Title:

Coupling element for composite structures

United States Patent Application 20010006163

Kind Code:

A1

Abstract:

A coupling element for composite rod structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like, having a substantially parallelepiped block provided on two corresponding opposed surfaces with at least one hole for insertion of an end of a rod of said structure, and on another surface with at least one groove for engaging an upright.

Inventors:

Scudeller, Giovanni (Breda di Piave, IT, US)

Application Number:

09/748290

Publication Date:

07/05/2001

Filing Date:

12/27/2000

Export Citation:

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Primary Class:

211/182

International Classes:

A46B17/02; A47B55/02; B44D3/12; F16B7/04; F16B12/50; A46B17/00; A47B55/00; B44D3/12; F16B7/04; F16B12/00; (IPC1-7): A47F5/14

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Attorney, Agent or Firm:

HOFFMAN WASSON & GITLER (2361 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202)

Claims:

I claim:

1. A coupling element for composite rod structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like, comprising a substantially parallelepiped block provided on two corresponding opposed surfaces with at least one hole for insertion of an end of a rod of said structure, and on another surface with at least one groove for engaging an upright.

2. The element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two corresponding opposed surfaces of the block are each provided with two holes.

3. The element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising two grooves on additional surfaces perpendicular to the another surface.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a coupling element for composite structures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like, are known to have at least one pair of uprights connected together by a panel, the upright and panel being formed from a plurality of metal rods rigidly joined together.

[0003] The connection between the uprights and the panels, which was previously made by nuts, bolts and straps, has, because of the laboriousness in assembling these members, been for some time replaced by welding the ends of the panel rods to half-bushes which house the rods of the uprights within their slots and rest on the crosspieces by which the two rods of an upright are connected together.

[0004] This known coupling system has however certain drawbacks, and in particular:

[0005] constructional laboriousness in welding the half-bushes to the crosspieces,

[0006] the possibility of said welds breaking with the passage of time,

[0007] laboriousness in seeking the correct position for welding the half-bushes to the panels.

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide a coupling element which enables the panels to be connected to the uprights in a simple and comfortable manner.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling element of pleasant appearance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] These and further objects which will be apparent from the ensuing description are attained according to the invention by a coupling element for composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like, characterized by a substantially parallelepiped block provided on two corresponding surfaces with at least one hole for insertion of the end of a panel of the structure, and on another surface with at least one groove for engaging an upright.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention is further clarified hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling element, shown during the connection of the panels to the upright;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a section therethrough on the line II-II of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a section therethrough on the line III-III of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a section therethrough on the line IV-IV of FIG. 1; and

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a structure obtained with the coupling element of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] As can be seen from the figures, the coupling element of the invention consists of a parallelepiped block 2 constructed of suitably shaped substantially rigid plastic and provided on two opposing surfaces 4 with two pairs of holes 6, 6′, the holes of each pair being substantially coaxial, and on another surface 8 with two substantially semi-cylindrical parallel grooves 10.

[0018] The other surfaces 12 of said block comprise two grooves 14.

[0019] Said holes 6, 6′ and said grooves 10, 14 are dimensioned to substantially receive the constituent metal rods of the uprights 16 and panels 18 of traditional composite structures such as bookcases, shelving, trolleys and the like.

[0020] The element of the invention is used as follows. The ends of the rods 20 forming the stringers of the panels 18 are inserted into the holes 6, 6′ of the block 2, after which said blocks are positioned between the facing pairs of rods 2 forming the uprights 16 and the rods 22 are snap-inserted into the grooves 10, the blocks resting on the crosspieces 24 connecting said pairs together, for form a rigid assembly.

[0021] From the aforegoing it is apparent that the coupling element of the invention presents numerous advantages, and in particular:

[0022] it enables composite structures to be assembled in a simple and comfortable manner, facilitated by the ability to adjust the position of the element realtive to the rods,

[0023] it enables the structure to be enlarged when required, because of the presence of the pairs of holes,

[0024] it results in a pleasant appearance because the coupling element can be formed of colored material.

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