Abstract: A support wall frame system includes an end track, and a metal frame member received within the end track. The metal frame member includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of stiffeners spaced therefrom, respectively. The plurality of ribs are statically affixed to the end track, and the plurality of stiffeners are abutted against the end track. An inwardly directed V-shaped stiffener is located along base while each side wall has an inwardly directed rib. Each end of the stud is received within the end track such that the end track has a base with upwardly directed side walls, these side walls each having an inwardly directed detent. The stud is friction held between the end track's side walls and each detent is received within a respective one of the ribs to lock the stud. Fasteners pass through each -detent-rib pair.

Abstract: A mine stopping panel is disclosed. The panel includes first and second channel-shaped panel members having a telescoping sliding fit one inside the other. An end cap is fitted in the first panel member. One or more louver connections between the first panel member and the end cap hold the end cap against movement relative to the first panel member when an extending force is applied to the end cap tending to telescopically extend the first panel member relative to the second panel member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lift transmitting component (2), particularly for a gas exchange valve train or a fuel pump drive of an internal combustion engine (1), is provided, The lift transmitting component includes a housing (6), a bearing pin (7) fixed in a reception bore (9) of the housing (6) and a roller (8) mounted through a sliding or a rolling bearing on the bearing pin (7). The bearing pin is core-hardened over an entire axial length to a core hardness of at least 650 HV, and pin ends (10) of the core-hardened bearing pin are radially widened relative to the reception bore for enabling a connection of the bearing pin to the housing (6) through positive engagement. The hardness of the bearing pin is at the most 780 HV, the radial widening of one of the pin ends being realized with a shaping die (11) which travels axially parallel to the bearing pin (7) and applies a force to the pin end in a transition region between a periphery and a front end surface of the bearing pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct connection between a tube and a flat element by means of a connector preferably formed by stamping on the tube itself, which enables joining the latter to the flat element, without auxiliary elements, by nest-like insertion of same into the flat element and subsequent attachment by means of screws, rivets, bolts, pins or other elements. Said connection can be used in the construction of modular two-dimensional or three-dimensional tubular structures forming a single, double, or multi-layer latticework, preferably for supporting parabolic trough solar collectors.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes: a bracket 2 having a rotation shaft portion insertion hole 2a for inserting through a marginal rotating shaft portion 3b thereof, and one engaging concavo-convex section 2b; a plate 5 having a mounting shaft portion insertion hole 5a; and a leaf spring 4 having a mounting shaft portion insertion hole 4a and the other engaging concavo-convex section 4c, and located between the bracket 2 and plate 5 and mounted to the rotation shaft 3, wherein the hole 5a is formed larger than the hole 4a such that the spring 4 is caulked and fixed to the end face of the shaft portion by entering of the outer wall side part of a mounting shaft portion 3c formed on the end face of the portion 3b that is collapsed by caulking into a gap 5c formed between the portion 3c and insertion hole 5a.

Abstract: A connecting system configured to secure at least one cavity including curved and retaining walls and positioned on a surface portion located on an edge of a substrate made of a fragile material of glass type and a support member. The connecting system includes a shoe including at least one appendage projecting from at least one of faces of the shoe, the appendage having a profile that complements the profile made on the surface portion situated on the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A torque converter including a cover with at least one slot located about a periphery and a pump with at least one protrusion located about a periphery of the pump. The protrusion extends axially through the slot and is bent radially about the slot to join the cover and the pump. In some aspects, the converter includes a sealing element disposed between the cover and the pump and the sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and a gasket. A method of transferring torque including: inserting at least one peripherally disposed protrusion for one of a pump and cover of a torque converter through at least one peripherally disposed opening in the other of the pump and cover, radially bending the protrusion to clamp the cover and pump, and transmitting torque from the cover to the pump through the protrusion.

Abstract: The railing system comprises at least one elongated rail having a plurality of spaced-apart openings. It also has a plurality of elongated pickets having opposite ends, each picket having at least one end provided with at least two spaced-apart retaining tabs initially extending lengthwise and configured to be inserted through a corresponding one of the openings of the rail. The tabs of the pickets are outwardly bendable to rigidly connect the pickets to the rail. This type of connection can be quickly achieved and lowers the manufacturing costs of railing systems.

Abstract: The part is made from a plate (1) made of a brittle material, such as glass, quartz or silicon and includes at least one aperture (2, 4, 6) for driving in a shaft (5). This aperture is characterized in that it includes alternately rigidifying and positioning zones (8) and resilient deformation zones (10). Application to securing a shaft onto the moving parts of a timepiece movement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assembling together separate components, such as a first substantially flat sheet metal component to a second substantially flat sheet metal component, in substantially perpendicular relationship. A first latch component body may have an elongated displaceable latch member provided on a first edge of the first latch component body that is configured to be received and latchably retained within a latch reception opening of a second latch component body that is of complementary shape and dimensions to receive the displaceable latch member.

Abstract: A connection (4) of a first (2) to a second (3) cylindrical component for the transfer of circumferential and axial forces. The first component (2) has locking elements (9a) arranged on its circumference and at the end, the second component (3) has windows (12) associated with the locking elements (9a), and the first and second components (2, 3) can be plugged one into the other at the ends to form a positive interlock between the locking elements (9a) and the windows (12).

Abstract: This micromechanical part is intended to be fastened to a spindle and has at least one opening (10, 20, 30) whose edges comprise an alternating arrangement of rigid areas (11) and elastic areas (12, 22, 32). It is possible for those ends (13) of the rigid areas (11) closest to the center C of the opening (10, 20, 30) to be connected by a first circle C1 having a diameter greater than the diameter of a second circle C2 connecting those ends (15, 25, 27) of the elastic areas (12, 22, 32) closest to the center of the opening. In this micromechanical part, each rigid area (11) is formed by a convex portion projecting into the opening (10, 20, 30).

Abstract: A first plastic component and a second plastic component are joined together by an expansive joint system on the first plastic component and a driving joint system on the second plastic component. The expansive joint system has two expansive units while the driving joint system has corresponding driving units. When the driving units simultaneously expand the respective expansive units to a predetermined point, the expansive units contract to their original position and securely lock onto portions of the second plastic component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assembling together separate components, such as a first substantially flat sheet metal component to a second substantially flat sheet metal component, in substantially perpendicular relationship. A first latch component body may have an elongated displaceable latch member provided on a first edge of the first latch component body that is configured to be received and latchably retained within a latch reception opening of a second latch component body that is of complementary shape and dimensions to receive the displaceable latch member.

Abstract: A pin to plate joint and method of making the joint comprising a plate comprising an entry side and an exit side with the plate defining cutouts, and the pin movable through the plate from the entry side to the exit side and in doing so pushes tab members at angles to the exit side of the plate at bends. The bends in the plate define an opening in the plate, and flow spaces are defined between the pin sidewall and the bends in the plate, with the tab members being heated to form melted tab material and flowing the melted tab material into the flow spaces and cooling, forming a pin to plate joint.

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a shaft with two ends and in which the shaft is adapted to rotate about its shaft axis and a crankpin with at least one indentation. The shaft and crankpin are placed within a mold having a first mold cavity corresponding in shape to the desired counterweight and the other end of the shaft is positioned within a second mold cavity corresponding in shape to a flywheel taper support for the crankshaft. The counterweight and flywheel taper support are then both formed by simultaneously casting a liquid material, such as zinc, into both the first and second mold cavities.

Abstract: A releasable fastening device that includes a rivet (3) that can be inserted in through openings (5, 6) of components (1, 2) that are to be mounted. The rivet (3) is provided with a projection at one end and with spreadable expansion elements (4) at its other end. A threaded bolt (8) is axially pushed into an internal counter-thread of the rivet (3) to spread the expansion elements (4). When the fastening device is assembled, the walls of the components (1, 2) or of an intermediate element (7) engage radial recesses on the circumference of the rivet (3) to hold the components securely. Bolt (8) can be unscrewed from the rivet (3) to facilitate disassembly.

Abstract: In a device for providing wall ducts for conduits, tubing or electric cables for motor vehicles, each of the conduits, tubing or electric cables, in the area of the wall duct, has a coupler. Each coupler includes two coupler halves. First coupler halves, respectively, are jointly held in the device providing wall ducts. The first coupler halves are held together in groups of at least two by a bracket, and the coupler halves bundled this way are held in plugs, which are arranged in orifices of a wall.

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a shaft with two ends, an axis and adapted to rotate about its axis. A crankpin also has two ends and an axis parallel to but spaced radially outwardly from the shaft axis. The crankpin optionally has at least one indentation. A plate has two spaced openings such that one end of the shaft is positioned in one of the plate openings while the other end of the shaft is positioned in the other plate opening. At least one counterweight extends between said one end of the shaft and said one end of the crankpin, and this counterweight is formed by casting a liquid metal around the ends of the shaft and the crankpin as well as around the plate. The liquid metal fills the at least one indentation and, upon hardening, locks the counterweight to the crankpin and shaft and encases the plate.

Abstract: A track arrangement for supporting wall studs is provided. The track arrangement includes a central longitudinal extension, first and second sidewalls and a first stud clip arrangement comprising a pair of stud clips. In a preferred embodiment, each clip comprises a portion of the sidewall bent inwardly, to form a cam surface and a stud ridge receiver. During use, the stud is forced toward the cam surface, bending the clip until a portion of the stud, specifically a stud ridge, is received in the stud ridge receiver. This will secure the stud in place, against undesired movement relative to the track. Wall assemblies are provided which preferably involve one such track arrangement positioned on the floor as a floor track, and one on the ceiling, as a ceiling track, with a stud extending therebetween. The wall framework assembly can be assembled as a slip track, or as a non-slip track.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: A stud (1) for mounting a pulley (2) to a plate (3) by a cold forming process has a large diameter head (5), a cylindrical shank (6) which acts as the stub shaft for the pulley (2), the end of the shank remote from the head being connected to a smaller diameter shank (7) via a shoulder (9) (which may include an annual grove (10) into which the plate (3) is deformed), and, beyond the smaller diameter shank, an e.g. threaded shaft (8). To resist rotation after the stud (1) is cold formed to the plate (3), the stud (1) has ribs or studs or flat facets on the shoulder or on the narrow shank (7) against which the plate is cold formed.

Abstract: To secure a control element in the axial direction on a shaft member, the control element is pushed onto a region of the shaft member which has a slightly enlarged diameter, displacing shaft material in the process to form a burr on one side of the control element. Then a punch is pushed onto the enlarged diameter region to produce another burr by displacement of shaft material on the other side of the control element which is thus held axially on the shaft member in a positive manner in both directions. The control element is preferably formed from a multiplicity of layers of flat stock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rivetable element or fastener which comprises a shaft or barrel portion and an integral head portion which can be permanently affixed in a sheet metal part or panel by riveting, an assembly comprising a sheet metal part or panel and the riveting element, a method for the manufacture of the assembly, and a die specifically designed for forming the fastener and panel assembly. The underside of the head portion adjacent the shaft or barrel portion includes an out annular contact surface and an inner riveting portion which includes a plurality of spaced shallow pocket or closed fields which entrap the panel metal during installation. The shaft or barrel portion includes at least one depression based from the plane of the contact surface which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a spiral thread.

Abstract: A joint body containing a ceramic member composed of a main body and a disclike projection projected therefrom and a ceramic cylindrical body. The disclike projection is inserted inside the cylindrical body, and a relative density of the disclike projection is higher than that of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is composed of a straight portion not contacted with the projection and having a uniform inside diameter, a diameter-expanded portion in contact with the projection and having the largest inner diameter, and a tapered connecting portion bridging the straight portion and diameter-expanded portion. A difference between the inner diameter of the straight portion and that of the diameter-expanded portion is 0.05 mm to 0.6 mm.

Abstract: For mounting the hollow ends (H) of a curved handle (G) in an orifice (B) on a contact face (A), a guide member (30) for a screw (29) has a base flange (31) which can be connected to expanding parts (39, 40, 60, 64) or a securing member (47) and on which there rests a tubular supporting member (12) which overlaps the hollow end (H). A cap nut (20) having a peripheral groove (24) for fixing the hollow end (H) through a setscrew V and wrench faces (33 and 23) like the head (32) can be screwed on to a head (32) of the guide member (30). A shank (37) of the guide member (30) with a conical end (39) or conical nut (64) directed against it can be pulled into an expanding nut (40) or an expanding tube (60) by means of the screw (29), enlarging an expanding basket (42, 62). A door handle (50) can be fixed, for example, on a multi-chamber profile (M), with the securing of a polygonal pin (47), the guide member (30) being secured externally by a flange ring (55).

Abstract: A throttle plate-throttle shaft construction is formed by molding both components from composite plastic, the shaft having integral bosses which are received in holes formed in the throttle plate. The bosses are ultrasonically staked to lock the throttle plate onto the throttle shaft.

Abstract: An attachment member is formed of a connecting part (31) and a deformed plate part (31a) in the form of a pipe clamp for securing pipe lines to a structural component. The pipe clamp has a throughbore (33) surrounded by an annular collar (37). A contact surface (35) formed by a mechanically worked attachment section (36) has an annular shaped recess (38) for receiving the collar (37).

Abstract: A joint structure includes an extrudate member and an elongated mating member, in which the extrudate member has a closed sectional structure portion and has its one end joined to the elongated mating member such that the longitudinal axis of the extrudate member intersects the longitudinal axis of the elongated mating member. The one end of the extrudate member includes an integral joint portion of a shape matched to the shape of an outer surface of the mating elongated member so as to encircle at least a portion of the elongated mating member. The joint portion is bonded to the outer surface of the mating member at its longitudinally intermediate portion by brazing, spot-welding or the like.

Abstract: A metallic frame and the assembly from which it is constructed has a header and a jamb and a means to attach them together at a corner of the metal frame. The header and the jamb each have a soffit disposed inwardly from a rabbet and a stop extending substantially perpendicular to and between the rabbet and the soffit. One of either the header or jamb has terminal ends of a first soffit, a first stop, and a first rabbet that generally lie in the same plane with a first corner edge. A rail slot extends through a width of the corresponding first stop and thicknesses of the first soffit and the first rabbet. The other of the header and a jambs has track formed along a second rabbet between a terminal end of a second rabbet and a terminal end of a second stop and second soffit which are cut back and spaced a distance from the terminal end of the second rabbet such that the track and the rail slot are slidingly engageable.

Abstract: The fastening device for interconnecting two flat sheets of metal includes a generally rectangular hole in one of the sheets and a generally H-shaped hole in the other. The H-shaped hole includes a pair of inwardly-facing, tapered portions which are adapted to be bent into the rectangular hole of the other member. The dimensions of the tabs are such that when bent inwardly into the rectangular hole, the edges of the tabs are forced against the edges of the rectangular hole so as to cause the two members to be rigidly and securely interconnected without the necessity of the tabs being bent backwardly behind the rectangular opening in the other member.

Abstract: First and second parts of a metal reflector of a light fixture are interconnected by tab-and-slot arrangements. The first part has hook-shaped tabs and an abutment tab projecting from an edge thereof. The second part has slots for receiving respective tabs. When the parts are converged in a first direction to cause the hook-shaped tabs to enter their respective slots, the abutment tab is offset from its respective slot, whereupon the abutment tab elastically deforms the second part such that the abutment tab and second part are biased toward one another while the deformation exists. When the parts are subsequently moved in a second direction (perpendicular to the first direction) to cause the hook-shaped projections to move within their slots and capture the second part, the abutment tab becomes aligned with, and enters, its slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembled camshaft requiring no further machining, onto which prefabricated cams which have free spaces in their internal diameter are pushed. They have a play-free transition fit during assembly. At least one collar for mounting additional fastening means is preferably provided at the edge of the cams.

Abstract: A compound element manufactured of light metal has at least one plate-shaped element and an oblong profile part. A deformable holding web is constructed on the plate-shaped element, the holding web interacting with a corresponding receiving device of the profile part in such a manner that, by the deforming of the holding web, a form-fitting joined connection of the compound element is established, in which edge portions of the holding web reach behind lateral undercuts of the receiving device. In order that the overall height of the connection area remains low, the low-cost, easily manufacturable compound element has the plate-shaped element and the profile part constructed as extruded profiles, and in that the holding webs on the plate-shaped element are arranged freely accessibly adjacent to flat exterior wall portions of the plate-shaped element.

Abstract: A joint structure for bonding a ball portion and a shaft portion, with the ball including a mounting hole bored toward a center thereof. A corrugated surface for effecting the bonding is formed in an inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole. A shaft portion, of a softer material than the ball portion, is fitted into the mounting hole of the ball portion. An outer circumferential portion of the shaft portion is plastically locally deformed in the vicinity of a corrugated surface of the mounting hole with the ball portion and the shaft portion being are bonded to each other with a tightening force.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite crankshaft for a two-stroke engine for portable handheld work tools including chain saws, cutoff machines and the like. In composite crankshafts, a crank pin is connected to a crank web by a press fit wherein the inner diameter of the press-fit bore is expanded toward its axial end in order to reduce stress peaks. In this way, the press-fit surface has a radial spacing with respect to the center longitudinal axis of the press fit which changes. The press fit of the crankshaft of the invention is so configured that the radial distance of the press-fit surface changes in dependence upon the axial spacing to the axial center of the press fit according to an exponential function having the equation f(x)=a.multidot.e.sup.b.multidot.x wherein (a) and (b) are pregiven constants, (x) is the axial spacing and f(x) is the radial spacing.

Abstract: Disclosed as the present invention is household furniture, particularly furniture which is very easily assembled and disassembled. The present invention is specifically directed to furniture which is scaled in size and in assembly complexity for children. A particular embodiment is disclosed in which the furniture package is provided with full child-size parts and with a smaller sized set of paper or cardboard parts matching the child-size parts, thus enabling the child to visualize the completed furniture pieces as well as the assembly process.

Abstract: A method of fastening, at least one tubular element at, at least one portion thereof to an at least one member of predetermined thickness, the method comprising establishing at least one opening through the at least one member, the at least one opening extending through the thickness of the at least one member, providing recesses within the at least one member, the recesses of predetermined configuration and being disposed about the perimeter of the at least one opening through the at least one member, the recesses extending radially away from the at least one opening and across at least a portion of the thickness of the at least one member, inserting the at least one tubular element within the at least one opening; holding the at least one tubular element and the at least one member within a jig; establishing recesses within the jig proximate each abutting edge of each of the tubular elements and the at least one opening through the at least one member; applying a predetermined force upon the ends of the at

Abstract: A weldless shock absorber for an automotive vehicle includes an inner cylinder having a piston slidable within the inner cylinder upon a piston rod extending from the inner cylinder, and outer cylinder telescopically engaged with the inner cylinder, a cylinder head maintained within the outer cylinder in contact with the piston rod by means of an annular ring formed from and extending radially inwardly from the outer cylinder wall, and a mounting bracket affixed to the outer cylinder by means of one or more annular rings integrally formed from the outer cylinder and extending radially outwardly from the outer cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for an angular connection of the end of a tube with one (or more) sheet metal element(s), quickly and reliably.The forward portion of a tubular shape (1) is contracted by force-fitting in a ring (2) whose outside dimensions are approximately equal to those of the opening (4) and the inside dimensions, less than the initial outside dimensions of the tubular shape, and whose rear end (6) is flush with the rear face (7) of the sheet metal (3), this ring (2) being compressed on the thickness of the sheet metal (3) between the tubular shape (1) and the opening (4) in the sheet metal, while the end (10) of the tubular shape is flanged outward in a corolla on the rear face (7) of the sheet metal element.This process can be used in particular to attach rungs to side rails of a ladder or rods to rails of guard railings and also for making scaffolding or tube exchangers.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a control device on an implement shield defining a shield plane, the control device having a body formed with slots, the mechanism comprising: the shield having a guide with guidance projections slidably interengageable with the slots on the body of the control device, the guidance projections and slots being connectable to one another by relative movement parallel to the shield plane; the shield having at least one positioning stop forming an abutment against the connecting movement; and, the shield having at least one stop spring for resiliently urging the body against the at least one positioning stop after the connecting movement, whereby the control device is securely positioned on the shield. When the control device is to be mounted in a cutout in the shield, the guidance projections, the at least one positioning stop and the at least one stop spring are shaped from material of the shield bounding the cutout.

Abstract: A system for insulating the walls of furnaces and other heated structures with ceramic fiber insulation including an improved insulation anchor. The anchor includes a pin which is attached to the furnace wall such as by stud welding with the pin having an elongated aperture at its outer end. A retaining rod extends through the aperture and into the adjacent ceramic fiber modules. The rectangular shaped rod includes an improved means for locking the rod in the aperture which comprises a crimp at about the midpoint of the rod. This provides a narrow section of the rod which permits the rod to be turned in the aperture and locked. The crimp method of forming the narrow section does not remove any metal from the rod and does not weaken the rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal fastener, such as a stud-bolt, to a panel. The fastener includes a self-piercing annular projecting wall defining a recess having a bottom wall and an inner side wall defined by the annular wall. The method includes locating the fastener adjacent a panel with the self-piercing end portion facing the panel opposite a die member. The fastener is then forced toward the die member, such that the annular wall pierces a slug from the panel into the central recess and against the bottom wall. The die member simultaneously deforms the distal end of the annular wall outwardly and the pierced panel edge is deformed from the plane of the panel against the external surface of the annular wall, interlocking the panel and fastener.

Abstract: This T-assembly of the tenon and mortise type for two perpendicular metal tubes comprises a mortise formed in one tube and having an omega shape in cross section, through the local distortion of the tube wall, by depressing said wall towards its opposite lateral wall, without breaking the continuity of the tube surface, the tenon being obtained on the other hand by simply crushing to a slightly dovetail configuration the end of the other tube, the tenon comprising at least one collar-shaped external protrusion adapted notably to engage the outer portion of the mortise.

Abstract: A tubular fence is made by fixing a vertical tube on a horizontal tube. A method of making the same is disclosed wherein an opening part is formed on the side of the horizontal tube. A pin having a large diameter remote end, a smaller diameter adjacent end, and a tapering connecting part is positioned in the horizontal tube aligned with the opening part or in the end of the vertical tube. As the end part of the vertical tube is inserted into the opening part, the end part of said vertical tube is caused to be expanded outwardly by press-fitting said vertical tube to said pin from outside, whereby it is held closely adherent to said opening part.

Abstract: A fastening system (10) for fixedly securing a first member (12) and a second member (14) of a container (16). The first member (12) is generally planar in contour and the second member (14) includes a fastening portion (30) defining a dome configuration which is drawn from the second member (14). A slot (36) is cut into the fastening portion (30) on one side thereof with the other side defining a cavity (34). The first member (12) is inserted through the slot (36) and extends to a first member portion (38) contained within the cavity (34). The first member portion (38) is bent into a bent portion (38) out of alignment with the slot (36). An adhesive element (42) is inserted within the cavity (34) to substantially fill the same and adhesively secure the first member (12) to the second member (14). In this manner, first member (12) is fixedly secured in a substantially tamper-proof manner to second member (14).

Abstract: A structural joint for joining two elements, the first element having an elongate major tongue of malleable deformable material and in one embodiment an elongate minor tongue, the second element having a curled tab. The major and minor tongues define an elongate recess adapted to receive the curled tab on joint formation. The two elements are pressed together to press the curled tab of the second element into the recess between the minor and major tongues of the first element and to cause the minor tongue and the second element to mutually penetrate and deform each other. The major tongue is then deformed about the curled tab to form at least a portion of an encircling curl which contacts the curled tab's external surface. When the elements are so joined, the gap between the major and minor tongues is less than the width of the curled tab, thereby precluding removal of the curled tab from the encircling curl.

Abstract: A fixing structure is disclosed for fixing an intermediate frequency transformer or other electronic component to a flexible and deformable base plate. The component comprises a base portion for fixing it to the base plate and the base plate is formed with an aperture for receiving the base portion. The base plate includes a strip portion extending along a portion of the periphery of the aperture. The component is provided with a protrusion which extends laterally from the base portion thereof. The protrusion is so formed and so located on the base portion of the component that when the base portion is inserted into the aperture, the protrusion engages the strip portion and deforms it in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base plate, so that the diameter of the aperture shrinks, whereby the base portion is strongly gripped by at least a portion of the periphery of the aperture.

Abstract: To minimize storage and transportation space, lampshades are produced, e.g. at the factory, as self-assembly kits each comprising a pair of rings, a plurality of connecting rods, and a gimbal consisting of a lampholder-receiving annulus with struts extending therefrom, together with a covering fabric panel and an optional lining fabric panel. The rods and struts have, on their free ends, respective tee-pieces each comprising a socket part which is a friction fit on the respective rod or strut, and a cross-piece which is slotted from end to end. The kit can be packed in a package of shape and dimensions in plan such as to contain the larger of the two rings and of a depth to contain the gimbal on its side. The eventual user assembles the lampshade with the connecting rods extending between the two rings and holding the latter spaced apart, the cross-piece of their tee-pieces being snapped onto the rings. Thereafter the covering panel (and the lining if used) is secured in place between the two rings, e.g.