Joints and connections – Branched – Three or more radiating members
Patent
1989-02-21
1990-06-19
Kundiat, Andrew V.
Joints and connections
Branched
Three or more radiating members
403 12, 403178, 403217, 403264, 403297, 211192, F16B 704
Patent
active
049348582
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fastening devices and more particularly to fastening devices for use in lightweight support structures, such as display frames.
Description of the Prior Art
Structures using the type of fastening devices disclosed in the present application are known generally as space frames and are constructed using lightweight, interchangeable modular elements.
One example of a fastening device commonly used on this type of support structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,356,395, issued to Dygert, et al on Dec. 5, 1967. The Dygert patent discloses the use of an adjustable clamp to connect the horizontal and vertical members of a support frame. In Dygert, the clamp consists of a fitting through which the vertical support member is inserted. The clamp further includes a bell crank which is rotated to hold the horizontal member at the desired height along the vertical member.
A similar fastening device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,738 issued to Dygert, et al on Jan. 9, 1968. This second Dygert patent discloses another adjustable clamp wherein a spring biased pin is used to adjustably hold the horizontal member to the vertical member.
Another type of fastening device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,441 issued to Rebentisch on June 10, 1975. The Rebentisch patent discloses the use of a tubular vertical support member having rectangular-shaped openings and a support bracket. The one-piece support bracket consists of an upper T-shaped extension and a lower tab-shaped extension both of which are inserted into the rectangular-shaped openings on the vertical member. A second Rebentisch patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,440, issued June 10, 1975, discloses a two-piece support bracket consisting of a locking clip and a separate support arm having a T-shaped extension which is inserted into the rectangular-shaped openings on the vertical member.
Summary of the Invention
An advantage of the present invention is that the fastening device disclosed herein may be used in a variety of support frames.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is particularly designed for use in modular units wherein the individual elements are readily interchangeable.
Another advantage of the present invention is that once the elements are initially installed, the framework may be assembled or disassembled without the use of any tools.
In accordance with the present invention, a fastening device is provided which is suitable for a variety of uses, but which is particularly adapted for use in display frames. The overall framework consists of vertical and horizontal members which are fastened together using the fastening device of the present invention. The fastening function in the present invention is achieved by locking an end connector to a fastening device. The end connector is preferably fitted into the end of a horizontal member and, during assembly of the framework, is inserted into grooves formed in the fastening device. The fastening device is preferably attached to one end of a vertical member and is designed to slidably insert into the end of a second vertical member. The fastening device further includes a keyed screw to allow the insertion of the end connector into the fastening device while the elements are held in an intermediate locking position. Once the end connector has been inserted into the fastening device, the keyed screw is turned 90.degree. to allow the second vertical member to slide to the final locked position. As the second vertical member slides into the final locked position, the end connector on the horizontal member is pushed into a narrow groove on the fastening device and is rigidly held in position.
For purposes of this description, the terms "vertical member" and "horizontal member" are merely illustrative of relative space positions of frame members; in actual practice it is apparent that frame members can be aligned in either orientation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening device which is adapt
REFERENCES:
patent: 870429 (1907-11-01), Grimler
patent: 2926941 (1960-03-01), Thompson
patent: 3620558 (1971-11-01), MacMillan
patent: 3797948 (1974-03-01), Weininger
patent: 3901613 (1975-08-01), Andersson
patent: 4270872 (1981-06-01), Kiyosawa
patent: 4658560 (1987-04-01), Beaulieu
Deliguori Franco
Kundiat Andrew V.
Sjoquist Paul L.
Skyline Displays, Inc.
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