GB1590607A - Connector system - Google Patents
Connector system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1590607A GB1590607A GB122378A GB122378A GB1590607A GB 1590607 A GB1590607 A GB 1590607A GB 122378 A GB122378 A GB 122378A GB 122378 A GB122378 A GB 122378A GB 1590607 A GB1590607 A GB 1590607A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- combination
- engaging member
- engaging
- base
- connecting member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003197 gene knockdown Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7433—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with panels and support posts
- E04B2/7438—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with panels and support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels to posts
- E04B2/744—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with panels and support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels to posts using angularly-spaced longitudinal grooves of the posts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Description
(54) A CONNECTOR SYSTEM
(71) 1, BRIAN DAWSEY JONES, a New
Zealand Citizen, of 6 Yorkton Rise, Mangere
Bridge, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to a connector system which has been designed particularly for use in connecting panels together to provide partitions or screens. These partitions or screens are of particular use in offices, for example, where it is often desired to subdivide a large floor area into smaller bays and offices. However, the connector system can be used for connecting articles other than panels and can be used in the manufacture of a knock-down type furniture.It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector system whereby articles can be interconnected either without the use of tools or with the use of tools, such as screwdrivers which are commonly available and in its preferred forms the system can be used by unskilled persons.
According to the invention there is provided a combination of inter-connecting members each being extruded to have a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length, said members comprising: a connecting member having a hollow interior passing through it and a plurality of like connecting means, an engaging member having an engaging means, and an elongated intermediate member the length of which lies in the extruded direction; one of the said connecting means or the said engaging means comprising a locking groove of uniform cross sectional shape running lengthwise along one of the relevant members and the other of the connecting means or the engaging means comprising a locking tongue of uniform cross-sectional shape running lengthwise along the other of the relevant members, the groove and the tongue inter-locking to prevent withdrawal except by sliding the members relative to each other in a direction parallel to their lengths, one or more connecting members being mounted on the intermediate member by having the intermediate member enter or pass lengthwise through the hollow of each connecting member.
The above gives a broad description of the present invention some preferred forms of which will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a cross sectional view through a preferred engaging member,
FIGURE 2 shows a cross sectional view through the preferred connecting member,
FIGURE 3 shows a cross sectional view through an intermediate member,
FIGURE 4 is a side elevation showing an assembly of a panel having an engaging member attached at one edge this engaging member being inter-connected with two short lengths of connecting member which are mounted on a length of the intermediate member,
FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view of a length of the connecting member having an adjustable pressure pad,
FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view showing an alternative preferred engaging member inter-connected with a connecting member,
FIGURE 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative form of engaging member,
FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view illustrating alternative forms of connecting member and engaging member, and
FIGURE 9 is a cross sectional view showing the preferred form of connecting member with further alternative forms of the engaging member.
According to the preferred form of the invention a connector system comprises three basic components these being a connecting member 1, the preferred cross sectional shape of which is shown in Figure 2, an engaging member 2 the preferred cross sectional shape of which is illustrated in Figure l, and an intermediate member the preferred cross sectional shape of which is illustrated in
Figure 3. These members are extruded from a suitable material which is preferably aluminium or an aluminium alloy but which could be some other metal or a plastics material instead and the extrusions are cut to length as required.
The connecting member has a plurality of connecting means and the engaging member has at least one engaging means. One of the connecting means or the engaging means comprises a locking groove running lengthwise along the appropriate member and the other of the connecting means or the engaging means comprises a locking tongue running lengthwise along the other member. By sliding the two members relative to each other in a direction parallel to their lengths, a groove and a tongue can be made to interlock to prevent withdrawal except by reversing the sliding motion. It is a feature of the invention that the one or more engaging means of the engaging member can be interlocked with any one or more of the connecting means of the connecting member, this feature providing the invention with considerable versatility which is of advantage in the preferred application to partitioning.In the preferred form of the invention the connecting means of the connecting member comprises the locking groove, there being a plurality of these locking grooves about the periphery of the connecting member, the grooves running lengthwise along the connecting member, and in this case the engaging means of the engaging member comprises one or more locking tongues running lengthwise along the engaging member.
However, in an alternative form of the invention the connecting means of the connecting member comprises the locking tongue, there being a plurality of these tongues about the periphery of the connecting member, the tongues running lengthwise along the connecting member, and in this particular case the engaging means of the engaging member comprise one or more locking grooves running lengthwise along the engaging member.
A preferred engaging member, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 6, is substantially channel shaped, having a base 3 and two parallel and inwardly converging arms or walls 4 which do not touch but which have expanded free ends providing the locking tongues 5, these being substantially circular in cross sectional shape and designed to interlock with two of the locking grooves of the connecting member. Each of the walls of the engaging member makes an angle of 60 with respect to the base. Adjacent the intersection of the walls 4 with the base 3 there is a thickened region designed to reinforce the engaging member to prevent fracture at this point. The engaging member is provided with at least one securing portion which has a hollow interior which is substantially circular in cross section over at least the major part of its circumference.Preferably two securing portions are provided, one in each of the thickened regions, by substantially circular securing grooves 6. The securing grooves provide sites for fastenings such as selftapping screws if it is desired to attach an article, such as an end cap, to an end of engaging member. For the usual attachment of an engaging member to an article, holes (not shown) are drilled through the base 3 for fastenings such as screws. To enable the holes to be drilled accurately in the centre of the base a drilling groove 8 is provided on the interior. It is preferable that the drilling groove is formed between two small ribs raised from the base, as illustrated in Figure 6, so that the provision of the drilling groove does not result in any weakening of the base of the engaging member.
The periphery of the preferred connecting member (Figure 2) is substantially circular in cross section, though in modifications of the invention the connecting member can have other cross sectional shapes, for example, square, hexagonal or semi-circular. The preferred connecting member has a hollow interior 7 which is also preferably circular in cross section. A plurality of locking grooves 9 are uniformly and symmetrically spaced about the periphery of the connecting member, the grooves being of substantially circular cross section.Each of the locking grooves is capable of receiving in an inter-locking arrangement one of the locking tongues of the engaging member, but because of the shape of the locking tongues and the locking grooves, which have narrowed neck openings, the connecting member and the engaging member can only be inter-connected by sliding the members relative to each other in a direction parallel to their lengths. For the preferred engaging member described the connecting member has twelve locking grooves, these being located at 30 angular dispositions about the periphery of the connecting member. The locking grooves are also suitable for use as locating sites for fastenings such as screws, in the same manner as the securing grooves 6 of the engaging member, this feature enabling an end cap or plate or the like to be attached to the end of a connecting member.
When the engaging member is interconnected with a connecting member the tongues of the engaging member occupy two of the locking grooves of the connecting member, these grooves, because of the spacing and the angular arrangement of the walls of the engaging member and the spacing and the angular disposition of the locking grooves of the connecting member, being separated by another of the locking grooves as is best illustrated in Figure 6. The remaining locking grooves of the connecting member are available for inter-locking with the tongues of a second engaging member, this engaging member being capable of being positioned in any one of a number of angular dispositions relative to that engaging member first attached. Normally the engaging member would first be attached to an article such as a panel 12 before being interconnected with the connecting member.
Thus, by use of this invention two panels can be connected together by means of an engaging member attached to each and a connecting member and the panels can be arranged at 180 relative to each other, that is in a straight line, or instead the panels can be arranged at 90 or 120 or 150 relative to each other. More than two panels can be similarly connected if desired, for example, four panels can be connected to the one connecting member these panels being arranged at 90 with respect to each adjacent panel. Hence use of this invention provides a useful and versatile connector system for partitioning. Because the engaging member has two locking tongues, each of which interlocks with the connecting member, a relatively rigid connection is provided.The rigidity of the connection can be improved by providing a flange 16 on each of the walls of the engaging member adjacent the locking tongue, as illustrated in Figure 6, which when the engaging member and connecting member are inter-connected butts against the periphery of the connecting member. In modifications of the invention the engaging member can have only one locking tongue, or alternatively can have more than two locking tongues. Similarly, the connecting member can have a greater or lesser number of locking grooves and the engaging member can be suitably shaped so that any two or more articles can be connected in a greater or lesser number of angular dispositions relative to each other than is the case with that preferred form of the invention so far described.
For joining two panels together each panel 12 has an engaging member attached to an edge. The connecting member used can have a length substantially equal to the length of an engaging member and an end plate or cap 15 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the connecting member can be attached to each end of the connecting member to prevent the connecting member and engaging members from being detached unless the cap is first removed. However, the preferred connecting member, because of its shape, is a relatively expensive extrusion and to reduce the length of connecting member required an elongated intermediate member 10 is provided which allows the engaging member to inter-connect with short lengths of connecting member which are mounted on the intermediate member which passes through the hollow interiors of each of the lengths of connecting member.The intermediate member is preferably an extrusion having a size and shape which makes it less expensive to extrude than the connecting member. The periphery of the intermediate member conforms in shape to that of the hollow interior of the connecting member and is therefore preferably circular in cross section.
The preferred cross sectional shape of the intermediate member is illustrated in Figure 3. This intermediate member is illustrated in
Figure 3. This intermediate member has a hollow interior 17 and is provided on its interior with at least one securing portion itself having a hollow interior which is circular in cross section over at least a major part of its circumference. The securing portion 11 comprises two parallel lips extending from the interior of the hollow along the length of the intermediate member so that it has a similar shape to that of a securing groove 6 of an engaging member and can perform a similar function. There are preferably four securing portions 11 equally spaced about the internal periphery of the intermediate member.
The use of an intermediate member 10 in conjunction with two short lengths 13 and 14 of connecting member is illustrated in Figure 4. A single length of engaging member is attached to an edge of a panel 12 and is interconnected with the two lengths of connecting member located at the upper and lower ends of the intermediate member. The length of the intermediate member is substantially equal to or is slightly less than the length of the engaging member. In the assembly of the members connecting member 14 is secured to the bottom end of the intermediate member by a fastening such as a rivet, screw, or pin 19. A cap 15 is attached to the connecting member and the lower ends of the tongues of the engaging member rest on this cap which blocks the ends of the locking grooves.Because the connecting member 14 is relatively short in length only a short sliding movement is required to interconnect the lower end of the engaging member with this connecting member. The connecting member 13 is then slid onto the intermediate and engaging members at their upper ends, this connecting member 13 also having a cap 15 attached to retain the connecting member at the upper end of the assembly. Therefore, to dismantle any partitioning connecting member 13 can simply be slid from the intermediate and engaging members and the engaging member slid from the connecting member 14. The caps 15 can be provided with screw holes which align with the securing portions of the intermediate member into which self tapping screws can be screwed to attach the caps to the connecting members.The top and bottom ends of the engaging member can be cropped sufficiently as at 20 to allow the caps to sit flush with the ends of the engaging member.
Panels of different heights can be connected together using the same system. Where a shorter panel is being used with a longer panel, a third short length of connecting member can be mounted on the intermediate member. being positioned at the top end of the shorter panel and held in position by a pin or screw attached to the intermediate member and passing either through or below this third connecting member.
However, if the connecting member and the engaging member which are to be interconnected are both relatively long and engaging member can be provided with locking tongues at only intervals along its length and the connecting member can be provided with locking grooves also along only a portion of its length, the construction and arrangement being such that the two members can be engaged or disengaged by relative lengthwise or axial sliding movement over only a portion of their lengths.
In a modification of the invention the hollow interior of a connecting member can be threaded at one or both ends or can be threaded along its length. In this case a male threaded member can be screwed into the threaded hollow interior of the connecting member. It is preferred that the male threaded member is an end closing device 21 or cap as illustrated in Figure 5. This provides an alternative method of attaching end caps to that method illustrated in Figure 4, though the end caps could instead by secured in position by an adhesive.The end closing device or cap can have a threaded hole passing through it in an axial direction and a threaded shaft 22 which screws into the threaded hole, the shaft bearing a pressure pad 23 at its outer end, the construction and arrangement being such that the distance between the pressure pad and the connecting member to which the end closing device is attached can be varied. This is of value in adjusting the height of partitions for example, in which case the pressure pad functions as a foot.
The above describes the preferred form of the invention and indicates some possible modifications but other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the Claims. Some of these possible modifications are illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. For example, as illustrated in
Figure 6, the base 3 of the substantially channel shaped engaging member is provided with an outwardly opening dovetail slot 24 which runs lengthwise along the engaging member. The dovetail slot can be formed in the base of the engaging member or alternatively can be formed, as illustrated, in a separate channel shaped member 25 which is attachable to the engaging member by any suitable means.The dovetail slot can be used to connect the engaging member to another article by means of a dovetail shaped connector or the slot can be used for glazing, receiving the edge of a sheet of glass together with glazing beads for example.
In Figure 7 the engaging member has a dovetail slot 24 formed in the base 3 of the engaging member and on the interior of the base there is a pair of projecting lips 26 defining a captive groove 27 which can be used for locating an electrical cable. The walls of the engaging member of Figure 7 each have a side portion 29 extending at right angles from the base before the walls converge, the side portions having apertures formed in them. These apertures can be holes or slots 30 and can be used for the attachment of brackets or other articles if required.
The view through the apertures from one side of the engaging member to the other is blocked by the lips 26 of the captive groove.
With reference to Figure 8 the engaging member can be provided with portions which define two opposed slots 31 and these can also be used to receive the edges of panels or sheets of material if desired. Figure 8 also illustrates an alternative form of connecting member, the locking grooves being substantially T shaped in cross section.
In Figure 9 three modifications of the engaging member are shown inter-connected with the preferred form of connecting member. Engaging members 32 and 33 each have an elongated channel shaped portion 34 comprising a base and two walls projecting at right angles from the base. The channel shaped portion, in use, receives the edge of a panel to which the engaging member is attached. On the opposite side of the base there are one or more locking tongues, the engaging members 32 and 33 each having two locking tongues. The spacing and angular disposition of these locking tongues are such that these interlock with two adjacent locking grooves of the connecting member.
Also illustrated in Figure 9 is an engaging member 35 which has a base and a central flange 36 or bayonet projecting at right angles from the base, and on the opposite side of the base there is a single locking tongue though a greater number of locking tongues can be provided if desired. The flange 36, in use, can be located in a slot provided in the edge of a planar member or panel to which the engaging member is to be attached.
These various modifications described above add to the versatility of the connector system. A further feature of the connector system is that it is possible for panels or other articles which are inter-connected to be pivotal relative to each other, the connecting member, when not actually fixedly attached to the intermediate member, being pivotal about the intermediate member to function as a hinge. This applies where the hollow interior of the connecting member and the periphery of the intermediate member are both circular in cross-section.
WHAT I CLAIM IS:
1. A combination of inter-connecting members each being extruded to have a uniform cross sectional shape along its length, said members comprising: a connecting member having a hollow interior passing through it and a plurality of like connecting means, an engaging member having an engaging means, and an elongated intermediate member the length of which lies in the extruded direction; one of the said connecting means or the said engaging means comprising a locking groove of uniform cross sectional shape running lengthwise along one of the relevant members and the other of the connecting means or the engaging means comprising a locking tongue of uniform cross sectional shape running lengthwise along the other of the relevant members, the groove and the tongue inter-locking to prevent withdrawal except by sliding the members relative to each other in a direction parallel to their lengths, one or more connecting members being mounted on the intermediate member by having the intermediate member enter or pass lengthwise through the hollow of each connecting member.
2. A combination as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the periphery of the connecting member is substantially circular in cross section.
3. A combination as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the hollow interior of the connecting member and the periphery of the intermediate member are circular in cross section.
4. A combination as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the hollow interior of the connecting member is threaded.
5. A combination as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the combination includes a male threaded member which screws into the threaded hollow interior of the connecting member.
6. A combination as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the male threaded member is an end closing device or cap.
7. A combination as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the male threaded member has a threaded hole passing through it in an axial direction, and the combination includes a threaded shaft which screws into the threaded hole, the shaft bearing a pressure pad at an end, the constructions and arrangement being such that the distance between the pressure pad and the connecting member can be varied.
8. A combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the connecting means of the connecting member comprises the locking groove, there being a plurality of locking grooves about the periphery of the connecting member, the grooves running lengthwise along the connecting member, and the engaging means of the engaging member comprises a locking tongue running lengthwise along the engaging member.
9. A combination as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the grooves are uniformly and symmetrically spaced about the periphery of the connecting member.
10. A combination as claimed in any one of the previous Claims wherein the intermediate member has a hollow interior and is provided on its interior with at least one securing portion itself having a hollow interior which is circular in cross section over at least a major part of its circumference.
11. A combination as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the securing portion comprises two parallel lips extending from the interior of the hollow along the length of the intermediate member which is itself extruded.
12. A combination as claimed in Claim 8 or any one of Claims 9-11 when dependent on Claim 8 wherein the engaging means of the engaging member comprises two like locking tongues inter-locking with two of the locking grooves.
13. A combination as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the engaging member is substantially channel shaped having a base and two parallel and inwardly converging arms or walls which do not touch but have the locking tongues at their free ends.
14. A combination as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the engaging member is provided with at least one securing portion which has a hollow interior which is substantially circular in cross section over at least a major part of its circumference.
15. A combination as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the engaging member has two securing portions, there being one securing portion adjacent each intersection of a wall with the base of the engaging member.
16. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 13-15 wherein the engaging member has a drilling groove formed in the interior of the base.
17. A combination as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the drilling groove is formed between two ribs raised from the base so that the provision of the drilling groove does not result in a weakening of the base of the engaging member.
18. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 13-17 wherein the base of the substantially channel shaped engaging member is provided with an outwardly opening dovetail slot running lengthwise along the engaging member.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (27)
1. A combination of inter-connecting members each being extruded to have a uniform cross sectional shape along its length, said members comprising: a connecting member having a hollow interior passing through it and a plurality of like connecting means, an engaging member having an engaging means, and an elongated intermediate member the length of which lies in the extruded direction; one of the said connecting means or the said engaging means comprising a locking groove of uniform cross sectional shape running lengthwise along one of the relevant members and the other of the connecting means or the engaging means comprising a locking tongue of uniform cross sectional shape running lengthwise along the other of the relevant members, the groove and the tongue inter-locking to prevent withdrawal except by sliding the members relative to each other in a direction parallel to their lengths, one or more connecting members being mounted on the intermediate member by having the intermediate member enter or pass lengthwise through the hollow of each connecting member.
2. A combination as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the periphery of the connecting member is substantially circular in cross section.
3. A combination as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the hollow interior of the connecting member and the periphery of the intermediate member are circular in cross section.
4. A combination as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the hollow interior of the connecting member is threaded.
5. A combination as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the combination includes a male threaded member which screws into the threaded hollow interior of the connecting member.
6. A combination as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the male threaded member is an end closing device or cap.
7. A combination as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the male threaded member has a threaded hole passing through it in an axial direction, and the combination includes a threaded shaft which screws into the threaded hole, the shaft bearing a pressure pad at an end, the constructions and arrangement being such that the distance between the pressure pad and the connecting member can be varied.
8. A combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the connecting means of the connecting member comprises the locking groove, there being a plurality of locking grooves about the periphery of the connecting member, the grooves running lengthwise along the connecting member, and the engaging means of the engaging member comprises a locking tongue running lengthwise along the engaging member.
9. A combination as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the grooves are uniformly and symmetrically spaced about the periphery of the connecting member.
10. A combination as claimed in any one of the previous Claims wherein the intermediate member has a hollow interior and is provided on its interior with at least one securing portion itself having a hollow interior which is circular in cross section over at least a major part of its circumference.
11. A combination as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the securing portion comprises two parallel lips extending from the interior of the hollow along the length of the intermediate member which is itself extruded.
12. A combination as claimed in Claim 8 or any one of Claims 9-11 when dependent on Claim 8 wherein the engaging means of the engaging member comprises two like locking tongues inter-locking with two of the locking grooves.
13. A combination as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the engaging member is substantially channel shaped having a base and two parallel and inwardly converging arms or walls which do not touch but have the locking tongues at their free ends.
14. A combination as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the engaging member is provided with at least one securing portion which has a hollow interior which is substantially circular in cross section over at least a major part of its circumference.
15. A combination as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the engaging member has two securing portions, there being one securing portion adjacent each intersection of a wall with the base of the engaging member.
16. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 13-15 wherein the engaging member has a drilling groove formed in the interior of the base.
17. A combination as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the drilling groove is formed between two ribs raised from the base so that the provision of the drilling groove does not result in a weakening of the base of the engaging member.
18. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 13-17 wherein the base of the substantially channel shaped engaging member is provided with an outwardly opening dovetail slot running lengthwise along the engaging member.
19. A combination as claimed in any one
of Claims 13 15 or Claim 18 when dependent on any one of Claims 13 15 wherein the interior of the base of the substantially channel shaped engaging member has a pair of projecting lips defining a captive groove for an electrical cable.
20. A combination as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the walls of the substantially channel shaped engaging member have a side portion extending at right angles from the base before converging, the side portions having apertures in them.
21. A combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the engaging member is provided with portions which define two opposed slots.
22. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims I--11 wherein the engaging member has an elongated channel shaped portion comprising a base and two walls projecting at right angles from the base, and on the opposite side of the base one or more of said locking tongues.
23. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 1 11 wherein the engaging member has a base and a central flange projecting at right angles from the base, and on the opposite side of the base one or more of said locking tongues.
24. A combination as claimed in any one of Claims 1--9 wherein the engaging member is provided with locking tongues at only intervals along its length and wherein the connecting member is provided with locking grooves along only a portion of its length, the construction and arrangement being such that the two members can be engaged or disengaged by relative lengthwise or axial sliding movement over only a portion of their lengths.
25. A combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the combination includes an article to which the engaging member is attached.
26. A combination as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the article is a planar member or panel.
27. A combination substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB122378A GB1590607A (en) | 1978-01-12 | 1978-01-12 | Connector system |
| HK65381A HK65381A (en) | 1978-01-12 | 1981-12-31 | A connector system |
| MY213/82A MY8200213A (en) | 1978-01-12 | 1982-12-30 | A connector system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB122378A GB1590607A (en) | 1978-01-12 | 1978-01-12 | Connector system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB1590607A true GB1590607A (en) | 1981-06-03 |
Family
ID=9718267
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB122378A Expired GB1590607A (en) | 1978-01-12 | 1978-01-12 | Connector system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB1590607A (en) |
| HK (1) | HK65381A (en) |
| MY (1) | MY8200213A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9200642U1 (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-05-19 | Pies, Gerrit, 5650 Solingen | Connection of profile bars |
-
1978
- 1978-01-12 GB GB122378A patent/GB1590607A/en not_active Expired
-
1981
- 1981-12-31 HK HK65381A patent/HK65381A/en unknown
-
1982
- 1982-12-30 MY MY213/82A patent/MY8200213A/en unknown
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9200642U1 (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-05-19 | Pies, Gerrit, 5650 Solingen | Connection of profile bars |
| US5570971A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1996-11-05 | Rixen; Wolfgang | Connection between components |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MY8200213A (en) | 1982-12-31 |
| HK65381A (en) | 1982-01-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Patent sealed | ||
| 732 | Registration of transactions, instruments or events in the register (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |