Patent US4373306A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4373306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Coupling formation for the interfitting of structural elements
Assignee: Allibert Exploitation SA
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Filing: 1980-02-05
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Granted: 1983-02-15
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Expires: 2000-02-05
Abstract
Abstract A structural element, such as a section of a duckboard (e.g. a landing mat) to be removably fastened to a similar section, has one or more edges provided with male coupling formations adapted to be converted into complementary female formations by breaking off a projecting part thereof. The projecting part is generally T-shaped, with its frangible stem rising from the bottom of a preferably dovetail-shaped recess. Such an element can therefore be readily joined to another element having a mortise complementary to the head of the T or a tenon complementary to the recess.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacques Rech
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:07
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01C; E01C5/00; E01C5/20; E01C9/00; E01C9/08; E01C9/086; F; F16; F16B; F16B5/00; F16B5/0004; F16B5/0032; F16B5/0052; F16B5/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In an assembly of structural elements detachably interconnected by means of interfitting complementary coupling formations, said elements including related edges and spaced faces, the improvement wherein hybrid-type coupling formations on said angularly related edges of at least one of said elements each comprise an undercut recess flanked by overhanging surface portions and a generally T-shaped projection rising from said recess, said projection having a stem frangibly secured to the bottom of said recess and a head spacedly overlying said overhanging surface portions with a profile substantially complementary to the inverted profile of said recess, the latter being exposed at said faces and laterally accessible from said faces for engagement with positive fit by a tenon of like inverted profile on another of said elements upon break-off of said stem at the bottom of said recess.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In an assembly of structural elements detachably interconnected by means of interfitting complementary coupling formations, said elements including related edges and spaced faces, the improvement wherein hybrid-type coupling formations on said angularly related edges of at least one of said elements each comprise an undercut recess flanked by overhanging surface portions and a generally T-shaped projection rising from said recess, said projection having a stem frangibly secured to the bottom of said recess and a head spacedly overlying said overhanging surface portions with a profile substantially complementary to the inverted profile of said recess, the latter being exposed at said faces and laterally accessible from said faces for engagement with positive fit by a tenon of like inverted profile on another of said elements upon break-off of said stem at the bottom of said recess.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein the profile of said recess is dovetail-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said one of said elements consists of plastic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said elements are sections of a duckboard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement defined in claim 4 wherein said sections consist of molded plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said stem is formed with a central cutout.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-08-16 | 1987-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-14 | 1990-08-16 | 1991-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-14 | 1994-08-16 | 1995-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |