US3675957A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Locking connection for supporting grid systems
Assignee: Flangeklamp Corp
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Filing: 1970-03-10
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1990-03-10
Abstract
Abstract A first support member having a web with a slot therein and a second support member having a web upstanding from a pair of laterally extending support flanges and a locking connector formed integral with the web and extending axially therefrom for insertion in the slot. The connector has a locking tab engageable behind one side of the first support member web. The second support member has an offset end portion forming a continuation of the support flanges and adapted to overlie the first support member support flanges. The offset portion is provided with a transverse edge engageable with the other side of the first support member web to provide a rigid connection between the first and second support members. The offset portion has a thickness less than one-half the thickness of the support flanges with which it is integrally formed.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Paul Lickliter
- 👤 Earl Abbott
- 👤 John F Reeves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:13
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: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising a first support member having flanges and a web upstanding therefrom provided with a slot; a second support member having flanges and a web upstanding therefrom provided with a locking connector extending axially therefrom and insertable through said slot; said locking connector having a portion engaging one side of said first support member web; said second support member having an end portion forming a continuation of said support flanges thereof and having a terminal edge below said locking connector portion engaging the other side of said first support member web; said locking connector having a stop shoulder above said locking connector portion engaging said other side of said first support member web above said end portion terminal edge and substantially vertically aligned therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising a first support member having flanges and a web upstanding therefrom provided with a slot; a second support member having flanges and a web upstanding therefrom provided with a locking connector extending axially therefrom and insertable through said slot; said locking connector having a portion engaging one side of said first support member web; said second support member having an end portion forming a continuation of said support flanges thereof and having a terminal edge below said locking connector portion engaging the other side of said first support member web; said locking connector having a stop shoulder above said locking connector portion engaging said other side of said first support member web above said end portion terminal edge and substantially vertically aligned therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said end portion has a thickness substantially less than the thickness of said flanges of said second support member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said end portion has a thickness less than one-half the thickness of said flanges of said second support member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said end portion has a thickness no greater than one-half the thickness of said flanges of said second support member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said end portion is offset and overlies a flange of the first support member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between said end portion terminal edge and said locking connector portion is substantially the thickness of said first support member web.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said locking connector is provided with a bead along one longitudinal edge thereof, said bead having a tapered edge inclined toward the free end of said bead.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A locking connection according to claim 7 wherein said bead is provided with a slot at the end remote from said free end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
97 words
A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between said end portion terminal edge and said locking connector portion is substantially the thickness of said first support member web; said end portion being offset and adapted to overlie a flange of the first support member; said end portion having a thickness substantially less than the thickness of said flanges of said second support member; a tapered bead along the outer longitudinal edge of said locking connector inclined toward the free end of said locking connector; the other end of said bead terminating in a slot.
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) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |