Abstract: A coupling for axially fixing a hub on a shaft has locking members slidable in slots of the hub and which are engaged in recesses in the shaft by a collar which holds the locking members in the recesses so as to fix the hub axially on the shaft. In a released position, a shoulder on the collar catches behind a ledge formed on the hub, but only when the shaft is removed from the hub. When the shaft is in the hub, it cams against uncocking members in the form of balls which prevent the collar from being tilted so as to engage the collar shoulder with the ledge on the hub. One embodiment for a larger application has a collar biasing spring radially inside of the collar and axially between the locking members and the shaft entry end of the hub. An embodiment for a smaller application has the spring radially outside of the hub and on the opposite axial side of the locking elements. A shield is provided in this embodiment to enclose the spring chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a muffler apparatus of a compressor for hermetically and easily assembling a suction muffler and a base muffler disposed at the compressor so as to suck and attenuate the noise generated by refrigerant evaporated from an evaporator, the apparatus comprising: a suction muffler for being formed with a suction inlet for the refrigerant to be sucked thereinto and for being formed at one side thereof with a third tripping unit; a base muffler for being formed with a first and a second tripping unit protruded from the base muffler and into the third tripping unit protruded from the suction muffler, so that the base muffler and the suction muffler can be hermetically assembled to leave no gap therebetween.

Abstract: A fastener connects panel members in a flush position. The fastener includes a pair of connecting members which are snap-fit within apertures provided within each of the panel members for securing the panel members together. The fastener also disconnects the panel members when secured together. For this purpose, at least one of the connecting members is removable from the panel member aperture to disconnect the panel members. The fastener allows the panels to be assembled together and disassembled quickly and with little or no tooling.

Abstract: Hinge eye for a piston-cylinder unit, or shock absorber, in particular for air springs, comprising a bracket with an opening, a bearing surface for a connection shank which is connected to a base body, and at least one retaining tab. The retaining tab is actively connected to the piston-cylinder unit and forms a locking connection with a groove of the connection shank. The retaining tab(s) and the part of the hinge eye which forms the opening with the bearing surface are realized in one piece.

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

Abstract: A wall element includes a wall panel with its first side edge bent into an L-section and the second side edge bent into a Z-section. The bent sections are provided with holes at specific intervals from each other along the height of the wall panel. When two panels are placed side by side so that the L-section of one panel is fitted against the Z-section of another panel, the holes are positioned opposite one another. A U-shaped tongue strip is fitted against the L-section of the panel, the tongue strip being provided with tongues shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes of the side edges of both panels. A U-shaped wedge strip is fitted against the Z-section of the panel, the wedge strip being provided with holes shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes. The panels attach to each other when the wedge strip is knocked downwards.

Abstract: A telescopic extender for extending an interchangeable socket of a socket wrench, more particularly, an extender which automatically, slidably and continuously adjusts its length by infinitely small increments for use during a ratcheting operation confined to an inaccessible space between two fixed walls. The extender includes a tubular member, a pair of axially extending slots defined by the wall of the tubular member, a shaft member having a first end slidably extending into the tubular member and a second end extending out of the tubular member provided for receiving the socket, the second end adapted to the receive a socket. The shaft member is further provided with at least one protruding member extending into each of the axially extending slots, which combination permits slidable retention of the shaft within the tubular member. The protruding member is a removable pin which is passed entirely through a bore in the shaft member and into the two slots.

Abstract: Armrests for chairs which are laterally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting construction of an elastic member of which one end is fixed to a mounting member fixed to and extending from a first member, the other end of the elastic member being engaged with a second member so that the second member is pressed against the first member, the elastic member having substantially a through hole extending in a pressing direction in which the second member is pressed. A first engaging portion, which is capable of being elastically deformed in a radially outward direction of the through hole, is formed on the one end of the elastic member. A first hook portion, being engaged with the first engaging portion, is formed on an end of the mounting member so that the first hook portion blocks a movement of the first engaging portion in a reverse direction of the pressing direction. The first hook portion may instead be elastically deformed.

Abstract: In a locking device for interconnecting a drive shaft (10) and a coupling sleeve (11), a resilient locking ring (14) is provided which engages in grooves (13, 15) on the shaft and sleeve, respectively. The shaft and sleeve have splines (12) for transmitting a driving torque. The groove (13) of the shaft is spaced from the splines and has a bevel at the side facing the splines, and the sleeve has an inner bevel (16) at its end for compressing the locking ring during assembly.

Abstract: A sissy bar assembly including a backrest portion and a pair of latching mechanisms mounted on the backrest portion for securing the backrest portion to a motorcycle mount upon movement of the backrest portion toward the mount. The backrest portion includes a pair of side plates each having front recesses engageable with the front mounts, and rear recesses engageable with rear mounts. The latching mechanisms each include a latch member mounted on the side plates movable for pivotal movement between an unlatched position, in which the front recesses are engageable and disengageable with the mounts, and a latched position, in which the front recess is held in engagement with the mounts. The latching mechanisms further include a locking member movable relative to the latch member between an unlocked position, in which the latch member is movable between its latched and unlatched positions, and a locked position, in which the latch member is held in the latched position.

Abstract: A quick change PVC pipe connection system (10) comprises a pipe (12) having a pair of opposite spaced apertures (14) extending through one end (16). A fitting (18) has a flange (20) with a pair of opposite spaced orifices (22) extending through the flange (20). A pair of pins (24) are provided. A facility (26) within the pipe (12) is for forcing each pin (24) through one aperture (14) in the pipe (12) and into one orifice (22) in the flange (20) of the fitting (18), when the end (16) of the pipe (12) is inserted into the flange (20) of the fitting (18), so as to retain the pipe (12) to the fitting (18).

Abstract: The locking ring includes a body having an axis and a hole along the axis. The body receives a shaft in the hole. The body includes a cavity, a first passageway communicating with the cavity, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the body to a portion of the shaft disposed in the hole. The locking ring further includes a piston member having a piston head and a piston rod connected to the piston head. The piston head is disposed in the cavity, and the piston rod projects from the cavity in a direction parallel to the axis. The piston member moves relative to the body when pressure is supplied to the cavity via the first passageway.

Abstract: A connecting element for creating a blind side connection for materials such as furniture. Connecting element includes a tenon which includes a groove positioned about the peripheral surface of the tenon. A compression material which is flexible and has excellent memory is inserted into the group on the tenon. A mortise is provided which has an opening for telescopically receiving the tenon and compression material into the inner chamber of the mortise. The inner chamber includes a set slot positioned around the interior surface of the chamber and is designed to receive the peripheral edge of the compression material on the tenon. Liquid and/or re-wettable adhesives can be used to rigidly connect the tenon in the mortise.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly includes a wiper arm carrying a windshield wiper blade, an arm head, and a pivot attaching the wiper arm to the arm head. A spring retainer and coil spring extends between the arm head and the arm, thereby biasing the wiper blade against the windshield. When the wiper arm is lifted off the windshield to a hold off position, the spring retains the wiper blade in the hold off position. A finger extending from the spring retainer engages a shoulder on a drive drum which is received in a socket in the arm head. Accordingly, the wiper assembly is automatically released from the driving mechanism when the wiper assembly is moved to the inactive or hold off position. The wiper assembly can then be removed from the vehicle, which facilitates changing of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A coupling for axially fixing a hub on a shaft has locking members slidable in slots of the hub and which are engaged in recesses in the shaft by a collar which holds the locking members in the recesses so as to fix the hub axially on the shaft. In a released position, a shoulder on the collar catches behind a ledge formed on the hub, but only when the shaft is removed from the hub. When the shaft is in the hub, it cams against uncocking members in the form of balls which prevent the collar from being tilted so as to engage the collar shoulder with the ledge on the hub.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure formed from a plurality of panels. The dome is shaped generally as a spherical icosahedron, and will generally be constructed as a spherical dodecahedron. Each of the panels is divided into nine triangular sections by a ribbing structure integral to the panel. The ribbing provides the panels with extra rigidity for support. This eliminates the need for any internal framing in the structure. The sides of the panels include interlocking means to bind the panels together. The interlocking means allow a user to simply snap the panels together to form the structure.

Abstract: A coupling assembly has two coupling elements arranged to interlock in a coupled position and release in a release position. A displaceable securing element on one of the coupling elements engages and holds the other coupling element in the coupled position, the securing element being biassed into such engagement. When the coupling elements are being coupled to each other, the securing element is displaced against the bias to enable movement of the coupling elements to the interlocking coupled position. When the coupling elements reach the coupled position, the securing element is displaced automatically under the bias to the engaging position to prevent unintentional release of the coupling elements from the coupled position.

Abstract: An assembly and method for mounting linear structures in locked longitudinal alignment, which includes retainer bars joinable to a bracket for mounting linear structures and a pin assembly having wedge pins protruding outwardly from a base wherein the wedge pins engage opposing apertures in a locked, spring-loaded interface tightened into alignment by a retainer screw. The locked interface between opposing edges of the wedge pin and the apertures impart strong resistance to displacement forces, thereby providing a system for joining and mounting permitting adjustment and alignment of independently suspended linear structures and subsequent tightening down of the linear structures.

Abstract: A rail structure includes two tubes each movably mounted on one of two bases and each having a catch mounted on an upper portion thereof. Two fasteners each have a lower portion detachably mounted on one of the two catches. Two supporting braces each have a first distal end attached to one of the two fasteners. A pivot bracket has two distal ends each pivotally engaged with a second distal end of one of the two supporting braces. L-shaped first and second resting rails each have a vertical section mounted on an upper portion of one of the two fasteners. A tubular block is mounted around one distal end of a horizontal section of the first resting rail and has a first transmission member rotatably mounted thereon. A second transmission member is rotatably mounted on one distal end of a horizontal section of the second resting rail and is pivotally engaged with the first transmission member.

Abstract: A modularly constructed countertop generally of plastic solid surfacing material and including connectable modular countertop panel sections including various lengths of straight sections, and corner sections having thickened finished front edges. Included is an error resistant arrangement of adhesively seaming one countertop panel section to another utilizing easily aligned edges having registration grooves for aligning the top surfaces of adjacent sections flush with each other during adhesive seaming. Included for clamping purposes during the adhesive seaming are rigid elongated strips each having transverse grooves located across a bottom surface. Top surfaces of the strips are glued to the bottom surface of the countertop panel sections adjacent and parallel the edges to be abutted and adhesively seamed.

Abstract: A hanger/hook accessory supports articles on a vertically dependent member hung from an outer underside of a pool rim member. The hanger/hook accessory has a mounting bracket attached to an outer underside of a pool rim member; a removable fastener device connecting the mounting bracket to a member having opposite ends; and a hook connected to the member for supporting the articles. In a second embodiment, a mounting bracket is attached to outer underside of the pool rim member, the bracket having a vertically extending dependent portion; a hook with a mounting connector portion at one end; and a removable fastener device securing the mounting connector portion of the hook to the dependent portion of the bracket.

Abstract: An enclosure for a personal computer having a latch and release mechanism having at least two parallel cantilevered arms that allow the mechanism to have both strength for holding the enclosure to the personal computer and restrained flexibility that causes the distal end of the latch and release mechanism to travel translationally for releasing the enclosure.

Abstract: A mounting construction ensures to fix a shift knob to a lever shaft easily and promptly with a single assembly operation. The lever shaft 1 is formed with a circumferential groove 1a therein and has a rotation-prohibiting projection 1g thereon. A support body 2 is formed with first fastening clicks 2d and 2d and second fastening clicks 2e and 2e, which first and second clicks project on an upper end portion thereof. The support 2 is formed with a rotation preventing groove 2f at a lower end portion thereof, which groove 2f engages the rotation preventing projection 1g. The lever shaft 1 is inserted into the support body 2 so that the fastening clicks 2d and 2d of the support body 2 engage the circumferential groove 1a in the lever shaft 1 to securely fix to the lever shaft 1. The shift knob 3 is provided with a blind hole 3b and horizontally extending engagement holes 3c at a lower portion of the shift knob 3.

Abstract: A two-piece television receiver console which has a mounting assembly that attaches a television receiver to a cabinet base. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of studs that extend through corresponding holes in the beznet of the receiver. The mounting assembly also contains spring loaded plates that capture the studs and attach the beznet to the cabinet base. A pair of brackets may further secure the rear wall of the receiver to the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for inserting a fiducial marker. It comprises a housing and guide assembly, an obturator assembly, a drill for forming a bore hole at an implantation site, and a marker inserter for inserting a marker into the bore hole. The housing and guide assembly comprise a cylindrical housing having a bore provided therein, and a guide tube that is disposed and shiftable within the bore of the housing. The obturator assembly, drill and marker inserter are insertable in the distal end of the guide tube and shiftable therein.

Abstract: In order to simplify the design of a clamping device (1), in particular for securing an axially displaceable rod (3) in optional adjustment positions, in which a rolling body (17) is supported at a housing (5) enclosing it for clamping purposes, the rolling body (17) is arranged in a lever head (9) of a lever (6) having at its end remote of the lever head (9) a push button (11) which is guided out through the housing (5) and the rolling body (17) contacts a portion of the wall of the housing (5) constructed on its inner side as an oblique plane (19).

Abstract: A handheld blender, such as, for example, an immersion blender, includes a motor assembly and a tool assembly releasably connectable to the motor assembly. The tool assembly includes a tool shaft and a tool shank rotatably receiving the tool shaft. The motor assembly has a drive shaft and an approximately U-shaped expansion clamp. The tool shaft is structured to be non-rotatably coupled to the drive shaft when the tool assembly is connected to the motor assembly. The tool shank has a mounting groove, wherein the tool assembly is connected to the motor assembly by the approximately U-shaped expansion clamp engaging the mounting groove of the tool shank. To release the tool shank, the expansion clamp is displaced by a push button in the direction of an opposite push button having expansion surfaces on which the legs of the expansion clamp ride up, thus disengaging the expansion clamp from the mounting groove. To urge the tool shank away from the motor assembly, the push buttons have beveled surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (20), the brush head (22) of which can be removed from a brush handle (24). A threaded pin (26) can be moved to a limited extent out of the brush handle (24), counter to the action of a prestressing spring (32), when the brush head (22) is screwed onto the pin, until a stop catch (36) of the brush head (22) engages in a recess (38) of the brush handle (24) and locks the brush head in the rotational direction, while the prestressing spring (32) holds the brush head (22) under prestress against the brush handle (24). A firm connection can thus be established simply and rapidly between the brush handle and the brush head, irrespective of the shape of these parts.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having an accommodating chamber formed in a connector-engaging direction and a first locking element formed in the accommodating chamber. A core is made of resin and accommodates an insert-molded terminal, and includes a second locking element which engages the first locking element in the accommodating chamber. The core is held in the accommodating chamber due to the engagement between the first locking element and the second locking element. A locking wall projecting in the accommodating chamber locks an end of the core.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a housing block retaining construction which allows a release tool to be easily operated, and will not interfere with the withdrawal of a housing block. According to the present invention, there is provided that a housing block retaining construction comprises a retaining lance slanting in the insertion direction provided in an insertion opening of a housing holder, a notch in which a distal end of a release tool is engageable formed in a distal end of the retaining lance, a retaining projection for engagement with the retaining lance provided on a housing block, and a recess for allowing the release tool to pass therethrough formed in that portion of the retaining projection corresponding to the notch.

Abstract: An infusion supply apparatus is provided which is attachable to a stationary apparatus such as an overhead support (1), on the one hand, and with a patient transporting apparatus (3), on the other hand. The transfer from one such apparatus to the other shall be possible in a simple and locked manner. To this end, the stationary apparatus (1), the patient transport apparatus (3) and a handle (12) each have a coupling member (2, 4, 13) and a support (7) for the medical appliances comprises a coupling (8) cooperating with respective two such coupling members. The coupling (8) comprises a lock means (16, 17) which unlocks in case of engagement of two coupling members in the coupling means for selective detachment of an engagement and locks in case of engagement of a single one of the coupling members.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling including a hub, an internally splined opening in the hub being adapted to receive an externally splined shaft. Locking structure in provided for selectively locking the shaft into the opening in the hub, such locking structure being biased to a locked position and selectively movable to an unlocked position. The locking structure includes means for automatically locking the shaft into the hub upon insertion of the shaft into the hub and further includes a structure for allowing unlocking of the shaft from the hub. The locking structure includes a plurality of bores radially disposed in the hub, a locking element slidably disposed in each of the bores and being radially movable from an inner, locking position wherein the elements are engageable within a recess of the shaft to prevent relative axial movement of the hub with respect to the shaft; and, an outer, unlocked position whereby the elements permit relative axial movement of the hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A plastic chassis is provided in which a shaft is fixed to the chassis even if a snap fitting integrally formed with the chassis is broken. An arm member having a claw portion is formed around a through hole formed in the chassis. A protrusion having a top surface located a predetermined distance lower than a top surface of the arm member is formed around the through hole. When the shaft is inserted into the through hole, the claw portion engages with an annular groove formed near the end of the shaft so as to fix the shaft to the chassis. When the arm member is broken, a slit washer is engaged with the annular groove so as to fix the shaft to the chassis. The slit washer is disposed on the top surface of the protrusion.

