US3632147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular frame structure and connector
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-04-02
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Granted: 1972-01-04
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Expires: 1990-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A modular frame structure and connector is provided in which the connector contains a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings which are each female receptacles for receiving and holding a corresponding male plug. A first pair of these openings defines an axis of the connector. A first plurality of the pairs of openings are positioned around the center of the connector with the axes of these openings being coplanar. The central plane so defined is normal to the axis of the connector and substantially divides the connector into equal halves. A second plurality of pairs of openings is provided one end of which lies between the above-mentioned central plane and one of the axial pair of openings of the device. The other end of this plurality of openings lies between the central plane and the other axial opening. A plug is provided which has two ends, one of which is a male plug adapted to mate with the female openings in the connector. The other end of the plug is adapted to connect to the frame members.
Inventors
- 👤 Julie Finger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:04
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47F; A47F5/00; A47F5/14; E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/18; E04B1/19; E04B1/1903; E04B1/1906; F; F16; F16B; F16B7/00; F16B7/18; F16B7/185; E04B2001/1924; E04B2001/1927; E04B2001/1957; E04B2001/196; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/34; Y10T403/341; Y10T403/342; Y10T403/347; Y10T403/44; Y10T403/60; Y10T403/602; Y10T403/604
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
296 words
A modular frame structure system comprising, in combination: a connector, a plurality of hollow frame members and a plurality of plugs; 1. said connector comprising a three dimensional body including: a. a first axial pair of diametrically opposed openings, the axis of which defines an axis for said body; b. a first plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings, the axes of which all lie in a first plane, said first plane being normal to said axis of said body and dividing said body into two substantially equal halves; and c. a second plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings, each of said pairs comprising a first opening and a second opening, the centers of said first openings defining a plane substantially parallel to said first plane and lying between said first plane and a first one of said axial pair of openings, the centers of said second openings defining a plane substantially parallel to said first plane and lying between said first plane and the other one of said axial pair of openings; d. each of said openings projecting inwardly from the surface of said body towards the center of said body; e. each of said openings being threaded with female threads adapted to mate with male threads on a corresponding complementary male plug; 2. said hollow frame member including a groove around its inner surface; and 3. said plug having a first end and a second end, said first end having male threads complementary to said female threads in said openings in said connector and being adapted to mate with said openings, and said second end being adapted to fit within said hollow frame members and including a spring-loaded snap ball which seats in said groove for attaching said plug to said frame member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
296 words
A modular frame structure system comprising, in combination: a connector, a plurality of hollow frame members and a plurality of plugs; 1. said connector comprising a three dimensional body including: a. a first axial pair of diametrically opposed openings, the axis of which defines an axis for said body; b. a first plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings, the axes of which all lie in a first plane, said first plane being normal to said axis of said body and dividing said body into two substantially equal halves; and c. a second plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings, each of said pairs comprising a first opening and a second opening, the centers of said first openings defining a plane substantially parallel to said first plane and lying between said first plane and a first one of said axial pair of openings, the centers of said second openings defining a plane substantially parallel to said first plane and lying between said first plane and the other one of said axial pair of openings; d. each of said openings projecting inwardly from the surface of said body towards the center of said body; e. each of said openings being threaded with female threads adapted to mate with male threads on a corresponding complementary male plug; 2. said hollow frame member including a groove around its inner surface; and 3. said plug having a first end and a second end, said first end having male threads complementary to said female threads in said openings in said connector and being adapted to mate with said openings, and said second end being adapted to fit within said hollow frame members and including a spring-loaded snap ball which seats in said groove for attaching said plug to said frame member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
said hollow frame member including a groove around its inner surface; and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
said hollow frame member including a groove around its inner surface; and
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of claim 1 in which the angle between the adjacent axes of said first plurality of pairs of openings in said connector is substantially 30*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 2 in which the distance between the first opening and the second opening of each pair of openings in said connector is substantially equal to that of every other pair of openings in said connector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
said plug having a first end and a second end, said first end having male threads complementary to said female threads in said openings in said connector and being adapted to mate with said openings, and said second end being adapted to fit within said hollow frame members and including a spring-loaded snap ball which seats in said groove for attaching said plug to said frame member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
said plug having a first end and a second end, said first end having male threads complementary to said female threads in said openings in said connector and being adapted to mate with said openings, and said second end being adapted to fit within said hollow frame members and including a spring-loaded snap ball which seats in said groove for attaching said plug to said frame member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 3 in which the body of said connector is a polyhedron having a respective surface corresponding to each opening in said body, each of said surfaces being normal to the axis of its respective opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 4 in which the axes of said second plurality of pairs of openings each forms substantially a 45* angle with said first plane and the axis of said body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 5 in which said second end of said plug includes a shoulder for supporting the end of said frame member.
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) | 1975-01-03 | 1975-07-05 | 1976-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-03 | 1979-07-05 | 1980-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-03 | 1983-07-05 | 1984-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |