Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising at least one yoke which is attached to a carrier in such a manner as to be capable of pivotating movement about a first pivot axis, wherein both said carrier and said yoke have a substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location of their interconnection, said windscreen wiper device further comprising a oscillating arm pivotally connected to said carrier about a second pivot axis near one end, wherein said carrier is provided, at the location of said second pivot axis, with a transverse shaft, with the special feature that said oscillating arm and said carrier are interconnected with the interposition of a joint part, wherein said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting device, for use in a vacuum cleaner, includes a housing defining therein a cyclonic air flow chamber. A dust collection chamber is disposed under the cyclonic air flow chamber and a partition wall is disposed between the cyclonic air flow chamber and the dust collection chamber. An opening and at least one ventilation hole are provided in opposite sides of the partition wall, respectively, so that a part of air and dust vortically moving in the cyclonic air flow chamber are introduced into the dust collection chamber through the opening and the air in the dust collection chamber flows back into the cyclonic air flow chamber through the ventilation hole.

Abstract: An ergonomic appliance handle is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The appliance handle includes a base adapted to be affixed to a handle portion of an appliance, a handle grip, and a pivot device for pivotally attaching the handle grip to the base. The pivot device is positioned at a first location on the base. The pivot device allows the handle grip to pivot on the base between at least two pivoting positions. The appliance handle further includes a pivot restraint device for removably latching the handle grip in a closed position of the at least two pivoting positions. The pivot restraint device is positioned at a second location on the base that is spaced-apart from the first location.

Abstract: A clamping device for keeping conventionally tied shoe laces from becoming untied. The device has a top frame that contacts the top of the shoe laces and a bottom frame that contacts the bottom of the shoe laces. These two frames clamp the lace on both sides of a conventionally tied shoe lace knot and are connected by a hinge. The two frames are secured together by a latch. This device secures both the lace tension on the shoe and the knot.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of battery plates includes forming a strip including a plurality of battery grids. Each battery grid includes a grid network bordered by a frame element and includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. The method also includes deforming at least a portion of a plurality of the grid wire elements such that the deformed grid wire elements have a first transverse cross-section at a point intermediate their opposed ends that differs from a second transverse cross-section taken at at least one of their opposed ends. The method also includes applying a lead alloy coating to the strip, applying battery paste to the strip, and cutting the strip to form a plurality of battery plates.

Abstract: The invention is a lockable burial casket. The lockable burial casket contains a lockable obstruction device for blocking the movement of the bar. The bar is supported by a bracket mounted on the casket. This bracket may contain a groove along the path of movement of the bar. When the catches on the bar engage connectors on the lid, the lockable obstruction device can be placed into a locking position which prevents the catches from unengaging the connectors on the lid. This may be done by inserting the lockable obstruction device within the groove.

Abstract: Finite goods are continuously packed between two non-wovens by means of hydrodynamic needling and are fully sealed. When used, said wovens should not nap and should not become linked to the goods during packing. When packed, the volume of the goods should, wherever possible, remain unchanged. In order to achieve said aims, the covering non-wovens are prefixed by means of hydrodynamic needling. Particularly good results are achieved if perforated non-wovens are used to cover the finite products, the number of said perforations being approximately 5-20 perforations per inch, and when said non-wovens are joined to each other by means of water needling.

Abstract: For press fitting a pin member into aligned holes of works, a press fitting tool is provided, which comprises a pin diameter reducing device that reduces at least a leading end of the pin member to a given diameter by applying an external force to the pin member. The given diameter is smaller than that of the aligned holes. The press fitting tool further comprises an actuating device that thrusts the pin member in a direction to insert the diametrically reduced leading end of the pin member into an inlet portion of the aligned holes without inducing abutment of the diametrically reduced leading end of the pin member with a peripheral edge of the inlet portion of the aligned holes.

Abstract: An internal core is separated along a horizontal plane delineated at the transition point between the tapered wall portion and the parallel wall portion of the core to divide the core into a tapered wall component part manufactured by a WEDM process to obtain the desired shape and configuration and a parallel wall component part manufactured by a right angle milling or WEDM with a right angle manufacturing process to obtain the desired shape and configuration. The tapered and parallel wall component parts are joined together to form the desired internal core.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. A tool assembly for use in manufacturing composite laminates in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tool plate carried by a movable support system. The tool plate includes a tool surface configured to support fiber-reinforced resin material and define an outer mold line (OML) of the fiber-reinforced resin material. The movable support system is configured to respond to signals from a controller to automatically change the shape of the tool surface and alter the OML of the finished part to suit the particular application. In one embodiment, the movable support system can include a plurality of telescoping actuators operably coupled to the tool plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a capacitance type sensor comprising an insert molding process for insert-molding, with an insulating material, a part of a lead wire of a leadframe and a range of the leadframe including the capacitance element electrode, the leadframe being formed by integrally forming with a frame the capacitance element electrode and the lead wire thereof in a predetermined pattern. The method comprises a cutting process for cutting the lead wire of the capacitance element electrode off the frame. It further comprises a conductive member arranging process for arranging, to a mold product obtained by the insert molding process, the conductive member at a distance from the capacitance element electrode. Also included is a movable electrode arranging process for arranging, to the mold product, the movable electrode to be in contact with the lead wire of the movable electrode at a distance from the conductive member.

Abstract: A method for producing a component is provided, in particular a deformation sensor, having a sensor element which includes at least one region that is sensitive with respect to expansion or compression, as well as electrical structures which are in connection therewith. To this end, a sacrificial layer is produced on or within a substrate and an activatable layer on top of the sacrificial layer, the sensitive region and at least a portion of the electrical structures being positioned on top or within an activatable layer, and a circumferential trench is produced around the region of the sensor element to be produced and having the sensitive region and the portion of the electrical structures, the trench being interrupted by at least one connecting point, which connects the region of the sensor element to the portion of the activatable layer lying outside the circumferential trench.

Abstract: A preferred method for manufacturing a transformer winding includes winding an electrical conductor into a first plurality of turns, placing an electrically insulating material having adhesive thereon over the first plurality of turns, and winding the electrical conductor into a second plurality of turns over the electrically insulating material. The preferred method also includes melting and curing the adhesive by energizing the electrical conductor so that a current greater than a rated current of the transformer winding flows through the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing low-density gas-filled disk drives involving test equipment utilized to determine gas leaks occurring in disk drives subjected to shock and vibration events. A disk drive is placed in a sealed container, which, in turn, is connected to a gas detection device. Following shock or vibration testing, the gas detection device determines if a leak has occurred, as well as the quality of gas leaked from the disk drive. The present invention also involves a test apparatus designed to check the accuracy and calibration of associated gas detection devices used during the shock and vibration tests. The test apparatus utilizes a sealed test chamber containing a known quantity of gas, which is released during a test event. Knowing the quantity of gas released, the output of the gas detection device can be monitored and calibrated as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head whereby re-deposition and an overlapped part in a region of a magnetoresistive effect multi-layered structure opposite to an air bearing surface can be removed and also a width of a free layer can be narrowed.

Abstract: This invention describes a manufacturable method, including a CMP liftoff process, for removing masking materials after ion milling for fabricating the write pole of a magnetic head. Significant parameters for the CMP assisted liftoff process include the thickness of the remaining mask materials after the write pole ion milling for effective CMP assisted liftoff, the thickness of the dielectric fill material deposited to protect the write pole during the CMP liftoff step, and the type of CMP slurry, polishing pad and the polishing conditions that are required to yield satisfactory results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a comb-like capacitor element member including a guide member and a plurality of rectangular metal foil pieces bonded to the guide member, comprising an automatic feed mechanism for feeding tape-like foil by a constant lenght toward the guide member, a bonding mechanism for bonding the metal foil to the guide member, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the bonded metal foil. According to the apparatus of the present invention, a comb-like capacitor element member having a plurality of rectangular metal foil pieces bonded can be produced efficiently, by bonding the elongated tape-like metal foil without damaging it.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing extensible plastic elastomer seals from openings of bottles or other glass containers is provided. Aerodynamic pressure drop in a compressed air jet is used. Due to constriction of the air stream caused, either by the incidence of the net on the edge of the openings of said bottles or containers, or by the presence of an appropriate convex surface before of the seal, the containers are removed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a digit line and an electrode adapted to be part of a storage cell capacitor and includes a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. An insulative layer protects sidewalls of the barrier layer during deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer. The method includes forming the conductive plug recessed in an insulative layer. The barrier layer is formed in the recess and the top layer. An oxidation resistant conductive layer and a further oxide layer are formed in the recess. The conductive layer is planarized to expose the oxide or oxide/nitride layer. The oxide layers are then etched to expose the top surface and vertical portions of the conductive layer. A dielectric layer is formed to overlie the storage node electrode. A cell plate electrode is fabricated to overlie the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A production method of a water jacket spacer for use in a cylinder block with a water jacket formed around plural cylinder bores. The method comprises the fist step of integrally forming a tubular spacer body with a peripheral wall and a connecting bridge by way of synthetic resin molding so that corresponding regions of the peripheral wall are connected to each other via the connecting bridge, and the second step of cooling the tubular spacer body, with the connecting bridge fixed thereto, to prevent deformation of the tubular spacer body during the cooling process, and the third step of removing the connecting bridge from the tubular spacer body.

Abstract: A method for forming a printhead having a very high dot-per-inch printing capability is described. The method includes forming a layer containing electronic control circuits upon a semiconductor wafer. Nozzle chambers are then etched into the wafer and corresponding fluid ejection assemblies are formed for each nozzle chamber. Ink inlets for the nozzle chambers are produced by back-etching through the wafer. Steps for fabricating thermal bend actuators to eject ink from the nozzles are also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic files involves a chemical milling process to yield endodontic files having a desired taper and/or degree of sharpness. The process involves the steps of (a) forming helical cutting edges in the cutting portion of the metallic rod; and (b) chemically milling the cutting portion of the rod so as to sharpen and/or taper the cutting portion. The rod may be formed of any desirable metallic material, for example stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy. The cutting edges may be formed by torsioning, cutting, grinding, machining, laser micromachining, or grit blasting.

Abstract: Provided is a device for removing coating on an optical fiber. The device has a cutting depth limiting surface disposed on a receiver body and a cutting blade attached between a pusher body and a fixing block. The cutting blade is made from plastics and has a specified bending elasticity. An optical fiber is inserted between the cutting blade and the limiting surface. During operation, the cutting blade cuts into a covering on the optical fiber. A high precision in arranging the cutting blade is not required.

Abstract: A level with magnetic device relates to a measuring instrument. That level includes a case body and a bubble cell on the case body, and it is characterized in that the cross section of the bottom of the case body, being the location of the reference plane, has a profiled shape, and furthermore by this is constituted a profiled slot on the bottom of the case body, a magnet is placed inside the profiled slot on the bottom of said case body, an elastic retaining bracket is pressed on top of the magnet, and the shapes of that elastic retaining bracket and the profiled slot are complementarily matched. That level solves the problem of instability of precision of the contemporary level with magnetic device, and it is widely applicable in the level industry.

Abstract: A carpenter's square includes a triangular base having first and second sides joined to form a right angle. A first elongated slot is disposed within the base parallel to a third side thereof; and a pin is selectively positionable along the length of the slot. The pin provides a mechanism for fixing the base in a specific orientation relative to an edge of an object when the pin is in a locked position within the slot.

Abstract: Based on the proportion that exists between the length of a conductive material and its electrical resistance and using a Wheatstone bridge type circuit, with four resistances to which a given input voltage is applied, and when the bridge is in balance the output voltage is zero, consists of using as such resistances respective extension measurement bands, based on a grid (1) mounted on an electrically insulating support (2), in such a way that preferably two of said grids (1) are orientated in a principal direction of maximum deformation, whereas the other two (1?) are in a direction at right angle to the previous one, in such a way that the dimensional variations of said bands, determined by the increase or reduction in the dimensions of the tree or plant to be controlled, create an output voltage, positive or negative, which proportionally corresponds with said measurement increase or decrease.

Abstract: An exemplary distance measuring probe (100) includes a tube track (12), a tip extension (16), a pair of hollow tubes (14), a pair of air discharge systems (115), a linear measuring scale (18), and a displacement sensor (19). The tip extension is configured to touch a surface of an object (50). The linear measuring scale and the displacement sensor are respectively fixed relative to one of the tube track and the tip extension. The hollow tubes contain a flux of air, and are configured to cooperatively push the tip extension to move. Each air discharge system ejects part of air in the corresponding hollow tube out of the hollow tube. The linear measuring scale displays values of displacements of the tip extension. The displacement sensor detects and reads the displacement values displayed by the linear measuring scale.

Abstract: One aspect of an invention disclosed herein relates to improved durability of the thumb engaging portion of a tape rule locking assembly. In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a retractable rule assembly comprising a housing assembly; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly; and an elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal being wound on the reel. The elongated blade has measuring indicia formed on a concave side thereof; and a coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal is constructed to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade. A blade holding assembly for holding the blade in a position of extension outwardly of said housing, said blade holding assembly comprising a resilient thumb engaging portion and a receiving region behind the thumb engaging portion to enable the thumb engaging portion to deform into the receiving region to absorb impact.

Abstract: A method for the vaporization of particulate material includes providing one or more containers each containing possibly distinct particulate materials each having at least one component, fluidizing the particulate material in at least one of the containers, and providing a vaporization zone that is thermally isolated from at least one of the containers. The method further includes delivering particulate material received from each container to the vaporization zone, and applying heat to vaporize the delivered particulate materials at the vaporization zone.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of dried superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) the polymerization reaction is carried out either in an initially homogenous aqueous monomer solution (bulk aqueous solution polymerization) or in a heterogeneous water-in-oil reactant mixture (reverse phase suspension or emulsion polymerization) within a continuous closed polymerization reactor, then the resulting polymer gel is dried within a continuous moved bed in a closed dryer, avoiding the needs of standard intermediate maturity tank(s).

Abstract: A heel strap apparatus for securing the rear portion of a strapless shoe to the ankle of a wearer foot includes a linking strap segment having a linking strap segment first end and a linking strap segment second end, for wrapping around the back of a wearer heel; an ankle engaging portion extending from the linking strap segment for wrapping around the front of the wearer ankle to engage the ankle; and a shoe engaging portion extending from the linking strap segment for fitting around the bottom of the shoe to engage the shoe.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear having an insert with a plurality of forefoot support tubes are configured to control the support characteristics of the sole in a forefoot region of the sole. In one embodiment, the forefoot support tubes each include a base, and a wall extending from the base. The wall is formed from a material that has a lower durometer value than the base. In another embodiment, the forefoot support tubes air arranged in a radiating pattern, such that at least two of the forefoot support tubes diverge as they extend toward the lateral side of the insert.

Abstract: A skate boot for enclosing a human foot when in use, the foot having a heel, an ankle with a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus, an Achilles tendon having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel, a plantar surface, medial and lateral sides and toes. The skate boot comprises an outer shell and a tendon guard affixed to the outer shell. The tendon guard is more flexible than the outer shell such that it allows backwards flexion of the ankle when the foot moves towards full extension.

Abstract: A shoe cleat comprises a fan-like array of dynamic traction elements that, under the weight of a wearer of a shoe, resiliently deflect toward the cleat hub and are compressed against an adjacent traction element and/or the hub to trap interposed grass blades.

Abstract: A photo album insert for holding at least one photograph and at least one compact disc. The insert includes at least two sheets of generally planar material, where at least one of the sheets is substantially transparent. Both of the sheets have a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second opposing side edges. The sheets are generally fixed relative to each other. The insert also includes at least a first photograph stop disposed between the transparent sheet top edge and the transparent sheet bottom edge to define at least a first photograph receiving area, and at least a first compact disc stop disposed between the first photograph stop and the transparent sheet bottom edge to define at least a first compact disc receiving area. The first compact disc receiving area overlaps with and at least partially extends below the first photograph receiving area, and the first compact disc receiving area and the first photograph receiving area cooperate to define a first photograph/compact disc pocket.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).

Abstract: A simple structure of display device having the function of self-balance and prevent falling caused by an external force is disclosed to include a display, a base, which has a convex bottom surface and is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the display, and an adjustable counterweight structure, which has a weight that can be moved with one hand to change the center of gravity of the display device and to further adjust the viewing angle of the display.

Abstract: A firearm apparatus and a method of firing ammunition therefrom, where the method utilizes a barrel (12) having a breech end surface (40) and immovably affixed to frame (10), a stand pressure surface (32), and a cartridge container (16) with a cartridge case (26) therein and countermass main body (18) movable in opposite directions. Gas from a deflagrating propellant moves the movable members and applies directionally opposite forces upon the breech end surface (40) and the stand pressure surface (32), which results in the force cancellation and ensures that the barrel (12) remains stable during firing. This solves the problem of the angle of departure and contributes to a high accuracy of shooting.

Abstract: A magazine for a firearm having a magazine well has a body with the chamber for receiving ammunition. The body has an upper opening to the chamber, and has a contact portion with adjustable screws that contact a surface in the magazine well. Adjustment of the screws is used to establish a precise selected position of the magazine with respect to the receiver, permitting adjustment of the feed height, feed angle and ejector position. Four screws are provided, one at each corner of the upper surface of the magazine.

Abstract: A heavy-duty adjustable length butt stock assembly for a firearm such as an AR15 rifle or any other firearm that is made to accept an AR15 butt stock. The stock is designed to be stronger than any existing production AR15 butt stock. The butt stock has three major components, the butt, the receiver extension tube and the clamping gusset The front end of the butt stock has a primary bore hole that extends inwardly from its front end to the rear end of the butt stock. The receiver extension tube is telescopically received in the primary bore hole. An adjustment push button lock extends inwardly from one of the lateral sides of the butt stock and it actuates locking plunger pin that can mate with various longitudinally spaced transversely extending grooves on the bottom surface of the receiver extension tube. Various sling mount structures can be formed on the butt stock or on a clamping gusset that is removably inserted over the receiver extension tube adjacent its front end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method uses a central firing chamber, a plurality of pipes extending outwardly and slightly downwardly from the central firing chamber, means for actuating an explosive charge within the central firing chamber, a deployable net, and a plurality of net-anchoring weights attached to the perimeter of the net, each weight being releasably retained within a pipe until the explosive charge is detonated thereby deploying a net downwardly to live-capture an animal situated below the apparatus.

Abstract: A storage tray for storing, watering and transporting plants, which is rectangular and has two mounting members on each of two parallel narrow sides for hanging in frame struts, characterised in that each mounting member has an engagement end portion extending along the respective narrow side and ending freely in the direction of the long side located closest in each case, and a watering device with at least two such storage trays disposed one on top of the other, with four vertical frame struts disposed in corner areas of the storage trays and provided with insertion recesses for hanging the mounting members of the storage trays in, the insertion recesses in frame struts associated in each case with a narrow side of the storage tray are at least partially facing each other, so that the storage trays can be inserted and removed in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A fort includes a defense, a top cover, and a plurality of shooting windows. The top cover is mounted on top of the defense. The top cover includes an inverted bowl-like top wall with an opening. The top cover further includes a peripheral wall extending along a periphery of the top wall. The peripheral wall includes a plurality of engaging holes. Each shooting window includes a plurality of engaging holes. A plurality of fasteners are extended through the engaging holes of each shooting window and the engaging holes of the top cover, thereby releasably mounting the shooting windows to the peripheral wall of the top cover. A safe fort that can be assembled/dismantled easily and rapidly is thus provided.

Abstract: A universal system (100) for support and positioning of building structural support members (20, 30) includes at least one longitudinally extended base plate (110) and at least one fixing member (120, 122). The base plate (110) has a plurality of slotted openings (116) formed therethrough. The fixing member (120, 122) has a pair of longitudinally spaced upstanding support members (1202, 1222) defining a structural member receiving space (118) therebetween. At least one of the upstanding support members (1202) is formed with a pair angularly extending flanges (132) that are elastically angularly displaceable to pass through a respective slotted opening (116) having corresponding portions (1164) at a different angle (C), and then return to their original angle (D) to prevent reversibly passing back through the slot (116).

Abstract: A connector assembly for use in securely joining together elongated structural members, which extend angularly with respect to one another. The connector assembly is ideally suited for use in interconnecting wooden structural members that make up playground equipment for use by young children and includes specially designed connector plates that are uniquely designed to provide both longitudinal and transverse stability to the structure formed by the interconnected structural members. Each of the gripping plates is lanced out to form a plurality of penetrating tabs that are adapted to penetrate the structural members as the gripping plates are cinched down by through bolts so as to provide still further rigidity to the assembled structure.

Abstract: A connector (15) for connecting modules together comprises plastic connector member (16), an expander rod (17) and a threaded expander rod displacer (18). The connector member (16) has spaced dovetail style enlargements (19) on one side and a full length dovetail enlargement (20) on the other side. The connector member (16) is designed to slide in the confronting slots with the wasted sections (21) of the expander (17) located inside each of the sections (19). Once in position the threaded expander rod displacer (18) is used to axially displace the expander (17) to force the enlarged sections of the expander (17) into the sections (19) thus engaging the slot and at the same time biasing the modules together.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for building platforms, stages, or flooring, which is particularly suitable for use outside. The module comprises a ladder-type frame, supporting devices, connecting means and, preferably, covering elements.