Corner Joint Patents (Class 403/231)
  • Patent number: 10113575
    Abstract: A connecting device includes a connecting element arranged on a connectible part, which includes non-self-cutting retaining projections having a curved supporting surface in the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section that are insertable into a groove provided on another connectible part. The groove has a curved undercut surface in the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section, a base segment, and two undercut segments extending away from the base segment in a thickness direction. The retaining projections engage in the undercut segments of the groove, the connecting means guiding the parts in relation to each other. One connecting element includes a guiding groove with a slotted guide and the other connecting element includes a guiding element moveable along the guiding groove in a specified guiding path having varying distances from a contact surface of the part and/or abutment surface of the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignees: LAMELLO AG
    Inventors: Franz Baur, Franz Haser, Philipp Seiler, Patrick Jeker, Samuel Haenni
  • Patent number: 10100508
    Abstract: A rafter bracket configured to connect a vertical post to a rafter is described herein. The rafter bracket may include lower vertical side plates, a horizontal plate, and upper vertical side plates. The horizontal plate may be perpendicular to the upper and lower vertical side plates and may separate the upper vertical side plates from the lower vertical side plates. The horizontal plate and lower vertical side plates may create an upper cavity that receives the vertical post. Meanwhile, the rafter may be positioned on one of the upper vertical side plates and positioned between two of the upper vertical side plates and may be angled at an acute angle relative to the vertical post as well as the upper and lower vertical side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Fox Hardwood Lumber, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Samuel Fox
  • Patent number: 9983620
    Abstract: In some implementations, a cover may be attached to or detached from a computing device. For example, individual cam locks of a plurality of cam locks embedded into a computing device may be placed in an open position. Individual pins of a plurality of pins fastened to the cover may be aligned with a corresponding cam lock of the plurality of cam locks. The individual pins may be inserted into the corresponding cam locks. The individual cam locks may be moved from the open position to a closed position, causing the cover to be attached to the external surface of the computing device. The cover may include a curved portion that causes the cover to apply pressure to the outer surface of the computing device when the plurality of cam locks are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: John Trevor Morrison, Christopher A. Torres
  • Patent number: 9889980
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dividable packaging structure, which includes: a plurality of first and second side frame members (2, 4) and a plurality of corner connection pieces (6) respectively connected to the first and second side frame members (2, 4). The plurality of corner connection pieces (6) connects the first side frame members (2) and the second side frame members (4) together to form a frame. The dividable packaging structure of the present invention has a dividable and thus splittable configuration, allowing for effective reduction of material cost. To package an object, the frame carries and supports the objet and the corner connection pieces provide positioning of the object to effectively prevent the object from shifting during shipment that may lead to occurrence of deformation of the objet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qinjun Shi
  • Patent number: 9853598
    Abstract: A solar module frame includes two first borders and two second borders. At least one first border includes a first segment and a second segment, where one end of the first segment is connected to one end of the second border, and one end of the second segment is connected to one end of the other second border. The solar module frame includes at least one connection component. One end of the connection component is connected to the other end of the first segment, and the other end of the connection component is connected to the other end of the second segment. Each of the first segment, the second segment, and the connection component includes an external wall, a support wall, a first clamping wall, and a second clamping wall. Each of the first segment and the second segment includes an internal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NEO SOLAR POWER CORP.
    Inventors: Meng-Hsiu Wu, Hung-Yang Lin, Chien-Liang Chen, Ching-Huang Lin, Chang-Kuei Chung, Sen-Hsiang Hung
  • Patent number: 9816541
    Abstract: A bed fastening device providing connection of the components in a bed structure, including a first mating part and a second mating part correspondingly mounted proximally to one end of bed components. The first mating part includes an elongate parallelepipedal plastic item with equidistantly spaced planar partition walls extending into side housings of tubular members, openings being provided in between sequential partition walls and side housings. The second mating part includes an elongate planar base plastic item with perpendicularly oriented, equidistantly spaced tubular members provided with side extensions. Engagement of the mating parts and of the bed fastening device and accordingly of bed components takes place with the introduction of tubular members of the mating parts within the openings of mating parts and the vertical downward displacement of the mating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Ioannis Bilis
  • Patent number: 9598856
    Abstract: A glueless composite panel is disclosed having a first panel element and a second panel element. The two panel elements are connected together by coupling and extend in each case parallel to a longitudinal direction of a first end side of the first panel element. A first groove is arranged on the first panel element on the first end side thereof, the groove being delimited by a tongue and an edge strip that is set back with respect to the tongue. The first edge strip is in this case subdivided into individual first strip sections. The second panel element has corresponding coupling such that in the coupled state of the two panel elements the first strip sections and second strip sections of the second panel element undercut one another at least regionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Guido Schulte
  • Patent number: 9593997
    Abstract: A pressure controller/calibrator has multiple modules. Each module has a stage, an elongated rail fixed to chassis of the controller or the module, and resilient guides fixed to the other of the stage or the chassis. In one embodiment, the rail has a proximate end at an edge of the chassis and a distal end inside the chassis. The distal end of the rail wider is than its proximate end. Between the two ends, the rail has concave contours that cooperate with convex springs in the stage to hold the stage at a desired location in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Corrigan, Simon J. Page
  • Patent number: 9404612
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a male portion having a center channel passing therethrough and having a dovetail tenon. The center channel of the male portion is configured to hold an electrical cord of a power consuming device. A female portion has a center channel passing therethrough and a dovetail mortise adapted to mate with the dovetail tenon. The center channel of the female portion is configured to hold electrical wires from an electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Mark Lashinske
  • Patent number: 9377040
    Abstract: A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has an L shape and may feature a double L shape. A portion inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another portion extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. Pairs of clips may be used at each corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hooper, Ion-Horatiu Barbulescu, William Ling
  • Patent number: 9322159
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a construction spacer for holding boards in a parallel and spaced-apart manner comprising a Y-shaped base having a first and second base ends, the first base end forming a C-shaped aperture; a pair of spaced apart J-shaped attachment arms that perpendicularly attaches to the first base end and further forms hook portions that together can hold a first board; a pair of lateral support arms that extends outward from the first body end; an L-shaped attachment arm that perpendicularly attaches to the second base end and forms a catch that can hold a second board parallel to the first board, wherein the C-shaped aperture can accept a second base end of another construction spacer to allow a plurality of construction spacers to be connected together in tandem order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Jack W. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9200658
    Abstract: An improved joint member, e.g., a gusset, is provided and is formed from a fiber-reinforced pultruded material. The improved gusset is more lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture than conventional gussets. Furthermore, the fiber-reinforced material is strong enough to provide the structural support needed in most platform-type systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Paul R. Gerst
  • Patent number: 8998527
    Abstract: A structural component interconnect assembly includes a first component adapted for interconnection with a second component. A connection component is adapted for securing the first component and the second component together in a secured interconnection. The connection component includes at least two flanges spaced from each other by a first distance. The first component includes a mating surface having at least two slots formed therein and spaced one from another by the first distance. The second component includes a first surface and a second surface spaced one from the other by a distance on the order of the first distance. Engagement of the at least two flanges, via the at least two slots, with the first surface and the second surface secures the first component to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Envelope, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Clark
  • Patent number: 8992114
    Abstract: A connector assembly to fasten two members including an elongate fastener with a transverse aperture where the transverse aperture has a countersunk surface and a screw threaded nipple positionable in the transverse aperture so that when the nipple is placed into the transverse aperture it moves down the countersunk surface and forces the fastener to move and bring the two fastened members closer together. The connector assembly can also include a housing to assist with the positioning of the nipple. The connector assembly has relatively few parts and provides a tight and aesthetically pleasing connection finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Boseth Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Alosman Ajanovic
  • Patent number: 8961060
    Abstract: A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8956071
    Abstract: A frame joint system including a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members include laterally opening channels running axially thereof. The frame members are adapted to be rigidly secured together by quick release coupling. Embodiments of the frame joint system include mitered corner, end-to-face, face-to-face and end-to-end joints. The quick release coupling includes at least a first sleeve member and a gripping member. The gripping member is nested within the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is nested within the first frame member. The gripping member includes gripping elements that mate with a slot in a box rail element fixedly associated with the second frame member. Activating the gripping elements pulls the two frame members together into a rigid joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Moss Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Frey
  • Patent number: 8919711
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detachably coupling a drawer to an extendable rail of a pullout guide, comprising an adjusting apparatus by means of which a position of a drawer connected to the rail can be adjusted in the lateral direction relative to the rail, wherein the device has a fastening part that can be fastened to the drawer and a coupling part that can be coupled to the rail, wherein the coupling part can be detachably coupled to the rail, and wherein the position of the fastening part and the coupling part relative to each other can be adjusted by the adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Holzer, Kurt Haemmerle
  • Patent number: 8915668
    Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8899868
    Abstract: A miter coupling and method for using the miter coupling to join a pair of square metal tubes at a desired angle using a welding process. The miter coupling, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a single piece of metal formed into a shape that is adapted to receive the ends of two square metal tubes at a desired angle. The miter coupling is shaped to form a pair of parallel elbow members, where the elbow members are formed into a desired angle, and the elbow members are interconnected by a cross support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Blaine Trivette
  • Patent number: 8864407
    Abstract: A furniture interconnection system for reversibly joining a board element and an upright element perpendicular to each other in a furniture frame. The joint is formed by a tenon and a mortise, the tenon having a novel irregular hexagon shape, the mortise having a novel irregular quadrilateral shape. The tenon is inserted into the mortise and pivoted in stages on a pair of angles of the hexagon, to form a stable joint without fasteners such as glue, screws, and other similar fasteners. As the tenon pivots inside the mortise, pairs of complementary and supplementary angles interact within the furniture interconnection system to position the tenon to form the stable joint without additional fasteners, allowing the furniture frame to be easily dismantled for moving or reconfiguration without damaging the frame, but forming the reversible joint that is sufficiently sturdy to support the load it was designed to bear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Petter Sorum
  • Patent number: 8840333
    Abstract: A frame the joint connector comprises a first head, a second head and a neck interconnecting the first head and the second head. The first head forms a first shoulder adjacent the neck facing the second head. The second head forms a second shoulder adjacent the neck facing the first head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Victor Massey
  • Publication number: 20140270919
    Abstract: A corner fitting includes a sleeve body having a hollow inner space and configured to coaxially fit over a pipe member of a predetermined size. An edge of the sleeve body at a second distal end has a corner cut portion, a protruding tab, and two recesses, the protruding tab being diametrically opposed to the corner cut portion in the radial direction of the sleeve body, and the recesses being diametrically opposed to each other in the radial direction of the sleeve body. The corner cut portion is configured and shaped such that the sleeve body fits together with an identical sleeve body on the pipe member of the predetermined size with the corner cut portions of the two sleeve bodies contacting each other and with the pipe being nested between the protruding tabs of the second distal ends of the two sleeve bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Kokinakis
  • Patent number: 8784029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a furniture connector, in particular, to an insertion type furniture connector that includes a female buckle, a middle buckle and a sub-buckle. The female buckle is a hollow cylinder whose inner wall is formed with a positioning ring. The middle buckle is a hollow rod having an insertion hole in its axis direction, the rod wall of the front end portion of the middle buckle is provided with axis direction slits, and the exterior rim of the front end portion of the middle buckle engages with the inner wall of the female buckle having the positioning ring. The sub-buckle is a rod-shaped body which can be inserted into the insertion hole and which has a diameter matching with that of the insertion hole. Furniture panel can be connected by inserting the middle buckle into the female buckle and inserting the sub-buckle into the middle buckle without using a tool, facilitating the assembly of the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Minsheng Liu, Yuqi Liu
  • Patent number: 8782994
    Abstract: A collar-form, nodal connection between the ends of beams and the outside of a column including (a) column-mount node components, joined to and distributed around the outside of the column at a defined location along its length, (b) planar beam-mount node components connected to beam ends and arranged in a collar form circumsurrounding the column-mount node components, with adjacent beam-mount node components possessing adjacent lateral sides including confronting load-compression faces that lie in planes which are disposed at angles of substantially 45-degrees relative to the respective planes of their associated beam-mount components, and (c) for each pair of adjacent beam-mount-component lateral sides, operatively connected nut-and-bolt structure extending through the associated beam-mount components' lateral sides, appropriately tightened within the overall nodal connection to produce compression in confrontingly adjacent load-compression faces which is effective within the connection to promote column-ci
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8745954
    Abstract: A floating, nondestructably disconnectable, discontinuous, full-moment nodal connection between the end of a beam and the side of a column including (a) a column having a side, (b) a column-mount node structure joined to that column side, (c) an elongate beam having an end, and (d) a beam-mount node structure joined to that beam end. The column-mount and beam-mount structures are floatingly, nondestructably disconnectably, and discontinuity-gravity-seated relative to one another, and as so seated, form an operative full-moment connection, via the node structures, between the column and beam, this connection being characterized by the fact that there is no uninterrupted material-occupying path or structure which flows structurally from the beam to the column through the node structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8726599
    Abstract: A fatigue load resistant structure includes a fatigue loaded portion and a weldable fatigue loading resistant feature. The fatigue loaded portion includes a first elongation material. The weldable fatigue loading resistant feature includes a second elongation material secured to the fatigue loaded portion of the fatigue loaded structure. The first elongation material is less ductile than the second elongation material, and the weldable fatigue loading resistant feature can reduce, retard, or eliminate formation of cracks due to tensile and compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Anthony Nowak, Srikanth Chandrudy Kottilingam, Bill Damon Johnston
  • Patent number: 8720707
    Abstract: A frame is provided for highly-concentrated photovoltaic cells. The frame uses vertical and horizontal rods. Connectors are fixed at where the vertical and horizontal rods connect. The frame is constructed with the rods and connectors coordinated with fixing components. Thus, solar cell receivers can be directly set at any place on the frame; and the frame can be easily constructed and safely moved. Furthermore, location space is effectively used and weather resistance is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council
    Inventors: Hwen-Fen Hong, Zun-Hao Shih, hwa-yuh Shin, Cherng-Tsong Kuo
  • Patent number: 8720839
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a connector that connects a first flat member and a second flat member. The connector can include a support portion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a first arm channel. The connector can also include a second arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apart from the first arm. An opening is defined, in part, by an edge of the support portion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of the second arm. Also, the first arm channel an the second arm channel and the support portion are shaped and configured such that the first flat member can be positioned, in part, within the first arm channel, and extend through the opening, and the second flat member can be positioned, in part, in the second arm channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mladen Lijesnic
  • Patent number: 8701882
    Abstract: A container for goods having an axial dimension is provided, comprising a first end support having four corners and being oriented in a first plane, a second end support having four corners and being oriented in a second plane spaced axially from the first plane, at least two connecting rails having first and second ends, the first ends being removeably connected to the first end support and the second ends being removeably connected to the second end support, each rail being connected to a different corner of the first end support and a corresponding corner of the second end support, wherein at least one good may be suspended between and supported by the first end support and second end support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Badger Plug Company
    Inventor: Ted Voissem
  • Patent number: 8695815
    Abstract: A housing frame includes a first and second beams connected to each other through a connection member. The two beams are each obtained by perpendicularly bending a metal plate twice in the longitudinal direction. The second beam is arranged perpendicular to the first beam. The connection member has a connection base portion extending from a bent side surface of a second base portion to a bent side surface of a first base portion through a cut portion formed in a first side portion and overlaps with the first base portion and the second base portion. The connection base portion and the first base portion are fastened together by a first fastening member, and the connection base portion and the second base portion are fastened together by a second fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiro Takahashi, Yousuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 8690471
    Abstract: A corner connector for a shelving display is provided comprising a planar base, an inner and an outer wall on and substantially perpendicular to the base, wherein a receptacle is formed between the inner and outer walls, a post on and substantially perpendicular to the base, and a first and a second end wall at opposing ends of the inner and outers walls, wherein said first and second end walls further define the receptacle. The corner connector further comprises a separator located within the receptacle to define an upper receptacle and a lower receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Batavia Container, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Wians, Jeff A. Waterman
  • Publication number: 20140086669
    Abstract: A modular scaffold component of different material components advantageously uses the durability and reliability of conventional type steel ledger heads adhesively secured to by an aluminum or aluminum alloy structural member. In a preferred embodiment the structural member is an extruded elongate tube and in a further preferred structure the elongate tube is of a non circular cross section having thickened top and bottom portions preferably interior to a circular outer surface. These thickened portions provide additional strength and structural characteristics such that the component can be freely substituted for the equivalent steel component. In this way the component may be added to existing systems to take advantage of the reduced weight thereof without requiring a dedicated system or rendering an existing system obsolete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Rogers
  • Patent number: 8616801
    Abstract: A gusset (40A-G) between two CMC walls (26, 28) has fibers (23) oriented to provide anisotropic strengthening of the wall intersection (34). The fibers (23) may be oriented diagonally to oppose in tension a wall-spreading moment of the walls (26, 28) about the intersection (34). Interlocking features (46, 48, 52, 56, 58) may be provided on the gusset to improve load sharing between the gusset and the walls. The gusset may have one or more diagonal edges (50, 51) that contact matching edges of a slot (42, 42D, 43D) to oppose wall-spreading (M1) and wall-closing (M2) bending of the walls (26, 28). The gusset may be installed in the slot after preparing the gusset and the walls to different temperatures. Then the assembly may be final-fired to produce differential shrinkage that causes compression of the gusset or the wall intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Morrison, John V. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130319296
    Abstract: A furniture connector includes a pair of connector blocks disposed in opposing relation. Each of the connector blocks includes: a first end which cooperate to removably secure an end of a longitudinal frame member between the pair of connector blocks; and a second end having a first flange and a second flange extending longitudinally. When the pair of connector blocks are secured to the end of the longitudinal frame member, the first flange of each connector block cooperate to define a proximal transverse channel where a first transverse frame member may be removably secured to the pair of connector blocks. The second flange of each connector block cooperate to define a distal transverse channel where a second transverse frame member may be removably secured to the pair of connector blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Stefano Lio, Jehan Paul-Chowdhury, Nicholas Gillissie
  • Patent number: 8528872
    Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
  • Patent number: 8474213
    Abstract: A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8464488
    Abstract: An anchoring device is disclosed comprising a generally horizontal top element made of a resilient material embedded with a high-strength material and being of varying thicknesses throughout and having a generally downward extending element of a variety of shapes extending downwardly from the underside thereof. The high-strength material may be of any high-strength material, such as metal, rigid high-strength plastic, or fiberglass, for example and may be embedded as a solid or as particulate material. When used as a particulate, the high-strength material may be embedded in select areas as required to customize the anchor. Where desired, the generally downwardly extending element may also comprise a high-strength material of either solid or particulate form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Ipe Clip Fastener Co., LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Pelc, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8453414
    Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, for assembling a structural frame from elongate, tubular columns having plural sides, and a selected style of elongate beams, with respect to which, the method includes the steps of (a) pre-fitting the sides of such columns and the ends of such beams with attached, gravity-set, complementary interconnect structures (either collar-form or non-collar form in nature), including column-side-fitted interconnect structures and beam-end-fitted interconnect structures, (b) utilizing gravity, bringing interconnect-structure pre-fitted beams and columns into correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions relative to one another, and (c) through the performing of the bringing step alone, and on the resulting occurrence of the achievement of the mentioned correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions between a beam and a column, simultaneously and immediately thereby establishing (1) a full-moment load-bearing connection, and (2) a relatively positionally gravity-set-and-s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8454259
    Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130034383
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: E6-XTRUSION STRUCTURES INC.
    Inventor: Hin Chung Chong
  • 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: 8353492
    Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
  • Patent number: 8330037
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic module body and frames mounted to a periphery thereof. The frame includes a main body having a hollow structure and a fit-engagement portion located above the main body and fittingly receiving the periphery of the photovoltaic module body. The main body of the frame is formed with a mounting portion into which a press-insertion member is press-inserted and which has a great outside wall thickness and a small inside wall thickness in section. The frames are fixed to each other by press-inserting the press-insertion member into the mounting portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8282307
    Abstract: A furniture joinery, comprises a slide rail and a slide block. The slide block includes a cut extending therethrough. The slide block receives a fastener and when the fastener passes through the cut, slides on the slide block become misaligned in the slide rail thus retaining the slide block therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Audubon Block Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Brown
  • Patent number: 8196758
    Abstract: A frame assembly includes upper and lower frame units, four vertical frame rods, four pairs of top and bottom female connectors, eight male connectors, and first and second bolts. Each frame unit includes four rectangularly-arranged horizontal frame rods. Each female connector interconnects an adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods, and includes two horizontal tenons engaging respectively the adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods. The male connectors are connected respectively to opposite ends of the vertical frame rods. Each male connector includes a vertical tenon engaging a respective one of the opposite ends of the vertical frame rods, and an engaging block mating with a respective one of the female connectors. The first and second bolts are for securing releasably and respectively the female connectors to the male connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 8162559
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a first panel to a second panel with the first panel having one edge thereof fixed relative to a surface of the second panel and the two panels extending transversely, typically at right angles, to each other. The connector includes an anchor unit for cooperation with an aperture through the first panel inwardly of the one edge thereof and a nut captive relative to the anchor unit for receiving a fastener passing through the second panel for urging the anchor unit towards the second panel. The anchor unit includes a first component and a second component each of which has a generally planar base with one or more attachment lugs receiving the fastener. The peripheral edge of the base, in each case, is shaped so that the base covers and obscures the aperture with a flat abutment edge engaging the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: RK Intellectual Property (Pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Pieter Retief Krige
  • Patent number: 8161702
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain the grooves for receiving portions of the top into the grooves; and (c) at least one compressive element located on the device, with at least one portion of the at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from the imaginary center line and away from the vertical support member, wherein the compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under a predetermined compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Heron Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Harry W. Eberle, III
  • Patent number: 8122537
    Abstract: A corner connector element having a main body portion, wherein a first side surface and a second side surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another; a first abutment surface extending substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the first side surface; a second abutment surface extending substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the second side surface; one or more protrusions extend perpendicularly from the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface; a corner abutment surface; and a radiused surface extending from a terminating edge of the first abutment surface to a terminating edge of the second abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8092112
    Abstract: A dowel assembly for a furniture system provides a fastener usable in assembling various components in a furniture system. The dowel may be employed to define the relationship between first and second components of the furniture system, such as the relationship between adjoining planar surfaces of adjacent furniture panels. The dowel is fitted with a cam such that the cam provides a non-uniform radius at the interface between the dowel and one of the components. Through selective positioning of the cam about the longitudinal axis of the dowel, the interface between components of the furniture system may be selectively adjusted to ensure flush alignment of contiguous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Borgman, David Koning, Brent Kunzi, Shane Kuipers