US3685863A

US3685863A - Structural elements

Info

Publication number: US3685863A
Application number: US872702A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Oetiker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: HANS OETIKER AG MASCHINEN- und APPARATEFABRIK OBERDORFSTRASSE 21 CH-8812 HORGEN SWITZERLAND; Oetiker Schweiz AG
Priority date: 1969-10-30
Filing date: 1969-10-30
Publication date: 1972-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-22

Abstract

Structural elements adapted to be connected with each other into structural units by the form-locking engagement of complementary parts constituted by apertures and projections, and formlockingly as well as force-lockingly secured in their assembled positions by locking members engaging the structural elements on several sides.

Description

United States Patent l Oetiker [54] STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS [72] Inventor: Hans Oetiker, 2l Oberdorfstrasse,

Horgen, Switzerland [22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1969 [2l] Appl. No.; 872,702

[52] U.s. cl. 287/65, 52/645, 52/740 [5 l] lm. Cl E046 l/58, F166 5/07 [58] Field 6fSearel1....52/645, 740, 726; 287/64, 65, 287/63, 55, 104

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,118,854 5/1938 Mercer ..287/64 2,214,388 9/1940 summers 287/64 x 2,231,712 2/ 1941 Gleason ..287/65 1451 Aug. 22, 1972 2,315,414 3/1943 Germany 287/104 2,737,268 3/1956 Smith ..l5l/4l.75 X 2,863,683 l2/l958 Peterson etal. ..287/54 C 2,924,31 l 2/196() Brown 287/1 89.36 A 3,22 l ,466 12/1965 Downing ..52/726 Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. Attorney-Craig, Antonelli & Hill 5 7 ABSTRACT Structural elements adapted to be connected with cach other into structural units by the form-locking` engagement ot' complementary parts constituted by apertures and projections, and form-lockingly as well as force-lockngly secured in their assembled positions by locking members engaging the Structural elements on several sides.

29 Claim, 35 Drawing Figures Pmmmwszzlw 3.655.863

SHEU l# 0F 4 .YINVENTOR HANS OETMER ATTORNEYS STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS The present invention relates to structural elements, and more particularly to structural elements made, for example, from sheet metal which can be readily assembled into structural units of any type and for any purpose.

Structural elements of different types are known in the prior art which can be assembled into structural units of the most varied nature. These prior art devices utilize various connecting means for connecting together the individual structural elements.

For example, U. S. Pat. No. 2,737,268 (R.W. Smith) discloses structural members and connecting means therefore which can be assembled into frames, ladders and the like. However, apart from being relatively complicated in structure, the structural members of this patent are tied together by means of bolts. As a result, the manufacture of the various parts as well as the assembly is relatively complicated.

Additionally, interlocking connectors are known in the prior art such as, for example, described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,221,466 for interlocking two beams. However, the disadvantage of such prior arty interlocking connectors, apart from being relatively complicated resides in the fact that they do not provide for a positive locking action by the use of a separate locking member.

Other types of connectors (U. S. Pat. No. 2,924,311 to D A. Brown) rely on the bending of tabs or the like for completion of the assembly. The drawbacks of such a system resides in the danger of metal fatigue due to bending, especially in case of repeated use, which may limit the useful length of life of such device, apart from the fact that it cannot be used with plates above a certain thickness.

Other types of connector means are also known in the prior art (U. S. Pat. No. 2,863,683 to Peterson et al.) in which loop projections on one rail are extended through openings in the other rail and are held in the assembled position by a force-frictional t of keeper elements, extending through the assembled loop projections. However, special precautions must be taken to provide the necessary force-friction tit since this type of connection depends on this force-friction tit for its securing and therefore does not provide complete assurance against inadvertent disengagement, for example, during thermal expansion, under the influence of atmospheric conditions, etc. Additionally, its use is restricted to certain positions of the parts to avoid inadvertent disengagement of the keeper elements.

The present invention aims at obviating the shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art and at creating structural elements, which are simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and disassemble and safe in operation for the intended purposes.

The present invention essentially consists in structural elements provided with complementary means for mutual engagement which are locked in their assembled position by locking means form-lockingly and force-lockingly engaging the assembled structural elements, thereby performing the dual function of holding the assembled elements in their relative position and preventing inadvertent disengagement of the parts.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structural elements consist of a plurality of ladder-type elements whose web portions intermediate successive apertures are bent out for mutual engagement with one another, two assembled structural elements being held together in the assembled condition by a C-type locking member frictionally surrounding the structural elements.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the structural elements consist of apertured sectional members adapted to be connected with each other by connecting members having projections of complementary configuration which are held in the assembled positions by locking members again of approximately C-shaped cross section. The projecting members may be formed by appropriately dimensioned parts, spot-welded to the connector members or they may be directly punched-out of the connector members.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, applicable in particular to heavy-gauge sectional members, each structural element is provided with appropriately spaced openings which, with two structural elements having their openings aligned, are held in place by plug-type connecting members having pivotal locking means formed thereon.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention, the connection between two structural elements may be realized adjustably, i.e., either in predetermined tine steps by theuse of serrations or steplessly by the use of a threaded connection.-

Accordingly to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the structural elements may also be connected with each other in a pivotal manner, utilizing the same principle of connection.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the complementary surfaces may be constituted by separate elements of appropriate-configuration which are held in their assembled, form-locking condition by a force-locking sleeve member which, in tum, may be secured against inadvertent disengagement by a threaded connection.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide structural elements adapted to be assembled into structural units which obviate the aforementioned shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

Another object of the present invention resides in structural elements and connecting and locking means therefor which are simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to assemble and disassemble.

A further object of the present invention resides in structural elements which offer great versatility in the application thereof without requiring a large number of different individual parts.

Still another object of the present invention resides in structural elements which can be readily interlocked by simple forceand form-locking means to prevent inadvertent disengagement.

A further object of the present invention resides in structural elements which can be rapidly erected into sturdy, self-supporting structures with a minimum of parts.

These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, which shows, for

purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a first embodiment of a ladder-type structural element in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line III- III of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line lV IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a locking member for use in connecting two ladder-type structural elements of FIG. l;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the locking member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 isa perspective view of an angle member for connecting at an angle ladder-type structural elements of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view on an assembly of laddertype elements of FIGS. 1 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line IX- IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 8, on the assembly of a modified construction of two ladder-type structural elements in accordance with the present inl FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line K XI-XI 'of' FIG. 10;

embodiment of an apertured structural element in the form of an angle member in accordance with the n present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view on an angular connecting member for connecting together structural elements of the type illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing two structural elements of the type illustrated in FIG. 13 interconnected with one another by the use of an angular connector member of the type illustrated in FIG. 14 and of C-type locking members;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line XVI- XVI of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is elevational view of a still further modified embodiment of a connector member in accordance with the present invention provided with projections punched-out from the base body;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a modified assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. 17 by means of an angular connector member whereby the locking member and one of the elements are indicated in phantom lines;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of a still further l modied embodiment of an angular connector member of the type illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line XX'-XX of FIG. 17;

FIG.- 21 is a perspective view illustrating a building structure made by means of an assembly of structural elements of the type illustrated in FIGS. l through 9 or 10 through 12;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a building structure made from an assembly of structural elements of the type illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 16;

FIG. 23a is a perspective view of one type of hooktype suspension member for supporting certain parts in the assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23b is a perspective view of a modified hooktype suspension member for supporting certain structural elements in the` assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a modified embodi- I ment of an assembly of structural elements `in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the connector and locking means for use in the assembly of the structural elements of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view of the connector and locking means of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of an assembly of structural elements of the type illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, l5 and 16, and pemlitting a fine step-wise adjustment of the relative position of the parts byA means of a serrated connection;

FIG.v 28 is an exploded view of an assembly of structural elements of the type illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 16, and permitting a stepless adjustment of the relative position of the connected parts by means of a threaded connection;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a pivotal connection for structural elements of the type illustrated in- FIGS. 13 through 16;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the assembled pivotal connection of the structural elements illustrated in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of an assembly of structural elements in accordance with the present invention, utilizing separate locking elements;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of the structural elements of FIGS.'31 and 32; and

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an assembly of structural elements, similar to FIG. 31 but utilizing dierent types of structural elements.

Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more particularly to FIGS. l through 4, a ladder-type structural element generally designated by reference numeral 10 and made from suitable material such as band steel, is illustrated in these FIGS. which is provided with a plurality of substantially rectangular apertures 11 leaving therebetween web portions 12. If the application of the structural elements 10 is such as not to require relatively heavy-gauge structural elements, it may be suicient to utilize a flat, relatively thin band material that can be stored in rolls and cut to appropriate length. To obtain the embossed configuration of the web portions l2, illustrated in FIG. 2, it is then only necessary to apply normal pincers within the area of the web portions l2 corresponding to the longitudinal edges 11a of the openings, to impart to the web portions 12 the raised configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. In the alternative, the structural elements or the band material from which they are cut may come Prefabricated with the embossments as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 in which corresponding reference numerals of the series are used. The complementary ladder-type structural element shown in phantom lines and designated by reference numeral may be made in an identical manner as structural element 10. If so desired, its web portions 12a may be raised in the same manner as described above. However, it is not necessary that both structural elements have raised web portions, and it would thus be sufcient to use a flat band material for the structural element 10' provided with similar apertures l1 and flat web portions l2 as indicated in phantom lines in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The locking members generally designated by reference numeral which may be used for locking together structural elements of the type either shown in FIG. 1 or in FIGS. 11 and 12 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. These locking members 20 are of substantially C-shaped and include a surface portion 21, a bottom portion 24, a top portion 25, and leg portions 22 and 23. Referring to FIGS. l and 6, the dimension a of the apertures 11 in the longitudinal direction of the structural elements must be slightly greater than the corresponding dimension b of the web portions, whether raised or not so that the raised web portions can engage into these apertures 11. On the other hand, the height d of a raised web portion (FIG. 2) should not exceed the thickness of a structural element so that the dimension c (FIG. 6) can be made at most equal or slightly less than two times the thickness of the structural elements 10 or 110 to provide a force-locking action against sliding movement of the locking member, thereby precluding inadvertent disengagement. Of course, instead of a C-shaped locking member 20, one forming a closed rectangular profile may also be used by replacing leg portions 22 and 23 with a surface portion 21.

FIG. 7 illustrates an angular connector member generally designated by reference numeral 120 whose two leg portions 120a and 120b may be at any predetermined angle, for example, 90. Each leg portion is again provided with a suitable number of apertures 111 and with raised web portions 112 therebetween which correspond in dimensions and location to the apertures l l and web portions 12.

FIG. 8 illustrates, for exemplary purposes only, an assembly of two straight structural elements 10a and 10b by means of one locking member 20 each as well as the connection of the struc-tural element 10b with the angular connector member 120 by means of another locking member 20 whereby the angular connector member is connected on its other side at the leg portion 120b with a further structural element 10c similar to elements 10a and 10b by means of a further locking member (not shown). It is, of course, obvious that the arrangement of FIg. 8 is equally applicable to the structural elements illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 or to any other type of assembly by suitably shaped connector members. Furthermore, the angular connector member 120 may be either prefabricated or, if relatively bendably structural elements are used, may be made from flat band material by removing one web section 12 and then bending the band material to the desired angle after cutting the same to the needed length.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show an assembly of two structural elements 1l0a and 1l0b of the type provided with prefabricated raised web portions 112 corresponding to the web portions 1, 12 of FIGS. l-3. For the sake of clarity, the locking member 20 has been omitted in FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 13 illustrates structural element 210 in the form of an angle section provided with

leg portions

210a and 210b disposed, for example, at and each provided with equally spaced apertures 211, for example, of square shape though any other appropriate configuration may be used, such as a rectangular configuration; the apertures 211 form in effect web portions 212 therebetween.

FIG. 14 illustrates an angular connector member generally designated by reference numeral 220 consisting of two angularly disposed sections generally designated by reference numerals 220a and 220b, disposed to one another, for example, at right angle. Each section 220a and 220b, in effect has two rightangle leg portions 22la, 222a and 221b, 222b, respectively, each provided with projections 223 suitably spaced to correspond to the spacing of apertures 211. The height of the projections 223 is to be chosen in such a manner that it is at most equal to but preferably slightly less than the thickness of a structural member. Of course, the connector member 220 may also have any other shape, for example, may be cut into two along the center line 220'.

An assembly utilizing two structuralr elements 210 connected with each other by a connector element 220 is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The various structural elements 210, of which two are shown in full lines, are each locked in their assembled position with the connector element 220 by means of a locking member generally designated by reference numeral 230 which is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6 except that its back portion extends in two angularly disposed planes corresponding to the planes of the

leg portions

210a and 210b. The locking element 230 is therefore of a shape similar to locking member 20 of FIGS. 5 and 6 with the back portion thereof subdivided into two sections disposed at right angle to one another so that two Ls result each having a long leg portion 231 and 231', a shorter leg portion 232 and 232' and a transverse connecting web portion 233 and 233' connecting the

leg portions

231 and 232 and the leg portions 231' and 232', respectively. Again, the dimensions e of the connecting web portions 233 should be at most equal to or just slightly smaller than the combined thickness of one structural element 210 and of a section element 220a and 220b so as to assure a frictional or force-locking engagement. The assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be further used to connect additional structural parts 210, shown in phantom line to the connector member 220. Additionally, a flat structural element 210' having, for example, two raised portions 223' in place of two apertures 211 may be assembled by locking member 230 to structural element 210, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 illustrate a still further modified embodiment of various structural elements and connector members in accordance with the present invention in which a structural element generally designated by reference numeral 310 is provided with rectangular apertures 3l 1. Instead of projections which are spot-welded to the base body of the connector members 220 of FIGS. 14 and l5, the connector elements generally designated by reference numerals 230a (FIG. 17), 320b (FIG. 18), or 320c(FIG. 19) are provided with claw-like projecting protions 323 suitably punched out by a special punching tool in such a manner that the four comers 324 of a rectangle are punched out in the form resembling a flattened S while intermediate flat portions 325 remain in the base body. The configuration of the punched-out comers is illustrated in detail in cross section in FIG. 20. A suitable locking member 330 is indicated in phantom line in FIG. 18 which is similar to locking member 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates a simple assembled structure for a mobile home or the like made from various structural elements and connector members of the type illustrated in FIGs. 1 through 12 suitably interlocked by locking members. As can be seen, the present invention offers great versatility by rthe use of simple structural elements which are connected with each other by the inter-engagement as described above, locked in position by a locking member that is merely slipped over the assembled structural elements to hold the same assembled form-lockingly while being itself forcelockingly secured by frictional engagement.

Since the locking member is of substantially C- shaped configuration (FIGS. and 6) or of double-L- shaped configuration (FIG. 16), it will hold in any assembled position due to the frictional engagement of the leg portions thereof which possess an inherent limited flexibility so that the danger of becoming loose in certain position, due to gravitational forces and, for example, as a result of vibrations, stresses, loads, etc. is minimized.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view, illustrating a simple structural unit made from the structural elements and connector members of FIGS. 13 through 16. In this embodiment parts such as, cots, shelves, etc. can be suspended from the structural elements byhook-like members generally designated by reference numeral 400 and illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 23a while shelt'mg, flooring, etc. can be supported on hookshaped support members generally designated by reference numeral 500 and more fully illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 23b. Of course, similar, or other types of support members, adapted to be hooked into apertures of the structural elements, may be used in conjunction with this embodiment as well as the embodiment of FIG. 2l to support beds, flooring, ceiling, CtC.

The structures of FIGS. 21 and 22 are merely illustrative of various assemblies possible with the structural elements of the present invention which may be used for similar purposes as mobile homes, army tents, emergency shelters, and the like. The structures can be covered, for example, by suitably fabric, provided, for instance, with windows and door openings formed by zippers. However, the assembled structures may also be covered by woodenypanels, synthetic resinous panels, or panels made from any other known material or cornbination of materials as may be appropriate. As is obvious, the various shapes and forms of the final assembly can be varied at will be the use of different connector elements, FIGS. 2l and 22 being nearly representative of the general type of structure feasible with the present invention. Furthermore, assemblies of the type similar to FIGS. 21 and 22 may also be realized by the use of structural elements described more fully hereinafter by reference to FIGS. 24 through 34.

