Abstract: The modular top frame has a plurality of rails that are interconnected with corner members and has a top and a bottom surface between the inner and outer perimeter of the top frame. The corner members are assembled with two corner parts which have an outer side, a central rib and reinforcing ribs. The corner members have retainer pins in pin receiving apertures positioned along and adjacent to the outer side and the central rib so that when the corner parts are positioned one over the other, the retainer pins and the pin receiving apertures join the corner parts. The corner members have improved resistance to torsional and bending stresses. The top frame has an outside and an inside perimeter and the provides an area between the outside and inside perimeter equal to or greater than 48% of area of the outside perimeter.

Abstract: A material transfer device for transferring material from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A refrigerant material transfer device for transferring refrigerant from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An actuator and tube overcap assembly has an actuator having an inlet and an outlet. A tube has a fluid passageway therethrough and an inlet end connected to the outlet of the actuator and an extension portion extending therefrom. An overcap is removably affixed to the actuator and has a top and a side extending therefrom. The top and side of the overcap have an inner surface. The overcap has internal tube retaining portions having a tube retaining surface. The tube retaining surface extends away from the inner surface of the top and is spaced from the inner surface of the side with the tube extension positioned therebetween. A valve is provided by substantially closing the fluid passageway of the tube. A method for making the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An actuator for dispensing the pressurized contents of a container through an upstanding valve stem having a discharge end. The actuator has a body securable to the container and a finger tab for dispensing the container contents upon actuation thereof and a latch to selectively hold the finger tab in the dispensing position or release the finger tab. The finger tab has a valve seat shoulder for contacting the discharge end of the valve stem and is rotatable about a rotational axis which is substantially coplanar with the discharge end of the valve stem in the unactuated position. Resistance reducing notches are provided in the body to allow improved movement of the finger tab. Frangible ribs are provided to avoid the inadvertent actuation of the actuator and also guide movement of the finger tab.

Abstract: A tire inflation hose assembly for interconnecting a container of pressurized tire inflation material and a valve stem of a tire is provided. The hose assembly includes a release valve assembly for coupling to the container and for releasing the pressurized material contained therein. A flexible tube transports the released material to a nozzle which is adaptable for mating with the valve stem of the tire such that the pressurized material enters the tire when released by the release valve assembly. A pair of transverse pins secure the tube to the nozzle and the release valve assembly.