Joints and connections – Rigid angle coupling – e.g. – elbow or u – etc.
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2001-06-19
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3679)
Joints and connections
Rigid angle coupling, e.g., elbow or u, etc.
C285S179100, C052S655100, C403S169000, C403S403000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247869
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for receiving adjacent ends of a plurality of substantially rigid tubes and holding them in defined angular relationships.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Substantially rigid tubing, or pipe, such as PVC tubing is used for constructing frames of many styles. In the past there have been few, if any, acceptable connectors to permit interconnecting adjacent ends of plural tubes to hold them in desired defined angular relationships. Depending upon the strength of the tubing used, frames made of such materials could be used for various material supports, such as for supporting frames, crating or caging frame works, load support structures, etc.
Various round pipe angle connectors had been available for connecting ends of substantially rigid round tubing, but these generally have been fully open inside with little to support and limit the depth of insertion of a tube and also have generally been only for round pipe. Further they generally have provided no stop, or limit, elements which would support a rather substantial load imposed axially upon the tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a tubing connector adapted to receive the ends of a plurality of elongate substantially rigid tubes, which may be multi-angular, or polygonal, in cross-sectional configuration and to hold them in a defined angular relationship. The tubing connector has passages, or apertures, formed therein, each adapted to receive and hold an end of one tube which is offset from other tubes connected thereto, and a stop, or limit, element in the aperture spaced inwardly of the body from the mouth of its associated aperture to limit the extent to which a tube is inserted longitudinally and to support the tube against further movement into the body of the connector.
More specifically the tubing connector of the present invention provides a plurality of apertures, each having a central axis which is angularly disposed relative to the axes of other apertures, permitting the construction of a space frame with tubes inserted into such apertures.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a tubing connector in which the tube-receiving apertures are polygonal in cross-section and are configured to closely and slidingly receive an end of a tube, with the tube held therein by a friction fit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 413730 (1889-10-01), Palmer
patent: 998904 (1911-07-01), Jacobs
patent: 1770852 (1930-07-01), Hill
patent: 1859972 (1932-05-01), Key
patent: 1957362 (1934-05-01), Smith
patent: 2955851 (1960-10-01), Scott
patent: 3353854 (1967-11-01), Hansen
patent: 5676404 (1997-10-01), Sisk
Browne Lynne H.
Klarquist Sparkman Campbell & Leigh & Whinston, LLP
Malcolm Tomlyne A
Ultra Lite Products, Inc.
LandOfFree
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 Tubing connector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tubing connector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2524574