CA1255873A - Structural locking joint - Google Patents
Structural locking jointInfo
- Publication number
- CA1255873A CA1255873A CA000490311A CA490311A CA1255873A CA 1255873 A CA1255873 A CA 1255873A CA 000490311 A CA000490311 A CA 000490311A CA 490311 A CA490311 A CA 490311A CA 1255873 A CA1255873 A CA 1255873A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spline
- groove
- ridge
- mechanical connector
- interlocking mechanical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A structure locking joint elongated members consisting of one member having an elongated groove with two facing walls, and a projecting ridge from one wall of the groove; and a second member having a projecting inclined elongated element for extending into the groove with a ridge at the lower end of said element such that when the element and its ridge are pushed into the groove, the element is resiliently bent so that its ridge can pass over the ridge in the groove, and thereafter, return to its original position so locking its ridge under the ridge in the groove.
A structure locking joint elongated members consisting of one member having an elongated groove with two facing walls, and a projecting ridge from one wall of the groove; and a second member having a projecting inclined elongated element for extending into the groove with a ridge at the lower end of said element such that when the element and its ridge are pushed into the groove, the element is resiliently bent so that its ridge can pass over the ridge in the groove, and thereafter, return to its original position so locking its ridge under the ridge in the groove.
Description
~5~;~373 The present invention relates to st~lctural fasteners and, more particularly, to a nov~l interlockin~ mechanical connector which utilizes a eroove and a spline having interlocking teeth.
The interconnection of structural members in the construction industry is a major factor in construction costs. Structural members are traditionally interconnected with screws, nails, bolts or similar fasteners. some methods for the int~rconnection of structural members, such as ton~ue and ~roove, have been in use for hundreds of years. In recent years with the availability of new materials and extrusion techniques, attempts have been made to provide new structural joints which could shorten collstruction time and pe~mit unskill~d labor to participate more fully in the construction industry.
~ he inventor's previous Canadian patents 760,645 and 983,958 which issued respectively on June 13, 1967 and February 29, 1972 relate to lockin~ joint systems ef~ective for the assembly of certain structural parts. However, the properties of the materials appropriate for use in the applications o~ the systems taught in these patents have proven to present limitations in both the fabrication and function of parts made in accordance therewith.
Known structural fasteners often fail to perfor~ to the standards required ~or the construction of permanent structures. The reason for this lack of utility lies in the ~act that the design of most interloc~in~ structural connectors requires the milling of parts to very precise tolerances. Precise tolerances for milled and e~truded parts are difficult to achieve and maintain, especially with materials which have high coefficients of thermal or hydraulic expansion. Although mass production is suitable for structural joints like tongue and groove and, to a lssser extent, dove tail fittin~s, the precision required to consistently and economically produce a reliable interlocking mechanical connector in accordance with the designs of the ~rior art is not easily ~ccompllshed. Consequently, there exists a need for an interlocking mechanical connector which is tolerant to dimensional variations in the components and to the problems caused by thermal and hydraulic expansion when unlike materials w~ich must be interconnected.
The present invention provides an interlocking mechanical connector which is quickly and easily assembled, strong enough to be used for structural joints and is tolerant to ~luctuations in the dimensions of interconnected parts.
PAT`1421-1 - ,':' ~
$25S~73 The present invention provides an interloc~ing mechanical connector which i~ used to interconnect two parts. The connector may be elon~ated but need not necessarily be so. It can be used for the interconnection of long edges such as the edges o~ plywood panels, or structural members such as stressed skin panels for floor decks, roof decks or wall sections. Even beams, trusses and girders may be interconnected usinR an interlocking mechanical connector in accordance with the invention.
The interlocking mechanical connector of the invention includes two independent components, a groove and a spline component. The groove component is shaped with opposing side walls having a projecting ridge along at least one side wall which is parallel with the top of the groove. Thc upper surface of this ridge may be shaped in nearly any profile, but, the bottom of the ridge should protrude in an acutely angled straight surface from the side wall. The position of the ridge on the side wall of the groove is dependent on the application and is not critical. Normally, the ridge is positioned near the lower edge of the side wall. The groove component is preferably extruded and provided wlth means for attaching it to a structural member. If a structural member is made from a very strong material, the groove component may be formed integrally therewith. The spline component of the interlocking mechanical connector includes at least one projecting spline and may further include means for affixing the spline component to a structural member. If a structural member is made from a very strong material, the spline element may be formed integrally therewith though this is not generally practiced. The end of the spline is provided with a ridge which engages with the rid~e on the sids wall of groove component. Thus, when a spline is ur~ed into a groove, the ridge on the spline interlocks with the ridge on the groove side wall providing a mechanical connection with a strength limited only by the tear strength of the two interlockin~ components.
In more general terms, the invention comprises an interlocking mechanical 3~ connector which has a first component provided with a groove having opposin~
side walls, at least one of the side walls being provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge w~ich protrudes at an acute angle from the wall, and a second component provided with at least one projecting spline having on its free end a ridge for enga~ing the lower edge of the ridge on the side wall.
Each spline is of a length that, when insertsd into the groove, engages the P~T 1421-1 _ ~ _ ~L~255~373 ridge in the groove to lock the f irst and second el~ments in ~uxtaposition.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be explained by way of example only and with references to the following drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view o a prior art spline attachment system.
Fig. la is a cross-sectional view of a prior art spline attach~ent for a small dimension spline;
Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show problems of locking cooperation due to exceeding the functional tolerances of prior art joints clS a result of thermal or hydraulic expansion and~or lack of milling accuracy;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an interlocXing mechanical connector in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, partially inserted into a locking engagement;
Fig. 7 ls a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, the joint being fully engaged;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of two positions of an adjustable s]iding web utilizing the interlocking mechanical connectors of Fig. 5; and Fig. 9 is a flexible webbed spline connector utili~ing the interlocking mechanical connector of Fig. 5.
Figs. 1 through 4 illustrate two types of interlocking joint known in the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, two known designs for an interlocking mechanical connector are illustrated. The right hand side of Fig. 1 illustrates a spline and groove connector while the left hand side of Fig. 1 shows the interconnection of two grooved elements by a webbed spline member.
As shown on the right hand side of Fig. 1, two elements are interconnected by a groove having a protruding ridge 15 and a spline having a protruding ridge 13. The two elements illustrated havs been milled to the tolerances required for the proper functioning of the joint. ~n the left hand side of Fig. 1, two grooved members having ridges 9 and 11 are interconnected by two splines having ridges 5 and 7. Each spline is connected to a web 1. Again, the elements illustrated are milled to the tolerances required for a functional joint.
In Fig. 2, a joint similar to the one shown on the left hand side of Fig.
1 is illustrated. The upper member and lower members cannot be successfully interlocked because poor milling and/or thermal expansion or hydraulic :
~L~S5~il73 expansion has deformed one or both of the members beyond the tolerance limits o~ the joint. Fig. 3 is a further illustration of the situation where the size tolerance of ths joint has been exceeded. If the two members shown in Fig. 3 are forced together, either the splines or the side walls of the groove will break in response to the pressure. Fig. 4 illustrates a situation which arises when small structural members are provided with an interlocking joint in accordance with the prior art. If the tongue member 25 i5 slightly larger than its optimum di~ension, the grooved member will split causing a break 27 which damages the female component beyond use.
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention In this embodiment, a first component of the interLocking mechanical connector comprises a base section 29, a first spline portion 31, a second spline portion 33 and a ridge 35 at the free end of the spline. The mating groove component of the interlocking mechanical connector includes a base part 37 having a pair of opposing side walls which preferably form a U-shaped groove.
At least one wall of the groove is provided with a projecting ridge 41. The top profile of the ridge 41 preferably slopes downwardly in a gentle curve to assist the engagement of the two components but its shape is not critical.
The lower edge of ridge 41 should however protrude at an acute angle from the side wall. Fig. 5 illustrates the insertion of the spline into the groove and the interlocking of the teeth of the mechanical connector. As the spline is forced downward against ridge 41, two separate bending forces are initiated.
The first force, exerted by the first spline portion 31, forces the side wall 45 of the groove outwardly while the angled spline portion 33 flexes inwardly in response to the side wall ridge 41. This feature has two distinct advantages. Firstly, the extended length of the spline resulting from the two spline portions makes it more resilient than the spllnes of the interlocking joints of the prior art. Therefore, sturdier splines may be employed, resulting in stronger interlocking connections than were previously possible.
In addition, the required deflection of the spline in the groove is shared by side wall 45 when spline portion 31 exerts pressure thereto as the spline is seated in the groove. Once the spline is seated and locked, th~ side wall 45 returns to its normal position and continues to exert pressure against spline portion 31 to maintain the spline ridge 35 and groove ridge 41 ;n a locked condition.
~' . ' ' ' ;'~
-~:5S87;~
Fig. 7 illustrates the fully locked joint. The interlocking mechanical connectors illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are schematically illustrated .
Normally the base 29 of the spline component would extend across the mouth of the groove component 37. The connection of the spline and groove components to the structural members which they serve to interconnect is not illustrated but will be explained hereinafter in detuil. It has been proven that the preferred angle of projection of spline region 33 to spline region 31 is from 0 to 45. If the angle of spline region 33 exceeds 45, the spline has a tendency to bend backwards on insertion in'to the groove and the interlocking joint i.s destroyed. If spline region 33 forms a straight line with spline region 31, however, the flexibility of the spline is greatly reduc~d and the groove component may be damaged on insertion of the spline. In addition, the advantage of the pressure of the opposing si.de wall ~S on the spline is lost or reduced as the spline is made straighter.
Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein two grooved elements are interconnected by an independent, webbed, adjustable spline. The upper portion of Fig. 8 illustrates the adjustable spline in an extended condition while the lower portion of Fig. 8 illustrates the same spline in a retracted condition. It should be noted that the spline assembly has four splines 33 which engage grooves 39 affixed to the two structural members. The advantage of an independent adjustable spline web is that the slngle adjustable webbed spline can be used to interconnect str~ctural members having a range of ~roove widths. An independent spline also offers an advantage in that grooved edges are less prone to damage during transport and handling than splined edges. Therefore if all members are provided with grooves on each edge, they are much more easily transported and manouvered without damage.
The spline components are, of course, transported in independent packages w~ich are not readily susceptible to damage. When structural members are to be interconnected using the independent webbed spline, the spline is first inserted into the groove on one member to lock one side of the spline in the groove. The second member is pressed over the free ends of the spline until the ridges on the ends of the splines engage the ridges in the groove of the second member.
Fi~. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention. Two grooved members 53 and 55 are interconnected by a webbed spline 57 having opposing ~Z~ 73 pairs of spline elemants arranged in an ~I-shaped pattern on eac~ end of a web. This webbed spline may be sdjustable, as the spline in Fig. 8, or may be of a fixed width. secause of the flexibility of spline elements 61, the spline member has a relative amount of adjustability even though the web is of a fixed width. It will be noted from the drawings that if the dimensions of the two members 53 and 55 are not exactly matched, the spline elements 61 will flex accordingly to adjust for the variation in dimension.
In use, the splines and grooves of the invention are preferably formed from extrudable aluminum or plastic. They may also be stamped from steel or 1~ similar durable and malleable materials. The material chosen for the two components of the interlocking mechanical connector depends on the strength required for the application. The groove and spline components are generally fabricated as independent units and may be attached to structural members using glue, screw fastaners, I.ag bolts or any other appropriat~ mechanical means appropriate for a given application.
If large panels are to be interconnected using the invention, then an independent spline, as illustrated in Figs. 8 or 9, is preferably used. This permits all panels to have grooved edges which are not easily damaged in handling. When the panels are assembled, the splines are seated in one panel and the opposing panel is then placed in position and forced into interlocking en~agement with the exposed splines. Experimentation has shown that floor of stressed skin panels joined in this manner surpasses the load support requirements dictated by building codes. The only limitation in the strength of the interlocking mechanical connector is the tear strength of the spline and groove components.
The interlockin~ mechanical connector of the invention may be used for interconnecting practically any type of structural member. It is exceptionally practical for connecting panels edge to edge or at right an~les, however, it may also be used for interconnecting studs or planks. It offers the advantage of providing a snap lock connection which is both stron~ and very tolerant of dimensional variations in the parts to be joined. The connector also performs exceptionally well when formed with two materials having different coefficients of thermal or hydraulic expansion. Two materials having significantly different coefficients of expansion could not be joined with prior art interlocking connectors because the joint ~ould fail P~T 1421-1 ~S~1373 if one side of the connector expanded significantly relative to the opposite side. With the interlocking mechanical connector of the present invention, however, this problem is alleviated because the structure of the spline elements keeps constant outward pressure against the ridges in the grooves to ensure that a significant difference in dimension between the two elements on each side of the joint is properly compensated for.
Although the invention provides a permcmently interlocXed joint, the joint may be disassembled if the two joined member can be moved relative to each other along the length of the joint. VPry careful planning is required to design a structure using the mechanical connector in accordance with the - invention which may be disassembled once assembly is complete. Some simple structures have been successfully assemblecl and disassembled using the interlocking mechanical connector of the invention and it is assumed that more complex structures will be designed. The disassembly of the joint according to the invention is not, however, a primary concern of the invention.
It is therefore apparent that a new and useful interlocking mechanical connector is provided by the present invention.
Changes and modifications in the specifically described em~odiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
: ~ - 7 -
The interconnection of structural members in the construction industry is a major factor in construction costs. Structural members are traditionally interconnected with screws, nails, bolts or similar fasteners. some methods for the int~rconnection of structural members, such as ton~ue and ~roove, have been in use for hundreds of years. In recent years with the availability of new materials and extrusion techniques, attempts have been made to provide new structural joints which could shorten collstruction time and pe~mit unskill~d labor to participate more fully in the construction industry.
~ he inventor's previous Canadian patents 760,645 and 983,958 which issued respectively on June 13, 1967 and February 29, 1972 relate to lockin~ joint systems ef~ective for the assembly of certain structural parts. However, the properties of the materials appropriate for use in the applications o~ the systems taught in these patents have proven to present limitations in both the fabrication and function of parts made in accordance therewith.
Known structural fasteners often fail to perfor~ to the standards required ~or the construction of permanent structures. The reason for this lack of utility lies in the ~act that the design of most interloc~in~ structural connectors requires the milling of parts to very precise tolerances. Precise tolerances for milled and e~truded parts are difficult to achieve and maintain, especially with materials which have high coefficients of thermal or hydraulic expansion. Although mass production is suitable for structural joints like tongue and groove and, to a lssser extent, dove tail fittin~s, the precision required to consistently and economically produce a reliable interlocking mechanical connector in accordance with the designs of the ~rior art is not easily ~ccompllshed. Consequently, there exists a need for an interlocking mechanical connector which is tolerant to dimensional variations in the components and to the problems caused by thermal and hydraulic expansion when unlike materials w~ich must be interconnected.
The present invention provides an interlocking mechanical connector which is quickly and easily assembled, strong enough to be used for structural joints and is tolerant to ~luctuations in the dimensions of interconnected parts.
PAT`1421-1 - ,':' ~
$25S~73 The present invention provides an interloc~ing mechanical connector which i~ used to interconnect two parts. The connector may be elon~ated but need not necessarily be so. It can be used for the interconnection of long edges such as the edges o~ plywood panels, or structural members such as stressed skin panels for floor decks, roof decks or wall sections. Even beams, trusses and girders may be interconnected usinR an interlocking mechanical connector in accordance with the invention.
The interlocking mechanical connector of the invention includes two independent components, a groove and a spline component. The groove component is shaped with opposing side walls having a projecting ridge along at least one side wall which is parallel with the top of the groove. Thc upper surface of this ridge may be shaped in nearly any profile, but, the bottom of the ridge should protrude in an acutely angled straight surface from the side wall. The position of the ridge on the side wall of the groove is dependent on the application and is not critical. Normally, the ridge is positioned near the lower edge of the side wall. The groove component is preferably extruded and provided wlth means for attaching it to a structural member. If a structural member is made from a very strong material, the groove component may be formed integrally therewith. The spline component of the interlocking mechanical connector includes at least one projecting spline and may further include means for affixing the spline component to a structural member. If a structural member is made from a very strong material, the spline element may be formed integrally therewith though this is not generally practiced. The end of the spline is provided with a ridge which engages with the rid~e on the sids wall of groove component. Thus, when a spline is ur~ed into a groove, the ridge on the spline interlocks with the ridge on the groove side wall providing a mechanical connection with a strength limited only by the tear strength of the two interlockin~ components.
In more general terms, the invention comprises an interlocking mechanical 3~ connector which has a first component provided with a groove having opposin~
side walls, at least one of the side walls being provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge w~ich protrudes at an acute angle from the wall, and a second component provided with at least one projecting spline having on its free end a ridge for enga~ing the lower edge of the ridge on the side wall.
Each spline is of a length that, when insertsd into the groove, engages the P~T 1421-1 _ ~ _ ~L~255~373 ridge in the groove to lock the f irst and second el~ments in ~uxtaposition.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be explained by way of example only and with references to the following drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view o a prior art spline attachment system.
Fig. la is a cross-sectional view of a prior art spline attach~ent for a small dimension spline;
Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show problems of locking cooperation due to exceeding the functional tolerances of prior art joints clS a result of thermal or hydraulic expansion and~or lack of milling accuracy;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an interlocXing mechanical connector in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, partially inserted into a locking engagement;
Fig. 7 ls a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, the joint being fully engaged;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of two positions of an adjustable s]iding web utilizing the interlocking mechanical connectors of Fig. 5; and Fig. 9 is a flexible webbed spline connector utili~ing the interlocking mechanical connector of Fig. 5.
Figs. 1 through 4 illustrate two types of interlocking joint known in the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, two known designs for an interlocking mechanical connector are illustrated. The right hand side of Fig. 1 illustrates a spline and groove connector while the left hand side of Fig. 1 shows the interconnection of two grooved elements by a webbed spline member.
As shown on the right hand side of Fig. 1, two elements are interconnected by a groove having a protruding ridge 15 and a spline having a protruding ridge 13. The two elements illustrated havs been milled to the tolerances required for the proper functioning of the joint. ~n the left hand side of Fig. 1, two grooved members having ridges 9 and 11 are interconnected by two splines having ridges 5 and 7. Each spline is connected to a web 1. Again, the elements illustrated are milled to the tolerances required for a functional joint.
In Fig. 2, a joint similar to the one shown on the left hand side of Fig.
1 is illustrated. The upper member and lower members cannot be successfully interlocked because poor milling and/or thermal expansion or hydraulic :
~L~S5~il73 expansion has deformed one or both of the members beyond the tolerance limits o~ the joint. Fig. 3 is a further illustration of the situation where the size tolerance of ths joint has been exceeded. If the two members shown in Fig. 3 are forced together, either the splines or the side walls of the groove will break in response to the pressure. Fig. 4 illustrates a situation which arises when small structural members are provided with an interlocking joint in accordance with the prior art. If the tongue member 25 i5 slightly larger than its optimum di~ension, the grooved member will split causing a break 27 which damages the female component beyond use.
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention In this embodiment, a first component of the interLocking mechanical connector comprises a base section 29, a first spline portion 31, a second spline portion 33 and a ridge 35 at the free end of the spline. The mating groove component of the interlocking mechanical connector includes a base part 37 having a pair of opposing side walls which preferably form a U-shaped groove.
At least one wall of the groove is provided with a projecting ridge 41. The top profile of the ridge 41 preferably slopes downwardly in a gentle curve to assist the engagement of the two components but its shape is not critical.
The lower edge of ridge 41 should however protrude at an acute angle from the side wall. Fig. 5 illustrates the insertion of the spline into the groove and the interlocking of the teeth of the mechanical connector. As the spline is forced downward against ridge 41, two separate bending forces are initiated.
The first force, exerted by the first spline portion 31, forces the side wall 45 of the groove outwardly while the angled spline portion 33 flexes inwardly in response to the side wall ridge 41. This feature has two distinct advantages. Firstly, the extended length of the spline resulting from the two spline portions makes it more resilient than the spllnes of the interlocking joints of the prior art. Therefore, sturdier splines may be employed, resulting in stronger interlocking connections than were previously possible.
In addition, the required deflection of the spline in the groove is shared by side wall 45 when spline portion 31 exerts pressure thereto as the spline is seated in the groove. Once the spline is seated and locked, th~ side wall 45 returns to its normal position and continues to exert pressure against spline portion 31 to maintain the spline ridge 35 and groove ridge 41 ;n a locked condition.
~' . ' ' ' ;'~
-~:5S87;~
Fig. 7 illustrates the fully locked joint. The interlocking mechanical connectors illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are schematically illustrated .
Normally the base 29 of the spline component would extend across the mouth of the groove component 37. The connection of the spline and groove components to the structural members which they serve to interconnect is not illustrated but will be explained hereinafter in detuil. It has been proven that the preferred angle of projection of spline region 33 to spline region 31 is from 0 to 45. If the angle of spline region 33 exceeds 45, the spline has a tendency to bend backwards on insertion in'to the groove and the interlocking joint i.s destroyed. If spline region 33 forms a straight line with spline region 31, however, the flexibility of the spline is greatly reduc~d and the groove component may be damaged on insertion of the spline. In addition, the advantage of the pressure of the opposing si.de wall ~S on the spline is lost or reduced as the spline is made straighter.
Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein two grooved elements are interconnected by an independent, webbed, adjustable spline. The upper portion of Fig. 8 illustrates the adjustable spline in an extended condition while the lower portion of Fig. 8 illustrates the same spline in a retracted condition. It should be noted that the spline assembly has four splines 33 which engage grooves 39 affixed to the two structural members. The advantage of an independent adjustable spline web is that the slngle adjustable webbed spline can be used to interconnect str~ctural members having a range of ~roove widths. An independent spline also offers an advantage in that grooved edges are less prone to damage during transport and handling than splined edges. Therefore if all members are provided with grooves on each edge, they are much more easily transported and manouvered without damage.
The spline components are, of course, transported in independent packages w~ich are not readily susceptible to damage. When structural members are to be interconnected using the independent webbed spline, the spline is first inserted into the groove on one member to lock one side of the spline in the groove. The second member is pressed over the free ends of the spline until the ridges on the ends of the splines engage the ridges in the groove of the second member.
Fi~. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention. Two grooved members 53 and 55 are interconnected by a webbed spline 57 having opposing ~Z~ 73 pairs of spline elemants arranged in an ~I-shaped pattern on eac~ end of a web. This webbed spline may be sdjustable, as the spline in Fig. 8, or may be of a fixed width. secause of the flexibility of spline elements 61, the spline member has a relative amount of adjustability even though the web is of a fixed width. It will be noted from the drawings that if the dimensions of the two members 53 and 55 are not exactly matched, the spline elements 61 will flex accordingly to adjust for the variation in dimension.
In use, the splines and grooves of the invention are preferably formed from extrudable aluminum or plastic. They may also be stamped from steel or 1~ similar durable and malleable materials. The material chosen for the two components of the interlocking mechanical connector depends on the strength required for the application. The groove and spline components are generally fabricated as independent units and may be attached to structural members using glue, screw fastaners, I.ag bolts or any other appropriat~ mechanical means appropriate for a given application.
If large panels are to be interconnected using the invention, then an independent spline, as illustrated in Figs. 8 or 9, is preferably used. This permits all panels to have grooved edges which are not easily damaged in handling. When the panels are assembled, the splines are seated in one panel and the opposing panel is then placed in position and forced into interlocking en~agement with the exposed splines. Experimentation has shown that floor of stressed skin panels joined in this manner surpasses the load support requirements dictated by building codes. The only limitation in the strength of the interlocking mechanical connector is the tear strength of the spline and groove components.
The interlockin~ mechanical connector of the invention may be used for interconnecting practically any type of structural member. It is exceptionally practical for connecting panels edge to edge or at right an~les, however, it may also be used for interconnecting studs or planks. It offers the advantage of providing a snap lock connection which is both stron~ and very tolerant of dimensional variations in the parts to be joined. The connector also performs exceptionally well when formed with two materials having different coefficients of thermal or hydraulic expansion. Two materials having significantly different coefficients of expansion could not be joined with prior art interlocking connectors because the joint ~ould fail P~T 1421-1 ~S~1373 if one side of the connector expanded significantly relative to the opposite side. With the interlocking mechanical connector of the present invention, however, this problem is alleviated because the structure of the spline elements keeps constant outward pressure against the ridges in the grooves to ensure that a significant difference in dimension between the two elements on each side of the joint is properly compensated for.
Although the invention provides a permcmently interlocXed joint, the joint may be disassembled if the two joined member can be moved relative to each other along the length of the joint. VPry careful planning is required to design a structure using the mechanical connector in accordance with the - invention which may be disassembled once assembly is complete. Some simple structures have been successfully assemblecl and disassembled using the interlocking mechanical connector of the invention and it is assumed that more complex structures will be designed. The disassembly of the joint according to the invention is not, however, a primary concern of the invention.
It is therefore apparent that a new and useful interlocking mechanical connector is provided by the present invention.
Changes and modifications in the specifically described em~odiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
: ~ - 7 -
Claims (8)
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An interlocking mechanical connector comprising:
a first element provided with a groove having substantially parallel opposing side walls, at least one said side wall being provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge which protrudes at an acute angle from said wall; and a second element provided with at least one projecting spline having on its free end a ridge complementary with the lower edge of the ridge on said side wall, each said spline being of a length that, when fully inserted into said groove, said complementary surfaces of said ridges interlock to retain said first and second elements in juxtaposition.
a first element provided with a groove having substantially parallel opposing side walls, at least one said side wall being provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge which protrudes at an acute angle from said wall; and a second element provided with at least one projecting spline having on its free end a ridge complementary with the lower edge of the ridge on said side wall, each said spline being of a length that, when fully inserted into said groove, said complementary surfaces of said ridges interlock to retain said first and second elements in juxtaposition.
2. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claim 1 wherein said spline projects at an acute angle from the surface of said second element.
3. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claim 1 wherein said spline comprises a first portion normal to the surface of said second element and a second portion inclined at an acute angle thereto.
4. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claims 2 or 3 wherein the angle of inclination of said spline is at least 45° and at most 90° form the surface of said second element.
5. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claim 1 wherein the cross sectional shape of said ridges is triangular.
6. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claim 3 wherein the first portion of said spline contacts one wall of the groove in said first element to retain the spline and its ridge in locking engagement with the ridge on the opposing groove side wall.
7. An interlocking mechanical connector comprising:
first and second elements each provided with a groove having substantially parallel opposing side walls provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge which protrudes at an acute angle from said walls; and a spline element having a central web provided with at least two opposing splines projecting at an acute angle from each end of said web, the free end of each said spline being provided with a projecting ridge complementary with the ridges on the side walls in said grooves.
first and second elements each provided with a groove having substantially parallel opposing side walls provided with a projecting ridge having a lower edge which protrudes at an acute angle from said walls; and a spline element having a central web provided with at least two opposing splines projecting at an acute angle from each end of said web, the free end of each said spline being provided with a projecting ridge complementary with the ridges on the side walls in said grooves.
8. An interlocking mechanical connector as in claim 7 wherein the web is adjustable in width with one half sliding within a groove in the other half.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490311A CA1255873A (en) | 1985-09-10 | 1985-09-10 | Structural locking joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490311A CA1255873A (en) | 1985-09-10 | 1985-09-10 | Structural locking joint |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1255873A true CA1255873A (en) | 1989-06-20 |
Family
ID=4131354
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490311A Expired CA1255873A (en) | 1985-09-10 | 1985-09-10 | Structural locking joint |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1255873A (en) |
-
1985
- 1985-09-10 CA CA000490311A patent/CA1255873A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |