US3670899A - Rail connection - Google Patents

Rail connection Download PDF

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US3670899A
US3670899A US876888A US3670899DA US3670899A US 3670899 A US3670899 A US 3670899A US 876888 A US876888 A US 876888A US 3670899D A US3670899D A US 3670899DA US 3670899 A US3670899 A US 3670899A
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Prior art keywords
rail
spacer
holding
end portion
holding means
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US876888A
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Hans Kronenberg
Dionys Gmur
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Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG
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Alusuisse Holdings AG
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/02Joints between panels and corner posts
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407Removable 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
    • E04B2/7416Removable 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
    • E04B2/7433Removable 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
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/40Joints for furniture tubing
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/02Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
    • A47B87/0207Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
    • A47B87/0223Shelves stackable by means of poles or tubular members as distance-holders therebetween
    • A47B2087/023Shelves stackable by means of poles or tubular members as distance-holders therebetween the shelves being held in intermediate connection elements between the tubular members
    • A47B2087/0238Shelves stackable by means of poles or tubular members as distance-holders therebetween the shelves being held in intermediate connection elements between the tubular members the intermediate connection elements supporting more than one shelf
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/46Rod end to transverse side of member
    • Y10T403/4602Corner joint

Definitions

  • Cited spacer having the interior thread is made of a material which is harder than that of the remainder of the parts in the above combination.
  • the present invention relates to a connection between at least one rail and a supporting column arranged perpendicularly to the rail, in which the rail can be inserted into a slot of a portion of the supporting column which is designed as a holding or supporting bolt. With its slotted end, the holding bolt may be screwed into another portion of the supporting column which forms a spacer member. The rail placed into the supporting column is enclosed between the bottom of the slot in the holding bolt and the spacer member threaded thereinto.
  • the just-described rail connection may be used in various ways, especially for building up stands, shelves. temporary separating walls, walls used for advertising purposes, but also for desks and similar furniture.
  • a rail connection of the above-described general type in which the holding bolt has a least in that portion thereof which is slotted a central hollow chamber, while the width of the slot in the holding bolt is smaller than the thickness of the rail.
  • the rail has at that end thereof which is to be introduced into the slot of the bolt, a narrowed portion corresponding to the width of the slot.
  • This portion is formed by two parallel grooves provided in both broad sides of the rail and extending in the direction of the axis of the supporting column. That end of the rail which is introduced into the holding bolt does not extend to the longitudinal axis of the bolt.
  • the entire structure is made from an aluminum alloy.
  • the present invention is characterized in that that portion of the spacer member which carries the inner thread is made from a harder material than the remaining portions of the connection.
  • those tubular ends of the spacer member which are to be screwed into the holding bolts have inserted therein steel bushings or sleaves into which the interior thread is cut.
  • a head consisting completely of a harder material and provided with the interior thread and to place the same upon that end of the spacer member which consists of the softer material.
  • a considerable improvement has been achieved by making only one part of the connection from a harder material. The increase in weight is insignificant and the slightly higher costs are more than balanced by the increased stability.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rail connection in accordance with the present invention, with two rails and a threaded bushing;
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical section along the longitudinal axis of the supporting column of the rail connection
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical section similar to that of FIG. 2, illustrating a further embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a vertical section through a further embodiment.
  • the rail connection comprises a supporting column which consists of a number of holding bolts 1 (only one being shown) corresponding in number to the desired steps or stories, or shelves, for instance of a supermarket shelf, and of spacer members 2 arranged between the individual shelves.
  • the spacer member at the lower end of the supporting column may, if necessary, be designed as a foot or a supporting plate.
  • the upper end of the supporting column will usually be provided with a holding bolt which carries a thread at one end only, whereas the other end is closed and plane. Such end members are not shown in the drawing.
  • the holding bolt 1 is a relatively thick-walled tubular section carrying an outer thread 3 at each end.
  • This section is also provided with at least one radial slot 4 (four being shown in FIG. I) extending from the upper end thereof up to the beginning of the lower outer thread 3.
  • the ends 5 of a pair of rails 6 are introduced from the top into these slots 4. Since the width of the slots 4 is smaller than the thickness of the rails 6, these rails are equipped with narrower or reduced portions 7 so that they can be introduced and held in the slots 4.
  • the portion of the holding bolt 1 between the outer threads 3 is the main body 8 of the bolt, the transition between the main body 8 and the outer threads 3 being formed by a shoulders 9.
  • This spacer member consists of a tubular section, preferably of the same cross-sech'on as the main body 8 of bolt 1, and carries an inner thread 10 at the end or ends to be connected with the holding bolt 1. Also, the lower end of the holding bolt 8 has placed thereupon by threading a spacer member 2 to be followed by a further holding bolt with rails, if necessary, or by the foot of the supporting column.
  • a threaded bushing or sleeve II is inserted into the end or both ends of the spacer members 2.
  • Sleeve or bushing lI consists of a material which is harder than that from which the remaining portions of the rail connection are made. If, for instance, the holding bolts, rails and spacer members are made from an aluminum alloy, the threaded bushing 11 should consist of steel.
  • the just-described structure shown in FIG. 2 has a sufficient stability.
  • the holding bolt has to have slots for receiving five or more rails, as they are for instance used for shelves with six or eight rails, the segments carrying the outer thread 3 between adjacent slots become so small and weak that they maybe deformed easily or bent inwardly in assembled condition, under pressure on one of the rails in the direction of the plane of the rail and transversely to the longitudinal axis threof, which corresponds to the normal direction of the load on the rails.
  • the outer thread 3 of the holding bolt 1 and the inner thread 10 of the spacer member 2 may slide apart on that side which is opposite the rail, under a load in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the supporting column, the supporting column may be bent, or the entire rail connection may fall apart.
  • the bushing or sleeve 11 is to support from within the segments of the holding bolt which carry the outer thread and thereby to prevent an escape and a bending of the segments toward the interior of the column.
  • the threaded bushing l l is provided with an inwardly directed ring 12, at a distance from the end face of the spacer member 2 which corresponds substantially to the depth of penetration of the holding bolt 1.
  • This ring 12 is provided with a groove 13 on that end face thereof which faces the end face of the spacer member.
  • the width of the groove 13 substantially corresponds to the wall thickness of the portion of the holding bolt 1 carrying the outer thread 3.
  • the dept of the poove I3 is selected such that the end face of the holding bolt in its end position does not touch the bottom of the groove.
  • the inner wall 14 of the holding bolt 1 when threaded into position should rest against the inner wall 15 of the groove. in this way, bending of the segments of the holding bolt 1 carrying the outer thread 3 in inward direction is prevented.
  • the end of the inner wall 14 of the holding bolt which faces the end face is arranged at an angle and the inner side wall 15 of the groove is inclined similarly. The end of the holding bolt thus engages the groove in the manner of a wedge.
  • the arrangement according to FIG. 4 is particularly suitable in instances where the rails are used as consoles, i.e., when they are connected to a supporting column at one end only whereas the other end extends freely from the supporting column. It is to be kept in mind that when the individual elements used in the rail connection in large numbers, a certain variation in the measurements in the individual parts cannot be avoided. Thus, it is for instance not possible to match the width of the narrowed portions 7 of the rails exactly with the wall thickness of the threaded portion 3 of the holding bolt. The same applies to the relationship between the thickness of the rail and the width of the slot in the holding bolt. The end result is that the fit of the rail in the slot of the holding bolt varies, thus accounting for gaps so that the rail is loose and the longitudinal axis of the rail does not extend horizontally but is inclined to a certain extent.
  • FIG. 4 showing a special design of the head portion of the spacer member or the threaded bushing or sleeve.
  • the threaded bushing ll extends beyond the end of member 2 and forms a rib 16 which extend around the end face of the spacer member and which is directed toward the shoulder 9 of the holding bolt 1.
  • This rib is preferably of wedge-shaped cross-section.
  • the shoulder 9 of the adjacent holding bolt 1 is provided with a circumferential depression 17 into which the rib 16 extends.
  • the wall of depression 17 does not have to establish direct contact with the rib 16, but the rib may extent freely into the space formed by the depression.
  • the long narrow sides of the rails 6 are provided with one notch 18 each within the range of the narrowed portion 7, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rails 6. These notches have to be placed so that the ribs 16 engage therewith during assembly.
  • the cross-section of these notches 18 is somewhat smaller than the cross-section of the rib I6.
  • the rib 16 which consists of a harder material than the rail 6 cuts into the groove or notch 18, and the rail 6 is clamped between the two spacer members associated therewith.
  • a desired stable, and solid support in the slot of the holding bolt is established, and care has been taken that the free end of the rail does not drop but is held in a horizontal position. This is especially important when objects are to be supported by the rails which have to be in a horizontal position, such as dinner trays and the like.
  • rail support means ar ranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising holding means, defining slots and having an exterior thread at the end part thereof, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means,
  • said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert including an annular rib protruding axially towards said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.
  • rail support means arranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising hollow holding means, defining slots which intersect the end face of an end part thereof, said holding means having an exterior thread at said end part, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means,
  • said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert carrying an annular rib protruding axially toward said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Assembled Shelves (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
  • Forging (AREA)
  • Railway Tracks (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A rail connection arrangement comprising a rail, a support arranged substantially perpendicularly to the rail and comprising a holding device provided with slot means and an exterior thread, the support also comprising a spacer with a portion having an interior thread engaged by said exterior thread, the rail being received in the slot means and fixedly held therein between the holding device and the spacer, the portion of the spacer having the interior thread is made of a material which is harder than that of the remainder of the parts in the above combination.

Description

[4 1 June 20, 1972 United States Patent Kronenberg et al.
[541RAILCONNECTION 3,268,252 8/1966 Rolland.....................r.l...........287/56 [72] inventors: Hans Kronenberg, Luceme; Dionys Gmur,
Wetzikon, both of Switzerland [73] Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd., Chippis, Switzerland 1,457,643 9/1966 6,712,216 3/1968 Netherlands......................
[22] Filed: Nov. 14, 1969 [21] Appl.No.: 876,888
Primary Examiner-Ramon S. Britts ArrorneyErnest F. Marmorek [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 15, 1968 Switzerland........................
ABSTRACT A rail connection arrangement comprising a rail, a support arzllnszv 237/54 ranged substantially perpendicularly to the rail and compris- 5/00 Flfib 7/04 ing a holding device provided with slot means and an exterior H182 maizw/lss' thread, the support also comprising a spacer with a portion 248/224; 287/54 A44 18936 s I; having an interior thread engaged by said exterior thread, the rail being received in the slot means and fixedly held therein between the holding device and the spacer, the portion of the [51] Int. [58] FieldoiSear-eh...............
References Cited spacer having the interior thread is made of a material which is harder than that of the remainder of the parts in the above combination.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 225,060 Johnson H148 UX 2,455,682 1/148 X 4Clain5,4Drawlng Figures RAIL CONNECTION BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a connection between at least one rail and a supporting column arranged perpendicularly to the rail, in which the rail can be inserted into a slot of a portion of the supporting column which is designed as a holding or supporting bolt. With its slotted end, the holding bolt may be screwed into another portion of the supporting column which forms a spacer member. The rail placed into the supporting column is enclosed between the bottom of the slot in the holding bolt and the spacer member threaded thereinto.
The just-described rail connection may be used in various ways, especially for building up stands, shelves. temporary separating walls, walls used for advertising purposes, but also for desks and similar furniture.
A rail connection of the above-described general type is known, in which the holding bolt has a least in that portion thereof which is slotted a central hollow chamber, while the width of the slot in the holding bolt is smaller than the thickness of the rail. In this arrangement, the rail has at that end thereof which is to be introduced into the slot of the bolt, a narrowed portion corresponding to the width of the slot. This portion is formed by two parallel grooves provided in both broad sides of the rail and extending in the direction of the axis of the supporting column. That end of the rail which is introduced into the holding bolt does not extend to the longitudinal axis of the bolt. Preferably, the entire structure is made from an aluminum alloy.
Experience has shown that this arrangement, while in general quite useful, tends to be unstable because of the relative softness of the material, i.e., the individual members or parts of the structure are subjected to wear and tear and are easily deformed, especially where they engage each other, in the course of frequent assembly and disassembly. The end result is that the individual members are not immovably fixed when assembled but exhibit a certain play, clearance, or looseness. The use of a harder material, for instance steel, for the entire structure cannot be considered a practical solution because of the high cost and weight.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a rail connection of the general type described above, which will overcome the disadvantages of heretofore known rail connections.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a rail connection as set forth above, which is stable, while being not too expensive for the intended purposes of the rail connection.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is characterized in that that portion of the spacer member which carries the inner thread is made from a harder material than the remaining portions of the connection. Preferably, those tubular ends of the spacer member which are to be screwed into the holding bolts have inserted therein steel bushings or sleaves into which the interior thread is cut. However, it is also possible to use a head consisting completely of a harder material and provided with the interior thread and to place the same upon that end of the spacer member which consists of the softer material. A considerable improvement has been achieved by making only one part of the connection from a harder material. The increase in weight is insignificant and the slightly higher costs are more than balanced by the increased stability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rail connection in accordance with the present invention, with two rails and a threaded bushing;
FIG. 2 is a vertical section along the longitudinal axis of the supporting column of the rail connection;
FIG. 3 is a vertical section similar to that of FIG. 2, illustrating a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a vertical section through a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The rail connection according to the invention comprises a supporting column which consists of a number of holding bolts 1 (only one being shown) corresponding in number to the desired steps or stories, or shelves, for instance of a supermarket shelf, and of spacer members 2 arranged between the individual shelves. The spacer member at the lower end of the supporting column may, if necessary, be designed as a foot or a supporting plate. Similarly, the upper end of the supporting column will usually be provided with a holding bolt which carries a thread at one end only, whereas the other end is closed and plane. Such end members are not shown in the drawing.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. I which represents one of the components in the center of the supporting column, the holding bolt 1 is a relatively thick-walled tubular section carrying an outer thread 3 at each end. This section is also provided with at least one radial slot 4 (four being shown in FIG. I) extending from the upper end thereof up to the beginning of the lower outer thread 3.
The ends 5 of a pair of rails 6 are introduced from the top into these slots 4. Since the width of the slots 4 is smaller than the thickness of the rails 6, these rails are equipped with narrower or reduced portions 7 so that they can be introduced and held in the slots 4. The portion of the holding bolt 1 between the outer threads 3 is the main body 8 of the bolt, the transition between the main body 8 and the outer threads 3 being formed by a shoulders 9.
After the rails 6 have been introduced into the slots 4, a spacer member 2 is threaded upon the outer thread 3. This spacer member consists of a tubular section, preferably of the same cross-sech'on as the main body 8 of bolt 1, and carries an inner thread 10 at the end or ends to be connected with the holding bolt 1. Also, the lower end of the holding bolt 8 has placed thereupon by threading a spacer member 2 to be followed by a further holding bolt with rails, if necessary, or by the foot of the supporting column.
The arrangement described so far, and including the holding bolt 1, the rails 6 and the spacer members 2 has the disadvantages described above in the introductory portion of the specification. In order to eliminate these disadvantages, according to FIG. 2 a threaded bushing or sleeve II is inserted into the end or both ends of the spacer members 2. Sleeve or bushing lI consists of a material which is harder than that from which the remaining portions of the rail connection are made. If, for instance, the holding bolts, rails and spacer members are made from an aluminum alloy, the threaded bushing 11 should consist of steel.
With arrangements in which there are provided four or less slots in the holding bolt 1, the just-described structure shown in FIG. 2 has a sufficient stability. However, if the holding bolt has to have slots for receiving five or more rails, as they are for instance used for shelves with six or eight rails, the segments carrying the outer thread 3 between adjacent slots become so small and weak that they maybe deformed easily or bent inwardly in assembled condition, under pressure on one of the rails in the direction of the plane of the rail and transversely to the longitudinal axis threof, which corresponds to the normal direction of the load on the rails. Under such conditions, the outer thread 3 of the holding bolt 1 and the inner thread 10 of the spacer member 2 may slide apart on that side which is opposite the rail, under a load in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the supporting column, the supporting column may be bent, or the entire rail connection may fall apart.
This problem can be solved, in accordance with a further feature of the present invention, by designing the threaded sleeve or bushing II in accordance with FIG. 3. The bushing or sleeve 11 is to support from within the segments of the holding bolt which carry the outer thread and thereby to prevent an escape and a bending of the segments toward the interior of the column. (Ionsequently, the threaded bushing l l is provided with an inwardly directed ring 12, at a distance from the end face of the spacer member 2 which corresponds substantially to the depth of penetration of the holding bolt 1. This ring 12 is provided with a groove 13 on that end face thereof which faces the end face of the spacer member. The width of the groove 13 substantially corresponds to the wall thickness of the portion of the holding bolt 1 carrying the outer thread 3. The dept of the poove I3 is selected such that the end face of the holding bolt in its end position does not touch the bottom of the groove. However, the inner wall 14 of the holding bolt 1 when threaded into position should rest against the inner wall 15 of the groove. in this way, bending of the segments of the holding bolt 1 carrying the outer thread 3 in inward direction is prevented. in order to assure that the inner surface 14 of the holding bolt 1 rests against the inner side wall 15 of the groove, preferably the end of the inner wall 14 of the holding bolt which faces the end face is arranged at an angle and the inner side wall 15 of the groove is inclined similarly. The end of the holding bolt thus engages the groove in the manner of a wedge.
It is to be understood that this safety feature for preventing an inward bending of the threaded segments of the holding bolt is actually needed only where the slots 4 break through the end face of the holding bolt. However, in order to make possible an economic standard manufacture of the members involved and in order to make it unnecessary that particular attention has to be focused on these members during assembly, in other words to watch which end of the spacer member 2 is to be combined widr which end of the holding bolt 1, preferably all threaded bushings or sleeves are equipped with the ring 12. This requires that also the inner wall of that end of the holding bolt which is not penetrated by slots, is chamfered at its end.
The arrangement according to FIG. 4 is particularly suitable in instances where the rails are used as consoles, i.e., when they are connected to a supporting column at one end only whereas the other end extends freely from the supporting column. It is to be kept in mind that when the individual elements used in the rail connection in large numbers, a certain variation in the measurements in the individual parts cannot be avoided. Thus, it is for instance not possible to match the width of the narrowed portions 7 of the rails exactly with the wall thickness of the threaded portion 3 of the holding bolt. The same applies to the relationship between the thickness of the rail and the width of the slot in the holding bolt. The end result is that the fit of the rail in the slot of the holding bolt varies, thus accounting for gaps so that the rail is loose and the longitudinal axis of the rail does not extend horizontally but is inclined to a certain extent.
The just described disadvantage is overcome by the arrangement of FIG. 4, showing a special design of the head portion of the spacer member or the threaded bushing or sleeve. At the end of the spacer member 2, the threaded bushing ll extends beyond the end of member 2 and forms a rib 16 which extend around the end face of the spacer member and which is directed toward the shoulder 9 of the holding bolt 1. This rib is preferably of wedge-shaped cross-section.
In order to create a space for the rib 16 during assembly of the various parts, the shoulder 9 of the adjacent holding bolt 1 is provided with a circumferential depression 17 into which the rib 16 extends. The wall of depression 17 does not have to establish direct contact with the rib 16, but the rib may extent freely into the space formed by the depression. The long narrow sides of the rails 6 are provided with one notch 18 each within the range of the narrowed portion 7, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rails 6. These notches have to be placed so that the ribs 16 engage therewith during assembly. Preferably, the cross-section of these notches 18 is somewhat smaller than the cross-section of the rib I6. Thus, the rib 16 which consists of a harder material than the rail 6 cuts into the groove or notch 18, and the rail 6 is clamped between the two spacer members associated therewith. A desired stable, and solid support in the slot of the holding bolt is established, and care has been taken that the free end of the rail does not drop but is held in a horizontal position. This is especially important when objects are to be supported by the rails which have to be in a horizontal position, such as dinner trays and the like.
It is of course, to be understood that the above described embodiments can be used in combination; for instance, the arrangement of FIG. 3 can be combined with that of FIG. 4.
While the invention has been explained and described with the aid of particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereby and that many modifications retaining and utilizing the spirit thereof without departing essentially therefrom will occur to those skilled in the art in applying the invention to specific operating environments and conditions. it is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.
We claim:
1. The combination with rail means, rail support means ar ranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising holding means, defining slots and having an exterior thread at the end part thereof, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means,
the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat,
and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means and carrying an internal thread engaging said exterior thread, said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert including an annular rib protruding axially towards said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.
2. The combination with rail means, rail support means arranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising hollow holding means, defining slots which intersect the end face of an end part thereof, said holding means having an exterior thread at said end part, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means,
the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat,
and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means and carrying an internal thread engaging said exterior thread, and said insert further comprising means disposed inside said holding means and engaging said end part thereof, thereby restraining the inward radial movements of said end part,
said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert carrying an annular rib protruding axially toward said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.
3. The combination with rail means, rail support means arranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising hollow holding means, defining slots which intersect the end face of an end part thereof, said holding means having an exterior thread at said end part, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means,
the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat,
and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material 5 6 harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means end part. and carrying an internal thread engaging mid exterior 4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said insert is comthread, and said insert further comprising means disposed Posed of l and the f P meal inside said holding means and engaging said end part, P aluminum ythereby restraining the inward radial movements of said

Claims (4)

1. The combination with rail means, rail support means arranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising holding means, defining slots and having an exterior thread at the end part thereof, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means, the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat, and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means and carrying an internal thread engaging said exterior thread, said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert including an annular rib protruding axially towards said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.
2. The combination with rail means, rail support means arranged substantially perpEndicularly to said rail means and comprising hollow holding means, defining slots which intersect the end face of an end part thereof, said holding means having an exterior thread at said end part, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means, the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat, and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means and carrying an internal thread engaging said exterior thread, and said insert further comprising means disposed inside said holding means and engaging said end part thereof, thereby restraining the inward radial movements of said end part, said rail means being provided with at least one notch extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said rail means, and said holding means being provided with an annular depression adjacent its exterior thread, said insert carrying an annular rib protruding axially toward said holding means and being received in said annular depression and said notch.
3. The combination with rail means, rail support means arranged substantially perpendicularly to said rail means and comprising hollow holding means, defining slots which intersect the end face of an end part thereof, said holding means having an exterior thread at said end part, said support means also comprising hollow spacer means, said rail means being received in said slots and fixedly held therein between said holding means and said spacer means, the end portion of said spacer means terminating flat, and an insert in said end portion terminating near said flat termination of said end portion and being of a material harder than that of the remainder of said spacer means and carrying an internal thread engaging said exterior thread, and said insert further comprising means disposed inside said holding means and engaging said end part, thereby restraining the inward radial movements of said end part.
4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said insert is composed of steel and the remainder of said spacer means composed of aluminum alloy.
US876888A 1968-11-15 1969-11-14 Rail connection Expired - Lifetime US3670899A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1721268A CH477186A (en) 1968-11-15 1968-11-15 Angle connection between support column and rail

Publications (1)

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US3670899A true US3670899A (en) 1972-06-20

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US876888A Expired - Lifetime US3670899A (en) 1968-11-15 1969-11-14 Rail connection

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US (1) US3670899A (en)
AT (1) AT291466B (en)
BE (1) BE741494A (en)
CH (1) CH477186A (en)
DE (2) DE1955955B2 (en)
DK (1) DK139766B (en)
ES (1) ES179277Y (en)
FI (1) FI54736C (en)
FR (1) FR2023419A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1247937A (en)
IE (1) IE33638B1 (en)
LU (1) LU59805A1 (en)
NL (1) NL164936C (en)
NO (1) NO127462B (en)
SE (1) SE376639B (en)

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US3873219A (en) * 1971-11-05 1975-03-25 Giancarlo Pofferi Demountable structure
US3912410A (en) * 1971-11-05 1975-10-14 Giancarlo Pofferi Demountable structural joint
US3936111A (en) * 1973-05-11 1976-02-03 Vittorio Mazzucconi Furniture constructing kit
US3968882A (en) * 1972-11-14 1976-07-13 Commerciale Sacea, S.A.S. Complete set of elements fitting in unit-composed supporting systems
US3972638A (en) * 1974-02-15 1976-08-03 Arte Vetrina S.R.L. System in which a number of structural members are used to form compound structures, particularly structures for furnishings
US3985083A (en) * 1971-11-05 1976-10-12 Ufficio Tecnico Ing. A. Mannucci Support structure
US3986316A (en) * 1974-06-10 1976-10-19 The Gunlocke Company, Inc. Joint assembly
US4301636A (en) * 1980-03-21 1981-11-24 Luria Steven R Rigid shelf connector
US4419938A (en) * 1980-12-06 1983-12-13 Albin Kaut Plug-assembled sectional display rack
US4501512A (en) * 1981-12-07 1985-02-26 Keeler Brass Company Furniture article with compression hub for joining radial members
US4650263A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-03-17 Tandem Computers Incorporated Structural support and thin panel assembly
US4676040A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-06-30 Tandem Computers Incorporated Structural support and thin panel assembly
US4913298A (en) * 1987-10-19 1990-04-03 Rossano Compagnucci Extractable carriage for kitchen units
US5715956A (en) * 1995-10-30 1998-02-10 Ns Planning Inc. Joint for modular shelves and modular shelf system using the same
FR2753241A1 (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-03-13 Hazan Jacques Node assembly of modular furniture elements for offices
US20030192261A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-16 Piero Molteni Modular structure for modular partition walls formed of juxtaposed panels
US20070063112A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-03-22 Pfi Group Collapsible furniture frame method and apparatus
US20100089852A1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-04-15 Wen-Tsan Wang Combination storage rack
US20100096352A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-22 Wen-Tsan Wang Combination storage rack
WO2015039385A1 (en) * 2013-09-22 2015-03-26 唐山都市宝实业有限公司 Modularized combined enclosure and connecting component thereof
US9016485B1 (en) * 2014-06-13 2015-04-28 Sun Yu Ta Co. Ltd. Combination rack structure
EP2853502A3 (en) * 2013-09-22 2015-06-03 Tangshan Dushibao Industrial Co., Ltd. A modular combined box and connecting assembly thereof
WO2018026340A1 (en) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-08 Виктор Павлович КОВТУН Universal furniture connector and method for assembling furniture
US20180094665A1 (en) * 2016-10-05 2018-04-05 Jason Harrow Collapsible Bed Foundation
US10595643B2 (en) 2016-10-05 2020-03-24 Jason Harrow Mattress foundation with slidably attached components

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US4039132A (en) * 1976-01-05 1977-08-02 Fournier Peter R Plant support structure
SE418881B (en) * 1978-08-09 1981-06-29 Leif Andersson DEVICE FOR HOME BUILDINGS
GB2194612B (en) * 1986-07-02 1990-04-25 Bearcraft Limited Improvements in furniture
DE9003384U1 (en) * 1990-03-22 1990-07-05 SEVI AG, Ortisei Display rack or shelf
DE4137511C2 (en) * 1991-11-14 1995-01-05 Creacon Ind & Grafik Design Show stand
GB9218957D0 (en) * 1992-09-08 1992-10-21 Perks Arthur T Graviationally locked structural joint
DE19547052A1 (en) * 1995-12-18 1997-06-19 Ver Spezialmoebel Verwalt Adjustable table system

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US2455682A (en) * 1945-12-26 1948-12-07 Albert F Kern Shelving
US3199566A (en) * 1962-04-30 1965-08-10 Joseph A Dyka Weld fasteners
US3268252A (en) * 1963-01-23 1966-08-23 Robert C Rolland Frame structure having improved joint means
FR1457643A (en) * 1965-09-22 1966-01-24 Moviluty Removable support with central mount
US3415546A (en) * 1966-02-04 1968-12-10 Linde Ag Pipe connectors
NL6712216A (en) * 1966-09-09 1968-03-11

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3873219A (en) * 1971-11-05 1975-03-25 Giancarlo Pofferi Demountable structure
US3912410A (en) * 1971-11-05 1975-10-14 Giancarlo Pofferi Demountable structural joint
US3985083A (en) * 1971-11-05 1976-10-12 Ufficio Tecnico Ing. A. Mannucci Support structure
US3968882A (en) * 1972-11-14 1976-07-13 Commerciale Sacea, S.A.S. Complete set of elements fitting in unit-composed supporting systems
US3936111A (en) * 1973-05-11 1976-02-03 Vittorio Mazzucconi Furniture constructing kit
US3972638A (en) * 1974-02-15 1976-08-03 Arte Vetrina S.R.L. System in which a number of structural members are used to form compound structures, particularly structures for furnishings
US3986316A (en) * 1974-06-10 1976-10-19 The Gunlocke Company, Inc. Joint assembly
US4301636A (en) * 1980-03-21 1981-11-24 Luria Steven R Rigid shelf connector
US4419938A (en) * 1980-12-06 1983-12-13 Albin Kaut Plug-assembled sectional display rack
US4501512A (en) * 1981-12-07 1985-02-26 Keeler Brass Company Furniture article with compression hub for joining radial members
US4650263A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-03-17 Tandem Computers Incorporated Structural support and thin panel assembly
US4676040A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-06-30 Tandem Computers Incorporated Structural support and thin panel assembly
US4913298A (en) * 1987-10-19 1990-04-03 Rossano Compagnucci Extractable carriage for kitchen units
US5715956A (en) * 1995-10-30 1998-02-10 Ns Planning Inc. Joint for modular shelves and modular shelf system using the same
FR2753241A1 (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-03-13 Hazan Jacques Node assembly of modular furniture elements for offices
US7386960B2 (en) * 2002-04-10 2008-06-17 Unifor S.P.A. Modular structure for modular partition walls formed of juxtaposed panels
US20030192261A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-16 Piero Molteni Modular structure for modular partition walls formed of juxtaposed panels
US20070063112A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-03-22 Pfi Group Collapsible furniture frame method and apparatus
US20100089852A1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-04-15 Wen-Tsan Wang Combination storage rack
US20100096352A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-22 Wen-Tsan Wang Combination storage rack
US9546017B2 (en) 2013-09-22 2017-01-17 Tangshan Dushibao Industrial Co., Ltd. Modular combined box and connecting assembly thereof
WO2015039385A1 (en) * 2013-09-22 2015-03-26 唐山都市宝实业有限公司 Modularized combined enclosure and connecting component thereof
EP2853502A3 (en) * 2013-09-22 2015-06-03 Tangshan Dushibao Industrial Co., Ltd. A modular combined box and connecting assembly thereof
US9016485B1 (en) * 2014-06-13 2015-04-28 Sun Yu Ta Co. Ltd. Combination rack structure
WO2018026340A1 (en) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-08 Виктор Павлович КОВТУН Universal furniture connector and method for assembling furniture
US20180094665A1 (en) * 2016-10-05 2018-04-05 Jason Harrow Collapsible Bed Foundation
US10508674B2 (en) * 2016-10-05 2019-12-17 Jason Harrow Collapsible bed foundation
US10595643B2 (en) 2016-10-05 2020-03-24 Jason Harrow Mattress foundation with slidably attached components
US11006761B2 (en) 2016-10-05 2021-05-18 Jason Harrow Mattress foundation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1955955C3 (en) 1980-08-07
DK139766C (en) 1979-11-12
GB1247937A (en) 1971-09-29
DE6943222U (en) 1970-02-26
CH477186A (en) 1969-08-31
NL164936B (en) 1980-09-15
BE741494A (en) 1970-04-16
IE33638B1 (en) 1974-09-04
IE33638L (en) 1970-05-15
DE1955955B2 (en) 1979-12-06
FI54736C (en) 1979-02-12
LU59805A1 (en) 1970-01-13
ES179277U (en) 1972-12-16
AT291466B (en) 1971-07-12
NO127462B (en) 1973-06-25
NL6917087A (en) 1970-05-20
NL164936C (en) 1981-02-16
DK139766B (en) 1979-04-09
DE1955955A1 (en) 1970-06-18
FR2023419A1 (en) 1970-08-21
SE376639B (en) 1975-06-02
ES179277Y (en) 1973-07-16
FI54736B (en) 1978-10-31

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