Channel tube and tube nut framing apparatus
OwnerBrian M. Goerges, Matthew C. Goergesinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical framework (168, 187) is formed with a basic tube nut (1, 63) and channel tube (124, 137) geometry. A threaded faster (170) is used to attach the elements. Orthogonal elements can be strengthened by an angle bracket (163) and nut plate (168). The edges (126) of the channel tube (124) are scalloped by a series of indentations (129, 130) which engage the fastener (170) and resist rotation of the tube nut (1, 63) within the channel tube (124, 137). Additional tube nuts (82, 100) provide an additional single flange (87) and pair of flanges (101, 102) respectively. The tube nut (1, 63) includes a turret (2) that fits between guide rails (152, 153) so as to form a continuous planar surface when mounted within the channel tube (124, 137).
Claims14
A structural assembly comprising:
- a channel tube formed to include three planar, adjoining sidewalls thereby creating a substantially open side, the channel tube comprising:
- at least one inner protrusion extending from at least one sidewall toward the substantially open side;
- and
- a plurality of perforations, the perforations residing on each sidewall, the perforations having a size and spacing so as to form a substantially identical pattern of perforations on each sidewall of the channel tube;
- and
- a channel nut, the channel nut being formed as a substantially rectangular open solid having four substantially identical, adjoining edge regions, each edge region being shaped and sized to engage one of the inner protrusions of the channel tube such that at least two of the substantially identical edge regions are slidable along opposite sidewalls of the channel tube to permit placement of the channel nut at a desired location, each channel nut including at least one bore adapted to receive a fastener passing through a perforation of the channel tube.
A method of constructing a framework, comprising the steps of:
- (a) forming a channel, the channel having three substantially similar, planar orthogonal sides, thereby creating an open, substantially vacant side, the channel having a substantially constant cross sectional profile;
- (b) forming a plurality of bores within each of the substantially similar, planar orthogonal sides, the plurality of bores being arranged in a substantially identical symmetrical pattern;
- (c) forming a channel nut having an external shape and dimensions so as to permit the 20 channel nut to substantially fill the cross sectional profile upon insertion of the channel nut into the channel;
- (d) forming the channel nut to have a raised region so as to create a flush planar surface within the substantially vacant side of the channel;
- (e) forming the channel nut to have four planar surfaces;
- (f) forming a plurality of bores within each of the four planar surface of the channel nut, the bores being formed in a pattern that is substantially similar to at least a portion of the substantially identical symmetrical pattern of bores formed within each of the substantially similar, planar orthogonal sides of the channel;
- (g) orienting a plurality of channels so as to create overlapping, aligned bores;
- (h) inserting at least one channel nut into at least one of the plurality of channels so as to cause bores within the channel nut to be aligned with the overlapping, aligned bores of the plurality of channels;
- (i) inserting a threaded fastener into each of the overlapping, aligned bores;
- and
- (j) securing each threaded fastener to the channel nut so as to create a rigid bond between the plurality of channels and the channel nut.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.