central tenon. The sidewalls on each vertical channel are curved, one being concave and the other convex. When assembled to form the joint, the convex sidewalls nest within the concave sidewalls so as to form a tight, stable interfit and also eliminate the direct line path which might emit light, air, or water to the interior of the building through the joint.

Abstract: A log assembly set provides an assortment of logs and gable pieces. On opposite sides, each regular log and locking log has notches spaced an end length from each end and a separation length apart from each other. Primarily used to form a base upon which to build a structure, each floor plate log has these notches on one side but is flat on its other side Each locking log has on one side a recess section between each notch. The logs are designed to connect perpendicularly to each other via notch interfacing to form walls wherein the logs lie one longitudinally atop another. Floor boards form flooring between a pair of opposed walls. Each wall can incorporate locking logs such that each locking log disposed in one wall is coplanar with another locking log disposed in the opposite wall. Each floor board can be lockingly retained via the recess sections with each end of the board being retained between the recess-bearing middle section of a locking log and a non-recess-bearing middle section of another log.

Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: According to the present invention a building element comprises a generally planar panel defining at least one substantially straight side end and a first connecting lug extending co-planarly to the panel from the substantially straight side end. The first connecting lug extends along only a portion of said straight side end, and a slot is provided in the form of an elongate aperture extending partly into the first connecting lug or partly into the panel adjacent to the first connecting lug. The slot extends adjacent to the straight side end and parallel thereto, and the slot is open at one end thereof. The arrangement is such that two building elements with slots being open at opposite ends can be attached to each other by positioning the panels at right angles to each other and sliding the slots over each other in a direction along the straight side ends in order that the slots engage the elements. The invention also relates to structures formed by using the above elements.

Abstract: A constructional toy system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to construct an object. Each piece has at least one section having opposing first and second notches, and a tongue defining a neck between the first and second notches, the tongue having a width and opposing first and second flaps. Each piece further includes at least one aperture having an edge and having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the tongue so that the opposing flaps of the tongue of one of the sections of the instant piece or another piece must be bent to insert the tongue through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the section with the instant piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: A building unit for constructing a structure, the unit being in the shape of a generally cylindrical log formed by a light-weight, resilient core encased snugly in a fabric covering have the same shape as the core.

Abstract: A toy construction set is described having construction modules with male connectors and female connectors on selected ends thereof. Each male connector comprises a projecting pin of generally rounded cross-section with an outwardly projecting shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof. Each female connector comprises a generally square socket formed by a pair of projecting opposed L-shaped fins with one leg of each L-shaped fin being no more than one half the length of the other leg thereby providing gaps on opposite sides of a module. The fins also have grooves on inside faces thereof adapted to receive and hold in a snap fit the projecting shoulder of a male connector. With this arrangement, the modules can be simply snapped together while at the same time being rotatable relative to each other. This rotatable feature adds a new dimension to the constructions and greatly increases play value. The design of the female connector socket also simplifies the moulding of the modules because there are no undercuts.

Abstract: A construction kit for toy building structures includes a plurality of basic planar logs having a slightly rounded edge on the lower face and male couplings on the lateral ends thereof. A plurality of alternative planar logs with a brick like patterned surface and male couplings on the lateral ends thereof are interchangeable with the above mentioned logs. The logs may be interconnected with angular connecting blocks having female receiving slots on four adjacent sides with a recessed area and a raised neck on opposing ends to accommodate adjoining blocks. The plurality of planar logs may be interconnected with architectural fixtures having receiving slots on the lateral edges. Recessed areas at angular points of the singular roof unit interconnects with the raised neck of the connecting blocks to form the skeletal structure. Raised receiving slots on opposing sides of the angular roof top and indentions along the roof line accommodate roof fixtures.

Abstract: A miniature building has walls surrounding an area and forming corners where pairs of adjacent walls meet. Each wall is formed by a series of horizontal elongated wall members stacked one upon the other, the wall members of each wall being interlocked with adjacent wall members of an adjacent wall at each corner formed by a pair of adjacent walls. A pair of opposed walls has upper portions extending above at least one other wall, and a roof is mounted on the upper portions of the pair of opposed walls. The roof is formed by a series of horizontal elongated roof members located one above the other in stepped formation, the wall members of the upper wall portions being interlocked with the elongated roof members. The building also has at least one retaining assembly retaining the elongated members of the roof and walls in position.

Abstract: A tubular wall member useful for the erection of building structures comprises an end connector inserted into the open ends of a hollow tubular member. The end connector provides a flat, substantially circular front end portion and a rearward extending body portion comprising two spaced, matchingly notched, parallel plates. Tabs rearwardly extending from the periphery of the circular front end of the connector are provided with the rear end portion thereof bent upwardly and forward so that when the front of the end connector is inserted into the open end of the tubular member, the bent tabs contact the end of the tubular member.