Joint of a supporting frame

• US 6,390,719 B1
• Filed: 02/29/2000
• Issued: 05/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CHUN JIN Company Limited
• Original Assignee: CHUN JIN Company Limited
• Inventors: Chan, Shin Jung
• Primary Examiner(s): Browne, Lynne H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Malcolm, Tomlyne A
• Application Number:
  US09/515,207
• Time in Patent Office: 812 Days
• Field of Search: 211/189, 211/191, 211/182, 248/235, 248/250, 526/46, 526/43, 526/481, 526/498, 526/511, 526/569, 446/126, 446/120, 446/108, 446/116, 446/125, 403/187, 403/217, 403/219, 403/169, 403/170, 403/171, 403/176, 403/192
• US Class Current: 403/205
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/1912 with central cubical connecting element
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/5806 with a cross-section having an open profile
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1936 Winged profiles, e.g. with a L-, T-, U- or X-shaped cross section
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/196 Screw connections with axis parallel to the main axis of the strut
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/67 Rigid angle couplings
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 7/185 with a node element

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a joint of a supporting frame, which includes a basic unit to connecting with one to six connecting units at a related side plate. The connecting unit can connect with related crossbeams to assembling a supporting frame; wherein each connecting unit has provided with a folded elastic plate at both ends with a related groove therebetween to engage with an end of the crossbeam. The basic unit is cubic and has one side opening, which can be sealed by a door to form a complete cubic hollow unit. By use of the basic unit engaging with desired connecting units, it provides the joints with various configurations, which can be used at any position in a supporting frame.

Claims

1. A joint assembly for a frame structure comprising:

(a) a basic unit including a plurality of substantially rectangular first side plate portions forming substantially an open cubic configuration defining an open side;

(b) a door portion removably coupled to said open side of said basic unit; and

,

(c) a plurality of connecting units each coupled to at least one of said first side plate and door portions, each said connecting unit including a pair of end plate portions and a second side plate portion extending transversely therebetween, said end plate portions being angularly offset one from the other, said end plate portions each having an inner plate section and inner folded elastic plate section defining thereagainst a groove space for slidably receiving a crossbeam end.

2. The joint assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said second side plate portion of said connecting unit has formed therein al least a pair of apertures, and each said first side plate portion of said basic unit has formed therein at least five holes.

3. The joint assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein at least one said connecting unit is secured to said basic unit by at least a pair of fastening screws passed though said apertures and holes respectively of said second side plate and first side plate portions.

4. The joint assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one conversing unit joining said basic unit and one said connecting unit, said conversing unit including a pair of conversing end plate portions angularly offset one from the other by a predetermined incline angle.