Abstract: A package is adapted for assembly to form a panel unit to be deployed on a body of water to alter heat transfer to or from the water or to block evaporation. The package includes:(a) multiple frame sections adapted to be coupled together in end-to-end relation to provide a loop-shaped frame bounding an open zone, and(b) a flexible sheet sized for connection to the loop-shaped frame so as to extend crosswise of that zone.

Abstract: A multiple-pane, hermetically-sealed, thermal-resistant window unit is disclosed having a spacer between adjacent panes for maintaining separation between the panes, wherein the corners of the spacer are rigidified and locked by a corner insert which prevents separation of adjacent spacer frame members and wherein the spacer frame members are attached to the window frame to prevent and/or reduce movement of the spacer frame members. The seal around the cavity between adjacent panes is completed after the temperature of the window components and the cavity air is about equal to the temperature of the ambient air. A resistance heating wire is applied to the outside surface of the spacer frame intermediate the adjacent panes of glass.

Abstract: A toggle for use in an article of furniture or the like including a panel and a frame of pipes detachably interconnected by means of substantially tubular connector sockets substantially concentrically mounted with respect to an end of at least one pipe, the wall of each connector socket and the wall of the pipe end being provided with alignable, non-circular openings, said toggle comprising a rotary head, a rotary latch, and a shank section connecting the head and the latch, said toggle adapted to secure the panel to the frame by extending through the aligned, non-circular openings of the connector socket wall and the pipe end wall such that the rotary latch engages the inner surface of the innermost wall in force-locked manner and the shank section engages the innermost wall opening edge in form-locked manner, the edge of the rotary head adjacent to the shank section being substantially planar for supporting and securing the panel.

Abstract: A pipe connector for connection to a pipe having a plain end comprises a body having a profile matching that of the pipe, and a pair of jaws extending outwardly for insertion within the end of the pipe. The jaws are formed with oppositely directed clamping surfaces for engaging the inner wall surface of the pipe end. One of the jaws is fixed and integral with the body. The other jaw is pivotally mounted on the fixed jaw and is extended inwardly of the body where it is threadedly engaged by a screw which connects the pivoted jaw with the body so that by rotating the screw in the appropriate direction the pivoted jaw pivots away from or towards the fixed jaw to clamp or unclamp the jaws from the pipe. The screw thus provides a positive clamping force which greatly assists the dismantling of the connector from a pipe end when desired. The screw also retains the pivoted jaw in place and there are no loose parts to become lost.

Abstract: A locking bracket is adapted to join together two metallic frame members forming an L-shaped joint, the members having channel shaped cross sections. The bracket includes(a) an L-shaped non-metallic body with legs formed for reception into the respective members to bridge the joint,(b) the legs having sections that taper in downward directions of reception into the members for interference interfit with shoulders defined by the members,(c) and the legs having ledges that face in upward directions opposite to fit closely under and forcibly engage shoulders on member flanges in response to completed reception of the legs into the members.Pins may be provided to positively hold the legs to the members, and at locations to prevent member relative pivoting.

Abstract: A frame for furniture, particularly for display cabinets and showcases, having profiles which form the frame walls and having corner pieces to which the profiles are connected at profile-corner piece connections. At least one profile abuts bluntly on an associated end surface of a corner piece and is pulled thereagainst by at least one screw on the associated end surface. Such screw has its head resting on the corner piece and is screwed into the butting profile. The corner pieces are of hollow construction and have on at least one end thereof an end wall which the screw grips. The corner pieces have, near the screw, a lateral opening through which the screw is accessible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the screw.

Abstract: A frame joint construction comprising at least one pair of moldings which each have at least one of a longitudinally extending groove and a longitudinally extending tongue, and an angle unit having a stiffening plate with at least one of a tongue and groove engaged into the longitudinally extending groove or longitudinally extending tongue of the molding respectively to connect the pair of moldings together. The moldings include a flange extending inwardly of the frame which cooperates with portions of the stiffening plate which also extends inwardly of the frame which cooperates with portions of the stiffening plate which also extend inwardly of the frame to support a picture or the like therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling or plugging square tubes, which comprises a hollow base member having a hollow coupling member projecting therefrom and, if desired, one or more other coupling members projecting from the base member. The other coupling members have axial partitions in the mid-portions thereof, at least the mid-portion of which is thick enough to receive a sheet metal screw and, if desired, there is provided a plug for the hollow coupling member for receiving a sheet metal screw.

Abstract: A goal frame for soccer or similar games comprising hollow bar and post sections, mitered at the corners and rigidly joined to each other by internally located corner pieces. Joined to each corner piece is a supporting tube which projects horizontally from the bar and post toward the back of the goal. The supporting tube is braced against the bar and post sections by braces. The backside of the goal frame has a continuous slot which retains a profiled strip with hooks and eyes for supporting the net. The post sections are supported in ground sockets having annular constrictions.

Abstract: A corner connector for connecting adjacent hollow intermediate frames used in the construction of insulated glass panels. The corner connector includes a two-part body having a flexible mid-portion. One end of each body portion has a retaining arm. When each retaining arm of each corner connector positioned along a longitudinal center connected to an intermediate frame it holds or secures the hollow intermediate frames together. The two hollow intermediate frames can then be moved toward each other to form a ninety degree angle therebetween. The resilient mid-portion of the body of the corner connector may be locked in place to maintain that perpendicular relationship. Therefore four intermediate frames may be positioned along the same longitudinal line during manufacturing.

Abstract: The furniture or equipment comprises building elements which can be combined in any desired manner as its parts, namely plug connectors, connecting pipes, toggles and plates. The positive plug connection between a connector socket of a plug connector and a pipe end of a connecting pipe of circular-cylindrical form so as to form a plug unit is secured in form locked (positive) fashion by a toggle. For inserting plates between parallel connecting pipes clamp connections are provided.The parts are also of importance by themselves.

Abstract: A connecting member for connecting a plurality of elongated hollow frame members together to form a desired structure. The connecting member is formed of plastic material and comprises a plurality of arms extending in different directions and which are adapted to be inserted into the hollow frame members. The arms are I-shaped in cross-section and have spring biased locking members adapted to fit into apertures formed in the frame members for securing the frame members to the connecting member when its arms are inserted into the hollow frame members.

Abstract: A connector for a channel having a web and side flanges with inwardly turned, hook-shaped lips defining a slot therebetween. The connector comprises a channel-shaped connecting member having a pair of side walls with longitudinally extending edges and a connecting wall having a circular opening therein. The connector further comprises a relatively flat thin round screw member threaded in the opening and having opposing end faces of substantially the same diameter, the screw member being threaded substantially from one end face to the other.

Abstract: A connecting member for use in interconnecting elongated structural components having openings in their ends, the connecting member including projecting spigot members for engagement in the openings and a cover portion adapted to extend over portions of the outer surfaces of the interconnected components to conceal the joint between them. In one particular arrangement the connecting member comprises a corner piece for interconnecting hollow extruded plastics components to form a tray construction.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for the construction of a framework used in electrical communication engineering. At least two connection pieces are employed at a junction. Each connection piece has adhesive grooves within which glue flows. These connection pieces fit into hollow tubes to be joined and which are thereby glued together. Trapping of air bubbles during the introduction of glue is avoided by providing at least one central groove around a periphery of each connection piece and from which branching grooves extend. Also, an apertured disk can be slipped onto the connection pieces to prevent exiting of the adhesive and thereby insure a further improvement in adhesive distribution. A gap is also provided for release of trapped air.

Abstract: A table that may be readily assembled or disassembled is formed by a plurality of pairs of legs which are joined to each other by elongated locking strips received in longitudinally extending channels formed in the legs and opening at throat portions into mutually engaging mitered surface portions of the legs. The throat portions of the channels are of a reduced dimension, and the locking strips are provided with resilient deformable tabs received in the channels to prevent separation of the legs of each pair. The leg pairs are interconnected by horizontally extending struts which are fixed to two legs of each adjacent pair of legs. The table top rests on the legs and has recessed depending portions received within the space enclosed by the legs and struts to prevent transverse movement of the table top while at the same time preventing the legs of each pair from moving about their locking strips.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first rectangular board in a predetermined orientation to a second rectangular board. A holding apparatus is disclosed comprising a corner member having a first flat edge substantially corresponding in dimension to the width and thickness of a squared edge of the first board and a second flat edge located at a predetermined orientation from the first flat edge also corresponding in dimension to the width of the squared edge of the second board. Each flat edge of the corner member has an elongated protrusion, in the shape of a wedge, extending outwardly at a midpoint region. The protrusion engages a correspondingly formed tapered slot in the squared edges of the first and second boards. Bonding means is applied to the flat edges and protrusions to engage the squared end and tapered slot of each board.

Abstract: A basically metal frame coffee table or stacked shelves or the like employing a plurality of tubes of circular, square or other regular shape joining at intersections by an improved corner member. The improved corner member is preferably die cast in a single piece including a pair of arms which define connectors for two adjoining tubes and an orthogonal opening to receive a leg. The corner member includes an integral support for holding a shelf. The integral support conceals a fastening member employed to hold the leg in place. Each of the arms define at least one recess at a predetermined distance outward from the corner and located in intimate contact relationship with the frame tubing whereby the tubes may be assembled to the corners merely by staking the underside of the frame to deform the tube locally into the recess of the corner member and thereby produce a fixed permanent frame.

Abstract: A retaining spring for fixedly retaining a case band and a back cover of a wristwatch case, which retaining spring comprises a fixing portion secured to one of the case band and the back cover, a weakened or torsionable portion extending from the fixing portion, and an engaging portion connected to the fixing portion through the weakened or torsionable portion and engaging with the other one of said case band and said back cover.

Abstract: A cornerpiece for multiple pane windows comprises an integrally formed sheet metal piece having orthogonally extending members which are received in the adjacent ends of tubular spacer bars separating the panes of glass in a multiple pane insulating window. The tubular spacer bars form a frame which is interposed between the panes of glass, and the cornerpiece is formed so as to be closely received within the ends of the tubular members, thereby joining adjacent tubular members. The cornerpiece is formed so as to block the ends of the spacer bars to prevent a desiccant that is typically placed in the spacer bars from leaking out of the ends of the spacer bars.

Abstract: A sash structure, formed of angular connection elements which are engaged to the sides of a frame and to which designated components are integrally formed for the functionality of the sashes. Such components as hinges, guide selvages of closure latches and the like are included in the frame structure. The connection elements are formed by the angle or corner of the branches inserted in concurrent sections. Extension portions are employed follow the shape of the sections to complete the corner and combine with the balance of the structure.

Abstract: An improved corner frame structure and method of manufacturing it is provided. The corner is effected by joinder of channelled members by a solid bracelet having legs extending at the desired angle.Each leg is provided with a pair of spaced apart depressions. Into these depressions, tongues are struck down to bind and urge the adjacent frame members together.

Abstract: A corner piece for connecting the ends of two adjacent spacers in a double glazed window unit, each spacer being formed from a metal strip bent into a hollow elongated form and having the edges forming an internal joint, the joint including one edge portion of the strip bent to form an outwardly facing groove and another edge portion of the strip bent to form an inwardly extending lip which is of lesser depth than the groove. The corner piece has two arms extending at 90.degree. to each other, each arm having a base and two side flanges and being suitable for fitting in the end of an adjacent spacer. Said base of each arm has an inwardly angled extension having a recess at its outer end capable of receiving the edge portion of the strip which forms the groove to prevent spreading of the groove when the corner piece is inserted into a spacer.

Abstract: A device for supporting a limp disposable container in a generally open position to receive material and for preventing the container from collapsing as material is inserted therein has rim means for releasably engaging portions of the container peripherally about an opening in the container and for supporting these portions in an open position, second means defining a base for providing stability for the device relative to a surface upon which the device is positioned, strut means interconnecting the rim means and the second means for maintaining a desired spaced relationship therebetween and mounting means for securing the rim means and the second means to the strut means to provide a rigid support device for the limp container. The device may be provided in unassembled kit form of primarily straight tube sections suitable for assembly in an easy and facile manner.

Abstract: An angular corner connecting piece for profiled frame members of multi-sheet insulating glass has angularly disposed legs adapted to be inserted into cornerwise adjacent profiled frame members of the multi-sheet glass. The legs include a base plate having a plurality of projecting ribs. The legs are connected by a rigidifying head having walls. At least one spring is connected between each pair of ribs and between one of the ribs and the walls of the rigidifying member and are resiliently deformable upon insertion of the legs into the profiled frame members. The rigidifying head has transverse sealing grooves and pairs of guide ribs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in general to the connection art and in particular to the connection of two inclined tubes to a leg or other tubular piece in tables or similar articles. For improving the stability of such connections the ends of the two inclined square tubes extending above the prongs of the corner piece are obliquely cut such that their one side entirely conceals the corresponding side of the prongs and extends up to the seat and each forms an extension of the outer defining edges of the seat extending in the longitudinal direction of the leg or tubular piece in order, together therewith, to be held in abutment against the leg or tubular piece, the seat being designed to be urged laterally together with its extensions formed by the square tubes, against the leg or tubular piece substantially only along the defining edges and the extensions.

Abstract: A one piece corner gusset for rigidly attaching the miter corners of hollow frame structures employed in the fabrication of various sheet metal members, such as some types of doors including screen doors. The gusset is comprised of a metal bar formed into a generally right triangular configuration, the two right angular legs thereof being connected by a hypotenuse portion which functions as a draw bar to properly align and maintain a rigid connection between two right angularly disposed hollow frame members when the gusset is positioned therein and fastened in place by any suitable fastening means such as screws.

Abstract: A corner key for securing channel members to form a frame, such as a gate frame which consists of two substantially identical mating members. Each of the members is in the form of two identical sections joined substantially at right angle to each other. There is at least one transverse groove on the face of each section which will mate with the other member so that when the mating faces of the identical members of the key are placed face to face apertures are provided in the corner key. These apertures are adapted to receive fastening means which tend to wedge the members apart thus creating a tighter fit in the channel member.

Abstract: Strips of wood for forming picture frames are attached to extruded members of metal or other rigid material provided with undercut channels. The strips and metal members are mitered at their ends and the mitered ends of composite strips are butted together to form a corner of the frame. A conventional L-shaped rigid member extends into both adjacent channels, spanning the miter joint and locks the metal members together to also hold the wood strips in secure abutment and at the proper angle without the use of any fasteners or adhesives in or on the wood itself at the mitered surfaces.

Abstract: A tube joint made of metal such as zinc and the like having a plurality of protruding longitudinal knurling tools. Each of the knurling tools has a wide root end and a narrow pointed end at the central part of the upper and the lower surfaces and of the right and the left sides of a square prism which has each corner cut off to form a fixed groove from the pointed end to the root end. A slight arcuate-shaped protuberance is provided at the central part of each of the longitudinal knurling tools. The knurling tool with its protuberance forms a joint rod having an outer diameter equal to, or slightly larger than the inner diameter of a square pipe into which the outer diameter of the diagonal in the protuberant part of the knurling tool corresponding to the square prism is inserted, in arbitary directions at the connecting part thereof. A plurality of joint rods are connected at their root ends to form the tube joint.

Abstract: A device for facilitating assembly of shelves, bookcases, dividers, and other similar structures, including an elongated tubular body having integrated therewith multiple offstanding jointing means to which suitable panels can be attached for producing a completed structure.

Abstract: Building components are disclosed for constructing of frames, enclosures, and the like, comprising hollow edge struts all of uniform cross section, with the ends of each edge strut providing a female joint. Interlocking members are provided having a central member with a plurality of legs extending outwardly from the central member and at fixed angles to each other, the legs each defining a male member adapted to be inserted in said female joint. The legs have locking clip recesses formed therein in at least two adjacent surfaces of the legs, the locking clip recesses spanning substantially the entire width and length of the surfaces of the legs. An abuttment shoulder is formed at the central member and end of the locking clip recess which the edge strut butts up against when installed.

Abstract: Components for forming a drawer or other tray-like structure comprise hollow wall members, conveniently plastics extrusions, defining mortice sockets in their ends, and corner or front connecting members, conveniently plastics mouldings, having tenons engageable in said sockets and retained by triangular or similar detents which snap-engage with complementary apertures in walls of the sockets. The detents are carried on the free ends of resilient tongues, which free ends are directed away from the free ends of the tenons, and edge faces of the detents diverge away from their leading tips to a substantially broader abutment part which may include an undercut abutment face for greater security. Provision may be made for the tenons to be glued as well as or instead of being solely retained by the detents, of which the following is a specification.

Abstract: A window assembly including parallel opposing tracks with a window having an overall width slightly smaller than the width between the leading edge of the tracks, the window being constructed of channel material interconnected at the corners by angle members, a first pair of angle members having inserted therein fixed pivot pins. The second pair of opposing angle members has assembled therein spring loaded latching members having projections adapted for engaging slots within the tracks.

Abstract: A variable connector for interconnecting lengths of tubing to form frameworks. The connector consists of a central body member having a number of attachment points formed thereon and a series of separate connector members which are adapted to be releasably secured to desired attachment points on the body member by means of screws or the like. Any one of a number of possible connector configurations may therefore be obtained merely be securing the required number of connector members to the required attachment points on the body member.

Abstract: A corner construction as used for furniture, display fixtures, and the like which comprises a corner connector of rigid, yet limitedly, compressible material of construction having a body with a plurality of arms; each arm extending from the body in axially perpendicular relationship to the adjacent arm. Each arm of said connector is of four sided tubular character with the sides recessed to develop co-extensive corner, ridge-forming elements each having a rounded outer edge. Each arm is lengthwise tapered from its body connected end to its outer free end in the order of approximately one degree. Tubular frame members of four sided cross-section being open at their ends receive the arms of said corner connector as by a snug, friction fit for integration into the intended article.

Abstract: A corner gusset for fastening the corners of a hollow frame structure such as those employed in the fabrication of some types of doors. The gusset comprises a first member providing two legs in the general form of an angle bracket with inwardly turned end flanges, and a second member, comprising a draw-bar, fixed in a spanning relation between the two legs of the angle bracket. Opposed end portions of the draw-bar are angled relative to the main span thereof to lie against the respective inner faces of the two legs adjacent the inwardly turned end flanges. An outwardly extending lug from each of the angled end portions extends through a companionately shaped end sized hole through one of the inwardly turned end portions to securely hold the two members in assembly.

Abstract: A frame of rectangular shape particularly for stretching a piece of painting canvas, the frame comprising four strips connected between each other at the ends by means of joints of box-like configuration. The joints are made of sheet material and bent to define two converging channels in which the ends of corresponding strips are slidably inserted and retained. A V-shaped spring is inserted at the converging area of the channels and has two legs resiliently acting on the strip ends to cause stretching of the painting canvas held on the frame.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a base portion and a plurality of insertion legs integrally extending from the base portion. Each of the insertion legs has the free end rounded and equally spaced longitudinal ridges so as to effect four side friction fits in the inner periphery of a pipe to be connected. At least one of the ridges is given an elasticity by opposing slots longitudinally provided below the ridge and has a round projection at the outer end portion and an upward slant extending towards the inner end. The extremity of the slant defines a sharp point for preventing the removal of the insertion leg out of the pipe.

Abstract: A trench duct system of the type embedded in concrete floors or the like is provided for use in the distribution of electrical power, service and/or communication cables and wiring throughout a building. The system includes a plurality of trench duct sections which are interconnected to form a predetermined distribution layout. Each section of duct includes a cover plate which is removably supported by a pair of vertically adjustable side rails. The length of the cover plate and the length of each supporting side rail may or may not be the same and will depend upon the particular layout. The exposed surface of the cover plate is flush with the plane of the finished floor. Adjoining side rails, when in angular relation to one another, are interconnected by coupling members or connectors which maintain the continuity and stability of the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inexpensive and efficient joining device for use in connecting a plurality of tubular members. A base portion is provided from which a plurality of tubular branch portions extend. The tubular branch portions are formed integrally with respect to the base portion such as by a casting method and are adapted to be inserted into the open ends of tubes. The branch portions each include integral, internal insert socket means. Pivotal locking means capable of being snapped into place and which are preferably molded from a suitable plastic material are carried by each branch portion in order to react with and hold a tube thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for constructing a skeletal framework adapted to support wall, furniture or other structural panels. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongate channel members each having a generally rectangular cross section, one side of which defines an axial slot. A plurality of generally flat elongate cover plates are also provided, each having elongate tongue means extending lengthwise along the cover plate and adapted to engage the slot in one of the channel members. The cover plates and channel members each have flanges at their outer edges so that when joined together to form a skeletal frame member, they define a plurality of exposed recesses. A plurality of spline members are provided to interconnect the joined cover plates and channel members at their ends. Each spline member has a generally cubical block portion and at least two orthogonal extensions adapted to project into the ends of adjacent channel members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element having expandable legs for interconnecting the mitred ends of frame sections. The legs of the connecting element are expanded equally by a single forcing means, such as a screw, the axis of which coincides with a line representing the interface between the mitred ends of the frame sections.

Abstract: This connector or joint fitting comprises a member having a corner or base section from which a plurality of branches, each branch extending at right angles to an adjoining branch or branches. Each of said branches has a rocking lock assembled with said member, and having means to permit a tube to be easily fitted onto said branch, but to lock or retard said tube against being easily pulled off said branch.

Abstract: A pipe-connecting device and pipes connected thereto. This connecting device comprises a base portion and an indefinite number of plate-like inserting members projecting therefrom in any directions, said inserting members each having a width wide enough for making pressed contact with a pipe at its inside periphery. The inserting member is provided at its longitudinal side edges with a pressing portion so as to insert the inserting member pressingly in the pipe thereby connecting the two in such a way that one can not be slipped off from the other.

Abstract: A furniture joint for joining hollow-ended structural sections of modular furniture and especially the highly finished elements employed in the steel-and-glass-look type of furniture. This type of furniture requires a continuity of surface appearances having mirror-like attributes. The joining of the hollow-ended sections which advantageously may be cut from available lengths of mirrorized plastic tubing is accomplished by the use of a splined collar of elastomeric material and connector spuds which fit in the annular spaces between the connector arms and the tubing. The splines of the collar are adapted to be torsionally distorted ("squeegeed") during assembly. This distortion of the splines prevents the joint from inadvertently coming apart under the axial strain that the furniture joint may be expected to carry in normal use. However, the joint may be disassembled and the elements reused if rotational twisting is employed together with a pulling effort.