A connection between metal studs and bridging members using a separate light gauge bridging connector with teardrop-shaped interface notches and longitudinally-offset interface notches.

A rotating shaft coupling assembly includes a first rotating shaft defining a step at a longitudinal end. A second rotating shaft has a longitudinal end to be received against the step of the first rotating shaft such that the first and second rotating shafts form an overlapping portion. A coupler sleeve including a shape memory alloy is disposed about at least the overlapping portion of the first and second rotating shafts to couple the shafts together.

A utility pole is reinforced by assembling and installing a reinforcement channel assembly comprising a lower reinforcement channel driven into the ground alongside the pole, an inner splice plate supported on and against an inner surface of the lower reinforcement channel, an upper reinforcement channel supported on and against an outer surface of the inner splice plate, and an outer splice plate supported on and against respective outer surfaces of upper and lower portions of the upper and lower reinforcement channels. An outer splice plate is secured to the inner splice plate, sandwiching between them the respective upper and lower portions of the lower and upper reinforcement channels, and the upper reinforcement channel is secured to the pole.

A connection between metal studs and bridging members using a separate light gauge bridging connector with longitudinally-offset interface notches.

A building connection between a plurality of vertical wall studs made with one or more bridging members to brace the wall studs. The one or more bridging members are formed with mounting sections that are received in openings of the wall studs and the mounting sections are bracketed by end sections where bridging members can overlap. The bridging members interface with the web of the wall studs to brace them.

A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.

A post coupler having a first body portion and a second body portion. Each body portion having an inner edge, an outer edge, a reverse flange, and at least one post alignment tab. Each reverse flange forms a post receiving slot. The first and second body portions are coupled to each other at approximately 90 degrees. A method of using the post coupler comprises the steps of a) providing a first post section and a second post section, b) inserting the first post section along the post receiving slots until the first notch interacts with the tab, and c) inserting the second post section along the post receiving slots until the second notch interacts with the tab.

A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.

A quick attachment system is disclosed. A first connector portion is defined along a surface of the first member and a second connector portion is defined along a surface of the second member. The first connector portion comprises a protrusion of the surface of the first member. The second connector portion comprises a detent of the surface of the second member. The first and second connector portions may mate with and engage one another to secure the first member against the second member. A modular frame unit comprises first and second channel members defining first connector portions along lengths thereof and a joinder channel member defining second connector portions along a length thereof. Each of the second connector portions is configured to mate with one of the first connector portions to join the joinder channel member with the first and second channel members.

A connection between metal studs and bridging members using a separate light gauge bridging connector with longitudinally-offset interface notches.