Joints and connections – Interfitted members – Clamped members
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-19
2001-03-20
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Interfitted members
Clamped members
C403S256000, C403S297000, C256S065080
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203239
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for rigidly connecting one tubular member to the side of another tubular member, and more particularly to such connections that employ an internal wedging plug.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
When framing members for diverse structures such as bookshelves, carts, screen rooms, and the like were made of wood, they employed solid members that required certain joining means. With the substitution of metal and plastic materials, hollow members could replace the solid wood with improved function and savings in cost and weight. However, they required the use of different connecting methods. Welding has been preferred for joining one hollow member to the side of another hollow member. However that method has serious limitations. The two members must be made of compatible materials. The heating may weaken the walls at the joint. The strength of the joint is limited to the wall thickness at this weakened area. As a consequence, failures generally occur at the joint. The designer will often select a greater wall thickness for the tubing than is required for structural strength to ensure a secure joint. This leads to increased weight and cost. One of the applicants has used a novel wedge type internal plug connector for joining one square tube to the side of another square tube, as shown in the prior art drawing
FIGS. 2-5
. The joint was difficult to align unless it was constructed to engage less of the structure. It also had poor lateral stability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention comprises a wedge plug tubing connector for a joint that facilitates alignment, engages more of the structure, and provides more stability in all directions. It employs a distal wedge element and a proximal wedge element that cooperate with one another when a fastener draws them together. Specially shaped fastener channels keep the wedges aligned. Specially shaped wedge surfaces enable the wedges to engage more of the connecting tube to enhance stability in all directions.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent when the detailed description is studied in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements are designated by like reference characters in the various drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2557766 (1951-06-01), Ronfeldt
patent: 2611633 (1952-09-01), Webster
patent: 3198562 (1965-08-01), Smith
patent: 3274744 (1966-09-01), Blum et al.
patent: 3511477 (1970-05-01), Seery
patent: 3528691 (1970-09-01), Matich, Jr.
patent: 3609930 (1971-10-01), Crandal
patent: 3695649 (1972-10-01), Laverone
patent: 3850534 (1974-11-01), O'Halloran
patent: 3867048 (1975-02-01), Endzweig
patent: 3962774 (1976-06-01), Noro
patent: 3989282 (1976-11-01), Zimmerman
patent: 4508321 (1985-04-01), Morimoto
patent: 5090924 (1992-02-01), Pfaller et al.
patent: 5213006 (1993-05-01), Liao
patent: 5232304 (1993-08-01), Huang
patent: 5244186 (1993-09-01), Chandler
patent: 5464299 (1995-11-01), Scharer et al.
patent: 2448065 (1980-10-01), None
Blum Alvin S.
Mucciaccciaro Domenic
Blum Alvin S.
Bochna David E.
Browne Lynne H.
Mucciacciaro Domenic
LandOfFree
Wedge plug tubing connector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Wedge plug tubing connector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wedge plug tubing connector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2472878