Abstract: The end portions of the pipe section 2 have annular rabbets 14 and 16 in the outer and inner peripheral surfaces 10 and 12 thereof. The axially extending surfaces 14" and 16" of the rabbets are tapered substantially at a common angle so that when a pair 2' and 2" of the pipe sections are reversedly disposed end-to-end of one another, and driven together, the two sections form a male/female joint 18 therebetween. The joint is preserved by providing sets of axially successive ribs 20 and grooves 22 on the axially extending surfaces of the rabbets, which interengage with one another when the ends 8 of the sections abut the transversely disposed surfaces 14' and 16' of the rabbets.

Abstract: A circuit breaker auxiliary device is housed in its own separate enclosed container and is accessible by a drive pin through an opening in the container mounting surface. A drive pin is inserted into an opening in a circuit breaker housing mounting surface. The container is snap-fitted flushly to a side of the circuit breaker housing. The internal trip mechanism of the circuit breaker and the operative mechanism of the auxiliary device communicate via the drive pin cooperatively linked to each mechanism and operating through the aligned openings in the container and the circuit breaker housing.

Abstract: A sun visor comprises a first visor core half (15), with an integral flange (16) disposed to the first visor core half by an integral hinge (17), bonded to a second visor core half (18), except for the flange, which remains open. Two pieces of suitable material are joined together to form an envelope (10) in the shape of a visor core assembly (9). The visor core assembly is inserted into the envelope, and the material along an open edge of the envelope (38) is inserted into the core and attached along an interior edge (46) of the flange and along an interior edge (48) of the second visor core half. The flange is attached to the second visor core half by use of a plurality of snap fasteners (26, 27, 28), and the closure is further strengthened by inserting a mounting rod (7) into a plurality of aligned apertures (30) defined by a plurality of resilient interdigital bearings (31, 32) mounted to the second visor core half and the flange. A clean, neat seam results along all edges of the envelope.

Abstract: A cyclable electrical switch construction, a system utilizing the switch construction and methods of making the same are provided, the cyclable electrical switch construction comprising a housing having a cyclable electrical switch therein and a rotatable actuator shaft that extends from the housing for setting the duty cycle of the switch in relation to the rotational position of the shaft in either rotational direction thereof from an "off" position thereof, and an electrical switch unit being carried on the housing and having structure operatively interconnected with the shaft so that the switch unit is actuated from one condition thereof to another condition thereof only when the shaft is rotated from the "off" position thereof in one rotational direction thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a threaded dispensing opening for a cylindrical drum container having a generally flat circular closed bottom, a generally flat circular closed top, and a cylindrical side wall comprising the steps of forming an aperture in the drum top and drawing the drum metal adjacent the aperture upwardly to define an upwardly extending annular shoulder. The shoulder is then compressed downwardly to thicken the shoulder and a female threaded portion is formed on the inside of the annular shoulder which is receptive of a threaded closure member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assembling a fan where the fan itself comprises a plurality of fan components and a housing portion having an open end with an interior area defined by component receiving regions. The method includes positioning the housing portion with its open end up and then locating the components in set positions in the housing portion with those set positions being initially maintained by cooperative fitting of the components in the component receiving regions. After the components have been located in their set positions, the fan is then secured by mechanical locking means to releasably secure the components in the housing portion.

Abstract: A method for converting a thin-walled container to a jar with a rigid threaded neck which will accept a conventional threaded screw cap which comprises separately forming a thin-walled container and a rigid threaded neck ring and then attaching the ring to the outside of the container and the jar so made.

Abstract: An architectural cover panel system of individually adaptive panels for covering structural support members of an underlying structure such as girders. An individual adaptive panel includes a sheet of flexible material having a generally convex cross-section and is provided with corrugations oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the panel. In one preferred embodiment the convex panel is provided with edged portions attached to the lateral sides of the panel. The edge portions are similarly provided with corrugations oriented parallel to and intersecting or merging into the corrugations of the convex panel portion.

Abstract: A light-tight cassette, and method of making same, for enclosing and dispensing a roll of photosensitive web material. The cassette comprises a folded fiberboard housing having a plurality of housing wall portions with oppositely projecting lateral edges which define opposite sides of the housing. The plurality includes two planar wall portions that extend perpendicularly to each other to respective ends thereof which are disposed in spaced alignment to provide an opening between them. Two extruded plastic light-locking members are attached to those wall portion ends, respectively, one such member extending across the opening toward the other member to form a web exit passageway therebetween. The one member includes a resiliently flexible, inwardly projecting cantilever portion that is biased toward an opposing portion of the other member, both such portions having light-locking material thereon.

Abstract: A fluid conveying connector assembly comprises separable plug and receptacle connector members adapted for axial mating engagement, lock means for locking the connector members together in mated relation, and indicating means operable with the lock means for visually indicating that the members are fully mated, the indicating means in response to the plug moving thereagainst into the receptacle being constrained by the lock means for axial movement between an exposed first position and a hidden second position from view in the receptacle, the lock means being operable to lock the connector members together only when the indicating means have reached the second position. Release means operate on the lock means for releasing the connector members.

Abstract: A metal awning assembly which includes a main awning body section comprising a plurality of individual metal panel sections each having a prearranged curvature and being joined in side-to-side relation. Each of the individual panel sections comprises a sheet of thin gage metal formed with a plurality of individual longitudinal rib sections mutually spaced from each other. Each of the rib sections and intervening panel regions have light transverse corrugations formed therein. Each of the panel sections include male and female rib sections formed on opposite edges of the panel with each of the male and female rib sections on adjacent panel sections being snapped together to hold the panel sections together. Alternately a longitudinal cap holds the male/female rib joint together. Panel forming and shaping apparatus is disclosed as well as overall framing and mounting hardware arrangements and assembly and forming methods and techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are proposed for sealing the gap between a rigid sliding roof and a fixed roof region of a motor car surrounding the same by means of a cavity seal element which is housed beneath the fixed roof region by a groove formed between the latter and a rail attached to the roof which exhibits mutually spaced perforations in its upper member. In order to obtain simply a predetermined groove height, a distance or spacing element, which faces the fixed roof region, and the foot part which is constructed as a clip, is let into at least two of the perforations.

Abstract: A method of producing a discarding propelling cage sabot projectile, and to a discarding propelling cage sabot projectile produced according to this method, in which, in a vulcanizing tool including an injection mold, a uniformly thin layer of rubber is applied to the rear gas pressure receiving surface of the sabot so as to secure and seal the individual sabot segments against one another. In such a method, when the liquid sealing material is injected into the injection mold, there exists the danger that, due to the high pressure existing at that time, sealing material may enter, in an uncontrolling manner, into the cylindrical inner annular gap or annulus between the sabot and the projectile body. This may considerably adversely influence the release behavior of the discarding sabot segments and lead to a reduction of hit accuracy.

Abstract: A method of fastening and a fastening assembly are disclosed, where a nut may be retained in a grooved channel by a resilient retainer. The retainer has a central portion with an opening in registry with the threaded opening of the nut and also has two wings extending in opposite directions outward from the central portion. The wings have sharp edges to grip into the channel. A tool with projections is used to disengage the wings from the channel and permit the assembly to be slid along the grooved channel to a desired position. Upon withdrawal of the tool, the sharp edges of the wings resiliently grip into the channel to releasably retain the nut in the channel.

Abstract: The snap-in trigger for mounting in a trigger sprayer housing comprises a trigger which includes flexible members carrying pivotal mounting elements which mate with corresponding elements in a base, e.g., the sprayer housing. The flexible members are flexed towards each other during attachment of the trigger to the base, to allow easy mating of the pivotal mounting elements. The trigger also includes a flexible locking member which can be pivoted between a first position in which the locking members is spaced apart from the vicinity of the pivotal mounting elements, (e.g., during mating of the pivotal members while the flexible members are flexed together) and a second position in which the locking member is positioned directly between the flexible members in the vicinity of the pivotal mounting elements, preventing the flexible members from moving towards one another, and thus assuring proper mating configuration between the pivotal mounting members.

Abstract: A device for tying back drapery can be coordinated with the drapery by affixing a swatch of fabric matching or coordinating with that of the drapery.

Abstract: In order to simplify, and to render easier, and to avoid manipulating difficulties of small-diameter pipes, which have to be separated and singled in the processing at a separating distance (6) and which have to be transported after the processing either within a factory or to different manufacturing or treatment stations or between factories, and in particular of pipes (1) with the bulges present or to be applied at their ends, such as pipe-connection nuts (26), protective caps (27), it is disclosed that the pipes (1) are separated continuously with a fixed distance (6, 6a) in between the pipes and are disposed at such a distance in a direction parallel to their axis, and are further separated on a moving support (10).

Abstract: A positive bearing housing seal is provided in which the stationary seal member, and possibly a reducer having the same peripheral shape of the stationary seal member, is employed for installing and aligning the stationary seal member and the rotary seal member with respect to the shaft. A flat surface of the stationary seal member is moved against a flat surface of the rotary seal member until the flat surface of the stationary seal member engages a machine wall or, if a reducer is used, a flat surface of the reducer. The shaft is then rotated to establish squareness. The stationary seal member is then removed from the shaft, reversed in the axial direction, and reinstalled such that a flexible extension thereof, including a peripheral bead, is inserted into engagement with the inner surface of an annular opening in the machine wall or an annular opening in the reducer.

Abstract: A modular headliner assembly for use with motor vehicle includes a substrate, sunshade assemblies and fasteners for securing the modular headliner to motor vehicle body structure. Snap-in fasteners are provided for allowing the modular headliner to be mounted to the motor vehicle. A method of assembly including the steps of locating the modular headliner with extending fasteners relative to openings in the body structure and displacing the fasteners into the openings to secure the headliner to the body structure.

Abstract: A method for assembling heat exchanger plate pairs by snap fitting with counter-rotating rotors move heat exchanger plates two at a time through paths which converge in a vertical mating plane. Arcuate guides engage the plate ends to control the plate path. The rotors are servomotor controlled to synchronously index the rotor in increments separated by dwell periods. After assembly the merged pairs drop between spaced guides into an assembly fixture. At a subsequent brazing operation each plate pair becomes a tube for carrying refrigerant.

Abstract: A pre-formed (e.g. injection moulded) container body of flexible resilient plastics material is subjected to a subsequent cold-forming operation so that it is permanently deformed into a required configuration. For example, a desired container mouth configuration may be produced or handle-retaining recesses may be formed.

Abstract: A coiled resistance element is connected to an insulator block by sequentially locating and holding the coil in place; camming the coil such that two adjacent coils are forced together and the coils on either side are forced away so as to form two gaps or openings; and, inserting the arms of an insulator block into the two gaps so as to force the two adjacent coils into the cross bar portion of a T-slot formed in the connector block. Upon removing the camming forces from the coil, the two adjacent coils will be separated and located in the cross bar portion of the T-slot to thereby secure the coil and insulator together.

Abstract: A method of assembling an anti-sweat heater in a refrigerator cabinet having an outer sheet metal shell with side panels and a front face. The front face has a U-shaped portion formed with a groove and first, second and third walls in spaced parallel planes with the third wall bent at a right angle to form a flange having a free terminal edge. An anti-sweat header retainer member is formed from sheet metal and has a body portion, a first end portion having three spaced legs, and a second end portion also having three spaced legs with free termial ends. The center leg of the second end portion has a depending tang portion and each of the side legs of the second end portion have a reverse bend portion open in the direction of the tang portion of the center leg. The anti-sweat heater is placed near a corner in the outer metal shell and the anti-sweat heater retainer member is inserted into the outer wall and the legs of the first end portion of the retainer member are positioned to grip the flange.

Abstract: A hinge pin is temporarily held on a first hinge member on the automobile body by means of a hinge pin support mechanism. A door to be attached to the automobile body is held in position, and a second hinge member on the door is brought into engagement with the first hinge member. The hinge pin is pressed into the second hinge member through the first hinge member to couple the door to the automobile door. The hinge pin support mechanism includes a hinge pin retaining member including a ring separably joined to a plurality of legs. When the hinge pin is pressed into the hinge members, the ring is sheared off from the legs and rides in a peripheral groove defined in the hinge pin. The ring then engages one of the hinge members to prevent the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge members. The door can automatically be attached to the automobile body by a door attaching mechanism and detached from the automobile body by a door detaching mechanism.

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for compressing a retainer ring to reduced assembly size and maintaining the compressed ring assembly size at an assembly location by internal containment means. The apparatus typically includes a ring compressing assembly for compressing the ring from the exterior and mandrel means disposed in the compressing means and around which the ring is compressed to assembly size. The mandrel means includes a lug-retaining groove means into which retainer ring lugs having special flats are compressed and retained interiorly of the ring to hold the ring at reduced assembly size. The compressed retainer ring is carried to the assembly location outside the compressing means on the mandrel means and is stripped from the mandrel means for final assembly internally in a part. The ring compressing assembly is carried on a first slide for movement between a ring load position and a ring assembly position.

Abstract: A method for forming a threaded dispensing opening for a cylindrical drum container having a generally flat circular closed bottom, a generally flat circular closed top, and a cylindrical side wall comprising the steps of forming an aperture in the drum top and drawing the drum metal adjacent the aperture upwardly to define an upwardly extending annular shoulder. The shoulder is then compressed downwardly to thicken the shoulder and a female threaded portion is formed on the inside of the annular shoulder which is receptive of a threaded closure member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine comprising an apparatus for assembling a container for an optically readable disc-shaped information carrier. The container comprises a bottom section, a cover section, a bottom insertion-card, a cover leaflet, and a tray. The disc-shaped information carrier is detachably retained in the tray. During assembly the bottom section serves as an assembly base. In order to load the disc-shaped information carrier into a tray without the remainder of the container, the machine is provided with an auxiliary bottom section which is secured to the apparatus and in principle has the same dimensions as a container bottom section, so that a tray can be placed in the auxiliary bottom section and after it has been loaded with a disc-shaped information tray, can be removed as a unit from the auxiliary bottom section.

Abstract: A photographic developing apparatus has an elastic conveyor belt and at least one clamp which is designed to be mounted on the conveyor belt and to engage a strip of photographic material. The clamp has spaced gripping elements which define an opening of width less than that of the conveyor belt and are arranged to engage the marginal portions of the belt. A mechanism for mounting the clamp on the conveyor belt is also provided and includes a female die as well as a male die. The mounting mechanism additionally includes means for juxtaposing the clamp and the belt with one another in such a manner that the central portion of the belt and the opening in the clamp are each in register with a cavity in the female die while the marginal portions of the belt are movably confined between the clamp and support surfaces on the female die. When the clamp and the belt are thus positioned, the male die is moved into the female die. This causes the marginal portions of the belt to approach one another.

Abstract: A button arrangement which permits the temporary or permanent replacement of a lost button. The button arrangement includes a pointed shaft attached to a flat backing and a front portion which includes a button and a hollow tube which fits over the shaft. The shaft is fitted through the backside of the garment such that the flat portion abuts the garment, and the tube is fitted over the shaft and secured thereon. The flat portion can be separated from the shaft, so that the button can be removed at a later date if necessary.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool to continuously dispense chlorine for sanitizing the water is disclosed which provides an indication when the device has either depleted or nearly depleted its chlorine supply. The float supporting the feeder and the chlorine is of two colors, one color on the top and a second color on the bottom. When an adequate amount of chlorine is contained in the feeder, the bottom color is below the waterline and not readily visible, and when the chlorine is depleted to a desired minimum amount, the bottom color is sufficiently above the waterline to provide a readily perceived visual warning of chlorine depletion.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting sealing strips on motor vehicles and the like comprises: at least one structural member of the vehicle having projecting rivets formed integrally from the member along a gap to be sealed; and, a sealing strip pressably affixed to the projecting rivets along the gap, obviating the need to provide separate studs or rivets for affixing the sealing strip. In a preferred method, at least two structural members of the vehicle are joined to one another by rivets formed integrally from one or both of the members and extending through one of the members, along the gap to be sealed.

Abstract: A room air conditioner unit is disclosed having a molded polymeric chassis consisting primarily of two chassis members. A sheet metal wrapper is removably installed with four corner fasteners and gives an external appearance of a metal unit, as well as assisting in holding the two chassis members together. All of the operative components of the unit are positioned and supported on the lower chassis member and can be operationally tested prior to installation of the upper chassis member or the sheet metal wrapper. The two chassis members are interconnected without separate fasteners and the only operational component requiring separate fasteners is the compressor itself. The unit is therefore well adapted for automated manufacture with a minimum of labor content during either manufacture or repair.

Abstract: A baffle for partitioning fluid circulating passages that are provided in a structure for heat transfer purposes. The baffles are inserted without the need for extra drilling and tapping of the structure, and include an elongated, substantially flat body which is inserted into a passage to thereby partition the passage into two conduits, which act as supply and return conduits for fluid flow. The baffle further extends into another passage, through which fluid flows, to thereby block the flow of fluid and force the fluid to flow through the partitioned passage via the defined conduits. The baffle is held into position by resilient arms which project outwardly from the baffle and are received fully within the non-partitioned passage.

Abstract: A method for mounting an insert fastener to accommodate a bolt in lightweight panels is described. A hole is bored in a panel to penetrate the core and upper facial sheet and then is filled with a quick setting resin. A fastener having a flat circular head and central threaded bore is inserted into the hole. Integral with and depending from the head is a cylindrical body with a pair of radial flanges parallel to each other and to the head. The flanges are spaced apart from each other and the head. The edges of the flanges are serrated. Two holes, one on each side of the central bore, are present in the head to allow excess resin potting material to leave the hole in the lightweight panel. A bolt for holding auxiliary structures to the panel is screwed into the central bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow chain for vehicle wheels, whereby the snow chain comprises two chain members adapted to extend along the peripheral tread surface of the vehicle wheel when the snow chain is mounted on said wheel. The snow chain comprises tie bars connecting the chain members to each other and adapted to extend transversely to the tread surface when the snow chain is mounted on the vehicle wheel. The snow chain preferably is mounted on arms which are foldable relative to each other and retractable to a position adjacent an end side of the vehicle wheel by means of a retraction device.

Abstract: A plastics strap handle is secured to a plastics container body by means of a spigot which is pushed into the wall of the container body to form a socket. Material from the wall around the socket is coined into an annulus surrounding the shank of the spigot to retain the head of the spigot in the socket.

Abstract: A bead lock device includes a plurality of bows and a frame for connecting the bows together to form an annular structure. The structure is placed in the interior of a tire which is placed onto a wheel. Wheel flanges compress the bows which, in turn, effectively lock the tire beads against the wheel flanges. A method of making a bead lock device by attaching bows onto a pair of flexible rods and joining the rods at their ends to form hoops is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shelf support system comprises a bracket member which is snapped into a vertical channel by means of a head portion which has asymmetrical recesses which co-act with asymmetrical jaws of the channel. One recess is placed over one of the jaws which then serves as a pivot while the other recess snaps over the other jaw. To assist in retaining a shelf on the bracket member, an integral spike is provided.

Abstract: A method of making a control assembly intended for use in manually regulating the operating speed of power equipment in which fine adjustments may be obtained by rotating the control knob and rapid changes in speed may be achieved by shifting the knob axially. The assembly includes an outer one-piece sleeve adapted to be mounted upon an instrument panel or engine housing and permanently joined to a flexible casing containing the operating wire or cable. A plunger assembly is rotatably and slidably received within the sleeve, the plunger assembly including a thin-walled plunger tube of flexible material having a control knob ultrasonically welded to one end of the plunger. The side wall of the plunger tube has a non-circular (preferably oval-shaped) opening through which a retractable follower (ball) protrudes for engaging the internal threads of the sleeve when vernier adjustment is desired.

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic abrasion resistant protective sleeve for covering a radiator hose. The sleeve of the invention has a corrugated external surface comprising a plurality of projections and troughs formed in said sleeve. The projections are substantially evenly distributed and have a substantially uniform size. The sleeve has a slit along its longitudinal axis which provides for easy application to or removal from the hose, and is made of plastic that is substantially unaffected by high temperatures. A method of using said protective sleeve for protecting a radiator hose from abrasion also is provided.

Abstract: Method of providing the inner side of a neck of a vessel with a synthetic sleeve provided with inner screw thread for a closure stop (15) said sleeve being provided with an outer collar (8) with the shape of a truncated cone having its smallest diameter at the outer end and smaller than the inner diameter of the neck (3) and its largest diameter larger than the inner diameter of the neck, which sleeve in heated condition is pressed into and through the neck until the collar snaps outwardly over the edge of the neck.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping mechanism comprises a pump housing for holding a peristaltic drive means and adapted to support the drive motor for the peristaltic means. The mechanism further comprises a base member formed with an orifice having a periphery with a plurality of protrusions positioned therealong. The base member receives the housing in the orifice with a lip on the housing resting on the protrusions. The mechanism further comprises a cover which has an edge and a plurality of grips positioned along its edge for insertion between the periphery of the orifice and the lip of the housing to engage the grips with the base member and clampingly hold the housing and its associated peristaltic mechanism between the cover and the base member.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing and removing twist-on rod guides onto and off from sucker rods. A partially closed C-shaped jaw member lying substantially in a first plane surrounds the guide and the sucker rod allowing torque to be applied to the rod guide to enable it to be snapped onto or off from the sucker rod. A pry bar and handle are attached to the jaw member and lie substantially in a second plane that forms preferably about a 20.degree. angle with the first plane. A linear projection of the pry bar into the first plane projects from the edge of the lower jaw at a right angle.

Abstract: An improved composite closure is described which includes a cover portion and a molded plastic ring portion. The plastic ring portion is molded by a new method with top tool core removal which permits formation of inwardly directed tabs or fishhooks on the tamper evident ring. The molded ring also permits the cover to be inserted from the top of the ring rather than upwardly over the ring threads, which is an easier and faster method of assembling a composite closure.

Abstract: A tripod universal joint includes a shaft with a forked end or tulip which is held in assembled relationship with a tripod spider by a spring clip having angularly spaced legs adapted to snap releasably into grooves in the tulip. The spider is located in a cup-shaped housing. To facilitate assembly of the tulip with the spider, a resiliently flexible washer is placed on the bottom of the housing and holds the spring clip upwardly in a position permitting the legs of the clip to interlock with the tulip when the tulip is moved axially toward the clip. After assembly of the tulip with the clip has been completed, the spacer washer is removed from the housing by pulling on a flexible retrieval wire which is attached to the washer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a baseball or softball bat formed of hollow metal tubing having a short weight plug of hard rubber anchored at the extreme end of the striking portion of the bat by a knob protruding from the weight plug through a hole in the end of the bat including inserting the weight plug in the tubing prior to forming the end of the bat, partially closing the end of the bat and forming a hole, positioning the plug by gas pressure developed within the hollow of the bat and forcing the knob through the end hole.

Abstract: An improved lock ring and spreader tool affording a method of removing the lock ring from a circumferential groove on a rim, the lock ring serving to retain a tire flange in position on the rim, the lock ring being split with juxtaposed ends each having a slot therein, the bottom of the slots being of concave configuration, and a spreader tool having opposed jaws, the jaws being receivable in the slots in the lock ring and the jaws having convex surfaces thereon, the spreader tool jaws being moveable apart so that the tool when inserted in the slots in the lock ring, serves to force the ends thereof apart, expanding the diameter of the lock ring and permitting its expeditious removal from the circumferential groove.