Abstract: An improved drive mechanism is provided for use with automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support paint cans wherein each paint can has a cover, a stirring element contained within the can and a driven member positioned above the cover and mechanically connected to the stirring element. The improved drive mechanism includes a drive shaft having a diametric cross bore at a position spaced from the first end of the shaft. A diametrically extending opening extends from the cross bore to the first end of the shaft and this opening has a smaller cross-sectional area than the shaft cross bore. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the rack so that the first end of the shaft is positioned adjacent the driven member on the paint can. A drive member is then secured to the first end of the shaft which drivingly engages the driven member on the paint can during rotation of the shaft. This drive member has an axle and a drive plate secured to the axle.

Abstract: In an arrangement (1) comprising a shaft and a part having a hub (57) mounted on the shaft and comprising at least one tubular portion to be clamped onto the shaft, and a clamping member, which can be mounted on said tubular member (72, 73) comprises three inwardly directed clamping zones which are equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and which are each movable in a radial direction. The clamping member and its three clamping zones are situated at the same level perpendicular to the shaft and the clamping member is constructed to be elastically deformable in radial directions and in addition comprises three application zones for an expansion device (150), which application zones are also equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and are each movable in a radial direction.

Abstract: A hub attachment assembly has a driveshaft with external splines at its shaft end, a slide-on hub with a shaft bore with corresponding internal splines, and an axial securing mechanism in the form of a resilient snap ring. The snap ring engages opposed recesses in the two sets of splines to couple the two parts together.

Abstract: A double terminal stop connector (1) has a terminal stop frame (4) and a connector housing (2). The terminal stop frame (4) has two opposing walls (8) and a pair of flexible hinge members (7) interposed therebetween on both sides of the terminal stop frame so that the two opposing walls can be elastically compressed. A temporary engagement arm 10 is formed with an end stopper surface (8c) and a temporary engagement projection (9). At least one complete engagement projection (11) is formed on at least one surface of the two opposing walls of the terminal stop frame. The connector housing (2) is formed with a temporary engagement slot (16) which is engageable with the temporal engagement arm projection (9) when the terminal stop frame is temporarily engaged with the connector housing. At least one complete engagement hole (17) is engageable with the at least one complete engagement projection (11) when the terminal stop frame is completely engaged with the connector housing.

Abstract: A method and steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel comprising a preselected material continuously molded onto at least a driver's side thereof to conceal the air bag when the air bag is mounted to the steering wheel. The preselected material covers at least a driver's side of a rim section, a center section and a spoke section which joins the rim and center sections. The invention provides an integral construction which permits a steering wheel manufacturer to provide a steering wheel having a continuous molded construction on at least a driver's side thereof. This also enables steering wheels to be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A housing has guide holes that have stair-like surfaces constituted by horizontal wall surfaces and slanting surfaces that are continuously connected together. A retainer has guide pieces that have horizontal wall surfaces and a slanting surface that are continuously connected together. When the guide pieces are inserted into the guide holes, respectively, the slanting surfaces are abutted against each other to achieve a provisionally-locked condition. Thereafter, when the retainer is pushed forwardly, the guide piece moves obliquely in the guide hole along their slanting surfaces, and therefore moves downward and forward to reach a completely-locked position.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector housing and at least one metal terminal. The connector housing has at least one terminal accommodating hole for receiving the metal terminals, a primary locking device for elastically engaging with the metal terminals, at least one fallout preventing protrusion formed on the wall of the terminal accommodating holes, and at least one window for inserting a jig. The metal terminal includes a secondary locking device extended from the metal terminal, confronting with the window when the metal terminal is locked by the primary locking device while avoiding interference with the fallout preventing protrusion. The secondary locking device is adopted to be deformed by a jig inserted into the window to engage with the fallout preventing protrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attaching a gear tooth sensor to an object, such as an engine block of an automobile. A clamping bar and a deformable conical washer are associated with a tubular portion of the sensor in such a way that rigid attachment of the clamping bar to the engine block, such as through the use of a threaded bolt, deforms the conical washer into a generally flat shape and, in the process, causes a distal end of the tubular portion of the sensor to move away from a target by a predetermined distance. Prior to deforming the deformable washer between the clamping bar and the engine block, the sensor is moved into contact with a rotatable target, such as a gear.

