Abstract: A connecting structure is provided. The structure includes a post with a first end, middle portion, and a second end, a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to the first end, extending toward the second end in a V-shape.

Abstract: A tube connector includes an anchor body having a lengthwise through-passage and a bolt head cavity. The through-passage and bolt head cavity are open to a side of the anchor body. One end of the anchor body has a tool-access opening and the other end has a tapered portion. A bolt extends through the tapered end portion and has its head located in the bolt head cavity. The bold is inserted into the anchor body via the side opening. A tightening body has a lengthwise through-passage through which the bolt extends and a tapered end portion facing the tapered end portion of the anchor body. A nut engages upon the bolt, and an expansion body has a pair of opposed inward facing ramp surfaces, one of which bears against the tapered portion of the anchor body and the other of which bears against the tapered portion of the tightening body. Upon relative rotation between the bolt and nut the tightening body moves toward the anchor body to expand the expansion body against an internal surface of the tube end.

Abstract: A snap-in coupling for releasably connecting a first structural member and a second structural member. The snap-in coupling comprises a female coupling member comprising a plastic support member and a metallic spring clamp, said support member being insertable into a socket provided at said first structural member such that the female coupling member is retained therein, and a male coupling member comprising a mounting portion for being fixed to said second structural member, and a head portion. Said spring clamp and said head portion are arranged to snappingly engage each other when said female coupling member and said male coupling member are inserted into each other.

Abstract: A joint, usable as a component of a golf club, including an outer sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface; an inner sleeve having a proximal end, an outer surface in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the outer sleeve, a slit, and a projection ring having an inner diameter; and an inner projection having a proximal end sized to be in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the inner sleeve, a distal end, a key sized to be slidably fit in the slit of the inner sleeve, a proximal taper, a distal taper and a maximum diameter, the maximum diameter being larger than the inner diameter of the projection ring, the maximum diameter being selectively passable through the projection ring.

Abstract: A collapsible handrail mechanism for steps or a ladder including: an outer stringer and an inner stringer jointly pivotable about a pivot point; a stanchion located between the outer and inner stringers and pivotally mounted to at least one of the stringers; a latching mechanism through which the stanchion passes and to which at least one of the stringers is pivotally mounted at the said pivot point; the latching mechanism having a slide plate preventing substantial downwards movement of the stanchion, a top plate preventing substantial upwards movement of the stanchion, and a side plate preventing substantial sideways movement of the stanchion; whereas, in operation of the handrail mechanism from a stowed position, when the stringers are lowered the stanchion is thereby forced to slide on the slide plate causing the stanchion to pivot about its mounting up into an operational position.

Abstract: A connection for a rod and pin includes a two piece housing molded from hard plastic which defining a cavity enclosing a soft elastomeric isolator on one end of the rod. The housing pieces also define a pin receiving cavity with retention prongs which engage and hold a pin inserted therein. The housing pieces are able to be snap fit assembled by interfitting prongs and receptacles formed on each housing piece. The housing pieces are molded together as one part, connected by an integral hinge allowing the housing parts to be swung into abutment with each other to be snap fit together.

Abstract: A connecting member for structural sandwich plate members comprises a prismatic metal body having one, or preferably two, tapered edges which provide landing surfaces and weld preparations for the face plates of the structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: Device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members for locking in the longitudinal direction the first element relative to the second element, which include a lock washer arranged around the first element and whereof a circumferential portion is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a point distant from said supports so as to bring the lock washer into an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element relative to the second element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device (1) for detachably connecting two abutting structural parts (2, 3) comprises a tie member (4), adapted to be at least partially inserted in a recess (5) formed in a first (2) of the structural parts (2, 3), and a locking element (6) operable to be disposed in a second (3) of the structural parts (2, 3) and to cooperate with an engagement surface (14, 45) of a rod member (10), slidably housed in a body (8) of the tie member (4), to pull the same towards the second structural part (3). The body (8) is provided with a first, expandable, portion (9) adapted to frictionally engage the recess (5) and with an engaging zone (13) cooperating with an expander region (12) of the rod member (10) operable to expand the first, expandable, portion (9) of the body (8) upon displacement of the rod member (10) relative to the same.

Abstract: A joining arrangement for use in the construction of stud frames and for releasable attachment of a first member to a second structural member forming part of the frame. The first member includes in at least one side wall a female recess which, when the members are joined, engages a corresponding male protrusion in at least one wall of the second member. The respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are generally in alignment thereby securing the first member to the second member and wherein the first member is a stud and the second member is a plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting profile for structures used at fairs and exhibitions which is provided, on the exterior thereof, with longitudinally extending grooves for connecting additional supporting profiles, and which, in a core area, comprises a receiving compartment for a turnbuckle. This receiving compartment is part of an adapter piece which is inserted into guides of the supporting profile and which is axially retained by securing means that are inserted into bore holes of the profile. In addition, an end plate is provided which is adapted to the cross-section of the supporting profile, which is placed at least on an open face of the supporting profile, and which is connected to the adapter piece. This end plate can be configured as a shaped body in order to be adapted to the outer curvature of a round profile. In addition, the end plate can also comprise a joint part so that additional supporting profiles can be connected in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A frame member miter guide or brace has first and second legs configured for insertion and engagement with adjoining frame members at a mitered joint, the miter guide having a stop with stop edges which accurately position intersecting walls of the frame members for precise alignment of the mitered joint. Stop edges of the stop correspond with the correct positions of the frame members, so that the members are held in place for final attachment and installation. Positive engagement of edges of the frame member walls with the stop edges insures highly accurate orientation of the mitered joint. A fracture line for welded installation of the frame members, and a leg profile which minimizes damage in handling and installation is also described.

Abstract: A coupling device used for driving or in the drives of, agricultural implements or machinery, has a first universal joint (2) with a first outer yoke (3) a first inner yoke (4), a second universal joint (5) with a second outer yoke (6) and a second inner yoke (7). A connecting member (8) connects the first inner yoke (4) and the second inner yoke (7) to one another in a rotationally fast way. A first coupling element (12) is connected to the first outer yoke (3) in a rotationally fast way. A pressure spring (16) is axially supported against and pretensioned between a supporting element (15), which forms part of the connecting member (8), and the first coupling element (12). A longitudinal adjusting member enables an axial displacement of the first coupling element (12) relative to the supporting element (15).

Abstract: Large parallel and angular misalignment capabilities between coupled rotary shafts are provided in a torsionally rigid coupling by slidable and rotatable medial mounting of each of two radial, axially spaced, perpendicularly disposed torque pins through axially spaced radially perpendicular apertures through an axial connector and slidably trapping each end of each radial torque pin in an arcuate path between two apposed arms of one of two radially opposed forks projecting inwardly about either end of the axial connector from one of two yoked hubs. The perpendicular relation of the torque pins and slidable and rotatable medial mounting through the axial connector with ends trapped in opposed arcuate paths between radially opposed forks of each yoked hub allows displacement of the torque pins, with respect to the axial connector or the yoked hubs, about three mutually perpendicular axes thereby accommodating parallel and angular misalignment between coupled rotary shafts.

Abstract: A solid barrier, sound partition and privacy fence system including a plurality of interconnected fence panels whose ends are adapted to fit to pre-existing fence posts. The ends of the fence panels include attachment structure for releasably securing adjacent fence panels to one another around an existing fence post. The privacy fence system provides for installing a privacy fence that reuses existing cement anchored fence posts. The attachment structure may comprise either an interlocking fastening device or a threaded fastening device. The privacy fence may also include an optional fence post cap that is attached to the top portion of the existing poles. Each fence panel is constructed of a lightweight, one piece, molded material.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a centering axle having an engaging member defined at one end thereof, a sleeve encompassing a portion of the centering axle, and a clutch device that securely receives the sleeve and permits rotation of the centering axle and the sleeve in only one direction. The centering axle defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves, and the sleeve defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves corresponding to the grooves of the centering axle in an opposed manner. Each pair of opposed grooves of the centering axle and sleeve define a narrow passageway that accommodates a ball bearing that is slidable along the longitudinal axis of the centering axle and between the sleeve and centering axle. The ball bearing in each passageway permits longitudinal movement of the centering axle relative to the sleeve and prohibits rotation of the centering axle relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A fence rail mounting clip for connecting a hollow fence rail to a vertical post. The mounting clip includes a base that is selectively interlockable with a bracket. The bracket has a front surface with a peripheral wall extending normal to and outwardly therefrom to define a fence rail receptacle for receiving an end of the rail therein. A rail support extends normal to and outwardly from the front surface of the bracket from a position within the rail receptacle. The rail support is separated from the peripheral wall by a gap. The rail support terminates in an outermost edge which lies further from the front surface of the bracket than does the outermost edge of the peripheral wall. When the rail is received in the rail receptacle, the walls of the rail are received within the gap between the rail support and peripheral wall and are wedged therebetween, and the rail support extends into the bore of the hollow rail.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting mounting rails (2,3,4) in a double-T joint includes an intermediate member (11) having two, extending substantially parallel to each other, legs (12) and a connection section (13), connecting the two legs (12), and at least one receiving member (26) connectable with the intermediate member (11) and having two, extending substantially parallel to each other legs (27), a connection section (28) for connecting the two legs (27), and a setting-in element for engaging in at least one of plurality of spaced from each other and located opposite each other, elementary receptacles (18) provided in at least one leg (12) of the intermediate member (11).

Abstract: A portable privacy enclosure for sunbathing and other applications includes a bottom panel for engaging the ground or other underlying surface. A first pair of side panels are foldably attached to one longitudinal side of the bottom panel and a second pair of side panels are similarly attached to an opposite side of the bottom panel. A pair of opposing end panels are foldably attached to respective ends of the bottom panel. Each end panel extends between a respective opposing pair of the side panels. Fasteners are provided for releasably interconnecting each adjoining pair of vertical panels to hold the enclosure in an assembled condition.

Abstract: A knuckle-swivel (10) is used with well drilling equipment for protecting helical wound line 62, which may be wire rope, cable and/or strand, against torsional forces and also providing for angular displacement of sinker bars or other tools during wireline strip over operations to minimize interference with rig equipment (80) when pulling pipe or tools 64 from a well head.