US4381583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Beam connector apparatus and assembly
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1980-10-08
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Granted: 1983-05-03
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Expires: 2000-10-08
Abstract
Abstract Connector apparatus and assembly is disclosed for connecting beams and the like structural members which is particularly advantageous for connecting two members together when moved laterally into place since the connector apparatus requires no relative longitudinal movement between the ends of the beams or members being connected to make a connection joint. The connector apparatus includes a receptacle member A and a connector housing B carried by opposed ends of the structural member being connected wherein a spring-loaded connector member C is carried by the connector housing B which may be released for extension and engagement into the receptacle member A.
Inventors
- 👤 Georg F. von Tiesenhausen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:25
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B21/00; F16B21/06; F16B21/08; F16B21/088; B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/64; B64G1/641; F16B7/00; F16B7/04; F16B7/0406; F16B7/0413; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S24/00; Y10S24/30; Y10S24/51; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/45; Y10T24/45225; Y10T24/45251; Y10T24/45262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising: a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle; a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing; a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member; a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for resisting relative rotational movements between said first and second members; said connector member having an extended position relative to said housing in which said prong means is engaged in said window openings; lock means for holding said connector member in a retracted position retracted longitudinally with respect to said extended position; and actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions and connecting said members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising: a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle; a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing; a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member; a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for resisting relative rotational movements between said first and second members; said connector member having an extended position relative to said housing in which said prong means is engaged in said window openings; lock means for holding said connector member in a retracted position retracted longitudinally with respect to said extended position; and actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions and connecting said members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including guide means adapted for interconnecting said first and second members in an aligned position for connection with said connector member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said guide means includes a bridge plate having one end carried by one of said first and second members, means for connecting a distal end of said bridge plate to the other of said first and second members to interconnect said members in said aligned position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receptacle of said first member includes a tapered inlet facilitating insertion of said prong means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector member is slidably received inside said housing of said second member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said actuator means includes handle means carried by said connector member, a longitudinal groove formed in said housing through which said handle means extends, said lock means including transverse notch means formed in said housing and said groove for receiving said handle means, said handle means being rotatable into said notch means and out of said groove to lock said connector member against longitudinal movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including latch means for retaining said handle means in said notch means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said actuator means includes a spring biased to exert a force on said connector member for movement to said extended position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes biasing means accelerating movement of said connector member into said receptacle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including handle means included in said actuator means, and notch means included in said lock means for locking said handle means and connector member in said extended position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receptacle and prong means include a generally circular cross-section, said prong means having a cross-sectional diameter larger than that of said receptacle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including release means carried by said first member for moving said prong means out of engagement with said window openings.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising: a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle; a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing; a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member; a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for connecting and preventing relative rotation between said first and second members; said connector member having an extended position wherein said connector member is extended axially relative to said housing, said prong means being engaged in said window openings in said extended position; lock means for holding said connector member in a longitudinally retracted position; actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions; guide means adapted for interconnecting said first and second members in an aligned position for connection with said connector member in said retracted position; and said receptacle of said first member including a tapered inlet facilitating insertion of said prong means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
202 words
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising: a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle; a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing; a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member; a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for connecting and preventing relative rotation between said first and second members; said connector member having an extended position wherein said connector member is extended axially relative to said housing, said prong means being engaged in said window openings in said extended position; lock means for holding said connector member in a longitudinally retracted position; actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions; guide means adapted for interconnecting said first and second members in an aligned position for connection with said connector member in said retracted position; and said receptacle of said first member including a tapered inlet facilitating insertion of said prong means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said receptacle and prong means include a generally circular cross-section, said prong means having a cross-sectional diameter larger than that of said receptacle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 13 including release means carried by said first member for moving said prong means out of engagement with said window openings.
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) | 1986-05-02 | 1986-11-01 | 1987-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-02 | 1990-11-01 | 1991-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-02 | 1994-11-01 | 1995-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |