US3711133A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable and contractible tubing support structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-02
•
Granted: 1973-01-16
•
Expires: 1991-06-02
Abstract
Abstract A tubing structure including a plurality of non-round, hollow, open-ended tubing sections with a plurality of end connectors. The structures may be selectively expanded or contracted according to the user''s requirements. The end connectors maintain a frictional connection of considerable strength between the adjacent tubing sections. The tubing structure, when assembled, is a strong, rigid, and stable support for a variety of uses.
Inventors
- 👤 O Werner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 23:39
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B7/00; A; A47; A47B; A47B47/00; A47B47/0008; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/34; Y10T403/341; Y10T403/342; Y10T403/343; Y10T403/45; Y10T403/55
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A selectively expandable and contractible tubing support structure comprising a plurality of hollow tubing sections that are rectangular in cross-section, a plurality of connecting members for said hollow tubing, each having a base block and a plurality of U-shaped inserts, each of said inserts projecting from said base block substantially perpendicular to each other, and having an outside diameter substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of said hollow tubing sections and rear wall section adjacent to said base block, a stiffening rib for each leg of each of said inserts which is located a predetermined distance from the respective open end of each insert, and the portions of said inserts forward of said stiffening ribs and remote from said rear wall section being slightly flexible while the portions of said inserts rearward of said stiffening ribs being rigid, thereby permitting frictional coupling of said inserts to adjacent tubing sections.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A selectively expandable and contractible tubing support structure comprising a plurality of hollow tubing sections that are rectangular in cross-section, a plurality of connecting members for said hollow tubing, each having a base block and a plurality of U-shaped inserts, each of said inserts projecting from said base block substantially perpendicular to each other, and having an outside diameter substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of said hollow tubing sections and rear wall section adjacent to said base block, a stiffening rib for each leg of each of said inserts which is located a predetermined distance from the respective open end of each insert, and the portions of said inserts forward of said stiffening ribs and remote from said rear wall section being slightly flexible while the portions of said inserts rearward of said stiffening ribs being rigid, thereby permitting frictional coupling of said inserts to adjacent tubing sections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said U-shaped insert is provided with a relatively thick rear wall whereby when said insert is rigidly coupled to a tubing section, said fitting is liquid tight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow tubing sections have relatively thick wall sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein some of said tubing sections are legs and further comprising leg end caps which are frictionally held therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow tubing sections are constituted of a high density rigid plastic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connector elements are constituted of a high density rigid plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hollow tubing sections and corresponding connector elements are permanently combined.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
AU226905A
Cited
US2926941A
Cited
US3074203A
Cited
US3093027A
Cited
US3169439A
Cited
US3412437A
Cited
US3392947A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |