Snap-fit top frame, assembly and method of using a top frame

Abstract

A top frame (100) for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet comprises first and second side rails (160), each side rail defining a cavity at both ends, and a corner connector (110) including a body (112), a first projection (120) that extends from the body in a first direction, and a second projection (150) that extends from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first projection includes a first flexible wall (122) which has a first detent (123), wherein the first flexible wall is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first projection into one of the cavities of the side rail. The first projection of the corner connector is releasably coupled to the side rail.

Description

SNAP-FIT TOP FRAME, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING A TOP FRAMEPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 430,649. filed December 6, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a top frame used to secure articles for storage or transport on a pallet, and more particularly relates to a snap-fit top frame.BACKGROUND

[0003] Top frames have long been used to secure loads on pallets. Top frames stabilize the load during shipment and transport. Top frames further provide protection for the edges of the load and may restrain a protective top layer on top of the load. Generally, top frames are assembled with external hardware, such as a pin. A need exists for a top frame that is easily- assembled and disassembled while still providing stability- and security of the load.SUMMARY

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and top frames for securing a layer of items on a pallet.

[0005] In one embodiment, a top frame for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet comprises a comer connector, a first side rail, and a second side rail. The comer connector has a body, a first projection extending from the body in a first direction and comprising a first flexible wall including a first detent, and a second projection extending from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction and comprising a second flexible wall including a second detent. The first side rail comprises multiple walls defining a cavity- at anend of the first side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the first projection of the comer connector, and one of the walls includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the first detent when the first projection is received in the cavity. The second side rail comprises multiple walls defining a cavity at an end of the second side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the second projection of the comer connector, and one of the walls defines a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the second detent when the second projection is received in the cavity. The flexible wall of each projection is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first and second projections into the respective cavities.

[0006] In one embodiment, an assembly for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet comprises a side rail defining a cavity at either end and a comer connector. The comer connector has a body, a first projection that extends from the body in a first direction, and a second projection that extends from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first projection comprises a first flexible wall comprising a first detent and the first flexible wall is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first projection into one of the cavities of the side rail. The projection of the comer connector is releasably coupled to the side rail.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of using a top frame that secures a top layer of items on a pallet comprises assembling the top frame by securing a group of side rails together with comer connectors. Securing each side rail to a respective comer connector includes inserting a projection of the comer connector into a cavity in an end of the side rail while a flexible wall of the projection is bent inward. The top frame is positioned on the top layer of items so as to secure the top layer of items on the pallet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example top frame of the present disclosure placed on a load on a pallet.

[0009] Figure 2A is a top view of a comer connector of the top frame of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 2B is a top view of a comer connector of the top frame, according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the comer connector of Figure 2A.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rail of the top frame of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 5 A is a top view of the fingers of the comer connecter of Figure 3 showing the flexible walls of the fingers in a first position.

[0014] Figure 5B is a top view of the fingers of the comer connector of Figure 3 showing the flexible walls of the fingers in a second position as the fingers are being inserted into the rail of Figure 4.

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the comer connector of Figure 3 connected to the rail of Figure 4.

[0016] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the top frame of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the top frame of Figure 7A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a snap-fit top frame configured to restrain a load on a pallet. Figures 1-7B show one embodiment of the top frame 100 of the present disclosure. The illustrated top frame 100 is merely one example configuration, and any suitable configuration may be employed.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a top frame 100 for securing a load 102 of items (such as cans) 104 on a pallet 106 according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Top frame 100 helps to restrain a layer of items on the pallet to protect the items during transport and storage. In the example embodiment, the top frame 100 includes four comer connectors 110a, 110b, 110c, and 1 lOd that connect four rails 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d together in a rectangular configuration. Specifically, a first comer connector 110a and a second comer connector 110b are connected to opposing ends of a first rail 160a. A second rail 160b is also connected to the second comer connector 110b and extends transverse (perpendicular in this example embodiment) to the first rail 160a. In turn, the second rail 160b is connected to a third comer connector 110c that is positioned opposite the first comer connector 110a in the rectangular configuration. A fourth comer connector 1 lOd is joined to the third comer connector 110c and first comer connector 11 Od via a third rail 160c and a fourth rail 160d, respectively, so as to complete the rectangular configuration.

[0020] This is merely one example of a load that may be secured using the top frame of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the top frame may be used to secure any manner of load on a pallet. For example, the top frame may be used to secure rectangular parcels that are stacked on the pallet. Further, the top frame may be used in conjunction with other components such as divider sheets, to secure bottles or jars in order to prevent them from shifting or being damaged during storage and transport.

[0021] While the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular configuration formed of four comers and four rails other embodiments may have other configurations. For example, the rails may be formed by two or more pieces that are secured together, such as through an interlocking configuration. In another configuration, the rails may be formed by two or more pieces that are secured together using straight connectors. In further configurations, the comer connectors may be shaped such that when the rails are connected to the comerconnectors, the rails are not perpendicular to each other. This would allow the top frame to fit on loads that are not rectangular. Additionally, in other configurations, the rails may be adjustable so the lengths of the rail can be modified to allow the frame to fit on various sized pallets.

[0022] Figures 2A and 3 illustrate a top view of the comer connector 110 show n in isolation and a perspective view of the comer connector 110, respectively. The comer connector 110 includes a body 112 that forms the outer surface of the top frame 100 at its comer and provides structural integrity to the comer connector. The body 112 has a first outer edge 114 and a second outer edge 116 joined by a rounded edge that together form the outer surface around the perimeter of the top frame 100. The rounded edge forms the comer of the comer connector 1 10 and acts to reduce the risk of damage to users and to the load 102. The body 112 also includes a top surface 113 and a bottom surface 115, illustrated in Figure 3, that are each configured to stack with other comer connectors to allow multiple top frames to stack together. The top surface 113 and bottom surface 115 may also be configured to interlock with dividing sheets which can be used to stack multiple layers of items on a pallet. The body 1 12 also includes a first inner edge 117 and a second inner edge 118 that each face the end of a respective rail attached to the comer connector 110. The body 112 further includes a cutout 190A to reduce the mass of the comer connector 110. The cutout 190 A illustrated in Figure 2A is circular in shape, however, in other embodiments, the cutout may be any ovular, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable shape, such as the shape of a cutout 190A illustrated by Figure 2B. The cutout 190B is shaped to allow a user to use the cutout 190B as a handhold. The cutout 190B includes ridges to increase friction betw een a user’s hand and the comer connector 110. In some embodiments, the cutout 190 A or 190B includes a smooth edge.

[0023] The comer connector 110 also includes a first projection 120 that extends outward from the first inner edge 117 of the body 112 and a second projection 150 that extends outward from the second inner edge 118 in a direction transverse to the first projection 120. The first projection 120 and second projection 150 are each configured to be inserted into a rail, as described in further detail below, so as to connect two rails in a perpendicular configuration and form two sides of the top frame 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projection 120 and the second projection 150 are transverse to each other, but in other embodiments the projections could be at a different angle, for example, corresponding to a top frame of a different shape.

[0024] In this example embodiment, the body 112, first projection 120, and second projection 150 are integrally formed in a single integral piece. In other embodiments, the body, first projection and second projection may be formed by separate pieces that are attached to each other, for example using an adhesive, integrated connectors, or mechanical fasteners.

[0025] The first projection 120 includes an outer flexible wall 122 disposed on an outer side 126 of the first projection 120 and an inner flexible wall 124 disposed on an inner side 128 of the first projection 120. The outer flexible wall 122 is adjacent to the first outer edge 114 of body 112 and the inner flexible wall 124 is adjacent to the first inner edge 117. The flexibility- of the walls 122, 124 allows the walls to move inward, as explained further below. The flexible walls 122, 124 have a normal, unbent state, as illustrated in Figure 2. The flexible walls 122, 124 are further biased via their construction, material, or any other separate biasing feature to return to the normal, unbent state if they are not actively flexed inward, as illustrated in Figure 5B, and described in further detail below. A detent 123 is formed on the outer flexible wall 122 and is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to lockingly engage a corresponding rail when the first projection 120 isinserted a certain distance into the corresponding rail, as explained in more detail below. A detent 125 is formed on the inner flexible wall 124 and is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to lockingly engage a corresponding rail when the first proj ection is inserted into the corresponding rail. The second projection 150 also has an outer flexible wall 152 with a detent 153 thereon and an inner flexible wall 154 with another detent 155. While each of the detents 123, 125, 153, and 155 of the example embodiment are cylindrical, the detents may be other shapes in other embodiments.

[0026] In the example embodiments of Figure 2A and 2B, the first projection 120 is formed by a plurality of fingers 130, 132, 134, 136 that are arranged in a row across the first projection 120 from the outer side 126 to the inner side 128. Each of the fingers 130-136 has a substantially square cross section and the first projection 120, as a whole, has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, the outer flexible wall 122 is the outer wall of the first finger 130 and the inner flexible wall 124 is the outer wall of the fourth finger 136. Additionally, the first finger 130 and the fourth finger 136 each have an opening 140 that is shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to receive the flexible walls 122, 124 when the walls are pressed into the opening 140 to allow the comer connector to be inserted into a rail.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B, the fingers 132, 134 make up the interior of the row of fingers 130-136 and do not directly engage with the outer walls of the rails 160, as detailed below. These fingers 132, 134 each include an exterior wall 142 that forms the perimeter of the finger. The fingers 130, 136 that engage directly with the outer walls of the rails 160 each include a partial exterior wall 144, which forms part of the perimeter of the fingers, with the flexible walls 122. 124 forming the remainder of the perimeter. The fingers 130-136 also include a base 146 and a central rib 148, which are illustrated in the perspective view of the comer connecter 110 in Figure 3. As is shown inFigure 3, the fingers 130-136 are substantially hollow due to the configuration of the base146, central rib 148, and exterior walls 142, 144. The base 146 and central rib 148 provide structural integrity to the fingers without adding substantial weight. Additionally, the base 146 is formed in the center of the fingers 130-136 to simplify manufacturing of the comer connector 110. In other embodiments, the fingers may include various configurations of support features.

[0028] In the example embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, the second projection 150 includes the same components and configurations as the first projection 120.

[0029] This illustrated embodiment is one example embodiment of projections of a comer connector for a top frame. In other embodiments, the projections may be any number of shapes. Additionally, the projections may have greater or fewer than four fingers and those fingers may be various shapes. Further, in various embodiments, each projection may have as few as one detent and may have more than two detents.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 4, the rail 160 is configured to receive a comer connector to form a top frame to be used on a pallet. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rail 160 is configured to receive a projection of comer connector 110. The rail 160 includes a first side 162, a second side 164, a top side 166, and a bottom side 168, which are arranged to form a rectangular shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the projections 120, 150 of the comer connector 110. The rail 160 further includes inner walls 172 which extend from the first end 161 of the rail 160 to the second end 163. Additionally, the first end 161 of the rail 160 forms a cavity 170, which receives the projections of the comer connector 110. The inner walls 172 extend vertically from the bottom side 168 to the top side 166 of the top rail 160. The positioning of the inner walls 172 forms hollow channels 171 that extend through the length of the rail and these hollow channels 171 are shaped, positioned, oriented, andotherwise configured to receive the fingers 130-160 of the comer connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner walls 172 rest between the fingers 130-136 of the projection 120, as depicted in Figure 6.

[0031] Furthermore, the cavity 170 defines two receptacles 173, 175 that are sized, shaped, oriented, positioned, and otherwise configured to receive the detents 123, 125 of the comer connector 110. As illustrated in Figure 4, receptacle 173 is defined on the first side 162 and receptacle 175 is defined on the second side 164 of the rail 160. As illustrated in Figure 6, the receptacles 173, 175 match the shape and size of the illustrated detents 123, 125. In other embodiments, the receptacles and detents may be various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the receptacles may be configured to receive several shapes of detents. For example, the receptacles may be oblong shaped.

[0032] Figures 5 A and 5B illustrate a top isolated view of the first projection 120 of the comer connector 110 being inserted into the rail 160. As illustrated in Figures 5 A and 5B, the comer connector 110 is shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to be inserted into the rail 160 as the flexible walls 122, 124 are flexed into the openings 140. When the flexible walls are not flexed, the distance DF between the outer surfaces of detents 123, 125 is greater than the distance DR between the inner surfaces of the rail 160, therefore preventing the first projection 120 from being inserted fully into the rail 160. as illustrated in Figure 5 A. Figure 5B illustrates the fingers being inserted into the rail 160 as the flexible walls 122, 124 are flexed, pulling the detents 123, 125 into the opening 140 such that the distance DR is less than the distance DF, allowing the first projection 120 to be fully inserted into the rail 160. In the illustrated example embodiment, the walls of the rail 160 act to maintain the bent position of the flexible walls 122. 124 by pressing against the detents 123, 125. When the projection 120 is fully inserted, the detents 123, 125 align receptacles formed by the rail and the flexible walls 122, 124 return to the neutral un-bent position depicted in Figure 5A.

