US3879915A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spacer element for structural unit
Assignee: Triax Co
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Filing: 1974-07-01
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Granted: 1975-04-29
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Expires: 1994-07-01
Abstract
Abstract A spacer element for a structural unit, such as for instance a storage framework composed of a plurality of storage frame components assembled into a storage rack for use in warehousing systems. The framework comprises generally vertical column members which in certain embodiments may be of hollow thin wall, polygonal configuration in horizontal cross section. Connecting members including load carrying means are spaced vertically along the columns and define the storage volumes in the storage rack. The load carrying means comprise assemblies including elongated members extending laterally relative to the columns. Actuatable fastener means connect the connecting members including the load carrying assemblies to the columns, and means including said spacer element are provided for prestressing certain of the members by deforming the latter at their connections with the other members and in the vicinity of the fastener means upon tightening of the latter, whereby a high-strength, rigid assembly is produced. The component parts of the rack assembly may be fabricated, and their manufacture, preparation and handling for assembly at a location of use wherein they are fastened into position, is materially enhanced.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne G Atwater
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:55
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B47/00; A47B47/02; A47B47/021; A47B47/027; A47B96/00; A47B96/14; A47B96/1441; F; F16; F16B; F16B12/00; F16B12/40; F16B7/00; F16B7/04; F16B7/044; F16B7/048; F16B9/00; F16B9/01; F16B19/00; F16B19/04; F16B19/08; F16B19/10; F16B19/1027; F16B19/1036; F16B19/1045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A connecting plate-like member for securing a laterally extending connecting member adapted for coupling to said platelike member, to a vertically oriented relatively thin walled column member of a structural unit, said plate-like member including laterally spaced column engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion adapted for disposal in confronting relation to a substantially planar web of the column member, means on said plate-like member for inserting an actuatable fastener through said plate-like member in fastening coaction with the web of the column member, whereby tightening actuation of the fastener will cause outward bulging of the column web at the connection of the fastener to the column, and into said recess portion, thereby causing prestressing of the column at the connection whereby the rigidity of the connection will be enhanced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A connecting plate-like member for securing a laterally extending connecting member adapted for coupling to said platelike member, to a vertically oriented relatively thin walled column member of a structural unit, said plate-like member including laterally spaced column engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion adapted for disposal in confronting relation to a substantially planar web of the column member, means on said plate-like member for inserting an actuatable fastener through said plate-like member in fastening coaction with the web of the column member, whereby tightening actuation of the fastener will cause outward bulging of the column web at the connection of the fastener to the column, and into said recess portion, thereby causing prestressing of the column at the connection whereby the rigidity of the connection will be enhanced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the column engaging portions at their column abutment surfaces are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the transverse dimension of the column web.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the spaced column engaging portions extend generally obliquely with respect to the intermediate recess portion, and include means for causing generally line engagement of the column engaging portions of the plate-like member with the column web.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
86 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plate-like member comprises a generally planar central section and laterally spaced diagonally arranged wing portions which in combination with said central section defines the recess portion, said plate-like member being formed of a single metal plate and formed into said configuration, and said inserting means comprising an opening extending through said plate-like member generally perpendicular to the plane of said central section and communicating one side of said central section to the other side thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 4 wherein said wing portions extend lengthwise for a greater length than width, the transverse dimension of said recess portion being between approximately three to four times the width of one of said wing portions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said column engaging portions include transversely extending substantially flat surfaces adapted for engagement with the confronting column member, said recess portion being disposed intermediate said flat surfaces, and being joined thereto by wall sections extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of said surfaces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the latter member comprises a flat plate having an opening formed therein defining said recess portion, with the face of the plate being divided by said opening into said laterally spaced column engaging portions, and a further opening extending through the plate into communication with said formed opening and providing said insertion means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 including other means connected to said plate-like memBer adjacent an extremity thereof and extending laterally therefrom in a direction generally opposite to the direction of depth of said recess portion, for aiding in attaching said plate-like member to an associated column.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 1 in combination with a laterally extending connecting member, the latter comprising an elongated generally horizontally oriented structural element attached at one of its ends to said connecting plate-like member, and means extending laterally from said plate-like member in a direction opposite to the direction of depth of said recess portion, for attaching coaction with an associated column member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
121 words
A connecting plate-like member or the like in combination with a laterally extending connecting member, the latter comprising an elongated diagonal brace element, with said connecting plate-like member being secured to one end of said brace element, said plate-like member including laterally spaced column engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion adapted for disposal in confronting relation to a substantially planar web of a column member, means on said plate-like member for inserting an actuatable fastener through said plate-like member in fastening coaction with the web of the column member, said column engaging portions being disposed in generally a vertical plane with the lengthwise axis of said brace element disposed in a plane extending generally obliquely to the first mentioned plane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
121 words
A connecting plate-like member or the like in combination with a laterally extending connecting member, the latter comprising an elongated diagonal brace element, with said connecting plate-like member being secured to one end of said brace element, said plate-like member including laterally spaced column engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion adapted for disposal in confronting relation to a substantially planar web of a column member, means on said plate-like member for inserting an actuatable fastener through said plate-like member in fastening coaction with the web of the column member, said column engaging portions being disposed in generally a vertical plane with the lengthwise axis of said brace element disposed in a plane extending generally obliquely to the first mentioned plane.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 8 wherein said other means includes spaced plates secured to said plate-like member and projecting laterally therefrom in planes disposed generally perpendicular to the plane of said column engaging portions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
A connecting plate-like member in accordance with claim 8 wherein said other means comprises a plate secured to the top of said connecting plate-like member adapted for attachment to the top of an associated column member, the last mentioned plate being substantially horizontally oriented.
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) | 1978-04-28 | 1978-10-28 | 1979-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-28 | 1982-10-28 | 1983-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-28 | 1986-10-28 | 1987-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |