Connector for structural systems
First Claim
1. In a structural system including an attaching component provided with at least one connecting port, a structural component, and a coupling mechanism adapted to attach said structural component to said connecting port of said attaching component;
- an improved coupling mechanism comprising;
an elongated jaw assembly disposed coaxially within said structural component proximate an end thereof and movable between an extended and a retracted position, said jaw assembly including a plurality of radially expansible jaws adapted to engage an inner perimeter of said connecting port when they are extended out of said end of said structural component to said extended position;
an elongated locking pin disposed coaxially within said jaw assembly, said locking pin being movable between a locked and unlocked position, where moving said locking pin from said unlocked position to said locked position causes said jaw assembly to move from said retracted to said extended position, and where moving said locking pin from said locked position to said unlocked position causes said jaw assembly to move from said extended position to said retracted position;
an operating sleeve disposed around said end of said structural component; and
means connecting said operating sleeve to said locking pin such that movement of said operating sleeve causes a corresponding movement of said locking pin.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connecting mechanism for structural building system components for supporting radial, compression and tension loads by use of a captive, expanding/contracting jaw assembly which is caused to extended from an opening in the end of the connecting member into a connecting port located in the attaching component. The jaw assembly is then caused to expanded outward and to lock into the connecting port of the attaching component. Operation of the connecting mechanism is performed by causing an operating sleeve, which is located on the outside diameter of the connecting member, to be moved. This causes a structural bond to be made which firmly joins the connecting member and the attaching component. The procedure is reversed for simple removal of structural components or disassembly of the structure whenever desired.
176 Citations
14 Claims
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1. In a structural system including an attaching component provided with at least one connecting port, a structural component, and a coupling mechanism adapted to attach said structural component to said connecting port of said attaching component;
- an improved coupling mechanism comprising;
an elongated jaw assembly disposed coaxially within said structural component proximate an end thereof and movable between an extended and a retracted position, said jaw assembly including a plurality of radially expansible jaws adapted to engage an inner perimeter of said connecting port when they are extended out of said end of said structural component to said extended position; an elongated locking pin disposed coaxially within said jaw assembly, said locking pin being movable between a locked and unlocked position, where moving said locking pin from said unlocked position to said locked position causes said jaw assembly to move from said retracted to said extended position, and where moving said locking pin from said locked position to said unlocked position causes said jaw assembly to move from said extended position to said retracted position; an operating sleeve disposed around said end of said structural component; and means connecting said operating sleeve to said locking pin such that movement of said operating sleeve causes a corresponding movement of said locking pin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- an improved coupling mechanism comprising;
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8. A structural system comprising:
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an attaching component provided with a connecting port; and a connecting assembly including an elongated support member, a jaw assembly disposed within an end of said support member, and a locking pin disposed within said jaw assembly, where said jaw assembly includes a plurality of radially expansible jaws which are adapted to expand to engage an inner perimeter of said connecting port when they are extended out of said end of said support member in an extended position, and where said locking pin is adapted to slide between said jaws when they are in said extended position to prevent said jaws from moving radially inwardly. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification