Connector and method for interconnecting hollow frame members
AssigneeStock Mfg. & Design Co., Inc.
InventorMarvin G. Stock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A connector and method for interconnecting separate frame members to form a display frame which does not require the use of tools for the assembly or disassembly thereof. The connector includes a first plate, a second plate spaced-apart from the first plate, and a resilient spacer retained between the first and second plates which are each disposed within ends of the frame members. The spacer is formed from a resilient non-setting material which expands between the first and second plates to permit the first and second plates to be frictionally retained within the frame members.
Claims16
A display frame comprising:
- a first hollow frame member having a first opening therethrough;
- a second hollow frame member having a second opening therethrough;
- a connector coupling said first frame member to said second frame member;
- and
- said connector including a first plate having a first leg disposed within said first opening and a second leg disposed within said second opening, a second plate spaced-apart from said first plate and having a third leg disposed within said first opening and a fourth leg disposed within said second opening, and a resilient spacer retained between said first and second plates which urges said first and said second plates away from each other into abutment with an inner surface of said first and second frame members to frictionally retain said connector within said first and second openings.
A display frame comprising:
- a first hollow frame member defining a first opening therethrough;
- a second hollow frame member defining a second opening therethrough;
- a connector for connecting said first frame member to said second frame member, said connector including a first plate partially disposed within said first and second openings, a second plate partially disposed within said first and second openings and spaced-apart from said first plate, and resilient means disposed between said first and second plates for urging said first and second plates into abutment with an inner surface of each of said first and second frame members to frictionally retain said connector within said first and second openings.
A method of connecting a first frame member to a second frame member with a connector having at least a first plate, a second plate spaced-apart from the first plate, and a resilient spacer retained between the first and second plates, the method comprising the steps of:
- pressing a first leg of the first and second plates together to compress the resilient spacer;
- inserting said compressed first leg fully into an end of the first frame member;
- pressing a second leg of the first and second plates together to compress the resilient spacer;
- inserting said compressed second leg fully into an end of the second frame member;
- and
- permitting said resilient spacer to expand thus urging the first and second plates into abutment with an inner surface of the first and second frame members to frictionally retain the connector within the first and second frame members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.