Structures fabricated from a plurality of similar structural elements arrayed in a repetitive pattern

Abstract

Abstract A symmetrical and generally four-sided structural element of sheet material has ears formed at its two ends and four tabs formed on its sides, said ears and tabs being dovetailed to define four corner engaging slits extending inwardly to terminate at four corner fastening means receiving apertures. The side tabs of the element preferably slope inwardly toward central fastening means receiving apertures provided in alignment with the corner fastening receiving apertures to define central engaging nips so that a plurality of the structural elements may be interlocked in partially overlapped relationship at their corners and/or at their sides. The preferred fastening means for the elements is a grommet formed with prongs adapted to spring back after insertion through the fastening means receiving apertures. A lamp shade spider is also provided for use in the preferred structure formed from the invention, which spider is designed to detachably receive a variable number of supporting spokes in preferably equiangular relationship so as to afford maximum versatility in the selection of lamp shade size and configuration.

Inventors

• 👤 Ralph K Rye

Bibliographic Details