Abstract: An attachment device for attaching an article of bedding to a mattress includes a generally flat gripper plate with a keyhole opening extending therethrough. A strip of elastic material attaches the gripper plate to the border of the mattress substantially halfway between the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress. A stud has head and base portions that are each too large to pass through the narrow region of the keyhole opening but at least the base portion is small enough to pass through the wide region of the keyhole opening. The stud has a neck portion that connects the base portion and the head portion and is narrow enough to enter the narrow region of the keyhole opening.

Abstract: In a textile wet processing machine and process wherein an indeterminate length of a textile fabric or other material is washed or otherwise subjected to a wet treatment operation by transportation sequentially through a plurality of processing chambers, the yardage distribution of the fabric among the chambers is controlled by sensing the entrance of the leading end of the fabric into each successive chamber, then measuring separately the actual yardage of fabric entering each chamber in sequence, comparing at least periodically the yardage of fabric instantaneously residing within each respective chamber and, in the event an imbalance in fabric distribution is detected, briefly stopping and then restarting lifter reel assemblies and jet nozzle assemblies by which the fabric is transported so as to correct the imbalance in fabric distribution.

Abstract: A weldless grating comprising: (a) a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load bearing members having an upper portion, a lower portion and a web located between said upper portion and said lower portion, the primary load bearing member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings in said web, the openings in each of said primary load bearing members being aligned with the openings in adjacent primary load bearing members; (b) a plurality of secondary load bearing members having an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary load bearing members provided with first slots extending downwardly through the upper edge to provide top slots and with upwardly extending slots through the lower edge to provide bottom slots located substantially opposite said top slots, the secondary load bearing members positioned in the aligned openings in said web of the primary load bearing members, said top and bottom slots in said secondary load bearing member forming a locking engagement with said web surrounding said ope

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for removing an image forming substance such as toner from an image holding member such as a transfer paper sheet, the toner on the transfer paper sheet is heated to be melted or softened. An offset belt having adhesive force stronger than that between the transfer paper sheet and the toner comes in contact with the toner. The toner is separated and removed from the transfer paper sheet when the offset belt and the transfer paper sheet are separated from each other. Heating of the toner is maintained until the transfer paper sheet is separated from the offset belt. The transfer paper sheet is separated from the offset belt before the toner is cooled and solidified. A toner heating maintaining device is constructed by using a heating-supporting member having a heater therein and arranged such that the transfer paper sheet and the offset belt are supported between the heating-supporting member and a heating roller.

Abstract: A mop, comprising a handle, a wringing grip slidably mounted on the handle and a mop head mounted between the handle and the wringing grip, such that when the wringing grip is slid toward a distal end of the handle, the mop head is stretched between the proximal end of the handle and the wringing grip, the wringing grip being compressible against said handle so as to facilitate repeated twisting of the handle relative to the wringing grip by inhibiting the handle from untwisting after each twist of the handle.

Abstract: A retractable handle positioning mechanism including a base frame fixed to the shell of a wheeled suitcase and having two axle housings disposed in a parallel relation a retractable handle mounted in the axle housings and moved between an extended position and a retracted position, spring-supported retainer rods mounted in the retractable handle for locking it in the extended position or the retracted position, a trapezoidal press button mounted in a top button slot on the base frame, and two spring-supported bolts mounted inside the base frame and controlled by the trapezoidal press button to release the spring-supported retainer rods for permitting the retractable handle to be moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A fiber processing apparatus includes a rotary roll carrying a clothing and having an axis and a length measured parallel to roll axis; and an imaging apparatus which has an illuminating device directing a light beam onto a surface area of the clothing, a camera for sensing the light of the surface area lit by the illuminating device and an evaluating device connected to the camera for examining reflected local light intensity changes during rotation of the roll. There is provided an arrangement for presenting to the camera consecutive areas of the clothing surface along the entire roll length and an arrangement for triggering an operation of the camera and/or the illuminating device as a function of the roll rpm.

Abstract: In a tie including an elongated tongue and a locking head having a movable pawl that is hinged at one side of an opening in the locking head across the opening from an abutment surface for locking engagement with a first set of ratchet teeth on one broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening and teeth on the abutment surface for locking engagement with a second set of ratchet teeth on the other broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening, and in which the side of the pawl including the pawl teeth converges toward the opposite side of the pawl in the direction of insertion, locking engagement is enhanced by the locking surface of at least one pawl tooth extending toward the apex of such tooth at an angle inclined toward the direction of insertion for locking engagement with a tooth of the first set of ratchet teeth; and by the locking surface of at least one of the first set of ratchet teeth extending toward the apex of

Abstract: A press-type fastener comprises a retaining bottom base, a retaining block, a press top base, an action toothed block, and a one-way toothed belt. The retaining block is fastened pivotally with the retaining bottom base while the action toothed block is fastened pivotally with with the press top base. The one-way toothed belt is fastened or unfastened by the action toothed block when the press top base is pressed and released repeatedly.

Abstract: A decorative concho that can be attached to the belt loops of a person's pants to provide a different "look". It consists of a decorative buckle which has three bars attached to the back of the buckle. Two of the bars are attached at the ends of the buckle and at one side of the buckle. The other end of the two bars are free. The third bar is attached between the first two bars and is permanently attached at one end to the buckle. The end that is permanently attached is adjacent the free ends of the other two bars to provide a serpentine path between the bars. The concho can be attached to the belt loops by slipping one bar at a time on the belt loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clip for releasably connecting a panel edge to a rod. The clip comprises a first jaw for releasable connection to the panel edge, and an opposed, substantially arcuate, second jaw for releasable connection to the rod. The first jaw includes a locking means for engaging with a complimentary part of the panel edge. The first and second jaws are integrally formed of a resilient material. The clip may be particularly suitable for joining display panels together about a common connecting rod. The display panels, once connected or joined, are free to move with respect to each other about the common connecting rod which acts as a hinge.

Abstract: Unlike conventional snap fasteners, this clasp's mechanism temporarily locks to prevent opening by accidental forces which apply unevenly and tilt the socket against the elongated stud that passes through and beyond the socket. Designed for general use, it is especially valuable for bracelets. While accidental opening is virtually impossible, stud and socket support-bodies make intentional opening easy, with one hand. With bracelet between them, middle and index fingers hold the socket support-body on opposite edges, without blocking stud movement, while thumb pressure is applied to the protruding end of the stud to eject it and open the clasp. This procedure keeps axes of stud and socket sufficiently aligned to avoid the locking effect, and automatically leaves the wearer holding the socket side of the clasp to avoid dropping the bracelet. The support-body means of attachment makes pull from chain or bracelet substantially perpendicular to clasp's opening direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique force generating mechanism which is easily adapted for use in a compact lightweight tool requiring high work forces. The mechanism includes a force generating member disposed within an actuation chamber where either pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure is allowed to bear against a relatively large ram surface causing a deflection of the ram in a first direction and translation of the ends of the ram in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A working force, larger than the force of the fluid bearing on the ram surface, is thereby generated along this direction of translation.

Abstract: A first body is formed from a first cylindrical member. The first body includes a restricted portion which extends circumferentially along the first body and has an inner diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical member, a V-shaped groove on the outer surface of the restricted portion, opposite cylindrical end portions which have a diameter substantially equal to that of the first cylindrical member, and a pair of annular connecting portions which connect the end portions to the respective ends of the restricted portion. Further, a second body is formed from a second cylindrical member which has a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of forming a button-type battery terminal housing member includes, a) providing an electrically conductive sheet having an exposed surface, the conductive sheet being larger than a desired resultant battery terminal housing member to be produced therefrom; b) providing a discrete solid gasket body, the gasket body being larger than a desired resultant gasket to be received relative to the battery terminal housing member; c) providing adhesive intermediate the conductive sheet exposed surface and the gasket body, and adhering the gasket body and conductive sheet together with the adhesive; d) positioning the conductive sheet with the gasket body adhered thereto between first and second forming members; and e) moving at least one of the forming members in the direction of the other to bear one of the forming members against the gasket body to simultaneously bend the solid gasket body and conductive sheet into a desired battery terminal housing member shape; the moving step also cutting through the gask

Abstract: A method of forming a button-type lithium electrode includes: a) masking an electrically conductive sheet with a material to which elemental lithium will not appreciably adhere to define a masked portion and an unmasked portion, the unmasked portion being in the shape of the desired electrode being formed; c) applying molten lithium to the masked sheet to cause elemental lithium to adhere to the unmasked portion but not appreciably adhere to the masked portion; alternately, directing a lithium stream onto the sheet; d) solidifying the lithium on the unmasked portion to in situ form a lithium electrode; and e) after solidifying, removing the masking material from the masked portion of the sheet.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling multiple panels at a single assembly site into an adhesively fixed, spaced relationship without direct contact therebetween mounts the panels with respect to a single base for movement into an assembled position. The apparatus has a base for receiving an underbody thereon, the base having a forward end, a rear end, and underbody alignment and retention means. A pedestal proximate the rear end of the base has a roof support member cantileverly mounted from a forward wall thereof in generally planar alignment with the base for receiving a roof inner panel on an upper surface thereof. A rotatable roof holder is axially mounted on an upper edge of the pedestal for receiving a roof outer panel thereon and for rotating the roof panel onto the roof inner panel.

Abstract: A lamella or panel element and a method of making the same wherein plate profiles are provided along joining edges with cross flanges which, when the profiles are brought together edge to edge, engage each other in an interlocking manner in a transverse direction. The flange portions are locked together by inserting a U-shaped or C-shaped profiled joining member which engages the outside of the flange portions on the side edges with a loose fit. The joining member may be inserted manually and extend over the length of the profiles and, the despite the loose fit, it is nevertheless possible to achieve a strong and tight joining since the long profiles do not extend totally rectilinearly. The joining members are arranged inside cavities of the plate profiles so that the joint members are invisible thereby resulting in advantageously obtaining an entirely smooth surface in the joining areas between the respective plate profiles.

Abstract: A hand propelled projectile, for example a throwing knife, having a center of gravity in the handle. A cavity at the side of the handle defining a finger resting surface and protuberances on the surface for engaging the finger as the projectile is thrown. The finger resting surface being off center so as to cause the projectile to spin on its longitudinal axis as it is thrown. In an alternate embodiment, the handle is in two spaced apart parts with the finger resting surface defined on the front part.

Abstract: An electric cable cutter of the present invention comprises a housing, and a stationary blade and a moving blade which are exposed from the housing. The housing includes a body unit containing an electric motor and a planetary reduction gear driven by the electric motor, a handle unit formed so as to be easily held by hand, and a power source unit to which a battery cartridge is inserted. A switch lever for operating the switch to drive the electric motor is placed on the holding unit. Owing to this structure, a user easily cuts a cable by one hand at the inconvenient places, e.g., at height. This electric cable cutter is portable because of the rechargeable battery, so that this cutter can be utilized in any place.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus for use in a car includes an elongated body and a mounting seat for receiving the elongated body. The elongated body has a head portion and a handle portion which is connected integrally to the head portion. The elongated body further has a channel which extends toward and which is communicated with the exterior of the elongated body. A rigid striking member is fixed to the head portion and has a tapered end which extends out of the head portion. A needle member is received slidably in the channel of the elongated body and has a sharp end which is extendible from and retractable into the elongated body.

Abstract: A hand held tool for locating a tack strip proximate a wall includes a metal plate shaped to provide a head having an extending handle for manually gripping the tool. The head has a narrow edge surface which is slotted and sharpened for receiving and holding a tack strip in transverse relation to the head. The head has a spacing gage adjustably mounted thereon which projects frontally for abuttment with the wall. One embodiment of the spacing gage has a projecting end shaped to serve as an awl for locating and starting anchor nails in the tack strip.

Abstract: A device for measuring a distance between objects. The inventive device includes a first member having a second member telescopingly received therewithin. Measurement indicia is printed on the second member and starts at a known length of the first member to indicate an overall length of the device which can be read at an intersection of the first and second members. The invention may include a detent assembly for securing the second member relative to the first member, and may further include a third member slidably received within the second member for measuring greater lengths.

Abstract: A hair drier which includes an elongated air passageway in the barrel thereof at the bottom side, the air passageway having a front end terminating in a water nozzle in front of the barrel and a rear end, a receptacle mounted in the barrel, a water container coupled to the receptacle and having a dip tube inserted into the receptacle in communication with the air passageway, a motor mounted in a handle at one end of the barrel, a piston coupled to the motor by a crank and reciprocated by it in the rear end of the air passageway to induce a liquid from the water container into the air passageway and to drive the liquid out of the air passageway through the water nozzle.

Abstract: A coating layer drying system for a cathode ray tube (CRT) includes a furnace. A pedestal for placing a CRT bulb on is installed in the inside of the furnace. Both ends of a hose are fixed on the side walls of the furnace. A heater for heating low temperature air is connected to the hose. A pump for ventilating high pressure air is also connected to the hose. A pressure gauge for checking the inner pressure of the furnace is fixed on the upper part of the furnace. A temperature gauge for sensing the inner temperature of the furnace is also fixed on the upper part of the furnace. And, in addition, a controlling element for controlling the operation of the pump and the heater is installed next to the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a portable garment dryer that has a planar base member with a centrally located opening. A light but durable, air permeable garment bag is secured about the opening on one side of the planar base. An elastic grommet-like member circumscribes the opening on the other side of the planar base member and snugly receives a barrel of a hair dryer in an air tight relationship. A pair of adjustable straps are secured to the opposite side of the planar member and supports the planar base so that the garment bag hangs freely beneath planar member. A damp garment can be hung in the interior of the bag and the hair dryer unit turned on. Foldable flaps extend from the planar base member to enclose the garment bag folded tightly against the base member when the garment dryer is not in use.

Abstract: A shoe 48 with an integrally fastened gaiter 40, the lower end 60 of gaiter 40 being permanently attached to the inside of a gaiter storage pouch 46 which is located at the ankle collar 64 of the shoe 48. The gaiter 40 has an opening at its front, defined by its two flaps 30, 38 which, when in use, closed and fastened, seal out moisture, dirt, rocks, sand, stickers, and various other types of debris possibly encountered while using the shoe 48. The upper portion of the gaiter 40 has a constrictive top 34, (such as elastic), to constrict gaiter 40 around a wearer's leg, sealing out moisture, dirt, rocks, sand, stickers, and various other types of debris possibly encountered while using the shoe 48. The lower portion front opening of the gaiter 40 secures to the shoe tongue 28, sealing out moisture, dirt, rocks, sand, stickers, and various other types of debris possibly encountered while using the shoe 48.

Abstract: A heated insulation boot including a boot portion having an open upper portion, a closed lower sole portion, a heel portion and an insulated toe portion. An upper portion of the insulated toe portion has a circular recess formed therein. A cover portion is included and having a generally circular configuration. The cover portion has a flexible member coupled to the upper portion of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion adjacent to the circular recess. A heating packet is removably positioned within the circular recess of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion.

Abstract: A composite midsole for shoes comprising an energy absorbing cellular foam cushion having recesses extending inwardly from its undersurface, thermally bonded to a sheet of resilient material extending over the undersurface and into the recesses to form domes of the resilient material. Impact energy is partially absorbed by compression of the cushion and partially transmitted to cause spring-like deflection of the domes. The combined effect is selectively variable over the area of the midsole to produce the desired cushioning properties in localized areas of the midsole.

Abstract: A suction dredge pump apparatus includes a manifold having a body defining a plurality of compartments, an intake chamber disposed adjacent to the compartments along upper ends thereof, a plurality of intake valves connected to the upper ends of the compartments, and a plurality of outlet valves connected to lower ends of the compartments. The compartments have bottoms which slope downward from the upper ends to the lower ends thereof so as to produce gravity flow of a fluid mixture therethrough.

Abstract: Heavy machinery comprising a lower support structure having an upper surface, and an upper structure having a generally horizontal lower surface facing the upper surface of the lower structure, the upper structure being supported above the lower structure for rotation relative to the lower structure about a generally vertical axis, and the lower surface of the upper structure having therein an upwardly extending recess surrounding the axis to provide space for a person working on the machinery, the recess being defined at least in part by an upper wall above and generally parallel to the lower surface, and by a plurality of generally planar facets surrounding the axis, each of the facets extending transversely to the upper wall and to the lower surface.

Abstract: A flat-iron (10) is provided which comprises a thermal detector (13) mounted at the soleplate (11) of the iron by a fixing device (14) having a structure which minimizes heat transfer between the detector and the soleplate of the iron. The fixing device (14) has a low heat capacity and provides the thermal insulation of the detector (13), which is pressed smoothly onto the fabric to measure its surface temperature. The fixing device includes low-effusivity materials (110).The thermal detector (13) is used for controlling the operation of the iron (soleplate temperature, steam discharge).

Abstract: Steam iron having an electrically heated soleplate (2), a steam generator (6) comprising a water tank (8), a water pump (10) and a steam chamber (12) for supplying steam via steam vents (20) in the soleplate (2). The steam production is made dependent on the temperature of the fabric a fabric temperature sensor (24) embedded in the soleplate (2). A cool fabric triggers the production of steam. The production is stopped as soon as the fabric temperature reaches the condensing temperature of steam. Since no more steam is absorbed in the fabric when the condensing temperature is reached, any more steam production is waste of water and power. In this way any further steam production is prevented and waste of water and power is avoided. After steaming has stopped the fabric temperature sensor (24) can be advantageously used to control the drying power of the soleplate (2) to avoid scorching of the fabric and to avoid waste of power.

Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.

Abstract: An ammunition clip or magazine for a firearm including a self-contained system for sensing the amount of ammunition contained within the magazine and visually indicating that value to the user of the firearm. The counting and display system may be configured to display the number of rounds remaining in the magazine itself, or the number of rounds remaining in the firearm overall (the number of ammunition rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber of the firearm, if applicable), or it may be configured to simply indicate that the magazine is empty or that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is below some other predetermined threshold. The magazine may be utilized in conjunction with any suitable firearm without modifying the firearm.

Abstract: In a 1911-type hand gun used for target or staged shooting, a magazine utilizing a standard base pad limits the number of rounds that can be carried by that magazine. A base pad designed for exceptionally secure fastening and easy removal from the magazine also permits multiple extra rounds to be carried by the magazine, while still being within competition required size specifications.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm having a breech loading receiver including a locking mechanism movable between an open position and a locked position; a barrel having a breech end engaging the receiver and a bore extending from the barrel's breech end; and a firing module receiving plug positioned within the barrel's breech, the plug including a chamber axially aligned with the barrel bore to receive an ejectable firing module having an igniter within a chamber.

Abstract: A sling for use with a fiream. The sling includes a rigid body having a pivotable connector front end, a releasable connector back end, and a firearm engagement section located between the front and back ends. The rigid body is shaped to form a loop for receiving a user's shoulder once the front end is affixed to the hand grip section and the back end is affixed to the butt section. Furthermore, the rigid body is shaped such that as the back end of the rigid body is released from the butt section and the rigid body is pivoted on the pivotable connector, the firearm engagement section is brought into contact with the firearm to allow the back end of the rigid body to be planted and thus support the firearm during firing.

Abstract: A scope protector has an elongated strip of a flexible sheet material having a center portion, inner and outer side surfaces, and opposite ends. A first fastening element is on the outer surface of one end of said strip, and a second fastening element is on the inner surface at the other end of said strip. The length of the strip is slightly greater than the circumference of the scope uponwhich it is to be mounted so that the fastening elements can be superimposed on each other when the strip is wrapped around the scope.

Abstract: A method of improving growth characteristics of orchid plants by applying alcohol to the orchid plant roots.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the growth of Taxus X media `Hicksii` and related Taxus species to enhance the production and recovery of taxol and Taxotere from plant tissues is described. The method includes the steps of increasing the production of biomass by cycling growth periods of Taxus plants within a greenhouse or other enclosed structure, harvests of plant parts and cold storage of the remaining unharvested plants to break dormancy and condition the plant for the next cycle of growth and harvest. After at least several cycles, entire plants are harvested for extraction from all plant parts while other plants are saved for stock plants or reforesting. The collected plant material is prepared for extraction of taxol or Taxotere, compounds used in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for use with a door which swings over a threshold between an open position and a closed position and has a door lower end spaced above said threshold and defining a gap between the door lower end and the threshold when the door is in the closed position, and has a door face and a door frame includes a mechanism mounting member; a gate member for closing the gap; a leaf spring having a leaf spring first end and a leaf spring second end, the leaf spring first end being secured to the gate member with a securing structure, and the leaf spring second end being secured to the mounting member with an anchoring structure, where a segment of the leaf spring angles upwardly and laterally to form a spring cam surface; a structure for guiding the gate member to move up and down relative to the door; a cam engaging member positioned above and substantially parallel with the gate member, the cam engaging member having a protruding end extending laterally from the door toward the door frame to abut the

Abstract: The telescopic column is provided for a portable stage used in outdoor or indoor events produced in front of audiences or the like and comprising a haulable chassis for overland transportation between events. The column bears a roof movable vertically above the chassis and comprises a plurality of C-shaped beams operatively fitted into each other and concentric with a central beam. A plurality of pairs of upper rollers, each operatively connected to an upper end of a corresponding C-shaped beam, are provided for engagement with the surface of an adjacent interior beam and for rolling thereon upon raising or lowering of the roof. The use of rollers prevents jamming of the C-shaped beams when moving the roof vertically.

Abstract: A lightweight, deployable structure capable of large displacements and sustaining high loads, and whose shape can be precisely monitored and controlled to acquire a wide variety of shapes and varying levels of stiffness, and precisely returned to a desired shape after being subjected to a disturbance force. As such, the structure is highly suitable for use in applications in which information concerning the shape and/or stiffness of the structure can be employed to precisely attain a desired shape, precisely return the structure to a desired shape after being subjected to a disturbance force, or to increase or decrease the structural stiffness in response to changing environmental conditions. The deployable structure is generally composed of one or more structural units, each of which can be articulated between two extreme configurations, one of which is a deployed configuration in which the deployable structure is fully extended.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hand tool apparatus includes an elongated shank, a first U-shaped tool attached to a first shank end portion, a second U-shaped tool attached to a second shank end portion, and a jack retainer attached to an elongated shank on an intermediate shank portion. The jack retainer is attached to the top side of the elongated shank and may be in the form of a bucket. The second U-shaped tool is comprised of a single, unified U-shaped tool member which is oriented at an oblique orientation angle with respect to the elongated shank. A line connection assembly is attached to the intermediate shank portion and includes a base member connected to the intermediate shank portion, a line hook, and a pivot pin connected between the base member and the line hook. The line connection assembly is attached to the bottom side of the elongated shank. A flexible line assembly is connected to the line connection assembly, and a wall hook is connected to the flexible line assembly.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A knockdown and reassemble office partition (14) which comprises a pair of side frame members (16), a top frame member (18), a bottom frame member (20) and an intermediate frame member (22). A facility (24) is for securing in a removable manner each of the side frame members (16) vertically to one end of the top frame member (18), the bottom frame member (20) and the intermediate frame member (22) which are positioned horizontally, so as to form a rigid structural framework (26).

Abstract: A prefabricated building system having a variety of structural bearing panels/frames shaped and designed for direct interconnection with one another. Each panel has an upper stud and a lower stud joined by at least one vertical stud. Only one vertical stud is used if the panel is to be joined, along the vertical edge that lacks a vertical stud, to another panel. The vertical edge having a vertical stud may or may not be interconnected to another panel. If the vertical stud is to be joined to the vertical stud of another panel, that stud must be designed for direct connection with that other panel. One such vertical stud is "" or "" shaped, carrying male connection elements for interconnection along the edge of a panel that does not have a vertical stud. The connection elements may also be carried by the upper stud, the lower stud, or by both the upper and the lower stud.

Abstract: A finial support arrangement is provided for window coverings and the like, including a hollow ended support rod or tube, a support sleeve lodged within the rod, and a decorative finial supported in and by the sleeve. The finial includes a support post that is force or interference fitted into the sleeve. The sleeve, in turn, is force or interference fitted into the tube. The sleeve is made of a material that is softer than the support post and may be deformed during insertion of the post. The arrangement is particularly useful for supporting cast or wrought metal finials in rigid support tubes or rods, and alleviates the need for close tolerances on either the tube interior diameter or the support post outer diameter that would otherwise be needed to provide the desired interference fit.

Abstract: A tile roof fixing system for securing roof tiles/shingles to a roof structure wherein a plurality of rows of tiles/shingles are supported by spaced apart parallel battens, with each tile/shingle having an upper end portion supported by one batten and a lower end portion supported by an adjacent lower batten, the lower end portion of each tile/shingle overlapping the upper end portion of an adjacent lower tile/shingle. Each of the tiles/shingles is supported along its opposite longitudinal margins by a pair of relatively short parallel joining strips which extend between and are supported by a pair of adjacent battens, each strip having a length such that its lower end portion projects beyond the lower one of the pair of adjacent battens. The joining strips are mechanically interlocked with the battens adjacent their lower ends and are each provided with integral locking means for securing the lower end portion of a tile/shingle against upward lift.