Beam connector apparatus and assembly
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorGeorg F. von Tiesenhausen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Connector apparatus and assembly is disclosed for connecting beams and the like structural members which is particularly advantageous for connecting two members together when moved laterally into place since the connector apparatus requires no relative longitudinal movement between the ends of the beams or members being connected to make a connection joint. The connector apparatus includes a receptacle member A and a connector housing B carried by opposed ends of the structural member being connected wherein a spring-loaded connector member C is carried by the connector housing B which may be released for extension and engagement into the receptacle member A.
Claims15
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising:
- a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle;
- a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing;
- a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member;
- a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for resisting relative rotational movements between said first and second members;
- said connector member having an extended position relative to said housing in which said prong means is engaged in said window openings;
- lock means for holding said connector member in a retracted position retracted longitudinally with respect to said extended position;
- and
- actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions and connecting said members.
Apparatus for connecting free ends of a plurality of structural components such as beams and the like comprising:
- a first member adapted for being carried by a first of said free ends having a receptacle;
- a second member adapted for being carried by a second of said free ends having a housing;
- a plurality of spaced window openings formed in said receptacle of said first member;
- a connector member slidably carried by said housing of said second member having a plurality of prong means adapted for engagement within said window openings for connecting and preventing relative rotation between said first and second members;
- said connector member having an extended position wherein said connector member is extended axially relative to said housing, said prong means being engaged in said window openings in said extended position;
- lock means for holding said connector member in a longitudinally retracted position;
- actuator means for effecting movement of said connector member between said retracted and extended positions;
- guide means adapted for interconnecting said first and second members in an aligned position for connection with said connector member in said retracted position;
- and
- said receptacle of said first member including a tapered inlet facilitating insertion of said prong means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.