Inserted Into Rod Patents (Class 403/255)
  • Patent number: 11719006
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete forming systems. A clamp member having a moveable jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing and a proximal cap maintains the desired position of the clamp member within the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Co.
    Inventor: Robert McCracken
  • Patent number: 11645031
    Abstract: A frame includes a plurality of profile sections and at least one first adapter assembly. Each profile section includes at least one section extension surface, and one of the at least one section extension surface is provided with at least one first groove therein. Each first adapter assembly includes a first position-limiting block provided with at least one first mounting hole therein. The first position-limiting block is configured to be fixed in a first groove during assembly, and to fix other components to the profile section through the at least one first mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zifeng Wang, Yan Ren, Lei Cao
  • Patent number: 11060563
    Abstract: A shaft-hub connection includes a shaft, which is provided with an external toothing arrangement in a connecting region. The shaft-hub connection also includes a hub, which is provided with an internal toothing arrangement in a connecting region. The external toothing arrangement has a first tip diameter (K1) on the side facing the axial end of the shaft and a second, larger tip diameter (K2) on the side of the connecting region facing away from the axial end so that together with the internal toothing arrangement of the hub a clearance fit is created in the region of the first tip diameter (K1) and an interference fit is created in the region of the second tip diameter (K2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karsten Fabian, Torsten Landgraf
  • Patent number: 10807424
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel comprises a rim and a valve assembly. The rim includes a radially inner wall having an inner opening and a radially outer wall having an outer opening. A first portion of the rim includes a first securing feature (e.g., inner threads). The valve assembly is positioned in the inner opening and outer opening and includes a second securing feature (e.g., outer threads) engaging the first securing feature. The rim can include a plate that defines the first engaging feature. The valve assembly preferably includes a valve stem and a resilient bumper coupled to the valve stem and aligned with a second portion of the rim. The valve assembly can further include a seal member compressed between the valve stem and the rim. Preferably, the seal member is positioned in an annular groove in an underside of an enlarged head of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Raymond Teixeira, IV
  • Patent number: 10583634
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laminated substrate for a window, in which substrates are laminated through an intermediate layer structure, the laminated substrate includes a peripheral edge region, and a central region, wherein the intermediate layer structure includes a first region, and a second region, wherein, when a value obtained by dividing shear modulus of the second region against static force by shear modulus of the first region against the static force is denoted by x, a ratio of an area of the second region with respect to an area of the whole laminated substrate for the window is greater than or equal to (?74.87x+204.47)%, for 1.40?x?2.72; and greater than or equal to (?0.0067x+0.87)%, for x>2.72; and wherein a ratio of an area of the second region in the central region is less than or equal to 83%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Sadakane, Jirou Nishihama
  • Patent number: 9827103
    Abstract: A ceramic component to be securely connected to an additional component in force-locked manner. A joint prosthesis comprising a ceramic sphere (1), a metallic sleeve (2) and a base plate (3) with a cylindrical projection. The connection between the ceramic sphere and the base plate or shaft (7) is secured by a screw (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: CeramTec GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Wecker, Alfons Kelnberger, Christoph Krause, Frank Ziermann
  • Patent number: 9739055
    Abstract: A temporary, non-load bearing wall panel that when joined together with other one or more like panels, is used as a barrier (also known as a barricade wall) that keeps a construction area, vacant store, or any other undesirable element out of the reach and view of pedestrians. If required by the end user, the panels could be laminated with a visual graphic for reasons of aesthetic enhancement, advertisement of service, announcement of future business expectations, etc. A door and/or window display, dust curtains, etc. may be added to the panels as dictated by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DeZaio Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DeZaio
  • Patent number: 9717597
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Armacost, Ryan C. Keefer, Jeffrey A. McAnelly
  • Patent number: 9289303
    Abstract: An artificial hip joint assembly including a ball mounted atop a supporting stem, the stem adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned end of a femur bone, with the ball adapted to seat within an acetabulum socket of a pelvic bone. An intermediate component is mounted between the ball and stem, the intermediate component incorporating force absorbing and redirecting properties at an engagement interface between the ball and stem in response to impact forces generated upon the ball by the pelvic bone. The intermediate component can be constructed of a softer material than either the ball or stem, the intermediate component can further include a sleeve exhibiting a plurality of interior threads and facilitating mounting of an exteriorly threaded end location of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Miguel A. Linares, Miguel A. Linares, Jr., Ryan T. Greene
  • Patent number: 9228337
    Abstract: A kit for an easy quick connect structural system for constructing framework structures comprising a plurality of elongate rectangular prism frame members is provided. The frame members incorporate custom design features which provide structural strength, facilitate assembly and expansion of the framework structure and allow ease of attachment and securing of accessories. These design features include a corner groove, a central hollow longitudinal chamber, at least one sub-trade chamber, at least one outer main channel, stub-nosed channels, and claw assembles flanking each corner groove. There is provided a plurality of snap-in connectors designed and configured to mate with the frame members such that the frame members can be secured in various arrangements with respect to each other. There is further provided custom reinforcement brackets designed and configured to securely bind together a selection of the plurality of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: E6-Xtrusion Structures Inc.
    Inventor: Hin Chung Chong
  • Patent number: 9212675
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement and method are provided for coupling a pair of frame members together. The fastening arrangement includes an insert receivable in a slot of one of the frame members. A fastener couples the insert with a receiver, such as a nut or a second insert, receivable in the other of the frame members. The insert includes a notch or similar indicator for indicating the appropriate depth to which the insert is to be driven relative to one of the frame members. The insert includes a threaded portion. The threads of the threaded portion are configured to be embedded into one of the frame members as the insert is driven relative to one of the frame members to secure the insert thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8925227
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a display backplane and an LCD device. The display backplane comprises multiple supporting brackets and a connecting slot, wherein, the connecting slot comprises a sliding slot and a protruding platform, and the protruding platform is sliding held in the sliding slot, and at least two of the brackets can rotate relatively about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the display backplane. After rotation, the display backplane formed by the brackets is smaller in volume such that it can reduce the volume occupied by the packing and shipping during transportation process of the display backplane in order to reduce the packing and shipping cost during transportation process of the display backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Yu-chun Hsiao, Chengwen Que, Pangling Zhang, Dehua Li
  • Patent number: 8727656
    Abstract: Metal profile (230,280) as well as with the metal profile cooperating fastening device (800,830,860), wherein the two-dimensional cross-section of the metal profile, perpendicularly to the length of the profile, includes a screw pocket (233). The screw pocket includes a hole (234), arranged to accommodate a screw which is inserted perpendicularly to the cross-section, as well as an opening (235) out from the hole, which opening is narrower than the cross-sectional dimension of the hole perpendicularly to the main direction of extension (M) of the opening, and in that the screw pocket is arranged to accommodate, and therefore to engage with, the fastening device, which fastening device can be inserted into the screw pocket perpendicularly to the cross-section and thereafter be slid in the screw pocket along the metal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Clamco Invest AB
    Inventor: Bertil Lohman
  • Patent number: 8702335
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of employing modified twist-to-engage bolts that attach a photovoltaic (PV) module to an extrusion rail or channel within a rail are disclosed. In addition to a modified twist-to-engage bolt (e.g., “t-bolt”), a complementary bracket portion having alignment tabs locks in place and clamps the modules to the rail. The anti-rotation locking system prevents twist-to-engage bolts from disengaging without the removal of the complementary bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas Young
  • Patent number: 8562240
    Abstract: A connection device for assembling a receiver first section member presenting an inner cavity and a fastener second section member presenting at least one groove having a constricted opening, the connection device to be received in the inner cavity of the receiver member and including a cage forming a pair of jaws for engaging the groove of the fastener member through its constricted opening. The device includes a spacer member for spacing the jaws apart, and an actuator mechanism for moving the spacer member relative to the jaws, the actuator mechanism including a pivotable lever that pivots about a first pivot pin. Then actuator mechanism includes a connection bar connected to the lever via a second pivot pin and to an abutment element via a third pivot pin, the three pivot pins are parallel, the distance between the first pin and the third pin being variable by actuating the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sodem System
    Inventor: Claude Gamain
  • Patent number: 8444342
    Abstract: A connector system (12,72) with a connector (11,61,71) of a fastening screw (17,18) and an anchor screw (19), wherein the connector (11, 61, 71) is designed for immobilization in a groove (7) of a first profile (1) which is provided with an undercut (5) formed by a profile bridge (3) and has a connector body (13, 65, 75) which has a first opening (21, 63, 31?) for an anchor screw (19) and at least one second opening (23, 23?, 59A, 59B) which is provided with an internal thread (41) and intended for a fastening screw (17, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ulrich Stauss
  • Patent number: 8434963
    Abstract: A connector for rigidly engaging elongate structural members in a display structure includes a beam connection portion defined on a body and having a cavity. A semi-cylindrical guide surface of the cavity is adjacent to an opening. The opening has an elliptical shape in which the difference between a major and a minor axis is an offset distance. An eccentric fastener is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a head portion that protrudes from the opening and engages a hole of the elongate structural member, and a cam portion that is eccentrically disposed relative to the head portion and configured to engage the semi-cylindrical surface when the eccentric fastener is rotated relative to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Orbus/P3
    Inventors: Dean Alkas, Michael Carrow
  • Patent number: 8408835
    Abstract: A clamp for section tubes having a shell with a front lateral, a fork contained in the shell and having a pair of arms and a fork neck, an end block fixed to the arms and an end slope, a slide block between the arms and having a rear slope, a pair of rigid tie bars each having a rear end pivotally linked to the fork neck, a hooked head sticking out from the front lateral and a middle recess facing each other, a pillar fixed to the shell and sandwiched in the middle recesses, a control screw rotatably contained in the shell and having a middle thread portion engaging with the slide block, an end spring between the shell and the end block, and a first and a second side springs respectively between the shell and the tie bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Zhijun Zhang, Lianping Liu
  • Patent number: 8366340
    Abstract: A structural member joint structure can easily join members to each other by using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts and can provide the members with a large fastening force which makes the members less likely to be loosened from each other. The joint structure is used to join one pillar and the other pillar to each other such that the other member is vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. The structure has a pair of fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove formed in a side face of the one pillar, a nut mechanism located on the inward side of the other pillar and formed between the pair of fastening members, and a bolt operated from the outside through an opening in the other pillar to be fitted into the nut mechanism. Rotating the bolt causes the nut mechanism to urge and move the pair of fastening members in the direction in which the pair is separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SUS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Munakata, Eiji Kashiwagi, Nobuyuki Osada
  • Patent number: 8327596
    Abstract: A structural building system includes a plurality of pultruded fiberglass reinforced structure components configured to be used as a structural frame member of a building and a plurality of connectors. Each connector is configured to be mounted to one end of a first pultruded structural component and includes a mounting section that is couplable to a second pultruded structural component so as to connect the first and second structural components at right angles to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Tecton Products, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Bratton
  • Patent number: 7832154
    Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens Smed
  • Patent number: 7448820
    Abstract: The internal tube connector assembly removeably secures hollow or solid tubes together having any desired angle there-between and comprises a receiving tube and an extending tube, each having a substantially continuous inside and outside surface. The receiving tube has a greater inner perimeter than an outer perimeter of the extending tube. A securing member having a centrally oriented fastener receiving aperture slidingly extends through apertures in the sidewall of the extending tube. A receiver having an outer surface coincident in shape with the inside surface of the receiving tube, and optionally having a receiving indentation, has a centrally oriented fastener aperture. A fastener removeably extends through the fastener opening in the sidewall of the receiving tube and into the fastener aperture in the receiver, and cooperates with the securing member to removeably secure the receiving tube with the extending tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Eric B. Faber
  • Patent number: 7389564
    Abstract: A furniture fitting including frame sections which are preferably extruded and are intended to enclose furniture parts in the form of plates or panels, wherein the flame sections have an open groove extending in the longitudinal direction receive and retain a retaining part of the fitting. The groove is narrowed by two shoulders which are parallel to one another with end faces facing one another, wherein the retaining part has a flange portion which can be supported on the free upper face of the shoulders and in which there is provided at least one bore for rotatably retaining the shank, which engages in the groove, of a clamping element which selectively fixes the retaining part on the frame section or releases it for disassembly or longitudinal displacement in the longitudinal direction of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Wilhelm Lautenschläger
  • Patent number: 7357592
    Abstract: A clamping joint system is provided for the detachable junction of two elements, of which at least one comprises an undercut longitudinal slot and the other one (12) comprises a receiving space (14) formed therein. The clamping joint system comprises a clamping element (18), which can be inserted into the receiving space (14). The clamping element comprises a housing (42) and anchor elements (22), which can be clamped against the undercut of the longitudinal slot by actuating an actuation member (19). One outer surface of the housing (42) of the clamping element (18) has an elevation (55). The elevation is formed such that it provides a tolerance compensation between the housing (42) and a surface of the receiving space (14) of element (12), when the clamping element (18) is inserted in the receiving space (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hestex Systems B.V
    Inventor: Adrian Offenbroich
  • Patent number: 7293935
    Abstract: A connector system that provides a profile connection having two profiled rods that are to be connected to one another and that each comprise at least one undercut, longitudinally oriented profile groove. The connector system may include a connecting screw with a screw head and a screw shaft as well as a threaded sleeve. The connecting screw is dimensioned such that it passes through the threaded sleeve and with part of its shaft, by way of the sleeve, can be engaged with a thrust bearing piece in the profile groove of the second profiled rod. The connecting screw is fixed in the threaded sleeve by a releasable anchoring element so as to be ready for installation. Thus, an assembly unit is created that can be screwed as a whole into the profile groove of the first profiled rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Band, Franz Band
  • Patent number: 7223042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting profile for structures used at fairs and exhibitions which is provided, on the exterior thereof, with longitudinally extending grooves for connecting additional supporting profiles, and which, in a core area, comprises a receiving compartment for a turnbuckle. This receiving compartment is part of an adapter piece which is inserted into guides of the supporting profile and which is axially retained by securing means that are inserted into bore holes of the profile. In addition, an end plate is provided which is adapted to the cross-section of the supporting profile, which is placed at least on an open face of the supporting profile, and which is connected to the adapter piece. This end plate can be configured as a shaped body in order to be adapted to the outer curvature of a round profile. In addition, the end plate can also comprise a joint part so that additional supporting profiles can be connected in an articulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Octanorm-Vertriebs-GmbH fuer Bauelemente
    Inventor: Hans Bruder
  • Patent number: 7104021
    Abstract: A terminal for use with a muntin bar or cross includes a muntin bar and a terminal plug. The muntin bar has an end and an outer surface. The end of the muntin bar includes a hollow space and an inner wall. The terminal plug is adapted to be inserted into the end of the muntin and includes a flange, a plug body and a longitudinal slot. When installed in the muntin, the flange engages the outer surface of the muntin. The plug body is designed to provide a press fit with the inner wall of the muntin by having at least part of the plug body being pressed against the inner wall of the muntin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Harald Apfelthaler
  • Patent number: 7096637
    Abstract: A display system and structure is disclosed generally comprising a vertical post assembly and a horizontal beam assembly coupled thereto, wherein the beam assembly includes a beam, a housing, and a plate assembly extractable from the housing, which plate assembly has at least two plates, which, when separated, secure the beam assembly to the post assembly. In some embodiments, the plates have ridges that fit into a channel in the post assembly. In some embodiments, the post assembly includes a spline with a slot, and the plates have tongues which fit into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: John Charles McMillan
  • Patent number: 7014213
    Abstract: A conduit system for supplying, conducting and distributing fluids, especially air, comprising profiles, which have a longitudinal channel for the fluid and, in at least one outer wall, at least one recess for receiving a fastening element for a connecting element. The fastening element passes through the connecting element and comprises a clamping piece which is inserted into a recess and fixed in the recess by turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Christof Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7004667
    Abstract: A connection (10) of two streamlined-section struts (12, 14) running orthogonally to one another with an essentially rectangular base cross section (18) uses a connector (16). The lateral surface (18a) of one (14) of the streamlined-section struts has a mounting groove (18b), as well as an edge flange (18c), which projects substantially orthogonally from an edge of this lateral surface (18a) at a predetermined distance (b). The connector (16) can be attached to the lateral surface (18a) of the one streamlined-section strut having the mounting groove (18b) and to the front side of the other streamlined-section strut (12). The contour of the connector (16)is accommodated substantially completely within the base cross section (18) of the other streamlined-section strut (12). In addition, the depth of the connector (16) is essentially the same as the predetermined distance (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Peter Ludwig, Uwe Kaiser, Jens Henneberg
  • Patent number: 6969211
    Abstract: A multi-tubular connector apparatus comprising a connector body having a shoulder portion substantially matching the outer profile of a tubular member and an open fastener shaft through the body. Connecting slots within the shoulder portion have open ends within the top of the shoulder and apertures through the side of the shoulder. Deflectable legs are radially spaced about the open fastener shaft. A wedge member having an open fastener shaft coacts with the inner face of the deflectable legs. A connector cap having a fastener aperture covers the connecting slots. An elongated fastener fits through the connector cap, open fastener shaft of the connector body, open fastener shaft of the wedge member to provide means for tensioning the wedge member against the deflectable leg, outwardly deflecting the deflectable leg against inner walls of a tubular member frictionally connecting the apparatus to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Lee E. Altman
  • Patent number: 6960045
    Abstract: A connector device for connecting a first profile to the end side of a second profile with a central recess having a connector bolt with a shank and an end contour. When the connector is installed, the end contour engages with a clamping action behind a recess, in particular a groove, in the first profile. Here, the connector bolt is adjoined, on the end side which is located opposite the end contour, by an extension element with an end stop, and the extension element is slidingly mounted in a bushing. In addition, an elastic element is provided between the bushing and the connector bolt. This elastic element acts directly or indirectly on the sliding bushing and the connector bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: FMS Forder-und Montage-Systeme Schmalzhofer GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Schmalzhofer
  • Publication number: 20030152422
    Abstract: A connection device in which a hook member is carried in a casing member for both rotation about an axis of the hook member and movement longitudinally of the hook member inwardly and outwardly relative the casing. An actuating member is provided to displace the hook member simultaneously for rotation and axial movement. The connection device is particularly adapted to be used as an element of a releasable joint for modular frame construction of frame members having T-shaped longitudinally extending slots. With the hook member in an unlocked position, the hook member extends from one frame member carrying the hook member and permits passage into a slot of another frame member with the hook member in the slot in the unlocked position, the hook member may be moved to a locked position by rotation and withdrawal of the hook member relative the frame member by which it is carried so as to catch the head of the hook member in the T-shaped slot and draw the two frame members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: George Ivanov Popovski
  • Patent number: 6582149
    Abstract: A connecting device for the connection of a first workpiece provided with at least one undercut longitudinal groove to a second workpiece which in turn is provided with a longitudinal groove or grooves has at least one extent which exceeds the width of the narrow cross-section of the longitudinal groove or grooves and at least one main body which can be partially fitted into the narrow cross-section of the longitudinal groove and which has longitudinal lateral shoulder surfaces extending on both sides of a ridge bar or the like central portion. At least one pin-like connection member which is adapted to be connected to the workpiece or the profile bar passes through the main body in the region of the ridge bar; outside the main body the connecting device is provided with a connection element for the other workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Winfried K. W. Holscher
  • Patent number: 6505453
    Abstract: A T-link of two profile bars, with a link (1) comprising two elongate clamping jaws (6) which can be tightened transversely by a fixing element (5) and can be locked in position, closing like tongs, in undercut casing grooves (7) of a second profile bar (8), and which engage endwise in a cavity (3) in a first profile bar (4) and can be clamped onto cylindrically parallel inner webs (10) of a first profile bar (4) that are arranged between said clamping jaws. Improvement of the stability of the T-link is achieved in that the first profile bar (4) comprises more than two inner webs (10) evenly distributed about its inner circumference, in that tightened clamping jaws (6) exclusively clamp inner webs (10) with longitudinally linear and/or planar contact, and in that the clamping jaws (6) engage by each of their longitudinal edges (70) in a respective clearance (71) provided between the clamped inner web (10) and the inner web (10′) adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
  • Patent number: 6485221
    Abstract: A universal clamp for attaching display fixtures to a slot in a hollow vertical column support of a modular display system includes a body piece having an axial opening therein, an elongated clamping piece that extends through the body piece and has an enlarged head at one end, and a clamping actuator at an opposite end of the clamping piece to draw the enlarged head into clamping engagement with the column. The head of the clamping piece has a height H greater than the width of the slot in the vertical column and a width W less than the width of the slot. The clamp is rotated ninety degrees to allow the head of the clamping piece to enter the column through the slot, then turned back ninety degrees to engage the head with the column before clamping. A curved face on the body piece matches the curved outer surface of the column and a ridge across the curved face engages the slot to prevent the clamp from rotating around its own axis during clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Canfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Haversat
  • Patent number: 6478501
    Abstract: A coupling member, for coupling profile bars having longitudinal grooves covered by profile walls so that a first profile bar is butt-jointed to a side wall of a second profile bar. The coupling member is inserted into the grooves aligned in one plane. The coupling includes an elongated counter holder insertable into the longitudinal groove of the first profile bar, and a tension tie incorporating a shaped head that is insertable into the longitudinal groove of the second profile bar and engages the profile walls from behind, and a shaft connected to the counter holder. The counter holder is rotatable on the tension tie by a pivot that engages the profile walls and is provided on one side with a tooth system that penetrates the groove bottom when the coupling member is tightened by rotating the counter holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Kahl
  • Patent number: 6397551
    Abstract: A structural framework system for the construction of exhibition display stands and the like makes use of a beam extrusions having dovetail shaped edge formations which enable panel frames to be hung therefrom and locked in position by virtue of coupling frames incorporating therein a locking element which can be retracted into a recess of the coupling frame for initial location of the coupling frame relative to a beam and can then be moved to project from the recess and to clamp the beam dovetail by insertion of actuating pins into bores provide in the coupling frame and communicating with the recess. A beam end fitting enables a beam to be secured to a transversely-extending second beam by a similar process and a 4-way node fitting enable nodes to be formed at the intersection of a plurality of orthogonal beams. A leg length adjustment provides for the adjustment of the lengths of structural support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Owen Lewcock, Ralph Peter Steven Bailey
  • Patent number: 6382866
    Abstract: A perpendicular connection of two profile rods abutting at an angle (&agr;) with undercut linear grooves has a connecting bolt with a head at one end. This is arranged parallel to the axis of symmetry of a longitudinal profile rod in an undercut linear groove therein, and engages with its other end in a tenon block arranged in an undercut linear groove of the transverse profile rod. A spread element inserted in the undercut linear groove can be spread by the effect of an axial force generated by the connecting bolt transverse to the linear groove and firmly clamped in this as an abutment. The spread element comprises a spread body with an axial holder bore and a wedge body which can be inserted therein with the through bore for the connecting bolt, where the head of the connecting bolt lies against a face of the wedge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Zihlmann Engineering
    Inventor: Siegfried Zihlmann
  • Patent number: 6116808
    Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device for detachably connecting two profiled parts (1, 19). There can be inserted and secured in a first profiled part (1) an insert core (2) comprising an axially movable slide (7) with an end part having a projection (17, 18) which can be at least partially inserted into an opening in a second profiled part (19) in order to exert clamping pressure against a portion of the second profiled part (19), which portion partially closes the opening. The slide (7) is flat, and the insert core (2) comprises two inner grooves for axially guiding the slide (7). Rotatably guided in the insert core (2) is an eccentric (5). When the eccentric head (4) is rotated, the eccentric roller (22) presses against the inner wall (30) of a recess (12) in the slide (7) in order to move the latter into the insert core (2) into a position which enables the projection to exert the aforementioned clamping pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Syma Intercontinental AG
    Inventors: Marcel Strassle, Kurt Zullig
  • Patent number: 6059322
    Abstract: A passage communication member is fitted in a first passage in a structural member, and has a head which is mounted in a slot in another structural member. The first passage in the structural member and a passage in the other structural member are held in communication with each other through a through hole that is defined in the passage communication member. Alternatively, a first engaging member is inserted in a recess defined in a structural member, and a second engaging member is retained in a slot in another structural member. When the first and second engaging members are coupled to each other by a fastening member, the structural members are firmly joined and fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Koji Sugano, Hiroyuki Shiomi, Takeshi Nagai
  • Patent number: 5950371
    Abstract: A furniture system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan and having an associated floor surface includes an overhead framework including a plurality of horizontal beam segments interconnected to form a rigid structure configured to be spaced above the floor surface. A plurality of support columns, each has an upper portion connected with the overhead framework, and a lower portion shaped to abut the floor surface to support the overhead framework in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation above average user height. Each of the support columns further includes at least three vertical edges defining substantially planar faces therebetween. At least two of the vertical edges have a plurality of slots therein for supporting office furniture items and office accessories. A shelf is mounted to one of the support columns and is supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Rives, Joyce S. Bromberg
  • Patent number: 5785359
    Abstract: A passage communication member is fitted in a first passage in a structural member, and has a head which is mounted in a slot in another structural member. The first passage in the structural member and a passage in the other structural member are held in communication with each other through a through hole that is defined in the passage communication member. Alternatively, a first engaging member is inserted in a recess defined in a structural member, and a second engaging member is retained in a slot in another structural member. When the first and second engaging members are coupled to each other by a fastening member, the structural members are firmly joined and fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Koji Sugano, Hiroyuki Shiomi, Takeshi Nagai
  • Patent number: 5673531
    Abstract: A modular, removable and versatile metal construction includes each of the following: support, transverse and perpendicular profile elements, connection devices, rigid connection pieces, and rigid connection elements. The support profile element has a core with a central opening, and lateral wings having a pair of projections defining an opening therebetween with two channels. The perpendicular profile element is positioned perpendicular to the support and transverse profile elements. The connection device includes a clamp having first and second parts terminating at different levels at an end region of the device, the parts together defining, in sequence, an end, first opposite projections, first opposite indentations, second opposite projections, and second opposite indentations, the end, indentations and projections providing securing engagement at five contact points within a lateral opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventors: Jose Munoz Carcedo, Jose Manuel Perez Cidre
  • Patent number: 5657604
    Abstract: A panel connector (10) is comprised of substantially identical locking bars (12A, 12B) held together in clothes-pin fashion by a resilient rod (14). The body (46) of the connector is received in a channel (86) of one structural member (80A). Jaws (34) formed on the top (18) of each bar (12A, 12B) may be received in a slot (92) of a second structural member (80B) and the jaws thereafter urged apart by a spreader member (70) to grippingly engage the slot (92) and lock the structural members (80A, 80B) together. Camming surfaces (42) of the jaw sections (34) facilitate use of connector (10) over a wide range of wall thicknesses at the slot (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Downing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Malott
  • Patent number: 5617692
    Abstract: A structure derives its structural strength and integrity entirely from interlocked pultruded composite members. The disclosed techniques can be used in a wide variety of applications including replacement for steel frame structures and is especially useful where the electrical properties of steel are undesirable, such as in high voltage transmission towers. Two types of pultrusions are used as structural members to build the entire structure. Lock-in butt joints between all members are made by inserting the compressed ends of the resilient bifurcations of the crossmembers into openings in the receiving member, where they expand to lock in place and are blocked against subsequent compression by inserts. Channels spanning the entire column lengths permit insertion of a crossmember anywhere along the channel where there is an access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ebert Composites Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Johnson, W. Brandt Goldsworthy, George Korzeniowski
  • Patent number: 5503471
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf support system for display cases and showcases for containing articles for display. The system includes a plurality of individual pins that are each for adjustable mounting onto a showcase vertical support whereto showcase walls are maintained, each pin to extend into the showcase, at a right angle to the vertical support. Each vertical support includes a longitudinal slot formed therein that has a keyhole cross section the longitudinal slot to receive a head end of the pin fitted to travel therein, which pin head end is an end of a threaded shaft to extend through a narrow section of the slot, at a right angle, into the showcase. A sleeve, that has a smooth wall center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is disposed over the threaded shaft, and a cylinder, that includes a threaded center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is arranged for turning onto the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Jahabow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Aspenwall
  • Patent number: 5464298
    Abstract: A turnbuckle for connecting a hollow section is provided with a catch recess, with a carrier element having a clamping edge shoulder, the turnbuckle including a housing which fits within the hollow section. The housing has a longitudinal axis with an abutment pin fixed in the housing substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A clamping spring is movable in a translational manner within the housing, the clamping spring having a clamping finger part formed by two clamping fingers which are movable in mutually opposite directions substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Each clamping finger has a clamping hook end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: intur System-Profil GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Franz Schomakers
  • Patent number: 5383326
    Abstract: Gripper pads for a gripping device such as that found in a stretch wrap packaging machine are provided with means enabling their simple installation and mechanical attachment to the fingers of a film gripping unit without necessitating the removal of the gripper unit from the machine. Each pad includes a film-contacting surface which is essentially unaffected chemically by plasticizers found in the common stretch films employed in this field. The film-contacting surface is one which is compressible but also has a fast recovery for returning to its original uncompressed condition to accommodate relatively high speed wrapping. Laminated to the film-contacting surface is a solid urethane or comparable material which has strength capabilities enabling the formation of stems or runners on the side opposite the film-contacting surface so that the stems can be threaded through openings in the fingers and used as pulling tools to anchor heads connected to the stems to be anchored in the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph T. Dean, Richard D. Valentine
  • Patent number: 5285613
    Abstract: This joint system is provided primarily for connecting elongated structural members which are made of materials which deter the use of conventional fastening techniques, and specifically for joining pultruded composite structural members composed of, for example, glass fibers and resins. The joint system in the first embodiment includes an elongated pultruded member which defines one or two re-entrant slots along its entire length, with the interior structure defining the walls of the slot or slots being configured to cooperate with the inserted seating end of another composite length such that when the length is inserted into one of the slots, the slot is first expanded slightly and then the walls of the slot snap back to lock with cooperating structure of the other structural member. In a second embodiment a sleeve-like equivalent of the slot configuration is set forth and lastly, a high-voltage power line tower constructed with the joint coupling as its central feature is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventors: W. Brandt Goldsworthy, David W. Johnson