Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure – Nut – and means to engage substructure on its opposite faces...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-05-29
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure
Nut, and means to engage substructure on its opposite faces...
C411S508000, C411S913000, C403S280000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238156
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for connecting a tube to a structural member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mechanical structures, for example machine frames, are frequently comprised of tubes connected to other structural members, such as plates or other tubes. As an example, electrophotographic printing machines typically have machine frames that hold and support door panels, glass platens, finishing devices, and electrophotographic processing stations. Such machine frames often include a framework of interconnected tubes. To reduce weight and cost, the interconnected tubes are often comprised of aluminum or plastic.
Connecting tubes to other structural members is often performed by welding, brazing, soldering or chemical bonding, techniques that can be difficult, time consuming, expensive and/or dangerous. Furthermore, such techniques can interfere with production processes that require rapid product customization or production performed by workers with relatively low technical skills. Therefore, a new device for assembly structures having tubular members would be beneficial.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principles of the present invention provide for a device for mounting tubular members to structural members. A device according to the principles of the present invention is a unitary structure formed into two gripping arms, two flex arms and a retainer plate. Each gripping arm includes a stress-relief bend and two pointed straight protrusions. Each flex arm includes two pointed bent protrusions and a stop having a bent lip. The retainer plate includes a fitting for engaging a threaded member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2618009 (1952-11-01), Tinnerman
patent: 2654620 (1953-10-01), Tinnerman
patent: 3633862 (1972-01-01), Breen
patent: 3869760 (1975-03-01), Meyer
patent: 4317471 (1982-03-01), King, Sr.
patent: 4518293 (1985-05-01), Pleickhardt et al.
patent: 4810144 (1989-03-01), Martelli
patent: 5291897 (1994-03-01), Gastrin et al.
patent: 5310298 (1994-05-01), Hwang
patent: 5388666 (1995-02-01), Schworer
patent: 5496076 (1996-03-01), Lin
patent: 5503492 (1996-04-01), Stevens et al.
patent: 5713130 (1998-02-01), Fukuda et al.
Browne Lynne H.
Henn David E.
Hutton W. Doug
Kelly John M.
Xerox Corporation
LandOfFree
Tube assembly device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tube assembly device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tube assembly device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2547690