Corner angle connector

• US 5,676,486 A
• Filed: 11/22/1995
• Issued: 10/14/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: APA-The Engineered Wood Association
• Original Assignee: APA-The Engineered Wood Association
• Inventors: Keith, Edward L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Harry C.
• Application Number:
  US08/561,839
• Time in Patent Office: 692 Days
• Field of Search: 403/231, 403/230, 403/205, 403/403, 403/402, 403/401, 403/265, 403/266, 403/267, 403/405.1-407.1, 52/282.1, 52/282.2, 248/220.1, 248/300
• US Class Current: 403/231
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/67 Rigid angle couplings
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 5/0614 in angled relationship
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/4602 Corner joint

Abstract

The present invention is a one-piece corner connector for structurally interconnecting in angular relation to each other two flat panels of a given thickness. The connector has a first connector sidewall oriented at an angle to a second connector sidewall. The connector also has a reinforcing tab which in relation with the first and second connector sidewalls forms a pair of channels into which rectangular panels are placed edgewise with each side face of each said panel engaged by either a connector sidewall or a reinforcing tab sidewall. Both side surfaces of each rectangular panel are secured to the corner connector using screws, nails, nuts and bolts, or an adhesive.

Claims

1. In combination, two flat rectangular panels and a one-piece metal corner connector for structurally interconnecting in angular relation to each other said two flat rectangular panels of a given thickness, said connector being of uniform wall thickness throughout, said combination comprising:

(a) a first connector sidewall;

(b) a second connector sidewall oriented at an angle to said first connector sidewall;

(c) a reinforcing tab having a first reinforcing tab sidewall and a second reinforcing tab sidewall, with said first reinforcing tab sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall being formed by cutting and bending the metal of said first connector sidewall and said second connector sidewall, with said first reinforcing tab sidewall parallel to said first connector sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall parallel to said second connector sidewall, with the spacing between said first connector sidewall and said first reinforcing tab sidewall being substantially equal to the given thickness of a first flat rectangular panel, and with the spacing between said second connector sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall being substantially equal to the given thickness of a second flat rectangular panel, said tab sidewalls thereby forming with said connector reinforcing tab sidewalls a pair of channels into which the panels are placeable edgewise with each side face of each said panel in supported engagement with either one of said connector sidewalls or one of said reinforcing tab sidewalls; and

(d) said two flat rectangular panels engaged edgewise in the respective channels formed by said connector sidewalls and reinforcing tab sidewalls, and including fastening means between said flat rectangular panels and said connector sidewalls or reinforcing tab sidewalls to maintain contact between the interengaged surfaces thereof.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said fastening means is selected from the group consisting of screws, nails, staples, and rivets.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises adhesive.

4. In combination, two flat rectangular panels and a one-piece corner connector for structurally interconnecting in angular relation to each other said two flat rectangular panels of a given thickness, said connector being of uniform wall thickness throughout, said combination comprising:

(a) a first connector sidewall;

(b) a second connector sidewall oriented at an angle to said first connector sidewall;

(c) a reinforcing tab having a first reinforcing tab sidewall and a second reinforcing tab sidewall, with said first reinforcing tab sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall being formed by cutting and bending the metal of said first connector sidewall and said second connector sidewall, with said first reinforcing tab sidewall parallel to said first connector sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall parallel to said second connector sidewall;

(d) a first flat rectangular panel engaged edgewise in the channel formed by said first connector sidewall and said first reinforcing tab sidewall, and including a fastening means between said first flat rectangular panel and said first connector sidewall or said first reinforcing tab sidewall to maintain contact between the interengaged surfaces thereof; and

(e) a second flat rectangular panel engaged edgewise in the channel formed by said second connector sidewall and said second reinforcing tab sidewall, and including a fastening means between said second flat rectangular panel and said second connector sidewall or said second reinforcing tab sidewall to maintain contact between the interengaged surfaces thereof.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said fastening means is selected from the group consisting of screws, nails, staples, and rivets.

6. The combination of claim 4, wherein said fastening means comprises adhesive.