GB2358054A - Coupling element - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling element comprises a substantially parallelepiped block (2) having at least one hole (6, 6') on each of two opposed surfaces into which a rod (18) can be inserted. At least one groove (10) is provided on another surface (8) for engaging an upright.

Description

2358054 COUPLING ELEMENT FOR COMPOSITE STRUCTURES This invention relates

to a coupling element for composite structures.

Composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like are known consisting of at least one pair of uprights connected together by a panel, the upright and panel being formed from a plurality of metal rods 5 rigidly joined together.

The connection between the uprights and the panels, which -was previously made by nuts, bolts and straps, has, because. of the laboriousness in assembling these members, been for some time replaced by welding the ends of the panel rods to half-bushes which house the rods of the uprig hts within their slots and rest on the crosspieces by which the two rods of an upright are connected toger.

This known coupling system has however certain drawbacks, and in particular - constructional laboriousness in welding the half-bushes to the crosspieces, 15 - the possibility of said welds breaking with the passage of time, - laboriousness in seeking the correct position for welding the half- bushes to the panels.

An object of the invention is to provide a coupfing element which enables the panels to be connected to the uprights in a simple and comfortable manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling element of pleasant appearance.

These and. further objects which will be apparent from the ensuing description are attained according to the invention by a coupling element for composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like, characterised by consisting of a substantially parallelepiped block provided on two corresponding surfaces with at least one hole for insertion of the end of a panel of the structure, and on another surface with at least one groove for engaging an upright.

The invention is further clarified hereinafter with reference to the 5 accompanying drawings, on which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coupling element, shown during the connection of the panels to the upright; Figure 2 is a section therethrough on the fine 11-11 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section therethrough on the line 111-111 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section therethrough on the line W4V of Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows a structure obtained with the coupling element of the invention- As can be seen from the figures, the coupling element of the invention consists of a parallelepiped block 2 constructed of suitably shaped substantially rigid plastic and provided on two opposing surfaces 4 with two pairs of holes 6,6, the holes of each pair being substantially coaxial, and an another surface 8 with two substantially semi-cylindtical parallel grooves 10.

The other surfaces 12 of said block comprise two grooves 14.

Said holes 6,6' and said grooves 10,14 are dimensioned to substantially receive the constituent metal rods of the uprights 16 and panels 18 of traditional composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like.

The element of the invention is used as follows. The ends of the rods 20 forming the stringers of the panels 18 are inserted into the holes 6,6' of the block 2, after which said blocks are positioned between the facing pairs of rods 2 forming the uprights 16 and the rods 22 are snap-inserted into the grooves 10, the blocks'resting on the crosspieces 24 connecting said pairs together, for form a rigid assembly.

From the aforegoing it is apparent that the coupling element of the invention presents numerous advantages, and in particular:

- it enables composite structures to be assembled in a simple and comfortable manner, facilitated by the ability to adjust the position of the element realtive to the rods, - it enables the structure to be enlarged when required, because of the presence of the pairs of holes, it results in a pleasant appearance because the coupling element can be formed of coloured material.

Claims (8)

1 A coupling element for composite rod structures characterised in that it comprises a substantially parallelepiped block provided on two corresponding opposed surfaces with at least one hole for insertion of an end of a rod of the structure, and on another surface with at least one groove for engaging an upright.

2. A coupling element as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the corresponding surfaces of the block are each provided with two holes.

3. A coupling element as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that it is provided with two grooves on surfaces substantially perpendicular to the said opposed surfaces.

4. A coupling element as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that it is provided with a groove on a surface substantially perpendicular to the said opposed surfaces, said groove being configured to engage a crosspiece of the composite rod structure when the block rests on the crosspiece.

5. A coupling element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A composite rod structure comprising a pair of uprights connected together by a panel, the panel being formed from a plurality of metal rods joined together, wherein the uprights and panels are connected by coupling elements as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

7. A composite rod structure as claimed in claim 6 which is selected from bookcases, shelving and trolleys.

8. A composite rod structure substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 5.