Abstract: An electronic moving target system and method, which users may aim and shoot various instruments at which can be configured to present rigid or flexible targets from a variety of different directions. The target system presents users with realistic moving targets which may be quickly and easily be replaced as needed. The moving target system is fully programmable by a user and may present a series of varying challenges to a marksman. The moving target system may include a target surface operatively connected to a control arm which is powered by a motor. The motor receives signals from a control box supplying instructions from a microcontroller.

Abstract: In some implementations, an injectable flange gasket includes a plate having two parallel surfaces, each of the two parallel surfaces having an perimeter, the plate also having an outer edge between the perimeters of the parallel surfaces, the outer edge being about perpendicular to the two parallel surfaces, at least one groove in only one of the two parallel surfaces, the groove being continuous and the plate also having a hole that extends from a wall of the groove and through the outer edge of the plate.

Abstract: Sliding parts are provided where a plurality of dynamic pressure-generating grooves for generating dynamic pressure via the relative rotational sliding of the stationary ring and the rotating ring are formed in a circumferential direction on a sealing face of one of a stationary ring and the rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed fluid-containing space, and pumping areas for generating pumping action via the relative rotational sliding of the stationary ring and the rotating ring are formed within the dynamic pressure-generating grooves.

Abstract: Exemplary piston rings are disclosed, comprising a base portion formed of a metallic material, and an outer contact surface extending between opposing side faces of the piston ring. The piston ring may include a coating layer applied to the outer contact surface, with the coating layer including an inner layer and an outer layer. Exemplary methods of making a piston ring are also disclosed, comprising providing a base portion formed of a metallic material, applying an inner layer to an outer surface of the base portion, and applying an outer layer on top of the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat seal such as those that are used in motor vehicle construction in particular. Such flat seals can be used for example as seals in the exhaust tract of internal combustion engines, as cylinder head gaskets, or also as hydraulic system control plates. Hydraulic system control plates, such as transmission control plates for example, always have a sealing function in addition to a fluid control function simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of making a gasket having a high temperature coating that includes obtaining a substrate formed from a metallic material and having the shape of a gasket, applying a nanoparticle suspension over the outer surfaces of the substrate, and heating the substrate to a first elevated temperature to form an undercoat layer of a self-protective oxide coating. The method also includes applying a liquid comprising boron nitride over the undercoat layer and drying the boron nitride liquid at a second elevated temperature to form an overcoat layer.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing a space between a first member and a second member fastened by a fastening member so as to face each other, the gasket being fitted in an annular mounting groove formed on one of facing surfaces of the first member and the second member. The gasket is provided with an annular gasket body formed along the mounting groove; a plurality of longitudinal ribs, made up of protruding bodies, provided on a side surface of the gasket body facing a side wall of the mounting groove, the longitudinal rib protruding along height direction corresponding to depth direction of the mounting groove of the gasket body and protruding at intervals in circumferential direction of the gasket body; and a transverse rib provided on the side surface, the transverse rib being made up of a protruding body continuously protruding over the entire circumference of the gasket body.

Abstract: A malleable gasket suitable for high purity fluid delivery systems has flat axial end surface sealing regions on opposing sides, and further includes a raised inner lip on a first side and a raised outer lip on a second side. The raised lips align the gasket within a fluid delivery conduit by engaging features in the face of one or more fluid delivery elements joined together, and simultaneously provide protection to the sealing regions during normal handling and fluid delivery system assembly.

Abstract: A gasket held between opposite flange joint surfaces with a bolt includes a combination of a complex material with a rubber material formed on one or both sides of a steel plate, the complex material having a convex or waveform bead, and a circular metal plate arranged at a bolt portion with a through-hole where a shank of the bolt penetrates and a bearing corresponding portion that corresponds to a bearing of the bolt around the through-hole. The gasket is configured to have the thickness (H3) of the bead provided to the complex material greater than the thickness (H2) of the circular metal plate that is equal to or greater than the thickness (H1) of the complex material. This structure provides a gasket indicating good sealing properties under such circumstances that a flange has low stiffness, a tightening load is reduced, and the distance between bolts is expanded.

Abstract: A method for producing a gasket framework (10) includes creating a strip (50) having a warp (20) and a weft (30) obtained using a yarn (40) made of semi-rigid synthetic material and susceptible of being folded. The method also includes compressing a multiple points (P) of the yarn (40) made of synthetic material.

Abstract: A collet for connecting a tool to a driver includes a shaft having an end. The collet includes a body including a first end that connects to the driver and a second end having an internal space partially defined by a frustoconical bore and a plurality of jaws disposed within the space. Each of the jaws includes a body having a frustoconical surface arranged to engage the frustoconical bore and an engagement member coupled to each body to move between an unlocked and a locked position. Rotation of the tool about the axis in a first direction biases the engagement member toward the unlocked position to allow movement of the tool with respect to the jaws, and rotation of the tool about the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction biases the engagement member toward the locked position wherein the tool is fixed with respect to the jaws.

Abstract: A conversion scooter is adapted for use as a sit to ride scooter in a first configuration and a stand to ride scooter in a second configuration. The conversion scooter has a frame, a steering assembly and a seat removably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly can be steered by a user in the first and second configurations. The frame has a first end portion and a second end portion, and a foot platform extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. In the first configuration a seat surface of the seat is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and in the second configuration the seat is coupled to a first end portion of the frame and the seat is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Seat securing members secure the seat in the first and second configurations.

Abstract: A hand ice skating mechanism in conjunction with an athletic protective mechanism utilizing a glove portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion includes a blade retaining portion and a blade assembly in communication with the blade retaining portion.

Abstract: A hand roller skating mechanism in conjunction with an athletic protective mechanism utilizing a glove portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion includes a wheel retaining portion and a wheel assembly in communication with the wheel retaining portion.

Abstract: The specification discloses a high-profile, low-volume trash/recycling cart that is compatible with existing pick-up equipment and includes a reduced volume. The cart includes a container and a pedestal supporting the container. The pedestal increases the overall height of the cart to be conveniently handled by existing automated handling equipment. The container can be separated from the pedestal and used as a standalone refuse container. Additionally, wheels may be included on the container to provide a rolling standalone container. Alternatively or additionally, when the pedestal is separated from the container, the pedestal can be fitted with a handle to provide a utility cart.

Abstract: A customizable portable generator system and methods for assembling the same are disclosed. In one example, the generator system generally includes a universal frame including a plurality of mounting interfaces configured for detachably attaching one of a plurality of different engines and a plurality of wheel assemblies and/or support legs. Optionally, at least one handlebar assembly may be detachably mounted on the frame in at least one of two possible positions. In one example, the handlebar may be pivotably mounted to the frame. The frame components may be assembled into a kit from which a user may select various options to custom configure the generator unit. Other appurtenances and accessories may be provided which interface with the generator unit and frame. A modular generator frame and compressed gas-fueled generators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A utility cart has four corner posts arranged in rectangular pattern and at least one lower shelf including a recess in the push side edge and a top shelf that, instead of the recess, includes a handle. The other three sides of each of the shelves are substantially the same size and extend beyond the corner posts. The bottom of each of the shelves may include a wagon wheel structure in each corner which secures and supports the corner posts of the cart.

Abstract: A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel which is coupled in terms of movement to a steerable axle of the motor vehicle via a steering axle. The steering wheel is arranged rotatably on a steering column having a housing body. The housing body has at least one upwardly open recess which is bounded at least by two opposite walls extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal centre axis of the housing body.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension device includes a first fluid path through which a first upper port opening into a first hydraulic cylinder and a second lower port opening into a second hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a second fluid path through which a second upper port opening into the second hydraulic cylinder and a first lower port opening into the first hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a first hydraulic damping mechanism in the first fluid path, a second hydraulic damping mechanism in the second fluid path, a first accumulator connected to the first fluid path via a first branch fluid path having a first auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, a second accumulator connected to the second fluid path via a second branch fluid path having a second auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, and a bridge fluid path through which the first and second branch fluid paths are connected together.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension is provided having a hydraulic vibration damper, which is connected in parallel to a suspension spring which proportionally supports the vehicle body. A rebound spring is provided, which preferably and typically becomes effective in the event of larger spring deflection distances. The support point of the rebound spring is displaceable in relation to the damper housing by way of a spring support piston, which is provided therein and is displaceable by fluid externally supplied with pressure via pump. In this case, the pump is connected to a pressure accumulator for the fluid and delivers fluid out of the pressure accumulator into the damper housing or out of the damper housing back into the pressure accumulator. The absolute value of the spring constant of the pressure accumulator is at least in the order of magnitude of the spring constant of the associated suspension spring or springs, or is greater.

Abstract: A user-propelled vehicle is adapted for use as a ride on vehicle. The user-propelled ride on vehicle has a frame, a rider support platform, a steering column, a front cross member, a rear cross member, and a plurality of a caster assemblies coupled to the front and rear cross members at a front forward tilting angle to the vertical axis.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel solution for an optimally powered crank for a human-powered vehicle, such as a bicycle. This invention includes a novel system and method to optimize the length of each crank arm throughout the revolution of the crank assembly. First, a crank arm assembly is attached to the bicycle's existing spindle assembly. The crank arm assembly includes a rail section that is fixed at one end to the mounting section of the crank arm assembly. Next, the opposite end of the rail section is attached to the sliding section of the crank arm assembly. The sliding section of the crank arm assembly also includes a feature that allows the sliding section to collapse and expand along the rail section. The crank arm assembly also includes at least two track rollers mounted to the side of each sliding section designed to reduce friction and counter inertial forces associated with the crank arm assembly sliding along the tracks. Next, the assembly includes two tracks mounted on each side of the frame.

Abstract: A tricycle is provided for supporting multiple passengers. The multi-passenger tricycle has a frame member, a steering assembly, a rear axle assembly, an auxiliary handlebar and a rear passenger foot platform. The steering assembly is rotatable and is coupled to a first end of the frame member. The rear axle assembly is coupled to the second end of the frame member. The auxiliary handlebar is coupled to the frame member between the first end and the second end of the frame member. The rear passenger foot platform is coupled to the frame member adjacent a second end of the frame member, and is at least partially above the rear axle assembly. Preferably, the rear passenger foot platform includes a first foot platform on one side of the frame member and a second foot platform on an opposing side of the frame member.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.

Abstract: A frame locking bar is supported pivotably with respect to a rear body. The frame locking bar is constructed to be able to lock an articulated structure by fixing a front body and the rear body to each other to thereby prevent swing thereof. A fixing mechanism is constructed to be able to position this frame locking bar at a prescribed pivoted position in a cantilevered state. At the positioned prescribed pivoted position, when viewed from above, a foot mount is located outside a side surface of a driver's compartment. Thus, a wheel loader capable of locking an articulated mechanism and allowing easy and highly safe services at a high position is obtained.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a convertible platform system may include a platform, a first platform attachment, and a second platform attachment. The platform may include a first side at least two wheels, a loading system, and a coupling system. The first platform attachment may include a first surface which couples, during use, to the first side of the platform. The first platform attachment may include a first function. The second platform attachment may include a second surface which couples, during use, to the first side of the platform. The second platform attachment may include a second function. The loading system may couple to a first end of at least one of the platform attachments and convey the platform attachment from a first unloaded position to a second loaded position. The coupling system may couple during use either the first platform attachment or the second platform attachment to the first side of the platform.

Abstract: A snowboard which incorporates a rocker element instead of a camber.

Abstract: A heel retainer for a combined downhill and touring binding for a ski, including: a base plate which can be fastened on an upper side of the ski; a connecting structure; a tensioning device for securely holding a ski boot in the heel retainer, including a sole retainer; a shifting mechanism using which the heel retainer can be moved from a travelling position to a walking position and vice versa; and a latching mechanism which latches at least parts of the heel retainer in the travelling position or in the walking position. The latching mechanism includes a latching lever which can be operated manually or using a ski pole and which latches the heel retainer at least in the travelling position, wherein the parts of the heel retainer for changing from the travelling position to the walking position and vice versa can be linearly shifted on the base plate.

Abstract: A heel retainer for a ski binding, includes a base plate using which the heel retainer can be fastened to an upper side of a ski or snowboard; a connecting structure connectable to the base plate; and a tensioning device using which a ski boot is tensioned onto the ski. The connecting structure includes first and second connecting structure parts. The first connecting structure part can be moved relative to the second connecting structure part in the transverse release direction when the ski binding is transversely released. The tensioning device includes a sole retainer which, in direct contact with the sole of a ski boot, tensions the ski boot onto the ski or snowboard. The sole retainer is formed as a rolling body exhibiting a rotational axis and is connected to the tensioning device such that the sole retainer can be rotated about its rotational axis.

Abstract: A child's active transportation device comprising: a steering rod permanently or removably affixed to a wheel base, said wheel base having a platform and mechanism or device for affixing a plurality of wheels to said wheel base, and also having a plurality of wheels and associated equipment and method of use.

Abstract: A juvenile stroller includes a mobile base and a juvenile seat mounted on the mobile base. The mobile base includes wheels and a foldable frame carrying the juvenile seat.

Abstract: An airbag device (1), having an airbag (10), is installed in a side wall (91) inside a vehicle cabin. The airbag (10) includes an inflatable section (30) configured to be inflated with gas and is disposed in an upper portion of the side wall (91). An inflator (2) supplies gas to the inflatable section (30), inflating and deploying the airbag (10) downward. A connecting member (50) connects the airbag (10) and the vehicle body (99) and is pulled between the vehicle body (99) and the airbag (10) that is being inflated and deployed. When the airbag (10) is inflated and deployed, a support portion (51) of the connecting member (50) supports the inflatable section (30) from the side wall (91) side of the airbag and pushes it toward the inner side of the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: An outer cover for an airbag door of an instrument panel includes a substrate formed from a polymer. A score line is formed into a first surface of the substrate to define an airbag deployment tear seam. A fiber is embedded into and integrally formed with the substrate. The fiber is disposed adjacent to the score line to limit particle separation of the polymer outer cover during deployment of an airbag through the outer cover.

Abstract: A curtain airbag device comprising: a main deploying portion that, at a time when at least one of a small overlap impact or an oblique impact arises, receives a supply of gas and expands, and is deployed in a shape of a curtain along a side window glass; an outer side deploying portion that is formed integrally with a front end side, in a vehicle front-rear direction, of the main deploying portion, and that receives a supply of gas from the main deploying portion and is expanded and deployed; and an inner side deploying portion that is formed integrally with the front end side, in the vehicle front-rear direction, of the main deploying portion, and that receives a supply of gas from the main deploying portion and expands, and is deployed overlappingly at a vehicle width direction inner side with respect to the outer side deploying portion.

Abstract: A curtain airbag device comprising: a main deploying portion that, at a time when at least one of a small overlap impact or an oblique impact arises, receives a supply of gas and expands, and is deployed in a shape of a curtain; an auxiliary deploying portion that is provided at a front side of the main deploying portion, and that, at a time when at least one of a small overlap impact or an oblique impact arises, receives a supply of gas and is expanded and deployed; and a connecting portion that has an expanding portion that receives a supply of gas from the main deploying portion and is expanded at an outer side in a vehicle width direction of the auxiliary deploying portion, and the connecting portion connects a front end side portion of a front pillar, and a front end side portion of the main deploying portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel assembly for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, with a gas bag accommodated by a housing, which for the protection of a driver is inflatable by means of a gas generator, with a shiftably mounted carrier for accommodating the housing, which can be positioned in a rest position and at least one deflected position, and with at least one fastening device by means of which the carrier can shiftably be fixed at a steering wheel skeleton of the steering wheel. A spring biasing the carrier into the rest position is associated to the fastening device and the fastening device includes a guiding portion on which the carrier is shiftable against the force of the spring into the deflected position along a main shifting direction, along which the distance between the carrier and the steering wheel skeleton is reduced, wherein between the carrier and the guiding portion a clearance exists in a direction transverse to the main shifting direction.

Abstract: An airbag device that can limit the movement of a strap outside an airbag even when the other end of the strap is released is provided. An airbag device includes an airbag 2 that is folded in a normal state and deployed in case of emergency, an inflator 3 that supplies gas to the airbag 2, a retainer 4 that secures the airbag 2 and the inflator, and a strap-retaining device 6 that retains a strap 5, which is connected to a portion of the airbag 2 at one end 51 thereof, at the other end 52 of the strap 5 in a releasable manner. The airbag device further includes a strap-restraining tether 7, which is connected to the strap 5 at one end 71 thereof and to the airbag 2 at the other end 72 thereof. The strap-restraining tether 7 limits the movement of the free end of the strap 5 that has been released.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft, a column rotatably supporting the steering shaft, a bracket attached to the column, a capsule configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and having upper and lower holding plates sandwiching the flange portion, a coupling part coupling the flange portion and the capsule such that the flange portion is detachable from the capsule by an impact force toward the front of the vehicle body, a rounded portion formed at a front end portion of the flange portion with a curvature radius varying along a vehicle-width direction, and an energy-absorbing member. The energy-absorbing member includes a rear portion engaged with the capsule, a front extension portion extending forward from the rear portion, a bent portion bent in front of the rounded portion, and a rear extension portion extending rearward and inclined in the vehicle-width direction with respect to the column center axis.

Abstract: A chassis structure used in a vehicle having a front, a left, a right, and a rear wheel, including: two front oblique beams disposed to sandwich the front wheel and extending from a central portion of the chassis structure respectively toward between the front wheel and the right wheel and toward between the front wheel and the left wheel such that distal end portions of the respective two front oblique beams are located on a right side and a left side of the front wheel, respectively; and two rear oblique beams disposed to sandwich the rear wheel and extending from the central portion respectively toward between the rear wheel and the right wheel and toward between the rear wheel and the left wheel such that distal end portions of the respective two rear oblique beams are located on a right side and a left side of the rear wheel, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roll cage, at least one rear seat, and at least one rear seat belt assembly. Each rear seat is positioned within a rear protected area at least partially defined by the roll cage. Each rear seat belt assembly is associated with a respective one of the rear seats, and includes a retractor assembly attached to the roll cage.

Abstract: A tank for transporting fluids on a truck chassis includes a front wall, side walls, a back wall, a top, and a floor. Interior stairs extend from the floor to an opening in the top to allow stair access into the interior with integrated safety handrails on the fill port cover. Stair toe kicks act as internal transverse baffles to help control fluid motion and surging. The stairs also act as a structural stiffener between longitudinal baffles. Horizontal baffles assist in controlling fluid motion and surging. Formed baffles provide strength and stiffness. A baffle interlocking system improves joint integrity and aids manufacturing. Formed outer skins provide structural strength for the tank. Ports located in front and rear bulkheads may be used for tank ventilation or, depending on local safety codes, as secondary access points.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first hinge element may include a first plate portion and a first plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The second hinge element may include a second plate portion and a second plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers may interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element may extend substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in at least one of the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another.

Abstract: A tie article that includes an attachment portion and a bib portion, where the bib portion includes at least one arm segment and at least one closure device (e.g., a retention wire, tin tie, clasp tie, and the like), where the attachment portion and the bib portion are integrally fabricated from a printed sheet having a first surface and a polymeric film adhered to the first surface of the printed sheet such that the closure device(s) is disposed between the first surface of the printed sheet and the polymeric film at the attachment portion. Multiple tie articles may be manufactured with an in-line process.

Abstract: A fluid flow connector including a housing assembly, having a first end and a second end arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and a resilient fluid flow conduit member having a forward end, disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly, formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least one side opening. The resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the at least one side opening is open and in an open position, allowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open, whereby when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is in the open position, the selectably closable slit and the at least one side opening each provide a fluid flow pathway between an interior of the resilient fluid flow conduit member and the first end of the housing assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a pipe insulating joint for insulating in between a first pipe element and a second pipe element, wherein at least one of which includes an electrical current impressed therein. The pipe insulating joint including a pipe segment having a wall portion made of an electrical insulating material and coupling means for coupling the pipe segment between the first pipe element and the second pipe element, such that the electrical current is not transferred therebetween.

Abstract: In an electrostatic coating apparatus, an electrically conductive coating material is supplied through a coating material supplying path to a coating gun to which a high voltage is applied. The electrostatic coating apparatus is provided with an insulating and separating valve capable of electrically insulating and separating the coating material supplying path into an application side in which the high voltage is applied and a non-application side. The insulating and separating valve is provided with a female coupling member having a first connecting portion and a male coupling member having a second connecting portion. A supplying hole for supplying a cleaning fluid to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and a discharging hole for discharging the cleaning fluid supplied to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on one of the female coupling member disposed on the non-application side and the male coupling member.

Abstract: A method for making a metal to composite tube joint including selecting an elongated interior fitting constructed with an exterior barrel, reduced in exterior diameter to form a distally facing annular shoulder and then projecting still further distally to form an interior sleeve having a radially outwardly facing bonding surface. Selecting an elongated metal outer sleeve formed proximally with a collar constructed for receipt over the barrel and increased in interior diameter and projecting distally to form an exterior sleeve having a radially inwardly facing bonding surface cooperating with the first bonding surface to form an annulus receiving an extremity of a composite tube and a bond bonding the extremity of the tube to the bonding surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a lever quick connect and disconnect fitting that provides a secure fit for tank-to-tank connections and prevents any leakage from occurring. The fitting provide two separate, independent locking features that can secure tank sleeves to one another. There is provided male and female components that are coupled together by a lever connect and by a safety ring.