WO2002099290A1

WO2002099290A1 - A device for mutually interlocking two elements

Info

Publication number: WO2002099290A1
Application number: PCT/SE2002/001060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Alexanderson
Original assignee: Hortinorr Ab
Priority date: 2001-06-03
Filing date: 2002-06-03
Publication date: 2002-12-12
Also published as: SE0104153D0; SE0104153L

Abstract

The invention is related to a device for mutually interlocking a first element (1) provided with a recess (3) and a second element (2) so that they form an angle with each other. The device comprises a body (40) having a protrusion (41) adapted to be insertable in the recess (3) in the first element and means (42, 4, 7) for attaching the second element (2) to the body. Said attaching means is designed tightenable and adapted to, when being tightened, apply a force on the protrusion (41), which is inserted in the recess (3) in the first element (1), so that the protrusion puts a load on the first element (1) substantially only in direction towards the second element, one of the boundary edges (81) of the first element being pressed against one side (82) of the second element and thereby mutually interlocking the two elements.

Description

A device for mutually interlocking two elements

FI ELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention is related to a device for mutually interlocking a first element provided with a recess and a second element so that they form an angle with each other, the device comprising a body having a protrusion adapted to be insertable in the recess in the first element and means for attaching the second element to the body.

A device of the initially mentioned kind is for instance known from the publication EP 0 194 976. The device according to this publication comprises a hole in the body of the device, in which hole an attach- ing means for attaching the second element is intended to engage, the protrusion being expandable in the recess under the influence of the attaching means for attaching the first element to the body and thereby mutually interlocking the two elements. However, in this device the two elements are only attached to the body of the device, which connects the two elements and interlocks them mutually. This gives an unsatisfactory mutual interlocking of the elements, since the counteraction of the interlocking against mutual relative movement of the elements is totally depending on the solidity and strength of the body of the device. Moreover, such an interlocking of the elements where the elements only are attached to the body of the device does not provide a desired stability for the elements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to produce a device for mutu- ally interlocking two elements of the initially defined kind, which provides an improved mutual interlocking of the elements compared with prior known art.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a device, in which said attaching means is designed tightenable and adapted to, when being tightened, apply a force on the protrusion, which is inserted in the recess in the first element, so that the protrusion puts a load on the first element substantially only in direction towards the second element, one of the boundary edges of the first element being pressed against one side of the second element and thereby mutually interlocking the two elements.

Thus, at the interlocking the two elements will be pressed against each other in addition to that the elements are attached to the body of the device as well. This provides a very stable mutual interlocking of the two respective elements. At stress on one element the other element contributes in absorbing the forces caused by the stress on the one element, due to the two elements being pressed against each other. Consequently, these forces do not have to be absorbed only by the body of the device. Accordingly, a device according to the invention provides a more reliable mutual interlocking of the two elements compared with prior art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the device is designed to have one of its boundary edges to abut against the second element when attaching the second element to the body, a second, substantially towards the second element directed boundary edge of the body then being located at a distance from the second element, said attaching means being adapted to, when being tightened, put a load on the body towards the second element for moving said second boundary edge towards the second element and thereby introduce a tension in the body, which tension applies a pretension on the attaching means. The introduction of a pretension on the attaching means enhances the locking of the second element by means of the attaching means.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention said attaching means is adapted to co-operate with a load member so that when tightening the attaching means a boundary surface of the body distant from the second element is loaded by the load member substantially in direction towards the second element. The load of the load member on said boundary surface of the body thus contributes in applying a force on the protrusion inserted in the recess in the first element and thereby contributes in pressing one of the boundary edges of the first element against one side of the second element. Furthermore, the load member provides a more even load of the body of the device and thereby also a more even application of force on the protrusion when tightening the attaching means than in the case where only the attaching means applies force on the protrusion. This reduces the risk of damage on the body of the device as a consequence of uneven load.

Further advantages, advantageous features and fields of use of the invention will become apparent from the other dependent claims and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention cited as examples with reference to the appended drawings, on which:

Fig 1 a is a perspective view schematically illustrating the design of a body, included in an inventional device, according to a first embodiment of the invention, is a perspective view of the body illustrated in Fig 1 a, which shows the body from the opposite direction compared with Fig 1 a,

is a perspective view schematically illustrating the design of a body, included in an inventional device, according to a second embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of the body illustrated in Fig 2a, which shows the body from the opposite direction compared with Fig 2a,

is a perspective view schematically illustrating the design of a body, included in an inventional device, according to a third embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of the body illustrated in Fig 3a, which shows the body from the opposite direction compared with Fig 3a,

is a perspective view schematically illustrating the design of a body, included in an inventional device, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

is a side view, partially in cross-section, illustrating a device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the device being shown interlocking two elements mutually at right angles with each other,

is a side view, partially in cross-section, illustrating a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the device being shown interlocking two elements mutually at right angles with each other,

is a view from above of the device shown in Fig 6a, Fig 7a is a side view, partially in cross-section, illustrating a device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the device being shown interlocking two elements mutually at right angles with each other,

Fig 7b is a view from above of the device shown in Fig 7a,

Fig 8a is a side view, partially in cross-section, illustrating a device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, the device being shown interlocking two elements mutually at right angles with each other, and

Fig 8b is a view from above of the device shown in Fig 8a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The device is related to a device for mutually interlocking a first element provided with a recess and a second element so that they form an angle with each other, for instance at right angles. The inventional device comprises a body.

In Fig 1 a and Fig 1 b a design of a body 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The body 10 substantially has the shape of a U-profile, or a shape, which partially corresponds to a semicylinder, or in other words a half pipe. Thus, the body has a sleeve-like portion, which in accordance with what will be explained more in detail below preferably is adapted to at least partially surround an attachment member and co-operate with the attachment member for attaching the second of the two elements to be mutually interlocked. Furthermore, the body 10 has a protrusion, in the shape of two protruding parts 1 1 , which protrudes from the other part of the body in the extension of the U-profile of the body, that is in the extension of the two arms of said U. Thus, the two parts 1 1 are located at a distance from each other. This protrusion is adapted to be in- sertable in the recess in the first element. According to this embodi- ment of the invention the protrusion is located at one end of the body 10. As apparent from Figs 1 a and 1 b, the body 10 is, consequently, made in one piece and, accordingly, is not put together of several different parts. The design of this body 10 enables a very simple production of the body. The body may for instance be produced of metal, some composite material, plastics or wood, but this is of course only examples of materials and is in no way any limitation of the invention.

Fig 2a and Fig 2b illustrate a design of a body 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is largely similar to the body 10 illustrated in Figs 1 a and 1 b. The body 20 shown in Figs 2a and 2b has, however, a more closed shape than the body 10. The body 20 partially has the shape of an almost closed cylinder, which accordingly defines a sleeve-like portion. Furthermore, similar to the body 10, the body is provided with a protrusion in the shape of two protruding parts 21 , which are put together to abut against each other side by side while forming said protrusion, as opposed to the parts 1 1 of the body 10, which are located at a distance from each other.

A design of a body 30 according to a third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig 3a and Fig 3b. This body 30 according to the third embodiment is largely similar to the body 20 according to the second embodiment described above. The body has a sleeve-like portion 32, formed by a cylinder-like, or pipe-like, part. This portion 32 only extends, however, for a part of the length of the body as opposed to the corresponding sleeve-like portions of the bodies 10 and 20, which portions extend the entire length of these bodies 10, 20. Similar to the bodies 10, 20, also the body 30 has a protrusion, which is formed by two protruding parts 31 at one end of the body 30. Similar to the parts 21 of the body 20 the two parts 31 are put together into abutment against each other while forming said protrusion. At the end of the body 30, which is opposite in relation to the end at which the protrusion is located, there is a portion of the body, which is formed by two opposite walls 33. The walls 33 are in the extension of the sleeve-like portion 32 arranged at a distance from each other and put together in connection to the protrusion. Thus, it could be considered as if the sleeve formed by the sleeve-like portion 32 at one end of the body 30 is slit.

Fig 4 is a perspective view illustrating the design of a body 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The body 40 is largely similar to the body 20 illustrated in Figs 2a and 2b. The body according to Fig 4 has a sleeve-like portion 42, which extends the entire length of the body 40. Compared with the body 20, the sleevelike portion of which partially has the shape of an almost closed cylinder, the sleeve-like portion 42 of the body 40 partially has the shape of an almost closed cone, the envelope surface of the body, accordingly, in a side view, see Fig 5, having an inclining edge 43. Furthermore, similar to the body 20, the body is provided with a protrusion in the shape of two protruding parts 41 , which are put together substantially into abutment against each other side by side forming said protrusion. As illustrated in Fig 4 there may also be a minor distance between the parts 41.

In Fig 5 a device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated with all of its parts included therein. The device is in Fig 5 shown interlocking two elements 1 , 2 mutually at right angles in relation to each other. The device according to the fourth embodi- ment and the function thereof will now be described with reference to Fig 5. However, it is appreciated that instead of the body 40 any of the previously described bodies 10, 20, 30 may be used.

The device is intended for mutually interlocking a first element 1 , which is provided with a recess 3, and a second element 2 so that they form an angle with each other. The device illustrated in Fig 5 comprises a body 40, which has a protrusion, formed by the protruding parts 41. The protrusion is adapted to be insertable into the recess 3 in the first element 1 . Furthermore, the device comprises means for attaching the second element 2 to the body. Said attaching means is designed tightenable and adapted to, when being tightened, apply a force on the protrusion 41 , 41 , which is inserted in the recess 3 in the first element 1 so that the protrusion puts a load on the first element 1 substantially only in direction towards the second element 2. According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig 5 the protrusion 41 , 41 puts a load on the first element 1 by means of a boundary edge 90 of the protrusion, that is a boundary edge of the protruding parts 41 , while abutting against a boundary edge 91 of the recess 3 in the first element 1 , pressing the first element 1 towards the second element 2. In this way, one of the boundary edges 81 of the first element 1 is pressed against a side 82 of the second element 2 and thereby the two elements 1 , 2 are mutually interlocked.

According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig 5 said attaching means includes an attachment member 4, which is adapted to retain the second element 2 at the body 40 when attaching the second element 2 to the body 40. Preferably, the attachment member 4 has a first part 5 and a second part 6. The first part 5 is adapted to when attaching the second element 2 to the body 40, be located on a first side I of the second element 2. The second part 6 is connected to the first part 5 and adapted to, when attaching the second element 2 to the body 40, extend through a first through hole 80 in the second element 2 to the same side II as the body 40 of the second element 2, for retaining the second element 2 at the body 40.

According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig 5, the attachment member 4 is designed as a bolt, which has a first part 5 in the shape of a head and a second part 6 in the shape of an elon- gated rod, which is provided with an outer thread.

In the device according to Fig 5 said attaching means furthermore comprises a sleeve-like portion 42 of the body 40 adapted to at least partially surround said attachment member 4. The sleeve-like portion 42 forms an elongated hole 9 through the body 40, in which the attachment member 4 is insertable. The hole 9 may for instance have a substantially cylindrical shape. The attaching means may for instance be tightenable by means of the sleeve-like portion 42 having an inner thread, e.g. a thread in the hole 9 through the body defined by the portion 42, which is adapted to engage the outer thread of the rod 6. According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig 5 the attaching means includes a load member 7, for instance a nut, which has an inner thread. The load member 7 is adapted to, when attaching the second part 2 to the body 40, be located on the opposite end of the rod 6 in relation to the head 5 engaging the outer thread of the rod 6. Thus, the attaching means is tightenable by means of tightening the load member. The load member 7 is furthermore adapted to, during tightening, put a load on a boundary surface 44 of the body 40 substantially in direction towards the second element 2. The load member may for instance put a load on the body 40 by directly abutting against the body 40 or, as illustrated in Fig 5, by putting a load on a washer 8 located between the load member 7 and the body 40.

Preferably said attaching means is adapted to co-operate with a load member so that when tightening the attaching means a boundary surface 44 of the body 40 distant from the second element 2 is loaded by the load member substantially in direction towards the second element. This load member may for instance be said nut 7 but also a washer 8 located between said nut 7 and the body 40. These two examples of a load member are only two possible examples within the scope of the present invention and a plurality of alternative solutions for providing such a load member are accessible for a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, from Figs 4 and 5 is apparent how the body 40 of the inventional device illustrated therein has means 45, for instance a hook, for engaging a recess provided therefor in the second element 2. This recess may for instance be the through hole 80, as illustrated in Fig 5, but may also be a separate recess. The means 45 contrib- utes in preventing mutual relative movements between the body 40 and the second element 2. The solution illustrated in Fig 5 has the advantage, that the means 45 also aligns the hole 9 defined by the sleeve-like portion 42 with the hole 80, which facilitates insertion of the attachment member 4 in the two holes 9, 80 for attaching the second element 2 to the body 40.

Furthermore, from Fig 5 is apparent how the protrusion 41 , 41 of the body 40 illustrated therein is adapted to be insertable in a recess 3 in the first element. According to the embodiment in Fig 5 the recess 3 is designed as a through hole, but it is also possible to arrange the protrusion insertable in a recess, which is a non-through hole, that is a hole having a bottom.

According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig 5 the protrusion has a part 46, which is adapted to be able to be put through the through hole 3 in the first element 1 .

Preferably this part 46 has a tongue 47, which is adapted to extend in direction towards the second element 2 when said part is put through the through hole 3 in the first element 1 , the tongue prefera- bly abutting against a side 83 of the first element 1 for increased stability of the mutual interlocking of the elements 1 , 2.

In Figs 6a and 6b is illustrated a fifth embodiment of the invention, which embodiment is largely similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Fig 4 and Fig 5. Therefore, this fifth embodiment will not be described in detail. For the sake of simplicity the reference numerals 50-54, 56-57 correspond to the similar parts 40- 44, 46-47 in Figs 4 and 5 and otherwise the same reference numerals as before are used for the same parts. What is substantially dif- ferent from the fourth embodiment is the following.

The tongue 57 is adapted to engage a recess 85 provided therefor in the second element 2, when the part 56 is put through the through hole 3 in the first element 1. The tongue 57 accordingly has such a length that it reaches to the second element 2 and into the recess 85. This engagement further increases the stability in the mutual interlocking of the two elements 1 , 2 and thus gives an even more reliable interlocking. The recess 85 may as illustrated in Fig 6a be a through hole, but may also be a non-through hole.

Furthermore, the body 50 is designed to have one of its boundary edges 58 to abut against the second element 2 when attaching the second element 2 to the body 50. A second, substantially towards the second element directed boundary edge 59 of the body 50 is then located at a distance from the second element 2. Said attaching means is adapted to, when being tightened, put a load on the body 50 towards the second element 2 for moving said second boundary edge 59 towards the second element and thereby introduce a tension in the body 50, which tension applies a pretension on the attaching means. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 6a and 6b this implies that, when tightening the attaching means, which comprises a screw joint formed by the attachment member 4 and the load member 7, the tension introduced by that in the body 50 will apply a pretension on the screw joint 4, 7.

In Figs 7a and 7b is illustrated a sixth embodiment of the invention, which embodiment is largely similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figs 6a and 6b. Therefore, this sixth embodiment will not be described in detail. For the sake of simplicity, the reference numerals 60-64, 66-67 correspond to the similar parts 50-54, 56-57 in Figs 6a and 6b and otherwise the same reference numerals as before are used for the same parts. What is substantially different from the fifth embodiment is that the tongue 67 has a hook 65, which is adapted to be able to be put through the second through hole 85 in the second element 2, when the part 66 is put through the through hole 3 in the first element 1 and hook the second element 2 to the first element 1 .

In Fig 8a and Fig 8b is illustrated a device for mutually interlocking two elements according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The substantial difference between this embodiment of the invention and the embodiments described above resides in that the device has attaching means on two sides of the first element 1. The device according to the seventh embodiment comprises a body 70. The body 70 may for instance be formed by putting two bodies 10 together. The body 70 accordingly has two sleeve-like portions 72, which are adapted to at least partially surround one attachment member 4 each and co-operate with the attachment member for attaching the second element 2. Furthermore, the body 70 has^'a protrusion in the shape of two protruding parts 71 , which protrude from the rest of the respective sleeve-like portion 72 and interconnect the portions 72. For other details, reference is made to the above description of the previous embodiments.

The invention is of course not in any way restricted to the preferred embodiments described above, but a plurality of modifications thereof will be apparent for a person with average skill in the art, without departing from the basic idea of the invention, such as this defined in the appended claims.

Although the description of the embodiments above illustrates mutual interlocking of two elements so that they form a substantially right angle with each other, this is of course only one possible use of the device. It is appreciated that the device is just as usable for mutual interlocking of two elements so that they form other angles, different from zero, although it is preferred that the elements are arranged so that they form at least an angle of 40°, and more preferred an angle of at least 75°.

The invention is applicable in mutual interlocking of any two elements. As examples of elements, which are possible to interlock mutually with a device according to the invention, may be mentioned two plate-like elements of optional material. Further examples of elements, which are well-suited for being interlocked by means of a device according to the invention, include elements, which are usually interlocked mutually by welding, such as for instance a sheet and a beam or similar constructive elements. Thus, the present invention provides a device, which enables effective and simple mutual inter- locking of two elements, which otherwise would have been welded together. The mutual interlocking of two elements enabled by the present invention is less costly than welding and does not require any welding knowledge of the person, who is to carry out the interlocking.

Furthermore, it is appreciated that the two elements, which the device according to the invention is intended to interlock mutually, may be designed in many different ways. For instance, the first element may be provided with one or more protrusions on its boundary edge, which in the interlocking is pressed against one side of the second element, the protrusions being intended to engage recesses in said side of the second element. The engagement of these protrusions and recesses results in that transverse forces are absorbed by the elements, which transverse forces accordingly do not influence the body or said attaching means of the device according to the invention.

Claims

1 . A device for mutually interlocking a first element (1 ) provided with a recess (3) and a second element (2) so that they form an angle with each other, the device comprising a body (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70) having a protrusion (1 1 ; 21 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) adapted to be insertable in the recess (3) in the first element (1 ), and means (32; 42, 4, 7; 52, 4, 7; 62, 4, 7; 72, 4, 7) for attaching the second element to the body, characterized in that said attaching means is designed tightenable and adapted to, when being tightened, apply a force on the protrusion, which is inserted in the recess in the first element, so that the protrusion puts a load on the first element substantially only in direction towards the second element, one of the boundary edges (81 ) of the first element (1 ) being pressed against one side (82) of the second element (2) and thereby mutually interlocking the two elements (1 , 2).

2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (50) is designed to have one of its boundary edges (58) to abut against the second element (2) when attaching the second element to the body, a second, substantially towards the second element directed boundary edge (59) of the body (50) then being located at a distance from the second element, and that said attaching means (52, 4, 7) is adapted to, when being tightened, put a load on the body towards the second element for moving said second boundary edge towards the second element and thereby introduce a tension in the body, which tension applies a pretension on the attaching means.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said attaching means is adapted to co-operate with a load member (7, 8) so that, when tightening the attaching means, a boundary surface (44) of the body (40) distant from the second element is loaded by the load member substantially in direction towards the second element (2).

4. A device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that said attaching means includes an attachment member (4), which is adapted to retain the second element (2) at the body (40, 50, 60, 70) when attaching the second element to the body.

5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the attachment member (4) has a first part (5) being located on a first side (I) of the second element and a second part (6) being con- nected to said first part and extending through a first through hole (80) in the second element to the same side (II) of the second element as the body, for retaining the second element (2) at the body (40, 50, 60, 70).

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that said attachment member (4) has a first part (5) in the shape of a head being located on a first side (I) of the second element and a second part (6) in the shape of an elongated rod provided with an outer thread, being connected to said first part and extending through a first through hole (80) in the second element (2) to the same side (II) of the second element as the body, for retaining the second element at the body (40, 50, 60, 70).

7. A device according to any of the claims 4-6, characterized in that said attachment means comprises a sleeve-like portion (32,

42, 52, 62, 72) of the body (30, 40, 50, 60, 70) adapted to at least partially surround said attachment member (4).

8. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that said at- tachment means comprises a sleeve-like portion (32, 42, 52, 62,

72) of the body (30, 40, 50, 60, 70) adapted to at least partially surround the rod (6), which portion has an inner thread adapted to engage the outer thread of the rod.

9. A device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that said attachment means includes a load member (7) having an inner thread and being positioned on the opposite end of the rod in relation to the head engaging the outer thread of the rod, which load member is adapted to, during tightening, put a load on a boundary surface (44) of the body (40) substantially in direction towards the second element.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises attachment means (4, 7, 72) on two sides of the first element (1 ).

1 1. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protrusion (1 1 ; 21 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) of the body (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70) is adapted to be insertable in a recess (3), designed as through hole, in the first element (1 ).

12. A device according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the protrusion (41 ; 51 ; 61 ) has a part (46; 56; 66), which is adapted to be able to be put through the through hole (3) in the first element (1 ).

13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the part (46; 56; 66) of the protrusion (41 ; 51 ; 61 ), which is able to be put through the through hole, has a tongue (47; 57; 67), which is adapted to extend in direction towards the second ele- ment (2), when said part is put through the through hole (3) in the first element (1 ).

14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said tongue (47; 57; 67) is adapted to abut against a side (83) of the first element (1 ), when said part is put through the through hole in the first element.

15. A device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said tongue (57; 67) is adapted to engage a first recess (85) provided therefor in the second element, when said part (57; 67) is put through the through hole in the first element.

16. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said tongue (57; 67) is adapted to engage a first recess (85), designed as a second through hole, provided therefor in the sec- ond element, when said part is put through the through hole in the first element.

17. A device according to claim 16, characterized in that said tongue (67) has a hook (65), which is adapted to be able to be put through the second through hole (85) in the second element (2), when said part (66) is put through the through hole (3) in the first element (1 ), and hook the second element to the first element.

18. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (40) has means (45) for engaging a second recess (80) provided therefor in the second element.