US20090241460A1

US20090241460A1 - Fastening Device Template

Info

Publication number: US20090241460A1
Application number: US12/411,256
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Beaulieu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-26
Filing date: 2009-03-25
Publication date: 2009-10-01
Also published as: CA2659034A1

Abstract

A fastening device template for binding a plurality of mosaic units has a clip core comprising a pair of wings further comprising a leg unit resiliently flexible to allow for frictional insertion into a predetermined groove of one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby the pair of wings and the leg unit are coupled in an engage disengage configuration to the clip core and a tip of the at least one leg of the twin leg unit is a protruding tip configured to fit into the predetermined groove to enable quick assembly and disassembly of fixation joints in the plurality of mosaic units.

Description

This application claims priority based on provisional 61039499 filed Mar. 26, 2008

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fastening means but more particularly to a fastening device template used in joining mosaics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of fastening means used for assembling parts together such as for building furniture or joining pieces of lumber or planks such as for flooring for example. These fastening means come in the forms of mortise and tenon; tongue and groove; dovetail; dowel; biscuit; etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a main advantage of this invention to provide for a fastening device template that is easy to install by unskilled labor so as to help them achieve professional result. The application can be for assembling individual planks that together make up a floor covering such as engineered flooring, or it can be used for tiles. It can also be used to assemble individual parts which, together, create a piece of furniture. In this application, the generic term “mosaic” or “mosaic units” will be used to describe the individual pieces which, as indicated hereinabove, have a multitude of possible uses.
In order to do so, the invention comprises a fastening device template for binding a plurality of mosaic units, the fastening device template has a clip core comprising a pair of wings further comprising a leg unit resiliently flexible to allow for frictional insertion into a predetermined groove of one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby the pair of wings and the leg unit are coupled in an engage disengage configuration to the clip core and a tip of the at least one leg of the twin leg unit is a protruding tip configured to fit into the predetermined groove to enable quick assembly and disassembly of fixation joints in the plurality of mosaic units.
The fastening device can be made of plastic; metal; ferrous material; and wood.
A variation of the fastening device template has a plurality of serrations disposed on a surface of at least one leg of the leg unit for clawing into fibers of at least one mosaic units of the plurality of mosaic units through a force exerted by the resiliently flexible leg unit.
In yet another variation of the embodiment, a plurality of serrations are disposed on a surface of at least one leg of the leg unit for clawing into fibers of at least one mosaic units of the plurality of mosaic units through a force exerted by the resiliently flexible leg unit.
The clip core is configured for at least one of the following fixation movement in the predetermined groove:
Insertion into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units.
Gluing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units.
Screwing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic unit.
Assembling a first precut channel and a second precut channel, whereby the first precut channel is not directly compatible for fixation with the second precut channel.
The clip core can be configured for at least one of the following fixation movement in the predetermined groove:
Insertion into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units.
Gluing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units.
Screwing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units.
Assembling a first precut channel and a second precut channel, whereby the first precut channel is not directly compatible for fixation with the second precut channel.
The fastening device template has its clip core coupling a first plank unit to a second plank unit disengaeably through a precut groove in both the first plank unit and the second plank unit.
In yet another embodiment, a first end of the clip core is coupled in an extendable manner to one wing including two legs and a second end of the clip core is coupled to a cylindrical element further including at least one of: a tenon; a threaded cylinder; and a threaded bolt.
An abutting element is coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the clip core for determining a gap between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units to configure the clip core for frictional insertion while performing at least one of: maintaining; and eliminating; the gap between the at least two of the plurality of mosaic units.
The fastening device template has a method of use consisting in the steps of regulating a tolerance of a releasable clip assembly for enabling a quick fixation and a quick release configuration between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby a protruding tip of the releasable clip is a male counterpart of a mosaic unit joint, the protruding tip fitting into a precut groove in at least one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby the precut groove is a female counterpart of the mosaic unit joint and whereby a leg unit enabling fixation into the precut groove through a force exerted by the resiliently flexibility of the leg unit.
In the case of the embodiment having a cylindrical element, the cylindrical element is coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the releasable clip assembly for attaching to one of the plurality of mosaic units in at least one of the following manner: threadable; fixable; and releasable. An abutting element coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the releasable clip assembly for determining a gap between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units to configure the clip core for frictional insertion while performing at least one of: maintaining; and eliminating; the gap between the at least two of the plurality of mosaic units.
A method wherein the releasable clip assembly comprising a quick clip release mechanism configured to: insert into a predetermined groove; glue to a predetermined channel; screw in a precut channel; and assemble a first precut channel and a second precut channel, whereby the first precut channel is not directly compatible for fixation with the second precut channel.
A method further comprising enabling frictional insertion of a predetermined releasable clip element into a complimentary configured opening in a first of the plurality of mosaic units at a first end of the predetermined releasable clip element; and into a complimentary configured opening in a second of the plurality of mosaic units at a second end of the predetermined releasable clip element for both the first and second of the plurality of mosaic units configured for a minimal gap between each other.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2 a-c Plan view, side view, and side view detail, respectively, of to the invention in context of use.

FIGS. 3 a-c Side, top, and front views, respectively, of the invention.

FIGS. 4 a-c Side views of additional variations of the invention.

FIG. 5 Side view of a variation of the invention used for mosaics having a gap.

FIG. 6 a-b Side view, in context of use, of a variation of the invention used for mosaics without a gap.

FIG. 7 ab Side view, in context of use, of yet another variation of the invention used for mosaics without a gap.

FIGS. 8 a-b Side view and close-up of side view, in context of use, of yet another embodiment of the invention used for mosaics without a gap.

FIG. 9 a-c Side views of variations of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A fastening device (10) has a clip core (12) and wings (14). The wings (14) generally consists in twin legs (16) that are resiliently flexible to allow for frictional insertion into a groove (18) made into an insertion piece (20) such as a plank of furniture component.
In somn embodiment of the invention, the legs (16) can have serrations (22) to provide additional fastening capabilities. For example, in wood wherein various shapes of sharp edges can claw into wood fibers by the force exerted by the resiliently flexible legs (16).
In another variant of the fastening device (10), it has only one wing (14) and two legs (16) on one side but having either a tenon (24), a threaded hollow cylinder (26), or a threaded bolt (28) on its other side. In all three cases this alternate side can be threadably, fixedly, or releasably attached to the insertion piece (20). These are ideally suited for shelving units.
Yet another variant comprised of an abutting member (30) which is used to determine the gap between to insertion pieces (20) such as, for example, mosaics. Also, when using more rigid materials, rounded tips (32) can be used for insertion into precut channels (not shown).
For use on mosaics without a gap between, the variation of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is used wherein two protruding tips (34) are configured and sized for fritional insertion into complementarily configured and sized openings (36) and central protruding tips (38) are each frictionally interacting a part of the insertion piece (20). In a slight variant, as seen in FIG. 7, there is only one large protruding tip (38) which performs the same function as the two protruding tips (38) of FIG. 6. The use of resilient deformation for insertion of one element into another element wherein both elements present complementarily configured and sized shapes is known in the art and need not be further discussed herein.
FIG. 9 shows a variation wherein the legs (16) are joined so as to form a closed loop that is essentially a wing (14). The wing (14) being resiliently deformable as is the case for the other embodiments.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A fastening device template for binding a plurality of mosaic units, the fastening device template comprising:

a clip core comprising a pair of wings further comprising a leg unit resiliently flexible to allow for frictional insertion into a predetermined groove of one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby the pair of wings and the leg unit are coupled in an engage disengage configuration to the clip core and a tip of the at least one leg of the twin leg unit is a protruding tip configured to fit into the predetermined groove to enable quick assembly and disassembly of fixation joints in the plurality of mosaic units.

2. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein the clip core comprises a quick release fastening clip made of at least one of the following:

plastic; metal; ferrous material; and wood.

3. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein a plurality of serrations are disposed on a surface of at least one leg of the leg unit for clawing into fibers of at least one mosaic units of the plurality of mosaic units through a force exerted by the resiliently flexible leg unit.

4. The fastening device template of claim 2, wherein a plurality of serrations are disposed on a surface of at least one leg of the leg unit for clawing into fibers of at least one mosaic units of the plurality of mosaic units through a force exerted by the resiliently flexible leg unit.

5. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein the clip core is configured for at least one of the following fixation movement in the predetermined groove:

insertion into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units;

gluing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units;

screwing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units; and

assembling a first precut channel and a second precut channel, whereby the first precut channel is not directly compatible for fixation with the second precut channel.

6. The fastening device template of claim 2, wherein the clip core is configured for at least one of the following fixation movement in the predetermined groove:

insertion into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units;

gluing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units;

screwing into a precut channel in one of the plurality of mosaic units; and

7. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mosaic units comprising: a plurality of plastic units; a plurality of metal units; a plurality of materials made of ferrous material; a plurality of a plurality of parquets; a plurality of wooden lumber; and a plurality of furniture units.

8. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein the clip core couples a first plank unit to a second plank unit disengaeably through a precut groove in both the first plank unit and the second plank unit.

9. The fastening device template of claim 2, wherein the clip core couples a first plank unit to a second plank unit disengaeably through a precut groove in both the first plank unit and the second plank unit.

10. The fastening device template of claim 1, wherein a first end of the clip core is coupled in an extendable manner to one wing including two legs and a second end of the clip core is coupled to a cylindrical element further including at least one of: a tenon; a threaded cylinder; and a threaded bolt.

11. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein an abutting element is coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the clip core for determining a gap between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units to configure the clip core for frictional insertion while performing at least one of: maintaining; and eliminating; the gap between the at least two of the plurality of mosaic units.

12. A fastening device mould for binding a plurality of mosaic units, the fastening device mould comprising:

a clip core comprising a pair of wings further comprising a twin leg unit resiliently flexible to allow for frictional insertion into a groove of one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby one of the pair of wings and one leg of the twin leg unit are coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the clip core;

a cylindrical element coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the clip core for attaching to one of the plurality of mosaic units in at least one of the following manner: threadable; fixable; and releasable;

an abutting element coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the clip core for determining a gap between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units to configure the clip core for frictional insertion while performing at least one of:

maintaining; and eliminating; the gap between the at least two of the plurality of mosaic units; and

the cylindrical element; and the abutting element to thereby enable quick assembly and disassembly of joints in the plurality of mosaic units.

13. The fastening device mould of claim 12, wherein a plurality of serrations are disposed on a surface of at least one leg of the twin leg unit for clawing into fibers of the plurality of mosaic units through a force exerted by the resiliently flexible twin leg unit.

14. The fastening device mould of claim 12, wherein the cylindrical element comprises at least one of:

a tenon;

a threaded hollow cylinder; and

a threaded bolt.

15. The fastening device mould of claim 12, wherein each leg of the twin leg unit comprising a protruding rounded tip for inserting into precut channels of rigid materials.

16. A method for enabling a quick assembly of a plurality of mosaic units, the method comprising:

regulating a tolerance of a releasable clip assembly for enabling a quick fixation and a quick release configuration between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby a protruding tip of the releasable clip is a male counterpart of a mosaic unit joint, the protruding tip fitting into a precut groove in at least one of the plurality of mosaic units, whereby the precut groove is a female counterpart of the mosaic unit joint and whereby a leg unit enabling fixation into the precut groove through a force exerted by the resiliently flexibility of the leg unit.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of regulating the tolerance of the releasable clip assembly comprising regulating a tolerance of:

a cylindrical element coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the releasable clip assembly for attaching to one of the plurality of mosaic units in at least one of the following manner: threadable; fixable; and releasable; and

an abutting element coupled in an engage and disengage configuration to the releasable clip assembly for determining a gap between at least two of the plurality of mosaic units to configure the clip core for frictional insertion while performing at least one of: maintaining; and eliminating; the gap between the at least two of the plurality of mosaic units.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the releasable clip assembly comprising a quick clip release mechanism configured to: insert into a predetermined groove; glue to a predetermined channel; screw in a precut channel; and assemble a first precut channel and a second precut channel, whereby the first precut channel is not directly compatible for fixation with the second precut channel.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising enabling frictional insertion of a predetermined releasable clip element: into a complimentary configured opening in a first of the plurality of mosaic units at a first end of the predetermined releasable clip element; and into a complimentary configured opening in a second of the plurality of mosaic units at a second end of the predetermined releasable clip element for both the first and second of the plurality of mosaic units configured for a minimal gap between each other.