Patent US3603628A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3603628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Frame connector structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-07-07
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-07-07
Abstract
Abstract A tubular frame element is telescoped over a bracket to which it is to be connected. The frame element has an aperture for receiving a latching projection. The projection is formed on a strip of spring steel held against the inside surface of the bracket. The strip has its opposite ends held by straps struck inwardly from the bracket. The strip is formed so that it may be assembled by inserting one end of the strip under one strap, then bowing the strip so that its other end is positioned to be received by the other strap, and then shifting the strip until the latching projection snaps into an aperture of the bracket whereby the strip is locked in place. The anchoring of the strip at places spaced closely on opposite sides of the projection provides a stiff spring action adequate to ensure against accidental release of the connector structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward A Smith
- 👤 Robert L Day
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:38
CPC Classifications
E; E06; E06B; E06B3/00; E06B3/96; E06B3/964; E06B3/968; E06B3/9684; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/38; E04B1/58; E04B1/5825; E04B1/5831; E04G; E04G7/00; E04G7/02; F; F16; F16B; F16B7/00; F16B7/04; F16B7/044; F16B7/0446; E04B1/18; E04B1/24; E04B1/2403; E04B2001/2406; E04B2001/5856; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/34; Y10T403/341; Y10T403/342; Y10T403/343; Y10T403/44; Y10T403/60; Y10T403/606
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A hollow, unit handled, self-locking connector structure adapted to be closely telescopically received within a hollow apertured frame member to form a rigid joint therewith and a substantially unimpeded passage therethrough, comprising; a rigid hollow support having an aperture in a wall thereof, a substantially flat spring metal strip mounted at opposite ends thereof to the inner surface of said wall in substantial face to face engagement therewith on opposite sides of said aperture; an integral locking projection extending outwardly from a medial portion of said substantially flat spring metal strip and extending through said operature; and the outer end of said locking projection including a cam surface positioned for camming engagement by assembly of an outer telescoping apertured frame member whereby said medial portion of said spring metal strip will be deflected during telescopic assembly of the joint and resume the substantial face to face engagement with said inner wall surface upon entry of the locking projection into an aperture in the telescoped frame member and whereby the hollow interior of the joint will be substantially unimpeded.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A hollow, unit handled, self-locking connector structure adapted to be closely telescopically received within a hollow apertured frame member to form a rigid joint therewith and a substantially unimpeded passage therethrough, comprising; a rigid hollow support having an aperture in a wall thereof, a substantially flat spring metal strip mounted at opposite ends thereof to the inner surface of said wall in substantial face to face engagement therewith on opposite sides of said aperture; an integral locking projection extending outwardly from a medial portion of said substantially flat spring metal strip and extending through said operature; and the outer end of said locking projection including a cam surface positioned for camming engagement by assembly of an outer telescoping apertured frame member whereby said medial portion of said spring metal strip will be deflected during telescopic assembly of the joint and resume the substantial face to face engagement with said inner wall surface upon entry of the locking projection into an aperture in the telescoped frame member and whereby the hollow interior of the joint will be substantially unimpeded.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The connector structure of claim 1 wherein said substantially flat spring metal strip is highly stressed by the mounting at opposite ends thereof in substantial face to face engagement with said inner surface of said wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connector structure of claim 2 wherein said spring metal strip is normally bowed in its unstressed condition
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The connector structure of claim 2 wherein the mounting for the opposite ends of said substantially flat spring metal strip comprises a pair of straps integral with said wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The connector structure of claim 4 wherein said straps comprise struck-out portions of said wall; and stop means adjacent opposite ends of said spring metal strip for engaging said struck-out portions during assembly of the connector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The connector structure of claim 1 wherein the outermost end of said cam surface on said locking projection extends outwardly of the aperture in said wall a distance not exceeding the wall thickness of a frame element to be assemble therewith.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3033598A
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US3239255A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |