US3584904A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Locking connection for supporting grid systems
Assignee: Flangeklamp Corp
•
Filing: 1969-03-13
•
Granted: 1971-06-15
•
Expires: 1989-03-13
Abstract
Abstract A first support member having a web with a slot therein and a second support member having a web and a locking connector formed integral therewith and extending therefrom for insertion in the slot. The connector has a locking tab engageable behind one side of the first support member web and reversely bent into a recess defined by a first reinforcement channel formed in the connector. A projection in the channel prevents complete collapse of the tab into the recess during insertion through the slot. A second reinforcement channel disposed above the first channel extends therebeyond into the second support member web. Stop shoulders on the locking connector engage the other side of the first support member web.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert P Lickliter
- 👤 Earl Abbott
- 👤 John F Reeves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:39
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B7/00; E; E04; E04B; E04B9/00; E04B9/06; E04B9/12; E04B9/122; F16B2200/00; F16B2200/20; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/44; Y10T403/447; Y10T403/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising a first support member having a web with a slot therein; a second support member having a web with a locking connector extending therefrom and formed integral therewith; said locking connector being insertable through said slot and having a leading edge; said locking connector including a resiliently yieldable locking means having a portion engaging one side of said web; said locking means comprising an extension of said connector and a continuation of said leading edge reversely bent to extend rearwardly from said leading edge, said locking connector being provided with a channel recess terminating adjacent said leading edge in facing relation to said reversely bent locking means and having a configuration slightly larger than said locking means whereby said locking means is adapted to be cammed into said recess upon insertion through said slot of said first support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising a first support member having a web with a slot therein; a second support member having a web with a locking connector extending therefrom and formed integral therewith; said locking connector being insertable through said slot and having a leading edge; said locking connector including a resiliently yieldable locking means having a portion engaging one side of said web; said locking means comprising an extension of said connector and a continuation of said leading edge reversely bent to extend rearwardly from said leading edge, said locking connector being provided with a channel recess terminating adjacent said leading edge in facing relation to said reversely bent locking means and having a configuration slightly larger than said locking means whereby said locking means is adapted to be cammed into said recess upon insertion through said slot of said first support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A locking connection according to claim 1, wherein said recess is provided with means preventing complete collapse of said locking means in said recess.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A locking connection according to claim 1, wherein said locking connector is provided with reinforcement means extending substantially parallel to said web of said second support and extending rearwardly into said web.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A locking connection according to claim 1, wherein said locking connector has a stop shoulder engageable against a side of said web opposite said one side.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A locking connection according to claim 1, wherein said locking connector has a pair of spaced stop shoulders engageable against a side of said web opposite said one side.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A locking connection according to claim 5, wherein said stop shoulders are spaced from said web engaging portion of said locking means a distance substantially equal to the thickness of said first support member web.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
112 words
A structural support member comprising a web portion and a flange portion extending laterally from opposite sides of said web portion; locking connectors extending axially from opposite ends of said support member; each locking connector comprising resiliently yieldable locking means having a leading edge and a locking portion forming a continuation of said leading edge and reversely bent to extend rearwardly therefrom, said locking connector being provided with a recess slightly larger than said reversely bent locking portion and terminating at said leading edge in facing relation to said reversely bent locking portion whereby the latter is adapted to be cammed into said recess upon lateral inward deflection of said locking portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
112 words
A structural support member comprising a web portion and a flange portion extending laterally from opposite sides of said web portion; locking connectors extending axially from opposite ends of said support member; each locking connector comprising resiliently yieldable locking means having a leading edge and a locking portion forming a continuation of said leading edge and reversely bent to extend rearwardly therefrom, said locking connector being provided with a recess slightly larger than said reversely bent locking portion and terminating at said leading edge in facing relation to said reversely bent locking portion whereby the latter is adapted to be cammed into said recess upon lateral inward deflection of said locking portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A structural support member according to claim 7 wherein said recess is provided with means preventing complete collapse of saId locking portion in said recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A structural support member according to claim 7, wherein each locking connector is provided with a pair of spaced stop shoulders located rearwardly of said locking portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
A structural support member according to claim 7, wherein each locking connector is provided with a first reinforcement means having an offset channel extending parallel to said web portion and a second reinforcement means having a channel parallel to said first reinforcement means and laterally offset therefrom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-14 | 1974-12-14 | 1975-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-12-14 | 1979-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-14 | 1982-12-14 | 1983-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |