Joints and connections – Side slide: elongated co-linear members
Patent
1996-12-17
1998-07-14
Stodola, Daniel P.
Joints and connections
Side slide: elongated co-linear members
403340, 403329, 4034051, 4034091, B25G 300
Patent
active
057793808
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention in general relates to a connecting means for releasably connecting structural elements, in particular to a connecting means for a butt joint.
A connecting means for such a purpose is, e.g., known from DE 1 779 745 B. With this arrangement, a recess is provided in one of the structural elements to be connected, in which an offset resilient strip is fastened. The offset end section of the resilient strip has a longitudinal slot for receiving a retention screw provided on the counterpiece to be connected. However, such an arrangement is suited for low loads only and provides only little security against torsion.
From FR 23 46 590 A, a connecting device is known which consists of two positively interengaging connecting elements, one of which being provided with a hook and the other one being provided with a hook opening. Although this connecting device seems suitable to accommodate high forces, too, it does, still, have substantial drawbacks. Apart from the fact that the production costs of this connecting device are very high on account of its complicated shape, the connecting elements, as a consequence of their special shape, can be interconnected in a single way only.
Finally, from DE 89 03 252 U a connecting device for shelves is known where only hooking-in of beams in apertures of standards by aid of hook-shaped suspension parts is provided for. Also this connecting device is not multivalently adaptable to given conditions of space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a connecting means for connecting structural elements, whose individual components (elements) have a very simple shape so that they can be produced at low cost. Furthermore, the individual elements shall be capable of being combined such that at the site of connection, a connecting means of proper size and of a high connection stability can be provided in accordance with the given conditions of space.
Accordingly, the invention provides for a connecting means for connecting structural elements and comprising at least two rod or plate-shaped, substantially rigid connecting elements each to be connected as one half of the connection means with one of the structural elements, and having a substantially rectangular cross-section and a uniform material thickness, a first end of one of the connecting elements being designed as an offset connecting tab which is offset in parallel by the material thickness relative to the remaining part of the connecting element which serves as a fastening base.
Accordingly, the invention provides for a connecting means the construction of which is very simple in an advantageous manner and which may comprise uniformly designed, substantially rigid connecting elements, with which one respective half of a connecting means can be built up, depending on the requirements with regard to retention force and the spacial installation conditions. It is, thus, substantial that by using uniform connecting elements or connecting elements of the same type, whose construction is very simple, connecting means of various embodiments can be provided, a low-cost produceability and storability being ensured.
For making a connection by aid of the connecting means according to the invention, it may, e.g., be proceeded such that one side or face of the first structural element to be connected is provided with a recess of a depth corresponding to the height of a connecting element. A first connecting element is fastened to the bottom of this recess with its fastening base such that its offset connecting tab is spaced from the bottom of the recess and ends flush with the surface of the structural element. To the surface of a second structural element a second such connecting element is fastened. With the structural parts assembled, the offset connecting tabs of the first and second connecting elements engage one underneath the other and provide for a positive connection.
It is, however, also possible to provide the connection simply by fastening the connect
REFERENCES:
patent: 924912 (1909-06-01), Maydl
patent: 1533724 (1925-04-01), Clarke-James
patent: 1719072 (1929-07-01), Myers
patent: 2200158 (1940-05-01), Clarke
patent: 2703912 (1955-03-01), Tinnermann et al.
patent: 2994888 (1961-08-01), Minuti
patent: 3596942 (1971-08-01), Zoebelein
patent: 4470716 (1984-09-01), Welch
patent: 4473316 (1984-09-01), Welch
patent: 4865503 (1989-09-01), Kaimo
patent: 4898326 (1990-02-01), Edwards et al.
Friedrich Knapp Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Lev Bruce A.
Stodola Daniel P.
LandOfFree
Strip for joining components does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Strip for joining components, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Strip for joining components will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1875649