SNAP-ON CROSS BRACE FOR DOCKS, DECKS AND SCAFFOLDS
A snap-on cross brace is easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members of the type used in the assembly of docks, decks, and scaffolds. With respect to a structure having first and second spaced-apart support members, each with an outer diameter, a cross brace according to the invention comprises an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the support members, and first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member. Each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the support members, such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween. Each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the spaced-apart support members. A fastener extends through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
This invention relates generally to structures made using cross braces and, in particular, to a snap-on cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany lightweight structures benefit from cross braces, including the dock system shown in
The prior-art system just described is difficult to install and remove, clumsy, and expensive. In order to place one of the couplings onto one of the vertical members, one of the nuts and bolts such as 114 must be completely removed, with the other (112) being loosened, allowing the two clamp halves 108, 110 to be fitted around the vertical member 106. Once this is accomplished, the nut and bolt 114 can be removed, but cannot be tightened until the other end is assembled using clamping member 104 over vertical member 109. This takes considerable adjustment, tools such as a ratchet wrench, and creates a possibility that the various fasteners will be dropped into the water. Moreover, since docks are often assembled in the early spring and taken down in late fall, the water may be extremely cold, thereby further inconveniencing the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is directed to a snap-on cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members of the type used in the assembly of docks, decks, and scaffolds. With respect to a structure having first and second spaced-apart support members, each with an outer diameter, a cross brace according to the invention comprises an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the support members, and first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member. Each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the support members, such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment the elongate member is a hollow tube, and the elongate member and snap-on elements are both constructed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Also in the preferred embodiment, each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the spaced-apart support members. A fastener extends through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
Having discussed the drawbacks of the prior-art configuration of
The coupler 300 broadly includes a body portion 320 through which there is disposed a nut and bolt, facilitating swiveling of the coupler 300 as shown with the double-headed arrows. On either side of the bottom portion 320 are curved sections 310, 312, resulting into a cradle that receives a cylindrical support member such as 302 in snap-fit engagement.
In the preferred embodiment, the coupler is constructed of aluminum, or an alloy thereof, as is the elongate member 302. However, other materials are not ruled out, such as stainless steel, suitable plastics, and so forth. Furthermore, although the cross brace is shown in conjunction with a dock system, it is equally applicable to decks, scaffolds and other structures that utilize cylindrical support members. Additionally, although only a single cross brace is shown in
Claims
1. A cross brace for a dock having first and second spaced-apart vertical support members, each with an outer diameter, the cross brace comprising:
- an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the vertical members;
- first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member, each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the vertical support members,
- such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the vertical support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween.
2. The cross brace of claim 1, wherein the elongate member and snap-on elements are constructed of aluminum or an alloy thereof.
3. The cross brace of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a hollow tube.
4. The cross brace of claim 1, wherein each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the apart vertical support members.
5. The cross brace of claim 1, wherein each snap-on element comprises a cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise central axis; and
- a fastener extending through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 4, 2006
Publication Date: Jun 5, 2008
Inventor: Dave Berlin (Pittsford, MI)
Application Number: 11/566,269
International Classification: E04G 7/08 (20060101);