Abstract: An infant container which may be in the form of a crib mattress and crib bumper assembly having means defining one or more gas flow channels which permit any concentration of heavy gases to drain by gravity from the upper surface of the crib mattress and be replaced by the environmental air of the room in which the crib is located. The gas flow channels may be defined by the crib mattress, the crib bumper or the structure of the infant container or may be defined by a structural element that elevates a conventional crib bumper above the upper surface of a conventional crib mattress and which defines at least one and preferably a multiplicity of gas drain channels. The heavy gases may be dissipated from the infant container by gravity induced gas flow.

Abstract: A method of converting a canopy crib to a standard crib, particularly useful for cribs made of wood. A canopy assembly is removably connected on top of a crib assembly. The canopy assembly has a number of canopy legs that removably fit over and cover respective supports on the crib assembly. The canopy assembly may be removed by pulling the canopy legs off the supports to expose the supports and then separately covering the supports with caps. In a particular embodiment, the canopy crib has a pair of movable side members opposite each other, a pair of angled rods extending vertically through on either side of each one of the movable side members is used to secure a respective pair of caps to their respective supports. Each rod has an end portion which is fastened to an adjacent cap and support to secure the cap, in a rotation free manner, to the support. The same mechanism may also be used to secure the canopy leg to the support.

Abstract: A playpen having a rectangular frame with four upper support bars, and four positioning brackets each secured between two of the four upper support bars. An upper mattress support device for the playpen having a flexible support received in the frame and an upper periphery enclosing each of the upper support bars, a plurality of support members each secured on the flexible support, an upper mattress received in the flexible support and supported on each of the support members, and four fasteners each secured to one of the positioning brackets and each secured to the periphery of the flexible support.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow has an air-impervious flexible bladder with one or more chambers therein which are inflatable to different shapes, thicknesses and firmness to conform the pillow to the requirements of different individuals. A soft cover is removably placed on the bladder to enhance the comfort and appearance of the pillow, and the cover is removable for cleaning. In one form of the invention, opposite ends of the pillow are recessed to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow, when the person is lying on his or her side. A cervical support portion of increased thickness and/or firmness extends along a front edge of the pillow.

Abstract: A mat for a nursing bed having a number of repeatedly flexing thermoplastics filaments aggregated to form a stereonetwork aggregation having through hole portions for cleaning pipes, ventilating pipes, deodorants, and the like, with notches formed therein for flexibly forming the mat in a reclining motion of the bed to accommodate the body of a person on the mat.

Abstract: A cushion pad has an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer. The middle layer is disposed between the lower layer and the upper layer. The upper layer is made of an air-permeability fabric. The middle layer has two mixture layers, and a gauze fabric layer disposed between the mixture layers. The lower layer is made of a water-absorbing non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A combination trowel and screwdriver is provided wherein the trowel handle houses and removably retains a tool bit drive assembly which houses a plurality of tool bit or screw drives. The user pivots the tool bit drive assembly housing away from the handle to a position extending in the proximate direction from the handle. The user then selects the desired tool bit drive for insertion at the proximate end of the assembly and with the proximate end of the handle screws the screw into a recessed position in a wallboard construction. The user then retracts or repivots the tool bit drive assembly into the handle, and then with the trowel end putties or spreads a wallboard plastic or finishing material over the recessed screw head to finish the wall.

Abstract: A novel scissors assembly having cooperating mating surfaces including a) cutting edges that fit into grooves to longitudinally slit a ribbon, b) a straight edge and cooperating groove to form the ribbon into a spiral loop, c) star wheels to corrugate a ribbon, and d) pinking shears to provide the ends with a zigzag cut.

Abstract: An improved coupling device for the transfer of personnel or objects between a static and a dynamic structure, such as between an offshore platform and a support vessel, which has two trunnion assemblies and a connecting bridge operating such that the dynamic structure is free to pitch, roll, and move in the horizontal plane with very little of this motion being translated to the connecting bridge. Also, any vertical motion of the dynamic structure, such as rising and falling over waves, is transformed and reduced by an order of magnitude in the same timeframe, when translated to the connecting bridge. Support is provided to one end of the connecting bridge by a trunnion assembly attached to a static structure. This trunnion assembly allows the connecting bridge to rotate around the Y and Z axes relative to the static structure, in a motion similar to a turntable arm.

Abstract: A docking assembly for the platform of a shuttle system includes a movable plate extending outward from the platform. The plate is engageable with an end wall of the shuttle such that the plate extends from the platform to the shuttle. As a result of the ability of the plate to move, the platform accommodates the variation in stopping positions of the shuttle and permits end docking of the shuttle without the need to precisely position the shuttle. In a particular embodiment, the docking assembly includes a guard rail extending outward from the platform and disposed in a pivoting relationship such that, upon sufficient motion of the shuttle toward the platform, the guard rail pivots away from the shuttle.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are each halo; X is direct bond, CH.sub.2, CO, O, S, S(O) or S(O).sub.2 ; R.sup.1 is selected from a variety of groups such as hydrogen; substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-4 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted piperidinyl; substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl or tricycloalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.7-14 azacyclo-, azabicyclo- or azatricyclo-alkyl; bicyclo C.sub.7-10 alkenyl; benzocyclo C.sub.5-7 alkyl; and heterocyclic; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or heterocyclic; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each C.sub.1-5 alkyl.

Abstract: An improved skirt for use with an automatic or robotic pool cleaner head comprising at least one or a row of double-hinged flaps, each of the flaps comprising a receiving member affixed to the pool cleaner head, an upper articulating member pivotally coupled to the receiving member, and a lower articulating member pivotally coupled to the upper articulating member. The pivotally connected members form upper and lower hinges which allow free radial movement upward to, but not beyond, the bottom surface of the pool cleaning head, and further allow the cleaning head to navigate uneven surfaces or pieces of debris while maintaining effective suction.

Abstract: A device and method for mechanically cleaning the surface of the root of the human tongue, the device including a cleaning head configured for entry between the soft palate and the surface of the human tongue root, and having abrasive means for mechanically removing pathological microorganisms from the surface of the tongue root, and a handle connected to the cleaning head for manipulation thereof, wherein the device has an overall maximum height at the cleaning head of no more than approximately 15 mm, and wherein the cleaning head is concavely bent. The method includes closing the lips to the rest position about the handle, so as to reduce the gag reflex and to position the handle and the cleaning head generally parallel to the tongue, and providing a relative motion between the cleaning head and the surface of the tongue root by reciprocally pivoting the cleaning head.

Abstract: A rope includes a head at a first end, and a handle at a second end. The rope comprises wire strands within a flexible coating. The coating terminates before the head, exposing the strands at the head. The head is generally cone shaped, having a narrowest width at a distal end thereof. The distal ends of the strands at the head are each bent twice to form a hook.

Abstract: A device for easily and quickly cleaning safety razors is provided with a housing having a top portion with an elongated slot having a brush adjacent thereto and a hollow bottom portion having a fluid reservoir formed therein. A cleaning wall may be formed in the fluid reservoir over which the brush may be passed for cleaning thereof, by actuation of an external handle.

Abstract: A brush includes a handle extending from one side of the brush head. The handle includes protrusions formed on two ends of an upper surface of the handle and a concave portion formed between the protrusions of receiving the user's thumb. First and second spacers are formed on the lower side of the handle in such a manner that the first spacer is arranged to be held by the index and middle fingers of the user when the thumb is situated in the concave portion and the middle finger extends between the first and second spacers. A concave cambered surface on the second spacer can accommodate a third finger for optimal comfort and control of the handle.

Abstract: A compact applicator (2) for facilitating application of a desired medication, fluid, liquid, lotion, cream, etc. to a desired portion or area of a body of a user. The compact applicator (2) has a pair of opposed handles (12), secured to remote ends (8, 10) thereof which facilitate a rubbing, wiping or application action of the compact applicator (2). A first surface (16) of the compact applicator (2) includes an applicator member (14), e.g. a sponge, which secured thereto by a meshed material. The applicator member (14) receives the desired fluid to be applied and the handles (12) facilitate a wiping or rubbing action of the compact applicator (2) on a desired part of the body, especially the back. The second surface (22) of the applicator member (14) is formed from an absorbent material to facilitate wiping off any excess applied fluid or removing the remaining applied fluid following use.

Abstract: A mop head 1 comprising a body 5 having a connector 4 for connection to a mop handle (not shown), and a plurality of flexible elongate cleaning members 3 attached to the body 5. The members 3 comprise hollow tube-like members which are open at their ends remote from the body 5. The members 3 may be made from woven or non-woven fabric material, or foam-like material; a preferred form of material is microfibre cloth.

Abstract: A flower-like bathing implement which includes an elastic tube of net arranged into the shape of an axially peripherally wrinkled short cylinder; a first binding element inserted through the elastic tube of net and tied up, forming a first tied point at the elastic tube; a second binding element wound round the elastic tube of net and tied up, forming a second tied point spaced from the first tied point at a distance, the second binding element having a part extended over top and bottom sides of the elastic tube and tied up, forming a third tied point at the elastic tube of net adjacent the second tied point; a first expansion portion formed of a part of the elastic tube of net between the first tied point and the second tied point; a second expansion portion formed of the other part of the elastic tube of net and shaped like a flower expanded in all directions from the second binding element.

Abstract: A brush carrier assembly of the type generally associated with a vacuum hood as part of a vacuum cleaning system used with a moving web is disclosed. The brush carrier utilizes a fixed portion and a movable portion which are adjustable relative to each other by location of a fastening member which adjusts the tension on a biasing member for separating the fixed and movable portions.

Abstract: A wet cleaning apparatus to which accessory devices can be attached has a suction blower and a control unit that automatically adjusts the power of the suction blower in accordance with the presence or absence of an accessory device or the operational state of an accessory device.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along the surface; an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module; a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank mounted to the handle or the base module, a dispensing nozzle mounted to the base module for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a heater for heating the fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned to a temperature less than boiling; a fluid recovery tank mounted to the handle or the base module for holding recovered fluid; a suction nozzle associated with the base module; a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source and fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and through the recovery tank to thereby recovering fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner is provided having an upper handle portion and a carriage pivotally mounted to a lower end of the handle portion for pivotal motion relative the handle portion about a horizontally extending carriage axis. A transmission drivingly connected to at least one drive wheel mounted on the carriage, whereby the at least one drive wheel propels the vacuum cleaner over a floor surface. A nozzle body pivotally mounted to the carriage for pivotal motion relative the carriage about a generally horizontally extending nozzle axis, the nozzle body having a downward facing suction opening. The nozzle axis being generally horizontally offset from the carriage axis.

Abstract: Leaves and other loose debris on a ground surface can be removed and collected by a portable vacuum that includes a motor-operated fan located at the upper end of an upright passage structure that has a lower intake end proximate to the ground surface. The vacuum is supported by two ground wheels at the lower intake end of the passage structure, and a shoulder strap attached to an upper section of the passage structure. The vacuum includes a rotary debris cutter in a mid area of the passage structure, and a centrifugal particle separation located between the cutter and the motor-operated fan.

Abstract: A cleaning machine is disclosed having an adjustment apparatus that allows a selected cleaning depth to be maintained, even where the cleaning apparatus has been raised to facilitate transport of the cleaning machine from one area to be cleaned to another. The adjustment apparatus therefore eliminates the need to reset the cleaning depth where the carpet being cleaned is of the same depth as the last area that was cleaned. The disclosed cleaning machine also features a vacuum housing having an integral seal, which provides for a more reliable seal, and simplifies assembly of the housing.

Abstract: A carpet locating and retaining system for a vehicle and a method of using the same having a head portion and a body portion. The device further includes retaining means for retaining the device within an aperture formed in the vehicle and fastener receiving means for receiving a fastener therein. The device eliminates the need for a separate locator for the carpet and a retaining system for a cover plate.

Abstract: A damping device is provided for a part that is pivotable between two end positions, with a viscous brake for delaying the pivoting movement. The brake has a brake wheel and a drive member that engages the wheel at a tangent. The wheel and drive member move apart from one another when the part is pivoted, thus causing rotation of the brake wheel. One of the brake wheel and the drive member is in a fixed location and the other is on a lever that is articulated to the part. The articulation point is set so that the displacement travel of the lever within a constant pivot angle of the part increases with the path of the part as it pivots from its first to its second end position with consequent progressive damping characteristics.

Abstract: A carrier slide includes a main body, a roller member, and a connecting member. The main body includes a base having a hole defined therein and a mounting member formed on the base. The mounting member includes a receiving groove defined in an underside thereof and having an opening that faces the base. The roller member includes a shaft and two wheels respectively mounted to two ends of the shaft to rotate therewith. The shaft has a diameter slightly smaller than a width of the opening of the receiving groove. The wheels rest on and are movable along a bottom of the rack. The connecting member has an upper end with a snapping fastener releasably engaged with the hole of the base and a lower end engaged with an upper end of a leaf plate of a collapsible doorplate assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable handle cover for use on at least one of two handles of a hand tool relatively displaceable in a given direction to allow the two handles to accommodate a range of hand spans. The one handle has an outer surface facing away from the other handle, and the adjustable handle cover includes a first end, a second end, and outer peripheral surface between the two ends, and an elongated passageway extending eccentrically with respect to the peripheral surface into the cover from the first end toward the second end. The passageway is shaped to selectively receive the one handle in a first or a second orientation, and the peripheral surface is at a first distance from the outer surface when in the first orientation, and at a second distance from the outer surface when in the second orientation.

Abstract: A fastening ring structure includes a metallic strap formed with a U-shaped bending section spaced from one end of the strap by a predetermined distance. Two ends of the bending section are formed with a first and a second sections. The second section is formed with multiple engaging holes at equal intervals. Two inner engaging hooks project from inner side of the first section toward the bending section. Two outer engaging hooks and a locating plate project from outer side of the first section toward the bending section. Two ends of the strap are curved into a circular shape with the first section overlapping the second section on inner or outer side thereof. The inner or outer engaging hooks and locating plate of the first section are engaged in the engaging holes of the second section to form a fastening ring. The inner or outer engaging hooks can be engaged in different engaging holes to achieve a longer adjustment length of the fastening ring.

Abstract: A pivoting clip for joining a strap to a pair of goggles. The pivoting clip has a clip receiver mounted on the goggles, and a pivotable mount attached to the clip receiver, with a hinge pin for pivotally attaching the pivotable mount to the clip receiver. A pivot pin and pivot pin retainer pivotally mount a strap hanger and a ratchet pawl to the pivotable mount.

Abstract: The magnetic fixing unit of the present invention comprises a first assembly which is attached to one member of a pair of members to be combined to each other, and a second assembly which is attached to the other member of said pair members. The first assembly comprises a magnet plate and an engaging portion, and the second assembly comprises a magnetic plate which is attracted to the magnet plate when said second assembly is combined with the first assembly, an engaging member made of magnetic material, which is located on the other side of said magnetic plate with respect to the magnet plate and is moved to a lock position for the engaging portion by an operation of the magnet plate when the second assembly is combined with the first assembly, and a slider which is applied to said engaging member to move said member from the lock position to a release position.

Abstract: A peelable seal includes four layers. The first layer includes first and second alternating ribs. The first ribs comprise a first material, and the second ribs comprise a second material. The first material bonds well with the closure profiles. The second material bonds well with the third and fourth layers. The first material does not bond well with the second material. Thus, the bond strength is lower between the first and second ribs and between the third and fourth ribs than between the first and third ribs and the closure profiles and between the second and fourth ribs and the third and fourth layers. In this process, the strength of the peelable seal is controlled during the extrusion process rather than being subjected to the variations in the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the peelable seal includes six layers. The first and second layers bond well with the closure profiles. The third and fourth layers bond well with the fifth and sixth layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a belt connecting device which can be applied to various uses, has an excellent design property, and can be safely and easily operated even by elderly people and infants. The belt connecting device comprises a belt connecting member fixed to one portion of an article and a belt including one end portion fixed to another portion of the article. A female surface fastener is sewn on the other end portion of the belt to constitute an engaging portion to be engaged with the belt connecting member. The belt connecting member has at one end thereof an inserting hole through and to which the portion of the article is inserted and fixed, at the other end an engaged portion of a male surface fastener and with which the engaging portion of the belt detachably engages, and between the inserting hole and the engaged portion a belt threading portion comprising an elongated hole which is slightly longer than a width of the belt.

Abstract: A lower catch for invisible zippers is provided. The lower catch includes a closure block (20) having an attachment slot (201) and an insertion hole (202). An attachment border (103) of a first tooth strip (10) is fixedly secured within slot (201) and a second attachment border (113) of a second tooth strip (11) is fixedly secured to a catch pin (30). When a zipper slider. (50) contacts the closure block (20) and the catch pin (30) is received within the insertion hole (202), the catch pin (30) is held in a fixed position by a guide surface (5041) of slider (50) in order to prevent misalignment of the zipper teeth (40).

Abstract: A mold for forming hook-shaped members has hook shaped cavities located at its surface. The cavities have a height of 0.020 in. or less, and contiguous pedestal chambers and crook chambers. The pedestal chamber is shaped to allow the member to return to its original shape as it is pulled out of the cavity before it is completely removed from the cavity. A fastener element of a hook and loop fastener is formed by delivering moldable heated material to such a mold.A method of making surface elements includes delivering moldable resin to the surface of a mold and forcing the resin into cavities at the surface. The mold comprises a series of plates aligned face-to-face. Cut-outs in at least three adjacent plates are aligned to define the cavity. The resin is set in the cavity and removed from the mold.A method of manufacturing plates used to form fastener elements includes applying a photoresist material to at least one side of the plate. The photoresist material is exposed to light.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for an exhaust gas system having two components, an exhaust gas system component which can be subjected to heat and a thermal shielding plate fitted beneath the exhaust gas system component and connected to it, including a connecting member arranged in such a way as to allow relative displacement of the exhaust gas system component and the thermal shielding plate in relation to each other as a result of differential thermal expansion behavior. The connecting member has sliding tongues with sliding surfaces for slidably engaging a first component with a predetermined spring force. Furthermore, the connecting member is rigidly connected to the second component and threaded clamping members make it possible to fix the second component onto the connecting member and to brace the connecting member with the first component.

Abstract: A flat-lid casket has a bottom, two opposing side walls connected to opposing sides of the bottom, and two opposing end walls connected to the opposing end of the bottom and to the two opposing side walls. Each of the two opposing end walls has a main panel, two side flanges, a bottom flange and a top flange. The two side flanges are fixed to the opposing side walls; the bottom flange is fixed to the bottom; and the top flange is folded against and fixed to the main panel. Further features of the casket include side wraps, end wraps and moldings. The main panels are trapezoidal in shape so as to form flared sides for the casket. Adjacent flat surfaces of the casket have mutually perpendicular corrugations for increased strength. The flat lid of the casket has a pair of elongate side members, a pair of elongate end members, a flat cover disposed over the top surfaces of the elongate side and end members, and a flat sheet disposed on the bottom surface of the cover.

Abstract: The absorbent structure of the invention has a substantially continuous absorbent web having an absorbent layer and a transfer layer. The transfer layer includes a nonabsorbent material and is capable of transferring liquids which it receives to the absorbent layer. The first and second edges of the absorbent web are coiled to form side walls, and the side walls form a trough therebetween. The top, trough-containing surface provides a natural trough in the space between the side walls for receiving and holding large gushes of body fluid until they can be absorbed by or dispersed into the rest of the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating wafer scale semiconductor integrated circuits and interfacing them with other systems. A wafer, partial wafer, die or plurality of same are mated to a printed circuit board (PCB) which electrically contacts the pads on each die using small conductive pillars. The PCB in turn is connected easily to other electronic systems. The entire apparatus is incorporated into other systems which utilize the dice in the apparatus. The apparatus may be fitted with heating elements and cooling channels to generate the necessary die temperatures for burn-in, testing, and operation. The apparatus is easily adaptable to include more dice in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: A temperature compensated resonator (15) and method for making the temperature compensated resonator (15). The temperature compensated resonator (15) has a substrate (110) including a cavity (120, 160) and a resonator layer (150). A bonding medium (159, 160) couples the substrate (110) to the resonator layer (150). The resonator layer (150) is bonded atop the cavity (120, 160). A conductor (215) is included on the resonator layer (150). The conductor (215) heats the resonator layer (150) in response to a current passing through the conductor (215).

Abstract: A method of producing a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) device, including the steps of implanting ions in an entire surface of a piezoelectric member of the SAW device, so that an ion implantation layer is formed therein; performing a heat treatment of the piezoelectric member, so that a heat-treated ion implantation layer is formed in the entire surface of the piezoelectric member; and providing an electrode of a comb type resonator on the heat-treated ion implantation layer.

Abstract: A capacitor structure with a generally L-shaped non-conductor having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the vertical portion defining a first opening formed therein; a generally U-shaped conductor formed within the first opening; and a generally L-shaped conductor formed exterior to the generally L-shaped non-conductor.

Abstract: A movable column is adjustable longitudinally and transversely in controlled fashion on a machine bed which defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. A tool spindle is adjustable in controlled fashion on the movable column along a spindle axis normal to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. A clamping axis is defined by a tool support which is rotationally adjustable in controlled fashion about this clamping axis and includes a clamping device through which a material rod can be pushed and in which it can be clamped. A front portion of the material rod, presenting the workpiece to be machined, is disposed within the working range of the tool spindle. A supply device is provided for pushing the material rod through the clamping device.

Abstract: An improved, self-feeding, screening installation tool is disclosed, comprising a main body of generally oval configuration, with an integral handle portion configured to be used as a handle. Two generally cylindrical discs are rotatably affixed to the anterior and posterior portions of the main body. A spool holding assembly is located at the end of an extension arm that extends outward and upward from the upper anterior portion of the main body. The spool holding assembly is designed to hold a traditional cylindrically configured spool of spline. With the spool installed, the spline material is threaded through the main body, under the handle portion, and around the discs, which are used to force the material into the screen frame channel. This allows the user to simply run the discs of the present invention in the screen frame channels, automatically feeding the spline into the channel.

Abstract: Fixtures and subfixtures may be used to hold the component being pressed for greater precision. Quick connect fixtures and subfixtures may be used in the press to save time and labor of the changeover process by using couplings and nipples attached to the fixtures and subfixtures not unlike the couplings and nipples used for quick connection and release of air compressor hoses and hydraulic line hoses.

Abstract: A ball joint removal fixture for supporting an automotive suspension spindle below a press during removal of a ball joint includes an attachment member for attachment to the spindle. The attachment member has multiple attachment points for interconnection with the spindle and at least three of the attachment points occupy and define an attachment plane. The fixture also includes a pair of support members supporting the attachment member. The support members occupy and define a support plane which forms a support angle with the attachment plane. The support angle is chosen such that when the support plane is horizontal, the central axis of a bore in the spindle occupied by the ball joint is vertical.

Abstract: A slot is formed behind each face of a stackable laser bar spacer of the type having a laser bar supporting face and a lower face for contacting a laser bar therebelow, each slot being generally parallel to the face in front of it and being located near an edge thereof. This produces a thin, flap-like portion at an end of each face. When it is desired to release a stuck laser bar from a face, this flap portion is caused to flex in the direction of the laser bar. The laser bar, being relatively inflexible, will be lifted away from the corresponding face, breaking free thereof. The stacked spacers may then be separated and the laser bars removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A plastic pipe adaptor (10) includes a length of pipe (12) having a plastic pipe wall (14) with a substantially rigid pipe stiffener (32) disposed inside the pipe and a substantially rigid collar (34) disposed about the pipe exteriorly of the pipe wall (14), the collar having a recess (40) therein. The stiffener (32) and collar (34) are positioned such that a portion (50) of the plastic pipe wall is disposed between the stiffener (32) and the collar recess (40) and at least a portion (52) of the pipe stiffener is deflected outwardly against the pipe wall portion (50) by an amount sufficient to wedge the pipe wall portion (50) into engagement with the collar recess (40). The result is a firm grip to the pipe which allows the collar to serve as an attachment to another member such as a mechanical joint (30). A method of making the adaptor (10) is also described.