阅读说明：本技术 安装件
(Mounting member
) 是由 法兰克·E·欧特林格 于 2018-06-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种用于将板安装到框架组件的安装件。所述安装件包括大致圆柱形头部,该圆柱形头部可延伸穿过所述板中的孔穴并且具有上表面、下面、外周表面、和可收纳在所述框架组件的框架构件的槽中的对准结构。所述圆柱形头部包括螺栓收纳孔,该螺栓收纳孔沿着与所述上表面成锐角的孔轴线延伸穿过所述圆柱形头部,该螺栓收纳孔适于穿过其中收纳螺栓。凸缘从所述圆柱形头部的所述外周表面径向延伸。所述凸缘的直径大于穿过所述板的所述孔穴的至少一部分的直径。所述螺栓的拧紧将所述板捕获在所述凸缘和所述框架构件之间。(A mount is provided for mounting a panel to a frame assembly. The mount includes a generally cylindrical head portion that is extendable through the aperture in the plate and has an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral surface, and an alignment structure receivable in the slot of the frame member of the frame assembly. The cylindrical head includes a bolt receiving bore extending therethrough along a bore axis at an acute angle to the upper surface, the bolt receiving bore adapted to receive a bolt therethrough. A flange extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. The flange has a diameter greater than a diameter of at least a portion of the aperture through the plate. Tightening of the bolts captures the plate between the flange and the frame member.)
1. A mount for mounting a panel to a frame assembly, the panel having an inner face, an outer face and an aperture defined by an inner surface extending between the inner face and the outer face, the frame assembly including a frame member having an outer surface, defining a longitudinal axis and having a slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the slot, the mount comprising:
a nut receivable in the cavity;
a generally cylindrical head extending along a head axis receivable in said aperture in said plate and having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer peripheral surface, an alignment formation receivable in said slot of said frame member, and a bolt-receiving bore extending through said cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to said head axis, said outer peripheral surface of said cylindrical head including a tapered portion frictionally engageable with said inner surface of said plate; a flange extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head, the flange having a diameter;
a bolt extending angularly through the slot and engageable with the nut received in the cavity to interconnect the cylindrical head to the frame member, wherein threading the bolt into the nut exerts a clamping force on the plate between the flange and the frame member.
2. The mount of claim 1, wherein the frame member includes an outer abutment wall defining at least a portion of an outer periphery of the slot, an inner abutment wall connected to the outer abutment wall and defining at least a portion of an outer periphery of the cavity, and an edge defined at a connection location between the outer abutment wall and the inner abutment wall, the edge defining a pivot point about which the nut can pivot when engaged with the edge while angularly moving through the cavity, and wherein the nut further includes a top wall and a shoulder extending away from the top wall in a transverse direction, the shoulder engaging the inner abutment wall of the frame member.
3. The mount of claim 2, wherein the nut includes a side wall extending between the top wall and the shoulder.
4. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the alignment structure comprises first and second alignment walls intersecting the lower face of the cylindrical head.
5. A mount according to claim 4, wherein the first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head.
6. The mount of claim 1, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of the bolt therein.
7. The mount of claim 7, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt-receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head, the reduced diameter portion of the bolt-receiving bore adapted to receive a shank of the bolt therethrough.
8. A mount for mounting a panel to a frame assembly, the mount comprising:
a generally cylindrical head extending along a head axis receivable in a hole in the plate and having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer peripheral surface, an alignment structure receivable in a slot of a frame member of the frame assembly, and a bolt-receiving bore extending through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the head axis, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head including a tapered portion; and
a flange extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head, the flange having a diameter.
9. A mount according to claim 8, wherein the alignment structure comprises first and second alignment walls intersecting the lower face of the cylindrical head.
10. A mount according to claim 9, wherein the first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head.
11. The mount of claim 8, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of a bolt therein.
12. The mount of claim 11, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt-receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head, the reduced diameter portion of the bolt-receiving bore adapted to receive a shank of the bolt therethrough.
13. The mount of claim 8, further comprising a bolt and nut combination for interconnecting a panel mount to the frame member of the frame assembly, the bolt being extendable through the bolt receiving aperture and the nut being receivable in the slot in the frame assembly.
14. A frame assembly, comprising:
a frame member having an outer surface, defining a longitudinal axis and having a slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the slot;
a plate having an inner face, an outer face, and a cavity defined by an inner surface extending between the inner face and the outer face;
a nut receivable in the cavity;
a mount having:
a generally cylindrical head extending along a head axis receivable in the aperture in the plate and having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer peripheral surface, an alignment structure receivable in a slot of a frame member of the frame assembly, and a bolt-receiving bore extending through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the head axis, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head including a tapered portion;
a flange extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head, the flange having a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole in the plate; and
a bolt extending angularly through the bolt-receiving bore and engaging the nut received in the cavity to interconnect the cylindrical head to the frame member and capture the plate between the flange and the frame member.
15. The frame assembly of claim 14, wherein the alignment structure includes first and second alignment walls that intersect the lower face of the cylindrical head.
16. The frame assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head.
17. The frame assembly of claim 14, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of a bolt therein.
18. The frame assembly of claim 17, wherein the bolt-receiving bore includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt-receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head, the reduced diameter portion of the bolt-receiving bore adapted to receive a rod of the bolt therethrough.
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to frame assemblies used in the manufacture of automated equipment, buildings, furniture, and/or other components, and in particular to frame members for mechanically interlocking panels to the frame assemblies or mounts for interconnecting a plurality of frame members to one another.
Background
Structural frames are well known for the construction of a wide variety of products, including every product from automation equipment and furniture to buildings and the like. Structural frames typically include horizontal and vertical frame members that are joined together by corner fittings, joints or adhesives. A covering (e.g., a panel) may be secured to the frame members to insulate the interior of the structural frame and/or to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, various components may be interconnected to the structural frame to allow the structural frame to be used for its intended purpose. As an example, the hinge may be interconnected to the structural frame to mount the door thereto. Alternatively, the slides may be interconnected to the sides of the structural frame to allow the structural frame to function as a drawer. It will be appreciated that other types of components may be interconnected to the structural frame to facilitate its intended purpose.
Typically, the components of the structural frame are held together by friction. For example, nut and bolt combinations are often used to secure horizontal and vertical frame members together. However, nut and bolt combinations that hold the structural frame together often loosen over time when subjected to vibration and/or the environment. When the nut and bolt combination loosens, the integrity of the structural frame may be compromised. Furthermore, when the nut and bolt combination is loosened, the frame members and components are therefore rotated relative to each other, thereby compromising the alignment of the structural frame.
Disclosure of Invention
It is therefore a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a mount that mechanically interlocks a panel or plank to a frame member in a manner that maintains the connection of the plank to the frame member during repeated use.
It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide a mount that allows a simple and easy mechanical interlocking of a panel or panel to a frame member.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a mount that allows a panel or panel to be mechanically interlocked to a frame member and adapted for various uses.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a mount that mechanically interconnects a plurality of frame members to one another at a user desired angle and maintains the connection between the frame members during repeated use.
According to the present invention there is provided a mount for mounting a panel having an inner face, an outer face and a cavity defined by an inner surface extending between the inner face and the outer face to a frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising a frame member having an outer face, defining a longitudinal axis and having a slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the slot. The mount includes: a nut receivable in the cavity; and a generally cylindrical head extending along a head axis receivable in the aperture in the plate and having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer peripheral surface, an alignment formation receivable in the slot of the frame member, and a bolt receiving bore extending through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the head axis. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head includes a tapered portion frictionally engageable with the inner surface of the plate. A flange extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. The flange has a diameter. A bolt extends angularly through the slot and is engageable with the nut received in the cavity to interconnect the cylindrical head to the frame member. Threading the bolt into the nut exerts a clamping force on the plate between the flange and the frame member.
The frame member includes an outer abutment wall defining at least a portion of an outer periphery of the slot, an inner abutment wall connected to the outer abutment wall and defining at least a portion of an outer periphery of the cavity, and an edge defined at a connection location between the outer abutment wall and the inner abutment wall. The rim defines a pivot point about which the nut may pivot as the nut moves angularly through the cavity while engaging the rim. The nut also includes a top wall and a shoulder extending away from the top wall in a transverse direction. The shoulder engages the inner abutment wall of the frame member. The nut includes a side wall extending between the top wall and the shoulder.
The alignment structure includes a first alignment wall and a second alignment wall intersecting the lower face of the cylindrical head. The first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head. The bolt receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of the bolt therein. The bolt receiving bore further includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head. The reduced diameter portion of the bolt receiving bore is adapted to receive a shank of the bolt therethrough.
According to another aspect of the invention, a mount for mounting a panel to a frame assembly. A generally cylindrical head extends along a head axis, is receivable in the cavity in the plate, and has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer peripheral surface. The alignment structure may be received in a slot of a frame member of the frame assembly. A bolt receiving bore extends through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the head axis. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head portion includes a tapered portion. A flange extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. The flange has a diameter.
The alignment structure includes a first alignment wall and a second alignment wall intersecting the lower face of the cylindrical head. The first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head. The bolt receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of a bolt therein. The bolt receiving bore includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head. The reduced diameter portion of the bolt receiving bore is adapted to receive a shank of the bolt therethrough. A bolt and nut combination is provided for interconnecting a panel mount to the frame member of the frame assembly. The bolt may extend through the bolt receiving hole and the nut may be received in the slot in the frame assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a frame assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a frame member having an outer surface, defining a longitudinal axis and having a slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the slot. The plate has an inner face, an outer face, and an aperture defined by an inner surface extending between the inner face and the outer face. A nut may be received in the cavity. The mount has a generally cylindrical head extending along a head axis, receivable in the aperture in the plate, and having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer peripheral surface. The mount also includes an alignment structure receivable in a slot of a frame member of the frame assembly and a bolt-receiving bore extending through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the head axis. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head portion includes a tapered portion. A flange extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. The flange has a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole in the plate. A bolt extends angularly through the bolt receiving bore and engages the nut received in the cavity to interconnect the cylindrical head to the frame member and capture the plate between the flange and the frame member.
The alignment structure includes a first alignment wall and a second alignment wall intersecting the lower face of the cylindrical head. The first and second alignment walls diverge from one another as the first and second alignment walls extend away from the lower face of the cylindrical head. The bolt receiving bore includes an enlarged portion in communication with the upper surface of the cylindrical head and adapted to receive a head of a bolt therein. The bolt receiving bore includes a reduced diameter portion having a first end in communication with the enlarged portion of the bolt receiving bore and a second end in communication with the lower face of the cylindrical head. The reduced diameter portion of the bolt receiving bore is adapted to receive a shank of the bolt therethrough.
Drawings
The drawings provided herein illustrate preferred constructions of the invention in which the above advantages and features, as well as others which will be readily apparent from the following description of the illustrated embodiments, are clearly disclosed.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a mount for mounting a panel to a frame member according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the mount of FIG. 1 mounting a panel to a frame member;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mount of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of a mount interconnecting a first frame member and a second frame member in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the mount of the present invention interconnecting a first frame member and a second frame member;
FIG. 10 is an end view of the mount of the present invention interconnecting a first frame member and a second frame member;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mount of the present invention taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is an exploded isometric view of a mount according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention interconnecting first and second frame members to one another at a user-desired angle;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the mount of FIG. 12 in an assembled configuration;
FIG. 14 is an end view of the mount of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mount of the present invention taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a first cylindrical head of the mount of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the first cylindrical head of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a top view of the first cylindrical head of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a second cylindrical head of the mount of FIG. 13;
FIG. 21 is a side view of the second cylindrical head of FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a top view of the second cylindrical head of FIG. 20; and
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the second cylindrical head of the mount of the present invention taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.
Detailed Description
Referring to fig. 1 to 7, a mount according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10. As described below, the mount 10 is used to interconnect the panel 12 to a rail or frame member 14 of a frame assembly constructed from various components. The plate 12 includes a first side 13a and a second side 13b, each separated by a periphery 15. In the depicted embodiment, the plate 12 has a generally square configuration. However, the plate 12 may have other configurations, such as a circular, rectangular, triangular, or some other polygonal shape (not shown), without departing from the scope of the invention. The plate 12 also includes a hole 17, the hole 17 extending axially through the plate 12 between the first and second sides 13a and 13b, respectively, and having a diameter of sufficient size to allow the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 to pass through the hole 17, for reasons that will be described below. The aperture 17 is defined by a generally circular sidewall 19 extending from the first side 13a of the plate 12 and having a first diameter and a generally circular sidewall 21 extending from the second side 13b of the plate 12 and having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The inner edges 23a and 23b of the side walls 19 and 21, respectively, are interconnected by a shoulder 25, the shoulder 25 lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the aperture 17. The circular side walls 19 and 21 define the thickness T of the plate 12 as shown in fig. 3.
The frame member 14 has a generally square configuration or cross-sectional profile shape and extends along a longitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, the frame member 14 may have a different cross-sectional profile shape, such as a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, or some other polygonal shape (not shown), depending on the desired end use configuration. The frame member 14 has an outer surface defined by four faces 30a-30 d. Each of the faces 30a-30d is identical in structure, and thus, the description of face 30a hereinafter will be understood to describe faces 30b-30d, as if fully described herein. As best seen in fig. 3, each face 30a of the frame member 14 is generally flat and includes a slot 32 therein, the slot 32 extending along the entire length of the frame member 14 and opening into a longitudinally extending cavity 33. The grooves 32 and cavities 33 are substantially symmetrical, whereby the description of the structure of the grooves 32 and/or cavities 33 on one side applies equally to the corresponding structure of the grooves 32 and/or cavities 33 on the other side, being only a mirror image thereof.
The slot 32 is defined between first and second sidewalls 34, 36, the first and second sidewalls 34, 36 extending angularly from the face 30a, respectively. It is contemplated that the angle is in the range of 1 ° to 89 °, but is preferably between about 30 ° to about 80 °, and most preferably about 70 °. Accordingly, in this most preferred embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, define an angle of about 20 ° with respect to an imaginary line extending through the centerline of the slot 32, whereby the first and second sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, define an angle of about 40 ° between each other. The slot 32 is further defined between first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44 diverging from the respective terminal edges 34a and 36a of the first and second side walls 34 and 36, respectively. The first outer abutment wall 42 angularly intersects the first side wall 34 to define an angle therebetween of greater than 90 deg., and the second outer abutment wall 44 angularly intersects the side wall 36 to define an angle therebetween of greater than 90 deg.. Preferably, the angle defined between the first outer abutment wall 42 and the first side wall 34 is between about 110 ° and about 160 °, and most preferably about 130 °.
First and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, define lines extending from the respective outermost portions angularly downwardly away from face 30a toward a middle portion of cavity 33. In other words, the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 extend in opposite directions diverging from each other and facing the face 30a, respectively, from the inner lands 42a and 44a connecting the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44 to the respective first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively. The inner land 42a defines a flat surface defining an edge at the intersection of the corresponding outer and inner abutment walls 42 and 46, respectively. Similarly, the inner land 44a defines a flat surface defining an edge at the intersection of the corresponding outer abutment wall 44 and inner abutment wall 48, respectively. The first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44 are angled steeper or relatively closer to orthogonal with respect to the face 30a than the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, and the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 are relatively closer to being parallel to the face 30 a. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, define an angle of about 60 ° with respect to the face 30a, while the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 of this embodiment define an angle of about 20 ° or 19 ° with respect to the face 30 a. A concave terminal wall 50 extends between the terminal edges 46a and 48a of the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, and a cavity 33 is defined between the inner abutment walls 46, 48 and the concave terminal wall 50.
As described above, the mount 10 is used to interconnect the panel 12 to the frame member 14 of the frame assembly. As best seen in fig. 4-7, the mounting member 10 includes a cylindrical head 60 defined by an outer surface 62, the outer surface 62 having opposed first and second ends 64 and 66, respectively. The outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head includes a tapered portion 62a extending from a first end 64 thereof and a generally cylindrical portion 62b extending from a second end 66. The conical portion 62a and the cylindrical portion 62b extend along a common axis 67 and are centered on the common axis 67. The tapered portion 62a and the cylindrical portion 62b intersect at an intersection 65. As best seen in fig. 4, the tapered portion 62a is spaced from the common axis 67 at a predetermined angle θ between the intersection 65 and the first end 64 of the cylindrical head 60. For example, it is considered that the predetermined angle θ is in the range of 1 degree to 7 degrees, and preferably about 4 degrees. The diameter D of the cylindrical head 60 at the intersection 65 is intentionally brought close to the diameter of the lower portion 17a of the cavity 17 in the plate 12 so that the tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 frictionally engages the circular wall 21 of the plate 12 when pushed therein. As best seen in fig. 3-4, the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 has an axial length L that is less than the thickness T of the circular wall 21 of the plate 12, for reasons that will be described below.
A flange 68 extends radially from the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 at a location adjacent the first end 64. The flange 68 includes a lower surface 70 and a convex upper surface 72 spaced from each other by a peripheral edge 74. It is contemplated that the diameter of the circle defined by the peripheral edge 74 of the flange 68 is greater than the diameter of the lower portion 17a of the cavity 17 defined by the circular wall 21 in the plate 12 to prevent the entire cylindrical head 60 from passing therethrough. The mounting rail 76 extends outwardly from the second end 66 in the longitudinal direction and along a central portion thereof. The mounting rail 76 has a perimeter shape corresponding to the portion of the slot 32 defined between the first slot sidewall 34 and the second slot sidewall 36. Thus, it will be appreciated that the shape of the mounting rail 76 allows the mounting rail 76 to nest in the slot 32 between the slot sidewalls 34 and 36 for reasons described below.
Bolt receiving holes 80 extend in a transverse direction at an angle through the flange 68, the cylindrical head 60 and through the mounting rail 76. The bore 80 includes a first opening 80a in communication with the upper surface 72 of the flange 68 and a second end 80b in communication with a lower surface 82 of the mounting rail 76. The bore 80 defines a counterbore portion 84 adjacent the first end 64 of the cylindrical head 60, the counterbore portion 84 being adapted to receive a bolt head 86 of a bolt 88, see fig. 1-3, as described below. Preferably, the bore 80 extends through the mounting member 10 at an acute angle relative to the first end 64 of the cylindrical head 60, which is in the range of 1 ° to 89 °, but preferably between about 30 ° and about 80 °, and most preferably about 70 °, but whatever the acute angle is, the bore 80 is selected to align with a corresponding bore 120 of the nut 90, as will be described in more detail below.
Referring back to fig. 1-3, to secure the panel 12 to the frame member 14 with the mount 10, a nut 90 is provided. A nut 90 is receivable within the cavity 33 and is adapted to receive a terminal end 92 of the bolt 88 extending through the aperture 80 in the mount 10 to rigidly connect the mount 10 to the frame member 14. The nut 90 is sized to slide longitudinally through the cavity 33 and is intended to be captured within the cavity 33 such that the nut 90 does not rotate in unison with the rotation of the bolt 88. Nut 90 has a substantially planar upper wall 95 and a pair of outwardly tapered side walls 102 and 104 depending from opposite sides thereof. Tapered sidewalls 102 and 104 extend angularly from the upper wall 95 at an angle corresponding to the angle of the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, with the lower portion of the slot 32 in the frame member 14 defined between the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44. The distance between the tapered sidewalls 102 and 104 is less than the distance between the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, such that a gap is defined between the tapered sidewall 102 and the first outer abutment wall 42 during use in a manner described below. A pair of shoulders 106 and 108 extend outwardly from the lower portion of the respective tapered side walls 102 and 104, respectively, and upwardly in the direction of the upper wall 95.
The shoulders 106 and 108 of the nut 90 extend at respective angles generally corresponding to the angles defined between the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 and the first and second outer abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, of the frame member 14. Preferably the angle is an obtuse angle in the range 91 ° to 179 °, but preferably between about 95 ° to 105 °, more preferably about 100 °. The angle (not numbered) between the shoulder 106 and the longitudinal axis of the bore 120 through the nut 90 and the angle (not numbered) between the shoulder 108 and the longitudinal axis of the bore 120 are different. For example, the angle between shoulder 106 and the longitudinal axis of bore 120 is about 90 °, while the angle between shoulder 108 and the longitudinal axis of bore 120 is about 55 °. A lower curved wall 110 extends along an arcuate path between and joining the outer ends of shoulders 106 and 108. The lower curved wall 110 of the nut 90 has a profile shape and a radius of curvature corresponding to those of the concave terminal wall 50 defining the lower periphery of the cavity 33 of the frame member 14.
The bore 120 extends orthogonally through the nut 90 in a longitudinal direction of the nut 90 and extends at an angle in a transverse direction of the nut 90. The bore 120 extends at the same angle as the bore 80 through the cylindrical head 60 of the mounting member 10, i.e. laterally at an acute angle. The acute angle of the bore 120 is in the range of 1 ° to 89 °, but is preferably between about 30 ° to about 80 °, and most preferably about 65 ° relative to the upper wall 95 of the nut 90. In this configuration, the bore 120 has an upper opening located substantially at the centerline of the nut 90 and a lower opening offset from the centerline of the nut 90 and located below the outwardly tapered sidewall 102.
To interconnect the panel 12 to the frame member 14, the nut 90 is slid longitudinally into the cavity 33 of the face 30a of the frame member 14. The plate 12 is positioned on the face 30a of the frame member 14 such that the aperture 17 through the plate 12 is aligned with the slot 32 in the frame member 14 and with the hole 120 through the nut 90 received in the cavity 33. Thereafter, the cylindrical head 60 is inserted through the lower portion 17a of the aperture 17 defined by the circular wall 21 in the plate 12 such that the mounting rail 76 at the second end 66 of the cylindrical head 60 nests in the slot 32 between the slot side walls 34 and 36 in the face 30a of the frame member 14. It will be appreciated that the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the lower portion 17a of the aperture 17 through the plate 12 to retain the plate 12 between the lower surface 70 of the flange 68 and the frame member 14. The bolt 88 is inserted through the hole 80 through the cylindrical head 60 and threaded into the threads of the hole 120 through the nut 90.
Still referring to fig. 3, tightening the bolt 88 into the nut 90 provides a multi-axial fastening mount 10 to lock the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60, the plate 12 and the nut 90 together. Since the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 has an axial length L that is less than the thickness T of the circular wall 21 of the plate 12, the plate 12 may be laterally compressed between the face 30a of the frame member 14 and the lower surface 70 of the flange 68. Tightening the bolt 88 pulls the nut 90 by pushing the nut 90 along the threads of the bolt 88. This pulls the nut 90 angularly and across the cavity 33 towards the outer abutment wall 42 on the left hand side of the slot 32 as shown in figure 3. The shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46 of the cavity 33 while the nut 90 is pulled angularly up and across the cavity 33, which creates a gap between the outer abutment wall 44 and the wedge-shaped side wall 104 of the frame member 14. This clearance provides sufficient space for the nut 90 to pivot within the cavity 33. This is accomplished by further tightening the bolt 88 after the shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46, such that further advancement of the nut 90 along the bolt 88 pivots the nut 90 about the inner land 42a between the inner and outer abutment walls 46 and 42, respectively. The nut 90 is then pivoted about the inner land 42a until the shoulder 108 engages the inner abutment wall 48 of the cavity 33. Further tightening of the bolt 88 moves the cylindrical head 60 closer to the nut 90 when both of the shoulders 106 and 108 of the nut 90 engage the respective first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 of the frame member 14, respectively. Due to the wedging action between the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 and the respective shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, which in turn urges the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, closer to one another, the frame member 14 is laterally compressed such that the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 slide across the shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, and toward the tapered side walls 102 and 104 of the nut 90.
Additionally, when the flange 68 is urged toward the frame member 14 with the cylindrical head 60, the gap 132 between the second side 66 of the cylindrical head 60 and the face 30a of the frame member 14 allows a clamping force to be exerted on the panel 12 between the flange 168 of the cylindrical head 60 and the frame member 14. The clamping force exerted on the panel 12 prevents rotational movement of the panel 12 relative to the frame member 14 (and mount 10). In addition, when the bolt 88 is tightened into the nut 90, the tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 is urged into frictional engagement with the circular sidewall 21, the circular sidewall 21 defining the lower portion 17a of the hole 17 through the plate 12. The tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head portion 60 serves to frictionally retain the plate 12 in place to prevent rotational movement of the plate 12 relative to the frame member 14.
Referring to fig. 8-11, an alternative embodiment of a mount according to the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 150. The mounts 150 are used to interconnect the first and second frame members 14a and 14b, respectively. The first frame member 14a and the second frame member 14b are respectively identical in structure to the frame member 14 described above. Thus, the previous description of the frame member 14 is understood to describe the first frame member 14a and the second frame member 14b, respectively, as if fully described herein.
The mounting member 150 includes a first corner portion generally indicated by reference numeral 152. The first corner 152 includes an L-shaped body defined by a horizontal plate 154 and an upright or vertical plate 156. Horizontal plate 154 defines a substantially planar outer face 158, an arcuate inner face 160, first and second sides 162, 164, and an arcuate terminal edge 166. Horizontal plate 154 also includes an aperture 168 extending between outer face 158 and inner face 160 along an axis 169 that is generally perpendicular to outer face 158. The aperture 168 includes a first reduced diameter portion 170 and an enlarged diameter portion 172, the first reduced diameter portion 170 having a diameter sufficiently sized to allow the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 to pass therethrough, and the enlarged diameter portion 172 having a diameter sufficiently sized to allow the flange 68 extending radially from the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 to be received therein. The reduced diameter portion 170 and the increased diameter portion 172 of the aperture 168 are defined by respective generally cylindrical surfaces 174 and 176, respectively. Cylindrical surfaces 174 and 176, respectively, are interconnected by a shoulder 178, shoulder 178 lying in a plane generally parallel to outer face 158.
Vertical plate 156 defines a substantially planar outer face 180, an arcuate inner face 182, first and second sides 184, 186, and an arcuate terminal edge 187 extending between first and second sides 184, 186, respectively, with outer face 180 being substantially perpendicular to outer face 158 of horizontal plate 154. The outer face 180 of the vertical plate 156 intersects the outer face 158 of the horizontal plate 154 at an edge 188. The inner face 182 of the vertical plate 156 intersects the inner face 160 of the horizontal plate 154 forming a generally convex inner surface 190. The first side 184 of the vertical plate 156 coincides with the first side 162 of the horizontal plate 154 forming a generally planar first side surface 192. Similarly, the second side 186 of the vertical plate 156 coincides with the second side 164 of the horizontal plate 154, forming a second side surface 194 that is substantially planar.
Vertical plate 156 also includes an aperture 196 extending between outer face 180 and inner face 182 along an axis generally perpendicular to outer face 180. The aperture 196 includes a first reduced diameter portion 200 and an enlarged diameter portion 202, the first reduced diameter portion 170 having a diameter sufficiently sized to allow the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 to pass therethrough, and the enlarged diameter portion 172 having a diameter sufficiently sized to allow the flange 68 extending radially from the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 to be received therein. The reduced diameter portion 200 and the increased diameter portion 202 of the aperture 196 are defined by respective generally cylindrical surfaces 204 and 206, respectively. Cylindrical surfaces 204 and 206 are each interconnected by a shoulder 208, shoulder 208 lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to axis 198 and substantially parallel to outer face 180 of vertical plate 156.
To interconnect the first and second frame members 14a and 14b, nuts 90a and 90b are slid longitudinally into corresponding cavities 33 of the faces 30a of the first and second frame members 14a and 14b, respectively. Nuts 90a and 90b are identical in construction to nut 90 described above. Thus, the previous description of the nut 90 is understood to describe the nuts 90a and 90b, as if fully described herein. The first corner 152 is positioned on the face 30a of the first frame member 14a such that the aperture 196 through the vertical plate 156 is aligned with the slot 32 in the frame member 14a and with the hole 120 through the nut 90a received in the cavity 33. Thereafter, the cylindrical head 60 is inserted through the aperture 196 in the vertical plate 156 such that the mounting rail 76 at the second end 66 of the cylindrical head 60 nests into the slot 32 between the slot side walls 34 and 36 in the face 30a of the first frame member 14 a. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60 is greater than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 200 of the aperture 196 in the plate 12 to retain the shoulder 208 of the vertical plate 156 between the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60 and the first frame member 14 a. The bolt 88 is inserted through the hole 80 through the cylindrical head 60 and threaded into the threads of the hole 120 through the nut 90 a.
Referring to fig. 11, tightening the bolt 88 into the nut 90a provides multi-axial tightening of the mount 150 to clamp the stack of the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60, the vertical plate 156 and the nut 90a together. Since the axial length L of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 is less than the thickness of the cylindrical surface 204 of the reduced diameter portion 200 defining the aperture 196, the shoulder 208 (and thus the vertical plate 156) may be laterally compressed between the face 30a of the first frame member 14a and the lower surface 70 of the flange 68. Tightening the bolt 88 may pull the nut 90 by advancing the nut 90 along the threads of the bolt 88. This pulls the nut 90a angularly upwardly and across the cavity 33 toward the outer abutment wall 42 of the slot 32. The shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46 of the cavity 33 while the nut 90a is pulled angularly up and across the cavity 33, which creates a gap between the outer abutment wall 44 and the wedge-shaped side wall 104 of the frame member 14 a. This clearance provides sufficient space for the nut 90a to pivot within the cavity 33. This is accomplished by further tightening the bolt 88 after the shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46 such that further advancement of the nut 90 along the bolt 88 pivots the nut 90 about the inner land 42a between the inner and outer abutment walls 46 and 42, respectively. The nut 90a is then pivoted about the inner land 42a until the shoulder 108 engages the inner abutment wall 48 of the cavity 33. Further tightening of the bolt 88 moves the cylindrical head 60 closer to the nut 90 as both shoulders 106 and 108 of the nut 90a engage the respective first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, of the first frame member 14 a. Due to the wedging action between the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 and the respective shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, which in turn urges the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, closer to one another, the frame member 14a is laterally compressed such that the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 slide across the shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, and toward the tapered side walls 102 and 104 of the nut 90 a.
Additionally, as discussed above, when the flange 68 is urged toward the first frame member 14a with the cylindrical head 60, the gap 132a between the second side 66 of the cylindrical head 60 and the face 30a of the first frame member 14a allows a clamping force to be exerted on the shoulder 208 of the vertical plate 156 between the flange 168 of the cylindrical head 60 and the first frame member 14 a. The clamping force exerted on the shoulder 208 of the vertical plate 156 prevents rotational movement of the vertical plate 156 relative to the first frame member 14 a. Further, as the bolt 88 is tightened into the nut 90a, the tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 is urged into frictional engagement with the cylindrical surface 204, the cylindrical surface 204 defining the reduced diameter portion 200 through the aperture 196 of the vertical plate 156. The tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 serves to frictionally hold the vertical plate 156 in place to prevent rotational movement of the vertical plate 156 relative to the first frame member 14 a.
In a similar manner, the second frame member 14b is positioned relative to the first corner 152 such that the face 30a of the second frame member 14b is adjacent the outer face 158 of the horizontal plate 154 and such that the aperture 168 through the horizontal plate 154 is aligned with the slot 32 in the second frame member 14b and with the hole 120 through the nut 90b received in the cavity 33. Thereafter, the second cylindrical head 60 is inserted through the aperture 168 in the horizontal plate 154 such that the mounting rail 76 at the second end 66 of the cylindrical head 60 nests in the slot 32 between the slot side walls 34 and 36 in the face 30a of the second frame member 14 b. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60 is greater than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 170 of the aperture 168 in the horizontal plate 154 to retain the shoulder 178 of the horizontal plate 154 between the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60 and the second frame member 36. The bolt 88 is inserted through the insertion hole 80 through the cylindrical head 60 and threaded through the nut 90b into the threads of the hole 120.
Still referring to fig. 8 and 11, tightening the bolt 88 into the nut 90b provides multi-axial tightening of the mount 150 to clamp the stack of the flange 68 of the cylindrical head 60, the horizontal plate 154, and the nut 90b together. Since the axial length L of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 is less than the thickness of the cylindrical surface 174 defining the reduced diameter portion 170 of the bore 168, the shoulder 178 (and thus the vertical plate 154) may be laterally compressed between the face 30a of the second frame member 14b and the lower surface 70 of the flange 68. Tightening the bolt 88 may pull the nut 90b by pushing the nut 90b along the threads of the bolt 88. This pulls the nut 90b angularly upwardly and across the cavity 33 toward the outer abutment wall 42 of the slot 32. The shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46 of the cavity 33 while the nut 90b is pulled angularly up and across the cavity 33, which creates a gap between the outer abutment wall 44 and the tapered side wall 104 of the second frame member 14 b. This clearance provides sufficient space for the nut 90b to pivot within the cavity 33. This is accomplished by further tightening the bolt 88 after the shoulder 106 engages the inner abutment wall 46 such that further advancement of the nut 90b along the bolt 88 pivots the nut 90b about the inner land 42a between the inner and outer abutment walls 46 and 42, respectively. The nut 90b is then pivoted about the inner land 42a until the shoulder 108 engages the inner abutment wall 48 of the cavity 33. Further tightening of the bolt 88 moves the cylindrical head 60 closer to the nut 90b as both shoulders 106 and 108 of the nut 90b engage the respective first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively, of the second frame member 14 b. Due to the wedging action between the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 and the respective shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, which in turn urges the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 closer to one another, respectively, the second frame member 14b is laterally compressed such that the first and second inner abutment walls 46 and 48 slide across the shoulders 106 and 108, respectively, and toward the tapered side walls 102 and 104 of the nut 90 b.
Additionally, when the flange 68 is urged toward pushing toward the second frame member 14b with the cylindrical head 60, a gap (not shown) between the second side 66 of the cylindrical head 60 and the face 30a of the second frame member 14b allows a clamping force to be exerted on the shoulder 178 of the horizontal plate 154 between the flange 168 of the cylindrical head 60 and the second frame member 14 b. The clamping force exerted on the shoulder 178 of the horizontal plate 154 prevents rotational movement of the horizontal plate 154 relative to the second frame member 14 b. Further, as the bolt 88 is tightened into the nut 90b, the tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 is urged into frictional engagement with the cylindrical surface 174, the cylindrical surface 174 defining the reduced diameter portion 170 that passes through the aperture 168 of the horizontal plate 154. The tapered portion 62a of the outer surface 62 of the cylindrical head 60 serves to frictionally hold the horizontal plate 154 in place to prevent rotational movement of the horizontal plate 154 relative to the second frame member 14 b. As described above, the mounting bracket 150 securely holds the first and second frame members 14a and 14b, respectively, perpendicular to each other, see fig. 9.
Referring to fig. 12-23, yet another embodiment of a mount according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 220. The mounting members 220 include first and second corners 152a, 152, respectively, that are identical in construction. Thus, the previous description of the first corner 152 is understood to describe the second corner 152a, as fully described herein. The mount 220 also includes first and second locking elements 222 and 224, respectively. The first locking member 222 includes a cylindrical head portion 260 defined by an outer surface 262, the outer surface 262 having first and second opposite ends 264 and 266, respectively. The outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head portion includes a tapered portion 262a extending from a first end 264 thereof and a generally cylindrical portion 262b extending from a second end 264. The conical portion 262a and the cylindrical portion 262b extend along a common axis 267 and are centered about the common axis 267. The tapered portion 262a and the cylindrical portion 62b intersect at an intersection 265. As best seen in fig. 17, the tapered portion 262a is spaced from the common axis 267 at a predetermined angle θ between the intersection 265 and the first end 264 of the cylindrical head portion 260. For example, it is considered that the predetermined angle θ is in the range of 1 ° to 7 °, and preferably about 4 °. The diameter D1 of the cylindrical head 260 at the intersection 265 of the outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head 260 is brought closer to the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 200 of the hole 196 in the vertical plate 156 to allow the tapered portion 262a of the outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head 260 to frictionally engage the cylindrical surface 204 of the vertical plate 156 of the first corner 152.
The first locking element 222 also includes a flange 268, the flange 268 extending radially from the outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head 260 at a location adjacent the first end 264 of the cylindrical head 260. The flange 268 includes a lower surface 270 and a chamfered upper surface 272 spaced from each other by a peripheral edge 274. It is contemplated that the peripheral edge 274 of the flange 268 defines a circle having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 202 of the aperture 196 in the vertical plate 156 to allow the flange 268 to be received therein and greater than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 200 of the aperture 196 in the vertical plate 156 to prevent the cylindrical head 260 from passing entirely therethrough. The pin 276 extends outwardly from the second end 266 in the longitudinal direction and along a central portion of the second end 266. More specifically, the pin 276 has generally parallel first and second sidewalls 278, 280, respectively, extending from the second end 266 of the cylindrical head 260. The first and second side walls 278, 280, respectively, are interconnected by an end wall 282 that is substantially perpendicular thereto. As such, it will be appreciated that the shape of the pin 276 corresponds in size and shape to the slot 284 in the second locking element 224, as described below, to allow the pin 276 to nest in the slot 284. A bolt-receiving bore 288 extends axially through the cylindrical head 260 and the pin 276. The bore 288 includes a first opening 288a in communication with the surface 272 of the flange 268 and a second end 288b in communication with the end wall 282 of the pin 76. The bore 288 defines a counterbore portion 290 adjacent the first end 264 of the cylindrical head 260, the counterbore portion 290 being adapted to receive either of the bolt heads 292a of the bolt 292, as described below.
Referring to fig. 20-23, the second locking element 224 includes a cylindrical head 300 defined by an outer surface 302, the cylindrical head 300 having first and second opposing ends 304 and 306, respectively. The outer surface 302 of the cylindrical head 300 includes a tapered portion 302a extending from a first end 304 thereof and a generally cylindrical portion 302b extending from a second end 304 thereof. Tapered portion 302a and cylindrical portion 302b extend along a common axis 307 and are centered on common axis 307. The tapered portion 302a and the cylindrical portion 302b intersect at an intersection 305. As best seen in fig. 21-23, the tapered portion 302a is spaced from the common axis 307 at a predetermined angle θ between the intersection 305 and the first end 304 of the cylindrical head 300. For example, it is considered that the predetermined angle θ is in the range of 1 ° to 7 °, and preferably about 4 °. The diameter D2 of the cylindrical head 300 rounded at the intersection of the tapered portion 302a and the first end 304 of the cylindrical head 300 is approximated by the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 200 of the hole 196 in the vertical plate 156 to allow the tapered portion 302a of the outer surface 302 of the cylindrical head 300 to frictionally engage the cylindrical surface 204 of the vertical plate 156 of the second corner 152 a.
The second locking element 224 also includes a flange 308, the flange 268 extending radially from the outer surface 302 of the cylindrical head 260 at a location adjacent the first end 304 of the cylindrical head 300. Flange 308 includes a lower surface 310 and a chamfered upper surface 312 spaced from each other by a peripheral edge 314. It is contemplated that the peripheral edge 314 of the flange 308 defines a circle having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 202 of the aperture 196 in the upright plate 156 to allow the flange 308 to be received therein and greater than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 200 of the aperture 196 in the upright plate 156 to prevent the cylindrical head 300 from passing entirely therethrough. A slot 284 is provided in the second end 306 in the longitudinal direction and along a central portion thereof. More specifically, the slot 284 is defined by first and second generally parallel sidewalls 318 and 320, respectively, extending from the second end 306 of the cylindrical head 300. First sidewall 318 and second sidewall 320 are each interconnected by a recessed wall 322 that is substantially perpendicular thereto. As such, it will be appreciated that the slot 284 is shaped to correspond in size and shape to the pin 276 in the first locking element 222, as described below, to allow the pin 276 to nest in the slot 284. A threaded bolt receiving bore 328 extends axially through the cylindrical head 300. The threaded bore 328 includes a first opening 328a in communication with the surface 312 of the flange 308 and a second opening 328b in communication with the recessed wall 322 in the slot 284.
In operation, to interconnect the first and second frame members 14a and 14b, respectively, in the desired positions, the horizontal plate 154 of the second corner 152a is interconnected to the first frame member 14a using the first cylindrical head 60 in the aperture 168 in the manner described above. Similarly, the horizontal plate 154 of the second corner 152 is interconnected to the second frame member 14b with the second cylindrical head 60 in the socket 168 in the horizontal plate 154 of the second corner 152a in the manner described above. Thereafter, first corner 152 is positioned adjacent second corner 152a such that aperture 196 in vertical plate 156 of first corner 152 is axially aligned with aperture 196 in vertical plate 156 of second corner 152 a. The cylindrical head 260 of the first locking element 222 is inserted into the aperture 196 in the vertical plate 156 of the first corner 152 such that the outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head 260 is received in the reduced diameter portion 200 of the aperture 196 and frictionally engages the cylindrical surface 204 of the first corner 152 and such that the flange 268 of the cylindrical head 260 is received in the increased diameter portion 202 of the aperture 196 in the vertical plate 156 of the first corner 152. Similarly, the cylindrical head 300 of the second locking element 224 is inserted into the bore 196 in the vertical plate 156 of the second corner 152a such that the outer surface 302 of the cylindrical head 300 is received in the reduced diameter portion 200 of the bore 196 and frictionally engages the cylindrical surface 204 of the second corner 152a and such that the flange 308 of the cylindrical head 300 is received in the increased diameter portion 202 of the bore 196 in the vertical plate 156 of the first corner 152. In addition, the slot 284 in the second end 306 of the cylindrical head 300 aligns with the pin 276 of the first locking element 222 and receives the pin 276, see FIG. 15. A bolt 292 is inserted through the bolt-receiving bore 288, the bolt-receiving bore 288 extending axially through the cylindrical head 260 of the first locking element 222 and the pin 276, and the bolt 292 is threaded into the threaded bolt-receiving bore 328 in the cylindrical head 300.
With the first and second locking elements 224, respectively, interconnected by the bolt 292, the first corner 152 (and thus the first frame member 14) may be pivoted to a desired position relative to the second corner 152a (and thus the second frame member 14a) on the outer surfaces 262, 302 of the cylindrical head 260 and 300, respectively. With the first and second corners 152, 152a in the desired positions, the bolt 292 is secured into the threaded bolt receiving hole 328 in the cylindrical head 300 such that the bolt head 292a is received in the counterbore portion 290 of the hole 288 in the first locking element 224, thereby capturing the vertical plate 156 of the first corner 152 and the vertical plate 156 of the second corner 152a between the flange 268 of the first locking element 224 and the flange 308 of the second locking element 224, respectively. Considering that the combined axial length of the outer surface 262 of the cylindrical head 260 and the outer surface 302 of the cylindrical head 300 is less than the combined thickness of the cylindrical surfaces 204 of the first and second corners 152 and 152a, a gap 334 is provided between the second ends 266 and 306 of the outer surfaces 262 and 302 of the cylindrical heads 260 and 300 of the first and second locking elements 222 and 224, respectively. Gap 334 allows shoulder 208 of first and second corners 152 and 152a (and thus vertical plate 156) to be compressed laterally between lower surface 269 of flange 268 of first locking element 222 and lower surface 310 of flange 308 of second locking element 224, thereby securing first and second corners 152 and 152a, respectively (and thus first and second frame members 14 and 14a, respectively), in a desired position.
The various modes of carrying out the invention are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention.
