GB2358663A - Linked expandable article - Google Patents

Abstract

A flange and link system for commerce, industry and leisure. Firstly there is an expanding Paper Grip made of metal to retain large amounts of paper, A Walking Stick or Crutches for easy storage and distribution, self assembly to fit any specific size, made up using alloy metal. A flange and link system to aid the Flat Pack Furniture market/ Garden assessories and in particular the easy assembly of corner units giving a rigid joint. A method of attaching end to end timber on a permanent basis using the flange and link system for Fencing, Finally a Block Mechanical Game for the engineering enthiusiast that retains its shape during assembly and construction.

Description

2358663 Page 1 Flange & Link System for Commerce. Industry and Leisure

This invention relates to a novel expandable link system and flange for assembly of large wooden/plastic plant pots, flat pack furniture, end-toend joining of large fencing and mechanical game using blocks and the link system.

Paper grips are a well known commodity. The present invention relates to a method of an expandable link for holding and retaining large reams of paper that have been punched with a standardised paper punch. The link is held secure by means of a tubular sleeve and threaded link bar, enabling the mechanism to lock and hold in a secure position by adjustment to the threaded bar.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a walking stick that is easily transported using the link method. The product is normally constructed in alloy, a light weight material. The novelty of the invention is the walking stick can be extended or decreased in size to fit the user. The walking stick can be greatly enhanced by using bone, plastic or wooden handles that have been ergonomically carved, and threaded for the purpose.

A further application of the system can be applied First Aid to crutches which can be made to measure for the patient and easily stored.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to easy assembly of flat pack furniture or large wooden or plastic plant pots by the usage of the link and flange. Thereby increasing storage and the ease of transportation. With reference to flat pack furniture and comer units. Two separate flanges are laid flat on the edge of the boards where joining is required, the two flanges are aligned. Securing steel pins are inserted in the designated drill holes of the flange. The flanges are then hammered in to the wood chipboard or plastic board, held in temporary position by the flanges underpins, before screwing the flanges into the board. The board is then set at a 90 degree angle and the link is then placed into the mould bracket of the flange giving a rigid or permanent fixture can be dismantled. The applications refer to shelves or any type of kitchen furniture or flat pack units.

A further use of the link and flange system is adapted to encompass the joining of large wooden fencing, gates or any timbers that require end to end joining. The flanges are aligned and hammered into the wood, held in temporary position by the flanges under pins, before screwing the flanges into the wood. In this application the flanged mouldings for the link are inverted, set at an angle of 45 degrees to form a fusing of the metals.

Page 2 The copper links with steel inserts are hammered home and being a malable substance is fused into the predetermined shape of both flanges thereby setting the joint.

Further modification of the invention by using the link and the tubular piping with predetermined mouldings in the plastic or wood/plastic blocks. Mechanical games can be assembled appealing to the engineering enthusiast. The game is made rigid by the use of small steel rods and the extended shapes and modification of the link system. This enables the structure to retain its desired form without falling to pieces during assembly of the game.

Adjustable Paper grip According to the present invention there is provided a round or hexagonal threaded bar with a tubular cut lengths of piping, the links are interlinked and the tubular piping is sleeved over the threaded link bar, having a fine tolerance thereby retaining the links in place, there are two stoppers comprising of internal threading which wind onto the threaded steel bar, the outer sleeve piping has afine tolerance to retain the moulded links in place, size is therefore adjustable to fit any thickness of paper that has been punched with a standardised paper punch and properly secured the paper grip will retain reams of paper without fear of the paper coming adrift and can easily be adjusted whether decreasing size or expanding the paper link.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1/7 illustrates 1) The interlink with threaded bar.

2) Illustrates the cut sleeve tubular piping chamfered to allow sleeving and retain a rigid structure.

5) The end stoppers have internal threads matching the diameter of the threaded bar and retaining the paper ream at both ends when tightened.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a walking stick that is easily transportable and stored using the link method. The product would be constructed in alloy - a lightweight metal.

The novelty of the invention is the walking stick can be extended or decreased in size to fit the user and can be greatly enhanced by using bonelplastic or wooden handles that have been ergonomically carved and threaded for the purpose. The same application can also be applied to the assembly of First Aid crutches which can be adjusted accordingly for the patient and easily stored after use. Figure 2/7 1) Illustrates the threaded alloy bar. 2) Figure shows the outer sleeve piping retaining the threaded links in place.

Page 3 3) Illustrates the internally threaded alloy base of the stick where the rubber is affixed.

4) Illustrates the handle having an internal thread that is screwed tight onto the threaded linked bar - making a permanent walking stick. The same principle being applied to the crutches.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the easy assembly of flat pack furniture or large wooden garden plant pots by usage of the link and flange system thereby increasing storage capacity and ease of transportation.

With reference to flat pack furniture and the assembly of comer units the two separate flanges are laid directly opposite each other flat. On the edge of the boards requiring to be joined. Theflanges are then hammered into the wood chipboard, plastic board, held in temporary position by the flanges under pins, prior to inserting the steel pins into both flanges before screwing into place when the two boards are aligned at 90 degrees forming a perfect comer unit. The link is then placed into the moulded steel and wood bracket or plastic and steel. The link is secured by means of two small screws giving a rigid permanent joint. The same application refers to shelves or any type ofjoining wooded or plastic board together.

Figure 4n 8) Illustrates the flange assembled with steel pins in place and link and screws secured forming a 90 degree rigid joint.

6) Illustrates link with small screw holes that are inserted in the metal mould of the flange.

8) Illustrates flange partly open to illustrate steel pins inserted into the wood or plastic giving a rigid joint.

Figure 5/7 A further embodiment of the invention refers to flat packing large plant containers normally constructed in wood or plastic using the flange and link with the use of the slightly larger rubber/plastic hose as ajig, the link and the flange being screwed into the sides of the wooden or plastic pot when the large container is in place.

9) Illustrates the rubber hose which is wedged in the bottom side and top of the container in the preformed moulded Ujoints, having a tight secure fit that grips thejoints in place.

Page 4 6B Illustrates the flange 6 Illustrates the link where upon insertion into the moulded link is screwed into the sides of the wood or plastic container. 8 4/7 Illustrates flange with predetermined acute angle for the underside of plant container.

A further use of the link and flange is adapted to industrial uses joining large timbers end to end to form a rigid permanent joint.

The flange is aligned at the edge of the timber and held in position by the underpins of the flange after hammering home the two steel pins are inserted into the pre-drilled holes in the timber, the screws are sunk in.

The copper link with metal inserts are hammered in the pre moulded mild steel flange. The flange for the industrial application is inverted at a 45 degree angle. The link with the metal inserts and copper being a mallable substance the joint is well and truly fused in the predetermined shape thereby setting a permanent joint.

Figure 6/7 6B Illustrates moulded flange and inverted 45 degree angle of flange.

7 Illustrates copper link with four metal steel inserts, Illustrates steel pins inserted into each joint of wood Figure 3/7 7 Illustrates link of copper with metal inserts.

This illustration shows the mechanical game made up of premoulded plastic, blocks of wood, or plastic.

The premoulded link gaps are situated as illustrated on the drawing. There are also drill holes where steel rods are placed to enhance the construction of the game.

Page 5 Using standard links and extended steel or plastic links this enables the structure to maintain its form whilst being assembled. The use of the preformed links system and the sleeved piping allows the game to extend pillars, the plastic blocks with internal threads allow the pillars to be locked into place giving the model strength and retaining its shape.

Figure 7 7/7 1) Illustrates premoulded link 2) Illustrates piped sleeving holding links in place.

Figure 11 Shows threaded block where moulded link is inserted.

Figure 6 B Shows standard link holding two separate blocks.

Figure 16 Shows metal rods inserted into plastic Figure 15 Shows extended links and right angle links Figure 14 Shows arch shapes to enhance construction.

Page 6

Claims (7)

1) A novel expandable Link.

In the first instance a paper grip designed to retain a ream of paper that has been punched with a standardised paper punch consisting of a diameter of a fraction above 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cm 2) A Metal threaded bar with moulded links not exceeding 2/16 inch or 0. 635 cm with a range between 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cm to 5/8 inch or 1.5875 cm 3) A flanged tubular metal/steel pipe cut off at lengths between '/4 inch or 0.635 cm to a range of 5/8 inch or 1.5875 cm 4) End stoppers to the link with internal threading within a range of 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cm to maximum3/4 inch or 1.905 cm 5) Made up of any type of metal/plastic preferably steel for added strength. 6) An expandable paper grip which can be extended to fit any amount of paper.

Punch holes with a standardised punch between a range of 5/8 inch or 1. 5875 cm to a maximum 4 inches or 10. 16 cm B Expandable Walking Stick 1) A novel expandable walking stick for ease of trans-shipment which can be adjusted to fit any type/height of user or stored away in a drawer until further use.

2) A walking stick that is fully expandable using the link system with varying handles Page 7 ergonomically designed to fit any user of varying types of material for handles, plastic,wood, alloy, bone, nylon.

3) Consisting of a threaded bar between a range of '/4 inch or 0.635 cm moulded links to I inch or 2.54 cm. A preferred measurement of the threaded bar being3/4 inch or 1.905 cm moulded cut off unto sections of 5 inch or 12.7 cm within a range of I inch or 2.54 cm. to 16 inches Or 40.64 cm.

4) A tubular flanged piping between a range of I inch or 2.54 cm to 16 inches or 40.64 cm.

A preferred length being 7 inches or 17.78 cm of chamfered edge of a diameter of3/4 inches 1.905 cm the overall diameter of tubular pipe '/4inch plus 1/32 inch or 1.984375 cm 5) Stopper base and handle 3/4 inch or 1.906 cm internal thread 1 inch or 2.54 cm block.

Between a range of 1/4inches or 0.635 cm to 3 inches or 7.62 cm.

Claim C Expandable First Aid Crutches A novel First Aid expandable crutch for ease of storage and being able to adjust to any height of patient, which can be assembled with ease.

1) Made up of light alloy bar threaded being 1 inch or 2.54 cm with outer sleeve 2) Flanged links of tubular alloy of a diameter of 2.62 cm 3) Stoppers and Handles over lap of internal threaded block 1.5 inches or 3. 81 cm to secure linkage in permanent position.

4) Lengths of moulded links 10 inches or 25.4 cms tubular piping used as sleeve 16 inches or 40.64 cms 5) Smaller links moulded and threaded of I inch or 2.54 cms. Tubular sleeves to retain links 3.81 cms to ensure height adjustment.

Claim D Flange re Flat Pack Furniture 1) A flange for the assembly of flat pack furniture made out of wood/plastic/metal using the link to secure joints. In particular for the assembly of comer units in flat pack furniture or any type of shelving.

Page 8 2) A flange for comer units in flat pack furniture steel tacks inserted underneath flange for temporary setting.

3) Made up of two separate flanges. The preferred dimension by 1" or 2.54 cm length x 1/2" or 1.27 cm Width x 1/16" or 0.15875 cm.

4) With holes inserted into both sides of the flange to insert steel pins 1/4 inch or 1.905cm x 1/16 inch or 0.15875 cm.

5) Both links lined up and set at 45 degrees form a perfect 90 degree angle link is inserted to secure unit and screwed down.

6) Not exceeding 10 inches or 25.4 cm in length 7) Not exceeding 4 inches or 10. 16 cms in width 8) Preferred range between 1/4 inch or 1.905 cm up to 4 inches or 10. 16 cm 9) Moulded flange in mild steel or any other metal to accommodate link other materials plastic/nylon/wood/chipboard CLARV E Large wooden/plastic container 1) A flat pack large wooden/plastic container used as garden tubs, made easy for transportation/shipment and storage, easily assembled with link system, 2) A length of rubber hose which is inserted top and bottom being slightly larger than the preferred U groove prior to assembly.

3) A length of rubber hose 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cm in diameter 4) A U shaped groove 3/16 inch of 0.47625 cm depth A preferred width of 2/16 inch or 0.3175 cm 5) The rubber hose acting as firmly fixed jig prior to screwing in pre moulded links.

6) A preferred measurement of the link system V2 inch or 1.27 cnis premoulded link with thread diameter, outer piped sleeve which has been chamferred at the end to secure fit 1 inch or 2.54 cnis in length with a diameter of 1.349375 cnis 7) Made up of plastic nylon or metal.

6) Link brackets are aligned when garden pot is held with jig, a preferred measurement being 2 inches or 5.08 cm x 2 inches or 5.08 ems Held secure by the pre moulded link PAGE 9 7) Comer flanges and links are used for the bottom base of tub set at an acute angle of 80 degrees.

8) The flange having an angle ratio of 180 degrees (obtuse) is supplied according to each specification.

9) A rubber hose 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cm not exceeding I inch or 2.54 cms but having a preferred range of 3/16 inch or 0.47625 cms to '/2inch or 1. 27 cm.

CLAIM F INDUSTRIAL FLANGE I An industrial flange with copper link and steel inserted rods, when hammered the link fuses with the moulded link securing joint.. Two steel rods are inserted end to end in the timber after drilling. Both flanges are set at the edge of the fence to be joined, these are then hammered and temporily held in position with the steel tacks that are pre-moulded to each link. The links are then screwed in and after insertion with steel pins end to end of each timber the copper link is inserted and hammered home to retain a permanent secure joint.

2) Steel pins x 2 x 3 inch or

7.62 cms x 1/2 inch or 1.27 cms diameter 3) Either two or four metal pins inserted into precut grooves into copper link to allow fusing into mild steel flange.

4) A preferred measurement for the flanges are 2 inchs, or 5.08 cm x 2 inchs or 5.08 ems x 4 inches or 10. 16 cm x 1/2 inch or 1.27 cms but ranging between I inch or 2.54 cms x 10 inches or 25.4 cms 5) A range between I inch or 2.54 cms x 10 inches 25.4 cms 6) The copper link with metal inserts 2 inches or 5.08 cms x 1/2 inch or 1.27 cm at bevelled sides top of link3/4inches or 1.905 cms 7) Flanges moulded with inverted angle of 45 degrees to retain link after hammering and fusing.

Page 10 CLAIM G A MECHANICAL ASSENffiLY GAME 1) A mechanical assembly game using premoulded plastic blocks to retain links extended links, formulating the same shape but extended with metal bars to aid construction. Using pre moulded links in plastic or nylon prethreaded with plastic sleeves for building pillars or stanchions.

2) Extended links retaining same shape but being bent at varying angles to aid assembly game Obtuse and Acute angles.

3) Metal drill holes to insert steel pins for pulleys/cog wheels. 4) A method of securing building plastic blocks and securing whilst in assembly.

5) A method of building bridges using the pre moulded threaded link system with outer piped sleeve.