connector

Abstract

A two-part connector having a base with a pair of spaced-apart posts and a cap having a pair of passages spaced apart for aligned press-fitting of the posts through the passages to join the cap to the base, said posts defining a stop member in a distal end portion for seating in a recess on a surface of the base. A first mesh grid and a second mesh grid overlies the base so that the posts extend through respective grid openings therein and the cap press fits to the base with the posts extending through a respective passage, for connecting together the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid.

Description

CONNECTORTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to two-part mating connectors that interconnect once for holding adjacent mesh grids in joined relation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mesh or extruded elongated grid sheets are used for soil and ground reinforcement and stabilization while also providing a high strength structure for resisting separation of soil and aggregate layers in ground layer structures. The mesh sheets form with an extruded sheet that is punched to define openings for forming into a mesh pattern and then the sheet is stretched. This stretching defines longitudinal and transverse strands that remain interconnected or joined at intersections. The punches define openings or apertures of the mesh pattern. The punched mesh may be stretched longitudinally for a uniaxial geogrid or both longitudinal and transverse directions for a biaxial geogrid. The mesh commonly is provided as a roll of an elongated sheet for unrolling on a surface such as ground at a land site. In soil stabilization applications, aggregate such as stones and rocks seat into the openings as strike-through materials. The strike-through materials interconnect the mesh with the surrounding soil to restrict movement of the mesh relative to the surrounding soil.

[0003] Adjacent mesh sheets are placed in side-by-side adjacent relation on a surface. While the strike-through aggregate restrict relative movement, applications would be strengthened by interconnecting edge portions of adjacent mesh sheets. The mesh sheets may be positioned inadjacent abutting relation, or alternatively, adjacent edge portions may overlap, for example, overlapping of one or two rows of openings. Pins or staples driven through edge portions of adjacent mesh (adjacent or overlapping) may satisfactorily engage the mesh together.

[0004] However, there are drawbacks as well as restrictions to use of such connectors. For example, some industrial applications for mesh coverings overlay a land site with an impermeable geomembrane. The impermeable geomembrane restricts infiltration of ambient or environmental water such as rain or snow below the ground surface. Such applications do not permit installation of structures that penetrate the impermeable geomembrane to prevent creating leak paths into the ground or weaken the resistance of the geomembrane to stress forces such as from high velocity water flow or wind. For example, PCT / US21 / 53097 discloses a cover system for overlying ground sites that preferably restrict inflow of ambient environmental water such as from rain, snow', and other precipitation below the ground surface. These ground sites include landfills that receive waste material and trash for long-term storage and degradation as well as laydown sites for industrial byproducts. Inflow of ambient environmental water below grade may lead to leaching of contaminates into water tables below' grade or into streams and ponds.

[0005] Environmentally restricted cover systems overlay large acreage land sites with elongated geomembrane sheets placed in side-by-side relation. Adjacent edge sides of the geomembrane sheets weldingly join as a w'ater impermeable barrier. The geomembrane however is exposed to shear forces, primarily from wind but also from high velocity water flow. The shear forces cause uplift of the geomembrane and the geomembrane moves w ith rolling wave-like motion. The geomembrane also experiences movement dur to expansion and contraction due to heating from the sun during daylight and cooling from rain and overnight darkness. Such movements causes displacement and wear of the geomembrane that may lead to covering failure.- a -

[0006] While various techniques have been developed to resist movement from shear forces, there are drawbacks to such including materials and installation costs, periodic maintenance, and unsatisfactory shear resistance performance. This includes overlying the impermeable geomembrane with webs of ropes held down by weights such as tires. Such however is unsightly and has been found ineffective as resisting geomembrane movements due to forces discussed above. Alternatively, the geomembrane is overlaid by a tufted geotextile having yams tufted as simulated blades of grass. Such overlay however experiences relative movement of the tufted geotextile and the overlaid geomembrane due to the layer’s different responses to the loading forces. Surprisingly, a mesh sheet overlying a ground surface or geomembrane manages resistance to wind shear. Particularly, a geomembrane installed on a ground surface is overlaid by elongated mesh sheet grids typically installed from rolls. Adjacent installed grids preferably attach together on opposing sides. Attaching systems that weld abutting or adjacent sheets however have not been satisfactory as to installation time and costs and service life of connections.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a connector for engaging mesh grid sheets in side-by-side adjacent joined relation. It is to such that the present invention is directed.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention meets the need in the industry by providing a connector for holding a first mesh grid and a second mesh grid in adjacent joined-together relation. The connector comprises a base and a cap, in which the base has a pair of posts in spaced-apart relation and each post extending from the base to a respective distal end with a stop member intermediate the base and the distal end but proximately closer to the distal end. The cap has a pair of through- openings or passageways spaced for alignment with the pair of posts for seating of the cap to thebase. The openings are sized for press-fiting the posts through the passageways and forcingly positioning the stop member through the opening and outwardly of the cap. The posts being extended through a respective opening of the respective first mesh grid and second mesh grid and overlying the base, connect to the cap for holding the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid in adjacent joined relation.

[0009] The connector as recited, wherein the stop member comprises an annular flange extending radially outwardly.

[0010] The connector as recited, wherein the post defines a tapered distal end portion that tapers narrowingly from the annular flange to the distal extent.

[0011] The connector as recited, wherein the tapered distal end portion extending through the aligned through opening guides the press-fit passage of the post.

[0012] The connector as recited, wherein each through opening of the cap defines a seating recess in the surface for receiving a bottom surface of the stop member.

[0013] The connector as recited, wherein each through opening of the cap defines an entrance having a first cross-section width and an exit having a second cross-section width, the second cross-section width greater than the first cross-section width, w hereby an inner wall of the through opening tapers laterally to define a recess for seating a bottom surface of the stop member.

[0014] The connector as recited, wherein the base comprises a back surface and a perimeter skirt extending therefrom.

[0015] The connector as recited, wherein the perimeter skirt extends arcuately from the back surface to a distal edge.

[0016] The connector as recited, wherein the cap comprises an upper surface and a perimeter skirt extending therefrom.

[0017] The connector as recited, wherein the perimeter skirt of the cap extends arcuately from the upper surface to a distal edge.

[0018] The connector as recited, wherein the cap comprises an elongated planar plate.

[0019] The connector as recited, wherein the cap comprises a pair of plates, each said plate defining a respective one of the through openings.

[0020] The connector as recited, wherein each of the pair of the through openings has an entrance on a first side of the cap and an exit on a second side of the cap, said through openings defining an inner wall tapering from the entrance outwardly to the exit to define a seat for receiving a bottom surface of the annular flange, said entrance sized for press-fit forcing of the annular flange therethrough, whereby the annular flange positions outwardly of the respective through openings in the seat on the second side of the cap to resist separation of the base and the cap.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a connector for holding mesh grids in adjacent joined- together relation. The connector comprises an elongated base having a pair of spaced-apart posts extending in a first direction from an upper surface to a distal extent and each defining in a distal end portion an annular flange extending radially from the post stop member. A cap defines a pair of spaced-apart passages for aligned receiving therethrough a respective one of the posts, each of the pair of the passages having an entrance on a first side of the cap and anexit on a second side of the cap, said passage defining an inner wall tapering from the entrance outwardly to the exit to define a seat for receiving a bottom surface of the annular flange, said entrance sized for press-fit forcing of the annular flange therethrough, whereby the annular flange positions outwardly of the respective passage in the seat on the second side of the cap to resist separation of the base and the cap.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of joining mesh gr ids together, comprising the steps of:(a) overlying an elongated base with an edge portion of a first mesh grid, said elongated base having a pair of spaced-apart posts extending in a first direction from an upper surface to a distal extent and each defin ing in a distal end portion of the post a stop member, whereby at least one post extends through a grid opening of the first grid mesh;(b) overtying the elongated base with an edge portion of a second mesh grid, whereby at least one post extends through a grid opening of the second grid mesh;(c) aligning a cap having a pair of spaced-apart passages therethrough, said passages spaced for aligned receiving of a respective one of the posts of the base; and(d) press-fit forcing the cap to the base whereby the stop member of the respective post passes through and outwardly of the passageway, said stop member resisting separation of the base and the cap, for joining the first mesh grid to tire second mesh grid.

[0023] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention of a two-part connector for connecting mesh grids together will become readily apparent upon a reading of the detailed description of embodiments thereof in reference to the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view a two-part connector for holding adjacent mesh grids in joined relation.

[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates in front exploded elevational view the two-part connector illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates in upper perspective view a base member of the two-part connector with a first mesh grid.

[0027] Fig. 4 illustrates in upper perspective view the base member of the two-part connector with a second mesh grid in adjacent relation to the first mesh grid.

[0028] Fig. 5 illustrates in upper perspective view the cap member of the two-part connector exploded away for being received on the base member for holding the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid in joined together relation.

[0029] Fig. 6 illustrates in detailed cross-sectional view an alternate embodiment of an opening in n the cap member for recei ving the post of the base member therethrough .

[0030] Fig. 7 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of a two-part connector for holding adjacent mesh grids in joined relation.

[0031] Fig. 8 illustrates in perspective view a second alternate embodiment of a two-part connector for holding adjacent mesh grids in joined relation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like identifiers, Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view a two-part connector 10 for holding adjacent mesh sheets or grids in adjacent joined-together relation. The connector 10 includes an elongated base 12 that connects engagingly to a cap 14. The base 12 has a length that is greater than a width. A pair of posts 16 extend in a first direction from an upper surface 18 of the elongated base 12 to a respective distal extent 20 in a distal end portion 21. The posts 16 are spaced-apart a distance 22. The distal end portion 21 of the posts 16 each define a stop member 25. The stop member 25 in the illustrated embodiment is an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the post. In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the stop member is a projection, stub, leg, orknub extending laterally from the post.

[0033] As illustrated in front exploded elevational view’ in Fig. 2, the base 12 in the illustrated embodiment has an opposing back surface 24 and a perimeter skirt 26 extending from the surface 18 to define an elongated dish-shaped platform. The perimeter skirt 26 and back surface 24 define a recess cavity’ 28 within the dish-shaped platform. The perimeter skirt 26 may be arcuate from the surface 18 to a distal edge or may be planar.

[0034] With continuing reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the distal end portion 21 of each of the posts 16 defines the stop member. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member is an annular flange 30. The annular flange 30 extends laterally to define a distal extend outwardly of the post. An inwardly tapered end portion 32 narrows in diameter (or cross-sectional thickness) from the annular flange to the distal extent 20. The post 16 thus has a first diameter 31 from the surface 18 to the annular flange 30. The annular flange 30 extends outwardly radially to a second diameter 34 relative to a longitudinal axis of the post 16. The second diameter is greater than the firstdiameter, so that the annular flange 30 defines the stop member for restricting separation of the base 12 and the cap 14 after connection, as discussed below.

[0035] The cap 14 comprises an elongated plate 40 and defines a pair of through openings 42 from a bottom surface 44 to a top surface 46. The openings 42 are positioned in spaced-apart relation a distance 47 for aligned receiving of the posts 16 when joining the cap 14 to the base 12. The through openings 42 have a diameter 48 that is fittingly less than the diameter 34 of the annular flange 30. The size of the opening 42 permits press-fit forcing of the annular flange 30 through the opening to position the annular flange outwardly of the surface 46 of the cap 14 to function as a stop member to resist separation of the base 12 and cap 14 while holding adjacent mesh gr ids together. The illustrated embodiment includes a perimeter skirt 49 extending from the surface 46 to define an elongated dish-shaped platform. The skirt 49 is preferably arcuate.

[0036] The opposing base 12 and cap 14 matingly connect by the openings 42 receiving the tapered distal end portions 32 of the posts 16. The flange 30 contacts the edge of the entrance of the opening 42, and then as the base 12 and the cap 14 are pressed forcibly together, the flange moves through the passageway 42 and outwardly of the upper surface 46 of the cap. The annular flange 30 having diameter greater than the diameter of passageway seats on the upper surface and does not readily move back through the passageway 42 unless subjected to a pulling separating force applied to the base 12 and the cap 14. However, the base 12 and cap 14 are preferably single connection use and are not engineered for detachment and subsequent reuse as a joinder device for adjacent meshes.

[0037] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in detailed cross-sectional view in Fig. 6, an exit 70 of the opening 42 in the cap 14 opposing an entrance 72 has a diameter 50 greater than thediameter 48 of the entrance. The inner wail 74 of the passageway 42 thereby tapers laterally from an entrance side to the exit side. This defines a seating recess 76 for receiving the bottom surface of the flange 30 when the cap 14 seats connectingly to the base 12.

[0038] Fig. 7 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment 80 of a two-part connector for holding adjacent mesh grids 50, 52 in joined relation. The connector 80 includes the elongated base 12 (described above in reference to Fig. 1 ) and a cap that comprises an elongated planar member 82. The elongated planar member 82 defines a pair of through openings 84 from a bottom surface to a top surface 86. The openings 84 are positioned in spaced-apart relation a distance for aligned receiving of the posts 16 when joining the elongated planar member 82 to the base 12 as a closing cap. The through opening 84 has a diameter that is fittingly less than the diameter 34 of the annular flange 30 of the base 12. The size of the opening 84 permits press-fit forcing of the annular flange 30 through the opening to position the annular flange outwardly of the upper surface 86 of the elongated planar member 82. The annular flange 30 thereby functions as a stop member to resist separation of the base 12 and elongated planar member 82 while holding adjacent mesh grids together.

[0039] Further, it is to be appreciated that the base 12 may similarly comprise an elongated planar member without the depending skirt 26.

[0040] It is to be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the cap 14 inverts whereby the dish-shaped skirts 26 and 49 conformingly align in holding the mesh grids 50, 52 therebetween. The extending skirts 26, 49 provide smooth surfaces for bearing on the tensiles of the mesh in the event of mesh movement during use.

[0041] The opposing base 12 and elongated planar member 82 matingly connect by the openings 84 receiving the tapered distal end portions 32 of the respective aligned posts 16. The flange 30 contacts the edge of the entrance of the opening 84, and then as the base 12 and the c elongated planar member 82 are pressed forcibly together, the flange moves through the passageway 84 and outwardly of the upper surface 86 of the elongated planar member 82. The annular flange 30 having diameter greater than the diameter of passageway seats on the upper surface 86 and does not readily move back through the passageway 84 unless subjected to a pulling separating force applied to the base 12 and the elongated planar member 82. However, the base 12 and elongated planar member 84 are preferably single connection use and are not engineered for detachment and subsequent reuse as a joinder device for adjacent meshes.

[0042] Fig. 8 illustrates in perspective view a second alternate embodiment 90 of a two-part connector for holding adjacent mesh grids 50, 52 in joined relation. The connector 90 includes the elongated base 12 (described above in reference to Fig. 1) and a cap that in this second alternate embodiment comprises a pair of members 92. In the illustrated embodiment, the members 92 comprise disc-shaped washers or planar plates that each define a through opening 94 from a bottom surface to a top surface 96. The through opening 94 has a diameter that is fittingly less than the diameter 34 of the annular flange 30 of the base 12. The size of the opening 94 permits press-fit forcing of the annular flange 30 through the opening to position the annular flange outwardly of the upper surface 96 of the member 92. The annular flange 30 thereby functions as a stop member to resist separation of the base 12 and member 92 while holding adjacent mesh grids together.

[0043] The opposing base 12 and the pair of members 92 matingly connect by the respective opening 94 receiving the tapered distal end portion 32 of the respective aligned post 16. The flange 30 contacts the edge of the entrance of the opening 94, and then as the base 12 and the member 92are pressed forcibly together, the flange moves through the passageway 94 and outwardly of the upper surface 96 of the member 92. The annular flange 30 having diameter greater than the diameter of passageway seats on the upper surface 96 and does not readily move back through the passageway 94 unless subjected to a pulling separating force applied to the base 12 and the member 92. However, the base 12 and 94 are preferably single connection use and are not engineered for detachment and subsequent reuse as a joinder device for adjacent meshes.

[0044] Figs. 3 - 5 illustrate in upper perspective view an operational sequence of the connector 10 with the base 12 and the cap 14 joining together adjacent mesh grids 50, 52. Each mesh grid 50, 52 fonns of a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal strands 54 and transverse strands 56 that connect at intersections 58 to define open mesh grid apertures 60. Fig. 3 illustrates the base member 12 on a surface 64, with the first mesh grid 50 overlying the base member and one of the posts 16 extending through one of the open apertures 60. Preferably, the posts 16 extend through a respective opening 60 in a row of openings that is one or two from the edge of the mesh grid 50, 52.

[0045] Fig. 4 illustrates the second mesh grid 52 overlying the base 12 with the second post 16 extending through one of the open apertures 60 of the second mesh 52 placed in adjacent relation to the first mesh grid 50 with respective opposing edges side-by-side. Similarly, the other post 16 extends through a respective opening 60 in a row that is one or two spaced inwardly from the side edge of the mesh grid 52.

[0046] The connector 10 is then assembled with the cap 14 as discussed above to hold the mesh grids 50, 52 together in adjacent relation. Fig. 5 illustrates in upper perspective view the cap 14 of the two-part connector 10 exploded away for being received on the base 12. The openings 42of the cap 14 align with and receive the tapered distal end portions 32 of the posts 16. The flanges 30 contact the edge of the entrance of the respective opening 42. The base 12 and the cap 14 are pressed forcibly together. The flanges 30 enter the respective passageway 42 and with press-fit moves through the passageway through the exit side outwardly of the opposing top surface 46 of the cap 14. The flange 30 may sit on the upper surface but does not readily pass back through the passageway 42. Separation of the base 12 and the cap 14 is restricted by the annular flange 30 as a stop member for holding the mesh grids 50, 52 together during use. The extending skirts 26, 49 provide smooth surfaces for bearing on the tensiles of the mesh in the event of mesh movement during use, but resist detachment without a pulling separation force on the base 12 and the cap 14. Tire connector 10 thereby holds the first mesh grid 50 and the second mesh grid 52 in joined adjacent relation. The perimeter skirts 26, 49 of the base 12 and the cap 14 provide a smooth surface on which the joined mesh grids 50, 52 may move, such as from soil movement or shear forces from wind or water flow. The smooth surface resists cutting of tearing of the mesh grid during installation and use.

[0047] The connector 10 comprises the base 12 and the cap 14, in which the base has the pair of posts 16 in spaced-apart relation and extending to the respective distal end with the intermediate stop member. The cap 14 defines the two through-openings 42 or passageways spaced for alignment with the pair of posts 16 for seating of the cap 14 to the base 12, for holding edge portions of the mesh grids 50, 52 in adjacent joined relation by the posts extending through a respective opening of the respective mesh grid overlying the base and the stop member restricts separation of the connector 10 during use.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 7. the alternate embodiment 80 similarly joiningly interconnects the adjacent mesh grids 50, 52 as described above in reference to Figs. 3 - 5. This embodimenthowever aligns the openings 84 of the elongated planar member 82 with the posts 16 of the base 12 extending through respective portions of the adjacent mesh grids 50, 52. The opposing base 12 and elongated planar member 82 matingly connect by the openings 84 receiving the tapered distal end portions 32 of the respective aligned posts 16. The flange 30 contacts the edge of the entrance of the opening 84, and then as the base 12 and the c elongated planar member 82 are pressed forcibly together, the flange moves through the passageway 84 and outwardly of the upper surface 86 of the elongated planar member 82. The annular flange 30 having diameter greater than the diameter of passageway seats on the upper surface 86 and does not readily move back through the passageway 84.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 8, the second alternate embodiment 90 similarly joiningly interconnects the adjacent mesh grids 50, 52 as described above in reference to Figs. 3 - 5. This embodiment however caps the base 12 with the pair of members 92. The opening 94 of the member 92 aligns one of the posts 16 of the base 12 extending through respective portions of the adjacent mesh grids 50, 52. The opposing base 12 and the member 92 matingly connect by the respective opening 94 receiving the tapered distal end portion 32 of the respective aligned post 16. The flange 30 contacts the edge of the entrance of the opening 94, and then as the base 12 and the member 92 are pressed forcibly together, the flange moves through the passageway 94 and outwardly of tire upper surface 96 of the member 92. The annular flange 30 having diameter greater than the diameter of passageway seats on the upper surface 96 and does not readily move back through the passageway 94. A second member 92 seats on the other of the posts 16.

[0050] In an illustrative embodiment, the post 16 is a rod having the first diameter or crosssection extending from the surface 18 to the annular flange 30 with the second cross-section thickness (or diameter in the illustrated embodiment), and the distal end portion of the post tapersnarrowingly to the third diameter (or cross-section), which third diameter is less than the first diameter.

[0051] In an illustrative embodiment, the post 16 includes the projection in the distal end portion as a stop member so that a transverse width of the post through the projection is greater than a diameter of the passageway 42 in the cap 14, for press-fitting the post though the respective passageway to engage the cap 14 to the base 12, which projection resists the cap detaching and separating from the base in the absence of a removal force.

[0052] In an aspect, the projection (stop member) in the distal end portion comprises the annular flange 30 extending radially from the post 16. The diameter of the flange and opening, and the resilient material of the post 16 or base 12, allows for the press-fit force to push the post through the respective passageway 42 to position the annular flange 30 through and outward of the opening 42 but holds the connected base and cap from detaching separation in die absence of an applied detaching force.

[0053] With reference to Figs. 1 and 3 - 5, the connector 10 in operational use holds the pair of mesh grids 50, 52 overlying the surface in adjacent joined relation between the base 12 and the cap 14. The connector 10 assembles together by inserting one post 16 extending from the base 12 through a grid opening in an edge portion of the first mesh grid 50, inserting the second post 16 through an opening in an edge portion of the second mesh grid 52, and connecting the cap to the base by press-fitting the posts through respective passageways 42 in the cap aligned with the spacing of the posts. The annular flanges 30 hold the cap 14 to prevent separation or disconnection in the absence of a force for detaching the base and the cap.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 7, the connector 80 operates to hold the pair of mesh grids 50, 52 overlying the surface in adjacent joined relation between the base 12 and the cap 82. The connector 80 assembles together by inserting one post 16 extending from the base 12 through a grid opening in an edge portion of the first mesh grid 50, inserting the second post 16 spaced-apart from the first post through a grid opening in an edge portion of the second mesh grid 52, and connecting the cap 82 to the base 14 by press-fitting the posts 16 through respective through openings or passageways 84 in the cap 82 aligned with the spacing of the posts 16. The posts 16 held by the annular flanges 30 relative to the cap 82 of the assembled connector 80 prevents separation or disconnection in the absence of a force for detaching the base and the cap.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 8, the connector 90 operates to hold the pair of mesh grids 50, 52 overlying the surface in adjacent joined relation between the base 12 and the cap 92. The connector 90 assembles together by inserting one post 16 extending from the base 12 through an opening in an edge portion of the first mesh grid 50 and inserting the second post 16 through a grid opening in an edge portion of the second mesh grid 52. The cap 82 then connects to the posts, by connecting a respective one of the pair of plates 92 to a respective post 16 and connecting the second one of the pair of plates 92 to the other of the posts 16. The connection is accomplished by press-fitting the posts 16 through respective through openings or passageways 84 in the cap 82 aligned with the spacing of the posts 16, and holding the posts by the annular flanges 30 relative to the cap to prevent separation or disconnection in the absence of a force for detaching the base and the cap.

[0056] The foregoing discloses apparatus and methods for a two-part connector for joining mesh sheets in adjacent joined-together relation. It is to be appreciated that while the invention has been disclosed in alternate illustrative embodiments, variations and changes may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departure from the invention as recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector for holding mesh grids in adjacent joined-together relation, comprising: an elongated base having a pair of spaced-apart posts extending in a first direction from an upper surface to a distal extent and each defining in a distal end portion of the post a stop member; and a cap defining a pair of spaced-apart through openings for aligned receiving therethrough a respective one of the posts, each of the pair of the through openings sized for press- fit forcing of the annular flange therethrough, whereby the annular flange positions outwardly of the respective through opening on a surface of the cap to resist separ ation of the base and the cap.

2. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein the stop member comprises an annular' flange extending radially outwardly.

3. The connector as recited in claim 2, wherein the post defines a tapered distal end portion that tapers narrowingly from the annular flange to the distal extent.

4. The connector as recited in claim 3, wherein the tapered distal end portion extending through the aligned through opening guides the press- fit passage of the post.

5. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein each through opening of the cap defines a seating recess in the surface for receiving a bottom surface of the stop member.

6. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein each through opening of the cap defines an entrance having a first cross-section width and an exit having a second cross-section width, the second cross-section width greater than the first cross-section width, whereby an inner wall of the through opening tapers laterally to define a recess for seating a bottom surface of the stop member.

7. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a back surface and a perimeter skirt extending therefrom.

8. The connector as recited in claim 7, wherein the perimeter skirt extends arcuate ly from the back surface to a distal edge.

9. Tire connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the cap comprises an upper surface and a perimeter skirt extending therefrom.

10. The connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the perimeter skirt of the cap extends arcuately from the upper surface to a distal edge.

11. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the cap comprises an elongated planar plate.

12. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a pair of plates, each said plate defining a respective one of the through openings.

13. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of the through openings has an entrance on a first side of the cap and an exit on a second side of the cap, said through openings defining an inner wall tapering from the entrance outwardly to the exit to define a seat for receiving a bottom surface of the annular flange, said entrance sized for press-fit forcing of the annular flange therethrough, whereby the annular flange positions outwardly of the respective through openings in the seat on the second side of the cap to resist separation of the base and the cap.

14. A connector for holding mesh grids in adjacent joined-together relation, comprising: an elongated base having a pair of spaced-apart posts extending in a first direction from an upper surface to a distal extent and each defining in a distal end portion an annular flange extending radially from the post stop member; and a cap defining a pair of spaced-apart passages for aligned receiving therethrough a respective one of the posts, each of the pair of the passages having an entrance on a first side of the cap and an exit on a second side of the cap, said passage defining an inner wall tapering from the entrance outwardly to the exit to define a seat for receiving a bottom surface of the annular flange, said entrance sized for press-fit forcing of the annular flange therethrough, whereby the annular flange positions outwardly of the respective passage in the seat on tire second side of the cap to resist separation of the base and the cap.

15. Tire connector as recited in claim 14, wherein the post defines a distal end portion that tapers narrowingly from the annular flange to the distal extent, said distal end portion for guiding the post through the respective passage.

16. The connector as recited in claim 14, wherein the entrance of each passage of the cap has a first diameter and the exit has a second diameter, the second diameter greater than the first diameter, whereby the inner wall of the passage tapers laterally to define the seat for seating a bottom surface of the stop member.

17. The connector as recited in claim 14, wherein the base further comprises a perimeter skirt extending therefrom to a distal edge; and the cap comprises a perimeter skirt extending therefrom to a distal edge.

18. The connector as recited in claim 17, wherein the perimeter skirt extends arcuately from the back surface to a distal edge.

19. The connector as recited in claim 14, wherein the perimeter skirt of the base and the perimeter skirt of the cap each extend arcuately.

20. A method of joining mesh grids together, comprising the steps of:(a) overlying an elongated base with an edge portion of a first mesh grid, said elongated base having a pair of spaced-apart posts extending in a first direction from an upper surface to a distal extent and each defining in a distal end portion of the post a stop member, whereby at least one post extends through a grid opening of the first grid mesh;(b) overlying the elongated base with an edge portion of a second mesh grid, whereby at least one post extends through a grid opening of the second grid mesh;(c) aligning a cap having a pair of spaced-apart passages therethrough, said passages spaced for aligned receiving of a respective one of the posts of the base; and(d) press-fit forcing the cap to the base whereby the stop member of the respective post passes through and outwardly of the passageway, said stop member resisting separation of the base and the cap, for joining the first mesh grid to the second mesh grid.

21. The method as recited in claim 20, further comprising the step of seating a bottom surface of the stop member in a recess defined by an inner wall of the passage tapering outwardly from an entrance side to an exit side.

22. The method as recited in claim 20, further comprising the step of providing the cap as a pair of plates, each said plate defining a respective one of the passages.

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