EP0916777A1 - A connection assembly - Google Patents
A connection assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0916777A1 EP0916777A1 EP97119263A EP97119263A EP0916777A1 EP 0916777 A1 EP0916777 A1 EP 0916777A1 EP 97119263 A EP97119263 A EP 97119263A EP 97119263 A EP97119263 A EP 97119263A EP 0916777 A1 EP0916777 A1 EP 0916777A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- elements
- assembly
- positions
- elongate
- ridges
- 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.)
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
- E04B1/5825—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a connection assembly for connecting two elongate elements at an intersection.
- Such connections are useful in various commercial applications where one element such as a tube or a rod is to be connected at an angle with another tube.
- Commercial applications would include the production of grids, fences, cages. Applications are also foreseen in the furniture and aircraft industries as well as in the packaging and transportation of freight.
- German Patent DE-C-33 44 351 discloses a grid arrangement wherein plate-like carrier rods are provided with oval holes therethrough.
- Cross-connector tubes are passed through the holes in perpendicular arrangement. After having passed through the holes, the tubes are mechanically deformed on either side of the hole to produce a connection at the intersection.
- connection assembly In many applications, it is desirable to have a light-weight construction but one of optimum mechanical strength. In such cases, it would be desirable to have a connection assembly at the point of intersection which can sustain high loads and which does not deteriorate under fatigue. Moreover, the volume taken up by the connection should be kept to a minimum to satisfy space requirements.
- the connection assembly particularly when used to form a grid, should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but at the same time be reliable in terms of quality of the connection. Moreover, the connection assembly should be suitable for series production.
- connection assembly which satisfies the above criteria.
- the connection assembly comprises first and second elongate elements connected to one another at an intersection.
- the elements preferably are connected at right angles, although other angles are possible.
- the first elongate element has a receiving opening formed therein through which the second elongate element passes so as to penetrate through the first element.
- the first and second elements are then connected to one another at one or more positions within the region of their intersection. If the two elements are made of metal, the connection at the one or more positions may be performed by resistance welding. Alternatively, when the elements are made of plastic material, the connections can be made ultrasonic welding or induction welding. The connections can also be made by melt bonding or with an adhesive. As another alternative, the two elements may be appropriately deformed within the region of intersection so as to produce a form fit connection.
- the inner diameter of the receiving hole of the first tube is preferably dimensioned with respect to the outer diameter of the second tube such that it passes therethrough by overcoming a slight frictional force.
- the second tube therefore has a non-positive (frictional) connection with the first tube when mounted. This arrangement provides for stability of the connection against bending forces which will arise at the intersection. Although this arrangement is preferred a frictional fit is not necessary for the present invention.
- the central axes of the two elements intersect one another and form a plane.
- the outer surfaces of the smaller diameter second element defines two tangential planes, which are both parallel to the plane defined by the centre axes of the two elements.
- the elements are connected to one another at two positions at these tangential planes, where the outer surface of the second element lies opposed to an inner surface of the first element.
- the first element comprises a tubular structure and is provided with one or more ridges formed along its interior.
- the crests of these inner ridges will contact or lie close to the outer surface of the second element when penetrated through the receiving opening.
- the locations where the one or more ridges either contact or lie close to the outer surface provides the one or more contact positions.
- the first and second elements used in constructing the present connection assembly can be of various shapes.
- the first and second elongate elements can be provided in tubular form with a cross-section being substantially circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular.
- the first element can be provided as an open profile, Such as a U-shaped or a C-shaped profile with the receiving opening provided in the side legs of the profile.
- the second elongate element be provided in the form of a plate which passes through a corresponding slot in the first element as the receiving opening.
- connection assembly of the present invention provides good mechanical strength and reliability of the connection, while at the same time allowing a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process.
- additional stability against bending moments arising within the plane of the two elements is provided.
- the one or more positions at which the elements are then connected enhances the strength against deformation out of the plane of the two elements.
- Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the intersection of two tubular elements.
- first and second elongate elements 1, 2 are placed to intersect one another by penetration of the second element 2 through an opening 3 in the first element 1.
- the receiving opening 3 will be formed such that a right-angle intersection results, although this orientation is not necessary.
- the receiving opening 3 can be formed such that the centre axis x of the first element intersects with the centre axis y of the second element 2. Again, this arrangement is preferred, however, the centre axes x, y of the two elements may be off-set if desired for certain applications.
- the first and second elements 1, 2 shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1 are tubular members having a circular cross-section.
- the diameter d2 of the second tube is smaller than the diameter d1 of the first tube.
- the outer diameter d2 of the second element is 20% to 30% smaller than the outer diameter d1 of the first element 1.
- the diameter of the first tube 1 could be 22 mm with the diameter of the second tube 2 being 16 mm.
- Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the first element 1 comprises a tubular structure of substantially rectangular cross-section.
- the first and/or second elements could be tubular structures having a circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular cross-section.
- the first and second elements 1, 2 are connected to one another at one or more positions 4 in the region of their intersection.
- the first and second tubes are connected at two positions at either side of the intersection indicated by the reference numeral 4.
- the elements 1, 2 are metal tubes as shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- the second tube 2 is inserted and properly positions with respect to the first tube. Welding is then performed at the positions 4 under sufficient pressure to urge the two sides of the first tube 1 into contact with the outer wall of the second tube 2 under formation of the weld.
- the second tube 2 requires no further processing once purchased from the manufacturer.
- the first tube 1 need only be provided with the receiving hole at the proper orientation and spacing.
- the inner dimension of the receiving opening 3 formed in the first element 1 is preferably sized with respect to the outer dimension d2 of the second element 2 such that there is no play between the receiving opening 3 and the second element 2.
- the second element 2 is then inserted through the opening 3 under the application of force to overcome friction between the outer surface of the second element 2 and the inner defining surfaces of the receiving opening 3. In this manner a non-positive frictional fit is established between the first and second elements 1, 2.
- This construction adds to the mechanical strength of the connection assembly, particularly against bending moments which may arise under load in the plane of the two elements.
- the second element 2 is provided with two projecting ridges 8 on its outer surface.
- the receiving opening 3 is adapted to receive the second element 2 with the ridges and with or without play.
- the two elements 1, 2 are connected to one another at the positions P 1 and P 2 .
- the first element 1 could also be provided with ridges on its interior surface. Such ridges could be disposed to engage with the projecting ridges (8) on the outer surface of the second element 2.
- the first elongate element 1 is tubular and comprises two inner ridges 5 arranged to contact the outer surface of the second element 2 at two positions P 1 , P 2 .
- the tubular member 1 of larger diameter is preprocessed to form the two ridges 5 projecting into the interior of the tube.
- the ridges 5 can be formed when making the tube by externally applying pressure to form a longitudinal crease or indentation 6 as shown in Fig. 4.
- the indentation can be formed only in the regions of the intersection of the two elements.
- An internal ridge could also be formed in the interior during the production process of the tube, whereby the outer diameter of the tube would remain circular.
- the second tubular elements 2 in this embodiment define tangential planes 10, 20 which lie parallel to the plane defined by the centre axes x, y of the first and second tubes 1, 2 respectively.
- the inner ridges 5 of the first tube 1 are dimensioned so as to contact the outer surface of the second tube 2 at the two tangential planes 10, 20 when assembled.
- the connection of the two tubes is then performed at the two positions P 1 and P 2 where the crest of the inner ridges 5 contact the outer surface of the second tube 2.
- the connection at these positions will normally be performed by resistance welding for metallic tubes or alternatively by fusion bonding or adhesion for plastic tubes.
- the maximum width of the connection assembly corresponds to the distance W which is the dimension of the first tube 1 in the z direction.
- the overall width W is only slightly larger than the distance between the tangential planes 10, 20 of the smaller diameter of the second tube 2. This allows considerable savings in space for applications to grid constructions where space on either side of the grid is often of importance.
- a further embodiment of the present invention is show in Fig. 6 wherein the first element is provided as a tubular member having three ridges 5 formed therein.
- the second element 2 penetrates the receiving opening or hole 3 such that it contacts only one of the inner ridges 5.
- the contact position is indicated generally at reference numeral 4.
- the two elements 1, 2 are connected to one another at only one position.
- the second elements 2 can be oriented at various angles about the axis x of the first tube 1.
- the centre axis y of the second tube 2 does not intersect the centre axis x of the first tube 1.
- the respective axes x, y of the tubes need not intersect one another. This will depend on the particular application and on the relative diameters of the first and second tubular members 1, 2 as well as their desired orientation with respect to one another.
- angular position of the ribs 5 could be positioned such that the outer surface of the tube 2 contacts two ridges on one of its sides and one ridge on the other side.
- the skilled person will recognize from Fig. 6 that many combinations of the ridge orientation and the second tube penetration position are possible.
- Fig. 7 shows another embodiment in which four ridges are provided to project into the interior of the first tubular element 2.
- the receiving opening as well as the diameter of the second tubular element 2 is dimensioned such that the four positions a, b, c, d exist at which the elements can be connected to one another.
- the embodiments of Figs. 6 and 7 can comprise elements which are tubular in structure and which have circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular cross-sections.
- the second elements could be solid rods having the various cross-sections.
- the first elongate element is provided as an open profile, particularly a U-shaped profile.
- any shape of the open profile is possible as long as walls 1a, 1b, 1c are present through which the receiving opening 3 can be formed.
- the side walls 1a, 1b of the U-shaped profile are substantially parallel to one another. This would make it somewhat easier to form the receiving holes 3a, 3b, for example by means of stamping.
- the second element 2 can be penetrated through the two parts 3a, 3b of the legs 1a, 1b of the U-shaped profile.
- the base 1c of the U-shaped profile can be provided with a single opening (not shown) through which the second tubular member 2 passes.
- the element 2 is connected to two inner ridges 5, one on either of the legs 1a, 1b.
- the connection position is shown by the reference numeral 4 on the exterior of leg 1a.
- FIG. 9 Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 9, where the penetrating element 2a is formed as a plate.
- the plate 2a passes through a slot 3a formed in the first tubular member 1.
- a ridge 5a formed on the plate 2a contacts the crest of an inner ridge 5 formed in the element 1.
- one plate element could be inserted to contact the upper ridge 5 of the tubular element 1.
- another plate element 2a could be inserted into a slot indicated as 3b in Fig. 9 with the ridge 5a being oriented downwardly.
- the ridge 5a of the plate will contact the lower ridge 5 within the tube 1.
- the plate 2a could be provided with two or more ridges allowing two or more connection positions with the inner ridge 5 of the tube 1.
- connection at the one or more positions by means of a form fit.
- at least one inner ridge of the first tubular member engages with the outer surface of the second element 2.
- the first tubular element could be indented inwardly to force a matching indentation of the outer surface of the inner second element.
- the matching deformation of the first and second elements would also provide a form fit.
- an indentation could be formed in the outer tube 1 at the location 4.
- the indentation 4 would be deep enough to form a matching deformation in the second tube 2, whereby an interconnecting fit would be established.
- connection assembly of the present invention is particularly suitable for the formation of a grid.
- Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment of such a grid comprising first and second tubes 1, 2 arranged parallel to one another in spaced relationship. At their intersections, the first and second tubes are provided with a connection assembly as described above.
- the grid construction formed in this manner provides particularly high mechanical strength while being light in weight.
- only the first tube 1 need be further processed, for example by the formation of the receiving hole or the provision of a ridge.
- the other cross tube 2 can be used as it is supplied from the manufacturer. The formation of the grid is therefore easy and inexpensive and readily adaptable to series production.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a connection assembly for connecting two elongate elements at an intersection. Such connections are useful in various commercial applications where one element such as a tube or a rod is to be connected at an angle with another tube. Commercial applications would include the production of grids, fences, cages. Applications are also foreseen in the furniture and aircraft industries as well as in the packaging and transportation of freight.
- The German Patent DE-C-33 44 351 discloses a grid arrangement wherein plate-like carrier rods are provided with oval holes therethrough. Cross-connector tubes are passed through the holes in perpendicular arrangement. After having passed through the holes, the tubes are mechanically deformed on either side of the hole to produce a connection at the intersection.
- In many applications, it is desirable to have a light-weight construction but one of optimum mechanical strength. In such cases, it would be desirable to have a connection assembly at the point of intersection which can sustain high loads and which does not deteriorate under fatigue. Moreover, the volume taken up by the connection should be kept to a minimum to satisfy space requirements. The connection assembly, particularly when used to form a grid, should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but at the same time be reliable in terms of quality of the connection. Moreover, the connection assembly should be suitable for series production.
- According to the present invention, a connection assembly is provided which satisfies the above criteria. The connection assembly comprises first and second elongate elements connected to one another at an intersection. The elements preferably are connected at right angles, although other angles are possible. The first elongate element has a receiving opening formed therein through which the second elongate element passes so as to penetrate through the first element. The first and second elements are then connected to one another at one or more positions within the region of their intersection. If the two elements are made of metal, the connection at the one or more positions may be performed by resistance welding. Alternatively, when the elements are made of plastic material, the connections can be made ultrasonic welding or induction welding. The connections can also be made by melt bonding or with an adhesive. As another alternative, the two elements may be appropriately deformed within the region of intersection so as to produce a form fit connection.
- The inner diameter of the receiving hole of the first tube is preferably dimensioned with respect to the outer diameter of the second tube such that it passes therethrough by overcoming a slight frictional force. The second tube therefore has a non-positive (frictional) connection with the first tube when mounted. This arrangement provides for stability of the connection against bending forces which will arise at the intersection. Although this arrangement is preferred a frictional fit is not necessary for the present invention.
- In another embodiment of the invention, the central axes of the two elements intersect one another and form a plane. The outer surfaces of the smaller diameter second element defines two tangential planes, which are both parallel to the plane defined by the centre axes of the two elements. The elements are connected to one another at two positions at these tangential planes, where the outer surface of the second element lies opposed to an inner surface of the first element.
- In another preferred embodiment, the first element comprises a tubular structure and is provided with one or more ridges formed along its interior. The crests of these inner ridges will contact or lie close to the outer surface of the second element when penetrated through the receiving opening. The locations where the one or more ridges either contact or lie close to the outer surface provides the one or more contact positions.
- The first and second elements used in constructing the present connection assembly can be of various shapes. For example, the first and second elongate elements can be provided in tubular form with a cross-section being substantially circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular. In a further embodiment, the first element can be provided as an open profile, Such as a U-shaped or a C-shaped profile with the receiving opening provided in the side legs of the profile. It is also possible that the second elongate element be provided in the form of a plate which passes through a corresponding slot in the first element as the receiving opening.
- The connection assembly of the present invention provides good mechanical strength and reliability of the connection, while at the same time allowing a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process. In the case that the second element penetrates the first element in a frictional fit, additional stability against bending moments arising within the plane of the two elements is provided. The one or more positions at which the elements are then connected enhances the strength against deformation out of the plane of the two elements.
- Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the intersection of two tubular elements.
- Fig. 2
- shows an embodiment in which the cross-section of the first tubular element is rectangular.
- Fig. 3
- shows another embodiment in which ridges are formed on the exterior of the second element which penetrates through the first element.
- Fig. 4
- shows an embodiment of the connection assembly in which ridges are formed on the interior of the first element.
- Fig. 5
- shows a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 4 taken along the y-z plane.
- Fig. 6
- shows an embodiment in which three inner ridges are formed within the first element such that the second element can be penetrated at various angles.
- Fig. 7
- shows a further embodiment in which the second element penetrates and contacts four ridges on the interior of the first element.
- Fig. 8
- shows an embodiment in which the first element comprises a U-profile with inner ridges.
- Fig. 9
- shows an embodiment in which the second element comprises a plate inserted in a slot in the first element.
- Fig. 10
- shows a grid construction comprising intersections formed of the connection assembly of the present invention.
- Referring to Fig. 1, first and second
elongate elements second element 2 through anopening 3 in thefirst element 1. In many applications, the receivingopening 3 will be formed such that a right-angle intersection results, although this orientation is not necessary. Thereceiving opening 3 can be formed such that the centre axis x of the first element intersects with the centre axis y of thesecond element 2. Again, this arrangement is preferred, however, the centre axes x, y of the two elements may be off-set if desired for certain applications. - The first and
second elements first element 1. As an example, the diameter of thefirst tube 1 could be 22 mm with the diameter of thesecond tube 2 being 16 mm. - Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the
first element 1 comprises a tubular structure of substantially rectangular cross-section. Other tubular constructions are possible and are not limited to the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2. For example, the first and/or second elements could be tubular structures having a circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular cross-section. - According to the present invention, the first and
second elements more positions 4 in the region of their intersection. In the embodiments of the Figs. 1 and 2, the first and second tubes are connected at two positions at either side of the intersection indicated by thereference numeral 4. For example, when theelements second tube 2 is inserted and properly positions with respect to the first tube. Welding is then performed at thepositions 4 under sufficient pressure to urge the two sides of thefirst tube 1 into contact with the outer wall of thesecond tube 2 under formation of the weld. In this embodiment, thesecond tube 2 requires no further processing once purchased from the manufacturer. Thefirst tube 1 need only be provided with the receiving hole at the proper orientation and spacing. - The inner dimension of the receiving
opening 3 formed in thefirst element 1 is preferably sized with respect to the outer dimension d2 of thesecond element 2 such that there is no play between the receivingopening 3 and thesecond element 2. In this preferred embodiment, thesecond element 2 is then inserted through theopening 3 under the application of force to overcome friction between the outer surface of thesecond element 2 and the inner defining surfaces of the receivingopening 3. In this manner a non-positive frictional fit is established between the first andsecond elements - In another embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the
second element 2 is provided with two projectingridges 8 on its outer surface. The receivingopening 3 is adapted to receive thesecond element 2 with the ridges and with or without play. Once inserted to penetrate through thefirst element 1, the twoelements first element 1 could also be provided with ridges on its interior surface. Such ridges could be disposed to engage with the projecting ridges (8) on the outer surface of thesecond element 2. - In another preferred embodiment as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first
elongate element 1 is tubular and comprises twoinner ridges 5 arranged to contact the outer surface of thesecond element 2 at two positions P1, P2. Thetubular member 1 of larger diameter is preprocessed to form the tworidges 5 projecting into the interior of the tube. Theridges 5 can be formed when making the tube by externally applying pressure to form a longitudinal crease or indentation 6 as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the indentation can be formed only in the regions of the intersection of the two elements. An internal ridge could also be formed in the interior during the production process of the tube, whereby the outer diameter of the tube would remain circular. - As shown in Fig. 5, the second
tubular elements 2 in this embodiment definetangential planes second tubes inner ridges 5 of thefirst tube 1 are dimensioned so as to contact the outer surface of thesecond tube 2 at the twotangential planes inner ridges 5 contact the outer surface of thesecond tube 2. As mentioned above, the connection at these positions will normally be performed by resistance welding for metallic tubes or alternatively by fusion bonding or adhesion for plastic tubes. - As can also be seen in Fig. 5, the maximum width of the connection assembly corresponds to the distance W which is the dimension of the
first tube 1 in the z direction. The overall width W is only slightly larger than the distance between thetangential planes second tube 2. This allows considerable savings in space for applications to grid constructions where space on either side of the grid is often of importance. - A further embodiment of the present invention is show in Fig. 6 wherein the first element is provided as a tubular member having three
ridges 5 formed therein. In this embodiment, thesecond element 2 penetrates the receiving opening orhole 3 such that it contacts only one of theinner ridges 5. The contact position is indicated generally atreference numeral 4. Thus in this embodiment, the twoelements second elements 2 can be oriented at various angles about the axis x of thefirst tube 1. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the centre axis y of thesecond tube 2 does not intersect the centre axis x of thefirst tube 1. Generally, according to the present invention the respective axes x, y of the tubes need not intersect one another. This will depend on the particular application and on the relative diameters of the first and secondtubular members - It will also be appreciated from Fig. 6 that the angular position of the
ribs 5 could be positioned such that the outer surface of thetube 2 contacts two ridges on one of its sides and one ridge on the other side. The skilled person will recognize from Fig. 6 that many combinations of the ridge orientation and the second tube penetration position are possible. - Fig. 7 shows another embodiment in which four ridges are provided to project into the interior of the first
tubular element 2. In this embodiment, the receiving opening as well as the diameter of the secondtubular element 2 is dimensioned such that the four positions a, b, c, d exist at which the elements can be connected to one another. As above, the embodiments of Figs. 6 and 7 can comprise elements which are tubular in structure and which have circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular cross-sections. Alternatively, the second elements could be solid rods having the various cross-sections. - A still further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the first elongate element is provided as an open profile, particularly a U-shaped profile. However, any shape of the open profile is possible as long as walls 1a, 1b, 1c are present through which the receiving
opening 3 can be formed. In the present embodiment of Fig. 8, the side walls 1a, 1b of the U-shaped profile are substantially parallel to one another. This would make it somewhat easier to form the receivingholes 3a, 3b, for example by means of stamping. As shown in Fig. 8, thesecond element 2 can be penetrated through the twoparts 3a, 3b of the legs 1a, 1b of the U-shaped profile. Alternatively, the base 1c of the U-shaped profile can be provided with a single opening (not shown) through which the secondtubular member 2 passes. In this case, theelement 2 is connected to twoinner ridges 5, one on either of the legs 1a, 1b. The connection position is shown by thereference numeral 4 on the exterior of leg 1a. - When the second
tubular member 2 passes the profile through the legs 1a, 1b, the outer surface of thesecond element 2 contacts aridge 5 formed in the base 1c of the U-shaped profile. The contact position P3 is then the single position at which the two elements are connected with one another. - Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 9, where the penetrating element 2a is formed as a plate. The plate 2a passes through a
slot 3a formed in the firsttubular member 1. When inserted, aridge 5a formed on the plate 2a contacts the crest of aninner ridge 5 formed in theelement 1. As shown in Fig. 9, one plate element could be inserted to contact theupper ridge 5 of thetubular element 1. It is apparent that another plate element 2a could be inserted into a slot indicated as 3b in Fig. 9 with theridge 5a being oriented downwardly. In this case, theridge 5a of the plate will contact thelower ridge 5 within thetube 1. Other variations are possible. For example, the plate 2a could be provided with two or more ridges allowing two or more connection positions with theinner ridge 5 of thetube 1. - Although it is preferred to weld the two elements at their connected positions when made of metal or to bond the elements when made of plastic, it would also be possible to form the connections at the one or more positions by means of a form fit. For example, in the Figs. 4 to 9, at least one inner ridge of the first tubular member engages with the outer surface of the
second element 2. It would be possible to form a recess or indentation in the outer surface of thesecond element 2 for receiving the crest of the ridge. The engagement of the ridge in the recess on the outer surface of thesecond element 2 establishes a form fit connection, which would prevent axial movement of thesecond element 2. Alternatively, the first tubular element could be indented inwardly to force a matching indentation of the outer surface of the inner second element. The matching deformation of the first and second elements would also provide a form fit. For example as shown in Fig. 2, an indentation could be formed in theouter tube 1 at thelocation 4. Theindentation 4 would be deep enough to form a matching deformation in thesecond tube 2, whereby an interconnecting fit would be established. - The connection assembly of the present invention is particularly suitable for the formation of a grid. Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment of such a grid comprising first and
second tubes first tube 1 need be further processed, for example by the formation of the receiving hole or the provision of a ridge. Theother cross tube 2 can be used as it is supplied from the manufacturer. The formation of the grid is therefore easy and inexpensive and readily adaptable to series production.
Claims (18)
- A connection assembly comprising:first and second elongate elements (1, 2) connected to one another at an intersection,the first element (1) having a receiving opening (3) formed therein through which the second element (2) is passed,the first element (1) being connected to the second element (2) at one or more positions (P1, P2) in the region of their intersection.
- The assembly of Claim 1, wherein an inner dimension of the receiving opening (3) of the first element (1) is dimensioned with respect to an outer dimension (d2) of the second element (2) so as to provide a frictional fit of the two elements (1, 2).
- The assembly of Claim 1 or 2, wherein two connection positions (P1, P2) are formed where the outer surface of the second element (2) lies opposed to the inner surface of the first element (1).
- The assembly of Claim 3, wherein the first and second elements (1, 2) are tubular, the first and second elements being generally circular, oval, square triangular or rectangular in cross-section.
- The assembly of Claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer surface of the second element (2) is provided with two ridges (8) which lie close to or contact the inner surface of the first element (1) to form said two connection positions (P1, P2).
- The assembly of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elongate element (1) is tubular and comprises one or more inner ridges (5), the ridges (5) arranged to lie close to or contact the outer surface of the second element (2) to form said one or more positions (P1, P2) at which the elements (1, 2) are connected.
- The assembly of Claim 6, wherein the first and second elements (1, 2) are tubular and circular in cross-section, the first element (1) having two inner ridges (5) formed opposite one another with respect to its centre axis (x), the two ridges (5) contacting the outer surface of the second tubular element (2) to form two positions (P1, P2) at which the elements (1, 2) are connected.
- The assembly of Claim 6, wherein the first element (1) comprises three inner ridges (5), the receiving opening (3) being provided such that the outer surface of the second element (2) contacts one of the inner ridges (5) at which position the elements (1, 2) are connected.
- The assembly of Claim 6, wherein the first element (1) comprises four inner ridges (a, b, c, d), the four ridges arranged to contact the outer surface of the second element at four positions (a, b, c, d) at which the elements (1, 2) are connected.
- The assembly of any one of the Claims 6 to 9, wherein the first and second elongate elements (1, 2) are tubular, the elements (1, 2) being generally circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular in cross-section.
- The assembly of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elongate element (1) is formed as an open profile, such as a U-shaped or C-shaped profile, the profile (1) having one or more inner ridges (5) arranged to contact the outer surface of the second element to form said one or more positions (P3,) at which the elements (1, 2) are connected.
- The assembly of Claim 11, wherein the second elongate element (2) is tubular with its cross-section being generally circular, oval, square, triangular or rectangular.
- The assembly of any one of the Claims 1, 2, 6 or 11, wherein the second elongate element (2) is a plate (2a) which passes through a slot (3a) as the receiving opening in said first elongate element (1).
- The assembly of Claim 13, wherein the first elongate element (1) comprises a tube (1) having at least one inner ridge (5), said plate (21) having another ridge (5a) adapted to contact the inner ridge (5) of the tube (1) when inserted into the receiving opening (3) to provide for the position for connection of the two elements (1, 2).
- The assembly of any one of the Claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and second elongate elements (1, 2) are made of metal and the elements (1, 2) are connected at said one or more positions (P1, P2) by welding.
- The assembly of any one of the Claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and second elongate elements (1, 2) are made of a plastic material and the elements (1, 2) are connected at said one or more positions (P1, P2) by ultrasonic welding, induction welding or melt bonding.
- The assembly of any one of the Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second elongate elements (1, 2) are connected at said one or more positions (P1, P2, P3) by deforming one or both of the elements (1, 2) at one or more of said positions (P1, P2, P3) so as to produce a form fit between the two elements (1, 2).
- A grid construction comprising:a plurality of first elongate elements (1) arranged in parallel and in spaced relationship with one another,a plurality of second elongate elements (2) arranged in parallel and in spaced relationship with one another,the first and second elements (1, 2) intersecting one another and being connected in a connection assembly as defined in any one of the Claims 1 to 17.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ES97119263T ES2192643T3 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | CONNECTION ASSEMBLY |
AT97119263T ATE232569T1 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | CONNECTION ASSEMBLY |
DK97119263T DK0916777T3 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | Compound Collection. |
EP97119263A EP0916777B1 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | A connection assembly |
DE69719036T DE69719036T2 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | connection assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP97119263A EP0916777B1 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | A connection assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0916777A1 true EP0916777A1 (en) | 1999-05-19 |
EP0916777B1 EP0916777B1 (en) | 2003-02-12 |
Family
ID=8227571
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97119263A Expired - Lifetime EP0916777B1 (en) | 1997-11-04 | 1997-11-04 | A connection assembly |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0916777B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE232569T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69719036T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0916777T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2192643T3 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU759876B1 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2003-05-01 | Ss Mfg Pty Ltd | Latticework panel |
NL1020438C2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2003-10-21 | Leer Koninklijke Emballage | IBC for flammable products. |
EP1457617A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-09-15 | Royal Packaging Industry van Leer N.V. | A connection assembly for a grid structure |
EP2116118A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-11 | Horsch Maschinen GmbH | Frame for agricultural soil cultivation device |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2106948A (en) * | 1981-09-22 | 1983-04-20 | Brian Harmer | Metal floor-grating |
GB2133430A (en) * | 1982-12-24 | 1984-07-25 | John Raymond Williams | Metallic structure |
WO1991002922A1 (en) * | 1989-08-14 | 1991-03-07 | Fiberline A/S | A joint for structural members |
GB2303653A (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-02-26 | Mita | Grating |
-
1997
- 1997-11-04 EP EP97119263A patent/EP0916777B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-11-04 ES ES97119263T patent/ES2192643T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-11-04 AT AT97119263T patent/ATE232569T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-11-04 DE DE69719036T patent/DE69719036T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-11-04 DK DK97119263T patent/DK0916777T3/en active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2106948A (en) * | 1981-09-22 | 1983-04-20 | Brian Harmer | Metal floor-grating |
GB2133430A (en) * | 1982-12-24 | 1984-07-25 | John Raymond Williams | Metallic structure |
WO1991002922A1 (en) * | 1989-08-14 | 1991-03-07 | Fiberline A/S | A joint for structural members |
GB2303653A (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-02-26 | Mita | Grating |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1020438C2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2003-10-21 | Leer Koninklijke Emballage | IBC for flammable products. |
EP1354816A1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2003-10-22 | Royal Packaging Industries van Leer B.V. | IBC for combustible products |
AU759876B1 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2003-05-01 | Ss Mfg Pty Ltd | Latticework panel |
WO2003106787A1 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2003-12-24 | Brownbill, Alan | Latticework panel |
EP1457617A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-09-15 | Royal Packaging Industry van Leer N.V. | A connection assembly for a grid structure |
EP2116118A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-11 | Horsch Maschinen GmbH | Frame for agricultural soil cultivation device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE232569T1 (en) | 2003-02-15 |
DE69719036T2 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
EP0916777B1 (en) | 2003-02-12 |
ES2192643T3 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
DE69719036D1 (en) | 2003-03-20 |
DK0916777T3 (en) | 2003-06-10 |
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