Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles

• US 5,377,949 A
• Filed: 02/25/1993
• Issued: 01/03/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Vandenbrink, Wayne, Haan, Theodore M., Adams, Edward R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAN, KO HUNG
• Application Number:
  US08/022,968
• Time in Patent Office: 677 Days
• Field of Search: 248/549, 248/548, 248/900, 248/475.1, 248/481, 248/483, 248/484, 248/478, 248/544, 248/221.3, 248/221.4, 248/222.1, 248/223.3, 248/223.4, 248/224.1 , 248/224.2, 248/231.3, 359/872
• US Class Current: 248/549
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/14 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 ; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2078 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/022 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/041 for balancing rotational movement of the head
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/044 for balancing rotational movement of the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/90 Movable or disengageable on impact or overload

Abstract

A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on vehicles includes a coupler for installation on a base of the type secured to the inside windshield surface or another vehicle panel. The coupler has a support for mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory and a spring clamp retaining band extending around the coupler, preferably within a corresponding shaped recess, at a position spaced from and independent of the accessory support for releasably holding the coupler on the base until an impact force causes the assembly to release from the base. The spring clamp retaining band includes a pair of converging, inwardly angled, spaced spring flanges which project from the coupler to resiliently engage the base sides and allow both sliding installation and release of the assembly.

Claims

1. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base of the type having a surface for attachment to a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, and another surface adapted to slidably receive a coupler for supporting a rearview mirror or other accessory thereover, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for slidably engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges which expand away from one another during sliding installment of said coupler on the base, and engage and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler.

2. The assembly of claim 1 including fastening means on one of said coupler and retaining band for securing said retaining band on said coupler.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said fastening means includes at least one tab on said band for engaging said coupler and holding said band on said coupler.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said coupler body includes first and second ends, a first wall at said first end, said first wall being adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface to provide a stop which engages and positions said assembly on the base during installation.

5. The assembly of claim 4 including a second wall at said second end of said coupler, said second wall being spaced from said first wall and adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface, and providing a stop for resisting sliding removal of said assembly from the base after installation, said first and second walls defining a base confining area therebetween.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said coupler body includes opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said first and second walls each including extended portions which extend at least partially along said opposing sides of said coupler body to provide stops which resist twisting movement of said assembly on the base after installation.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said retaining band includes inside and outside surfaces;

said coupler body including a support surface contacting said inside surface of said retaining band when said assembly is installed on the base, said support surface being spaced outwardly from adjacent areas of said coupler body whereby major portions of said retaining band are supported in positions spaced from said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said coupler body includes first and second ends and opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said support surface extending in a direction from said first end toward said second end;

said retaining band extending around said coupler body over said support surface from one of said opposing side surfaces to the other of said opposing side surfaces.

9. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including an aperture and a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

fastening means on said coupler for securing said retaining band on said coupler, said fastening means including a headed post on said coupler which extends through said aperture to resist removal of said band.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said coupler body includes a support surface adjacent said post for supporting said band.

11. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

fastening means on said retaining band for securing said band on said coupler including a pair of tabs on said base for engaging a portion of said coupler and holding said band on said coupler;

said tabs being located at positions spaced from one another and engaging said coupler on opposite sides thereof.

12. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said coupler body including first and second ends, a first wall at said first end, said first wall being adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface to provide a stop which engages and positions said assembly on the base during installation, a second wall at said second end of said coupler, said second wall being spaced from said first wall and adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface, and providing a stop for resisting sliding removal of said assembly from the base after installation, said first and second walls defining a base confining area therebetween;

said coupler body also including opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said first and second walls each including extending portions which extend at least partially along said opposing sides of said coupler body to provide stops which resist twisting movement of said assembly on the base after installation;

said support for mounting an accessory being at said first end of said coupler body;

said depending flanges on said retaining band extending along said side surfaces of said coupler body and between said extended portions of said first and second walls on opposing sides of said coupler body.

13. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said coupler body including first and second ends, a first wall at said first end, said first wall being adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface to provide a stop which engages and positions said assembly on the base during installation, a second wall at said second end of said coupler, said second wall being spaced from said first wall and adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface, and providing a stop for resisting sliding removal of said assembly from the base after installation, said first and second walls defining a base confining area therebetween;

said coupler body also including opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said first and second walls each including extended portions which extend at least partially along said opposing sides of said coupler body to provide stops which resist twisting movement of said assembly on the base after installation;

said second wall also including an opening therethrough for insertion of a tool such as a screwdriver blade for access to and removal of the base from said assembly after installation.

14. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a supporting for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including an aperture and a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said coupler body including first and second ends, a first wall at said first end, said first wall being adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface to provide a stop which engages and positions said assembly said assembly on the base during installation, a second wall at said second end of said coupler, and second wall being spaced from said first wall and adjacent to and projecting beyond said first surface, and providing a stop for resisting sliding removal of said assembly from the base after installation, said first and second walls defining a base confining area therebetween;

said coupler body also including opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said first and second walls each including extended portions which extend at least partially along said opposing sides of said coupler body to provide stops which resist twisting movement of said assembly on the base after installation, a recess in said first surface between said first and second walls, and an elongated member extending in a direction between said first and second walls within said recess for slidably contacting the base during installation of said assembly on the base.

15. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said coupler body including first and second ends and opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends, said support for mounting an accessory being at said first end of said coupler body, said coupler body being tapered such that said opposing side surfaces converge toward said first end;

said depending flanges of said retaining band extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body such that they likewise converge toward said first end.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein said depending flanges also are inclined toward one another.

17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said support for mounting an accessory is a neck extending outwardly from said first end of said coupler body, said neck including a ball member thereon for adjustably mounting an accessory thereon.

18. The assembly of claim 16 including a base having generally planar front and back surfaces, first and second ends, and opposing side surfaces, said front surface adapted to be secured to a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said opposing side surfaces of said base being inclined toward said front surface and converging from said second end toward said first end;

said assembly being mounted on said base with said first base end being adjacent said first end of said coupler body.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein said depending flanges of said retaining band are spaced from said opposing sides of said coupler body when said assembly is installed on said base.

20. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said retaining band including inside and outside surfaces;

said coupler body including a support surface contacting said inside surface of said retaining band when said assembly is installed on the base, said support surface being spaced outwardly from adjacent areas of said coupler body whereby major portions of said retaining band are supported in positions spaced from said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body;

said coupler body including first and second ends and opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body including a recess extending around said body intermediate said first and second ends from one of said opposing side surfaces to the other of said opposing side surfaces, and recess receiving said retaining band and having a depth sufficient to allow said outer surface of said retaining band to be generally flush with said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body when mounted thereon, said support surface being positioned within said recess.

21. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said retaining band including inside and outside surfaces;

said coupler body including a support surface contacting said inside surface of said retaining band when said assembly is installed on the base, said support surface being spaced outwardly from adjacent areas of said coupler body whereby major portions of said retaining band are supported in positions spaced from said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body;

said coupler body including four of said support surfaces for contacting said inside surface of said retaining band, said four support surfaces being spaced from one another to enhance stability of said assembly when installed on the base.

22. The assembly of claim 21 wherein said retaining band includes an aperture;

said coupler body including a post positioned generally centrally between said four support surfaces, said post extending through said aperture and having an enlarged head extending beyond said aperture to fasten said retaining band on said coupler body.

23. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

a resilient, flexible retaining band extending around said outer coupler body surface, said band including a pair of resilient, spaced, depending flanges for engaging and releasably retaining said coupler and band on the base when said mounting assembly is installed thereon, said band engaging said outer coupler body surface at a position spaced from and independent of said support whereby when installed on the base, said assembly will be retained on and be releasable from the base independent of the mounting of any rearview mirror or other accessory on said coupler;

said coupler body including first and second ends and opposing side surfaces extending between said first and second ends;

said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body including a recess extending around said body intermediate said first and second ends from one of said opposing side surfaces to the other of said opposing side surfaces, said recess receiving said retaining band and having a depth sufficient to allow said outer surface of said retaining band to be generally flush with said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body when mounting thereon.

24. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirror or other accessories on a base of the type having a surface for attachment to a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, and another surface adapted to slidably receive a coupler for supporting a rearview mirror or other accessory thereover, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for slidably engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base, said depending flanges being expandable away from one another during sliding installation of said coupler on the base and during release of said coupler from the base; and

positioning means on said coupler for locating and positioning said spring clamp means on said coupler body and for resisting movement thereon.

25. The assembly of claim 24 including fastening means on at least one of said coupler and spring clamp means for securing said band on said coupler.

26. The assembly of claim 24 including first and second walls for confining the base therebetween after said assembly is installed on the base, said first and second wall means being adjacent said respective first and second ends of said coupler body, spaced from one another and projecting beyond said first surface.

27. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base; and

positioning means on said coupler for locating and positioning said spring clamp means on said coupler body and for resisting movement thereon;

said spring clamp means including inner and outer surfaces;

said positioning means including a recess in said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body, said recess extending around said body intermediate said first and second ends from one of said opposing side surfaces to the other, said recess receiving said spring clamp means therein and having a depth sufficient to allow said outer surface of said spring clamp means to be generally flush with said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body when mounted thereon.

28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein said coupler body includes a support surface contacting said inside surface of said spring clamp means when said assembly is installed on the base, said support surface being spaced outwardly from adjacent areas of said coupler body whereby major portions of said spring clamp means are supported in positions spaced from said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body;

said support surface being located within said recess.

29. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base; and

positioning means on said coupler for locating and positioning said spring clamp means on said coupler body and for resisting movement thereon;

said support for mounting an accessory being located at said first end of said coupler body;

said coupler body being tapered such that said opposing side surfaces converge toward said first end;

said depending flanges of said spring clamp means extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body such that they likewise converge toward said first end.

30. The assembly of claim 29 wherein said depending flanges also are inclined toward one another.

31. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base of the type having a surface for attachment to a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, and another surface adapted to slidably receive a coupler for supporting a rearview mirror or other accessory thereover, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for slidably engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface of said coupler body from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base said depending flanges being expandable away from one another during sliding installation of said coupler on the base and during release of said coupler from the base; and

first and second walls for confining the base therebetween after said assembly is installed on the base, said first and second walls being adjacent said respective first and second ends of said coupler body, spaced from one another, and projecting beyond said first surface.

32. The assembly of claim 31 including positioning means on said coupler for locating and positioning said spring clamp means on said coupler body and for resisting movement thereon.

33. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicle for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface of said coupler body from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base; and

first and second walls for confining the base therebetween after said assembly is installed on the base, said first and second walls being adjacent said respective first and second ends of said coupler body, spaced from one another, and projecting beyond said first surface;

positioning means on said coupler for locating and positioning said spring clamp means on said coupler body and for resisting movement thereon;

said spring clamp means including inside and outside surface;

said positioning means including a recess in said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body, said recess extending around said body intermediate said first and second ends from one of said opposing side surfaces to the other, said recess receiving said spring clamp means therein and having a depth sufficient to allow said outer surface of said spring clamp means to be generally flush with said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body when mounted thereon.

34. The assembly of claim 33 wherein said coupler body includes a support surface contacting said inside surface of said spring clamp means when said assembly is installed on the base, said support surface being spaced outwardly from adjacent areas of said coupler body whereby major portions of said spring clamp means are supported in positions spaced from said outer, exterior surface of said coupler body;

said support surface being located within said recess.

35. A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on a base adapted for mounting on a surface of a vehicle panel such as a window, said assembly comprising:

a coupler for engaging the base, said coupler including a body having first and second ends and opposing side surfaces, a support for mounting an accessory such as a rearview mirror, a first surface for positioning said coupler on the base, and an outer, exterior surface extending away from but generally aligned with said first surface;

spring clamp means for releasably retaining said coupler on the base, said spring clamp means extending around said outer exterior surface of said coupler body from one of said opposing sides to the other at a position spaced from said support and having depending spring flanges extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body for engaging opposing sides of the base; and

first and second walls for confining the base therebetween after said assembly is installed on the base, said first and second walls being adjacent said respective first and second ends of said coupler body, spaced from one another, and projecting beyond said first surface;

said support for mounting an accessory being located at said first end of said coupler body;

said coupler body being tapered such that said opposing side surfaces converge toward said first end;

said depending flanges of said spring clamp means extending along said opposing side surfaces of said coupler body such that they likewise converge toward said first end.

36. The assembly of claim 35 wherein said depending flanges also are inclined toward one another.