Abstract: An exothermic reaction mold includes a reaction chamber, a weld chamber communicating with the reaction chamber and at least one user configurable port communicating with the weld chamber for receiving cables to be welded.

Abstract: A valve plug assembly includes a valve plug base, a valve plug tip, and a clamp that removably couples the valve plug tip to the valve plug base. The valve plug base includes a base body portion arranged for attachment to the valve stem and a base mating portion coupled to the base body portion. The valve plug tip has a tip body portion and a tip mating portion coupled to the tip body portion, the tip body portion having a sealing surface arranged to sealingly engage the valve seat. The clamp includes a clamp bore sized to receive at least a portion of the base mating portion and at least a portion of the tip mating portion.

Abstract: Provided is a touch pen holder unit for holding a touch pen to prevent loss and, more particularly, a touch pen holder unit capable of fastening a touch pen easily and firmly. The touch pen holder unit includes: a wire having a locking part at an end thereof; and a body having a first locking groove at an upper portion of the body and a second locking groove below the first locking groove, wherein the locking part of the wire is seated on the first locking groove and a head of a touch pen is seated on the second locking groove.

Abstract: In a control device for a technical processing plant, a pneumatically driven actuator having an actuator stem is provided together with a valve operated by the actuator, the valve having a valve stem. A valve element is attached to the valve stem. A stem connector connects the two stems to each other for a forced transmission of axial actuating movements and for modifying an axial distance between adjacent ends of the valve stem and the actuator stem to adjust a total axial length of the two stems. The stem connector comprises two half-shells connected to each other, and two positioning devices are provided for a friction-locking coupling of the half-shells to the respective ends. At least one of the positioning devices is designed to modify an axial attachment position of the half-shells along one of the stems.

Abstract: A device for securing a mobile device in an aircraft cabin includes a first connection element having a bar receiving member. The device further has a second connection element which includes a bar which is suitable for co-operating with the bar receiving member of the first connection element, the bar being moveable between an unlocking position and a locking position, in which the bar of the second connection element is able to be brought into engagement with the bar receiving member of the first connection element.

Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for a tire comprises a clamp assembly adapted to be secured to a header tube, a swivel first member suspended from the clamp to pivot either parallel to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the header tube, a swivel second member which is suspended from the swivel first member to pivot 90° relative to the pivotal motion of the swivel first member, and a swivel third member which can rotate about the swivel second member. The swivel first member is pivotally mounted to the clamp via an upper pivot pin and the second swivel member is pivotally mounted to the swivel first member by a second lower pivot pin. Lastly, the swivel assembly can include a tether which extends over the header tube to which the clamp assembly is secured which has opposite ends secured to opposite sides of the lower pivot pin.

Abstract: A device includes a stem hub attached to a fitting body. A rotatable stem is located at least partially within the stem hub. Rotation of the rotatable stem operates a blocking element located in the fitting body. In an embodiment, an upper stem is coupled to a first end portion of the rotatable stem so that rotation of the upper stem rotates the rotatable stem. A metal seal is located on the stem hub. A portion of the upper stem presses the metal seal between the upper stem and the stem hub when the upper stem is moved towards the stem hub. An operating mechanism moves the upper stem towards the stem hub and away from the stem hub. The upper stem is moved by the operating mechanism in a direction normal to the rotational axis of the rotatable stem and the upper stem.

Abstract: Provided are a stiffener for connecting a prestressed concrete beam and a method of constructing a structure using the same, in which the beam such as the prestressed concrete beam which is covered with concrete is connected to a target structure including a column structure or a girder. The stiffener is made up of a buried stiffener, an end face stiffener, and a joint stiffener, thereby enabling simple connection, excellent stress transmission, and very efficient construction of (building) structures.

Abstract: A mechanical coupler for the reinforcing bars depending on the original male deformations of the reinforcing bars. The coupler comprising a pipe split along its longitudinal axis into two portions. The inner surface of each portion is grooved to form female grooves that exactly matching the reinforcing bar male deformations. The coupler is formed of one or two halves of the pipe portion assembled over the ends of the axially aligned reinforcing bars allowing for the bars male deformations to exactly enter into the pipe portion female grooves without any clearance or filling material to be added. Five techniques are applicable to tightly close the sleeve over the connected reinforcing bars ends. The outer surface of the pipe portions is processed to be used according to the technique of closing either one or two pipe portions over the reinforcing bars ends.

