Laterally Related Members Connected By Latch Means, E.g., Scaffold Connectors Patents (Class 403/49)
  • Patent number: 7090052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical scaffolding element consisting of a tubular portion provided with a number n of radially projecting sockets, distributed peripherally in a star arrangement, designed for the attachment of one end of a horizontal crosspiece of the scaffolding; the sockets are defined by a metal strip folded in order to form a star-shaped part closed on itself having protuberances forming the said sockets alternating with re-entrant regions bearing against the tubular portion, the upper and lower edges of the re-entrant regions in contact with the tubular portion being welded thereto by continuous or discontinuous annular weld beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Entrepose Echafaudages
    Inventors: Francis Arnault, Jean-Pierre Sarrazy
  • Patent number: 7048093
    Abstract: A coupling device including a first tightening part and a second tightening part. The first tightening part includes a tightening surface and is moveable about a pivot axis. The second tightening part is also moveable about the pivot axis. The first tightening part and the second tightening part are translatable between a release position and a lock position, such that after said first tightening part is moveable about the pivot axis and into the locked position, the second tightening part is moveable about the pivot axis into said lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Pluseight Technology AB
    Inventor: Harry Wallther
  • Patent number: 7014384
    Abstract: The connection system is for connecting structural elements of pieces of furniture, which structural elements include a plurality of support posts and a plurality of bars which are fastened to corresponding posts in accordance with predetermined geometrical configurations, to build a support structure for the above mentioned pieces of furniture. The connection system includes, for each post, a tube fastened to an end of the post, a plurality of connection annular elements for each connection between the bars and the posts, each one of the annular elements delimiting a hollow space provided for the coaxial coupling with a corresponding tube; and fasteners for fastening each bar to at least one connection annular element. The fasteners, in particular, include a side protrusion, for instance shaped like a dovetail, and a couple of mobile fastening clamps situated at the ends of the bar and designed for clamping the side protrusion for making a stable connection between the bar and the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Metal Work S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bruno Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 6932195
    Abstract: An intermediate scaffold member join comprising a top side, a first side and a second side cooperating to form a channel therebetween. The channel is sized to accept a horizontal scaffold member. The first side has a clamp for attaching to a horizontal scaffold member, the clamp joining a horizontal scaffold member substantially perpendicular to a horizontal scaffold member positioned in the channel. Positioned on the top side is a vertical stub directed away from the channel, where the vertical stub is connectable to a vertical scaffold member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Deltak Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yates Westley Hayman, Ken Hensley, Robert E. Lea
  • Patent number: 6789649
    Abstract: A tube and clamp scaffold system includes a series of anchor clamps which are attached by the workers during erection of the system. The anchor clamps are attached at appropriate positions to ay of the tubular members and provide a fastening connection for the hook of a safety lanyard. In this way, the worker secures anchor clamps as the system is erected and fastens his safety lanyard to the appropriate anchor clamp. As the height or length of the system increases, a new anchor clamp can be secured. The anchor clamps are fast to secure and preferably secured in the same manner as clamps used to secure the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Aluma Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6722471
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for construction of scaffold structures having improved safety characteristics. In various embodiments, the apparatuses comprise a set of structures, including connecting rails, fencing, gates, and ladders. The structures are adapted to be used with locking-cup type scaffold designs. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a scaffold joint comprising a vertical post comprising first and second joint sections. At least one structural brace is disposed within the joint sections having a mounting flange disposed at an angle to the principal axis of the structural brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Albert A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6688430
    Abstract: A device for interconnecting scaffolding elements (4) and standards (3) of a scaffolding (1) or similar. An engagement member (2), open at the top in the operating mode and connected to the standard, has a first engagement surface (11) facing the standard but extending spaced therefrom, and a first bearing surface (33), in the operating position facing upwards. A hook-shaped member (7) attached to the scaffolding element (4) exhibits a second engagement surface (29) facing away from the standard and a second bearing surface, in the operating position facing downwards. The hook-shaped member is hooked into the engagement member and is supported thereby through co-operation between the first and the second engagement surfaces as well as the first and second bearing surfaces. The hook-shaped member (7) exhibits two side cheeks (13, 14) arranged in spaced (16) relationship with each other and fixedly attached to the scaffolding element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Pluseight Technology AB
    Inventor: Harry Wallther
  • Patent number: 6672792
    Abstract: A fastener connects an insert to a hollow tube. The fastener is formed to have a yoke portion extending between a pair of arm portions, all of which are formed arcuately to conform to the shape of tube. Arm portions have arcuate free ends with horizontally oriented seams. Arm portions include protuberances which then may be cammed between an engagement position with edges of openings in the tube and edges of a cavity space in insert and a disengageable position between the edges. The fastener includes a lifting handle that is spaced away from the tubes surface to form an access gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Interlock Structures Internatioal Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Schipani, Richard K. Strayer, Michael B. Lasky, Lee T. Egbert
  • Publication number: 20030194265
    Abstract: An annular collar-clamp attaches to a vertical post at selected height and radial orientation and includes an annular pattern of upper and lower dovetail mount sites receiving a bifurcated component mounting assembly having a corresponding inter-fitting pattern of semi-annular dovetail mounts whereby the mounting assembly engages the collar-clamp at a selected discrete position thereon. By use of discontinuous or non-concentric surface engagement in such orientation and pattern to lock together the collar-clamp and the associated mounting component assembly, better load distribution and overall strength results while retaining an ability to position a component at any selected radial orientation relative to the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Kurt F. Krauss
  • Publication number: 20030175070
    Abstract: The scaffolding element is used in conjunction with an upright alignment member such as a pole. The scaffolding element is provided in the form of a rectangular frame, with a pair of connector members at each end. The connector members at the opposite ends of the frame are oriented transversely relative to one another, so that the connector members of adjacent members can interlock at right angle to one another, creating a structure of interlocking scaffolding elements. The connector members can be formed from metal plate or can be castings, for example, and the frame is constructed from square section metal tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Pieter Wouter Booysen, Michael Walter Seitz
  • Patent number: 6575652
    Abstract: An annular collar-clamp attaches to a vertical post at selected height and radial orientation and includes an annular pattern of upper and lower dovetail mount sites receiving a bifurcated component mounting assembly having a corresponding inter-fitting pattern of semi-annular dovetail mounts whereby the mounting assembly engages the collar-clamp at a selected discrete position thereon. By use of discontinuous or non-concentric surface engagement in such orientation and pattern to lock together the collar-clamp and the associated mounting component assembly, better load distribution and overall strength results while retaining an ability to position a component at any selected radial orientation relative to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Kurt F. Krauss
  • Patent number: 6527236
    Abstract: A corner bracket comprising of two matching components held together by two bolts wherein as the two bolts are tightened, the two matching components will be urged toward each other thereby securely gripping a planar surface that is inserted between them. Another bolt is inserted through an opening in the second component through a threaded hole in the first component and protrudes into a hole in the first component where the vertical supporting member is inserted. The bolt will securely lock the corner bracket with the planar surface to the vertical supporting member inserted through the hole in the first component. The advantage of the present invention is that the force of the grip on the planar surface can be adjusted independently of the force of the grip on the vertical supporting member. Another advantage of the present invention is that the corner bracket can be used to secure a variety of planar surfaces with a relative large range of thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Yuan Rui Situ
  • Publication number: 20030015372
    Abstract: A tube and clamp scaffold system includes a series of anchor clamps which are attached by the workers during erection of the system. The anchor clamps are attached at appropriate positions to ay of the tubular members and provide a fastening connection for the hook of a safety lanyard. In this way, the worker secures anchor clamps as the system is erected and fastens his safety lanyard to the appropriate anchor clamp. As the height or length of the system increases, a new anchor clamp can be secured. The anchor clamps are fast to secure and preferably secured in the same manner as clamps used to secure the tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Peter H. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6481912
    Abstract: Prop connecting ring which is fitted and bound on a construction prop, including: two symmetrical half bodies which are substantially semicircular, an inner face of each half body being formed with a semicircular clamping face, a body of each half body being formed with a predetermined number of insertion holes; rear ends of two half bodies being pivotally connected with each other, whereby the two half bodies can be opened or closed; a first detention hole formed on front end of a first half body; a second detention hole formed on front end of a second half body, when the front ends of the two half bodies are closed, the second detention hole being positioned right under the first detention hole, a rear edge of front end of the second half body being formed with an abutting face positioned at a height lower than the first detention hole; and an insertion fastener which is a wedge bar inserted in the detention holes of the two half bodies for latching the front ends of the two half bodies with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lung Ching Shih
  • Publication number: 20020141811
    Abstract: Prop connecting ring which is fitted and bound on a construction prop, including: two symmetrical half bodies which are substantially semicircular, an inner face of each half body being formed with a semicircular clamping face, a body of each half body being formed with a predetermined number of insertion holes; rear ends of two half bodies being pivotally connected with each other, whereby the two half bodies can be opened or closed; a first detention hole formed on front end of a first half body; a second detention hole formed on front end of a second half body, when the front ends of the two half bodies are closed, the second detention hole being positioned right under the first detention hole, a rear edge of front end of the second half body being formed with an abutting face positioned at a height lower than the first detention hole; and an insertion fastener which is a wedge bar inserted in the detention holes of the two half bodies for latching the front ends of the two half bodies with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Lung Ching Shih
  • Publication number: 20020106237
    Abstract: The scaffold clamp of the present invention comprises a body portion, two pivotting latches attached on opposite sides of said body, two recessed sockets with each socket having a slot opening therein, and two fasteners with each fastener associated with one of said slots and passing therethrough. Each fastener includes a shank which slides through said recess with the shank having a captured wedge member on one side of the associated slot and a bolt head oversized relative to the slot and on an opposite side thereof. The fastener is captured on the body portion with the bolt head on one side of said slot and said wedge on the opposite side of said slot. The body portion includes on opposite sides thereof support recesses which cooperate with the associated latch to form a generally circular scaffold support engaging recess. The latch and wedge cooperate with the body portion to adjust the size of said circular engaging recess by movement of the wedge relative to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Rogers
  • Patent number: 6406211
    Abstract: A connecting device has an attachment head and a clamping device for connecting horizontal or diagonal scaffolding elements to perforated disks of vertical post elements. The attachment head has a bearing surface on one side by which it is supported on the pipe of the post element. On the same side a horizontal slit is present, corresponding at least to the thickness of the perforated disks. The slit divides the bearing surface into two sub-surfaces. A feature is provided on the side opposite the bearing surface for welding on a pipe. The overall height of the attachment head on the side by which feature the attachment head is supported on the pipe is at least 68 millimeters. The top surface and the bottom surface of the attachment head taper continuously from the bearing surface to the feature for welding on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Plettac AG
    Inventors: Rolf Hengstenberg, Ute Tilsch, Holger Schadwinkel
  • Patent number: 6354758
    Abstract: A connector assembly that interconnects opposed ends of two walk boards utilized in a scaffolding system. Each connector includes a first plate having a plurality of connector shafts extending therefrom. The connector shafts extend through openings or sleeves formed in the end portions of the respective walk boards. Opposite the first plate is a second plate that includes openings through which the connector shafts extend. Retainers are secured to the respective connector shafts for the purpose of retaining the second plate on the connector shafts while the connector shafts extend through the openings within the walk boards. An interconnecting shaft is extended through a series of openings within the first and second plates of each connector. This interconnecting shaft effectively connects the connectors together and thereby connects the opposed end portions of the walk boards together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: David M. Chaulk
  • Publication number: 20020014371
    Abstract: A tube construction wherein on at least one end there is constructed a hook for the releasable fastening to a different structural part. A holding part of the hook is inserted into the end of the tube, and the tube end and the holding part are pressed together. The hook consists thereby of two plates which are spaced apart, and between which is pivotally fastened a safety bolt provided with a hook eyelet. The safety bolt has a locking element facing its axis, and the safety bolt has on its edge face at least one shoulder laterally offset with respect to the axis, which shoulder projects beyond the plates of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Guenther Krause
  • Patent number: 6322277
    Abstract: A clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete foaming systems. A clamp member having swill, arm jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert Jennings
  • Patent number: 6305868
    Abstract: A hook device having a hook body, a stopper for preventing the hook body from slipping off a member to be connected, an elastic member for biasing the stopper toward a slipping-off preventing position, and a connecting pin for connecting these components together. The stopper is formed with a slot having the connecting pin inserted therethrough. The slot has a stopper guide portion for permitting the stopper to move between the slipping-off preventing position and a slipping-off permitting position, and a stopper lock portion allowing the connecting pin to fit in when the stopper is further moved from the slipping-off permitting position. The hook device further has a stopper returning mechanism for moving a stopper unlocking knob portion toward the slipping-off preventing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hasegawa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kinoshita, Tadashi Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 6296077
    Abstract: A system of connectors for use in temporary structures to connect the bracing members of open lattice towers and trusses to the legs of towers and chords of trusses and space frames. A connector is permanently fitted to each end of all bracing members. The connector is configured to engage a cylinder (or projection) that is integral to the leg (or chord as the case may be). After one end is engaged on a cylinder (projection) the member is rotated about the engaged end until the connector on the opposing end of the member engages a corresponding cylinder (projection) on the opposed leg or chord. Installation of the next member using the method as described permanently locks the previously installed member in place such that it can not be removed until the member that was installed after it is removed. The assembly sequence is therefore fixed and begins at the bottom of a tower leg or one end of a truss chord. Disassembly requires following a sequence that is exactly the reverse of the assembly sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Superbuild Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Francis Wood, Clarence Pang Sum Au
  • Patent number: 6283251
    Abstract: A scaffolding system includes tubular columns (3) and horizontal and/or diagonal crossbars (1,2). One or more scaffolding joints (4) are arranged on each tubular column (3) and placed above and at a distance from each other. Connecting elements (1,2) are engaged with the joints nots. The tubular columns includes wedge-shaped pockets for wedge shaped plug in elements forming joints (4) and connecting elements (1,2), the wedge-shaped plug in elements (5) are arranged on the ends of the crossbars and engage with the wedge pockets (6) of varying geometry. The horizontal connecting elements (1) are mounted via above-mentioned linkage of the wedge-shaped plug-in element (5) and the wedge pocket. The diagonal crossbars (2) are mounted by means of wedge heads (7) which are arranged on each side of a diagonal brace (2.1) and are slid over the wedge pocket (6) of the tubular column (3) via the receiving opening located in the small front face lies in a flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald Merkel
  • Patent number: 6267525
    Abstract: A board to board coupling structure coupled between at least two panel assemblies, the board to board coupling structure including a tubular shaft, two locating plates respectively mounted in a longitudinal groove at the tubular shaft, two inner socket assemblies respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two end caps respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two outer sockets, a plurality of hook plates, and a plurality of plug plates. The hook plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a hooked portion respectively hooked on a top notch at an outer race at one inner socket and a notch at an upright flange at one outer socket. The plug plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a plug portion inserted in between the socket body and outer race at one inner socket and engaged into the notch at the upright flange at one outer socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Su-Lan Wu
  • Patent number: 6202788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pivoting pin (1) for use on scaffold vertical frames (6) as a connecting element for scaffold bars and braces extending in horizontal and/or vertical direction, having a sleeve-like support (2) that may be welded on the vertical frame (6), which support on its bottom has a slot (3) extending in longitudinal direction which is larger in width than a fall bar (5) fitted with a bearing in the interior of support (2) and pivoting around a horizontal axis, which fall bar protrudes downwardly from the slot (3) when in its vertical lock position and may be pivoted out of same solely towards the welded end of the support (2) in the interior thereof to reach its horizontal open position, the pivoting angle being confined to about 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Plettac AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Busch, Klaus Buttgereit
  • Patent number: 6074129
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a screed plate to a frame member of a screed assembly is disclosed. A leading edge portion of the screed plate is secured to the frame member by a number of fastening assemblies each of which includes an upper fastening block, a lower fastening block, and a bolt. The upper fastening block is welded to the frame member, whereas the lower fastening block is welded to the screed plate. Rotation of the bolt causes the fastening blocks, and hence the frame member and the screed plate, to be secured to one another. The bolt is disposed at an angle relative the screed plate thereby allowing access thereto from a rear portion of the screed assembly. Such a configuration allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove the screed assembly from the tractor associated with the paver. Such a configuration further allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove a number of deflector plates associated with the screed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence J. Nowak, Wayne A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6062341
    Abstract: An attachment device for a scaffolding system which includes vertical and horizontal tubes is comprised of a guard rail stud adapter and a first stud. The guard rail stud adapter includes a generally U-shaped member which has a base portion, a first arm connected to the base portion, and a second arm connected to the base portion. At least one of the arms may include an end which has an arcuate cut-out portion for receiving vertical tubes. A second stud is connected to the generally U-shaped member for retaining scaffolding members, such guard rails or other members. A generally l-shaped member connected to the U-shaped member has a first end connected to at least one arm and a hole for receiving the first stud of the scaffolding system. One embodiment is further comprised of a spacer having a counter-bore for receiving the second stud of the scaffolding. Tile spacer is connected between the second stud and the generally U-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Safway Steel Products Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Frank, Robert M. Reilly, Stig Karlsen
  • Patent number: 6045287
    Abstract: A connecting device is provided for a bearing bar consisting of a tube having such a connecting device at each of its two ends. The connecting device may be used to join horizontal and vertical scaffolding elements. The connecting device consists of a bearing head and a clamping device and is of such a design that its top edge lies in a plane with that of the tube attached thereto. In addition, the connecting device has bolts for a non-positive connection with overlying elements suspendable thereover. These constructional features of the connecting device allow the overlying elements, which have holes or eyelets to be pushed over the bolts of the bearing bar for suspending in the scaffold, to be placed close up to the post elements, so that virtually no gap between the overlying element and the post element is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Plettac AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Busch
  • Patent number: 6027276
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for forming a scaffold joint with a transverse brace and posts having at least one projection extending radially with respect to the post axis out from its outer surface, the protrusion having an opening into which a hook disposed on the end of the brace can be introduced from an upper direction, wherein a wedge (47), disposed on the end of the brace, is sufficiently separated from the contours of the hook in its position automatically assumed below the opening (4) subsequent to introduction of the hook (7) into the opening (4) to block motion of the end of the brace in the upward direction through the opening (4), wherein the lower end of the wedge (47) projects in a sideward direction beyond the contours of the hook (7) prior to complete introduction of the hook (7) into the opening and seats on the edge of the opening and, with further introduction of the hook, can be displaced by the edge in the upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schworer
  • Patent number: 5961240
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scaffolding connector for securement to the end of a horizontal member to releasably secure the horizontal member to a vertical post. The connector comprises a suitably dimensioned steel sheet folded and shaped to form a back plate for securement of the connector to the end of a horizontal runner, generally triangular shaped top and bottom plates extending outwardly from the back plates and side plates extending downwardly from the sides of the top and upwardly from either side of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Aluma Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Bobrovniczky
  • Patent number: 5868223
    Abstract: A releasable joint connects an upright (10) and a transverse brace (16) in an aluminum scaffold frame. A horizontal aluminum flange (12) is attached to the upright (10) and an aluminum connector (18) to the brace (16). The connector (18) has a mouth (50) which receives the flange (12). A steel wedge (20) is inserted through a vertical passage (52) in the connector (18) and an opening (28) in the flange (12). The opening (28) contains a vertical, planar wedge-seating surface (36) of uniform horizontal cross-section. The connector (18) contains a pair of parallel, planar wedge-seating surfaces (54, 56), one above and one below the flange (12). These surfaces (54, 56) extend downwardly and radially outwardly relative to the upright (10) at a predetermined angle relative to vertical and have uniform horizontal cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald Lubinski
  • Patent number: 5785447
    Abstract: A connector for a structural apparatus. The connector includes a pair of oppositely disposed C-shaped connectors which are adapted to surround a post and are detachably connected to one another. The connectors include a first movable position allowing movement of the connectors relative to each other as well as to the post. In a second fixed position where the connectors are secured to the post. Each C-shaped connector has complementary interfitting end elements for assembling the pair of C-shaped connectors together to surround the post. The C-shaped connectors are secured to each other by complementary fastening elements that extend in the same direction as and cooperate with the complementary interfitting elements. The complementary interfitting elements or connections are provided on a transversely extending end surface at opposite ends of each C-shaped connector for assembling the C-shaped connectors to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fonti, Jack E. Gonzenbach
  • Patent number: 5752685
    Abstract: A vacuum pencil holder for holding a vacuum pencil used for picking up semiconductor dies or chips during fabrication of integrated circuit devices. The vacuum pencil holder has a wand stand adjustable in angular position about an elongated supportive member to which it is fastened, so that a vacuum pencil placed on the wand stand can always be turned to a position within reach of a fabrication engineer. The vacuum pencil holder includes a curved piece integrally joined to the wand stand. A pair of bearing members, each of which is substantially half-cylinder shaped, are attached to opposite sides of the elongated supportive member so as to form a cylindrical bearing member surrounding the elongated supportive member. The curved piece is slidably inset in slots formed on the curved surface of the two bearing members. The vacuum pencil holder can thus be turned about the elongated supportive member, allowing the wand stand to be adjusted in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Tyan
  • Patent number: 5713687
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for the connection of scaffolding components having a coupling mouth in which the closing motion of the jaws is induced by a tensioning means configured as a wedge with ribs running diagonally against its direction of motion during tensioning. In the present invention the ribs (39, 49) work together with teeth (32, 44) on a moveable jaw (20) of the coupling mouth, and the wedge (30) has a curved cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: 'Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schworer
  • Patent number: 5694656
    Abstract: A piece of furniture includes an upright post, a horizontal rail, and a fastening unit. The upright post is provided with a coupling base having a parallel pair of side walls and a connecting wall that interconnects the side walls and that inclines inwardly and downwardly such that side walls and the connecting wall cooperatively confine a vertical engaging groove which tapers downwardly. The horizontal rail includes an upper rail member and a lower rail member mounted on a bottom side of the upper rail member. The upper rail member is provided with a tongue unit which extends downwardly into the vertical engaging groove. The tongue unit has a parallel pair of flanges confined between the side walls and an inclining wall that interconnects the flanges and that is superimposed on the connecting wall. The lower rail member is provided with a support unit which includes a parallel pair of abutment walls and a vertical wall which interconnects the abutment walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5615966
    Abstract: The device includes a locator on the first member for locating an end section of the second member. A movable locking lever is mounted on the second member and an operating member is provided which enables the locking lever to be moved from a position in which the end section is locked in position on the locator by the locking lever to a further position in which the locking lever permits the end section to be separated from the locator. The operating member is a rotary member rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the second member and has a surface thereon which co-operates with the locking lever whereby rotation of the rotary member effects movement of the locking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventors: Barry M. F. Jarvis, Carolyn E. Morse
  • Patent number: 5605204
    Abstract: Scaffolding includes standards to which ledger or tie tubes and diagonal braces are attached to form a removable three-dimensional truss. The ledger tubes and the braces are attached to the standards by fastening them at bores in discs fixed at regular intervals on the standards. The fastening is performed by hooks belonging in parts attached at the ends of the elements and is assisted by wedge keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ulma, S. Coop. Ltda
    Inventor: Felipe V. Ausejo
  • Patent number: 5575580
    Abstract: An assembly for joining a generally cylindrical member to at least one other member wherein the assembly includes a pair of oppositely disposed C-shaped connectors that when connected together are in one of two selected conditions. When in the first condition the C-shaped connectors are slidable about the surface of the generally cylindrical member and when in the second condition the C-shaped connectors are secured to the generally cylindrical member at a preselected position on the surface thereof. The assembly includes a component receiver which receives the other member. The component receiver is slidably mounted on a selected one of the C-shaped connectors so as to be in one of two conditions. When in the first condition, the component receiver is slidable on the C-shaped connectors; and when in the second condition, the component receiver is secured to the adjacent C-shaped connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
    Inventors: Terry V. Parrish, Duane R. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 5560730
    Abstract: A scaffold system has a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of cross members connected by couplings. The vertical members and cross members are formed of polymeric matrix reinforced with glass and polymeric fibres. Each coupling includes a pair of annular flanges, positioned on the vertical members in a spaced apart relation to form a groove. Each flange is formed with a least one aperture to accept a lock pin which extends across the groove. In use, the lock pin locks an adapted end of a cross member in the groove by extending through the apertures of the flanges and an aperture in the adapted end of the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Scaffold Connection Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond W. Gillard, Douglas W. Lindstrom, Hung B. Quach, Michael G. Blum, Kevin K. Gray, Bill K. Jang
  • Patent number: 5427465
    Abstract: A clamp fitment includes a pair of holding members each capable of clamping a pipe section, a coupler mounted between both the holding members for relatively rotatably but unseparatably coupling the holding members, and a lock mechanism mounted between both the holding members for restraining the relative rotation of the holding members at any time in positions in which the pipe sections clamped in the holding members intersect each other at right angles. The single clamp fitment for connecting the pipe sections can be used properly as either of "swivel type" in which the angle of intersection of the pipe sections can be freely selected and "orthogonal type" for unifying the pipe sections in a square fashion. This eliminates the need for a worker to carry two kinds of clamp fitments to a working field, leading to simplified handling and management of the clamp fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Masataro Sato
  • Patent number: 5411113
    Abstract: A scaffold comprises uprights and transverse tubular braces formed of aluminum. Each upright includes a tubular post extruded with external alignment grooves. Identical aluminum flange assemblies are spaced apart along the post. Each flange assembly includes an extruded sleeve with internal aligning ribs that interlock with the external grooves of the post, and a flange cast with internal ribs that interlock with external alignment grooves extruded with the sleeve. Flange decreases continuously from a central part to its periphery. A set of wedge-receiving openings is formed between the central part and periphery. A brace carries an aluminum connector having upper and lower sections that define a mouth for receiving the flange. An outer part of the mouth mates with inclined upper and lower surfaces of the central part of the flange. An inner part of the mouth remains clear of the flange so that shear forces and bending moments are applied by the brace to the thicker central part of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald Lubinski
  • Patent number: 5344258
    Abstract: A connector for a shoring system comprises a housing adapted to be mounted on a frame which is to be connected to legs which define the plurality of axially extending channels. The housing slidable receives a bolt. The bolt has a head shaped and dimensioned so that in one orientation axial movement of the bolt may introduce the head through the slot into the channel, and in an alternate orientation the bolt may not be withdrawn from the channel by axial movement. The bolt is associated with means adapted to rotate the bolt and to move the bolt axially relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: SGB Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Demetrios G. Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 5326337
    Abstract: A light weight, portable, gymnastic assembly made for children to climb on is fabricated of tubular members formed of cut-to-length standard plastic tubings and standard plastic fittings. The tubular members are releasably held within the sockets of the fittings by pairs of opposing spring-loaded pins that are carried in opposing holes on the end portions of the tubular members and engage within opposing holes on the end portions of sockets of the fittings when the tubular members are slipped into the sockets. Because of the mechanical connections used, such an assembly provides a flexible overall structure that can be readily modified from time-to-time by an adult to enable a number of separately assembled different types of accessories of interest to children to be mounted on the surface of the assembly or within the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Eugene C. Pardella
  • Patent number: 5217314
