Joints and connections – Rod side to plate or side – Two rods encompassed by single connector
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-23
2001-06-19
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Rod side to plate or side
Two rods encompassed by single connector
C403S384000, C403S399000, C403S389000, C403S397000, C211S133500, C211S126300, C248S249000, C248S302000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247871
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to structures made out of wire-mesh elements. More particularly this invention concerns a clip for joining such elements together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wire-mesh channels are typically used to hold wires and cables in such a manner that they are solidly supported yet readily accessible. Thus it is standard to provide such channels adjacent the ceiling in computer rooms and the like.
The typical channel is made of a plurality of relatively stiff longitudinal wires and at least two crosswise U-shaped wires to which they are welded, for instance with four longitudinal wires at the base of the U-shaped cross wire and two more longitudinal wires on each of the upwardly pointing arms of the cross wires. Of course angled channels are provided for going around corners and changing levels and T- or X-shaped channels are provided for forming intersections where several such channels are joined together.
All these wire-mesh structures typically end at a standardized U-shaped end defined by a single cross wire and the ends of the longitudinal wires. This makes it possible to join the various structures together into any shape, achieving a relatively good custom fit.
To this end the structures to be joined are typically aligned endwise and secured together with clips. As described in German patent document 295 04 839 such a clip is made of sheet metal and has a pair of sides that are fitted to opposite sides of the aligned structure ends and then secured together with a screw and nut. The clip therefore has several parts and space must be allowed for the screw connection. In addition the job of mounting such a clip in place requires that several pieces be fitted together on the structure and then a tool employed to tighten the screw.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved clip for securing together wire-mesh channel structures.
Another object is the provision of such an improved clip for securing together wire-mesh channel structures which overcomes the above-given disadvantages, that is which is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture, and that solidly couples together the two structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is a clip used with a pair of wire channels each having a cross U-shaped end wire of predetermined diameter joined to ends of longitudinal wires. The clip according to the invention is U-shaped and engaged around the end wires between a respective pair of the longitudinal wires. It has a floor engaging the two end wires and is formed with a pair of flanks each engaging a respective one of the ends wires and each formed with a respective formation retaining the respective end wire against the floor.
Thus this clip is a single piece that can be snapped around the end wires of two channels to solidly lock them together. There is no need to keep track of and manipulate a screw fastener, yet the connection is just as solid as any of the prior-art systems.
According to the invention the clip is made of sheet steel at most 2 mm thick. The formations are bumps pressed into the sheet metal and having a height generally equal to the thickness of the sheet metal of the clip.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention the flanks of the clip are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to twice the wire diameter so that the end wires are pressed closely together between the flanks. In another system according to the invention the flanks of the clip are spaced apart by a distance equal to substantially more than twice the wire diameter and the clip is formed with a flap extending crosswise of the floor and engaged between the wires engaging the floor so that each wire is engaged between the flap and the respective flank. In the latter system the clip is formed at each end of the floor with one such flap and the clip is formed at a base of each such flap with a weakening slot facilitating bending of the flap between the wires. Thus after the end wires are fitted, spaced apart, to the clip, a screwdriver is inserted in to the slot to bend over the flap and lock them in place, the permanent plastic deformation of the flap ensuring a permanent coupling of the two channels.
In accordance with another feature of the invention the clip is formed at an outer end of each flank with a generally planar tab extending generally parallel to the floor and having a length equal to about three times the spacing between the flanks. The tabs are generally coplanar and directed longitudinally away from each other. Each tab normally has a transverse width equal to slightly less than a transverse spacing between the respective pair of longitudinal side wires. Thus the tabs make it particularly easy to mount the clip in place, simply by fitting it at an angle over two juxtaposed end wires and then twisting it into position parallel to the longitudinal wires.
In addition each tab can be formed with a pair of longitudinal edges each formed with a respective outwardly projecting lug bearing against a respective one of the pair of longitudinal wires. Each such lug extends at an acute angle to the respective tab and is generally rectangular and located at an outer end of the respective tab or generally triangular and extends a full length of the respective edge of the respective tab. Alternately each tab has a wide outer end bearing against the respective pair of longitudinal wires. In this case the clip is so deep that these tabs can lie flatly against the pair of longitudinal wires.
The floor and flanks normally according to the invention have a common length equal to slightly less than a spacing between the respective pair of longitudinal wires. In addition each flank is formed at each end with one such formation constituted as an inwardly directed bump. Furthermore the clip is open outward of the channels and the flanks extend outward of the channels from the floor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2523785 (1950-09-01), Sereno
patent: 3486531 (1969-12-01), Nalodka
patent: 3604065 (1971-09-01), Slominski
patent: 4765495 (1988-08-01), Bisk
patent: 5331725 (1994-07-01), Chou
patent: 5384937 (1995-01-01), Simon
patent: 5749479 (1998-05-01), Belokin et al.
patent: 5784762 (1998-07-01), Huntting
patent: 252030 (1960-11-01), None
patent: 2813379 (1978-10-01), None
Nickel Wilfried
Wesch Rainer
Dubno Herbert
Garcia Ernesto
Knight Anthony
Obo Bettermann GmbH & Co. KG
Wilford Andrew
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