Inserted, Blind-side-engaging, Retaining Portion On Rod Patents (Class 403/252)
  • Patent number: 7354217
    Abstract: A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising at least one locking member on the object or the support structure and adapted for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure or the object. A transverse hole in the locking member which, at the time of fitting the object, is adapted to be partly masked by the material surrounding the aperture. An engagement device having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery is inserted in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member and is turned thereafter from one position to another position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure. Also a method for attaching an object to a support structure using the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Kenneth Soder
  • Patent number: 7347412
    Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical posts positioned at suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. The apertures can be of any given shape including square, narrow rectangular, wide rectangular, oval, round, narrow polygonal and wide polygonal. A plurality of vertical pickets having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the horizontal rails are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Qing-Lin Zhu
  • 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: 7212168
    Abstract: An attachment assembly, useful in quickly attaching an object to a panel, is provided with a base assembly having a shaft member extending therefrom and an expandable member having a plurality of fingers disposed on one side of the panel such that, during installation, the fingers radially outwardly expand to clamp the object to the panel. A process of mounting an object to a panel is also provided. The object is attached to the base of the attachment assembly and the shaft member is positioned in an aperture in a panel. The panel is clamped between the fingers and the base upon installation of the attachment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: A. David Kozlovski
  • Patent number: 7088297
    Abstract: Comprised of an antenna base in which a protruding portion is formed on a bottom face and tapered faces are formed on shoulder portions of the protruding portion, a legged washer in which leg portions whose tip ends have an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of a mounting hole and which has an elasticity and leg portions, which are bent into a crank-like section so that the diameter of the tip ends is increased and in which the inside face of the crank portion makes contact with the tapered faces when the axial length of the bolt is decreased with respect to the antenna base by tightening the bolt so that the tip ends are expanded, are formed integrally with the ring portion, and a bolt which is fastened to the protruding portion of the antenna base through the legged washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Harada Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Nakano, Hiroyuki Maeda, Katsushiro Ishibayashi, Satoshi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 7044677
    Abstract: Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0° and 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Moser, Timothy A. Vik, Daniel J. Lingenfelser, Jeffrey P. Nash
  • Patent number: 7025335
    Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical separated posts and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures. A locking member is assembled inside each end portion of the vertical picket. The locking member has spring biased stoppers extending through the transverse apertures at the end portion of the vertical picket, and further extending into and engaging inside the horizontal rail when the end portion of the vertical picket is inserted into one of the apertures of the horizontal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Qing Zhu
  • Patent number: 7004666
    Abstract: An attachment assembly, useful in quickly attaching an object to a panel, is provided with a base assembly having a shaft member extending therefrom and an expandable member having a plurality of fingers disposed on one side of the panel such that, during installation, the fingers radially outwardly expand to clamp the object to the panel. A process of mounting an object to a panel is also provided. The object is attached to the base of the attachment assembly and the shaft member is positioned in an aperture in a panel. The panel is clamped between the fingers and the base upon installation of the attachment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: A. David Kozlovski
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6935804
    Abstract: A clamping element with a sliding block is provided for fixing in an undercut groove with a narrower insertion area and a wider groove base, as well as a device for fixing cam rails to a machine part, with a clamping element having the sliding block and with grooved rails having the undercut grooves. The vertical spacing of two second parallel side surfaces of the sliding block corresponds to the width of the undercut groove base. There is a blocking member connected to the sliding block. The dimension a1 or b1 generally being selected with a reduction within the tolerance range compared with the dimensions a or b. The blocking member may have a stop face for a cam rail and in particular the blocking member may have a groove for the positive lateral fixing of a cam rail. An area corresponding to the blocking member can also be constructed in one piece on a cam rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Karlinger
  • Patent number: 6851243
    Abstract: Elements are provided to erect a female blanking die for a die cutting machine for die cutting and/or blanking a carton blank, as well as for erecting a combination male blanking die/female blanking die. The elements include the following specifically-described elements: jogger members; auxiliary adjustable support members; grid orientation cylinders; grid support brackets; template corner locking clamps; center line orientation cylinders; center line clamps; and rail connecting elements. The rail connecting elements serve to erect a rectangular framework for the universal press frame of the female blanking die wherein the front and the rear rails are disposed at a higher level than the side rails. Embodiments of jogger members are provided which are selectively-disposed along the internal perimeter of the rectangular framework for erecting the female blanking die, each such jogger member having a particularly-recited structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Peter E. Sandford
  • Patent number: 6712540
    Abstract: A profile-connecting device for connecting two profile bars. The first profile bar has an end side which abuts a longitudinal side of a second profile bar. At least the outer longitudinal side of the second profile bar which is directed toward the end side of the first profile bar and at least one outer longitudinal side of the first profile bar has an undercut groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: FMS Forder- und Montage-Systeme Schmalzhofer GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Schmalzhofer, Wilfried Schuhmacher
  • Publication number: 20030156919
    Abstract: A detachable insert connection arrangement adapted to be connected to a retaining channel having a slot-like opening between two retaining edges and method of connecting a component to a retaining channel. The connection arrangement includes a holder having a push-in part that includes a locking element. The push-in part is capable of being pushed into the retaining channel. A rotation pin is coupled to the locking element. The locking element is at least partially rotatable in two directions. A spring biases the locking element towards a locking position such that when the locking element is arranged in the retaining channel, the locking element bridges the slot and engages an inside of the two retaining edges. The locking element is movable, upon movement of the rotation pin against a biasing force of the spring, to a non-locking position, whereby the push-in part can be removed from the retaining channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: SCHWARZ Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwarz, Bernhard Homner
  • 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: 6453796
    Abstract: A fluid pressure operated actuating cylinder (11) for mounting in an aperture (13) in a wall (14) of a vehicle, the cylinder comprising a body (12) having first abutment tabs (17)(18) with a first locating surface (17a)(21a) facing in a first direction and second deflectable abutment lugs (17) and has a second locating surface (19a) facing in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction, the first and second locating surfaces (17a)(21a) being arranged to contact respective first and second oppositely directed surfaces (14a)(14b) of the wall 14 after insertion of the cylinder (11) through the aperture 13 with resulting deflection of the second abutment lugs (19) to locate the cylinder in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Products France, SA
    Inventor: Stephane Rocquet
  • Patent number: 6412163
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a rotating element to a housing is disclosed. The housing defines an opening through a wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a tube including an aperture therethrough. The tube includes a first tube portion thereof including a cylindrical outer periphery and a second tube portion thereof connected to the first tube portion and securable to the opening through the wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus further includes a cap including a body portion thereof having a body outer periphery thereof matingly fitted to the aperture of the tube. The cap further includes a flange extending outwardly from a first end of the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the body outer periphery of the body portion of the cap. The cap further including a connector extending from a second end of the body portion opposed to the first end. The connector is utilized for connecting the cap to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Russell
  • Patent number: 6390718
    Abstract: A connection frame for joining two frame members of a facade or glass roof, with the frame members extending perpendicular to one another and having each an interior chamber, includes a joint member so received in the interior chamber of one of the frame members as to extend over a portion of a cross section of the interior chamber. The joint member is securable to an anchoring member which is connected to a wall of the one frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SCHÜCO International KG
    Inventor: Dieter Steege
  • 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: 6378255
    Abstract: An adjustable apparatus includes a partition having upper and lower horizontal frame members, and first and second support panel subassemblies adjustably attached to the partition for adjustably supporting a horizontal panel, such as a shelf. Upper and lower brackets each include a U-shaped section that mateably vertically adjustably engages a rear edge of the associated vertical support panel for providing vertical adjustability. Screws secure the U-shaped section at a selected height to the associated vertical support panel. The upper and lower brackets each further include an attachment flange section with hooks shaped to horizontally adjustably engage slots in the respective horizontal frame members. The upper and lower brackets are selectively attachable to the partition in a plurality of positions including off-module positions located between side edges of the partition. At least one horizontal shelf or worksurface extends between, is attached to, and is supported by the support panel subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas B. Eich, Kurt Dammermann, Sean M. Corcorran, Frank Friedman, Charles A. Seiber
  • Patent number: 6244012
    Abstract: A muntin bar joiner for connecting muntin bars in a grid. The muntin bar comprises a relatively flat, thin body, a first muntin bar engagement leg extending from one end of the body, a second muntin bar engagement leg extending from an opposite end of the body, and first and second abutments extending from the body. The muntin bar engagement legs extend along a longitudinal axis of the joiner and the first and second abutments extend from the body transverse to the axis. Each abutment comprises a muntin bar abutment face oriented in a direction transverse to the axis, with the abutment faces facing in opposite axial directions. The disclosed joiner has opposite body sides that define substantially parallel major surfaces and opposite edges that are substantially parallel and extend substantially parallel to the axis. Different embodiments are disclosed in which the abutments extend from body sides or body edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Glass Equipment Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Bryan McGlinchy, Mohamed C. Khalfoun
  • Patent number: 6237299
    Abstract: A lattice girder generally including a top rail, a bottom rail, vertical end posts and slanted crossbeams, wherein all of the members consist of uniform hollow sections that may be fitted into one another and thereby rigidly interconnected. The girder rail consists of two half-sections (18,19) internally provided with longitudinal flanges (20, 21) having transverse serrations so that the two half-sections may be permanently secured to one another by pressing them together with the serrations in mutual engagement. The end of a slanted crossbeam (24) having notches (at 25 and 26) is inserted into openings (22,23) in the half-sections to lock and engage the rail. Weldless lattice girders may thus be produced, in particular for forming a walkway guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude et de Construction d'Appareils de Levage et de Traction
    Inventor: Guido Gortan
  • Patent number: 6234706
    Abstract: A locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component has a catch spring, which interacts with a catch groove of the component. The catch spring is made of spring wire and has two legs, which are intended to contact opposite surfaces of a wall, where an opening to be traversed by the component is located. One leg of the catch spring has two opposite parts, which are formed by loop-shaped bending of the spring wire and intended to contact the component. The locking device is to be installed in systems having a high density of mechanical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Husein Hodzic
  • Patent number: 6126356
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a rotating element to a housing is disclosed. The housing defines an opening through a wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a tube including an aperture therethrough. The tube includes a first tube portion thereof including a cylindrical outer periphery and a second tube portion thereof connected to the first tube portion and securable to the opening through the wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus further includes a cap including a body portion thereof having a body outer periphery thereof matingly fitted to the aperture of the tube. The cap further includes a flange extending outwardly from a first end of the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the body outer periphery of the body portion of the cap. The cap further including a connector extending from a second end of the body portion opposed to the first end. The connector is utilized for connecting the cap to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Russell
  • 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: 6106183
    Abstract: The clamping device serves for the releasable connection of two profile pieces, it being possible for an insert core (1) to be introduced and fixed in a first of the profile pieces, in which insert core an axially movable slide (7) bears two pivotable clamping elements (11) each with a clamping hook (13; 14) which can be introduced at least partially into an opening of a second profile piece (15) in order to exert a clamping pressure on that section of the second profile piece (15) which partially closes off the opening. The insert core (1) has eccentric means (5) in order to displace the slide (7) axially. Two oblique surfaces (43) are provided in the insert core (1) in order to displace the clamping element transversely during its axial displacement. In addition to the clamping hook (13; 14), the clamping element (11) comprises a strip-like part with a bent-over strip end designed as hinge hook (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Syma Inter Continental Ag
    Inventors: Marcel Strassle, Kurt Zullig
  • Patent number: 6061991
    Abstract: A deck system provides an easy to install deck by using unique columns, rails and planks. The columns can house electrical components. The rails enable quick assembly because they do not require additional fasteners or tools to install the balusters. The planks include a novel tongue-in-groove assembly that allows the planks to expand without damaging the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Michael E. Dahl
  • Patent number: 6053591
    Abstract: A cabinet is provided which is uniquely configured for uncomplicated use, particularly in environments with limited space. Specifically, the cabinet has a tambour door. The tambour door includes both a mechanical hinge and a flex hinge. Together the flex hinge and the mechanical hinge cooperate to provide the necessary flexibility to the tambour door. Secondly, this invention also provides an attachment mechanism that allows the cabinet to be assembled in an uncomplicated manner. Specifically, the attachment mechanism utilizes a plurality of joints that are defined by a male anchor portion and a female socket portion. Preferably, the attachment mechanism is integrally formed with the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph M. Kasanic
  • 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: 5829908
    Abstract: An improved joint assembly between first and second structural components, one of which is a primary support component, comprises a non-circular opening through the first member and a notched mounting member which is introduced through the non-circular opening and rotated 90.degree. to a locking position relative to the primary support component. The mounting member includes at least one mounting leg extending perpendicular to the primary support component and having leg edges parallel to one another and spaced apart a first distance, an outer end spaced from the primary support component a second distance at least equal to the first distance and a mounting opening through the mounting member adjacent the outer end for the attachment of the other structural member to the primary support component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph A. Slowbe
  • Patent number: 5803645
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided that is adapted for use with a spindle. The connector assembly includes a bar formed to include an opening having a central axis and a bar-opening dimension and a connector adapted to receive the spindle. The connector includes a base positioned to lie upon the bar. The base includes a base opening and a retaining tab that extends outwardly from the base. The retaining tab includes an outer surface having a dimension less than the bar-opening dimension and an inclined surface converging from the base toward the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Moser, Jerry R. Smith, William R. Horton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5685664
    Abstract: An arrangement for interconnecting first and second objects, comprises a connector element and an anchoring element which are formed on the first object and a connector aperture and an anchoring aperture defined in the second object. The connector element extends from the first object along a notional line. The anchoring element is disposed at a distance along the notional line from the connector element, and extends parallel to the connector element. The anchoring aperture is disposed at a distance along the notional line from the connector aperture. The connector element is received in the connector aperture and disposed at an engaged position where the connector element engages the periphery of the connector aperture. Within the connector aperture, the connector element is movable along the notional line between the engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Parham, Edmond B. Reinagel
  • 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: 5647650
    Abstract: A modular storage and support assembly uses a platform system that includes vertically disposed support posts. The support post has an extended tubular body and a plurality of symmetrically spaced, radially extending flanges running the length of the tubular body. Each flange has a first portion extending radially from the post and a second portion at the terminal end of the first portion. A slot is defined between each pair of adjacent flanges for receiving vertical panels or other inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Daugherty, Kenneth A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5595453
    Abstract: Metal construction members or studs have a generally U-shaped profile, and can be provided with openings for cables, plumbing conduits and the like. Walls are constructed by attaching wallboard to vertically asserted studs. To protect cables etc. against accidental penetration by nails and screws, a protector plate unit has first and second protector plates for mounting adjacent outer faces of the metal stud. A mounting web extends between the protector plates. Securing means, for example a collar and tabs on the mounting web, engages the opening in the steel stud, to secure the protector plate unit in position, and to provide an internally smooth bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: William Nattel, Serge Michaud
  • Patent number: 5581868
    Abstract: A method of constructing metal picket fences and components for use in building fences. Basically, panels are constructed by punching holes in frame tubes with a pyramidal punch to form holes with inwardly extending metal tabs. Pickets are pressed into the holes to form fence panels that are fastened to posts. An angled, self-locking pin system is provided to lock picket ends in frame tube holes to prevent the pickets from being removed. Straps can be fastened to the posts with fence panels fastened to the straps in a manner permitting accommodation of inter-post tolerances and ground slope changes. Blind fasteners can be used to fasten the straps to the posts and panels so that the fasteners cannot be easily removed. Several different embodiments of blind fasteners and post or surface mounting brackets are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Robert M. Bisch
  • Patent number: 5509361
    Abstract: A folding collapsible table stand including a mounting frame fixed to a table board at the bottom, two pairs of stand legs pivoted to the mounting frame, two horizontal braces connected between the stand legs, and four folding struts connected between the mounting frame and the stand legs, wherein each horizontal brace has a plurality of retaining strips at both ends respectively inserted into respective retaining holes on the stand legs and then secured in place by screw bolts inside the stand legs; each folding strut consists of a base frame and a flat connecting rod pivotably connected together, and a guard plate hinged to one side of the base frame and releasably secured in the closed position by a snap to hold down the folding strut in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Fa-Shon Chen
  • 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: 5458428
    Abstract: A cantilever mounting system for mounting a tube to a post to extend at approximately a right angle from the post that is maintained in a vertical attitude to the ground. The erected post can be utilized as a fences post, sign post, mail box post, or the like, and can be used for mounting the tube, or the like, that may be intended for receiving delivered items, such as mail and/or newspapers, and the tube includes at least one tab extending from one tube end that is for fitting into a slot that includes at least one hole formed therethrough. The tab hole is for receiving a peg type fastener that is fitted through the hole and blocks withdrawal of the tab from the slot to provide the tube cantilever mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 5407289
    Abstract: The device comprises a bearing (3) carrying the glass (1), a stud (6) extending throughout the bearing and fixed to a carriage (2) of the driving mechanism, and means for locking the bearing to the stud comprising an elastically yieldable member (7) adapted to be clipped to the bearing before inserting the stud in the latter and adapted to grip the stud so as to fix it to the bearing. The member (7) is a clip having two arms (8) which are capable of being elastically spread apart on each side of a central bore (5) provided in the bearing (3) for the passage of the stud (6), slots (11) being formed in the bearing each of which receives a respective arm of the member (7). This arrangement permits pre-assembling the locking member with the bearing before the insertion of the stud (6) and consequently avoiding the necessity of assembling the clip "blind" in the door with risk of a defective assembly or loss of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Rockwell Automotive Body Systems
    Inventor: Thierry Pebre
  • Patent number: 5391014
    Abstract: A universally rotatable nipple for a brake cable includes a socket device having a hemispherical body and a first tube extending from a periphery portion of the hemispherical body and a rotatable device including a sphere and a second tube extending from a periphery portion of the sphere. The sphere of the rotatable device is rotatably received in the hemispherical body of the socket device with the second tube being in communication with the first tube, thus allowing a brake cable to be guided from the second tube through the first tube. The rotatable nipple responds to the pulling from the brake cable and rotates in an appropriate direction to release the friction between the nipple and the brake cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao F. Chen
  • Patent number: 5372415
    Abstract: A storage locker constructed of recyclable thermoplastic that utilizes insertion tabs and sockets molded into the sides, top, bottom, front and side panels for permanent interlocking without the need of conventional fasteners. The storage locker is assembled on site by inserting the tabs of the appropriate panel into the socket receptacles of an adjoining panel. Assembly of a basic locker requires snap attachment of the side walls to the top and bottom panel. A front frame, preassembly with a hinged door panel, is snap attached to the structure to complete the assembly wherein the structure is available for mounting directly to a wall. For a stand alone locker assembly, a perforated rear panel is available for attachment to the rear of the locker by use of locker pins. The rear panel provides aeration and allows various hook placement for hanging items. Shelves are available in either fixed or adjustable disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Stephen P. Whitehead, Lyle A. Rosine
  • Patent number: 5363625
    Abstract: A modular building system wherein two profiled tubular members are connected to each other by two first cores which are slidably received in one of two elongated channels of one of the members, by two second cores which are received in the two channels at one end of the other member, by two non-circular posts which extend into sockets of first cores, through one wall of the one member and into sockets of the second cores when the one end of the other member is placed against the outer side of the one wall of the one member. First pins are used to secure the first cores to the one member and to the posts in their sockets, second pins are used to secure the second cores to the respective posts, and threaded fasteners are used to secure the second cores to the other member and/or to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Gerd Philippi
  • Patent number: 5358309
    Abstract: A decomposable furnishing item wherein a number of separate elements are mutually connected by a number of joints, each defined by a first and at least a second element substantially perpendicular to each other, and by a device for mutually locking the elements; the device presenting a nut screw extending through the first element, and a screw assigned to the second element and engaging one end of the nut screw, the opposite end of which is fitted integral with a retaining plate cooperating with an axial stop on the first element and having a number of teeth fitted into the first element for angularly locking the nut screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Effedue S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Fedele
  • Patent number: 5310298
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece expansion nut for a T-joint of pipes, including an internal thread hole at the center thereof and a plurality of long expanding pieces and short expanding pieces alternatively disposed around the outer periphery thereof, wherein the outer diameters formed by the long and short expanding pieces the same, but slightly larger than the inner diameter of one pipe to be jointed, upon putting the expansion nut into the pipe and passing a bolt through another pipe to screw onto the internal thread hole for a T-joint, the long and short expanding pieces being respectively expanded to exert force against the inner wall of the one pipe in two stages, so as to firmly hold the expansion nut in place and effectively complete the T-joint as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Shoei-Muh Hwang
  • Patent number: 5295754
    Abstract: A base end of a hook plate is simply inserted into a column surface of a columnar receiving member for fixing. A hook of the hook plate is inserted into an inserted groove provided in an end of a crossing member such as a girder. Further, a bolt passing through the crossing member is received by the hook. As a result, a framework of the receiving member and the crossing member can be fixed. Alternatively, hook plates each having a circular outer periphery and provided in the hooked form are respectively inserted into inserted grooves provided in a receiving member and a crossing member. The respective hook plates are fixed by bolts so as to build a framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Kato Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Kato
  • Patent number: 5277512
    Abstract: A simple joint is disclosed for detachably connecting structural members. The connection is made with a resilient T-shaped tongue on a first member which can be engaged in a T-shaped slot on a second member. The tongue is engaged in the slot by rotating it about its axis. Rotation of the tongue causes the end of the tongue to be drawn into the slot by wedging action between the tongue and sloped inner surfaces of the slot. The first and second members are held tightly together by tension which is developed in the tongue as the tongue is drawn into the slot. The invention is well adapted for use in many fields which require parts to be detachably connected to one another such as constructing panel display systems, building modular cabinets or shelving units and building modular furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: PDL Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul K. L. Dwillies
  • Patent number: 5265972
    Abstract: A support structure includes a support bar and at least one section bar which is mounted to the support bar and includes two inner chambers which define a common transverse axis coincidental with the longitudinal axis of the support bar and which receive fixing screws for allowing attachment of the section bar to the support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Phoenix Mecano Holding AG
    Inventor: Frank Bahr