Interlocking two-part structures

Abstract

An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.

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         21 . A method for removably connecting together elongate structures comprising the steps of:
 providing a first elongate structure having a longitudinal axis, a leading end, a trailing end, and an elongate receiver having an opening formed at the trailing end of the first elongate structure and extending along the longitudinal axis;   providing a second elongate structure having a longitudinal axis, a leading end, and a trailing end;   inserting the leading end of the second elongate structure into the opening of the elongate receiver of the first elongate structure such that the longitudinal axes of the first and second elongate structures are parallel and then sliding the second elongate structure into the elongate receiver;   providing a non-resistance section in the elongate receiver of the first elongate structure;   with the non-resistance section, exerting only a friction force on the second elongate structure as the second elongate structure is sliding into the elongate receiver;   providing a resistance section in the elongate receiver of the first elongate structure; and   with the resistance section, exerting a compression force on the second elongate structure as the second elongate structure is inserted into the elongate receiver.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein:
 the first elongate structure comprises a hollow tube having an internal bore formed by an outer wall providing opposing open ends, 
 the resistance section comprises a crimp formed in the outer wall of the hollow tube that reduces a widest internal wall-to-wall spacing of the internal bore located at the crimp and taken at a cross section, 
 the second elongate structure has a width that is greater than the widest internal wall-to-wall spacing, and 
 the method further comprising the step of exerting a compressive force onto the second elongate structure by contacting the second elongate structure with an internal wall surface located at the crimp. 
 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the second elongate structure comprises an outer wall and a crimp receiver formed in the outer wall, the method further comprising the step of positively engaging a portion of the outer wall located at the crimp into the crimp receiver. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the first and second elongate structures each comprise a hollow tube, each having an internal bore formed by an outer wall providing opposing open ends.