GB2304369A

GB2304369A - Improved joint for tubular structures

Info

Publication number: GB2304369A
Application number: GB9516939A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ruigomez Miguel Mariscal
Original assignee: ALCO MANUF
Current assignee: ALCO MANUF
Priority date: 1995-08-07
Filing date: 1995-08-18
Publication date: 1997-03-19
Also published as: FR2737755A1; GB9516939D0; FR2737755B3; DE19529269A1

Description

512 1 GB 1 2304369 IMPROVED JOINT FOR TUBULAR STRUCTURES This invention

relates to an improved joint for tubular structures.

A suitable application for tubular structures of this type is for terrace or garden furniture (such as pedestal tables, hammocks or similar) in which the framework is of tubular structure in sections which can be linked coaxially in order to facilitate assembly/dismantling.

Tubular elements or sections are known in which, for coaxial linking, the internal diameter of one of the tubular elements matches the outside diameter of the adjoining tubular element at the linkage point. Linking is carried out by means of a straight forward push and dismantling by a straight forward pull.

This known solution gives rise to unwanted parting between tubular pole sections, whether by accident or by external or unforeseen causes (for example, by effect of wind).

This invention overcomes this problem, as it requires that the tubular elements which are joined must be twisted before it is possible to uncouple them. In this way, any uncoupling must always be intentional, as an accidental pull of itself alone will not allow the tubular elements of a structure to come apart.

Figures 1 and 3 show the improved joint for tubular structures as in the invention, with two elements (1), (2) to be linked placed coaxially in the initial assembly position and in two actual examples.

Figures 2 and 4 show the elements in figures 1 and 3 already joined. The two examples are opposites to each other, i.e., in figures 1 and 2 the knob (11) is inside and the slot (22) is outside; in figures 3 and 4 the knob (11') is outside and the slot (22') is inside.

In the diagram the following references apply:

121 GB 2 1,2. - Tubular elements to be joined. 11. - Punched depression inside knob.

21. - Coaxial linking area. 22. - L shaped groove. 22a,22b,22'a,22'b. Arms. 1 l' - Punched projection - outside knob. 22' - L shaped rebate.

This invention relates to an improved joint for tubular structures, particularly applicable to tubular structures of terrace or garden furniture which consist of various tubular elements (1), (2) which can be joined coaxially and in which the internal diameter of one of the elements (1) or (2) is matched to the external diameter of the adjoining element (1) or (2), in this area of coaxial linking (21).

In accordance with the invention, and according to the examples in figures 1 and 2, one of the tubular elements - in the example represented it is tubular element (1) - incorporates a deformation (11) located near the end in the linking area.

For the example shown in these figures 1 and 2, the deformation (11) is a punched depression.

The other tubular element - in the example shown it is tubular element (2) - incorporates a deformation (22) starting from its end in this linking zone.

For the example shown in these figures 1 and 2, the deformation (22) is an L shaped groove, one arm of which (22a) is coaxial with the tubular element (2) in one of its planes, whilst the other arm (22b) is orientated as an arc, in a plane which is at right angles to the first.

In accordance with the invention, and according to the examples in figures 3 and 4, one of the tubular elements - in the example shown it is tubular element (1) -has a deformation (1 V) which projects. located near the end in the linking zone.

5121GB 3 For the example shown in these figures 3 and 4, the deformation (11') is a punched projection. In particular, and purely for ease of construction, the punched projection (1 V) is obtained by a blow with a punch from the diametrically opposite side (in which there is a deforTned aperture inwards).

The other tubular element - in the example shown it is the tubular element (2) incorporates an internal deformation (22') in the form of a rebate starting from its end in this linking area.

For the example shown in these figures 3 and 4, the tubular element (2) is a node and the deformation (22') is an L shaped rebate, one arm of which (22'a) is coaxial with the tubular element (2) in one of its planes, whilst the other arm (22'b) is orientated as an arc, in a plane which is at right angles to the first. In particular and solely to facilitate construction, the arm (22'b) is a matching aperture.

When structured thus, the joining of the two tubular elements (1) and (2) is carried out by:

a) lining up the deformation (11), (11') with the arm (22a), (22'a) of the deformation (22). (22') and applying an axial push until this deformation (11), (1 V) comes in line with the arm (22b), (22'b) of the deformation (22), (22'); b) twisting the tubular element (1), (2) in opposite directions until the deformation (11), (11') is out of line with the arm (22a), (22'a), i.e., moving the deformation (11), (11') inwards and towards the free end of the arm (22b), (22'b) of the deformation (22), (22').

51210B

Claims

4 1. Improved joint for tubular structures, in particular for tubular structures of terrace or garden furniture in which the internal diameter of one of the tubular elements is matched to the external diameter of the adjoining element in this coaxial linking zone; characterised by the fact that one of the tubular elements incorporates a radial deformation, placed some way back from its end, whilst the matching tubular element incorporates an L shaped deformation starting from its end; such that in coaxial linking the radial deformation fits into the L shaped deformation, both elements being mutually joined by a straight forward axial push followed by twisting in opposite directions.
2. Improved joint for tubular structures as in the previous claim, characterised by the fact that the radial deformation mentioned contained in one of the tubular elements to be joined is a punched depression.
3. Improved joint for tubular structures as in the first claim, characterised by the fact that the radial deformation mentioned contained in one of the tubular elements to be joined is a punched projection.
4. Improved joint for tubular structures as in the first and second claims, characterised by the fact that the L shaped deformation mentioned contained within the other tubular element to be joined is an L shaped groove.
5. Improved joint for tubular structures as in the first and third claims, characterised by the fact that the L shaped deformation mentioned contained in the other tubular element to be joined is an intemal rebate.
6. Improved joint for tubular structures as in the first, third and fifth claims, characterised by the fact that in particular one of the arms of the internal L shaped rebate is a suitable aperture.