Device for connecting plate members or similar constructional parts

Claim 2

Apparatus for rigidly securing a plurality of plate members at variable relative angular positions with respect to each other, the apparatus comprising first and second connectors disposed on opposite sides of the plate members, each connector being defined by first and second hinge plates for placement against the first and second plate members, respectively, pivot means pivotally connecting the first and second hinge plates of each connector to each other; and fastening means for biasing the first and second hinge plates of the connectors firmly against the plate members while the plate members are positioned in their desired angular orientation; whereby the relative angular orientation of the plate members can be adjusted as desired before the biasing means is applied, and whereby the application of the biasing means causes the formation of a rigid interconnection between the plate members at the chosen relative angular orientation.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hinge plates are positioned on the plate members so that the connectors overlap each other.

Claim 4

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the fastening means comprises an aperture defined by each hinge plate, and tightening means extending through the aperture and biasing the respective hinge plate into firm contact with the plate member.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the aperture comprises a round hole.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the aperture comprises an elongate slot oriented transversely to the pivot axis of the pivot means, and wherein the tightening means comprises a tension member extending through the plate member between opposing first hinge plates and opposing second hinge plates, the tension member biasing the hinge plates firmly against the plate member.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the connectors are of identical constructions.

Claim 8

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hinge plates of one of the connectors have a length in a direction transverse to the pivot axis of the pivot means which differs from the corresponding length of the hinge plates of the other connector.

Claim 9

Apparatus for rigidly interconnecting a plurality of plate members at adjustable relative angles, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of plate connectors, each connector having first and second hinge plates including parallel elongate slots; means interconnecting the hinge plates of each connector for pivotal movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the slots; and fastening means extending through a plate member placed between opposing hinge plates for interconnecting opposing first hinge plates and opposing second hing plates of the connectors, and through aligned slots of the hinge plates, the fastening means including means for applying a force against the hinge plates which biases the hinge plates into firm and immovable contact with the plate member disposed between the hinge plates; whereby the relative angular position of the plate members can be freely adjusted until the fastening means is tightened and the plate members thereafter become rigid and immovable with respect to each other.

Claim 10

Apparatus for rigidly interconnecting a plurality of plate members at adjustable relative angles, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of plate connectors, each connector having first and second hinge plates including parallel elongate slots; means interconnecting the hinge plates of each connector for pivotal movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the slots; and fastening means extending through a plate member placed between opposing hinge plates for interconnecting opposing first hinge plates and opposing second hing plates of the connectors, and through aligned slots of the hinge plates, the fastening means including means for applying a force against the hinge plates which biases the hinge plates into firm and immovable contact with the plate member disposed between the hinge plates; whereby the relative angular position of the plate members can be freely adjusted until the fastening means is tightened and the plate members thereafter become rigid and immovable with respect to each other.

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the plurality of plates comprises more than two plates, and wherein the plurality of connectors equals the plurality of plate members.

Claim 12

A connection of at least two plate members at rigid but relative freely selectable angular positions comprising in combination a plurality of plate members positioned at the desired relative angular orientation; a first connector defined by first and second hinge plates and means freely pivotally interconnecting the hinge plates, each hinge plate including an aperture, the hinge plates of the first connector being placed against respective sides of the plate members; a second connector defined by a pair of hinge plates and means freely interconnecting the hinge plates, each hinge plate of the second connector including an aperture, the hinge plates of the second connector being placed against other sides of the plate members; and means extending through the hinge plate apertures for firmly pressing the respective hinge plates against the respective sides of the plate members to thereby immovably secure the hinge plates to the plate members; whereby the immovable attachment of the hinge plates to the plate members at the preselected relative angular orientations of the plate members rigidly and immovably secures the plate members at such angular orientation to each other.

Claim 13

A connection of at least two plate members at rigid but relative freely selectable angular positions comprising in combination a plurality of plate members positioned at the desired relative angular orientation; a first connector defined by first and second hinge plates and means freely pivotally interconnecting the hinge plates, each hinge plate including an aperture, the hinge plates of the first connector being placed against respective sides of the plate members; a second connector defined by a pair of hinge plates and means freely interconnecting the hinge plates, each hinge plate of the second connector including an aperture, the hinge plates of the second connector being placed against other sides of the plate members; and means extending through the hinge plate apertures for firmly pressing the respective hinge plates against the respective sides of the plate members to thereby immovably secure the hinge plates to the plate members; whereby the immovable attachment of the hinge plates to the plate members at the preselected relative angular orientations of the plate members rigidly and immovably secures the plate members at such angular orientation to each other.

Claim 14

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the securing means comrpises threaded screw means extending through the hinge plates apertures.

Claim 15

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the first and second connectors are in mutual alignment, and wherein the fastening means comrpises bolt means simultaneously extending through the apertures of opposing and mutually aligned hinge plates of the first and second connectors and through the plate member disposed therebetween.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the apertures comprise elongated slots oriented substantially perpendicular to the pivot axes of the hinge means.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 10 including a plurality of at least three plate members secured to each other at a common connection area and having preselectable relative angular orientations, and including a plurality of connectors which is at least as large as the plurality of plate members secured to each other.

Claim 18

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the hinge plates extend over edges of the plate members, and wherein the plate member edges are in mutual abutment when the securing means is tightened.