CA2559322C - Post coupler - Google Patents
Post coupler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2559322C CA2559322C CA2559322A CA2559322A CA2559322C CA 2559322 C CA2559322 C CA 2559322C CA 2559322 A CA2559322 A CA 2559322A CA 2559322 A CA2559322 A CA 2559322A CA 2559322 C CA2559322 C CA 2559322C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupler
- flanges
- post
- flange
- reverse bend
- Prior art date
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
- A47B87/02—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
- A47B87/0207—Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
- A47B87/0215—Stackable frames, or frame elements, with upright parts connected by inserting the ends or tips of the uprights, e.g. at the corners, into the uprights of the next frame or frame element, e.g. coaxial tubular ends
Landscapes
- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
A coupler (10) for coupling two posts (P1 and P2) end-to-end has ninety degree flanges (11, 12) and two reverse wrap ends (13, 14). The coupler (10) is slid one-half way over the ends of one formed post (P1), comprising two flanges, with the reverse wraps (13, 14) holding the post flanges. Another flanged post (P2) is inserted into the coupler (10) to engage the end of the first post (P1) , the coupler (10) holding the posts (P1 and P2) end-to-~end. An alternate embodiment coupler is disclosed.
Description
POST COUPLER
This invention relates to post couplers and in particular to couplers for coupling together the ends of two posts vertically oriented with respect each other, the lower end of an upper post resting on the upper end of a lower post in vertical orientation.
Corner posts used, for example, in shelving are made from any suitable material, such as steel, and are typically formed of relatively thin sheet metal with two flanges disposed in an angular configuration, such that one flange of the post is oriented generally at ninety degrees to the other flange. These flanges may be either of a single layer of post material or may comprise two layers bent back on themselves for a somewhat thicker or more rigid post, than a post made from single layer flanges of the same material, for example.
It is desired to provide posts in certain varied lengths to satisfy varied needs. A particular application may require a corner post of a height in excess of a standard length, requiring one post to be set onto another for the overall length desired. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a way to couple the ends of two posts together to form a unitary structure with one post vertically oriented on top of another.
Another objective of the invention has been to provide an improved simple post coupler easily fitted to respective ends of two posts for coupling said ends together to form a unitary post.
To these ends, one preferred embodiment of a post coupler according to the invention comprises a coupler having two flanges disposed generally at 90 degrees to each other, or at approximately the same angle as the flanges of the angular formed corner posts with which the coupler will be used. The flanges of the couple each have turned back a reverse fold edges or return flanges disposed along one side of the respective flanges, with a gap =
therebetween.
In use, the coupler is slid over the flanges of one post to be coupled, preferably to about one-half the coupler length. The other post is slid into the coupler so the reverse fold flanges of the coupler capture the edges of the respective post flanges, coupling the two posts together, end to end. The coupling thus facilitates assembly of a unitary post, longer in length than the two original posts, and highly useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in shelving, enclosures and other environments.
Details on the coupler serve to frictionally engage one or both post ends to secure the coupler in longitudinal position with respect to the longitudinal extent of one or both posts.
This invention relates to post couplers and in particular to couplers for coupling together the ends of two posts vertically oriented with respect each other, the lower end of an upper post resting on the upper end of a lower post in vertical orientation.
Corner posts used, for example, in shelving are made from any suitable material, such as steel, and are typically formed of relatively thin sheet metal with two flanges disposed in an angular configuration, such that one flange of the post is oriented generally at ninety degrees to the other flange. These flanges may be either of a single layer of post material or may comprise two layers bent back on themselves for a somewhat thicker or more rigid post, than a post made from single layer flanges of the same material, for example.
It is desired to provide posts in certain varied lengths to satisfy varied needs. A particular application may require a corner post of a height in excess of a standard length, requiring one post to be set onto another for the overall length desired. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a way to couple the ends of two posts together to form a unitary structure with one post vertically oriented on top of another.
Another objective of the invention has been to provide an improved simple post coupler easily fitted to respective ends of two posts for coupling said ends together to form a unitary post.
To these ends, one preferred embodiment of a post coupler according to the invention comprises a coupler having two flanges disposed generally at 90 degrees to each other, or at approximately the same angle as the flanges of the angular formed corner posts with which the coupler will be used. The flanges of the couple each have turned back a reverse fold edges or return flanges disposed along one side of the respective flanges, with a gap =
therebetween.
In use, the coupler is slid over the flanges of one post to be coupled, preferably to about one-half the coupler length. The other post is slid into the coupler so the reverse fold flanges of the coupler capture the edges of the respective post flanges, coupling the two posts together, end to end. The coupling thus facilitates assembly of a unitary post, longer in length than the two original posts, and highly useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in shelving, enclosures and other environments.
Details on the coupler serve to frictionally engage one or both post ends to secure the coupler in longitudinal position with respect to the longitudinal extent of one or both posts.
The coupler may be apertures or holes for receiving fasteners through the shelf or other handling holes of the posts in order to fasten the couplers onto the posts and strengthen the coupled joint.
In an alternative embodiment, the post flanges are formed with return flanges and the couple is preferably of single layer sheet metal material. The coupler is inserted into the gaps formed by the return flanges of the post with its major flanges, and with an end extending therefrom for disposition within the end of a complimentary post.
Detents for positioning and apertures for optional fasteners can also be provided in this alternate coupler.
The post couplers provide simple efficient coupling joints at the complimentary ends of two posts to provide a unitary post of desired length.
=
-4a-According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelving unit having at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together ends of the vertically-oriented and aligned posts, wherein the coupler comprises a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along end positions of the coupler flanges; each the respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of a coupler flange of the pair of connected coupler flanges to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective coupler flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the thickness of a single one of the post flanges, and less than twice the thickness of the single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to -4h-receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; the first and second end portions of the coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of the posts, with the reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around edges of respective flanges of the two posts.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composite post comprising a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges; a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, the second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with the first angularly formed post member; a coupler; the coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof; each the reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; a gap defined by and between the reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends; the coupler having first and second ends; a first end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the first post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of the first post member; a second end of the connected coupler flanges of the -4c-coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the second post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of the second post member; the coupler coupling the first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post; each of the post member flanges comprising a plurality of apertures, the coupler further comprising a plurality of apertures, each the aperture of the coupler being aligned with one of the apertures of the post member flanges for passage of a fastener through the aperture of the coupler and the respective, aligned one of the apertures of the post member flanges.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit having a vertical post comprising at least two post members disposed end-to-end; a post connector for holding the ends together;
the post members having ends defining post flanges with inwardly facing surfaces at a first angle to each other and outer surfaces and having elongated edges; the post connector having two connector flanges disposed at a second angle to each other such that the connector flanges are parallel to the post flanges; reverse bend flanges on the post connector wrapped around edges of the post members and onto the outer surfaces of the post member flanges, respectively; the post members having a plurality of apertures therealong for receiving shelf support means; the post connector having a plurality of apertures therealong, wherein respective ones of the plurality of apertures in the post connector aligned with respective apertures of the plurality of apertures in the post members when the post members are in abutting vertical orientation and respective abutting ends of the post members are each held together by portions of the post connector.
-4d-According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together the ends of the posts, wherein the coupler comprises a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along edge portions of the coupler flanges; each the respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of the coupler flange to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the thickness of a single post member flange, and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed post members therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed post members to permit the two post members to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another.
-4e-According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composite post comprising a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges; a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, the second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with the first angularly formed post member; a coupler; the coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof; each the reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; a gap defined by and between the reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends; the coupler having first and second ends; a first end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the first post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around the elongated edges of the first post member; a second end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the second post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around the elongated edges of the second post member; the coupler coupling the first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented -4f-and aligned end-abutting posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a first thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post and a coupler for coupling together ends of the posts to form a composite post, wherein the coupler comprises first and second end portions, a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having a respective interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface and elongated portions each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange attached thereto along the edge portion and extending partially along the length of the respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and wherein each reverse bend flange extends partially but short of the height of the coupler from proximate the first end portion of the coupler to proximate but short of the second end portion thereof, which provides in the first and second end portions of the coupler a central portion of the coupler which is free of the reverse bend flange; wherein the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and a respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the first thickness of a single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end portion of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end portion of the coupler is configured to receive -4g-the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; and the first and second end portions of the coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of the posts, with the reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around elongated edges of respective flanges of the two posts.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for coupling two post sections together to form a single composite post of both post sections, each post section comprising a pair of post flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween and each post flange having an outer edge, the coupler comprising two coupler flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween, each such flange having extended end portions comprising end portions of the coupler proximate the bend between the two coupler flanges and extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the coupler beyond other second end portions of the coupler flanges oriented proximate outer edge portions thereof, the extended end portions defining coupler ends;
a reverse bend flange connected to each coupler flange along the outer edges thereof and extending therealong to the second end portions of the coupler flanges, terminating short of the first end portions of the coupler flanges and the coupler ends.
In an alternative embodiment, the post flanges are formed with return flanges and the couple is preferably of single layer sheet metal material. The coupler is inserted into the gaps formed by the return flanges of the post with its major flanges, and with an end extending therefrom for disposition within the end of a complimentary post.
Detents for positioning and apertures for optional fasteners can also be provided in this alternate coupler.
The post couplers provide simple efficient coupling joints at the complimentary ends of two posts to provide a unitary post of desired length.
=
-4a-According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelving unit having at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together ends of the vertically-oriented and aligned posts, wherein the coupler comprises a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along end positions of the coupler flanges; each the respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of a coupler flange of the pair of connected coupler flanges to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective coupler flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the thickness of a single one of the post flanges, and less than twice the thickness of the single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to -4h-receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; the first and second end portions of the coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of the posts, with the reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around edges of respective flanges of the two posts.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a composite post comprising a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges; a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, the second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with the first angularly formed post member; a coupler; the coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof; each the reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; a gap defined by and between the reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends; the coupler having first and second ends; a first end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the first post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of the first post member; a second end of the connected coupler flanges of the -4c-coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the second post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of the second post member; the coupler coupling the first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post; each of the post member flanges comprising a plurality of apertures, the coupler further comprising a plurality of apertures, each the aperture of the coupler being aligned with one of the apertures of the post member flanges for passage of a fastener through the aperture of the coupler and the respective, aligned one of the apertures of the post member flanges.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit having a vertical post comprising at least two post members disposed end-to-end; a post connector for holding the ends together;
the post members having ends defining post flanges with inwardly facing surfaces at a first angle to each other and outer surfaces and having elongated edges; the post connector having two connector flanges disposed at a second angle to each other such that the connector flanges are parallel to the post flanges; reverse bend flanges on the post connector wrapped around edges of the post members and onto the outer surfaces of the post member flanges, respectively; the post members having a plurality of apertures therealong for receiving shelf support means; the post connector having a plurality of apertures therealong, wherein respective ones of the plurality of apertures in the post connector aligned with respective apertures of the plurality of apertures in the post members when the post members are in abutting vertical orientation and respective abutting ends of the post members are each held together by portions of the post connector.
-4d-According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together the ends of the posts, wherein the coupler comprises a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along edge portions of the coupler flanges; each the respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of the coupler flange to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the thickness of a single post member flange, and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed post members therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed post members to permit the two post members to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another.
-4e-According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composite post comprising a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges; a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, the second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with the first angularly formed post member; a coupler; the coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface; each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof; each the reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; a gap defined by and between the reverse bend flange and the outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends; the coupler having first and second ends; a first end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the first post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around the elongated edges of the first post member; a second end of the connected coupler flanges of the coupler operatively engaging the flanges of the second post member with the reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around the elongated edges of the second post member; the coupler coupling the first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided in a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented -4f-and aligned end-abutting posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a first thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post and a coupler for coupling together ends of the posts to form a composite post, wherein the coupler comprises first and second end portions, a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having a respective interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface and elongated portions each one of the coupler flanges having a respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange attached thereto along the edge portion and extending partially along the length of the respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and wherein each reverse bend flange extends partially but short of the height of the coupler from proximate the first end portion of the coupler to proximate but short of the second end portion thereof, which provides in the first and second end portions of the coupler a central portion of the coupler which is free of the reverse bend flange; wherein the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
and a gap defined by and between each the respective reverse bend flange and a respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, the gap having a width approximately equal to the first thickness of a single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end portion of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end portion of the coupler is configured to receive -4g-the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; and the first and second end portions of the coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of the posts, with the reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around elongated edges of respective flanges of the two posts.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for coupling two post sections together to form a single composite post of both post sections, each post section comprising a pair of post flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween and each post flange having an outer edge, the coupler comprising two coupler flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween, each such flange having extended end portions comprising end portions of the coupler proximate the bend between the two coupler flanges and extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the coupler beyond other second end portions of the coupler flanges oriented proximate outer edge portions thereof, the extended end portions defining coupler ends;
a reverse bend flange connected to each coupler flange along the outer edges thereof and extending therealong to the second end portions of the coupler flanges, terminating short of the first end portions of the coupler flanges and the coupler ends.
These and other objects and advantages will become even more readily apparent from the following detailed description and from the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the coupler invention;
Fig. 2 is an end view taken along lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the developed coupler of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating orientation of the coupler of Fig. 1 with two posts;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a unitary post provided by the coupler of Fig. 1 coupling the two posts of Fig. 4;
Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are views of an alternate coupler according to the invention analogous to Figs. 1, 2 and 3;
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the coupler invention;
Fig. 2 is an end view taken along lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the developed coupler of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating orientation of the coupler of Fig. 1 with two posts;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a unitary post provided by the coupler of Fig. 1 coupling the two posts of Fig. 4;
Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are views of an alternate coupler according to the invention analogous to Figs. 1, 2 and 3;
Fig. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the alternate coupler of Fig. 7 analogous to Fig. 4; and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the alternate coupler in use, facilitating provision of a unitary post provided by the coupler of Figs. 6-8 coupling the two posts of Fig. 9. =
The present invention contemplates two different embodiments for coupling such posts together. In a first embodiment (Figs. 1-5), a coupler 10 is provided for a formed post with segments P1 and P2, each segment having two flanges 20a, 20b and 21a, 21b, respectively, essentially oriented at ninety degrees (shown) or some other useful angle with respect to each other. To this end, a coupler 10 is shown in Fig. 1 in its completed configuration.
The present invention contemplates two different embodiments for coupling such posts together. In a first embodiment (Figs. 1-5), a coupler 10 is provided for a formed post with segments P1 and P2, each segment having two flanges 20a, 20b and 21a, 21b, respectively, essentially oriented at ninety degrees (shown) or some other useful angle with respect to each other. To this end, a coupler 10 is shown in Fig. 1 in its completed configuration.
The coupling 10 has two flanges 11, 12, oriented at ninety degrees (shown) with respect to each other at some other useful angle consistent with the orientation of the post flange's. Each of the flanges 11, 12 has a reverse bend flange 13, 14, respectively, reverse folded back parallel along the respective flanges 11, 12 as shown in the Figs. 1 and 2 and with a gap " G:
therebetween.
As shown in Figure 2, each of flanges 11 and 12 include ends 70 and 72, respectively. Flange 11 includes interior and outside surfaces, 74 and 76, respectively, and flange 12 includes interior and outside surfaces, 78 and 80, respectively. Also shown in Figure 2 is the included angle 82, between the interior surfaces 74, 78 of flanges 11, 12, respectively.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate the use of the coupler 10. In Fig. 4, the upper end 20 of a lower post P1 is oriented vertically and the coupler 10 is tapped down onto the upper end 20, approximately half its length, that is the vertical length of the coupler 10, so one end of the coupler operatively engages one post. Thereafter, the lower end 21 of an upper post P2 is tapped into the coupler 10 until the lower end 21 of the upper post rests on the upper end 20 of the lower post P1. Another end of the coupler operatively engages the other post at juncture 22. In this configuration, the flaps or flanges 13, at the coupler ends, wrap around the ends of the upper and lower post ends 20, 21 and secure the posts P1 and P2 against lateral movement with respect to each other, forming a unitary post.
One or more holes 15 are optionally provided in coupler 10.
Fasteners (not shown) are extended through these holes 15 and may be tightened to increase the strength, rigidity and integrity of the unitary post formed of coupled posts P1, P2. Where the posts P1, P2 are provided with slots "S1" or other apertures (as shown in Figs. 4-5), the holes 15 are preferably provided in coupler 10 so as to index with such slots to facilitate fastener application.
In addition, one or more detents 16 extending from a surface of coupler 10 for frictionally engaging the respective posts P1, P2 to hold the coupler 10 relative to them, respectively. Four additional shallower detents 18 may also be incorporated on opposite sides of the detents 16. These additional detents 18 could be used to also enhance engagement with the post segments P1, P2, but their shallower extension facilitates initial joining of the coupler 10 to a post segment.
Another embodiment is shown in Figs. 6-10. In Fig. 6, a coupler 30 has two flanges 31, 32 oriented approximately at ninety degrees (shown) with respect to each other, or at some other useful angle relative to the angle of the post flanges with which it will be used.
Detents at 35 and 36, respectively, are slight offsets, depressions or upsets formed in the material of the coupler 30 and extending from its major surface for the purpose of securing the coupler within the posts as will be described.
Looking now at Figs. 9 and 10, a coupler 30 is utilized to couple two angularly formed posts P3, P4 together. Posts 133, P4 each include two flanges 42, 43 and two additional flanges, 44, 45, respectively reverse bent from flanges 42 and 43 to form a formed or structural post. A gap G2 is formed between the respective reverse and major flanges.
=
It will be seen in Fig. 9 that the coupler 30 can be inserted into the = upper end 40 of post P3 with the flanges 31, 32 of the coupler 30 residing respectively between the parallel flange elements 42, 44 on one side of the post P3 and parallel flange elements 43, 45 on the other side. In this condition, the coupler 30 is tapped down into the post P3, about half the length of the coupler 30. An upper post P4 is then slid over the coupler 30 so that the lower end 41= of the post P4 adjoins the upper end 42 of the post P3 at the juncture 49 (Fig. 10). See the coupler 30 shown in the dotted lines of Fig. 10.
In this manner, the posts P3 and P4 are held together, end-to-end, in vertical orientation with the dimples, detents or upsets 35, 36 in any suitable location in the middle of and/or at both upper and lower ends of the coupler 30, providing friction for holding the coupler 30 within the respective post flange elements of the respective posts P3 and P4.
Like in the first embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the posts P3, 134: include a plurality of slots, such as keyhole slots "S2 "in Figs. 9 and 10. These slots can be used, for example, for mounting brackets, shelving or other accessories on the upright post as may be desired.
Moreover, the coupler 30 has two respective ends 50, 60. Each end is tapered, as at end 50 with tapered edges 51, 52 and at end 60 with tapered edges 61, 62, to facilitate insertion of the coupler into the gaps defined by the respective flanges of the respective posts, and thus forming a unitary post.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
therebetween.
As shown in Figure 2, each of flanges 11 and 12 include ends 70 and 72, respectively. Flange 11 includes interior and outside surfaces, 74 and 76, respectively, and flange 12 includes interior and outside surfaces, 78 and 80, respectively. Also shown in Figure 2 is the included angle 82, between the interior surfaces 74, 78 of flanges 11, 12, respectively.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate the use of the coupler 10. In Fig. 4, the upper end 20 of a lower post P1 is oriented vertically and the coupler 10 is tapped down onto the upper end 20, approximately half its length, that is the vertical length of the coupler 10, so one end of the coupler operatively engages one post. Thereafter, the lower end 21 of an upper post P2 is tapped into the coupler 10 until the lower end 21 of the upper post rests on the upper end 20 of the lower post P1. Another end of the coupler operatively engages the other post at juncture 22. In this configuration, the flaps or flanges 13, at the coupler ends, wrap around the ends of the upper and lower post ends 20, 21 and secure the posts P1 and P2 against lateral movement with respect to each other, forming a unitary post.
One or more holes 15 are optionally provided in coupler 10.
Fasteners (not shown) are extended through these holes 15 and may be tightened to increase the strength, rigidity and integrity of the unitary post formed of coupled posts P1, P2. Where the posts P1, P2 are provided with slots "S1" or other apertures (as shown in Figs. 4-5), the holes 15 are preferably provided in coupler 10 so as to index with such slots to facilitate fastener application.
In addition, one or more detents 16 extending from a surface of coupler 10 for frictionally engaging the respective posts P1, P2 to hold the coupler 10 relative to them, respectively. Four additional shallower detents 18 may also be incorporated on opposite sides of the detents 16. These additional detents 18 could be used to also enhance engagement with the post segments P1, P2, but their shallower extension facilitates initial joining of the coupler 10 to a post segment.
Another embodiment is shown in Figs. 6-10. In Fig. 6, a coupler 30 has two flanges 31, 32 oriented approximately at ninety degrees (shown) with respect to each other, or at some other useful angle relative to the angle of the post flanges with which it will be used.
Detents at 35 and 36, respectively, are slight offsets, depressions or upsets formed in the material of the coupler 30 and extending from its major surface for the purpose of securing the coupler within the posts as will be described.
Looking now at Figs. 9 and 10, a coupler 30 is utilized to couple two angularly formed posts P3, P4 together. Posts 133, P4 each include two flanges 42, 43 and two additional flanges, 44, 45, respectively reverse bent from flanges 42 and 43 to form a formed or structural post. A gap G2 is formed between the respective reverse and major flanges.
=
It will be seen in Fig. 9 that the coupler 30 can be inserted into the = upper end 40 of post P3 with the flanges 31, 32 of the coupler 30 residing respectively between the parallel flange elements 42, 44 on one side of the post P3 and parallel flange elements 43, 45 on the other side. In this condition, the coupler 30 is tapped down into the post P3, about half the length of the coupler 30. An upper post P4 is then slid over the coupler 30 so that the lower end 41= of the post P4 adjoins the upper end 42 of the post P3 at the juncture 49 (Fig. 10). See the coupler 30 shown in the dotted lines of Fig. 10.
In this manner, the posts P3 and P4 are held together, end-to-end, in vertical orientation with the dimples, detents or upsets 35, 36 in any suitable location in the middle of and/or at both upper and lower ends of the coupler 30, providing friction for holding the coupler 30 within the respective post flange elements of the respective posts P3 and P4.
Like in the first embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the posts P3, 134: include a plurality of slots, such as keyhole slots "S2 "in Figs. 9 and 10. These slots can be used, for example, for mounting brackets, shelving or other accessories on the upright post as may be desired.
Moreover, the coupler 30 has two respective ends 50, 60. Each end is tapered, as at end 50 with tapered edges 51, 52 and at end 60 with tapered edges 61, 62, to facilitate insertion of the coupler into the gaps defined by the respective flanges of the respective posts, and thus forming a unitary post.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (17)
1. A shelving unit having at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together said ends of said vertically-oriented and aligned posts, wherein said coupler comprises:
a pair of connected coupler flanges, each of said coupler flanges having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each of said coupler flanges having an outside surface;
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along end positions of said coupler flanges;
each said respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of said coupler flanges of said pair of connected coupler flanges to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective coupler flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said thickness of a single one of said post flanges, and less than twice the thickness of said single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another;
said first and second end portions of said coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of said posts, with said reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around edges of respective flanges of said two posts.
a pair of connected coupler flanges, each of said coupler flanges having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each of said coupler flanges having an outside surface;
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along end positions of said coupler flanges;
each said respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of said coupler flanges of said pair of connected coupler flanges to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective coupler flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said thickness of a single one of said post flanges, and less than twice the thickness of said single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another;
said first and second end portions of said coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of said posts, with said reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around edges of respective flanges of said two posts.
2. A shelving unit as in claim 1 including at least one detent in one of said coupler flanges for securing said coupler in position on one of the angularly formed posts.
3. A shelving unit as in claim 1 wherein one end of said coupler is disposed over and around edges of the flanges of one of the angularly formed posts and another end of said coupler is disposed over and around edges of the flanges of the other one of the angularly formed posts for coupling the posts together.
4. A-shelving unit as in claim 1 including at least one detent in one of each said reverse bend flanges for securing said coupler in a position on one of the angular formed posts.
5. A composite post comprising:
a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges;
a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, said second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with said first angularly formed post member;
a coupler;
said coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof;
each said reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
a gap defined by and between said reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends;
said coupler having first and second ends;
a first end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said first post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of said first post member;
a second end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said second post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of said second post member;
said coupler coupling said first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post;
each of said post member flanges comprising a plurality of apertures, said coupler further comprising a plurality of apertures, each said aperture of said coupler being aligned with one of said apertures of said post member flanges for passage of a fastener through said aperture of said coupler and the respective, aligned one of said apertures of said post member flanges.
a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges;
a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, said second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with said first angularly formed post member;
a coupler;
said coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof;
each said reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
a gap defined by and between said reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends;
said coupler having first and second ends;
a first end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said first post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of said first post member;
a second end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said second post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around elongated edges of said second post member;
said coupler coupling said first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post;
each of said post member flanges comprising a plurality of apertures, said coupler further comprising a plurality of apertures, each said aperture of said coupler being aligned with one of said apertures of said post member flanges for passage of a fastener through said aperture of said coupler and the respective, aligned one of said apertures of said post member flanges.
6. In a shelving unit having:
a vertical post comprising at least two post members disposed end-to-end;
a post connector for holding said ends together;
said post members having ends defining post flanges with inwardly facing surfaces at a first angle to each other and outer surfaces and having elongated edges;
said post connector having two connector flanges disposed at a second angle to each other such that said connector flanges are parallel to said post flanges;
reverse bend flanges on said post connector wrapped around edges of said post members and onto said outer surfaces of said post member flanges, respectively;
said post members having a plurality of apertures therealong for receiving shelf support means;
said post connector having a plurality of apertures therealong, wherein respective ones of said plurality of apertures in said post connector aligned with respective apertures of said plurality of apertures in said post members when said post members are in abutting vertical orientation and respective abutting ends of said post members are each held together by portions of said post connector.
a vertical post comprising at least two post members disposed end-to-end;
a post connector for holding said ends together;
said post members having ends defining post flanges with inwardly facing surfaces at a first angle to each other and outer surfaces and having elongated edges;
said post connector having two connector flanges disposed at a second angle to each other such that said connector flanges are parallel to said post flanges;
reverse bend flanges on said post connector wrapped around edges of said post members and onto said outer surfaces of said post member flanges, respectively;
said post members having a plurality of apertures therealong for receiving shelf support means;
said post connector having a plurality of apertures therealong, wherein respective ones of said plurality of apertures in said post connector aligned with respective apertures of said plurality of apertures in said post members when said post members are in abutting vertical orientation and respective abutting ends of said post members are each held together by portions of said post connector.
7. A unit as in claim 6 further including a post member engaging detent on said post connector, said detent engaging one of said outer surfaces of one of said adjacent post member flanges.
8. In a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post, and a post coupler for coupling together said ends of said posts, wherein said coupler comprises:
a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface;
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along edge portions of said coupler flanges;
each said respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of said coupler flange to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said thickness of a single post member flange, and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed post members therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed post members to permit the two post members to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another.
a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface;
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange extending from and along edge portions of said coupler flanges;
each said respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and from proximate but short of one end of said coupler flange to proximate but short of another end thereof, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said thickness of a single post member flange, and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed post members therein, wherein one end of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed post members to permit the two post members to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another.
9. A composite post comprising:
a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges;
a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, said second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with said first angularly formed post member;
a coupler;
said coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof;
each said reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
a gap defined by and between said reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends;
said coupler having first and second ends;
a first end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said first post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said first post member;
a second end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said second post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said second post member;
said coupler coupling said first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post.
a first angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, each flange having elongated edges;
a second angularly formed post member having at least two flanges disposed at an angle to each other, said second angularly formed post member being disposed in an abutting, end-to-end vertical relationship with said first angularly formed post member;
a coupler;
said coupler comprising a pair of connected coupler flanges, each having an interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other flange, and each having an outside surface;
each one of the coupler flanges having a reverse bend flange extending from an edge portion thereof;
each said reverse bend flange extending alongside the respective flange from which it extends, the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange;
a gap defined by and between said reverse bend flange and said outside surface of the respective flange from which it extends;
said coupler having first and second ends;
a first end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said first post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said first post member;
a second end of said connected coupler flanges of said coupler operatively engaging the flanges of said second post member with said reverse bend flanges extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said second post member;
said coupler coupling said first and second post members in a vertically oriented composite post.
10. In a shelving unit, at least two angularly formed vertically oriented and aligned end-abutting posts, each having two post flanges disposed at an angle to each other with each post flange having a first thickness and an elongated edge, an end of one post proximate an end of another post and a coupler for coupling together ends of said posts to form a composite post, wherein said coupler comprises first and second end portions, a pair of connected coupler flanges, each coupler flange having a respective interior surface defining an included angle with respect to the interior surface of the other coupler flange, and each coupler flange having an outside surface and elongated portions;
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange attached thereto along said edge portion and extending partially along the length of said respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and wherein each reverse bend flange extends partially but short of the height of the coupler from proximate the first end portion of the coupler to proximate but short of the second end portion thereof, which provides in the first and second end portions of the coupler a central portion of said coupler which is free of said reverse bend flange; wherein the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and one of said outside surfaces of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said first thickness of a single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end portion of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end portion of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; and said first and second end portions of said coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of said posts, with said reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said respective flanges of said two posts.
each one of said coupler flanges having a respective additional flange comprising a reverse bend flange attached thereto along said edge portion and extending partially along the length of said respective outside surface of the respective coupler flange from which the respective reverse bend flange is extended and wherein each reverse bend flange extends partially but short of the height of the coupler from proximate the first end portion of the coupler to proximate but short of the second end portion thereof, which provides in the first and second end portions of the coupler a central portion of said coupler which is free of said reverse bend flange; wherein the outside surface of the respective flange facing the respective reverse bend flange; and a gap defined by and between each said respective reverse bend flange and one of said outside surfaces of the respective coupler flange from which the reverse bend flange extends, said gap having a width approximately equal to said first thickness of a single post flange and being sized to accept one of the flanges of a single one of the two angularly formed posts therein, wherein one end portion of the coupler is configured to receive one of the two angularly formed posts and the other end portion of the coupler is configured to receive the other one of the angularly formed posts to permit the two posts to be secured in an abutting, end-to-end vertically oriented relationship with one another; and said first and second end portions of said coupler flanges engaging respective flanges of said posts, with said reverse bend flanges of the coupler extending outwardly around said elongated edges of said respective flanges of said two posts.
11. The shelving unit as in claim 10 wherein said unit further comprises a first plurality of detents in at least one of said reverse bend flanges for frictionally engaging said posts to said coupler.
12. The shelving unit as in claim 11 wherein at least one first detent of said plurality of detents in one of each said reverse bend flanges secures said coupler in a position on one of the angularly formed posts.
13. The shelving unit as in claim 12 wherein said at least one first detent extends into said gap a further distance than another of said plurality of detents.
14. The shelving unit as in claim 10 wherein each of said post flanges includes a plurality of apertures, said coupler further comprising a plurality of apertures, each said aperture of said coupler being aligned with one of said apertures of said post flanges for passage of a fastener through said aperture of said coupler and the respective, aligned one of said apertures of said post flanges.
15. The shelving unit as in claim 11 wherein one of said posts engages one of said plurality of detents on said at least one reverse bend flange, said detent engaging an outer surface of one post member flange.
16. The shelving unit as in claim 1 wherein said coupler comprises upper and lower end portions and wherein a portion of said coupler at each of said upper and lower end portions is free of said reverse bend flanges.
17. A coupler for coupling two post sections together to form a single composite post of both post sections, each post section comprising a pair of post flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween and each post flange having an outer edge, said coupler comprising:
two coupler flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween, each such flange having extended end portions comprising end portions of said coupler proximate said bend between said two coupler flanges and extending longitudinally from opposite ends of said coupler beyond other second end portions of said coupler flanges oriented proximate outer edge portions thereof, said extended end portions defining coupler ends;
a reverse bend flange connected to each coupler flange along said outer edges thereof and extending therealong to said second end portions of said coupler flanges, terminating short of said first end portions of said coupler flanges and said coupler ends.
two coupler flanges intersecting at a bend therebetween, each such flange having extended end portions comprising end portions of said coupler proximate said bend between said two coupler flanges and extending longitudinally from opposite ends of said coupler beyond other second end portions of said coupler flanges oriented proximate outer edge portions thereof, said extended end portions defining coupler ends;
a reverse bend flange connected to each coupler flange along said outer edges thereof and extending therealong to said second end portions of said coupler flanges, terminating short of said first end portions of said coupler flanges and said coupler ends.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US54093504P | 2004-01-30 | 2004-01-30 | |
| US60/540,935 | 2004-01-30 | ||
| US11/044,689 US8585313B2 (en) | 2005-01-27 | 2005-01-27 | Post coupler |
| US11/044,689 | 2005-01-27 | ||
| PCT/US2005/002581 WO2005074748A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-28 | Post coupler |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2559322A1 CA2559322A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
| CA2559322C true CA2559322C (en) | 2014-10-21 |
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| CA2559322A Active CA2559322C (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-28 | Post coupler |
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| CN (1) | CN1953685B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2559322C (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA06008189A (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7365268B2 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2008-04-29 | Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Storage receptacle |
| FR2924005B1 (en) * | 2007-11-28 | 2013-08-09 | Atroisaxe | AMOUNT NOTABLY INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE AN ELEMENT OF A RADIATION SYSTEM AND A RADIATION SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE AMOUNT AS INDICATED ABOVE |
| CA2782965A1 (en) * | 2011-07-16 | 2013-01-16 | Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Inside wrap post coupler accommodating beam rivet |
| CA2782979A1 (en) * | 2011-07-16 | 2013-01-16 | Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Outside wrap post coupler accommodating beam rivet |
| CA2782975C (en) * | 2011-07-16 | 2019-07-09 | Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Inside wrap post coupler with assembly assist |
| CA2782959C (en) * | 2011-07-16 | 2018-05-22 | Edsal Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Outside wrap post coupler with assembly assist |
| CN105864242B (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2019-01-04 | 宁波市峻茂环保设备有限公司 | A kind of connector, shelf and method with connector |
| CN107687207A (en) * | 2017-09-30 | 2018-02-13 | 北京浩石集成房屋有限公司 | The Corner Link of one plants case angle corner connecting assemldy and its composition |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4967916A (en) * | 1989-04-17 | 1990-11-06 | Hirsh Company | Post and joint construction |
| DE4439551C1 (en) * | 1994-11-05 | 1995-12-21 | Loh Kg Rittal Werk | Frame post for switchgear cabinet |
| DE29808396U1 (en) * | 1998-05-09 | 1998-08-13 | Gebr. Schulte GmbH & Co KG, 59846 Sundern | shelf |
| US6209155B1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2001-04-03 | Fredman Bros. Furniture Company, Inc. | Fastener for adjustable cross bar for bed rails and frames |
| US6681705B2 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2004-01-27 | Hirsh Industries Inc. | Support structure and method of assembly thereof |
-
2005
- 2005-01-28 WO PCT/US2005/002581 patent/WO2005074748A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-01-28 CN CN200580003318.4A patent/CN1953685B/en active Active
- 2005-01-28 CA CA2559322A patent/CA2559322C/en active Active
- 2005-01-28 MX MXPA06008189A patent/MXPA06008189A/en active IP Right Grant
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|---|---|
| WO2005074748A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
| MXPA06008189A (en) | 2007-02-21 |
| CA2559322A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
| CN1953685B (en) | 2013-03-27 |
| CN1953685A (en) | 2007-04-25 |
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