Abstract: An apparatus and method for motor vehicle suspension arms or subframes is provided. A motor vehicle apparatus and method is used with frame components. The motor vehicle component includes frame parts of lightweight design that have complementary profiles that can be inserted one another to create a locking connection between the frame parts. The invention frame parts may be designed as extruded profiles. The motor vehicle component allows for the individual frame parts to be manufactured separately from one another and combined wherein the number and cross section of the stiffening ribs are selectable in a load dependant way in the form a modular system and different materials may be used for individual components.

Abstract: An adjustable locking mount system permits rotation about at least one of x, y, and z axes. Methods provide for rotating and rocking the mount to obtain the desired position, fixing the mount in the desired position, and mounting an object onto the mount.

Abstract: A pin connection for remote releasably locking two sides of a connection together comprising multiple fingerlike projections from two opposing sides of the connection which contain locking pins of a length approximately equal to the width of the fingerlike projections and mounted in holes in the fingerlike projections, the locking pins being centrally located in the holes in the unlocked position and being across the interfaces between the fingerlike projections when locked.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for a driveshaft, includes an end toothing at a first component and an end toothing at a second component, wherein the end toothings have teeth and gaps. In an end view, the image of the teeth and gaps at both components, are identical and wherein, starting from corresponding images of the teeth and gaps at both components, there are obtained matching complementary images of the teeth and gaps at the two components in an end view when the components are rotated relative to one another by 90° or 180°.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement with a removable cleaning element comprising a base member having a first end with an annular toothed edge and at least one resilient retention member positioned intermediate the toothed edge and a second end of the base member, each resilient retention member having a stop surface facing the second end. An annular locking member is movably mounted on the base member, the locking member having an inner wall surface and at least one ledge projecting from the inner wall surface and adapted to abut the retention member stop surface. The inner wall surface of the locking member further includes a threaded portion intermediate an end of the locking member and the ledge. Also included is a cleaning element mounting member having an annular toothed edge for complementary engagement with the toothed edge of the base member and an outer wall surface with a threaded portion for threaded engagement with the threaded portion of the locking member.

Abstract: A panel, particularly a floor-covering panel, is provided that has separate horizontal and vertical locking structures. The panel has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a groove and a locking lip, and the second side edge has a tongue and a locking tongue. The first side edge of one panel interlocks with the second side edge of another panel without adhesives or fasteners such that the tongue and groove form a joint that provides a vertical interconnection lock and the locking lip and locking tongue form a joint that provides a horizontal interconnection lock. Advantageously, one or more first side edge surfaces opposite surfaces of the second edge locking tongue have a space between them. The separate horizontal and vertical locking structures reduces, if not prevents, damage to the locking structures during joining of panels.

Abstract: A connector device assembly of the add-on type and suitable for securing a second member, such as a metal tube, as a branch extending from a position between the ends of a first member, such as another metal tube, without the need to slide components along the first member includes two connector devices each having a first body region which defines a recess formation to accommodate a first member of a structural assembly, and at least one of the connector devices including a second body region for securing relative to a second member which is required to be connected to the structural assembly, the two connector devices each having at least one edge formation provided with an aperture which extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the first member and respective edge formations of the two connector devices being aligned in the assembly to receive a locking member extending therethrough, the locking member being arranged in the assembly to be loaded substantially only in shear to hold

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A scooter includes a platform and at least three casters. The platform has a horizontal top surface and at least one vertical side surface extending downwardly from the top surface. The casters extend downwardly to support the platform when the platform rolls. The scooter also includes a horizontal flange and a vertical flange. The horizontal flange extends away from the vertical side surface. The vertical flange extends the horizontal flange. The vertical side surface, the horizontal flange and the vertical flange define a groove adapted to receive a mating tongue on a second scooter. This provides an integral, low-profile tongue-and-groove type of connection between two or more scooters.

Abstract: A utility bracket designed for use in modular office arrangements wherein planar walls are used to form office cubicles is substantially planar and has a configuration, such as triangular, to fit within a corner formed by intersecting walls. Two of the legs of the triangle, for example, each has an array of a plurality of spaced U-shaped support member which fit down over the top of the walls to support the bracket in the cubicle corner. The support members are offset relative to each other along the lengths of the corresponding legs so that when two or more brackets are used to fill corners at, for example, a four corner intersection, the support members of two adjacent brackets interdigitate.

Abstract: A finger joint for connecting first and second wooden segments includes intermeshing fingers that are concentrically disposed about the center of the end face of the two wooden segments. The fingers may either be independent round protrusions forming recesses therebetween operable to receive the fingers of a corresponding wooden segment to be joined, or may alternatively comprise a spiral shaped protrusion defining a corresponding recess sized to receive the spiral shaped protrusion of the corresponding wooden segment to be joined.

Abstract: A gripping and maneuvering apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing and a drive unit. The housing includes a plurality of jaws and may be positioned such that the jaws operatively grip a member. The drive unit is coupled to the housing and may be positioned to move the member with respect to an object during operation. The gripping and maneuvering apparatus may further include an internal gripping apparatus that may grip a member and be gripped by the jaws of the housing.

Abstract: A connector is provided for removably attaching a space frame to the hull of a floating offshore platform. The connector comprises a socket attached to the hull of the platform. The socket has an open bore therein. A stabbing member is attached to the space frame. The stabbing member has a lower end insertable into the socket. An expandable locking ring is carried by the lower end of the stabbing member. The locking ring comprises a plurality of ring segments for removably seating within the socket bore. A backup ring is slidable along the stabbing member. The backup ring removably mates to the locking ring.

Abstract: In a device for connecting two parts for the sake of high-precision fixation of the two parts in a defined positioning to one another, two connection pairs are provided, each comprising one wedgelike tab, assigned to the first part and extending in the connection direction, and one wedge-shaped notch, assigned to the other part and extending in the connection direction, with a course of the wedge that is contrary to that to the tab, and into which notch the tab can be pressed, causing deformation. The two connection pairs are oriented such that the press-in directions of the tabs into the assigned notches are opposite one another in terms of the connection direction.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for a driveshaft, includes an end toothing at a first component and an end toothing at a second component, wherein the end toothings have teeth and gaps. In an end view, the image of the teeth and gaps at both components, are identical and wherein, starting from corresponding images of the teeth and gaps at both components, there are obtained matching complementary images of the teeth and gaps at the two components in an end view when the components are rotated relative to one another by 90° or 180°.

Abstract: Presented is a device for use in detachably coupling two load bearing members which allows the transmission of linear, torsion and bending moment forces, while incorporating a security feature that allows only properly matched sets of members to be connected.

Abstract: A modular panel having integral connection means for use in display board assemblies for trade shows and the like. The panels are fabricated from multiple sheets of corrugated board laminated together. A plurality of spaced-apart fingers are provided on a panel for matingly interfitting the panel to an adjacent panel having similar fingers. Several panels of identical or varied configurations may be interconnected to form a suitable display board assembly. A beam element is also provided for use in such assemblies.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures as shown will enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. Lengths of scrap may be laterally joined before processing and as such the process and product can further salvage scrap wood narrower than the slat being produced.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A symmetrical joint structure for integrally joining a first joint element and a second joint element together, wherein the first joint element has a first joint portion and the second joint element has a second joint portion for intercrossedly joined with the first joint portion. Each of the first and second joint portion has two semi-conical engagement tongues fittingly engaged in two semi-conical engagement grooves of the other joint portion respectively, so as to integrally united the first joint portion and the second joint portion together to form the symmetrical joint structure.

Abstract: A connecting assembly at a driveshaft between the driveshaft and a wheel hub, having end toothing of an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer joint part is at the wheel hub end, and having end toothing of the wheel hub, wherein the end toothings are axially inserted into one another and circumferentially engage one another in a play-free way and wherein the teeth of the end toothings each comprise radially outwardly opening circumferential grooves which are delimited by two flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentially extending annular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged a securing ring; as well as a connecting assembly at a driveshaft between the driveshaft and a shaft flange, having end toothing of an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer joint part is at the shaft flange end, and having end toothing of the shaft flange, wherein the end toothings are axially inserted into one another and circumferentially eng

Abstract: A structural member, e.g. a truss for erection of temporary structures, comprises a number of elongate elements disposed in spaced generally parallel relationship to one another with transversely extending elements therebetween, and an element extending longitudinally of the structural member has a formation extending lengthwise of it for engagement by an attachment member which is to be retained to the longitudinally extending element at any of a range of positions therealong. The attachment member may provide for connection of a safety element to the structural member, and be freely movable therealong in use.

Abstract: A joint for bonding two wooden segments comprises a staggered finger joint having adjacent tips staggered with respect to one another to define corresponding staggered roots whose voids are configured to accept the staggered tips of a wood segment to be bonded. The resulting stress concentrations at the joint are also staggered, and do not bridge across adjacent fingers.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing that has at least two pivot trays. Each pivot tray includes a jaw cavity and a pivot pin notch. The gripping apparatus further includes at least two jaws that have a pivot pin. Each jaw is positioned in a respective jaw cavity and each said pivot pin is positioned in a respective pivot pin notch. At least one retaining cap secured to said housing for securing said pivot pins in said pivot pin notch and thereby allowing said jaws to pivot within said respective jaw cavities.

Abstract: A floor tile, in particular a laminate panel, parquet element or such like, with an edge profile on at least two opposite edges in the form of a modified groove and tongue joint, is designed in such a way that there is a tongue 20, 30 and a groove 22, 26 on each of the said two edges. The edge profiles are contrived so that the adjacent tiles can be locked in place in relation to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Tongue 20 on the first tile 10 and groove 22 in the second tile 12 rise upwards from the bottom of the tiles at an angle. Accordingly, the bottom wall of groove 26 in the first tile and the bottom outer surface of tongue 30 on the second tile 12 are also inclined at an angle, while the top surfaces of the groove and tongue are oriented horizontally or parallel to the plane of the tile.

Abstract: Tension rod for use as a chord for bridges, having a middle part consisting of fiber composite material and having ends consisting of metallic material. The middle and end parts are connected by a glued tapered overlap.

Abstract: The invention provides the combination of a seat frame, a cover, having a seam, covering the seat frame. An air bag unit is disposed inside the cover and is mounted to the frame. A pair of intensifier sheets sandwich the air bag unit there between. Each of the sheets has a first edge connected to the seam and a second edge supported by the seat frame. The combination is characterized by an interlocking fastener having outboard and inboard portions mechanically interlocked with the outboard portion connected to one of the second edges and the inboard portion connected to the other of the second edges. Each of the outboard and inboard portions includes a back panel extending in a strip between opposite ends. A plurality of J-shaped hooks are disposed in side by side relationship between the opposite ends. A plurality of slots separate adjacent J-shaped hooks and support ribs extend from the back panel and support each of the J-shaped hooks.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling to transfer torque between cooperating rotatable members each of substantially circular cross section and aligned along an axis of rotation comprises first and second members including, respectively, first and second surface portions in juxtaposition across an interface. Each surface portion includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth mechanically interlocking at the interface. The first surface portion comprises a fiber reinforced material including fibers oriented within about 45°, on either side, of an axis of rotation. Provided is a clamp to hold the first and second surface portions together at the interface.

Abstract: A finger joint architecture, method and formation apparatus are disclosed, the finger joint architecture characterized by an array of interspersed projections and cavities formed at an end face of a first wood product. The projections are spaced from one another in both first and second dimensions defining the end face and are formed by the cavities which are bored through the end face. A mating array of projections and cavities is formed at an end of another wood product to be secured to the first wood product. The projections and cavities thus formed are preferably tapered.

Abstract: A joining structure for joining adjacent members includes a first member and a second member. One end portion of the first member is joined to one end portion of the second member such that protruded portions formed on the one end portion of the first and second members are engaged with corresponding dented portions formed on one end portion of the second and first members, respectively. A hollow joining member is fitted on a joined portion of said first and second members and crimped on the joined portion.

Abstract: An air cleaner that locks two shells together by a cam action is disclosed having two shells with interlocking fingers staggered along at least one length of the joint between the first and second shells. A cam is inserted between the interlocking fingers and when rotated pulls the fingers apart and pulls the two shells together.

Abstract: A connector having a stinger and a receiver. The receiver is cocked by applying counter-acting torques to separate sections of the receiver. The counteracting torques compress a spring member. In the cocked position, the stinger is inserted into the receiver. When the counter-acting torques are released, the spring decompresses and locks the stinger in the receiver.

Abstract: Wires (D.4 to D.9) or objects similar 10 wires are fixed in predetermined positions by a device with pairs of clamping jaws (3.4/4.4 to 3.9/4.9). The device has at least two flat jaw elements (3, 4) lying against each other and being at least restrictedly slewable against each other around a center (M) and it further has holders (20). Each of the jaw elements (3, 4) has one clamping jaw (3.4 to 3.9, 4.4 to 4.9) for each one of a plurality of fixing points arranged on a circle (K.3) around the center (M) which clamping jaws are designed for exerting tangential clamping forces directed tangentially to the circle (K.3) on wires (D.4 to D.9) fixed in the fixing points. Hereby, clockwise clamping forces are exertable with the one jaw element and counter-clockwise clamping forces are exertable with the other jaw element. By slewing the jaw elements (3, 4) against each other the pairs of jaws are opened and closed.

Abstract: A retractable column formed from a set of at least three flexible webs with each of the webs having a set of teeth located along opposite edges of the webs, each of the teeth having a first ear obliquely extending from a first side and a second ear obliquely extending from a second side, each of the teeth spaced from an adjacent tooth a base distance substantially equal to a root distance of a tooth on the web so that when a tooth on one of the webs is engaged in a neck to neck relationship with a pair of teeth on one of the other webs the teeth on each of the webs engage each other in an interlocking relationship to hold the webs proximate each other to form a rigid column.

Abstract: A three tooth kinematic coupling based on having three theoretical line contacts formed by mating teeth rather than six theoretical point contacts. The geometry requires one coupling half to have curved teeth and the other coupling half to have flat teeth. Each coupling half has a relieved center portion which does not effect the kinematics, but in the limit as the face width approaches zero, three line contacts become six point contacts. As a result of having line contact, a three tooth coupling has greater load capacity and stiffness. The kinematic coupling has application for use in precision fixturing for tools or workpieces, and as a registration device for a work or tool changer or for optics in various products.

Abstract: A flange driver for a cardan joint with a spider comprised of two pins mutually offset by 90.degree. and two essentially same-design yoke halves. Each yoke half includes a base and a bearing part with a bore contained in it. Both yoke halves abutt along an interface which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of a first spider pin supported by the yoke. Both yoke halves feature a system for torque transmission from the shaft adjoining the joint to the flange driver and to the spider or in reverse order. Both yoke halves of the flange driver are joined to each other positively. Each yoke half features on its interface a toothing directed toward the respective complementary interface. The flank lines of the toothing or a plurality of tangents to the flank lines, projected in a common plane with the yoke axis, extend at an angle greater than 0.degree. to smaller than 180.degree. relative to the yoke axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting imperfections in adhesive coatings formed on fingers of beams are disclosed. The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a method for preparing a first work piece for joining with a second work piece. The method involves forming a finger in the first work piece, then applying an adhesive coating on the finger. A determination is made to determine whether the adhesive coating is defective through the used of a sensing mechanism which is arranged to scan across a portion of the finger. In one embodiment, a defect in the adhesive coating on the finger is defined as a void.

Abstract: A finger jointed floorboard or laminatable floorboard section of two connected shorter pieces includes a relatively thick upper wear region which may be sanded without exposing the fingers forming the connection, regardless of whether or not the pieces are connected in the same longitudinal and transverse horizontal planes. The structure and orientation of this finger joint allows flooring manufacturers to maximize the yield of typically solid, good quality floorboard material and to reduce installation costs, without adversely affecting the aesthetic quality of the installed floor. In one embodiment, a finger jointed board with a central finger joint is sawed in a horizontal plane through the joint to produce two identical, laminatable floorboard sections. With a thicker starting board having two separate, spaced finger joint connections, sawing along a horizontal midplane produces two identical intermediate boards, each with a centrally located finger joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally efficient and low maintenance enclosed structure, such as a sunroom, made from a framework of joined structural members, thermally insulating kick panels, windows, optional door assembly, optional skylights, and a roof. The structural members include reinforced and non-reinforced polyvinyl chloride extrusions. The structural members are joined together at joints using hardware which cannot be seen from inside or outside the enclosure thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure. Machines for making the enclosure from a small number of extruded profiles are also described.

Abstract: A finger joint architecture, method and formation apparatus are disclosed, the finger joint architecture characterized by an array of interspersed projections and cavities formed at an end face of a first wood product. The projections are spaced from one another in both first and second dimensions defining the end face and are formed by the cavities which are bored through the end face. A mating array of projections and cavities is formed at an end of another wood product to be secured to the first wood product. The projections and cavities thus formed are preferably tapered.

Abstract: A bracket for joining tables and/or table tops, includes a first bracket member adapted for attachment to one table or table top and having at least one hook-like projection, a second bracket member adapted for attachment to another table or table top to be joined and having at least two hook-like projections for so cooperating with the first bracket member that the projection of the first bracket member interlocks between the projections of the second bracket member. A connection element made of elastic and deformable material is placed between the projections of the first and second bracket members such that the projections of the first and second bracket members partially encompass the connection element, with the connection element generating a clamping force acting upon the projections of the first and second bracket members while being subject to an elastic deformation, thereby bracing the first and second bracket members with one another.

Abstract: A pipe joint for self aligning a drill string, tubing string or casing string of the type comprising a plurality of drill pipe, tubing or casing sections arranged in end to end relation from a location above the ground to a lower location adjacent a tool connected to a bottom end of the string and wherein the adjacent ends of the sections are connected to each other to form a plurality of spaced joints extending downwardly from the ground to the tool, the improvement wherein each joint comprises an upper section having at least one downwardly projecting extension and a lower section having a corresponding recess for receiving the extension and wherein the extension and the recess can fit together in only one way.

Abstract: A hinge connection comprising two members having a plurality of projections spaced apart by gaps, wherein when the projections of one member are engaged with the gaps of a second member, the hinge connection provides pivotable movement between the two members and the two members are difficult to disengage. One embodiment of the present invention is a hinge connection that joins a lid to a receptacle.

Abstract: A finger jointed floorboard or laminatable floorboard section of two connected shorter pieces includes a relatively thick upper wear region which may be sanded without exposing the fingers forming the connection, regardless of whether or not the pieces are connected in the same longitudinal and transverse horizontal planes. The structure and orientation of this finger joint allows flooring manufacturers to maximize the yield of typically solid, good quality floorboard material and to reduce installation costs, without adversely affecting the aesthetic quality of the installed floor. In one embodiment, a finger jointed board with a central finger joint is sawed in a horizontal plane through the joint to produce two identical, laminatable floorboard sections. With a thicker starting board having two separate, spaced finger joint connections, sawing along a horizontal midplane produces two identical intermediate boards, each with a centrally located finger joint.

Abstract: A landscape timber connecting system for use with landscape timber or the like includes first and second interlocking members. The first and second members each have a bracket shaped to engage an end of a first landscape timber, and in a preferred embodiment, a hinge component. The hinge components are adapted to align with each other and form a channel along a common, substantially vertical pivot axis. A hinge pin shaped to be inserted in the channel along the common pivot axis and extend downwardly into ground beneath the system such that the first and second members can be pivotally positioned relative to each other about the common pivot axis to position associated engaged landscape timbers at a selected angle relative to each other, and the hinge pin anchors and fixes the system to the ground. In an alternate embodiment, the members slidably engage to form a straight, non-pivoting joint.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A connector device (20,60) for securing an additional rigid member (13,13'), such as a rod or tube, to a rigid member (12,12') of an existing assembly of rigid members comprises a body (21) having a first region (22) for securing relative to an end of a first rigid member (13,13') and a second region (23) adapted to cooperate with another add-on type connector device (20,60) to embrace a part of a second rigid member (12,12') and form a structural interconnection between the rigid members, the first region (22) of the body (20) having a major axis (28) which is substantially aligned relative to the length direction of at least an end portion of the first rigid member and the second region (23) having an end zone which at least in part lies substantially obliquely relative to the major axis and provides a recess (24) which locates part of the second rigid member (12,12').

Abstract: The mounting component for a cylindrical bushing is comprised of a holder into which a cylindrical bushing can be fitted. An opening is formed at one location in a circumference direction of the holder such that the opening extends in an axial direction. At the opening, the holder can be opened in an expanding manner. When the opening is closed, the inner circumference surface of the holder is tightly attached to the outer circumference surface of the bushings to effect a clamping fastening method wherein the bushing is fitted and fixed inside the holder. Joints are provided on the two opening edges, or in their vicinity, of the aforementioned opening, in such a way that the joints protrude toward the outer circumference surface, These joints are bonded by a coupling structure using plastic deformation, and thus maintain the opening in a closed state.