Abstract: An elbow joint connector includes an elbow portion and a locking mechanism detachably coupled to a distal end of the elbow portion. The locking mechanism including a pair of locking members translatable relative to one another along an interface transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elbow joint connector. Divergent translation of the pair of locking members relative to one another along the interface increases a portion of an outer periphery of the locking mechanism to lock the elbow portion to an adjoining member. The elbow joint connector is configured for detachable coupling to an adjoining elbow joint connector and pivotally rotatable relative thereto from a first configuration in which respective center axes of the connectors form an acute angle to a second configuration in which the respective center axes are collinear.

Abstract: A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used.

Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a new connecting structure for connecting the bodies of hand-operated tools to their handles. It solves the technical difficulty in standardizing the connection of hand-operated tools and handles. The technical strategy involves separating the connecting structure to the connecting segment and handle fix segment. The axial opening of the handle fix segment fits the shape of handle, and handle is installed into the handle fix segment. The present invention has the advantages of simple design, convenience for mass manufacture, ease and reliability in connecting, assembling, and adjusting standardized connection process, and cost-efficiency in production and transportation.

Abstract: A shear brace assembly is provided which laterally braces wall lines within a structure, such as a house or other residential construction, while also providing vertical and out-of-plane load carrying capacity. The assembly consists of one or more wood-based panel(s) which are rigidly connected to concrete, masonry or wood support material directly below or above the shear brace assembly bearing surface. The term “wood-based” should be interpreted to mean that the panel may be constructed from a natural wood, or partially or wholly from an engineered wood, such as Timberstrand®, Parallam®, or the like. Ductile anchorage assemblies are used below, and in some applications, above the individual panels.

Abstract: A connecting node for fixing a mounting rail in abutting relationship to another mounting rail includes a connecting device having at least one holder into which the mounting rail is inserted and fixed to the other mounting rail in transverse relationship; an opening provided above the at least one holder; and an angle member having two limbs including a first limb inserted into the opening above the at least one holder and a second limb fixed to the one mounting rail inserted in the at least one holder.

Abstract: A swivel frame structure for a hydraulic excavator, said swing frame structure being to be arranged in a swing upperstructure 21, has a center frame 1 composed of side plates 6,7 and a reinforcement plate 8 joined to each other. The swing frame structure is provided with mating portions for bringing the side plates 6,7 and the reinforcement plate 8 into engagement with each other. These mating portions comprise plug-in structure portions, which in turn comprise holes 6a,7a formed through the respective side plates 6,7 and lugs 8a,8b arranged on opposite side edge portions of the reinforcement plate 8 and to be inserted into the holes 6a,7a of the corresponding side plates 6,7. The center frame can be fabricated without needing any jigs for fixedly holding the side plates and a bottom plate together.

Abstract: A connection between a wall stud or post and an anchor bolt embedded in a concrete foundation, using a holdown connector that attaches to the anchor bolt and supports the wall stud or post above it. The holdown connector has a tapered bottom that allows it to rotate laterally, allowing the connection to act more purely in tension than is possible with a rigid connection.

Abstract: An erroneous assembling preventing tool for a universal joint prevents a shaft from being fixed to a cylindrical section of a yoke main body of the universal joint by fastening a bolt in a state where the shaft is not inserted into a normal position of an axial direction of the cylindrical section. The erroneous assembling preventing tool comprises a fixing section fixed to the yoke main body, a prevention section arranged between first and second tabs of the yoke main body, and a driving section for driving a prevention section. The prevention section is displaceable to a prevention position at which an end of the bolt can be prevented from being inserted through a screw hole of the second tab of the yoke and a prevention release position. The driving section displaces the prevention section to the prevention release position when it is pressed by an end of the shaft inserted into the normal position of the axial direction of the cylindrical section.

Abstract: Clips for securing one or more accessories to a play yard or crib and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a first engagement member, a second engagement member, and a first joining member joining the first and second engagement members. The first and second engagement members are joined in a spaced apart relation such that a distance between the first and second engagement members is less than a diameter of the rail.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting mounting rails (2,3,4) in a double-T joint includes an intermediate member (11) having two, extending substantially parallel to each other, legs (12) and a connection section (13), connecting the two legs (12), and at least one receiving member (26) connectable with the intermediate member (11) and having two, extending substantially parallel to each other legs (27), a connection section (28) for connecting the two legs (27), and a setting-in element for engaging in at least one of plurality of spaced from each other and located opposite each other, elementary receptacles (18) provided in at least one leg (12) of the intermediate member (11).

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a locking quick release device for allowing quick and easy release and adjustment to a bicycle seat and/or bicycle wheels, while still allowing the seat and/or wheels to lock to the bike frame when the quick release lever is in the closed position. The device includes a standard plug lock combined with the lever of the quick release device. In the closed position, the lock can be engaged with a key, securely locking the lever closed and the seat and/or the wheels to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A device for attaching a handle or handlebar to a portable tool to be adjustable about two parallel axes in order to increase the range for the adjustments of position of the handle or handlebar relative to the tool. The device can also be used with existing tools.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: A connection assembly for constructing animal stalls including a connection body that is rigidly constructed and adapted for releasable and variable positioning upon an elongate support rail. A first releasable connector is formed in the connection body and is adapted for releasable fixation to an animal stall divider. The connection body is elongately constructed along a longitudinal axis with first and second ends that are distally located one from the other. The first releasable connector is positioned at the first end of the connection body. The connection body has first and second side flanges that are connected together by a webbing. At least a portion of the first and second side flanges project away from the webbing to form a receiving area between the portions of the first and second side flanges that is configured to insertibly accept a portion of an animal stall divider to be secured therein.

Abstract: A front side frame is disposed with one end portion in the axial direction butted against the side surface of a front bumper beam. A joint member is provided therebetween. The front bumper beam and the joint member are coupled by screwing nuts provided in the end plate part and coupling bolts. Clips with a nut are spring-engaged to either of coupling pieces of the joint member or the outer wall of the side frame. The front side frame and the joint member are coupled by coupling bolts by screwing.

Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly is provided for quickly and easily mounting an electrical fixture to a brace assembly. The electrical fixture mounting assembly includes an electrical box, a brace assembly and a bracket. The brace assembly is mounted between joists located above an aperture in a ceiling. A bracket is snap-fitted onto the brace assembly. Protrusions on the bracket prevent substantial movement of the bracket during installation of the electrical box. Tabs on the bracket engage openings in the electrical box, thereby facilitating alignment of the electrical box with the bracket. An electrical box is secured to the brace assembly by the bracket and fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: A hanger with a central flange joined to a back flange with a pair of tabs, one on either side of the central flange, so that the back plate may be attached to a supporting member, particularly a header, and the central flange may be attached to the side of a supported member, particularly the web of a C-shaped metal joist. The supported member can be oriented to either left or right and positioned by interface with either the tab on one side of the central flange or with the tab on the other side of the central flange. The upper flange of a C-shaped metal joist can be supported by the respective tab.

Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.

Abstract: A truss bracket 28 for securing a spanning member of a truss fixedly to a wall plate member of an interior wall of a building such as a residential house. The truss bracket 28 includes a base portion, an inside upright portion extending perpendicularly of the base portion, a top portion extending a perpendicularly from an upper end portion of the inside upright portion, and an outer lip portion extending perpendicularly of an outer edge portion of the top portion and also parallel to the inside upright portion. The outer lip portion includes at least one "L"-shaped spike portion which is adapted to be engaged to penetrate the spanning member, thereby preventing the spanning member from moving either horizontally or vertically relative to the plate member.

Abstract: A metallic connector (48) secures the terminal end (50) of a first metallic tubular member (28) to an intermediate portion (52) of a second metallic tubular member (30). The connector (48) includes an end connection portion (54) having an opening (56) that receives the terminal end (50) of the first tubular member (28) and also includes a saddle portion (58) that extends from the end connection portion and receives the intermediate portion (52) of the second tubular member (30). Opposite ends (60) of the saddle portion (58) each includes a pair of spaced clamp attachers (62) for securing a clamp to permit the assembly by a connection (64) that includes a filler alloy (66) that is preferably a brazing material. The first and second tubular members (28,30) as well as the connector (48) are preferably made from stainless steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a T-shaped connection frame for connecting car frames, in which a first member is connected to a second member via a joint member to form a "T." The joint member is formed by symmetrically dividing a rectangular tube between its two latch teeth located at the upper-center and lower-center inner walls. The rectangular tube also has protrusions at the left and right exterior walls. The joint member divided in this way has the latch teeth at the upper and lower tips of the mouth formed by the division and has the protrusion situated opposite the mouth so that the first member can be snapped on easily to this mouth and the second member can be attached to the protrusion at the opposite side. This structural arrangement makes the positioning of the frames very simple, obviates a make-shift attachment, and, at the same time, reduces the number of operation steps.

Abstract: A J-hook roof anchoring and securement assembly, which is easily set-up and taken down, includes a rope tie-off attachment point. The J-hook securement assembly also includes a hanging scaffold attachment apparatus to provide an attachment point for a hanging scaffold system. The hanging scaffold system includes a vertical support post attached to platform base and having walk boards provided thereon. A vertical safety rail post contains angled brackets that mate with top and bottom portions of the walk boards. A securing rod is attached at one end to the safety rail post, is threaded through the walk boards, and is secured at a second end. The walk boards are held in clamping contact with the vertical support post by the use of the securing rod.

Abstract: A universal wiper arm connector including a U-shaped body having an upper arm formed with two flanges, two shoulders, a first and second tongues having a protuberance thereon, a lower arm provided with a third tongue having a protuberance thereon, and an axle perpendicular to the U-shaped body, whereby the universal wiper arm connector can be slid into a U-shaped end of wiper arms of different sizes.

Abstract: A positive fastener-angling device for positioning an elongated fastener with respect to the face of a sheet metal connector and a wood member only at a preselected angle which is substantially less than 90.degree. by forming a slit-cut in the sheet metal connector by means of a die which progressively at the same station, forms a fastener guideway in the shape of a half cone. The fastener opening and the guideway are dimensioned so that the fastener can only penetrate the sheet metal connector at a preselected angle set at the factory.

Abstract: A structural hanger connection including a supporting structure having a top surface and a front face; a supported structure disposed at an angle to the front face of the supporting structure and a structural hanger including a top flange element adapted for resting on the top surface of the supporting structure and formed with two pairs of slots formed therein, and a stirrup element formed with ends respectively woven through the slots and forming a connection with the top flange element and including a seat member and a pair of laterally spaced side members connected to the seat member and engaging the supported structure.

Abstract: An improved cross-stiffened panel structure, such as used on bridges, load bearing floors, large haulage containers and dump trucks, is composed of a deck plate to which are attached a plurality of spaced apart stiffening ribs. A plurality of transverse beams, each having a cut-out shaped to fit over the external contour of the stiffening ribs, are welded to the deck plate except at the cut-outs. The cut-outs are dimensioned so that a nominal gap is maintained between the cut-outs and the stiffening ribs. In another embodiment, saddles are fabricated to fit over the stiffening ribs and welded to the deck plate while maintaining a nominal gap between the stiffening ribs and the saddles. The transverse beams cut-outs conform to the contour of the saddles and the transverse beams are welded to the deck plate and the saddles.

Abstract: The lightweight metal construction system begins with a beam formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel or other sheet metal which is bent lengthwise along four lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings, side-by-side, extending from its apex. The ends of the beams may be modified to form joints which are used to connect two beams together or to connect the beam to another construction material. Brackets formed from strips of sheet steel or other metal are bent to conform to outer surfaces of the beams or other construction materials are used to attach the beams to other beams or other construction materials. Fasteners are used to firmly attach the joints and brackets to the beams and construction materials.

Abstract: A metal fixture is employed for jointing wooden members, such as a pillar, a beam or a joist, in a wooden building or construction. The metal fixture includes a main member having a back surface adapted to be secured to the wooden member, such as a pillar, a pair of lateral extensions projected at right angles to the back surface in parallel with each other and at least one of cogged joint grooves and through-holes formed in each of the lateral extensions, a supporting member for supporting a design bracket, and a fixation unit for fixing the supporting member and the main member to each other. The wooden members may be jointed easily and fixedly to each other, while the jointed portions of the wooden members may be covered up easily with facilitated machining operations for the jointing metal fixture.

Abstract: A fencing system which utilizes coated steel to simulate wrought iron fencing and which comprises prefabricated sections of fence comprised of steel, the length of which can vary, ground or floor-anchored post members to which the fence sections attach using novel connectors. An ornament adorns each top vertical member of each fence section. Novel fence gate structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The glide runner support of the present invention is comprised of a pair of longitudinal members, spaced apart and aligned parallel with one another, each one being formed having a centrally located longitudinal interior channel extending the length thereof with a stop at one end. A holding bracket forming "C-shaped" flanges is integrally formed on each end of the longitudinal members for attachment of a support frame. A container such as a drawer, wire basket, or other organizer container having a pair of support members extending therefrom, such as a pair of support rods or lips, slidably engage the longitudinal interior channels of the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members and joint constructions for joining and locking at least a pair of the structural members together.

Abstract: A plastic security handrail system made with lightweight, high strength, non-corrosive plastic pipe having a plurality of elongated spaced rails mounted between end supports. A plurality of individual coped sections are held together by a compression force to form center posts spaced from the end supports. The system includes coped fitting joint connectors for perpendicular connections between rails and posts and rabbeted joint connections for connecting various rail sections together to form a rigid, strong railing system for a wide variety of uses.

Abstract: A fencing system which utilizes coated steel to simulate wrought iron fencing and which comprises prefabricated sections of fence comprised of steel, the length of which can vary, ground or floor-anchored post members to which the fence sections attach using novel connectors. An ornament adorns each top vertical member of each fence section. Novel fence gate structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members and joint constructions for joining the structural members together such that the outer surfaces of the structural members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: A clamp-on aero bar for mounting on top portions of the handles of a road-type bicycle handlebar includes a pair of elongated curved hollow handle adapter portions and a pair of internally-adjustable clamping mechanisms. The internally-adjustable clamping mechanism are connected to the hollow handle adapter portions and are disposed substantially internally thereof such that a tool must first be extended through an opening in each of the handle adapter portions in order to reach and respectively tighten or untighten the internal clamping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scaffolding assembly for use in structural shoring. The assembly includes an elongate post which has a receiving mechanism for a bracing member. The receiving mechanism runs longitudinally of the post and presents an abutment surface facing outwardly from the post. The receiving mechanism further has a pair of longitudinal edges, each of which extends from the abutment surface so as to form a respective gap between the post and the longitudinal edges of the receiving mechanism. The bracing member is for connection between two adjacent posts of the scaffolding assembly, the member having a terminal end for flush contact with the abutment surface on the post. The bracing member further provides a gripping mechanism adjacent the same terminal end. The gripping mechanism engages the longitudinal edges of the receiving mechanism to thereby secure the bracing member to the post.

Abstract: A connector system for store fixtures comprising an elongated connector which is extended through a tubular member in one component of the store fixture and which is yieldably received by a tubular member in a second component of the fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus that adapts hand actuated flushing mechanisms, commonly found on commercial latrines, for actuation using one's foot. An extension tubing couples to an actuation mechanism of a flushing mechanism, for causing actuation of the flushing mechanism. A connecting rod member couples to the extension tubing for causing the extension tubing to actuate the flushing mechanism. A foot pedal couples to the connecting rod member to oscillate the connecting rod member. A mounting bracket couples to the foot pedal for pivotally mounting the foot pedal to a remote surface for pivotal movement of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A joint assembly, which is particularly useful in the formation of tubular plastic furniture, includes a hole formed in a first member and a second member having a first end which engages the hole. Reinforcing wire members are provided in the joint assembly together with a suitable adhesive and a settable material.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for connecting a first tube section to a second tube section that has a hollow tubular wall. The assembly includes a base member for being mounted to the first tube section, a collet member for being received in an open end of the second tube section and matingly engaged around the base member, a screw having a head for engaging the first tube section and having an extending threaded shank, and a threaded receiving nut for threadingly engaging the screw shank and urging the collet member axially into increasing mating engagement with the base member when the screw is rotated. The base member and the collet member together define cooperating wedge means for urging at least a portion of the collet member increasingly radially outwardly as the base member and the collet member are increasingly axially engaged so as to force the collet member into tight engagement with the second tube section.

Abstract: A cart having a plurality of spaced upper skid members supported by a lower bracing member to which two wheels are rotatably attached, side bracing members connected between the lower bracing member and the plurality of spaced upper skid members, and upper bracing members connected between side bracing members is described. Two detachable handles, a shelf, and a box for use with such a cart are also described, as is a method of using such a cart to enable one person to move a small water craft along a support surface.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for interconnecting support struts of the framework of a domical structure such as a geodesic dome. The bracket assembly includes a central annular hub member and a bracket member for interconnecting each of a plurality of circumferentially arranged and radially extending struts to the hub member. The outer end of each bracket member includes a pair of spaced apart side members which straddle the strut and are mounted to the strut by a pair of bolts. The inner end of each bracket member includes a pair of axially spaced apart triangularly shaped bosses located on opposite ends of the hub which are mounted to the hub by a bolt extending through both bosses at a location spaced radially inwardly of the hub member.

Abstract: A one-piece holddown comprising a back plate, opposing parallel side plates, and overlapping parallel base plates. The side plates are integrally connected to the back plate, and the base plates are integrally connected to respective side plates, creating a one piece holddown. The upper portions of the side plates adjoining the back plate are narrower than the side plates' lower portions, which extend below the lower edge of the back plate. The base plates are each integrally connected along a base edge of a side plate, and extend perpendicularly toward the opposite side plate. Aligned base holes allow the holddown to be attached by its base plates to an anchor bolt in a concrete foundation. Two back holes allow the back plate to be attached to a stud oriented perpendicularly to the foundation.A method for continuously manufacturing holddowns using a four-stage progressive die.

Abstract: A connector assembly for joining a horizontal member and a vertical member without the formation of substantial exposed gaps. The assembly includes a base with a saddle surface at one end and an abutment flange at the other end. The base has an aperture between the ends and a slot communicating with the aperture. A locking collar has a bore receiving the base and an inwardly directed annular lip at a first end of the collar. The collar also includes an internal screw thread and an abutment for engaging the flange of the base. Also the assembly includes a locking insert with a body for reception in the base. The insert has extending arms at one end terminating in screw threads and at the other end a holding flange for retaining the horizontal member. A method of using the connector assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Striking tools, heads and handles for such tools, and methods of manufacturing them. A tool head according to this invention employs a flange which extends from each side of the head between the forward and rear portions of the head. The portion of the head within the periphery of each flange is generally concave and narrows to form a web extending longitudinally in the striking direction to connect the forward and rear portions. The web may include at least one opening communicating between the two concave surfaces. The flanges increase the cross-sectional area and moment of inertia of the head relative to the striking direction and relative to the handle axis. The resulting head enjoys greater strength and resistance to translational forces, bending moments, deformation and potential failure. Portions of the handle extending through the opening in the head and thereby about portions of the head reduce the possibility that the head will leave the handle as the tool is being swung.

Abstract: The construction of a joint portion between a column and a bracing in a semi-submerged marine structure which consists of a platform, a column, a submerged body and a bracing to which the column is joined. The bracing consists of a portion having a small cross-sectional area, a tapering portion the cross-sectional area of which increases gradually toward a free end of the bracing, and a free end portion having a larger cross-sectional area. In a joint portion between the column and bracing, the portion of the bracing which has a larger cross-sectional area is in the interior of the column. If the tapering portion of the bracing is welded to the outer plate of the column, the stress in the joint portion can be dispersed into the outer plate and the same portion of the bracing.

Abstract: A pipe fitting of expandable material for joining plastic pipes as used in the manufacture of PVC furniture with fittings and the fastening device being molded together as one unit.

Abstract: Garments hang-rail coupling securely removably mountable at the forward portion of each of a plurality of parallel conventional horizontal brackets respectively forwardly provided with an upstanding lug such as hook or cube. The coupling forward portion includes an upwardly open trough adapted to removably support a conventional garments hang-rail. The coupling rearward portion includes a housing having forward and rearward open-ends, there being opposed side-panels rigidly attached to lower rearward portions of the trough. The housing also includes a roof-panel spaced a finite-gap rearwardly from the trough to accommodate the bracket upstanding lug and also includes a rearwardly positioned base extending between the side-panels and adapted to abuttably underlie the bracket.