Coupler
US8012065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/345
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Embodiments of hollow generally T-shaped couplers suitable for coupling respective ends of two tubular members to an upright member for a trampoline support are disclosed. Neither manufacture of the coupler nor the manner of its coupling between the tubular members and the upright member requires welds. The coupler has a hollow cross piece for coupling with the respective ends of the two tubular members. It also has a hollow upright piece extending from an underside of and intersecting the cross piece that receives in female fashion a male end of the upright member. Both the underside of the cross piece and sides of the upright piece are of split form along their respective lengths. The upright piece is provided with location regions that cooperate with corresponding location regions on the male end of the upright member to locate the upright member longitudinally of the upright piece. The coupler is provided with fixings to draw the splits together, thereby tightening the upright piece about the located upright member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.