Structural connector and related assembly method using same

Abstract

A structural connector for a manufacturing assembly includes a body portion sized to be substantially fitted into an open end of a first hollow structural component of a manufacturing assembly. The structural connector includes at least one flexible cantilevered ear portion which is sized to engage with a corresponding lateral opening provided in the first hollow structural component. Once seated, the connector accepts at least one fastener extending laterally through a second structural component which is fitted orthogonally, relative to the open end of the first structural component, permitting interconnection between the second structural component and the first structural component.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing assemblies and in particular to a structural connector used in manufacturing assemblies defined by at least two or more structural hollow structural members, such as box beams, and a preferred method of assembly using at least one said structural connector. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There are a variety of known manufacturing assemblies, such as those for free standing displays, scheduling boards, easels, and the like, that comprise a frame that requires the interconnection of at least two box beams in which some of the beams form joints with one another. Quite often, these beam members are made from an extruded aluminum or other lightweight material in order to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the overall structure. The beams are essentially hollow and require the use of fasteners when mating the beams together, particularly those beams that interconnect with one another in the for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] Therefore, there is a general need in the field of manufacturing assemblies to minimize the weight of assembled structures such as those described above which include the interconnection of at least one pair of box beams, but without sacrificing structural integrity.

[0006] Therefore and according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is described a connector for mating at least two structural components, said connector being matingly fitted into a tubular end of a first structural component wherein said connector includes at least one flexible cantilevered ear portions, said at least one cantilevered ear portion having a protrusion for engaging a lateral opening of the tubular end of the first structural component when said connector is attached thereto, thereby securing said connector.

[0007] Once seated, the connector permits the engagement of at least one fastener, thereby permitting the attachment of a second structural component to the first structural component. The connector is seated within the open end of the tubular structural component wherein the second component can be assembled to the end containing the connector. Additionally, securing the at least one fastener to the connector also prevents the connector from being removed from the at least one structural component in that the fastener is mounted into the open region or gap that permits flexion of the cantilevered ear portions.

[0015] An advantage realigned by the present invention is that an effective manufacturing method is realized that does not impact the structural design of an assembly, but which can influence the overall weight and cost thereof.

Problems solved by technology

The addition of these interior bosses, however, provide additional weight to the beams as well as increased material costs to the overall manufacturing assembly.

Removal of the bosses in the center of the beam; that is, the axial portion of the box beam that does not require the use of fasteners would obviously ease some of the above concerns, but performing such removal would be extremely difficult, costly and time consuming.

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