Utilizing Internal Rod Structure Patents (Class 403/264)
  • Patent number: 11965534
    Abstract: A barrel for a barrel joint for parts of furniture and furnishing items includes a hollow cylindrical body containing a blocking element and having at least one hole on one of its side surfaces for the passage of a tip of a tool that actuates the blocking element, the hollow cylindrical body also having at least another hole for receiving a pin of the barrel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 11898400
    Abstract: A frame door with a split connection frame is provided, including a split connection frame. The split connection frame includes a first connection frame which is provided in a frame door and a second connection frame which is provided in an other frame door. The first connection frame is provided with a slide rail groove, the second frame is provided with a slide plate which engages with the slide rail groove. The slide rail groove has a C-shaped cross section so as to wrap edges of the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ningbo Tengyu Metal Product Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liujian Zhang, Junhua Jiang, Peike Zhang, Yechen Xu, Zhewei Wu, Xiaobin He
  • Patent number: 11566656
    Abstract: A fastener including a screw receiving element extending along a first axis and having a first end and a second end, the screw receiving element including a through hole extending through a thickness of the screw receiving element perpendicular to the first axis, the fastener further including a retention element arranged at the first end of the screw receiving element, wherein the retention element is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of the screw receiving element, and the retention element further includes a panel facing surface extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the screw receiving element, and side surfaces extending in planes substantially along the first axis of the screw receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Melissa & Doug, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Bensussan, Lyndall Carvell Fry, George LeMoine
  • Patent number: 11346383
    Abstract: A compact joint for connecting a first panel to a second panel of furniture and other furnishing items, positioned perpendicular to each other, includes a plurality of interconnection and blocking components for joining and firmly blocking the two panels together. The plurality of components of interconnection and blocking components lies on the same plane, which is perpendicular to the first and second panels and which contains a coupling axis between the first and second panels that travels inside the first panel. The joint also defines an actuation axis that is perpendicular to the coupling axis and lies on a plane parallel and interspaced with respect to the first panel and perpendicular with respect to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 11141765
    Abstract: An extrusion profile comprises a center aperture. The extrusion profile also comprises a peripheral aperture. The profile also comprises a first set of drill guides corresponding to a vertical center of the center aperture and a second set of drill guides corresponding to a horizontal center of the center aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Robotzone, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Pettey, Kyle R. Lewis, Jason J. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 11066110
    Abstract: In a suspension member having a closed cross section, insertion holes are respectively formed in an upper member and a lower member that are two opposing walls. A collar includes a cylindrical portion and a flange. The cylindrical portion is inserted through the insertion holes. On the upper member side, the cylindrical portion and the upper member are welded together, forming a weld bead. On the lower member side, the outer circumferential edge of the flange and the lower member are welded, forming a weld bead. The welding is applied so that the length of the welding line on the lower member side is longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motoki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10945527
    Abstract: The invention provides a rack system (500) comprising a plurality of metal profiles (200, 300), one or more of the metal profiles comprising a first end, wherein the first end is disposed with a polymeric cap (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: BELINTRA NV
    Inventors: Charlotte Vanliefde, Peter Van Der Vennet
  • Patent number: 9713917
    Abstract: A method for applying adhesive to sides of a flange, such as in rotorcraft connection joints, includes attaching an intermediate member to an edge of a flange and flowing adhesive in gaps between sides of the flange and inner edges of a double lap joint element by inserting the flange with the intermediate member into the double lap joint element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Brent C. Ross
  • Patent number: 9567746
    Abstract: A curtain wall has a plurality of hollow, extruded vertical and horizontal members. The members have a pair of spaced retainer walls which engage a shear block with a pair of tabs that twist locks onto the retainer walls before fastening the block to the member. A second member slips over the block and is fastened by screws. The abutment of the tabs limits rotation of the block and attached member, providing support for a glazing panel attached to the members. The members have longitudinal recesses accommodating wiring that may be covered with a cover. A bracket interacting with the retainer walls like a shear block may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventors: Ion-Horatiu Barbulescu, William J. Hooper, Christopher R. Hartwell
  • Patent number: 9163400
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a plug of the type utilized for sealing a junction between a horizontal member and a vertical mullion of a curtain wall. The plug may include a plug body. The plug body may include a front body portion, a rear body portion, a left body portion, a right body portion, a top surface disposed between the left body portion, the right body portion, the front body portion, and the rear body portion. A rabbet is disposed across the front body portion. A spacer flange extends from the front body portion. A plurality of chamfers are disposed between the top surface and the left body portion, the right body portion, and the rear body portions. The plug is sized to occupy a gap formed in the junction between the horizontal member and the vertical mullion of the curtain wall. The rabbet and the plurality of chamfers form a plurality of large crevices between the plug, the horizontal member, and the vertical mullion. The large crevices allow penetration of a sealant therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Lang, Greg A. Hall, Phil Clark
  • Patent number: 9073403
    Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Ashmore, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
  • Patent number: 9016972
    Abstract: A structural frame assembly is provided that includes mechanically interlocking components. The frame assembly has rails that interconnect with each other at joints that include brackets that engage the rails and nuts that are held in cavities of the rails that are connected to slots that extend through outer surfaces of the rails. Bolts may extend angularly through bores of the bracket and the slots of the rails to operatively engage a nut being held in the cavity. Tightening the bolts may draw the nut angularly through the cavity in a manner that automatically self-aligns the brackets and rails to establish precise joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8881487
    Abstract: A joining system arrangement for building elements the joining system arrangement having a box element adapted for embedment in a first building element, such that an open side of the box element is flush with a surface of the building element, and arranged such that a bridge element can be inserted into the box element, the box element having four side faces arranged around an open side and a back plate, wherein, at at least one side face of the box element includes at least one load transmitting element which is arranged externally on the at least one side face, the at least one load transmitting element configured such that at least two surface portions are formed, constituting a rounded face, which are turned away from the at least one side face of the box element and from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Svein Berg Holding AS
    Inventor: Svein Berg
  • Patent number: 8727656
    Abstract: Metal profile (230,280) as well as with the metal profile cooperating fastening device (800,830,860), wherein the two-dimensional cross-section of the metal profile, perpendicularly to the length of the profile, includes a screw pocket (233). The screw pocket includes a hole (234), arranged to accommodate a screw which is inserted perpendicularly to the cross-section, as well as an opening (235) out from the hole, which opening is narrower than the cross-sectional dimension of the hole perpendicularly to the main direction of extension (M) of the opening, and in that the screw pocket is arranged to accommodate, and therefore to engage with, the fastening device, which fastening device can be inserted into the screw pocket perpendicularly to the cross-section and thereafter be slid in the screw pocket along the metal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Clamco Invest AB
    Inventor: Bertil Lohman
  • Patent number: 8282083
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant railing insert including a stainless steel upper body for insertion into a railing post and including channels for liquid drainage from the railing post, an elongated stainless steel mounting arm protruding from the upper body. The mounting arm has a smaller cross-sectional area than the upper body, which are integrally associated as a unitary device. The upper body is secured within a railing post while the mounting aim is inserted into a complimentary aperture or sleeve formed in a concrete substrate and secured therein with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Poma & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Poma
  • Patent number: 8057120
    Abstract: A structure for joining structural members is disclosed. The structure joins an end of a first member to a side of a second member by a coupling insert. The coupling insert has a web coupling portion that is received by the end of the first member and a tenon portion that is received by a transverse opening in the side of the second member. The web coupling portion and the tenon portion are connected by a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Wernlund, Mike Schmidt, Frank Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100226711
    Abstract: In a connecting device for connecting a first extruded hollow profile (10), having a profile channel and at least one undercut groove space on a longitudinal groove (20), to another such workpiece by a screw element or other member which passes through an opening (20) in the workpiece and can be inserted into the interior (22) of the other workpiece, there is fixed to the end face (14) of the hollow profile (10) a strip-like socket profile (34) which runs radially with respect to the profile channel (12) and has at least at one end a stepped face (35) for receiving the screw element, which screw element in the rest position lies inside the side contours of the socket profile (34) and in the connecting position projects beyond the socket profile at least on one side and engages in a retaining manner in the undercut space of the other hollow profile (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Winfried K.W. Holscher
  • 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: 7117647
    Abstract: A system for constructing log structures includes a corner connection structure, a through-bolt clamping apparatus, an opening support structure, a butt joint connection structure, a log profile, and an exterior casing structure. The corner connection structure has logs with overlap portions shaped so that the overlap portions of the logs of a first wall overlap and alternately interlace the overlap portions of the logs of a second wall. A generally vertical slot extends through the overlap portions of the logs, and at least one spline is provided in the slot. The through-bolt clamping apparatus has a through-bolt extending along the height of the wall, a lower clamp arm coupled to the through-bolt and the bottom of the intersecting walls, and an upper clamp arm coupled to the through bolt and the top of the intersecting walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Pointblank Design Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Clarke
  • 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: 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: 6679645
    Abstract: A furniture support system generally includes a first frame member, a second frame member, at least one pin inserted into the first frame member, and at least one fastener inserted into the second frame member. The fastener is engageable with the pin via an eyelet in the pin so as to secure first and second frame members together at a substantially right angle. The pin is inserted into the first frame member through a bore, and the fastener is inserted into the second frame member through a channel. One end of the fastener is located within a recessed portion of the second frame member, while the other end is inserted into the first frame member through a cross-bore that intersects the bore at a substantially right angle. The eyelets on the pin are substantially aligned with the cross-bores such that the end of the fastener inserted into the first frame member can engage the eyelet. A perimeter of the recess is surrounded by a reinforcing ring, and a reinforcing plate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pulaski Furniture
    Inventor: James H. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6223917
    Abstract: A profile arrangement for building exhibition or shop systems is described which has the purpose of expanding the multiple usage possibilities of such profiles and improving the aesthetic effects particularly by additional different colorations. For this purpose, it is provided that, in the case of a polygonal profile, which by way of corner pieces with projecting pins can be assembled with others, on at least two lateral surfaces abutting to form an edge, one recess respectively is provided which continues along the profile length and which is used for sliding in a strip consisting of a material other than that of the profile. This strip may have a colored design and thus, while one and the same profile is used, permits the achieving of different aesthetic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Octanorm-Vertriebs-GmbH fuer Bauelemente
    Inventor: Hans Bruder
  • Patent number: 5464299
    Abstract: A clamping device that can be anchored in a hollow profile member (2) by expansion in force-derived fashion comprises two wedge-like wedge sleeve halves (5.1, 5.2). A surface responsible for the force-derived connection is constituted at least in part by a coating (8.1, 8.2) of granulated hard material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Usm U. Scharer Sohne AG
    Inventors: Paul Scharer, Kaspar Stockli
  • Patent number: 5461837
    Abstract: A window meeting rail for single hung windows made from hollow plastic parts. The meeting rail comprises an elongated body, a clip inserted into an opening in the body and fastener means for joining the clip to a window jamb. The clip defines a bore and has wings spaced radially outward from the bore and extending generally parallel thereto. A preferred meeting rail has a hollow body and also includes a metal cross rail inserted into the hollow body for added strength and rigidity. Tightening a screw inserted into the bore spreads the wings outward so that hooks on end portions of the clip wings are wedged into slots formed in lateral walls of the cross rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Michael T. Chaney, Philip G. Morton
  • Patent number: 5411061
    Abstract: A heddle frame has a pair of laterally extending slats and a pair of end braces connected to the slats to form a rectangular heddle frame. Each of the connections between the slats and the end braces includes an elongated opening defined within the end of the slat. The end brace includes an inwardly directed expansion foot configured on and extending essentially perpendicular from the end brace and having a width so as to be slidable within the elongated opening of the slat. A releasable locking member is configured to lock the extension foot within the slat in a locked position and to release the end brace from the slat in a released position, the locking member is disposed through the extreme outward edge of the slat and extends into the elongated opening of the slat. In one embodiment, the end brace is secured directly to the slat by a threaded bolt extending through the extreme outward edge of the slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Steel Heddle Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Gene E. Faase
  • 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: 5288058
    Abstract: Skeletal railing systems are usually formed of metal tubing welded together and/or interconnected by metal T-connectors, cross connectors and elbows. The assembling of such railing systems is often time consuming and expensive. A simple alternative includes tubular plastic, preferably polyvinyl chloride posts and rails interconnected by short lengths of metal tubing which extend through openings in the plastic tubes. A bolt perpendicular to one section of metal tubing extends into a plate or plug on the end of the other section of metal tubing, and a nut is tightened onto the bolt to hold the sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: William W. Russell
  • Patent number: 5261647
    Abstract: The guardrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion, having a base and an extendable/retractable setscrew, and at least a horizontal top rail. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture for receiving the metal stanchion. Prior to assemblage, the setscrew is retracted inside the tubular stanchion. Prior to insertion of the stanchion into the aperture, at least one tubular plastic sheath, having a first end conforming with the base of the stanchion and a second end conforming with the top horizontal rail, is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion. Following placement of the top horizontal rail atop the stanchion, the sheath rests on the base of the stanchion and engages the top horizontal rail. The top of the stanchion or the sheath are capable of supporting the top horizontal rail. The top horizontal rail is locked in position atop the stanchion by extension of the setscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ideal Steel and Builders' Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Venegas, Jr., Wayne A. Damitz
  • Patent number: 5186570
    Abstract: The fastening device (5) for the releasable fastening of a strut (3a-3d) to a column (1) comprises a retainer ring (7), attachable to the column (1), and a connecting element (9a-9d) for connecting the strut (3a-3d) to the retainer ring (7). The connecting element (9a-9d) has at one of its ends diametrically opposed jaws (33a, 33b) which extend around the lateral surfaces (16a) of the retainer ring (7) whereby the strut (3a-3d) is fastened to the column (1) safe from twisting even with respect to large torques and bending moments. The exact horizontal position of the strut or struts (3a-3d) can be adjusted by rotating the retainer ring (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: USM U. Scharer Sohne AG.
    Inventor: Rudolf Graf
  • Patent number: 5171099
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a sandwich panel to another structure. A hollow pin passes through the panel near the edge to be joined to the structure. A bolt, passing through the edge of the panel, and barrel nut, inside the hollow of the pin, are used to draw the edge of the panel against a flange attached to the structure. The panel may be reinforced with doublers or an end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Willard N. Westre
  • Patent number: 5171098
    Abstract: A device for releasably connecting first and second rods together is characterized by a connecting flange mounted on one end surface of the first rod by a self-tapping screw. The flange includes at least one latch projecting from a surface thereof to engage a recess in the first rod in a form-locking manner. With the flange mounted on the end of the first rod, the first rod is connected with a side of the second rod so that the rods have perpendicular longitudinal axes. The second rod contains a groove along its side in which a pair of nuts are retained. Fastening screws pass through grooves in the first rod, through openings in the flange and into tap holes in the nuts to threadably connect the first rod with the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: R K Rose & Krieger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Jost
  • Patent number: 5138802
    Abstract: Device for attaching a mounting frame to a building wall. The frame has openings in its side walls into which holders (2) made of plastic stops are inserted. The holders (2) have a receiving part (2a) with two openings extending at right angles to one another and into which a connecting piece (10, 6) and a bolt (3) are slid. The connecting piece (10, 6) includes a shaft with corrugations which engage matching corrugations on the bolt (3). The connecting pieces (10, 6) can be detachably attached to a holder (2) in any insert depth without the use of tools. The device serves in particular to fasten a mounting frame during installation of a temporary wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Geberit AG
    Inventor: Peter Lechner
  • Patent number: 5048995
    Abstract: An improved coupler for use in assembling display frames is provided. The coupler includes a male plug, a female receptacle and a locking lever. After insertion into frame members, the plug and receptacle are engaged and locked in place. The coupler enables a frame which can be assembled and disassembled by hand and which provides a smooth, finished appearance having no outstanding protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 5004371
    Abstract: The invention is a new type of locking mechanism for office panel systems which allows quick joining or separation of connecting panels without the need for tools. This is accomplished by the invention of a spring-loaded "tab and slot" locking mechanism, whereby the opposing tabs from the connecting vertical panel end, enter and lock into matching slots on the other panels by way of a spring-loaded sliding locking bar. Joining adjacent panels requires only that the panels be aligned and firmly pushed together, while separation is allowed by pulling down on the metal rings attached to the bottom of the opposing locking bars and pulling the panels apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: The Gunlocke Co.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 4934858
    Abstract: A fastening device for use in support structures wherein the fastening of support members is accomplished by slidably inserting end connectors into slotted fastening devices to produce a final locking fit between the support members and the fastening device. A keyed screw which holds the fastening device and support member in an intermediate locking position to aid in the overall assembly of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan J. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 4861182
    Abstract: A device for fixing an element to an outer surface of a support wall of a hollow body in proximity to a first partition wall of this body perpendicular to said surface, including a bolt which extends through a part of the element and said support wall and cooperates with a nut bearing against an inner wall of the hollow body, parallel to said outer surface, wherein the nut is constituted by a plate in which is provided at least one tapped hole and to which is elastically fixed a fastener extending through an opening in the first partition wall. This opening permits the introduction of the plate, the fastener being itself elastically fixed to the first partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Automobiles Citroen
    Inventor: Guy Gillet
  • Patent number: 4846600
    Abstract: An assembly rigidly joining a pair of tubular members together includes one tubular member having a shaped slot formed in its side wall for receiving the open end of another tubular member. An eyebolt has an eye projecting at the center of the shaped slot and a threaded end projecting on the side wall opposite the shaped slot. The open end of the other tubular member is inserted into the shaped slot an a cross bolt which passes through apertures in the side wall near the open end engages the eye such that when a nut is tightened up on the threaded end of the eyebolt, the other tubular member is axially drawn into abutment with the one tubular member forming a rigid, mechanical joint between the two tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Dwaine L. Strand
  • Patent number: 4821788
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for rigidly joining together in various configurations display panels having at least one straight edge having an elongated longitudinal undercut retainer channel along that edge. The system comprises a pair of telescoped inner and outer tubular members carrying a plurality of longitudinally spaced and aligned locking members adapted to engage the retainer channels of the panels to be joined. The locking members are retracted for assembly of adjacent display panels, or extended for disassembly, upon relative reciprocal movement of the tubular members. The mechanism for accomplishing reciprocation is described. Locking systems for assembly of display units of various configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Media/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: LeRoy O. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4813182
    Abstract: In a gate, a stile (20) and rail (21) abut side face to end face and are held together by a bolt passing at right angles through the end face to pull against a plate (25) located in a slot (26). Straps (34,41), see FIGS. 11 and 13, are used to reinforce the hanging and shutting stiles (20,20A) and to carry hanging and latching parts. A latching mechanism, see FIGS. 13 to 16, includes a latching bar (43) that is pivotally connected to the shutting stile (20) towards its middle by a flange (44). A leaf spring (45) urges the bar (43) into a latching position at which, when the gate is shut, the bar (43) is caught behind upper and lower retainers (46) mounted on a shutting gatepost (48). By pulling on a handle (50), the bar (43) can be rocked free of the retainers (46) to permit the gate to be opened. Connector plates ( 31) having sharp tongs are used, see FIGS. 9 and 10, with bolts to connect reinforcing struts (30) to the upper and lower rails (21,21A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: H. S. Jackson & Son (Fencing) Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurt Daniels, John D. Williams, Percy W. Wise, Ian Jackson, John Cox
  • Patent number: 4783189
    Abstract: A mechanical connector for structural members including a threaded rod with double ends and a pair of similar nuts and cam sockets to tighten the connector. A pair of aligned bore holes and circular holes in the structural members receive the threaded rod and nuts and cam sockets to secure the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Stuart E. Bugg
  • Patent number: 4718789
    Abstract: A first tube intersecting a second tube is joined to the second tube by a clamp around the second tube having limbs projecting into the first tube. A screw thread member cooperates with the limbs and has an end portion seated against a first inner surface of the first tube to force one of the limbs against that inner surface of the first tube opposite the first inner surface while moving the other limb away from the first inner surface of the first tube to tighten the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Dirk J. G. Kuenen
  • Patent number: 4646503
    Abstract: A set of construction elements for erecting three-dimensional structures comprises hollow structural members used either as posts or as longitudinal beams and also comprises hollow assembly blocks provided with a series of openings in different orientations. The projecting head of an attachment end-fitting mounted within the end portion of a structural member can be latched within each opening of the assembly block. The attachment end-fitting of each structural member is mounted for displacement in axial sliding motion within the interior of the structural member. A movable locking wedge is placed transversely within an attachment end-fitting and inserted through corresponding openings of the respective structural member. Rigid attachment of the structural member to the assembly block is achieved by clamping the edges of the assembly block opening between the flanges of the projecting latch-head of the attachment end-fitting and the end of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Bureau Technique du Batiment, d'Amenagements et de Constructions
    Inventors: Cuno Brullmann, Arnaud F. Lavergnolle, Etienne Erlong
  • Patent number: 4615154
    Abstract: A lightweight electrical utility line transmission tower is disclosed, which is designed to be easily transported by helicopter or truck. The tower uses a single, hollow support column which is positioned in a foundation hole. The column is directly embedded in the ground, and requires no special auxiliary concrete foundation. Two tapered tower arms are secured to the column in a V-shaped configuration by an improved connection and reinforcing apparatus. Attached to the tower arms is an elongate crossarm to which transmission lines are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Trus Joist Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur L. Troutner
  • Patent number: 4549832
    Abstract: An expanding fastening element joins two structural members such as two pieces of girder of which one has a slot with lips at the sides thereof, so that the two members may be separated again when desired. The expanding fastening element includes two legs that are hinged together and may be opened out by way of a fixing screw into a locking or gripping position with hook-like heads of the legs hooked onto the lips. Before tightening the screw the fastening element is positioned at the desired position in a hole in one girder by a guide sleeve or plug locking into the second member and springingly pushed outwards from the fastening element by a spring within it.The two legs or gripping members have keeper heads and slots at their ends opposite to the hooked heads to take up a c-like ring spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Hestex Systems b.v.
    Inventor: Rudolf Sterl
  • Patent number: 4490064
    Abstract: A joint of the type made between two elongated frame members and including also a connector member releasably coupling the two frame members tightly one against the other. This joint is characterized by its exclusion of special machining and construction of the components, by the connector member being unconspicuously concealed and by the possibility of assembling one frame member in any angular relationship about its longitudinal axis relative to the other frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventor: Jacques Ducharme
  • Patent number: 4411549
    Abstract: An installation and retainer cap is disclosed for making a secure connection between an annular internally splined collar member and an externally splined shaft end. The cap includes a cap body, a threaded driving shaft extending from the inner side of the body engaging a threaded bore in the end of the shaft, and an outer flange engaging the annular collar member. When the cap is driven in to make the completed connection, the outside face of the flange is substantially flush with the outside face of the annular collar member. Recesses are provided in the end of the shaft and in the outside face of the annular collar member to accommodate the body and the flange, respectively. A washer cooperating with the outer flange allows relative turning movement during the driving of the collar into position. An indicator pin provides an indication when the annular collar is fully installed on the shaft. An alternative embodiment utilizing a separate cap and driving bolt is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Inventor: Peter H. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 4360285
    Abstract: A connector to unite rail and post in a railing or the like by means of adjustable frictional engagement within the rail, adjustment being through a plurality of barbs extending from a leg of the connector and bendable toward or away from the leg to adjust fit with the rail; the barbs have free ends oriented toward the middle of the connector, making the connector easier to assemble to the rail than to pull apart from the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Howard A. Magness
  • Patent number: 4358214
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved rattan joint in a knockdown form employing a tonque and groove connection with the tongue extending diametrically to cover the outermost layer of the rattan and said joint being rigidified and securely fixed together by unique fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: John C. Shull
  • Patent number: RE35858
    Abstract: A heddle frame has a pair of laterally extending slats and a pair of end braces connected to the slats to form a rectangular heddle frame. Each of the connections between the slats and the end braces includes an elongated opening defined within the end of the slat. The end brace includes an inwardly directed expansion foot configured on and extending essentially perpendicular from the end brace and having a width so as to be slidable within the elongated opening of the slat. A releasable locking member is configured to lock the extension foot within the slat in a locked position and to release the end brace from the slat in a released position, the locking member is disposed through the extreme outward edge of the slat and extends into the elongated opening of the slat. In one embodiment, the end brace is secured directly to the slat by a threaded bolt extending through the extreme outward edge of the slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Steel Heddle Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Gene E. Faasse