Three Or More Members Connected At Single Locus Patents (Class 403/217)
  • Patent number: 8511623
    Abstract: A conduit hardware article includes a body forming an approximately rectangular solid defining a first threaded bore extending between generally opposed first and second sides thereof, and a second threaded bore extending between generally opposed third and fourth sides thereof generally perpendicular to the first threaded bore. Slots opening onto the first side can be defined in fifth and sixth sides of the body. The hardware article can be used to attach multiple conduit hardware components to a single threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: SNK Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmy Maurice Shiner, Jr., Kevin Paul Kruger
  • Patent number: 8499778
    Abstract: A tent is safely unfolded or folded when used and requires less time to unfold or fold and can be pitched automatically as well as manually to solve the problems of the prior art. In the tent, a worm gear and worm wheels are combined and tent connecting rods are attached to the worm wheels, respectively, so that when the worm wheels are moved, the tent connecting rods are moved to fold or unfold the tent. The worm wheel can be manually moved within the tent or the worm wheel can be automatically operated by providing a motor controlled through a remove controller so that the tent connecting rods can be unfolded or folded. In the tent, a central cavity part of a worm wheel body may be used as an air vent, and used as a passage for a smoke outlet from a heater in the winter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Woogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Joon Ha, Ki Yun Ha
  • Patent number: 8475074
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness joint is provided which has a plurality of structural members with a variable stiffness material coupled between the plurality of structural members. The variable stiffness material may be selectively activated/inactivated to control the stiffness of the joint. Additional embodiments and implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P Henry
  • Publication number: 20130140252
    Abstract: A frame includes a first frame member that has a first opening at an end portion thereof; a second frame member that has a second opening at an end portion thereof; a first frame coupling member that comprises a first projection that fits into the first opening and a second projection that fits into the second opening; and a second frame coupling member that couples to the first frame coupling member, wherein: the first frame member and the second frame member are located so as to be sandwiched between the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member when the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member are coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: FUJITSU LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130129408
    Abstract: An inner assembly that includes first, second and third structures, and a device for removably securing the first, second and third structures to one another. The securing device has at least one double clip which is fixed to the third structure, the double clip having first and second locking elements. The first and second structures have respectively first and second complementary locking elements. The securing device is movable between a locking position in which the first and second locking elements cooperate respectively with the first and second complementary locking elements and lock respectively the first and second structures to the third structure, and a free position in which the first and second locking elements do not cooperate respectively with the first and second complementary locking elements and the first and second structures are free with respect to the third structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Vicente Carsi
  • Patent number: 8418710
    Abstract: A tent top assembly is mounted on top of a tent for connecting with a plurality of tent poles. The tent top assembly includes an upper module and a lower module. The upper module includes an upper seat, an upper press member and an upper lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The lower module includes a lower seat, a lower press member and a lower lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The upper seat and the lower seat each have a plurality of engaging grooves which are spaced and arranged in a radial form for connection of connecting heads of the tent poles. There is no need for rivets or other fasteners when assembling the present invention, saving the cost and the time of assembly. The tent top assembly can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Q-Yield Outdoor Gear Ltd.
    Inventor: Nanqing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8408225
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter is described herein. One embodiment includes at least three leg members, at least three base members, wherein the each base member includes an opening to receive one of the at least three leg members at an angle less than 90° relative to the bottom surface of the base member, at least two accordion-type collapsible truss assemblies connected to each leg via an upper corner connection mechanism and a lower corner connection mechanism, each accordion-type truss including at least four truss members interconnected by at least two pivotal v-joints and at least two pivotal x-joints, wherein the at least two pivotal v-joints each include two truss members coupled together with a coupling mechanism through openings in the two truss members, wherein the openings in the two truss members are configured to reduce shearing forces in the truss members by the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Patent number: 8397937
    Abstract: In order to provide an article carrier with a dividing arrangement (9) which is flexible in terms of height, rests on the base (8) of the article carrier and has profiled side walls (70, 71) with undercut grooves (76) running parallel to the base (8), and has at least one partition wall (70, 71; 80) for inserting between the side walls (70, 71) and right-angled corner connectors (20) which can be latched into the grooves (76), it is proposed that the side walls (70, 71) have an undercut projection on their top side or their bottom side, and a latching profile for latching with the projection on their bottom side or top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: KARDEX Produktion Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Preschke, Wolfgang Kollmann, Stefan Hehl
  • Patent number: 8387330
    Abstract: A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Ulrich Wallner
  • Publication number: 20130034382
    Abstract: A connector includes at least two cavities or receptacles extending from a base to receive adjacent tubes of a wall or panel. The receptacles are closed at one end. At least two walls extend from the base in the same direction as the receptacles. The walls are positioned on the base and outside the receptacles such that the panels are secured to a specific angular orientation with respect to each other. A top connector and a bottom connector are used to secure rods or tubes of adjacent panels. A series of top and bottom connectors can be used to secure multiple panels to form an enclosure, such as a kennel or gazebo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 8341902
    Abstract: Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Trisna Widjaja Kusuma
  • Patent number: 8291671
    Abstract: A joint arrangement for composite-material structural members in components including a skin and a plurality of structural members, applicable to pairs of first and second intersecting structural members, such as a beam and a frame in an aircraft fuselage, both members having a configuration which includes webs, inner flanges and outer flanges, in which, in the zone of intersection between said members, the laminations of one or both flanges of the first member include transverse flaps which are joined to one or both flanges of the ends of the segments of the second member which are separated at the intersection, acting as means for transmission of loads between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Enrique Vera Villares, Jose Maria Pina Lopez
  • Patent number: 8292380
    Abstract: A rack includes a upper frame, a frame post, and a confluence member. The upper frame includes a first pillar and a second pillar connected to the first pillar. A first guiding groove is defined in the first pillar. A second guiding groove is defined in the second pillar. The first guiding groove and the second guiding groove extend substantially along the horizontal plane. The frame post is coupled with a connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A third guiding groove is defined in the frame post. The third guiding groove extends uprightly. The confluence member is mounted between the frame post and the connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A plurality of confluence grooves is defined in the confluence member. The plurality of confluence grooves links the first guiding groove and the second guiding groove to the third guiding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8235338
    Abstract: A swing set assembly having a swing set connector connected to a top rail is preferably provided which has a first cantilevered arm which connects to a top rail of at least two outer perimeters. Top rails are envisioned either fitting over the arm or in a bore the arm depending upon the outer perimeter of the top rail utilized. These and other embodiments are envisioned being of modular construction of a first half and a second half whether at an end of or between top rails. On the event that modification of the swing set is desired, an end half can be removed from a first half, and a top rail half connected thereto along with another top rail to extend the length of the total swing set. Alternatively, if a total top rail length is to be shortened, a top rail can be removed and a first half of the connector can be replaced with an end half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: PlayCore
    Inventor: Brian Henry
  • Patent number: 8225808
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Publication number: 20120103942
    Abstract: A method of making a structural connection in a metallic tubular assembly is provided. It comprises providing a node having at least two legs and forming a radially extending rib extending from an exterior surface of each of the legs by deforming a corresponding interior portion of each of the legs. At least one tube is provided having a radially extending flange adjacent an open end. The tube is placed over the exterior surface of one of the legs abuts the radially extending flange and the radially extending rib. By applying opposing forces to one of the legs and one tube to hold the radially extending flange and the radially extending rib in abutting contact at a joint, resistance welding can take place at the joint when at least one electrode is applied to the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrzej M. Pawlak, Timothy C. Hays, Alain Piete
  • Patent number: 8166991
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20120009010
    Abstract: A cabinet connector structure includes a base, radial latch slots formed on a connecting side of the base and equidistantly arranged from each other, and adjacent latch slots being arranged at an angle of substantially 60 degrees, an insert section disposed on an external side of the base, and six embedding slots formed on a circumferential surface of the insert section and being arranged at an equal angle with each other, and the embedding slots being disposed alternately and perpendicular to each other, such that the connector structure can be used for connecting a rod type frame or panel non-perpendicularly through the six latch slots to complete assembling a cabinet, and the structure breaks through conventional products of this sort that can be used for a perpendicular assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chan-Lin WU
  • Patent number: 8091570
    Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20110314765
    Abstract: A concealed fastener is formed in situ during attachment of a first grooved sheathing member to an underlying support member. The concealed fastener rigidly attaches the first sheathing member, and permits subsequent installation of an adjoining sheathing member while providing for proper spacing between adjacent sheathing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: OMG, INC.
    Inventor: David Martel
  • Publication number: 20110318094
    Abstract: A strut includes at least one bridge that provides a defined spacing between first and second frames in a longitudinal direction. At least a first connection portion is disposed on or near an end of the bridge and is resiliently elastically deformable at least in the longitudinal direction. The first connection portion may be press-fit between a base of the first frame and an engaging portion disposed on a flange that extends substantially perpendicular from the frame base. The first connection portion may comprise a base connected to the bridge with at least one inner clip projection having a first connecting member, and an outer clip comprising a base for abutting against a surface of the first frame and at least one outer clip projection extending from the outer clip base. The outer clip projection has a second connecting member that engages the first connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent Hensley
  • Publication number: 20110298339
    Abstract: A furniture system, method of assembling furniture for a work space, and a fastening apparatus for interconnecting furniture components include one or more fastening devices. Each fastening device includes a body that has a channel sized and configured to receive a first rail. Each fastening device also includes at least one of a connector assembly and an opening formed in the body for attaching the fastening device to at least one other furniture component. The connector assembly and the opening in the body are sized and configured so that the other furniture components are positioned such that at least one of their height and length extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the first rail, such as a direction that is mostly perpendicular to the length of the first rail. Other embodiments of the fastening device may include variations in configurations to the connector assembly or body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KNOLL, INC.
    Inventors: Masamichi Udagawa, Sigrid Moeslinger, Wallace Bullwinkle
  • Publication number: 20110286121
    Abstract: A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar minor frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Roy Werner, John Funai, Nicholas Palladino
  • Patent number: 8061375
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to connectors for interconnecting members of shade structures (e.g. umbrellas and pavilions), such as support ribs and hubs. The connectors can be incorporated or attached to support ribs of shade structures to enable the support ribs to extend from the hubs at various angles to accommodate different shaped canopies. The connectors include an adjustable portion that enables the support ribs to extend to desired points on the periphery of the canopy at an angle that deviates from the angle of the hub channels, which are disposed around the periphery of the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20110243651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus that makes it possible to easily attach/detach an ornamental glass sheet to the surface of an elevator door and provides an apparatus for fixing a glass sheet for an elevator door which includes: a rear sheet 10 that is made of an elastic material and disposed between the glass sheet 20, which is attached to the outer surface of the elevator door D, and the elevator door D to support the glass sheet 20; and a fixing means F that is installed along the edge of the glass sheet 20 and fixes the glass sheet to the elevator door D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Il Shik Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110157733
    Abstract: A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Roy Werner, John Funai
  • Publication number: 20110146193
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Alexandre de la Chevrotière
  • Patent number: 7958903
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20110064515
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second shell members. An anchor plate includes a body portion, first and second arrays of fastener openings, and anchor plate attachment features extending from a first side of the body portion and each having a fastener opening. Inserts are positioned within each fastener opening of the first array and the second array. A first set of fasteners is secured through the first array of fastener openings in the anchor plate, the first shell member and the splice plate and engaged with a corresponding one of the inserts. A second set of fasteners is secured through the second array of fastener openings in the anchor plate, the second shell member and the splice plate and engaged with a corresponding one of the inserts. A third set of fasteners is secured through the fastener openings of the anchor plate attachment features and the first shell member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Curtis J. Ruckey, Francis R. Moon
  • Patent number: 7886758
    Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7882666
    Abstract: A prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Meho Karalic
  • Patent number: 7867207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling assembly such as a coupling assembly for coupling an ostomy bag to a base plate, said base plate being adhered around a stoma. The present invention especially relates to a coupling assembly comprising a first, second and third coupling part, which are coupled together to form a coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Henning Therkelsen, Holm Tina Soerensen, Ole Madsboel, Laesoe Ingrid Fink
  • Publication number: 20100329775
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connecting structures comprising heated flexures for aligning a first component with a second component. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical package includes a laser, a wavelength conversion device, a mirror and a connecting structure. The mirror reflects a laser beam such that the laser beam is incident upon the wavelength conversion device. The connecting structure includes a structure base and three bipod flexures. Each of the bipod flexures includes first and second bipod legs extending from the structure base to the mirror. A heating element is thermally coupled to the first and second bipod legs. The bipod flexures are arranged in a tripod configuration such that changes in the length of the bipod legs alter the reflection of the laser beam from the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Douglass L. Blanding, Garret Andrew Piech
  • Patent number: 7845365
    Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7789099
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Go PaPa, LLLC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Patent number: 7735505
    Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7717640
    Abstract: A joint structure for directly joining a plurality of pipes is provided. A first pipe 10 has a joined end face 11 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a tenon 12 formed on a joined end face. A second pipe 20 has a joined end face 21 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a mortice 22. By fitting the tenon 12 of the first pipe 10 to the mortice 22 of the second pipe 20, a joint structure of the two pipes 10, 20 is formed. The joined end face 11 of the first pipe 10 and the joined end face 21 of the second pipe 20 are on surface contact over the entire thickness of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Publication number: 20100119299
    Abstract: A tubular composite member with two ends for connecting ceramic components made of a composite of an inorganic matrix reinforced with inorganic fibers is formed with an at least partially threaded internal surface and an external surface. A ceramic member has at least one surface formed with one or more annular grooves with an inner shell surface, an outer shell surface, and a root. The inner shell surface is at least partially threaded. A resulting ceramic member assembly includes at least two ceramic members connected by at least one tubular composite member. The ends of the tubular composite member are screwed into the corresponding annular groove of two adjacent ceramic members. The such fastened/joined ceramic members can be operated at high temperatures especially under thermal cycling and/or thermal shock conditions as well as dynamic mechanical load in different directions. Methods to manufacture tubular composite members according to this invention are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SGL CARBON SE
    Inventors: John Montminy, Karl Hingst, Thomas Kraus, Christian Klotz
  • Patent number: 7703244
    Abstract: A joint structure includes a splice plate and a gusset plate, which can prevent out-of-plane buckling of the gusset plate without the necessity of welding a stiffening rib plate thereon. The joint structure includes a gusset plate and at least one splice plate connected to the gusset plate. Each of the splice plates is constructed from section steel having a non-rectangular cross-section. The joint structure can be used in a building during assembly of the building or for reinforcement of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Suzuki, Yasushi Maeda, Tooru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7694635
    Abstract: On a first furniture part, a first connector having an extending tab with a bolt hole transversely therethrough and having a bolt receptacle partially therethrough as well as a recess located parallel with the extending tab; and on a second furniture part, a second connector identical to the first connector and having an extending tab with a bolt hole transversely therethrough and having a bolt receptacle partially therethrough as well as a recess located parallel with the extending tab, the spatial orientation of the second connector being rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first connector during connection of the first connector and the second connector such that the extending tab of the first connector is matable with the recess of the second connector with the bolt hole of the extending tab of the first connector in alignment with the bolt receptacle of the extending tab of the second connector to receive a first bolt, and the extending tab of the second connector is matable with the recess of the fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew Bernheimer, Jared Della Valle
  • Patent number: 7686026
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7677010
    Abstract: A modular structural system includes a hub in the general shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon, which may be somewhat rounded or may have a regular shape. The system includes a plurality of other structural members, such as hub spokes, for interfacing adjacent the hub, and leg spokes, for interfacing with the hub or with the hub spokes. The system also includes cross braces for providing additional support between the hub spokes and leg spokes. The hub, the hub spokes, leg spokes, and cross braces are joined by bores in the individual pieces and a plurality of dowels or rods placed into the bores. From these modular pieces, and currently available structural members, many useful and recreational structures may be assembled and then disassembled, such as frames, garden structures, furniture, shelving, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred H. Boots
  • Patent number: 7673644
    Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7637076
    Abstract: The invention is a novel moment-resistant building column insert system for distributing lateral and vertical loads between the column-beam and column-foundation connections. Loads are distributed between the column and beam using a column insert, nut plates and beam end plates incorporated to beam-ends. The column insert is hollow and similar cross-section shape to the building column for inserting there to. The column, column insert, nut plates and endplates have patterns of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts tightened to nuts held by nut plates. Loads are distributed between the column and foundation using a base plate, column insert, and insert plates integrated with anchor bolts, nuts and washers in a concrete foundation. The base plate having mounting holes is incorporated to the building column bottom end to receive the plurality of anchor bolts there through for fixedly tightening as an exposed end of the column insert fits in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Willaim B. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7637276
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having a canopy and a frame, the frame having mounting members with a stabilizer reduced friction pivot shafts and an adjustable locking member having a spring providing for easy adjustment of the height and breadth of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Chao-Shun Ko
  • Publication number: 20090279945
    Abstract: A snap clamp for mounting of substantially constant outer cross section article-types, to a support structure offering at least two stacked layers of crossing rod-shaped lengthy elements for the mounting—an example being clamp mounting of flextube for a floor heating system, to a reinforcement grid laying on a room's raw floor. The clamp has an overall box-shape with substantially square section normal to it's length direction. Four flexing gripping fingers (104) to receive and hold the article in one of two mutually perpendicular lateral directions (X, Y) are comprised at one end (103), and the other end (106) comprises two mutually perpendicularly crossing U-shaped snap grooves (107, 108) of different depth, to attack both wires at a mounting cross-point. Differing side profilations (151, 152) are inventively provided to secure correct angle rotation of clamp (101) over cross-point at mounting time. A supplementary mounting tool also being inventive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Rise, Tom Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7595565
    Abstract: A do-it-yourself wind power generation wall includes a plurality of wind power generation modules, each having a bushing, a wind power generation unit and a connecting rod. The exterior of the bushing forms a plurality of insert portions, and the wind power generation unit includes an electric generator connected to the bushing, and a vane wheel connected to the electric generator and formed on a side of the bushing, and an end of the connecting rod is sheathed onto an insert portion of the bushing, and each wind power generation module is connected to form a power generation wall. The invention allows users to freely install the power generation wall according to the environment of the application and greatly enhances the site and scope of using the power generation wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Jetpro Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Shih H Chen, Ka-Shing Li
  • Patent number: 7530364
    Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7527002
    Abstract: A cableway cabin, having supporting elements including a base frame, a roof frame and at least four corner columns connecting the base frame to the roof frame. All these parts are formed only from tubular sections having a circular inner cross-section. The parts are which has three connecting pieces, at least one of which is conical and one of which in each case is pressed into one of the three tubular sections forming a corner. Unless all three connecting pieces are conical, it is expedient to make the non-conical connecting piece or connecting pieces cylindrical and to provide them with a constriction extending over more than 60% of their length and filled with a resilient adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: CWA Constructions S.A.
    Inventor: Georg Riser
  • Patent number: 7419325
    Abstract: A tube assembling device consisting of hub-carriers and hubs for erecting three-dimensional structures. The hub-carriers consist of two pairs of half-rings, bearing tongues offset by 90° along an antero-posterior axis and linked by four connecting lugs, they support radial hook-shaped expansions. The hub-carriers can link two tubes in a fixed or balanced position, can be fixed at the tube end, can be fixed along a tube and support hubs. The hubs support tongues are positioned folded or unfolded inside the tubes used for the construction of the radial expansions into rings and catching teeth internal to the rings. The assembly enables the hubs and hub-carriers to be linked by tubes or elastic links and constitute by folding or combining the hubs and hub-carriers nodes for modelling structures of numerous types from a reduced number or elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Rantrua