US3891335A - Retaining clip - Google Patents

Retaining clip Download PDF

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US3891335A
US3891335A US409475A US40947573A US3891335A US 3891335 A US3891335 A US 3891335A US 409475 A US409475 A US 409475A US 40947573 A US40947573 A US 40947573A US 3891335 A US3891335 A US 3891335A
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Prior art keywords
slots
slot
plate members
assembly
edges
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Expired - Lifetime
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US409475A
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Fred W Feil
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CONTINENTAL DISPLAY CORP
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CONTINENTAL DISPLAY CORP
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Priority to US409475A priority Critical patent/US3891335A/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
    • A47B47/0025—Horizontal connecting members adapted to receive and retain the edges of several panel elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0614—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in angled relationship
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
    • F16B2200/30—Dovetail-like connections
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/34—Branched
    • Y10T403/341—Three or more radiating members
    • Y10T403/344—Plural pairs of axially aligned members

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A small generally flat body member of square configuration has slots extending diagonally from the four corners toward the center of the body member.
  • the slots are elongated and widen into a socket portion at the inner end, to receive and tightly fit a flat member such as plate glass in a shelving assembly.
  • the body member has openings through the center and in the four quadrants for stress relief and use in receiving dowels in assembly.
  • the side of the body and the slots are rimmed, and set pins corresponding to the slots are provided, the pins having corresponding rims for sliding into the slots to increase the rigidity of the body member.
  • This invention relates to connecting members and more particularly to retaining members that are fitted between structural members to join the structural members.
  • Assembled units such as display shelving.
  • some types of furniture and toys are advantageously assembled from several basic pieces, which in different combinations lend themselves to a large variety of assemblies. With one piece designed as a holder. and one or more basic structural pieces that fit into the holder. at large variety of structures may be built and disassembled at. will.
  • shelf holders with slots have been devised as one basic unit, and glass, plastic, wooden, metallic or other rigid plate members may be assembled into a display unit by fitting the plate members into the slots of the shelf holders to join the plate members.
  • Such display assemblies can take the form of modular arrangements with holders each joining several plate members at angles to each other. tier arrangements with holders each separating vertical plates and supporting a horizontal shelf. cantilever arrangements with holders joining horizontal shelves to vertical walls. box arrangements with each wall joined by holders. and all sorts of varying designs.
  • the holders need to withstand stress for long periods and must provide rigidity to the assembly.
  • the devices that are presently used sacrifice appearance. which is also important, to gain strength and rigidity of assembly. Excess size and protruding portions on such holders are particularly unsightly in display assemblies, and further increase the cost of production.
  • prior devices of this sort require cutting for use in assembling some of the desired variety of display units. or would require several designs to be used in different units. This detracts from the basic advantage of the system and decreases the versatility of design uses.
  • the invention is directed to improving holder devices for use in assembly of a large variety of structures such as display units.
  • the invention provides a retaining clip that accomplishes improved results particularly in respect to the aforementioned problems. and has further advantages as will appear in the description and claims.
  • the clip of the invention has a flat body with a plural' ity of slots into which plates such as shelving plates fit in assembly.
  • the slots are elongated radially with respect to the center of the retaining clip and have rounded socket portions at their inner ends to fit the plates firmly while distributing the stress to the body of the clip. and permitting some flexibility of the clip without cracking the body.
  • the optimum clip structure according to the invention includes a flat body which has a generally square configuration and has four slots extending diagonally inward from the corners.
  • This structure advantageously provides for relatively high strength and at the same time avoids unsightly excess and protruding structures.
  • the body has raised rims or ribs along the edges thereof that provide direct support to a plate member fitted into the slot in all orientations of the clip.
  • a further feature of this configuration is that it is usable in a large variety of assemblies without alteration.
  • the sides of the clip can be used as a stable base or stand, and can be used to fit a horizontal plate against the surface of an angular plate.
  • Another advantage-in using this configuration is that in assembling a unit, such as a display unit. there is no difficulty in orienting the clip, even without looking at it.
  • set pins are provided for the slots and may be fitted in the slots which are not used in assembly.
  • the pins are of similar size and configuration as the slots.
  • the pins have rims matching corresponding rims on the slot edges and have a ball head on the end for fitting into a socket portion of a slot. The pins may thus be slipped tightly into the slots and will not easily drop out.
  • FIG. I is a front elevation view of a modular display assembly utilizing the retaining clip of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the retaining clip
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken along lines 33 ofFIG. 2; and 7
  • FIG. 4 is a blown up perspective showing the clip and cooperating members ready for assembly.
  • FIG. 1 a modular display assembly 1 in a diamond configuration is shown as an example of'the optimum use of the invention.
  • Assembly 1 is constructed of plates 2 which may be glass, plastic, wood or any other rigid material suitable for shelving.
  • plates 2 are disposed at angles from the vertical plane, and are rigidlyconnected to each other by retaining clips 3.
  • two pairs of bottom plates 4 extend from a floor, table top or the like, with each pair of plates 4 inclined toward each other, to form an inverted V stand for assembly 1.
  • a clip 3 joins the pair of plates 4.
  • additional plates 2 are held by their clip 3, one plate extending on an incline to the center of the diamond configuration, and the other extending to a corner of the diamond.
  • Clips 3 also are fixed to the plates at these corners and more plates 2 are connected to the lower plates by these clips to incline back toward each other and form a diamond within the diamond.
  • the latter plates meet at vertices 6, where other clips 3 join the plates.
  • a top diamond within the diamond shape display is similarly formed by additional plates, also secured together by more clips 3.
  • FIGS. 2-4 the optimum de sign of a clip 3 for use in assemblies similar to display assembly 1 is shown in FIGS. 2-4.
  • a clip 3 has a flat body 8 of generally square configuration, which may be stamped or molded from a suitable rigid plastic or other rigid material. For display assembly use. it is preferred to employ a clear plastic.
  • clip 3 To fit standard plates, such as plates 2, 4 and 7, clip 3 has slots 9 extending from all corners of the body along diagonals toward the center of the body 8. Slots 9 are elongated and of uniform width such as to tightly fit over the edges of standard plates. The mouth of each slot 9 is beveled to facilitate slipping a plate into the slot, and since the clip often is used to support considerable weight, the body 8 should be flexible enough to flex a small degree around the slot as the plate is supported by the clip. This provides a tight fit and more stability for the assemblies employing the clips.
  • clip 3 Around the edges of body 8 and slots 9, clip 3 has a raised rim 11 that projects from the opposed surfaces of the body.
  • the portion of the rim along the sides of body 8 serve the function of strengthening ribs. With the square configuration of the body, these rib portions serve to directly brace against the weight ofa plate supported by the clip and form a generally triangular configuration between adjacent slots 9.
  • the clip When plates are fitted in all four slots 4, body 8 and rim 1] thus provide rigid support for the plates.
  • the clip may be used in situations where one or more slots 9 are not utilized. For these situations, a plurality of set pins 13 are provided, and may be fitted in unused slots 9 to add rigidity to the clip.
  • a pin 13 has an elongated body portion 14, which is rectangular in cross section having a thickness generally corresponding to the width of a slot 9. At one end of body portion 14, the pin has a round or cylindrical head 15 that generally corresponds to a socket portion 10 ofa slot. ln assembly, round or cylindrical head 15 is received within socket portion 10 and locks pin 13 in place, as in a snap-fit connection until such time as the pin is manually removed.
  • body portion 14 of the pin is provided with opposed rims 16 that are spaced apart a distance generally corresponding to the thickness of the rim ll of clip 3.
  • the rims 16 of pin 13 projects from the body portion 14 a distance to generally correspond to the surface depth of rim ll of clip 3 as measured in a plane paralleling the body portion 8. ln assembly, the opposed rims 16 of the pin 13 straddle rim 1] along the edges of the slot 9 to interengage and hold pin 13 within the slot.
  • a pin 13 may be snap-fit into an available slot 9 by sliding the pin into the slot head first and with opposed rims 16 riding over rim 11 along the opposed edges of the slot.
  • Clip 3 has a number of holes through body 8 for various reasons.
  • a rimmed center hole 17 is provided and may be used to receive a rod or dowel, not shown. Clips may be stored by dropping them on a dowel, or a rod may be fitted into the hole 17 of two or more clips spaced horizontally and this rod may be used for hangers and the like.
  • holes 18 are provided in four different quadrants of body 8 and function in the same manner. The holes also provide stress relief and flexibility in the body.
  • a retaining clip for connecting plate members comprising:
  • a generally flat rigid body having a plurality of elongated slots formed therein, the slots'extending from the edges of the body toward the center of the body, each slot having a rounded socket portion at the inner end of the slot, and the slots being of a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members to receive the plate members in assembly.
  • the matching rims include a raised rim on the slot edges and a set of raised rims on the set pin, the raised rims on the set pin riding over the rim on the slot during assembly.
  • a retaining clip for connecting plate members comprising a generally flat body having a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said body having raised rim portions extending between slots along the four edges of the flat body and along the edges of the slots.
  • a retaining clip for connecting plate members comprising a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said slots each having a rounded socket portion on the inner end thereof to avoid cracking of the flat body under stress.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

A small generally flat body member of square configuration has slots extending diagonally from the four corners toward the center of the body member. The slots are elongated and widen into a socket portion at the inner end, to receive and tightly fit a flat member such as plate glass in a shelving assembly. The body member has openings through the center and in the four quadrants for stress relief and use in receiving dowels in assembly. The side of the body and the slots are rimmed, and set pins corresponding to the slots are provided, the pins having corresponding rims for sliding into the slots to increase the rigidity of the body member.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Feil 1 1 RETAINING CLIP [75] Inventor: Fred W. Feil, Racine. Wis.
[73] Assignee: Continental Display Corporation,
Racine. Wis.
22 Filed: Oct. 25, 1973 21 Appl. No: 409,475
156] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.706.388 3/1929 Ashkcnas 52/753 D X 2.854.103 9/1958 Kruger... 403/173 2.866.235 12/1958 Cousc Ct 211. 403/173 3.177.611 4/1965 Beck 46/31) 3.498.655 3/1971) Arms ct 111. 52/7611 1 1 June 24, 1975 3.687.500 11/1972 Silvius .52/758D 3,747,261 7/1973 Salem 46/29 Primary Examiner-Werner H. Schroeder Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Andrus. Sceales, Starke & Sawall 157] ABSTRACT A small generally flat body member of square configuration has slots extending diagonally from the four corners toward the center of the body member. The slots are elongated and widen into a socket portion at the inner end, to receive and tightly fit a flat member such as plate glass in a shelving assembly. The body member has openings through the center and in the four quadrants for stress relief and use in receiving dowels in assembly. The side of the body and the slots are rimmed, and set pins corresponding to the slots are provided, the pins having corresponding rims for sliding into the slots to increase the rigidity of the body member.
7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures RETAINING cur BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to connecting members and more particularly to retaining members that are fitted between structural members to join the structural members.
Assembled units such as display shelving. some types of furniture and toys are advantageously assembled from several basic pieces, which in different combinations lend themselves to a large variety of assemblies. With one piece designed as a holder. and one or more basic structural pieces that fit into the holder. at large variety of structures may be built and disassembled at. will.
In display assemblies, shelf holders with slots have been devised as one basic unit, and glass, plastic, wooden, metallic or other rigid plate members may be assembled into a display unit by fitting the plate members into the slots of the shelf holders to join the plate members. Such display assemblies can take the form of modular arrangements with holders each joining several plate members at angles to each other. tier arrangements with holders each separating vertical plates and supporting a horizontal shelf. cantilever arrangements with holders joining horizontal shelves to vertical walls. box arrangements with each wall joined by holders. and all sorts of varying designs.
In these and other assemblies the holders need to withstand stress for long periods and must provide rigidity to the assembly. The devices that are presently used sacrifice appearance. which is also important, to gain strength and rigidity of assembly. Excess size and protruding portions on such holders are particularly unsightly in display assemblies, and further increase the cost of production.
Also, prior devices of this sort require cutting for use in assembling some of the desired variety of display units. or would require several designs to be used in different units. This detracts from the basic advantage of the system and decreases the versatility of design uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to improving holder devices for use in assembly of a large variety of structures such as display units. The invention provides a retaining clip that accomplishes improved results particularly in respect to the aforementioned problems. and has further advantages as will appear in the description and claims.
The clip of the invention has a flat body with a plural' ity of slots into which plates such as shelving plates fit in assembly. The slots are elongated radially with respect to the center of the retaining clip and have rounded socket portions at their inner ends to fit the plates firmly while distributing the stress to the body of the clip. and permitting some flexibility of the clip without cracking the body.
The optimum clip structure according to the invention includes a flat body which has a generally square configuration and has four slots extending diagonally inward from the corners. This structure advantageously provides for relatively high strength and at the same time avoids unsightly excess and protruding structures. The body has raised rims or ribs along the edges thereof that provide direct support to a plate member fitted into the slot in all orientations of the clip.
A further feature of this configuration is that it is usable in a large variety of assemblies without alteration. The sides of the clip can be used as a stable base or stand, and can be used to fit a horizontal plate against the surface of an angular plate.
Another advantage-in using this configuration, is that in assembling a unit, such as a display unit. there is no difficulty in orienting the clip, even without looking at it.
Increased strength is provided for the clip by an additional feature of the invention. In accordance with this feature, set pins are provided for the slots and may be fitted in the slots which are not used in assembly. The pins are of similar size and configuration as the slots. In the optimum use of this feature. the pins have rims matching corresponding rims on the slot edges and have a ball head on the end for fitting into a socket portion of a slot. The pins may thus be slipped tightly into the slots and will not easily drop out.
These and other features of the invention willbe amplified in the drawings and description.
DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode presently con templated by the inventor for carrying out the practice of the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. I is a front elevation view of a modular display assembly utilizing the retaining clip of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the retaining clip;
FIG. 3 is a section taken along lines 33 ofFIG. 2; and 7 FIG. 4 is a blown up perspective showing the clip and cooperating members ready for assembly.
DESCRIPTION In the drawings and referring particularly to FIG. 1. a modular display assembly 1 in a diamond configuration is shown as an example of'the optimum use of the invention. Assembly 1 is constructed of plates 2 which may be glass, plastic, wood or any other rigid material suitable for shelving. In this example, plates 2 are disposed at angles from the vertical plane, and are rigidlyconnected to each other by retaining clips 3.
To support the display, two pairs of bottom plates 4 extend from a floor, table top or the like, with each pair of plates 4 inclined toward each other, to form an inverted V stand for assembly 1. At the vertex 5 of the V, a clip 3 joins the pair of plates 4.
From the top side of the clip 3 on the V stand portion, additional plates 2 are held by their clip 3, one plate extending on an incline to the center of the diamond configuration, and the other extending to a corner of the diamond. Clips 3 also are fixed to the plates at these corners and more plates 2 are connected to the lower plates by these clips to incline back toward each other and form a diamond within the diamond. The latter plates meet at vertices 6, where other clips 3 join the plates. A top diamond within the diamond shape display is similarly formed by additional plates, also secured together by more clips 3.
Shelves 7, which are plates similar to plates 2 and 4, are placed horizontally within their diamonds in assembly 1. Additional clips 3 are secured on the ends of shelves 7 and are disposed against the surfaces of the appropriate plates 2 to support the shelves and protect the plates. Thus, by the use of several basic pieces, the
plates 2, 4 and 7 and clips 3, a stable display assembly 1 has been constructed. Various other configurations can be easily devised using the same pieces.
In accordance with the invention, the optimum de sign of a clip 3 for use in assemblies similar to display assembly 1 is shown in FIGS. 2-4. A clip 3 has a flat body 8 of generally square configuration, which may be stamped or molded from a suitable rigid plastic or other rigid material. For display assembly use. it is preferred to employ a clear plastic.
To fit standard plates, such as plates 2, 4 and 7, clip 3 has slots 9 extending from all corners of the body along diagonals toward the center of the body 8. Slots 9 are elongated and of uniform width such as to tightly fit over the edges of standard plates. The mouth of each slot 9 is beveled to facilitate slipping a plate into the slot, and since the clip often is used to support considerable weight, the body 8 should be flexible enough to flex a small degree around the slot as the plate is supported by the clip. This provides a tight fit and more stability for the assemblies employing the clips.
The stress of this flexing under the weight of a plate in a slot 9 tends to center around the inner end of the slot, which could cause cracking of body 8 in this area. To relieve this problem and permit small amounts of flexing about the slots, the inner end of the slots are provided with rounded socket portions 10. Socket portions 10 are somewhat wider than the slot, and with the rounded shape serve to relieve stress on the body 8 in this area.
Around the edges of body 8 and slots 9, clip 3 has a raised rim 11 that projects from the opposed surfaces of the body. The portion of the rim along the sides of body 8 serve the function of strengthening ribs. With the square configuration of the body, these rib portions serve to directly brace against the weight ofa plate supported by the clip and form a generally triangular configuration between adjacent slots 9.
When plates are fitted in all four slots 4, body 8 and rim 1] thus provide rigid support for the plates. However, the clip may be used in situations where one or more slots 9 are not utilized. For these situations, a plurality of set pins 13 are provided, and may be fitted in unused slots 9 to add rigidity to the clip.
Shown in FIG. 4, a pin 13 has an elongated body portion 14, which is rectangular in cross section having a thickness generally corresponding to the width of a slot 9. At one end of body portion 14, the pin has a round or cylindrical head 15 that generally corresponds to a socket portion 10 ofa slot. ln assembly, round or cylindrical head 15 is received within socket portion 10 and locks pin 13 in place, as in a snap-fit connection until such time as the pin is manually removed.
Further, to secure a pin 13 in a slot 9, body portion 14 of the pin is provided with opposed rims 16 that are spaced apart a distance generally corresponding to the thickness of the rim ll of clip 3. The rims 16 of pin 13 projects from the body portion 14 a distance to generally correspond to the surface depth of rim ll of clip 3 as measured in a plane paralleling the body portion 8. ln assembly, the opposed rims 16 of the pin 13 straddle rim 1] along the edges of the slot 9 to interengage and hold pin 13 within the slot. Thus, a pin 13 may be snap-fit into an available slot 9 by sliding the pin into the slot head first and with opposed rims 16 riding over rim 11 along the opposed edges of the slot.
Clip 3 has a number of holes through body 8 for various reasons. A rimmed center hole 17 is provided and may be used to receive a rod or dowel, not shown. Clips may be stored by dropping them on a dowel, or a rod may be fitted into the hole 17 of two or more clips spaced horizontally and this rod may be used for hangers and the like. Similarly, holes 18 are provided in four different quadrants of body 8 and function in the same manner. The holes also provide stress relief and flexibility in the body.
The example of the practice of the invention shown in the drawings and described above is the optimum practice of the invention. Several of the advantages of the invention may be found with clips of different configurations, suchas elliptical, rectangular or circular shapes, at the sacrifice of the advantages unique to the square shape. With such variations, the practice of the invention provides a clip that is versatile in use, eye pleasing, and structurally sound to accomplish rigid connections in assembly.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded the invention.
1 claim:
1. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising:
a generally flat rigid body having a plurality of elongated slots formed therein, the slots'extending from the edges of the body toward the center of the body, each slot having a rounded socket portion at the inner end of the slot, and the slots being of a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members to receive the plate members in assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 and including a set pin having an elongated body portion corresponding in thickness to the slot width, said pin terminating with a round or cylindrical head corresponding to the socket portion of the slot for locking the set pin within the slot.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the slots and the set pin having matching rims to interengage the pin in the slot in assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the matching rims include a raised rim on the slot edges and a set of raised rims on the set pin, the raised rims on the set pin riding over the rim on the slot during assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, and including raised rib portions on the body portion, the rib portions extending along the edges of the body between the mouths of adjacent slots and serve to brace a plate in the corresponding slots in an assembly.
6. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising a generally flat body having a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said body having raised rim portions extending between slots along the four edges of the flat body and along the edges of the slots.
7. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said slots each having a rounded socket portion on the inner end thereof to avoid cracking of the flat body under stress.

Claims (7)

1. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising: a generally flat rigid body having a plurality of elongated slots formed therein, the slots extending from the edges of the body toward the center of the body, each slot having a rounded socket portion at the inner end of the slot, and the slots being of a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members to receive the plate members in assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 and including a set pin having an elongated body portion corresponding in thickness to the slot width, said pin terminating with a round or cylindrical head corresponding to the socket portion of the slot for locking the set pin within the slot.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the slots and the set pin having matching rims to interengage the pin in the slot in assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the matching rims include a raised rim on the slot edges and a set of raised rims on the set pin, the raised rims on the set pin riding over the rim on the slot during assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, and including raised rib portions on the body portion, the rib portions extending along the edges of the body between the mouths of adjacent slots and serve to brace a plate in the corresponding slots in an assembly.
6. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising a generally flat body having a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said body having raised rim portions extending between slots along the four edges of the flat body and along the edges of the slots.
7. A retaining clip for connecting plate members, comprising a generally square configuration provided with slots extending from each corner diagonally toward the center of the body, the slots being elongated and having a width generally corresponding to the thickness of the plate members, said slots each having a rounded socket portion on the inner end thereof to avoid cracking of the flat body under stress.
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Cited By (36)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4044677A (en) * 1975-08-13 1977-08-30 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Inking mechanism
US4239598A (en) * 1978-10-31 1980-12-16 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Nuclear reactor heat transport system component low friction support system
US4422616A (en) * 1979-02-09 1983-12-27 Rudolf Wilke, et al. Support arm for fastening to a wall
US4567707A (en) * 1984-04-09 1986-02-04 Joseph Herman Geodesic structure
US4789370A (en) * 1987-02-11 1988-12-06 Go Images, Inc. Apparatus for interlocking structural elements of toy disks
US4966487A (en) * 1990-03-16 1990-10-30 Sinkoff Howard L Connecting devices for grids
US5061219A (en) * 1990-12-11 1991-10-29 Magic Mold Corporation Construction toy
US5121526A (en) * 1990-08-15 1992-06-16 Eugene R. Burkard Interconnection clip for model structures
US5137486A (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-08-11 Connector Set Toy Company Multi-planar connector element for construction toy
US5199919A (en) * 1990-12-11 1993-04-06 Connector Set Limited Partnership Construction toy system
GB2267308A (en) * 1992-05-28 1993-12-01 South London Children S Scrap Connecting devices and construction kit.
AU650284B2 (en) * 1990-12-11 1994-06-16 Connector Set Toy Company Construction toy
US5350331A (en) * 1990-12-11 1994-09-27 Connector Set Limited Partnership Construction toy system
US5433549A (en) * 1993-09-07 1995-07-18 Thomas H. McGaffigan Flexible tie strut
US5827104A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-10-27 Patent Category Corporation Constructional toy pieces
US5910038A (en) * 1996-01-11 1999-06-08 Patent Category Corp. Constructional toy pieces
US6343409B1 (en) 1999-08-12 2002-02-05 Gold Star Plastics, Inc. Flexible clip assembly
US6484374B2 (en) 1999-08-12 2002-11-26 Gold Star Plastics, Inc. Flexible clamp device
EP1348474A2 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-01 Mattel, Inc. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
US20030186616A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Manville Richard B. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
US6669036B1 (en) * 1999-10-13 2003-12-30 Frank Yang Modular storage assembly
US6676474B2 (en) * 2002-01-07 2004-01-13 Connector Set Limited Partnership Rod and connector toy construction set
US20050186021A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2005-08-25 Keith Savas Product Development, Llc Hub and spoke panel connector
WO2005085656A1 (en) * 2004-03-05 2005-09-15 Paul Shenton Panel connection system
US20070240285A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2007-10-18 Yuval Caspi Card construction clips
US20130074401A1 (en) * 2011-09-27 2013-03-28 Scholtes Family Holdings Pty Ltd Enclosure and method of forming same
US20140112700A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 Epsilon Composite Process for stress relief of the stresses of a pinned end fitting, stress-relieved end fitting obtained
US20150076099A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Wen-Tsung Chang Shelf with interlayers
US20160016398A1 (en) * 2011-10-26 2016-01-21 Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. Press cage comprising wall plates and coupler parts
US20160101371A1 (en) * 2013-04-24 2016-04-14 Magic Production Group S.A. Element for amusement articles, corresponding system and method
US9428871B1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2016-08-30 Curtis F. Dia Original caution tape retainer
US20180326319A1 (en) * 2015-11-06 2018-11-15 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Modular frame connectors and system utilizing same
US10980341B1 (en) * 2020-07-27 2021-04-20 Gregory Allan Van Pelt Beverage rack assembly and method of construction
US20210394076A1 (en) * 2019-02-13 2021-12-23 Viahart Llc Interlocking disc toy
USD1003700S1 (en) * 2021-05-26 2023-11-07 Ecosystems Brand Llc Connector
US12010961B2 (en) 2021-03-02 2024-06-18 Hortech, Inc. Modular planting system for roof applications

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US2866235A (en) * 1957-02-25 1958-12-30 Couse Mfg Inc Structural building element
US3177611A (en) * 1962-12-31 1965-04-13 George R Beck Snap action disk element for toy structures
US3498655A (en) * 1968-09-18 1970-03-03 Hewlett Packard Co Panel mount and fastener
US3687500A (en) * 1969-02-18 1972-08-29 Arthur Aurelius Xaverius Silvi Connecting construction for sheet members
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Cited By (46)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4044677A (en) * 1975-08-13 1977-08-30 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Inking mechanism
US4239598A (en) * 1978-10-31 1980-12-16 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Nuclear reactor heat transport system component low friction support system
US4422616A (en) * 1979-02-09 1983-12-27 Rudolf Wilke, et al. Support arm for fastening to a wall
US4567707A (en) * 1984-04-09 1986-02-04 Joseph Herman Geodesic structure
US4789370A (en) * 1987-02-11 1988-12-06 Go Images, Inc. Apparatus for interlocking structural elements of toy disks
US4966487A (en) * 1990-03-16 1990-10-30 Sinkoff Howard L Connecting devices for grids
WO1993015808A1 (en) * 1990-08-15 1993-08-19 Burkard Eugene R Interconnection clip for model structures
US5121526A (en) * 1990-08-15 1992-06-16 Eugene R. Burkard Interconnection clip for model structures
US5350331A (en) * 1990-12-11 1994-09-27 Connector Set Limited Partnership Construction toy system
US5199919A (en) * 1990-12-11 1993-04-06 Connector Set Limited Partnership Construction toy system
US5061219A (en) * 1990-12-11 1991-10-29 Magic Mold Corporation Construction toy
AU650284B2 (en) * 1990-12-11 1994-06-16 Connector Set Toy Company Construction toy
US5137486A (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-08-11 Connector Set Toy Company Multi-planar connector element for construction toy
GB2267308A (en) * 1992-05-28 1993-12-01 South London Children S Scrap Connecting devices and construction kit.
GB2267308B (en) * 1992-05-28 1995-01-04 South London Children S Scrap Connecting devices and construction kit
US5433549A (en) * 1993-09-07 1995-07-18 Thomas H. McGaffigan Flexible tie strut
US5827104A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-10-27 Patent Category Corporation Constructional toy pieces
US5910038A (en) * 1996-01-11 1999-06-08 Patent Category Corp. Constructional toy pieces
US6343409B1 (en) 1999-08-12 2002-02-05 Gold Star Plastics, Inc. Flexible clip assembly
US6484374B2 (en) 1999-08-12 2002-11-26 Gold Star Plastics, Inc. Flexible clamp device
US6669036B1 (en) * 1999-10-13 2003-12-30 Frank Yang Modular storage assembly
US20040134869A1 (en) * 1999-10-13 2004-07-15 Seville Classics, Inc. Modular storage assembly
US6676474B2 (en) * 2002-01-07 2004-01-13 Connector Set Limited Partnership Rod and connector toy construction set
US20040198142A1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2004-10-07 Glickman Joel I. Rod and connector toy construction set
US6843700B2 (en) 2002-01-07 2005-01-18 Connector Set Limited Partnership Rod and connector toy construction set
US20030186616A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Manville Richard B. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
EP1348474A2 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-01 Mattel, Inc. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
EP1348474A3 (en) * 2002-03-26 2004-05-19 Mattel, Inc. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
EP1690577A2 (en) * 2002-03-26 2006-08-16 Mattel, Inc. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
EP1690577A3 (en) * 2002-03-26 2007-07-25 Mattel, Inc. Construction toy set having low insertion force connecting bodies
US20050186021A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2005-08-25 Keith Savas Product Development, Llc Hub and spoke panel connector
WO2005085656A1 (en) * 2004-03-05 2005-09-15 Paul Shenton Panel connection system
US20070240285A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2007-10-18 Yuval Caspi Card construction clips
US20130074401A1 (en) * 2011-09-27 2013-03-28 Scholtes Family Holdings Pty Ltd Enclosure and method of forming same
US20160016398A1 (en) * 2011-10-26 2016-01-21 Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. Press cage comprising wall plates and coupler parts
US20140112700A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 Epsilon Composite Process for stress relief of the stresses of a pinned end fitting, stress-relieved end fitting obtained
US20160101371A1 (en) * 2013-04-24 2016-04-14 Magic Production Group S.A. Element for amusement articles, corresponding system and method
US20150076099A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Wen-Tsung Chang Shelf with interlayers
US9445666B2 (en) * 2013-09-13 2016-09-20 Wen-Tsung Chang Shelf with interlayers
US9428871B1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2016-08-30 Curtis F. Dia Original caution tape retainer
US20180326319A1 (en) * 2015-11-06 2018-11-15 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Modular frame connectors and system utilizing same
US10561958B2 (en) * 2015-11-06 2020-02-18 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Modular frame connectors and system utilizing same
US20210394076A1 (en) * 2019-02-13 2021-12-23 Viahart Llc Interlocking disc toy
US10980341B1 (en) * 2020-07-27 2021-04-20 Gregory Allan Van Pelt Beverage rack assembly and method of construction
US12010961B2 (en) 2021-03-02 2024-06-18 Hortech, Inc. Modular planting system for roof applications
USD1003700S1 (en) * 2021-05-26 2023-11-07 Ecosystems Brand Llc Connector

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