    Abstract: The connector is of the type attached to one end of a first element and having a throat designed to allow engagement around a matching retaining collar mounted on a second element which is to be attached to the first element. The cross-section of the connector has an M-shaped profile having two central bars separated from side bars by empty spaces. The central bars delimit between them the throat and the side bars allow the connector to be attached to the elongated first element to which it is fitted. The present connection is particularly suited for erecting scaffolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Claude Perruelle
  • Patent number: 5211591
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a first member movable vertically to actuate a transmission in response to such vertical movement, a second member rotatably supported by the propulsion unit and adapted to be rotated by an operator either directly or indirectly, and a connection for detachably connecting the first and second members to effect vertical movement of the first member in response to rotation of the second member, which connection includes an aperture in the first member, a stud fixedly extending from the second member for movement in common therewith and received in the aperture, a resilient member fixed to the second member for movement in common therewith and including a part movable relative to the second member between an interfering position wherein the part is engagable with the first member to prevent withdrawal of the stud from the aperture and a spaced position affording removal of the stud from the aperture, a tab connected to the resilient mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Scott N. Burmeister, Mark C. Noble
  • Patent number: 5207527
    Abstract: A connection system is provided for use with scaffolding to secure laterally extending support members to upright standards. Latching rings permanently secured at intervals along the upright standards are provided with primary latching openings, each of which has a central region of limited breadth with oppositely directed narrower radial elongations of uniform width throughout. The radial elongations of the primary latching openings are located so as to reside in vertical registration with longitudinally elongated apertures formed in flanges of brackets that are secured to laterally extending scaffold support elements. Wedges are carried by the brackets and can be fully engaged only when the laterally extending support members are in precise, orthogonal alignment relative to the upright standards. Preferably, secondary latching ring openings are provided to accommodate diagonal braces to enhance the rigidity of the scaffolding support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Warren Duncan, Dwight Allenbaugh
  • Patent number: 5186568
    Abstract: A double latch locking device for supporting a scaffolding in erected condition. The scaffolding comprises frames parallel to one another and supported vertically by crossrods having bored ends. The latter engage a short horizontal stem projecting from the interior plane of each frame, whereas a rigid arm projects above each of the stems parallel thereto. Two latches are pivoted independently of one another to a same pivotal axis located at the free end of the rigid arm, to move within the interior plane of the corresponding frame, and are adapted to releasably retain the stay rods to the frame in a limit locking position. The present device is characterized in that it enables the locking of a variable number of stay rods on the stem with a minimum of play; the first latch will retain for example up to three stay rods which would have been engaged on the stem, whereas the second latch will retain for example up to five stay rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Leo Falardeau
  • Patent number: 5172997
    Abstract: A connecting piece is disclosed for connecting an elongate bracing element to an apertured locking disk on a scaffolding standard. The locking disk is of the sort that is provided with a plurality of apertures spaced around its perimeter. The connecting piece is provided with an upper portion, a lower portion and a slot between the upper and lower portions of suitable width to accommodate insertion of a disk therein. The upper and lower portions are provided with aligned apertures situated to align with an aperture on a disk. The connecting piece is provided with a locking wedge element captive in the apertures of the upper and lower portions and drivable through the aligned apertures of the upper and lower portions and the locking disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Etobicoke Ironworks, Ltd.
    Inventor: John G. Brasil
  • Patent number: 5154256
    Abstract: A guard rail post assembly for a scaffolding platform advantageously uses an offset base portion to simplify connection of rail members at a point aligned above the base. A gravity lock is also disclosed which serves to maintain rail members which have been secured to the guard rail assembly and/or secure other connecting members elsewhere in scaffolding and shoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Aluma Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Charles F. Wood
  • Patent number: 5127757
    Abstract: A connecting head for scaffold systems, with the connecting head including a connecting zone having centering lobes and an annular contact surface as well as a conical surface arranged so as to provide for favorable welding conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Ruth Langer