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates the comer connector 110 releasably coupled with the rail 160 to form a comer of the top frame 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 120 can be removed from the cavity 170 by pressing the detents 123, 125 and pulling the comer connector 110 and the rail 160 apart. To form the top frame 100, each of the comer connectors 110a-l lOd are releasably coupled to two rails, as described above, in the same manner as depicted in Figure 6. Similarly, the top frame 100 may be disassembled by releasing the comer connectors 110a-l lOd from the rails 160a-160d. Figure 7A illustrates a perspective view of the example embodiment of a top frame for use with a pallet. Figure 7B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the example embodiment.

[0034] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a top frame for restraining atop layer of items on a pallet. The top frame includes a comer connector, a first side rail, and a second side rail. The comer connector includes a body, a first projection that extends from the body in a first direction and includes a first flexible wall, which has a first detent, and a second projection that extends from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction and includes a second flexible wall, which includes a second detent. The first side rail includes multiple walls which define a cavity at an end of the first side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the first projection of the comer connector. One of the walls includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the first detent when the first projection is received in the cavity. The second side rail includes multiple walls which define a cavity at an end of the second side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the second projection of the comer connector. One of the walls defines a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the second detent when the second projection is received in the cavity. The flexible wall of each projection bends inward to enable insertion of the first and second projections into the respective cavities.

[0035] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the flexible wall of the first projection is an inner flexible wall disposed on an inner side of the first projection, and the first projection includes an outer flexible wall disposed on an outer side of the first projection.

[0036] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the outer flexible wall includes a third detent, and the first rail includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the first detent when the first projection is received in the cavity.

[0037] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the comer connector is one of four comer connectors of the top frame.

[0038] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the four comer connectors have the same size and shape.

[0039] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the top frame includes four side rails and the ends of each side rail attaches to a respective comer connector.

[0040] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the body, the first projection, and the second projection are formed in a single integral piece.

[0041] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the walls of the first side rail surround a hollow interior that extends over the length of the first side rail, and the cavity at the end of the first side rail is formed by a portion of the hollow interior.

[0042] In various such embodiments of the top frame, the receptacle that receives the first detent is a through hole extending through the respective wall of the first side rail.

[0043] In various such embodiments, the first side rail includes internal walls separating the cavity into sections, and wherein the first projection comprises a plurality of fingers that are sized and shaped to fit within the sections of the cavity.

[0044] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an assembly for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet. The assembly includes a side rail, which defines a cavity at both ends, and a comer connector. The comer connector includes a body, a first projection that extends from the body in a first direction, and a second projection that extends from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first projection includes a first flexible wall which has a first detent. The first flexible wall is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first projection into one of the cavities of the side rail. The first projection of the comer connector is releasably coupled to the side rail.

[0045] In various such embodiments, the side rail includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the detent when the first projection is inserted into the side rail.

[0046] In various such embodiments, the receptacle that receives the first detent is a hole extending through the respective wall of the first side rail.

[0047] In various such embodiments, the side rail includes a hollow interior that extends over the length of the side rail, and wherein the cavities at the ends are each formed by a portion of the hollow interior.

[0048] In various such embodiments, the side rail includes internal walls separating the cavities into sections, and the first projection includes a plurality of fingers that are sized and shaped to fit within the sections of one of the cavities.

[0049] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a top frame for securing a top layer of items on a pallet. The method includes assembling the top frame by securing a group of side rails together with comer connectors by inserting a projection of the comer connector into a cavity in an end of the side rail while a flexible wallof the proj ection is bent inward. Once the top frame is assembled, the top frame can be positioned on the top layer of items so as to secure the top layer of items on the pallet.

[0050] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further comprises securing each side rail to the respective comer connector by positioning the comer connector such that a detent on the flexible wall of the projection is received in a receptacle adjacent the cavity.

[0051] In various such embodiments of the method, the flexible wall returns to an unbent position when the detent is received in the receptacle.

[0052] In various such embodiments of the method, the receptacle is formed by a hole in a wall of the side rail.

[0053] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further comprises removing the top frame from the items and disassembling the top frame by detaching the comer connectors from the side rails. The comer connectors can be detached from the side rails by pressing the detent through the hole in the wall of the side rail so as to bend the flexible wall of the projection of the comer connector inward, and removing the projection from the side rail.

[0054] Various changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of attachment and connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Also, unless otherwiseindicated, any directions referred to herein reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A top frame for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet, the top frame comprising: a comer connector comprising: a body, a first projection extending from the body in a first direction and comprising a first flexible wall including a first detent, and a second projection extending from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction and comprising a second flexible wall including a second detent; a first side rail comprising multiple walls defining a cavity at an end of the first side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the first projection of the comer connector, wherein one of the walls includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the first detent when the first projection is received in the cavity; and a second side rail comprising multiple walls defining a cavity at an end of the second side rail that is sized and shaped to receive the second projection of the comer connector, wherein one of the walls defines a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the second detent when the second projection is received in the cavity; and wherein the flexible wall of each projection is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first and second projections into the respective cavities.

2. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the flexible wall of the first projection is an inner flexible wall disposed on an inner side of the first projection, and wherein the first projection includes an outer flexible wall disposed on an outer side of the first projection.

3. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the outer flexible wall includes a third detent, and wherein the first rail includes a receptacle adjacent the cavity that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the first detent when the first projection is received in the cavity.

4. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the comer connector is one of four comer connectors of the top frame.

5. The top frame of claim 4, wherein the four comer connectors have the same size and shape.

6. The top frame of claim 4, wherein the top frame includes four side rails and wherein the ends of each side rail attaches to a respective comer connector.

7. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the body, the first projection, and the second projection are formed in a single integral piece.

8. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the walls of the first side rail surround a hollow interior that extends over the length of the first side rail, and wherein the cavity at the end of the first side rail is formed by a portion of the hollow interior.

9. The top frame of claim 1, wherein the receptacle that receives the first detent is a through hole extending through the respective wall of the first side rail.

10. The top frame of claim 1 , wherein the first side rail includes internal walls separating the cavity into sections, and wherein the first projection comprises a plurality of fingers that are sized and shaped to fit within the sections of the cavity.

11. An assembly for restraining a top layer of items on a pallet comprising: a side rail defining a cavity at either end; anda comer connector comprising a body, a first projection that extends from the body in a first direction, and a second projection that extends from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction, wherein the first projection comprises a first flexible wall comprising a first detent, wherein the first flexible wall is configured to bend inward to enable insertion of the first projection into one of the cavities of the side rail; and wherein the first projection of the comer connector is releasably coupled to the side rail.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the side rail includes a receptacle adjacent the canty that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the detent when the first projection is inserted into the side rail.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receptacle that receives the first detent is a hole extending through the respective wall of the first side rail.

14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the side rail includes a hollow interior that extends over the length of the side rail, and wherein the cavities at the ends are each formed by a portion of the hollow interior.

15. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the side rail includes internal walls separating the cavities into sections, and wherein the first projection comprises a plurality of fingers that are sized and shaped to fit within the sections of one of the cavities.

16. A method of using a top frame that secures a top layer of items on a pallet, the method comprising: assembling the top frame by securing a group of side rails together with comer connectors, wherein securing each side rail to a respective comer connector includes insertinga projection of the comer connector into a cavity in an end of the side rail while a flexible wall of the projection is bent inward; and positioning the top frame on the top layer of items so as to secure the top layer of items on the pallet.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein securing each side rail to the respective comer connector includes positioning the comer connector such that a detent on the flexible wall of the projection is received in a receptacle adjacent the cavity.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible wall returns to an unbent position when the detent is received in the receptacle.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the receptacle is formed by a hole in a wall of the side rail.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing the top frame from the items and disassembling the top frame by detaching the comer connectors from the side rails, wherein detaching each comer connector from a respective side rail includes pressing the detent through the hole in the wall of the side rail so as to bend the flexible wall of the projection of the comer connector inward, and removing the projection from the side rail.

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