Abstract: A shaft fixing clip that is fitted into a groove of a shaft, the shaft fixing clip includes: a shaft clamping portion that is formed by a metal wire member; and a pinch portion that is monolithically formed with the shaft clamping portion, wherein: the metal wire member is bent into an 8-like shape; both end portions of the metal wire member are crossed in an end portion of one of loops to respectively protrude toward both sides; tip ends of the both end portions are bent; the loop that is positioned on a side of the both end portions is configured as the shaft clamping portion; and bent portions of the tip ends of the both end portions are configured as the pinch portion.

Abstract: A clamp with liner and mounting base are provided for the attachment of control lines to a subsea riser. The clamp comprises an upper clamp half and a lower clamp half. Each clamp half is hingedly connected along a hinge edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half and latchably connected along a latch edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half by latch structure carried by each clamp half. The latch structure carried by the upper clamp half comprises a pair of parallel ears protruding transversely away from the latch edge of the upper clamp half and defining a pair of aligned boreholes, a pivot pin having a transverse borehole carried by the aligned boreholes through the ears, a bolt carried in the transverse borehole through the pivot pin, and a toggle bar having a threaded transverse borehole therethrough threadably mounted on the bolt.

Abstract: Assembling a plurality of parts together in a manner that enables a device of complex shape to be reconstituted. At least one of the parts includes two ribs in a chevron configuration and at least one other part includes two grooves in a chevron configuration, the ribs and the grooves being complementary in shape and of corresponding dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in coupling a pair of bar clamps comprises a coupling member for connecting a first clamp to a second clamp is provided. The coupling member includes a first member and a second member having an end pivotally attached to the first member. The coupling member further includes a connection member for attaching an end of each clamp to the coupling member. In another aspect, a connection member for coupling a pair of bar clamps is provided. In another aspect, a method of connecting a first bar clamp to a second bar clamp is provided.

Abstract: This invention's suspensory fastener for piping is characterized in that the fastener is arranged from the two members of a long band and short band, a coupled state maintaining means, which maintains a state wherein a bolt of a bolt-and-nut set that is provided at a lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band is engaged with an opening with guiding entrance of lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned short band and the two lower end coupling portions are overlapped with each other, is provided, and coupling and releasing of the coupling of the lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band with the fastener coupling portion of the above-mentioned short band are enabled without separation of the bolt-and-nut set provided at the lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band.

Abstract: A closure for cable connection capable of being readily assembled with fastening force of a sufficient level, rapidly accomplishing leading-out of a cable from a cable connection section and storage of the cable, and exhibiting enhanced airtightness while exhibiting increased reliability. The closure includes sleeve members and end plates. The end plates are each provided with slits which extend from cable guide holes to an outer surface of the end plate. Each cable guide hole is provided thereon with a thin-wall cap and the slit is detachably fitted therein with a rigidity holding member. An adhesive tape-like gasket is interposed between an outer periphery of the end plate and an inner surface of a sleeve so as to cover an outer end portion of the slit.

Abstract: A high strength reinforcing bar splice uses a contractible jaw assembly bridging the bar ends to be joined. The jaw assembly includes interior teeth designed to bite into the projecting ribs or deformations on the outside of the bar ends which form the overall diameter of the bar but not the core or nominal diameter of the bar. The jaw assembly is constricted from both axial ends by driving tapered locking collars on each end of the jaw assembly with a tool while concurrently causing the jaw assembly to constrict and bite into the bar ends. When the tool is removed, the collars remain in place locking the jaw assembly closed. The splice provides not only high tensile and compressive strengths but also has good fatigue and dynamic strength to qualify as a Type 2 coupler.

Abstract: A tool for forming a high strength reinforcing bar coupling driving self-locking wedge sleeves over each end of a contractible jaw assembly bridging the abutting ends of the bar to be joined. The sleeves are seated in collars engaged by the distal ends of arms driven for closure by a piston-cylinder power unit and a cam on at least one arm. In one form the cam on one arm is engaged by a roller connected by a tension link to the other arm. In another form cams are provided on each arm driven by rollers fixed with respect to each other. The collars include self-releasing collets seating the sleeves. The tool has other uses such as bar shearing or forming.

Abstract: A park brake cable system including a brake actuation lever, a connector clip having a first end and a second end, and including a shear member, having a shear failure force, positioned between the first and second ends. A brake assembly, a front cable strand having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the brake actuation lever, and the second end engaging the shear member on the connector clip are also included. Further included are a rear cable strand having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the second end of the connector clip and the second end attached to the rear brake assembly, and a tensioner is attached in a tension force transmitting relationship with the front cable strand and the rear cable strand. Applying tension to the front and rear cable strands by the tensioner creates at least the sufficient shear failure force to cause the second end of the front cable strand to break the shear member and move to the first end of the connector clip.

Abstract: A mating arrangement for a split slitter, anvil, spacer or any other similar device provides for precision alignment of the two halves of the split slitter in both the axial and radial directions.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stiffening structure for stiffening a portion of an axle with a first diameter. The apparatus further includes a set of elements, wherein each of the set of elements includes a semi-circular longitudinal channel of a pre-determined length, and further includes a second diameter that is substantially similar to the first diameter. The apparatus also includes an outer surface comprising a set of expanded structures, wherein each expanded structure of the set of expanded structures further includes a set recesses, wherein each of the elements can be coupled together around the axle with the set of expanded structures, and wherein the amount of deflection of the axle is substantially reduced for the pre-determined length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole-hammer drill-bit assembly for removable attachment to a substantially tubular casing of a downhole hammer. The drill-bit assembly has a substantially tubular chuck, a drill-bit, and a substantially tubular retainer. The chuck has a step. The drill-bit has a bit shank, a bit shoulder extending from the shank and a bit head. A 6first portion of the bit shank is in a bore of the chuck. The retainer has a split retainer sidewall, a first end and a second end. The first end has a split retainer collar. The second end has a split retainer ring. The split retainer sidewall is around a portion of the chuck and the bit shoulder. The split retainer collar is around a first surface of the step. The split retainer ring is around a portion of the bit shank between the bit shoulder and the bit head.

Abstract: A deployable structure includes a structural mechanism consisting of a plurality of rigid links 1 connected together by rotational joints 2 to form an array of Bennett linkages 20. The Bennett linkages 20 are interconnected so that the structural mechanism, including all the Bennett linkages 20, has a single degree of mobility. The structural mechanism has a profile with a curvature that varies during movement to deploy the structure from a state in which its profile is flat to a state in which its profile is curved. This allows is very convenient as the structure may be assembled, stored and/or transported in the flat state, prior to deployment into the curved state. As such the structure has many application including the frame for a tent.

Abstract: A tube-in-tube joint includes a rectangular coupling having a longitudinally extending slot the entire length of the coupling which is inserted into opposed ends of two rectangular elongated tube members. Each elongated tube member is provided with an opening therein to receive a bolt therethrough, preferably a carriage bolt, wherein a squared shoulder portion adjacent the head of the carriage bolt fits within the slot of the coupling and the bolt opening. Alternatively, socket head cap screws extend through the bolt openings in the elongated tubes and the coupling slot receives T-nuts which are held in place in the longitudinally extending slot.

Abstract: A high strength reinforcing bar splice uses a contractible jaw assembly bridging the bar ends to be joined. The jaw assembly includes interior teeth designed to bite into the projecting ribs or deformations on the outside of the bar ends which form the overall diameter of the bar but not the core or nominal diameter of the bar. The jaw assembly is constricted from both axial ends by driving tapered locking collars on each end of the jaw assembly with a tool while concurrently causing the jaw assembly to constrict and bite into the bar ends. When the tool is removed, the collars remain in place locking the jaw assembly closed. The splice provides not only high tensile and compressive strengths but also has good fatigue and dynamic strength to qualify as a Type 2 coupler.

Abstract: A high tensile rod connector is provided that includes a first section having an internally threaded surface and a second section having an internally threaded surface. The threads of the first section mate with the threads of the second section. A pair of first flanges is rigidly coupled to the first section and extends outwardly therefrom. Similarly, a pair of second flanges is rigidly coupled to the second section. A series of bolts extends from the first flanges to the second flanges. The bolts are adapted to removably couple the first section to the second section. The first and second sections may be located on a damaged tie rod and secured thereto, thereby repairing the damaged tie rod without removing tension therefrom.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube, and a plurality of opposing elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: A planing machine includes a carriage locking mechanism disposed above a cutter carriage, which in turn, is connected movably to left and right pairs of vertical posts. The carriage locking mechanism includes an elongated mounting plate disposed fixedly on the cutter carriage, a left locking unit having a pair of left clamping claws that press respectively and releaseably against the left pair of posts, and a right locking unit having a pair of right clamping claws that press releaseably against the right pair of posts. A cam member is disposed pivotally on the mounting plate. The cam member has two projections that engage respectively the left and right locking units. A pivot end of a rotary lever is mounted pivotally on the mounting plate, and is connected to the cam member so as to rotate synchronously with the cam member. The rotary lever is rotatable so as to remove the projections of the cam member from the left and right locking units.

Abstract: A connecting and covering member for a joint, as well as a handrail or the like embodying the same, wherein the connecting and covering element extends between and interconnects two contiguous aligned portions of the elongated structure. The connecting and covering element comprises a hollow body in the form of a sleeve that surrounds and interconnects adjacent ends of the elongated members. The sleeve is slotted longitudinally and has cutouts for shape matingly receiving a plate which is secured to both of the adjacent portions. On opposite sides of the slot and on opposite sides of the cutout, the connecting and covering member has holes through which fasteners pass, to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: A connector for securing a constant velocity universal joint having a housing to a coupling member, the housing and coupling member each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The connector includes an annular member having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of openings which extend axially from the first end to define a series of radially expanding panels for receiving the constant velocity universal joint and coupling member. The joint and coupling member each have respective mating surfaces which engage each other. The first end of the annular member engages the outer surface of the coupling member and the second end of the annular member is disposed proximate the outer surface of the housing. The mating surfaces are splined for transmitting torque. At least one wave spring is provided with the connector to accommodate axial deviation.

Abstract: A connector and method for connecting two drywall corner finishing devices. The connector connects and/or aligns the two drywall corner finishing devices positioned end to end by being inserted into corresponding openings located in the profile of the drywall corner finishing devices. The side members of the connector are pinched in, reducing the size and shape of the cross-section of the connector so as to fit within the corresponding openings. When released the side members deflect back pressing out against the sidewall of the openings.

Abstract: In an oil well pump, a rod liner is clamped onto a polished rod using an external clamp with an upper clamp section that clamps onto the polished rod, a lower clamp section that clamps onto the liner below the liner head and a yoke section bridging the upper and lower clamp section. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp has a main body extending across the liner head and upper and lower clamping blocks for clamping the rod and the liner respectively to the main body on opposite sides of the liner head.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly of board for floor boarding and means for fixing the same to adjacent boards, said board comprising a frame, of generally rectangular shape, suitable for accommodating therein a flooring surface, such frame comprising a first pair of opposite beams and a second pair of opposite beams connecting the first pair of beams. The beams of said first pair are provided, at least at their ends, with recesses suitable for housing clamps for coupling the board with adjacent boards. The recesses are associated to releasable snap engagement means that engage in respective seats provided for on the clamps to prevent the clamps from slipping out of said recesses.

Abstract: A seat pedestal assembly including a center post having a lower distal end adapted to be slidingly and rotatably received by a boat deck; a support frame including a center sleeve and a plurality of seat members disposed parallel to and in spaced relation with the center sleeve, the seat members being angularly spaced equidistantly around the center post, each of the seat members having an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a length, each of the seat members being respectively connected to the center sleeve by a connecting member; the center sleeve having an inner diameter adapted to slidingly and rotatably receive the center post therethrough; and, each of the seat members inner diameter being adapted to respectively receive for axial and rotational movement therein a seat post provided depending downwardly from an existing seat.

Abstract: A foldable rod assembly includes first and second rods of predetermined dimensions and having connecting ends with pivot holes, and a coupler unit for coupling pivotally the connecting ends. The coupler unit includes two elongate plates respectively having right and left longitudinal sides, upper and lower transverse sides, and upper and lower pivot holes disposed in symmetry to a middle line between the transverse sides. A blocking member extends transversely from the right longitudinal side proximate to the upper transverse side. Two protrusions extend from the left longitudinal side parallel to the blocking members respectively and proximate to the transverse sides.

Abstract: Modular clutch construction in which a clutch cover assembly, concentrically containing a pressure plate actuating a clutch disc assembly, is fixed to the flywheel of an engine as a modular unit. The construction improves the modular connection between the clutch cover peripheral wall and the flywheel; in particular through the use of pins to restrain the cover from whirling relative to the flywheel, and by a taking advantage of a method of starter ring-gear installation in which the gear is shrink-fitted over the flywheel with the clutch cover peripheral wall intervening, such that the circumferential end margin of the clutch cover is simultaneously clamped between the ring gear and the flywheel cylindrical surface. The clutch cover is thus secured onto the flywheel in an assembly stage of reduced steps, by comparison with methods employing bolts or other fasteners as the primary connecting means.

Abstract: A threaded connector is disclosed for attaching a handle to a tool head, such as a rake or a broom. The threaded connector may include a central cap or plug and a plurality of opposed wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings are in the form of hollow partial cylinders and are hingeably attached to the cap. The cap is positioned on the end of the handle and the wings are folded downwardly and inwardly to engage the handle. Each wing includes partial thread segments that register to form a full thread when the wings are folded together. The full thread has a shallow taper such that tightening of the connector within a mating socket in a tool head causes the connector to bind or wedge itself into the socket. To provide additional resistance to loosening a locking ring has longitudinal mortices which key into aligned rabbets in the connector and in the socket.

Abstract: A support sling, useful in the mining industry, for example, for supporting overhead loads such as mine roofs; the sling includes a pair of generally coplanar anchor lengths, sometimes called anchor bolts, having inwardly directed ends mutually facing each other and which, thus, are essentially coaxial; a similarly coaxial take-up coupling structure secures the ends and is constructed, either in active or passive mode, to restrain loads, acting under the force of gravity, from dilating downwardly to extreme conditions, and this in a manner as not to allow for the generation of serious force couples in the sling.

Abstract: An anti-twist strain relief bushing for use with an exteriorly threaded tubular pipe for nondestructively restraining an electrical cord against axial or torsional displacements. The bushing comprises an interiorly threaded gland nut to be screwed onto the tubular pipe and an insert to be wedged into the pipe by the nut. The gland nut comprises a circular top defining a circular beveled opening, an integral flange spaced apart from the top parallel and concentric with the top, and an internally threaded, tubular body extending from the top to the flange defining a passageway concentric with the beveled opening and the flange. The body has a plurality of radially spaced apart raised ribs longitudinally disposed on its exterior. The underside of the top and the body define an integral, beveled shoulder disposed interiorly within the passageway. The insert comprises two separate, mirror image halves adapted to be folded together when the insert is forced into the pipe.

Abstract: Half window and door sections are fully manufactured at a manufacturing plant and transported to a job site where the half sections are interconnected by a pair of head splice members and a pair of sill splice members. The fully assembled window and door assembly then is installed in the wall opening.

Abstract: A quick change coupling arrangement for holding an actuator shaft of a hydraulic dampening unit to a valve shaft of a swing check valve. The coupling arrangement provides knob portions arranged on opposing free ends of the valve shaft and the actuator shaft, which are captured in sandwich fashion between two semi-circular cylindrical shell connectors. An outer sleeve is provided which can be temporarily displaced upward on the actuator shaft during assembly of the shell sections over the knob portions and then slid downward to cover the shell sections and hold the shell connectors together preventing radial departure from the knob portions. A set screw is provided to hold the sleeve in axial fixation with one of the shell connectors.

Abstract: Device for the releasable connection of two sections including an upper and lower profile strip, with corresponding grooves, which are connected to one another by use of screw bolts or the like.

Abstract: A handlebar structure of a cycle including a stem having a shank extended forward, a notch formed in the front end of the shank, a coupler coupling a handlebar to the shank and including two members each including two elements formed integral with each other, the elements of the members forming two cylindrical spaces for receiving the shank and a middle portion of the handlebar when the members are fixed together, and a tongue formed in one of the members and engageable with the notch of the shank so that the coupler can be prevented from rotating relative to the shank.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided with a cylindrical bore with internal screw thread and accommodated therein a screw means with external screw thread connected to a rod. By turning these parts with respect to each other, a linear movement of the rod can be obtained. The internal space in the housing is sealed to the outside, and preferably filled with a liquid lubricant. Also, there is a space outside the bore which is connected to the space inside the bore and which is at least partially bounded by a resilient, flexible wall part for compensating volume changes in the bore due to the linear movement of the rod.

Abstract: A connector for corrugated tubes comprises a lower shell (100) and an upper cover (150) having lateral walls (110, 160) with several corresponding semi-circular openings (50) that define, when the cover has been closed on the shell, circular openings for receiving corrugated tubes. The openings (50) are fitted with a series of flexible fingers (10) in the form of truncated segments of a circle that form flexible skirts in the form of a circular crown around the openings. Internal semi-circular ribs (40) for longitudinally locking the fitted corrugated tubes are situated on arcuate tongues (30) arranged in a plane parallel to the corresponding opening. Each tongue (30) is connected either to the inner wall by a flexible arm (29), or to the bottom of the shell by its lower middle part.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable structural joint particularly suited for use in space systems. The joint comprises a connector having at least two tubular sleeves, at least two tubular members, and at least two annular clamping means for securing the tubular members inside the connector. The connector comprises at least two elements, manufactured from a fiber reinforced composite, which, when mated, form the connector. The tubular members are manufactured from a material having a coefficient of axial expansion of substantially zero. The annular clamping means are manufactured from a material having substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members. The combination of the connector comprises at least two elements and the annular clamping means with substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members allows the joint to accommodate radial expansion and contraction while maintaining axial dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a construction joint of a bicycle frame comprising a rear dropout body having projecting portions decreasing in taper as they extend away from the body, each projecting portion defining an elongated screw hole extending along a longitudinal axis of the projecting portion, the projecting portion defining a slit extending on both sides of the screw hole; chainstay and seat stay pipes, each surrounding a projecting portion, the chainstay and seat stay pipes having gradually decreasing diameters towards the base end of the projecting portions; a screw or wedge inserted into the screw hole to enlarge the outside circumference of the projecting portion until it fixedly contacts the interior of the chainstay and seat stay pipes; and an adhesive agent spread around the projecting portion of the rear dropout body and inside the chainstay and seat stay pipes.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a rigid joint between two tubular frame members positioned end to end but not necessarily in abutment, each said member having a tubular wall defined by an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior passageway, each member being congruent with the other said member in the region of the ends to be joined, each said member having a substantially square cross section with at least one pair of diagonally opposing corners. The method comprises the step of securing one of said members to the other by passing at least a pair of elongated fastening means, one through each member, diagonally through the wall of each member at diagonally opposing corners of said member adjacent the ends to be joined.

Abstract: A universal joint coupling including four identical cast parts, two of the four parts located on either side of disc of flexible material, each of the two parts conformed so as to fit together to form a shaft holding element having strength comparable to that of a single machined part.

Abstract: A receptacle for releasably attaching an umbrella having a bulb type handle to an article such as a golf buggy. The receptacle has several upstanding forked petals capable of resilient radial deflection and a locking ring capable of maintaining the petals in a closed position about the bulb of an umbrella handle.