US3837128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Partitioning system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-24
•
Granted: 1974-09-24
•
Expires: 1992-10-24
Abstract
Abstract A series of rectangular wall panels are confined between vertical and horizontal frame members connected by clamping devices which attach individually to the frame members. Each clamping device includes a member which extends into a square center opening within one frame member and has a truncated head portion projecting into a dovetail groove within the adjacent frame member. In one embodiment, the head portion of the clamping member is locked to the frame member by an extendable pin which projects outwardly from the center of the head portion and presses the head portion against the sides of the groove. In another embodiment, the head portion is locked by a wedge element which is inserted into the groove to force the head portion against the sides of the groove.
Inventors
- 👤 Brien W O
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:43
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/82; E04B2/76; E04B2/766
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
In a partitioning system including at least one upright rectangular panel, at least one elongate horizontal frame member disposed adjacent a horizontal edge of said panel, and at least one elongate vertical frame member disposed adjacent a vertical edge of said panel, the improvement wherein one of said frame members includes a longitudinally extending groove defined by a pair of inwardly facing opposite side surfaces connected by a base surface, a clamping member including a head portion projecting into said groove and underlying said side surfaces, means for rigidly securing said head portion of said clamping member to said one frame member to effect a rigid support of said clamping member, said means for rigidly securing said head portion to said one frame member including a separate pressure member positioned between said head portion and the base surface of said groove and urging said head portion outwardly within saiD groove and against said side surfaces thereof, means defining a longitudinally extending center opening within the other of said frame members, said clamping member projecting into said opening, means for securing said clamping member to said other frame member, said clamping member having a hole extending axially through said head portion, said pressure member comprising an elongate pin supported for axial movement within said hole between a retracted position and an extended position, and means for urging said pin axially toward said extended position for engaging said base surface of said groove to effect pressing of said head portion against said side surfaces of said groove.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
In a partitioning system including at least one upright rectangular panel, at least one elongate horizontal frame member disposed adjacent a horizontal edge of said panel, and at least one elongate vertical frame member disposed adjacent a vertical edge of said panel, the improvement wherein one of said frame members includes a longitudinally extending groove defined by a pair of inwardly facing opposite side surfaces connected by a base surface, a clamping member including a head portion projecting into said groove and underlying said side surfaces, means for rigidly securing said head portion of said clamping member to said one frame member to effect a rigid support of said clamping member, said means for rigidly securing said head portion to said one frame member including a separate pressure member positioned between said head portion and the base surface of said groove and urging said head portion outwardly within saiD groove and against said side surfaces thereof, means defining a longitudinally extending center opening within the other of said frame members, said clamping member projecting into said opening, means for securing said clamping member to said other frame member, said clamping member having a hole extending axially through said head portion, said pressure member comprising an elongate pin supported for axial movement within said hole between a retracted position and an extended position, and means for urging said pin axially toward said extended position for engaging said base surface of said groove to effect pressing of said head portion against said side surfaces of said groove.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
A partitioning system as defined in claim 1 wherein said latter means for urging said pin axially, comprises a tapered surface formed on the inner end of said pin, means defining a laterally extending threaded opening within said clamping member and intersecting said hole, and a screw extending within said threaded opening and having a pointed tip for engaging said tapered end surface on said pin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
A partitioning system as defined in claim 1 wherein said side surfaces of said groove diverge inwardly toward said base surface, said head portion of said clamping member includes opposite tapering end surfaces for engaging said side surfaces of said groove, said head portion has a width no greater than the narrowest width of said groove to facilitate inserting said head portion into said groove, and a reduced neck portion supporting said head portion to provide for rotating said head portion within said groove after said head portion is inserted into said groove and to provide for tilting said clamping member longitudinally relative to said groove.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A partitioning system as defined in claim 3 wherein said end surfaces of said head portion are disposed at an angle corresponding to the angle between said faces of said groove.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a partitioning system including a series of upright rectangular panel, at least one elongated horizontal base frame member adapted to be positioned on a floor adjacent a lower horizontal edge of said panel, and at least one elongated vertical frame member disposed adjacent a vertical edge of said panel, the improvement wherein said base frame member includes an upwardly facing channel and a longitudinally extending dovetail groove within the bottom of said channel defined by a pair of inwardly diverging side faces connected by a base surface, a clamping member including a rectangular head portion projecting into said groove and having tapering end surfaces, said head portion being rotatable within said groove for positioning said end surfaces under said side faces, means for rigidly securing said head portion of said clamping member to said frame member to effect a rigid support of said clamping member, including a pressure member positioned between the head portion and the base surface and urging said head portion outwardly within said groove and against said side faces, means defining a longitudinally extending substantially square center opening within said vertical frame member, said clamping member having a substantially square body portion projecting into said opening, and means for securing said clamping member to said vertical frame member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a partitioning system including a series of upright rectangular panel, at least one elongated horizontal base frame member adapted to be positioned on a floor adjacent a lower horizontal edge of said panel, and at least one elongated vertical frame member disposed adjacent a vertical edge of said panel, the improvement wherein said base frame member includes an upwardly facing channel and a longitudinally extending dovetail groove within the bottom of said channel defined by a pair of inwardly diverging side faces connected by a base surface, a clamping member including a rectangular head portion projecting into said groove and having tapering end surfaces, said head portion being rotatable within said groove for positioning said end surfaces under said side faces, means for rigidly securing said head portion of said clamping member to said frame member to effect a rigid support of said clamping member, including a pressure member positioned between the head portion and the base surface and urging said head portion outwardly within said groove and against said side faces, means defining a longitudinally extending substantially square center opening within said vertical frame member, said clamping member having a substantially square body portion projecting into said opening, and means for securing said clamping member to said vertical frame member.
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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) | 1977-09-23 | 1978-03-25 | 1978-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-23 | 1982-03-25 | 1982-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-23 | 1986-03-25 | 1986-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |