Abstract: A coupling device for coupling and decoupling first and second coaxial members comprises an annular member which is supported coaxially on one of the first and second members by means of a bi-directional lost motion connection so as to permit relative rotation of the annular member and the one of the first and second members about the common axis back and forth between first and second positions. A mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the relative rotational position of the annular member and the one of the first and second members to a position midway between the first and second positions when the first and second members are decoupled, thereby insuring that bi-directional lost rotational motion can be attained during a subsequent coupling operation. The coupling device permits the correction of misalignment of splines on the coupling device and the other of the first and second members to be coupled.

Abstract: A system for disengageably coupling a rotor body to the shaft of rotary machines, in particular gas turbines and rotary dobbies, in which the coupling surface of said shaft is a cylindrical surface provided all the way round with longitudinal sharp-edged grooves of very small depth, they being uniformly distributed equidistantly to form a grooved cylindrical stub the interior of which comprises a frusto-conical bore cooperating with corresponding frusto-conical plug rigid with one end of a pull rod to lock the cylindrical coupling surface of the shaft against the cylindrical coupling surface of said rotor body by radial interference.

Abstract: Rather than engage the grooves of a cartridge's splined hub by means of fingers attached to a reel motor shaft, the present invention uses a mechanical coupler mounted on the motor shaft which contacts the spline lands at two places and locks the mechanical coupler position by insertion of a spring loaded tongue into one of the grooves of the spline. This groove is angularly located midway between the lands which contact the mechanical coupler, effecting a "three point" engagement of the mechanical coupler with the hub. The land contacting surfaces and the tongue are chamfered to facilitate engaging the hub for slight off-axial misalignment of the hub and mechanical coupler. The spring loaded tongue forces the spline contacting surfaces of the mechanical coupler into a "zero clearance" fit with the contacted lands of the spline, providing an intimate and backlash free connection between the hub and driving motor.

Abstract: A decorative panel is for a cabinet, cupboard or the like which includes a plurality of edge frames having mitered ends. A central panel element has a plurality of edges and each of the edge frames has an internal groove for respectively receiving one of the edges therein. Each of the edge frames has a laminated surface material secured to an outer surface thereof. The laminated surface material on each of the edge frames has a terminal portion which is located within the internal edge groove. The edge frames surround the center panel element as the edges are respectively located within the internal edge grooves of the edge frames. Each of the edges of the center panel element secures the terminal portions of the laminated surface material within the internal edge groove. The mitered ends of adjacent edge frames have aligned slots in aligned areas of the outer surfaces thereof which include the laminated surface material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linking device for connecting the front end of a pipe to a structural component, particularly to a sphere to form a junction point with a plurality of pipe connections. The subject of the invention is distinguished in that the pipe (2) has an axially extending longitudinal channel (7) into which is inserted from the front a securing element (4) which is connected via a clamping device (6), abutting with its ends on the pipe (2) and on a structural component (3) and consisting of two opposed clamping jaws (19, 20) held together by a screw connection (39), with a connecting element (5) fixed opposite from the securing element (4) on the structural component (3).

Abstract: A collapsible construction set comprises a plurality of parts, each of which includes at least one integrally formed connector. A plurality of connector designs are provided. A first design includes a tapered receptacle and a stabilizing pin at the center of the receptacle. A second design includes a tapered end which fits in the receptacle and a hole which receives the stabilizing pin. A third design includes a ledge which forms a recess, and a fourth design includes a hook which engages the ledge and extends into the recess. The ledge of the third design is preferably formed adjacent the receptacle of the first design, and the second design preferably also includes at least one flange which overlies and holds a hook of the fourth design. To dismember the parts of a structure, a tapered end is moved out of the tapered receptacle until the stabilizing pin disengages from the hole, and then all of the parts of the structure topple.

Abstract: A press-fit splined connection is provided for joining rotary members (4) and (6) together with member (4) having at least one elongate groove (1) having opposite sidewalls and member (6) having at least one elongate tooth (8) having opposite side walls and operative to register with and be slideably received in groove (10) to provide the splined connection between members (4) and (6).The press-fit is provided by the sidewalls of one of tooth (8) or groove (10) having a sinusoidal configuration to provide convex surfaces (16) that impinge upon the sidewall adjacent thereto either at about the same location or at about one-half period apart with sufficient interference to provide the press-fit between tooth (8) and groove (10). Either of tooth (8) or groove (10) having the sinusoidal configuration preferably includes a straight portion for a predetermined length "L" at either or both of its ends to facilitate assembling members (4) and (6) together.

Abstract: A rack system of adjustable shelves has a simple and economical shelf assembly mechanism. A shelf is attached to its supporting vertical posts by placing each of the posts through an individually associated corner shelf socket. The shelf is kept in position by a plastic keeper which can be moved up and down the post to the desired height of the shelving. The keeper has a generally truncated pyramidal shape and at least one internal projection which fits into a dimple, recess, or notch formed in the post at the desired shelf height. The keeper has vertical slots that enables it to be squeezed together and to tightly wedge into the shelf socket and support the shelf on the corner post. The system can be adapted to both square and circular posts.

Abstract: A circular plate with a plurality of apertures therein surrounds a vertical upright member used in constructing a scaffolding. An end of either a horizontal or diagonal spacer member is joined to the upright by a tapered wedge which is passed through the aperture. A wedge support member is secured to the end of the spacer and comprises a pair of parallel legs which straddle the plate. Each of the legs has a slot therein to allow passage of the wedge. A U-shaped tooth depends from the upper leg and is shaped to conform to the perimeter of the aperture in the plate. Both the tooth and the aperture are tapered so that as the wedge is driven into the aperture, the tooth is forced into engagement with the perimeter of the aperture. Engagement between the tooth and the aperture prevents lateral movement of the spacer relative to the upright.

Abstract: A cane handle is provided with a novel fastenerless lock for securing the handle to a tubular shaft to form a cane assembly. The fastenerless lock includes a depending stub shaft formed integrally with the handle, that stub shaft having a series of annular lock flanges oriented generally normally to the stub shafts' longitudinal axis. The lock flanges are deformable and have an outside diameter in their undeformed, pre-assembly state, that is slightly greater than that of the inside diameter of the tubular shaft into which the stub shaft bearing the lock flanges is inserted to form a cane assembly. Upon insertion into the tubular shaft, the flanges are deformed upwardly in generally dish shaped configuration that resists their subsequent withdrawal.

Abstract: A plastic glue plug has an axially extending bore which opens out at the insertion end of the plug. The bore contains a given quantity of glue which is held sealingly enclosed by a plunger partially inserted to a starting position in the bore. When the plug is pressed into an attachment hole, the plunger is forced to a bottom position in the plug while, at the same time, pressing glue beyond the plunger and out of the plug at the insertion end thereof, this glue being forced onto the mutually abutting surfaces of the plug and the attachment hole.

Abstract: A drapery pole installation system is provided having an elongated generally cylindrical drapery pole forming an elongated slot extending the length thereof. Intermediate support for the drapery pole is provided by one or more intermediate hangers adapted to extend from a wall structure of a building with fingers extending in supporting relation within the elongated slot of the drapery pole. End support for the drapery pole is provided by elbows which are supported by substantially concealed brackets and which effectively compensate for slight errors in drapery pole measurement. The drapery support elbows have hollow receptacles at one end and support apertures that receive support pins of the wall mounted brackets.

Abstract: An emergency belt assembly is provided for temporary replacement of broken fan belts and the like. The assembly comprises a tubular belt made of an elastomeric material, and a connector having a shank with a plurality of barbs on each end portion thereof. The maximum outer transverse dimensions of the barbs on each end portion of the connector decrease from the axially outermost barb to the axially innermost barb, thereby permitting the connector to be easily inserted manually into the tubular ends of the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the connector articulates at a point intermediate its end portions to permit the connector to easily accommodate small radii turns. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector has a plurality of barbs on one end thereof for frictionally engaging the inner surface of a tubular end of a line or belt, and has on its opposite end portion an attachment member, such as an eye, for attaching to a support object, such as a pole, wall, or the like.

Abstract: A quick release joint (10) for interconnecting structural modules such as table or shelf units (54) in stacked configuration comprises a ball and socket type joint constructed and/or arranged to provide structural integrity in the assembled condition of the joint. In one embodiment abutment surfaces (46, 48) on the ends of the ball and socket joint elements make face-to-face contact and thereby hold the joint in a fixed configuration. In another embodiment, three or more joints at the corners of a triangle provide structural integrity. In a further version, abutment surfaces on the structures joined themselves prevent pivotal movement of the joint. In all cases the joints are assembled merely by compression and disconnected by application of tension.

Abstract: An emergency belt assembly is provided for temporary replacement of broken fan belts and the like. The assembly comprises a tubular belt made of an elastomeric material, and a connector having a shank with a plurality of barbs on each end portion thereof. The maximum outer transverse dimensions of the barbs on each end portion of the connector decrease from the axially outermost barb to the axially innermost barb, thereby permitting the connector to be easily inserted manually into the tubular ends of the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the connector articulates at a point intermediate its end portions to permit the connector to easily accommodate small radii turns. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector has a plurality of barbs on one end thereof for frictionally engaging the inner surface of a tubular end of a line or belt, and has on its opposite end portion an attachment member, such as an eye, for attaching to a support object, such as a pole, wall, or the like.

Abstract: An implement having a working head with a threaded socket; a metal tubular handle; a connector joining the handle to the head; the connector having a generally cylindrical body with a threaded portion at one end threadably inserted into the socket in the head; a fluted portion at the other end of the body, with the flutes being located axially of the body and spaced apart from adjacent flutes; the fluted portion being forced into the end of the handle with a tight friction fit so that other fastening means is not required; and a stop between the fluted portion and the threaded portion limiting the distance which the fluted portion can be forced into the end of the tubular handle.

Abstract: A roof paver system includes a plurality of roof paver elements having alternating dovetail-shaped and tapered grooves and an upper surface having raised portions to generate vortices for preventing wind from lifting the elements and to provide a safety tread. Connector members are provided in some of the dovetail grooves to interconnect the roof paver elements to further prevent their displacement. The tapered grooves break the vacuum between the roof paver elements and the molds in which they are formed. Some of the dovetail grooves are composite grooves defined by the cooperation of adjacent roof paver elements. Clips are provided to mate with outwardly projecting toes on the roof paver elements in perimeter courses to align and anchor them, and elongate battens, which are dovetail-shaped in cross section, are received in the dovetail grooves and include openings for receiving thin elements transverse to the battens to engage the concrete elements at the ends of the grooves.

Abstract: According to the invention, a pizza cutting device is provided comprising an elongate handle, a cutting wheel with a peripheral cutting edge and a hub having a bore with a central axis and structure for removably assembling the handle with the cutting wheel so that the cutting wheel is guidingly rotatable relative to the handle about the hub central axis. The handle has spaced bearing surfaces which stabilize the device during use.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus for attaching a first object to a second object. The first object has a groove with parallel sides; the second object has attached thereto a spline with a flexible blade. When the spline is inserted in the groove, the blade exerts a force against one wall of the groove which forces the spline against the other wall, thereby retaining the spline in the groove. Also disclosed is label attachment apparatus employed generally to removably attach a label to a surface and specifically to removably attach a function key strip to a keyboard. The surface has a groove and the label has means which frictionally engage the groove. A preferred embodiment of the label attachment apparatus employs the groove, spline, and flexible blade as described above.

Abstract: An automatic temperature responsive ventilator including a housing having side walls defining an air passageway and an openwork grid across the passageway. At least one shutter is mounted within the housing, with one end of one shutter element being associated with a bimetallic spring that is received within an opening in one housing side wall. An inner end of the spring is secured to a rod that is attached to the shutter. A setting plug is received in the opening in the side wall to hold the spring in place and to preset the tension in the spring which drives the shutter between an open and closed position relative to the passageway. Variations in ambinet temperature cause the shutter element to open and close automatically.

Abstract: Decorative sound absorbing panels 10 and 12 are assembled around furniture. The panels 10 and 12 are secured together at a miter joint 15 by a concealed snap fastener. The snap fastener comprises a male spline 14 having two arms 32 formed at a right angle. Female splines 34 located in adjacent beveled surfaces 16 of the miter, each receiving one arm of the male spline 14.

Abstract: The unit comprises an armature (1) provided with a rotary output shaft (2) and a speed reducer (3) provided with a shaft (6) supporting a worm (5) engaged with a worm wheel (4) for driving the accessory, and an articulated coupling (20) between the two shafts (2, 6) which are disposed in end-to-end relation. The coupling (20) between the two shafts comprises a male member (8) disposed in female parts (9, 11) which are conjugate with the male member (8) and formed in confronting end portions (2a, 6a) of the two shafts (2, 6), and a single bushing (12) in which the end portions (2a, 6a) are inserted and which ensures the support and the axial alignment of the two shafts (2, 6).

Abstract: A cigarette carton merchandising rack assembly is disclosed. A plurality of uprights are connected by transverse tie braces and base plates to form a rack module. Each of the tie braces includes a cam lock assembly and each of the base plates has a locking key that facilitate positive securement of the uprights, tie braces and base plates to form each rack module. Shelves are removably carried by the uprights and include ticket support surfaces. Several of the individual rack modules can be joined to each other to form a rack assembly that provides maximum floor space usage. Various heights adjusting assemblies, leg levelers and caster wheel mounting devices which are usable with the merchandising rack module to increase the overall flexibility of the module are disclosed.

Abstract: An invisible connection for faced parts, in particular for furniture. The adhesive for the connection is hermetically enclosed in a sheath consisting of flexible or easily breakable material. The sheath of adhesive is introduced as an independent component into the borehole of the connection, the sheath being destructible on driving-in or pressing-in the connecting member.

Abstract: A molded, one-piece adaptor for concentrically connecting a steering wheel and a steering wheel shaft is disclosed. In particular, the adaptor is useful when the steering wheel shaft has a tubular form, but the adaptor may be readily modified in order to connect to a steering wheel shaft having a rod-like form. The adaptor comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a mechanism for meshing with the steering wheel. The lower portion engages with the steering wheel shaft. If the steering wheel shaft is tubular, the steering wheel shaft slips over the lower portion which has a plurality of tapered ribs which are spaced around and extend axially along the lower portion. These tapered ribs tend to take up any variation in tolerances so as to reduce the rocking between the steering wheel and steering wheel shaft.

Abstract: Corner pieces for frames are used for joining together frame sides situated adjacent the corner piece. The frame sides are tubular or profile-shaped and adapted in their inner cavity to receive legs which are angularly arranged on the corner piece and interconnected by means of an intermediate part. Each leg consists of two parallel shanks and each shank is shaped so as to be complementary to the cavity of the frame side profile engaging the respective shank so that the shank can be inserted guidingly and with a certain friction in the cavity of the profile. The corner piece is composed of two identical corner parts interconnected by fastening means, the legs and the intermediate part of the corner piece having, on one hand, a first symmetry plane coinciding with the frame plane and, on the other hand, a second symmetry plane or bisector plane bisecting the angle between the legs of the corner piece. The second plane is perpendicular to the first symmetry plane.

Abstract: A coaxial joint for joining inner and outer cylindrical members permitting rotational and/or linear movement between them, comprises an outer bushing sleeve non-rotatably receivable within the outer cylindrical member, an inner bushing sleeve formed with a central bore for receiving the inner cylindrical member; a first group of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced ribs formed between the inner and outer sleeves; and a second group of such ribs formed in staggered relationship with respect to the first group on the outer face of the outer sleeve and effective, when forcibly received within the outer cylindrical member, to distort inwardly the portions of the outer sleeve between the first group of ribs and thereby to minimize the distortion of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a removable torque-transmitting body, such as a key and methods for securing the key in, and releasing it from, a power assisted wrenching tool for the attachment of fasteners, particularly frangible fasteners, in loose and interference fit applications. The key has a main shaft portion with a distal, torque-transmitting head at one end, and an opposite end of reduced thickness and non-circular cross section, with a transverse groove therebetween. The wrenching tool has a subassembly of an outer socket member and an elongated key holder slidably mounted therein, under spring resistance, with a ball detent mounted in a cross bore in the key holder. The reduced thickness end of the key is inserted into the receiving keyway of the holder, and an axial force can be applied to seat the key, with the detent ball received in its transverse groove.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame including a plurality of tubes, at least one sleeve coupling connecting two of these tubes together, a separate pipe socket fastened within the sleeve coupling so as to project therefrom, with one of the two tubes being fitted around the pipe socket to contact the exterior surface of the pipe socket, and a layer of a metal adhesive or the like disposed between, and connecting together, the interior surface of the one tube and the exterior surface of the pipe socket, the exterior surface of the pipe socket is mechanically roughened.

Abstract: A sail shortening device for rolling up a sail on a tubular element mounted for rotation about a rigging cable of a sailing boat which comprises at least two tubular sections connected end to end for forming said tubular element, at least one shaped connecting element engaging in said tubular sections, two shaped end elements mounted at both ends of the tubular element and bearings housed respectively between said cable, said shaped connecting element and the two shaped end elements. The tubular element comprises at least one longitudinal groove in which the bolt rope can be introduced. The tubular element is held in axial direction and can be rotated by a drum. A swivel is slidably mounted on the tubular element and comprises means for fixing to a halyard for hoisting and tensioning the sail.

Abstract: A flexible coupling is disclosed for joining together shaft sections to form one continuous shaft which may be rotatably driven by a drive means provided at one end of the continuous shaft.

Abstract: A multiple tenon joint for wooden frames in particular for solid wood strut constructions such as are usual in tables, chairs and furniture frames.Owing to the generally small dimensioning of wooden components, the known joint constructions are not sufficiently stable. This problem is solved by the use of machined square multiple tenons which are pressed into round cylindrical multiple bores and are glued, the glue flowing back in open segments between the tenon and bore walls. The bores are smaller in diameter than the diagonal dimension of the tenons.

Abstract: A joint of the type made between two elongated frame members and including also a connector member releasably coupling the two frame members tightly one against the other. This joint is characterized by its exclusion of special machining and construction of the components, by the connector member being unconspicuously concealed and by the possibility of assembling one frame member in any angular relationship about its longitudinal axis relative to the other frame member.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame including a plurality of tubes, at least one sleeve coupling connecting two of these tubes together, a separate pipe socket fastened within the sleeve coupling so as to project therefrom, with one of the two tubes being fitted around the pipe socket to contact the exterior surface of the pipe socket, and a layer of a metal adhesive or the like disposed between, and connecting together, the interior surface of the one tube and the exterior surface of the pipe socket, the exterior surface of the pipe socket is mechanically roughened.

Abstract: A device for connecting bricks which have apertures to receive the device is provided. A support shaft of the device supports resilient transverse fins which form an interference fit with the aligned apertures of two adjacent bricks. Stop surfaces on the support shaft engage the respective bricks to ensure penetration of both bricks. Flared ends of the device facilitate insertion and centering of the device within the apertures and provide protection for the fins. During insertion, the transverse fins are deflected inward toward the support shaft and longitudinally toward the stop surfaces. After insertion, the fins are biased outward by their resiliency into engagement with the bricks to lock the adjacent bricks together.

Abstract: A plurality of straight-edge sections may be joined together by connector pieces. The connector pieces and straight-edge sections incorporate cooperating ribs and channels. The connector piece incorporates ribs with provision for flexing. When the connector pieces forced into the straight-edge sections a wedging jamming relationship is established that holds the straight end sections in aligned relationship. The undersurface of the straight-edge sections incorporates parallel slots which cooperate with rails on a taping flange. The entire assembly may be positioned on the workpiece by the use of the plurality of taping flanges secured to the work surface by adhesive tape.

Abstract: Force transferring elements are disclosed which include a metal or plastic hub deep drawn or elongated with a flange extending therefrom and functioning as a force transferring element. The hub and flange may be of one piece with the flange having blades extending outwardly from the hub, the hub around its circumference being provided with a plurality of indented portions or corrugations to provide a spring action for engagement with a shaft. In another form of the invention two similar pieces are utilized each with a deep drawn or elongated hub and having outer rims which together receive a V-belt or the like. The elements may be connected to a shaft for input to the shaft, or may be carried on the shaft as energy converting or driving members.

Abstract: A spacer tube for a hermetically sealed double glazed window in accordance with one aspect of the invention is formed from an elongated strip of metal bent into a hollow elongated tubular shape. The spacer tube has opposing side wall portions and a base extending between and connecting the side wall portions. The spacer tube also includes a further wall spaced from the base, such further wall defining a region wherein the longitudinal edges of the strip extend toward each other. That surface of the base which faces into the interior of the spacer tube has a plurality of closely spaced ridges therein, the ridges being spaced apart in the lengthwise directon of the spacer tube and the individual ridges extending generally transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tube. The ridges are located at least in the regions adjacent the ends of the spacer tube thereby, in use, to provide for locking engagement with teeth on the arms of corner pieces when inserted endwise into the ends of the spacer tube.

Abstract: In a coupling (9) between a hub (10) and a shaft (11) internal splines (12) of the hub are interdigitated with external splines (13) of the shaft. The splines are helical. The hub and shaft are further connected by axial pins (14) arranged in bores (15) which are parallel to the common axis (16) of the hub and the shaft and which intersect the interdigitated splines. A screw (21) in the hub engages an end (24) of the shaft. When the screw is tightened the hub is drawn along the hub. The different helix angle of zero result in that the hub becomes locked against axial movement on the shaft and the splines of the hub are urged circumferentially into engagement with the splines of the shaft thereby to take up circumferential clearance between them. The force applied by the screw applies compression to the shaft and tension to the hub so that Poisson's Law opperates to close radial clearance between the hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A tube joint has a pair of tubes extending in different directions and connecting means for disposition between the tubes to connect them together. The connecting means has a pair of parts adapted to be juxtaposed so that a pair of spigot portions respectively on the parts from a spigot formation for fitting closely within one of the tubes extending in one direction. Abutment means on the parts limits insertion of the spigot formation into the tube and a lateral projection is provided on at least one of the parts to enable the other of the tubes to be secured thereto so as to extend in a different direction.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical, low backlash cable connector having a plurality of ring washers disposed within a connector housing. A plurality of spacer washers disposed between each pair of spring washers imparts independent operation to each spring washer and translates shear forces from the entering cable to the connector housing. Both the spring washers and the spacer washers are disposed at an inward angle from the connector housing opening. Such angular disposition allows a cable to freely enter the connector housing. However, upon attempting to withdraw the cable, the spring washers bite into the cable thereby preventing its egress.

Abstract: A boat dock assembled from portable sections hingedly connected to each other and provided with foldable and adjustably extensible leg assemblies. Each section is formed from tread retaining decking members made of extruded metal sections interconnected in close parallel spaced relation by interlocking elements. Pivotally separable half-shell foot elements are connected to the leg assemblies for stabilized support of the dock sections.

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 pin has a pilot point of uniform width throughout 360.degree. and a body containing a cross section of arcuate polygonal lobular configuration, also of uniform width but wider than the point. The pin may be driven into a circular hole in a member such that the lobes of the pin are elastically deformed in compression to enhance the grip between the pin and the member and with there being regions of stress relief on the member intermediate the lobes. The hole in the member may also be reshaped into a lobular form. The uniform body width approximates the minimum diameter of the hole in the member. Furthermore, the pin is of a range of lobulation sufficient to span a wide range of hole diameter tolerances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: A plastic tubular pack frame is disclosed employing a unitary main frame member and uniquel y constructed transverse support members including a pair of tee connectors interconnected by a tubular cross member. In one embodiment, a transverse support member is formed by heating a section of plastic tubing, placing the ends of the tubing on the pin portions of tee connectors and allowing tubing to cool and shrink onto the pins. The pin portions of the tee connectors include a series of circumferentially and axially extending ribs which engage the internal walls of the box ends of the cross member forming a connection normally fixed against axial disconnection and normally fixed against rotation but rotatable without fracture in response to above normal rotational torques.

Abstract: An improved segmented container for potted plants and shrubs of the type defining an inverted conical shape or spherical zone segment which provides greater volume of earth at the base of the container than at the top to encourage greater and healthier root growth. The container assembly consists of a base and two or more separable upper segments which are totally removeable to enable plant withdrawal with minimal damage to the root system or foliage. When assembled the container provides a leakproof, structurally functioning container capable of rapid assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: An insulated coupling usable with a television tuner shaft or the like for electrically isolating the tuner shaft from the chassis of the television receiver includes a pair of flanged insulating bushings pressed into axially extending chambers formed in the ends of two coupled sections of the tuner shaft. A knurled pin fabricated from hardened steel or other strong material is pressed into the two bushings to hold the two sections of the shaft together with the two flanges of the bushings abutting to form an insulated section between the two coupled sections of the shaft.

Abstract: There is described a pump assembly which, in a unitary structure, comprises a pump proper and an electric pump drive motor, both contained in a common housing. A metal disc, forming part of the pump housing, is positioned at one end inside the common housing and supports a stationary shaft extending coaxially with and along the entire length of the pump assembly. On the stationary shaft journals the armature of the drive motor and the pump rotor member rotationally coupled to the armature.