US2405469A - Plank or board joint - Google Patents

Description

Aug., 6, l946 F. J. TIRREL PLANK 0R BOARD JOINT Filed July 22, 1944 /fo /7 f "lo 214;@ HrramvEY Patented Aug. 6, 1946 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PLANK OR BOARD JINT Frank J. Tirrcl, George, Iowa. Application July 22, 1944, Serial No. 546,164

1 Claim. 1

My invention relates to a joint device for boards or planks.

An object of my invention is to provide a joint which is adapted to retain and securely hold the end joints between adjacently placed boards or planks.

A further object of my invention is to provide a joint of this nature which will accommodate a variety of plank sizes.

A further object of myy invention is to provide a device of this character wherein more than two joints can be accommodated if desired, and to provide the device in a very simple construction, and which can be manufactured at a reasonable cost.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement, and combination of the various parts of my device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claim, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the joint,

Fig. 2 is a section of Fig. l, taken along the lines 2--2 thereof,

Fig. 3 is a section corresponding to Fig. 2 showing the planks or boards in place in the joint,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is side elevation showing the planks and joints in their assembled position being supported by saw-horses, and

Fig. 6 is a side elevation showing the use of more than one joint.

My invention contemplates the provision o f a simple, strong, and durable joint in which the ends of adjoining planks can be placed, and wherein the planks will then be firmly held and supported against any downward pressure. Such a joint is especially desirable when it is necessary to use a pair of boards or planks to provide a greater length, or in some cases where a few shorter pieces of board can be more conveniently carried up a stairway, and then assembled with the joints, rather than carrying up an extremely long plank around the stairway bends, etc., which in some cases is relatively impossible. My invention also contemplates the use of such a joint for those instances where only shorter planking is available, as well as other reasons.

I have used the character I0 to designate the two side pieces of the joint, preferably made of steel, although other suitable materials can be employed for the necessary strength. Attached across and to the members Ill, and at the extremities thereof, are the upper iiat straps II which are attached by means of welding or by any other suitable method. Attached beneath the members Il) are a pair of further straps I 2 between which is provided a space I3, and hammered into the straps I2 are a series of projecting points Ill. The straps I2Aare equally spaced apart from the center of the arrangement.

The sides or depths I5 of the members I0 are made slightly larger than the maximum thickness of the boards or planks to be used, and will thereby accommodate' planks of lesser thickness. The members Il) are of fairly'substantial length,

and the straps II include the small centrally arranged openings I6 therein.

The arrangement is used in the following manner. The planks indicated by the character I'l are placed beneath the straps I I with their abutting ends I8 being placed over each one of the lower straps I2', with the points of abutment at I8 being centrally positioned. The arrangement is then ready for use, and it will be noted that any pressure downwardly in the direction of the arrow I9 (see Fig, 3) will be supported due to the arrangement of the straps I I and I2 and due to the levering action therebetween.

The small projections I4 will serve to bite into the boardsg, thereby additionally securing the same, although I have found through actual use that the planks are otherwise iirmly retained. The width between the members Il] will permit of a variety of plank widths also. If desired,

nails 2|] can be driven through the openings IS,

into the planks for additional retention, though this is not usually necessary.

Fig. 5 shows a joint supporting a, pair of planks which are supported Vby the horses 2|, and Fig. 6 illustrates the use of two joints, accommodating three planks.

It will now be seen that I have provided all of the objects of my invention, that my invention possesses the advantages hereinabove stated, with further advantages being readily apparent.

Some changes may be made inthe construction and arrangement of the parts of my invention Without departing from Ithe real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claim any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within its scope.

I claim as my invention:

A plank joint comprising a pair of spaced side members adapted to receive plank ends therebetween, straps attached to, and beneath said side members for engagement with the ends of the 3 planks, further straps attached to and above said side members, and at the extremities thereof for receiving planks thereunder whereby downward pressure on the plank ends will prevent relative movement of the plank ends and will secure the same, said lower straps being spaced apart, and being attached centrally of said joint, said lower straps including projections for engaging into the plank surfaces, said upper straps having openings for the reception of securing nails, said side members being of a depth to receive various plank thicknesses, and being spaced sufliciently to receive various plank widths.

FRANK J. TIRREL.

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