Abstract: A steering column assembly including a clock spring connector having a groove formed on a movable member for receiving a ridge formed on an engaging member of a steering wheel. The engagement of the ridge and the groove provides a reduced-noise operation of the steering column apparatus. A resilient clip is provided between the groove and the ridge to further reduce operating noise. A pair of flanges are formed on an outer wall of the clock spring connector to secure the clock spring connector to a lock fixture. A short forked locking finger is provided on a back surface of the clock spring connector for preventing damage during assembly.

Abstract: An improved inducer for a gas furnace having a housing and cover includes a number of radially extending tabs spaced around the inducer cover. Each of the tabs has an aperture formed therein. The inducer housing is provided with a number of flexible arms including a barbed detent at the distal end of each arm. The flexible arms are spaced around the outside of a side wall of the housing, fabricated from the same material as the housing, and correspond in number and placement to the tabs on the cover. A sealing channel with a gasket provided therein is formed on the interior side of the cover. The sealing channel corresponds in shape to the top edge of the housing side wall. When the channel gasket is placed in contact with the top edge of the wall and each respective barbed detent within a corresponding tab aperture, a force exerted against the housing and cover will cause the arms to bend slightly and the detents to snap into the tab aperture thereby securing the cover to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retainer in the form of a circlip for holding a connector or the like in a bore in a wall. The connector has a peripheral groove for receiving the circlip and the circlip has inwardly extending lugs at its free ends and an integral tongue on its inner periphery at an intermediate position around the circlip. The circlip also has three cam-like projections at its free ends and intermediate locations. A connector to be located in the bore in the wall is inserted through the bore with the circlip in place and the projections cause the circlip to be pressed into the groove in the connector as the circlip passes through the bore. Once through the bore, the circlip springs outwardly to engage behind the wall and retain the connector in place.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a moving portion of a motor vehicle headlight relative to a fixed portion, in particular a reflector relative to an intermediate part of the headlight, the device being of the type comprising a screw that includes a ball member received in a seat connected to one of the portions and a thread engaging in tapping connected to the other portion, wherein the ball seat and the tapping are respectively provided on two elements each including assembly means enabling it to be assembled to corresponding assembly means provided on said respective portions merely by relative displacement.

Abstract: A plastic fence post and cap are secured to each other by a spring tab arrangement which is completely concealed after assembly. In one embodiment, a bottom section of the cap fits over the end of the post and tabs projecting inwardly from opposed panels of the bottom section extend into holes extending through opposed sides of the post. In a second embodiment, a bottom part of the cap is received within the tubular post and has outwardly extending tabs that spring into recesses provided along inner sidewall surfaces of the post.

Abstract: A picture frame is constructed of four similar frame members attached at their ends by four similar connecting devices so as to delineate a planar rectangular configuration. Each frame member is secured to each connecting device by an insertion interlock section having an integral insertion interlock tab which enters an insertion interlock recess formed in the frame member and located along its length thereof. Each of the connecting devices is formed of two insertion interlock sections which diverge 90.degree. apart from each other from a vertex. Further, each of the insert interlock sections includes a transverse interlock insert, a resilient deflection beam, and an insertion interlock tab all integrally connected together.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shaft assembly including a vertically extending axis and comprising a lower shaft having an upper end portion including an upper end, and an axial bore extending downwardly from the upper end, an upper shaft including a lower end portion received in the axial bore and including a lower end and an outer surface extending axially from the lower end, means on the outer end portions of the upper and lower shafts for preventing rotary movement therebetween, and means for selectively permitting assembly and disassembly of the upper and lower shafts and for preventing disassembly of the upper and lower shafts comprising an annular groove in the axial bore in the lower shaft, an inclined bore located in the end portion of the upper shaft, extending upwardly at an acute angle to the axis, and having an opening located wholly in the outer surface, and a ball movable in the inclined bore and in the annular groove between a locked position wherein, when the axis is vertical, the ball is partially lo

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting, locking and unlocking, and holding members to one another, and at the same time providing mechanical, electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation, coupled with environmental sealing, is provided by a body having a groove and a coil spring disposed within the groove. A housing, having an opening sized to accommodate the body, is provided, and a tapered bottom in the groove prevents the spring from turning past a vertical line, thus locking or connecting the body with the housing.