US3596427A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Panel post joining means
Assignee: Orbit International Inc
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Filing: 1969-03-14
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1989-03-14
Abstract
Abstract Means is provided for joining panel posts together in such manner that partitions or the like formed of panel and post units may be readily assembled in a minimum of time, and thereafter ''''knocked down'''' with equal facility. Channel-shaped posts are provided having the flanges thereof interfitting with each other and joined as a result of plug wedges forced into the ends of the posts between the webs and flanged thereof and concealed inside the channel-shaped posts. The plug wedges are designed to coact with the webs and flanges of the posts in such manner that interlocking tongue and groove connections between the flanges of one channel-shaped post and the flanges of the other channelshaped post so coact with each other that the two posts form a single substantially rectangular post. These channel-shaped posts may be formed as extrusions of metal, plastic or the like and used for assembling panels together by securing the channelshaped posts to the edges of panels of wood, plastic, particle board or the like as by means of screws. For disassembling the post and panel units, the plug wedges are tapped so that pull rods can be threaded thereinto.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur Fernandez
- 👤 David H Humphrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:10
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/76; E04B2/78
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
Panel-post-joining means comprising a pair of channel-shaped posts having the flanges thereof interfitting with each other and thereby forming together a substantially rectangular post, each of said channel-shaped posts being secured to the edge of a panel and the two panels thereby connected with each other by said channel-shaped posts, and means for joining said channel-shaped posts to each other comprising cooperable means longitudinally of said channel-shaped posts, and plug wedges adapted to enter the ends of said channel-shaped posts when interfitted to each other and effect spreading of the flanges thereof laterally to thereby effect cooperation of said cooperable means, the flanges of said channel-shaped posts having interfitting tongue and groove portions longitudinally thereof, said plug wedges being operable to move said flanges laterally of said channel-shaped posts when two of said channel-shaped posts are interfitted to each other and said wedges are forced into the ends of said interfitted channel-shaped posts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
Panel-post-joining means comprising a pair of channel-shaped posts having the flanges thereof interfitting with each other and thereby forming together a substantially rectangular post, each of said channel-shaped posts being secured to the edge of a panel and the two panels thereby connected with each other by said channel-shaped posts, and means for joining said channel-shaped posts to each other comprising cooperable means longitudinally of said channel-shaped posts, and plug wedges adapted to enter the ends of said channel-shaped posts when interfitted to each other and effect spreading of the flanges thereof laterally to thereby effect cooperation of said cooperable means, the flanges of said channel-shaped posts having interfitting tongue and groove portions longitudinally thereof, said plug wedges being operable to move said flanges laterally of said channel-shaped posts when two of said channel-shaped posts are interfitted to each other and said wedges are forced into the ends of said interfitted channel-shaped posts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 1 wherein means is provided to withdraw said plug wedges from the ends of said channel-shaped posts to permit disassembly of adjacent panel and post units.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means to withdraw said plug wedges comprises tapped openings in the outer ends of said plug wedges adapted to receive threaded pull rods.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tapped openings at the lower ends of said posts are adapted to receive threaded button feet to support a plurality of post and panel units relative to a floor surface or the like.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 1 wherein means is provided for attaching each of said channel-shaped posts to an edge of a panel comprising a screw through the web of a channel-shaped post and into the edge of a panel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
149 words
Panel-post-joining means comprising a pair of channel-shaped posts having the flanges thereof interfitting with each other and thereby forming together a substantially rectangular post, each of said channel-shaped posts being secured to the edge of a panel and the two panels thereby connected with each other by said channel-shaped posts, and means for joining said channel-shaped posts to each other comprising cooperable means longitudinally of said channel-shaped posts, and plug wedges adapted to enter the ends of said channel-shaped posts when interfitted to each other and effect spreading of the flanges thereof laterally to thereby effect cooperation of said cooperable means, said cooperable means comprising interfitting tongue and groove portions on said channel-shaped posts extending longitudinally thereof, said plug wedges being operable to spread said flanges laterally of said channel-shaped posts when forced into the ends thereof to interlock said flanges by entry of said tongue into said grooves.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
149 words
Panel-post-joining means comprising a pair of channel-shaped posts having the flanges thereof interfitting with each other and thereby forming together a substantially rectangular post, each of said channel-shaped posts being secured to the edge of a panel and the two panels thereby connected with each other by said channel-shaped posts, and means for joining said channel-shaped posts to each other comprising cooperable means longitudinally of said channel-shaped posts, and plug wedges adapted to enter the ends of said channel-shaped posts when interfitted to each other and effect spreading of the flanges thereof laterally to thereby effect cooperation of said cooperable means, said cooperable means comprising interfitting tongue and groove portions on said channel-shaped posts extending longitudinally thereof, said plug wedges being operable to spread said flanges laterally of said channel-shaped posts when forced into the ends thereof to interlock said flanges by entry of said tongue into said grooves.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 6 wherein means is provided to draw the webs of said channel-shaped posts toward each other as said flange are spread by said plug wedges.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
Panel-post-joining mans in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means to draw said webs toward each other comprises wedge surfaces formed on aid flanges and extending longitudinally thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
Panel-post-joining means in accordance with claim 6 wherein said means to withdraw said plug wedges comprises tapped openings in the outer ends of said plug wedges adapted to receive threaded pull rods.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
Panel-post-joining mans in accordance with claim 6 wherein said flanges are provided with wedge surfaces extending longitudinally of the flanges and operable to draw the webs of said channel-shaped posts toward each other when said plug wedges spread said flanges laterally of said channel-shaped posts.
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) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |