Method and apparatus for joining and aligning fixtures

A system for connecting and aligning modules in an end-to-end relationship, the system comprising:

• at least two fixture modules, each module having a first end and a second end;
• first means for use in connecting and aligning said modules, said first means including a first body portion adapted for engagement and flush alignment with said first end of a first one of said modules, said first means including at least one tab member adapted for extension from said body portion beyond said respective end of said respective fixture, said tab member having a joint with said body portion, said tab member having a first width at said joint and tapering to a smaller width distal from said joint;
• and
• second means for use in connecting and aligning said modules, said second means including a second body portion adapted for engagement and flush alignment with said second end of a second one of said modules, and second body portion having therein at least one tapered opening positioned to receive said extended tab member of said first means, the opening having a maximum width selected to accommodate said first width of said tab member such that when said tab member is extended from said body portion and inserted completely through said opening and into said second fixture, said respective first and second ends of said fixtures are butted against and aligned with each other.

A method for connecting and aligning modules in an end-to-end relationship, a first one of said modules having a first connector mounted at a first end of said first module, a second module having a second connector mounted at a second end of said second module, said first connector including a first body portion and at least one tapered opening in said first body portion, said second connector including a second body portion and at least one tab member extending from said second body portion and away from said second module, said method comprising the steps of:

• securing said first module to a support structure;
• engaging said tab member of said second connector into said opening in said body portion of said first connector such that said first and second modules are interlocked in a first position where relative motion between said modules is constrained with respect to a first longitudinal direction;
• and
• moving said second module toward said first fixture to progressively receive said tab member in the opening, such that said modules are engaged in a second position wherein said first and second ends of said respective first and second modules are butted against each other with said fixtures in said end-to-end relationship;
• wherein said tab member and said opening are positioned relative to said respective first and second body portions for alignment of said modules.

A method for making an interlocking connector for interconnecting and aligning modules of a modular fixture, comprising the steps of:

• providing a workpiece;
• dimensioning said workpiece so as to allow for mounting of the workpiece within an end of one of said modules;
• bending said workpiece to define an end wall and a supporting wall on opposite sides of a bend, wherein said supporting wall can be used to support a fixture element within said one module;
• and
• forming a tab connector in said end wall for use in connecting said module to an adjacent module of said fixture.