Abstract: A pull tab spout for a bottle neck has a tubular inner member having a bottle end opposite a pouring end, the bottle end being configured to sealingly engage the inner wall of a neck. A skirt extends about the bottle end of the spout outwardly thereof to define a recess for receiving the mouth of the bottle. A shoulder extends between and joins the skirt to the inner member and defines a guide surface for guiding a rim of a closure cap onto an outer face of the skirt. The outer face of the skirt has outwardly extending threads for engaging corresponding inwardly extending threads of the cap. The skirt has at least one inwardly extending protrusion to secure the spout to the bottle. A pull tab extends across an interior and is secured by a frangible membrane. The pull tab has a graspable protrusion to facilitate removal of the pull tab by tearing the frangible membrane.

Abstract: A garbage can lid securing system to secure a garbage can lid against removal by animals such as raccoons, the garbage can assembly comprising: a garbage can having a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall and an open top, a lid having a top wall and a side wall extending downwardly from the top wall, the side wall being in removable telescoped engagement over portions of said side wall with garbage can in proximity to the open top, to close the garbage can, a first snap lock mechanism provided on a first side of the lid and can and a second snap lock mechanism provided on a second side of the lid and can, each snap lock mechanism comprising a male snap buckle and a female snap buckle adapted to engage each other in a telescoping snap fit relationship and for release by manual squeezing of one of the male and female snap buckles, one of the male and female snap buckle of each snap lock mechanism coupled to the can and the other of the male and female snap buckle of each snap lock me

Abstract: A vacuum filled shipping or storage container with a pliable external covering supported by an interior framework designed to minimize contact points for heat conduction towards the materials to be stored or shipped, without isolation from the vacuum, within the container.

Abstract: A liquid container comprises a container body and a pipe integrally formed with the container body. The container body encloses a liquid product. A sidewall substantially separates an interior volume of the pipe from an interior volume of the container body, wherein the interior volume of the pipe is less than the interior volume of the container body. The interior volume of the pipe further communicates with the interior volume of the container body through at least an internal opening proximate to a bottom of the container body. The enclosed liquid product thus can flow out from the container body through the pipe serving as an in-situ straw incorporated in the liquid container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture-proof resealable non-cylindrical container and cap assembly, comprised of: a non-cylindrical container and a correspondingly shaped non-cylindrical cap integrally attached to the container; wherein the container having an upper portion and an inner and outer surface, the container having an upstanding rim at the upper portion, the rim is defined as that portion of the container that contacts an inner wall of the cap, the rim having an inner and outer wall rim, whereby the inner rim wall is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the container; a cap having a base with an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base, the skirt having an inner wall, the inner wall of the skirt comprising at least four portions, a first portion that is a conically tapered, extends downward from a top portion of the skirt and is substantially planar, a second portion connected to the first portion and that is substanti

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a unit dose product (11) from a unit dose package (10) is disclosed. The unit dose package (10) includes a first continuous strip (12) operatively connected to a second continuous strip (13) so as to provide individual segments (17) containing the unit dose of product (11). The unit dose of product (11) is dispensed by suitable method which separates the strips (12, 13) and dispensing the unit dose of product (11).

Abstract: An article takeout container for discharging articles, e.g. cakes, stored while being stacked sequentially by means of a rotary member in which a part of the rotary member serves as a cover for closing a discharge port and preventing intrusion of dirt or dust into the container. The article takeout container (1) includes an article containing section (7) and an article takeout section (5), wherein the article containing section (7) can store a plurality of stacked articles. Means for urging one end of a stacked article (3) toward the other end thereof is also provided and the article takeout section (5) comprises a rotary member (11) for pushing out the article (3), and a port (13) for discharging an article thus pushed out, wherein a member abutting against the back part of the stacked article and pushing out the article is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotary member (11).

Abstract: A cup dispenser has an aperture having at least four arms, and a gasket functionally attached to the aperture and defining an opening such that movement of the arms changes the size of the opening.

Abstract: A dispenser (100) for diluting and dispensing a product concentrate into a container includes an actuation switch (108) and an actuator (115). The actuation switch (108) may either be manually activated in a first direction or it may be activated by pushing a container against the actuator (115) in a second direction which in turn pushes the actuation switch in the first direction to dispense a use solution. Therefore, the dispenser (100) readily accommodates any type of container.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. A user may dispense the product fluids for use as automotive appearance care products. The user may receive a statement of a fee for using the apparatus based on a selected basis.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits.

Abstract: A compressor for natural gas is made in a format suitable for mounting on a wall or upright support at a residential location to permit refilling of the gas reservoir of a gaseous-fueled motor vehicle parked at the residence. The wall-mounted appliance has vibration isolation supports, to minimize transmission of noise into the residence. It has a ventilation and air circulation system that allows it to test for the presence of flammable gas both leaking from the appliance and present in the adjacent ambient environment, e.g. a garage. A motor speed control system permits operation of the appliance at speeds which are reduced when approaching the final pressure for the motor vehicle reservoir and at speeds which avoid the natural resonant frequencies of the system.

Abstract: An air supply apparatus includes a buffer tank for receiving and storing ultra-pure water from an ultra-pure source, a temperature/humidity controller (THC) for conditioning the air using the ultra-pure water from the buffer tank, an ultra-pure water pipe for delivering the ultra-pure water from the ultra-pure source to the buffer tank, and an air pipe for delivering the air from the THC to semiconductor device fabricating equipment. A control mechanism, including at least one valve disposed in the piping of the apparatus, allows the apparatus to be selectively operated in a normal mode in which the ultra-pure water is allowed to flow from the ultra-pure water source to the THC via the buffer tank, and a cleaning mode in which the THC runs using ultra-pure water stored in the buffer tank while the ultra-pure water pipe is being cleaned.

Abstract: A spray can for introducing or applying of substances into or onto the body is provided. The spray can includes an elastic container of filler substance serving as an energy storage and a valve unit. The value unit has a connection part for inserting into the neck of the container so that contact surfaces of the neck and of the connection part are applied against each other. At least one of the two elements has a projection in the region of the contact surfaces, which engages with corresponding projections of the other of the two elements or engages with complementary recesses of the other of the two elements. The neck of the container and the connection part are joined together as a kind of snap closure. At least one of the pairs of contact surfaces broadens along the lengthwise axis in one or the other direction, where the broadening runs conically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and dispensing a flowable composition. Said device comprises a first (1) and a second film (2), a dispensing zone (4), a first chamber 5), containing a first substance (A) and a second chamber (6), containing a second substance (B). Said chambers are interconnected by a transition zone (3) that can be selectively opened. At least one of the films is deep-drawn in the region of the chambers and at least one of the films is pre-formed in the region of the second chamber, in such a way that once the device has been activated by opening the transition zone, the first substance can to a great extent by completely transferred to the second chamber, increasing the volume of said chamber as a result.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, portions of the apparatus may be located in a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may be transportable or may be coupled to a wall.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may dispense an amount of product fluids sufficient to treat a selected amount of automobiles before at least one storage container becomes substantially empty. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may produce a minimum amount of at least one product fluid before at least one storage container becomes substantially empty.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided that heats and dispenses a gel or lotion prior to the gel turning into lather. The dispenser can be selectively engaged with different sized and/or shaped cans.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a housing and a dispense valve mounted to the housing. The water dispenser further includes a removable reservoir disposed within the housing. The removable reservoir connects to the dispense valve to deliver water thereto. Upon removal from the housing, the removable reservoir is disposable. The housing is adapted to support a water container that delivers water into the removable reservoir.

Abstract: Secure dispensing apparatus is described which is adapted to dispense e.g. a prescription drug from an axial compression dispensing device (1). This is located in a housing (10) including a dispensing aperture (16). The axial compression dispensing device (1) is located in a central chamber of axial length slightly longer than that of the axial compression dispensing device, and means (30) are provided at one end of the chamber movable with respect thereto to compress the axial compression dispensing device to cause dispensing via the dispensing aperture (16).

Abstract: The invention provides a container 10 which simultaneously discharges agents A and B respectively charged in an outer container 11 and an inner container 21 from an outer nozzle portion 40C and an inner nozzle portion 40D in accordance with a tilting of the container 10.

Abstract: A safety can for storing flammable liquid is disclosed. The safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism can include a body assembly, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, a trigger assembly, and a handle. The body assembly of the valve mechanism can be mounted to the receptacle. The body assembly can include a fill spout and a separate pour spout. The fill cover assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body assembly about a fill cover axis. The pour valve assembly can be movably mounted to the body assembly and be disposed therein. The safety can includes a trigger assembly for convenient multi-functional operation of the safety can. The trigger can be positioned to allow the can to be filled, to pour from the can, and to place the container in a safety position.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser (100; 200; 300; 400) for dispensing a fluid in liquid or in powder form, said dispenser including a reservoir (12) serving to contain fluid, and a dispensing orifice (114; 214; 314; 414) via which the fluid is dispensed, said reservoir (12) having an actuating wall (111; 211; 311; 411) and a backing wall (112; 212; 312; 412), said walls be adapted to be brought towards each other by elastic deformation to reduce the volume of the reservoir, and thus to deliver fluid through the dispensing orifice, said dispenser further comprising a one-piece body (110; 210; 310; 410) and of at least one flexible sealing film (120; 220; 320; 421; 422), the actuating wall and the backing wall being formed by the one-piece body, characterized in that the actuating wall and the backing wall are angularly positioned relative to each by forming an angle that decreases when they are brought towards each other.

Abstract: A dispenser pump e.g. for toothpaste has a plunger (21) connected to a proximal end of an elongate flexible plastics strip (22) which is run slidably along a guide track built into the discharge nozzle (14) of the pump alongside the discharge channel (63). The distal end of the guide track defines a bend which opens through a lateral slot into the discharge channel (63) just inside its external opening. Action of the plunger causes the strip (22) to slide back and forth along the track and round the bend, so that the tip of the strip is moved out of the mouth of the nozzle during dispensing but returns to block it and cut away residual product when the plunger is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle with a plunger, which is displaceably arranged therein. Said plunger comprises a plunger body with a flat face, whereby at least two encircling sealing lips are shaped onto the plunger body. Each sealing lip has slot-shaped notches at at least one location that, as soon as the plunger is inserted into the receptacle, permit a gas exchange between the inside of the receptacle and the outside atmosphere. The invention also relates to the use of the receptacle and of the plunger for storing and discharging, in particular, dental materials.

Abstract: A packaging unit has a cartridge for storing material and pressurized gas operating with it and a dispensing head connected to the cartridge. A sliding piston is positioned in the internal space of the cartridge, the piston divides the internal space into a product chamber and a pressurized gas chamber that have a gas-tight seal between them. A plug is fitted into the pressurized gas chamber end of the cartridge and a valve to the product chamber end, the valve has a valve house, a valve stem, and a disc spring with plate segments. The valve stem has a discharge opening at the end coming out of the cartridge, the end in the product chamber of the cartridge has a conical surface, the plate segments of the disc spring are pushed up against the conical surface of the valve stem, while the disc spring is snapped onto the valve house.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance includes a metering device (4) for presetting a metered amount of the substance to be dispensed by the dispensing device (2), and having an adjustment member (11) for adjusting the metered amount, an entrain member (12) cooperating with the press-out member (3), a return device (10) for displacing the entrain member from an end position thereof to an initial position thereof, and a return device (10) for displacing the entrain member from an end position thereof to an initial position thereof, and a movement converter (13) for pivoting the entrain member (12) relative to the housing (1) in response to displacement of the press-out member in the longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing device for dispensing portions of liquid foodstuff from a foodstuff container. A pump device (5) includes a pump chamber (10) and a connecting pipe (7) or similar for connecting the foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10) and a pump means (14) forming part of the pump device (5) is designed and can be affected such that said pump means (14) can generate a vacuum in the pump chamber (10), connecting pipe (7) and foodstuff container (2) for drawing foodstuff (4) out of said foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10). At least portions (18) of a through-flow passage (13) for foodstuff (4) in the connecting pipe (7) taper in which the flow direction (S) in which food-stuff (4) flows through said through-flow passage (13). The connecting pipe (7) has an inlet pipe (11) which can be pressed through a flexible wall (3) of the foodstuff container (2) and be connected to a connecting member (21) therein.

Abstract: A gas spray valve permits easy recharging of gas containers after use. The gas spray valve is of considerable strength and rigidity and can be manufactured in a less costly manner. One of the openings of a gas conduit 111 of a valve pin 104 is positioned so that, when the valve pin 104 is in the raised position, the opening is positioned above a second seal ring 108 and, when the valve pin 104 is pushed into a first and second stop position, the opening is positioned below the second seal ring 108.

Abstract: The valve disk is intended for use with containers that are subjected to gas pressure, for example, self-cooling beverage cans and spray cans. The valve disk has an annular recess (14), which is radially delimited on the exterior by a circumferential wall (16) with a fastening edge and which is radially delimited on the interior by a downwardly enlarging dome (18) provided with an opening (20). A valve can be inserted into said dome. In order to enable higher internal pressures' of the container, the invention provides that the wall of the dome (18) is provided, in the enlarging area (22), with beads (30) that are arranged in the circumferential direction of the wall of the dome (18) in an interspaced manner.

Abstract: A dispenser, including a bottle having a closed end and a dispensing end, the dispensing end terminating in a spout; a cap joined to the bottle, the cap including an inner cap portion joined to an outer cap portion, the inner cap portion being adapted to close the spout; and mechanism for releasing fluid adapted to allow fluid to escape from the outer cap portion while fluid is prevented from escaping the bottle, the fluid releasing mechanism being defined through the outer cap portion, the fluid releasing mechanism allowing air to enter into the outer cap in a first location while water exits in a second location and a method of releasing fluid from a bottle cap, including closing a bottle by joining an inner cap portion of a cap to a bottle.

Abstract: An improved dispensing closure system for dispensing a product from a container includes an elongate or oblong dispensing orifice for dispensing a ribbon of product. One form of the dispensing closure system also includes a spout having a dispensing orifice that is oriented at an angle relative to the closure deck and relative to the flow direction of product from the orifice. The closure provides for the dispensing of product in a clean and controlled manner without mess. One form of the closure system also incorporates conical geometries in transition surfaces extending from the container opening to the dispensing orifice. The conical geometries of the transition surfaces provides for a smooth transition of product flow from the container opening to the dispensing orifice, while minimizing the volume defined by the closure system spout and thereby providing increased “suck-back” and an abrupt “cut-off” of product compared to prior art devices.

Abstract: An improved resilient pour spout for paint cans and similar containers that seals off the groove into which the lid of the container mates while preventing the liquid contents from flowing down the surface of the container. When not in use, the spout is stored on the sealed container in an inverted position so as not to take up additional space on the storage shelf. In this position, the trough of the spout will be tight against the container while its exposed outer surface provides a surface for retailers to display advertising. The spout also acts as a base for a second container that may be stacked concentrically above, thereby safely and neatly interconnecting the two containers. The pour spout has the option to be molded in a set so as to provide a carrier for the bulk shipment of several containers thereby reducing the cost of packaging.

Abstract: A bulk dispenser, including a frame including legs interconnected with a front rail, rear rail, a right side rail and a left side rail, the rear rail joined to an alignment wedge and at least one back lock down lip; a trolley joined to material moving device and joined to the frame, the trolley being slidably along the length of the front rail; a box selectively positioned on the frame, the box including sides defining an upper opening and a lower opening; and a chute joined to the frame and adapted to be selectively connected to the box, the chute being selectively joined to the trolley.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid in liquid or powder form, the fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir (17) provided with at least one deformable actuating wall (2) and with a dispensing orifice (14), said fluid dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises a body (1) defining a frame (10) having a thickness defined to determine a defined inscribed volume (Vi), said actuating wall (2) extending over said frame (10) and being deformable so as to reduce the volume of the reservoir and so as to penetrate into the inscribed volume.

Abstract: A method and a device for ironing garments using a form finisher, which has an inflatable bag over which the garments are placed. The bag includes a bottom construction and a tension device between the bottom construction and the inflatable bag. The tension device being one of an inflatable cushion and a tension cable, with the tension device providing vertical tension to the bag.

Abstract: A garment hanger including an elongated body with at least one clamp for securely holding a garment is provided. The clamp includes front and rear clamping members pivotally connected to the elongated body, and a suspending member extending upwardly from the body for securing the hanger to a point of suspension. The clamping members have oppositely facing inner surfaces, and each surface has at least one receptacle cavity, with a protrusion therein, for receiving therein a gripping pad in an enhanced pressure-fit interlock. The gripping pad has a first side for contact with the garment and a second side for coupling with the receptacle cavity, in which at least one leg with an aperture is situated and configured for mating with the receptacle cavity and the projection situated therein. Finally, a biasing member is used to bias the clamping members towards one another to hold the garment.

Abstract: A disposable, hydration pack intended, in a preferred embodiment, for use within a back pack or similar receptacle is disclosed. A gel filled ice pack surrounding the bladder of the pack allows for chilling of the contents of the bladder. In a disposable embodiment, the hydration pack may be pre-packaged with an energy beverage concentrate. A flexible, thin walled, disposable, or semi-flexible straw, passing through the wall of the bladder or through the cap of an access cap, delivers a beverage from the pack to the mouth of a user without the need for bringing the container of the pack to the region of the mouth. In an alternate embodiment, a belt attached to the bladder allows a user to strap the pack around his waist or over his shoulder.

Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A surfboard carrying and mounting apparatus comprising a first rectangular strip attached to a second rectangular strap having a plurality of loops is disclosed. The second rectangular strap has a side release snap faster at a fixed end and extends beyond the first rectangular strip at a free end. The first rectangular strip is placed on the surfboard and the second rectangular strap is wrapped around the surfboard wherein the free end is placed through the side release snap faster for tightening and securing the first rectangular strip to the surfboard. A plurality of attachment straps with cam buckles and having carabiners at each end are placed through the plurality of loops and around the roof rack of an automobile. The carabiners are hooked together wherein the cam buckles are used for tightening the attachment straps for securing the surfboard to the roof rack of the automobile.

Abstract: A bicycle accessory device includes a bracket mounted on a bicycle frame. The bracket includes a tubular mount having two opposing holes. A support is removably received in the mount of the bracket. When the support is attached to the bracket, the lower end of the support includes two opposing spring biased pins which are received in the opposing holes. The upper end of the support also includes two opposing spring biased pins. A bicycle accessory includes opposing holes is removably attached to the support. When attached, the pins of the supports are received in the holes of the accessory. The accessory can be a storage rack, a flag, a gripping handle, a basket, or a kickstand.

Abstract: Bicycle Attachment Device with a rigid shaft approximately six inches long and having a diameter that is sized to slidably fit into a standard bicycle seat support tube, the shaft fixedly attached in a perpendicular fashion toward on end of a square cross section rigid tube or bar sized to fit into the inner dimension of a standard square cross section trailer hitch tube, and the square tube having a standard bolt retaining aperture to help secure attachment to a standard matching aperture in the trailer hitch. A preferred embodiment includes the rigid shaft may include a plurality of progressively larger stepped diameters to accommodate the various inside diameters found on common bicycle seat support tubes, the stepped diameters.

Abstract: A backpack that has straps which may be repositioned, removed and replaced is designed to reduce muscle strain when the bag is carried by improving the balance of the load. Re-positioning the straps can enable a person to reposition the load closer to the center of the body to reduce the leverage exerted by an unbalanced load. An additional feature is that removable straps can be interchanged or replaced inexpensively with other straps that have different colors, trademarks, advertisements, or other indicia of support or affiliation. An advantage of the methods and apparatus shown is that the cost of replacing straps is inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing a backpack. The lower cost may make it possible for a business to furnish straps bearing its indicia as promotional items at a cost that is comparable to the cost of baseball-type hats, calendars, and similar items.

Abstract: A tool belt mounts receiver blocks, preferably of at least two types, permanently along its length. Each receiver block releasibly receives and engages an attaching block of complimentary configuration, the two blocks serving as a two-portion connector. Each attaching block serves to attach, or is integral with, (i) one of any number of tool holders of diverse configurations, each of which tool holders serves to support an associated tool, and/or (ii) a tool itself. The belt is preferably made from web fabric, the receiver blocks and attaching blocks from strong molded plastic, and the tool holders from leather, steel and like materials contoured and adapted to engage and hold portable tools including hand tools.

Abstract: A fastener used to secure a surface layer to a base and a two-stage fastener driver used the drive the fastener into the base. The fastener comprising a non-magnetic fastener body retaining a ferro-magnetic nail. The fastener driver for driving the fastener into the base. The fastener driver having a housing for magnetically retaining the fastener.

Abstract: Compression bonding tools having a CVD-formed pressing member with a non-reactive working surface are disclosed and described. Generally speaking, the pressing member is coupled to a tool body, which may include head member, and a tail member. In some aspects, the tool body may include a support member of a super hard material that is coupled to the pressing member along a bonding surface thereof Further, in some aspects, the tool body may contain a heat directing member that facilitates the transfer of heat energy in a direction toward the pressing member. Such compression bonding tools have been found useful in a variety of well-known procedures, such as tap bonding systems (TAB).

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.