Locking connection for supporting grid systems
US4317641A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1980 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7003
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A first support member having a web with a slot and a pair of second support members having locking connectors insertable through the slot in side by side relation, each connector having a resiliently yieldable finger engageable against the web after insertion through the slot for interlocking the first and second members. Each connector has a laterally projecting detent on the side opposite the finger, an opening providing an arcuate generally vertical shoulder spaced rearwardly from the detent, and a laterally projecting spring retainer on the same side as the detent extending forwardly at least partially across the opening. When the connectors are inserted through the slot in side by side relation the forward end of each connector is confined against the other connector by the retainer thereof with its detent engaging the arcuate shoulder of the other connector, thereby interlocking the second support members, the retainers yielding resiliently to permit passage of the detents into the respective openings. The arcuate shoulders accommodate generally vertical relative angular movement of the second support members, the retainers maintaining the interlock during relative angular m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.