Abstract: A connector for joining two pieces of sheet metal together end-to-end. A second wall and a first wall define a first channel therebetween, into which a ledge extends, and which lockingly receives one piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the one piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the ledge. A third wall terminates in a free edge that is folded onto itself, and together with the first wall, defines a second channel therebetween that lockingly receives the other piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the other piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the folded free edge of the third wall.

Abstract: A connector for joining two pieces of sheet metal together end-to-end. A second wall and a first wall define a first channel therebetween, into which a ledge extends, and which lockingly receives one piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the one piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the ledge. A third wall terminates in a free edge that is folded onto itself, and together with the first wall, defines a second channel therebetween that lockingly receives the other piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the other piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the folded free edge of the third wall.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for punching a reverse button lock projection in sheet metal. The tool includes a stationary handle, a stationary jaw that extends from the stationary handle and together therewith forms a stationary portion, a movable handle, a movable jaw that extends from the movable handle and together therewith forms a movable portion that is pivotally attached to the stationary portion, a die that is interchangeably attached to the stationary jaw and faces one side of the sheet metal, and a punch that is interchangeably attached to the movable jaw and faces the other side of the sheet metal. When the movable handle is squeezed toward the stationary handle, the punch moves toward the die, and in so doing, forces the sheet metal into the die, and in so doing, the reverse button lock projection is formed in the sheet metal.

Abstract: A connector for joining two pieces of sheet metal together end-to-end. A second wall and a first wall define a first channel therebetween, into which a ledge extends, and which lockingly receives one piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the one piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the ledge. A third wall terminates in a free edge that is folded onto itself, and together with the first wall, defines a second channel therebetween that lockingly receives the other piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the other piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the folded free edge of the third wall.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for guiding an integral piece of sheet metal into a pair of sheet metal connectors positioned end-to-end and oriented at an angle relative to each other so as to form a corner. Each sheet metal connector has a pair of spaced-apart walls that define a channel therebetween for receiving the integral piece of sheet metal, and a flange that extends outwardly from one wall thereof. The tool includes a handle and a blade that extends axially from the handle. The blade is shaped for inserting into the channel of each of the pair of sheet metal connectors simultaneously, at the corner, and defining with the other wall of each of the pair of sheet metal connectors a converging pathway for guiding the integral piece of sheet metal into the channel of each of the pair of sheet metal connectors simultaneously, at the corner.

Abstract: A slip lock connector assembly for joining end-to-end first and second flat-sided ducts made of sheet metal, has a framelike structure defined by a plurality of similar connecting members arranged in coplanar array. Each connecting member is made of pliable sheet metal bent, rolled, and molded to proper form. Each member has a flat main wall with first and second walls at opposite sides defining first and second channels. Both channels are filled with sealant material. The flat end of a side of the first duct in slipped into the first channel and secured by auxilary fastening elements, whereby the sealant in the first channel seals the connector to the flat end of the first duct. The flat end of a side of the second duct is slipped into the second channel and sealed by the sealant therein. In addition the wall of the second channel is formed with a rolled ledge which engages with lock projections on a side of the second duct to secure the second duct to the second channel.

Abstract: A backboard and rim assembly is provided for use with a sponge basketball. A basketball rim is secured to a base member which is pivotably attached to a basketball backboard. The rim is attached in such a manner that it may swing between a downward position parallel to the plane of the backboard and an upright position perpendicular to the plane of the backboard. A base member is pivoted at its lower end to the backboard and is connected at its upper end to the rim. A stop block is positioned between the backboard and rim to limit upward swinging of the rim. A hook extends from each side of the stop block. A rubber band is attached at each end to one of the hooks and is positioned to underly the base member thus biasing the rim upwardly against the stop block. When a downward force is applied to the rim, the rubber band stretches to permit the rim to swing downward toward the parallel position. When the force is removed, the rim will recoil and return to its perpendicular position.