FIG. 24 illustrates a simple assembly of a right angle structural element generally designated by reference numeral 600 with, for example, a straight structural element generally designated by reference numeral 600'. Each of the

structural elements

600 and 600 is provided with suitable apertures 610 so arranged and spaced as to permit alignment thereof in the assembled condition of the structural elements. Plug-type connecting and locking members generally designated by reference numeral 620 are inserted with the shank portion 621 thereof through aligned apertures 610 so that the head portions 622 rest against the outer surface of the structural element 600'. To lock a member 620 in position each member 620 is provided with a longitudinal axial slot 623 cut in from the end opposite the head portion 22, in which is pivotally mounted by means of a pivot pin 624 extending at right angle to the axial shank portion 621, a locking element 625 that is,

of substantially rectangular configuration with a rounded-off end section 625' and has an elongated aperture 626 corresponding in its width (narrower dimension) approximately to the pin diameter. After insertion of the shank portion 621 with aligned locking member 625 through the aligned openings 610 as illustrated in full lines in FIGS. 25 and 26, the locking member 625 is rotated through 90-a in the direction of the arrow A and is then longitudinally displaced at right angle to the axis of the shank portion 621 in the direction of arrow B until pin 624 is about in the center of aperture 626 as indicated in dash and dot lines. The dimension g is thereby so selected that the top edge 625' of locking member 625 is held frictionally against the bottom surface of the next adjacent structural element, i.e. g s 2h, where h is the thickness of a structural element 600 or 600 (FIG. 24).

FIG. 27 illustrates a connection generally designated by reference numeral 700 providing a ne, step-wise adjustment of the relative position of the structural elements 210 to be connected with each other. For this purpose, a flat connector member 710 is provided which includes substantially rectangular projections 711 at one face thereof, corresponding to the projections 233 of FIG. 14. The projections 711 may be suitably secured to the connector member 810, for example, by spot-welding or may be formed integrally therewith. Additionally, the connector member 710 is provided with an elongated aperture 712 extending over a length substantially greater than the spacing between two apertures 211 and being provided with fine-tooth serrations 713 along both long sides of the aperture 712. An insert member generally designated by reference numeral 715 is provided with a base portion 716 having tine-tooth serrations 717 on both sides thereof of complementary shape to the serrations 713 so that the insert member 715 can be inserted ina form-locking manner into the opening 712 at any desired place. The insert member 715 is additionally provided with projections 718 of identical conguration to the projections 711. To provide an assembly by means of this type of connector member, it is only necessary to insert the insert member 715 in proper pre-selected position into the aperture 712, thereafter place the structural element 210 with its apertures 211 in alignment with the projections 718 and thereupon lock the thus-assembled parts by means of a C-shaped locking member 730 of similar construction to thatillustrated in FIGS. and 6. The connector element 710 is connected by means of its projections 711 with another structural element (not shown) similar to the structural element 210 in the manner described in connection with FIGS. 13 through 16. It is obvious that the two structural elements 210 can thus be assembled by the double-connector member 710 in predetermined spaced relationship to one another since the .insert member 715 can be inserted with its serrations 717 at any desired place, thereby permitting a ne, yet precise adjustment of the relative position of these members. This is important, for example, in those cases where the standard length may not fit due to the particular location and/or installation of the structural elements, as for example, for purposes of angular trussing or bracing, schematically illustrated in FIG. 22.

FIG. 28 illustrates an infinitely adjustably assembly of two structural elements 210 each provided with suitable apertures 211 by means of a connector assembly generally designated by reference numeral 800 which includes two symmetrical, right-angle members generally designated by reference numerals 810 and 810', of which a

respective leg portion

811 and 811 is provided with two projections 812 each of complementary shape to the apertures 211. The other leg portions 813 and 813' of

angle members

810 and 810 are each provided with a bore 814 and 814', respectively, whereby bore 814 is a plain bore of slightly larger diameter than the screw 815 while the bore 814' is provided with intemal threads adapted to engage with the external threads of the screw 815. Each angle member 810 is secured to its corresponding structural element 210 by means of a C-shaped locking member generally designated by reference numeral 830 of similar shape to the locking member 730 illustrated in FIG. 27. For purposes of assembly, for example, at rst a locking member 830 is threaded over the free end of a structural element 210 in the direction of arrow C beyond the first two apertures 211. Thereupon, the projections 812 of the angle member 810' are assembled to engage the corresponding apertures 211 whereafter the locking member 830 is retracted in the direction of arrow D until it assumes the position illustrated in FIG. 28 in which it holds the

parts

810 and 210 in formlocking and force-locking engagement. The angle member 810 is assembled to the other structural element 210 in a similar manner. Thereafter, the screw 815 is inserted through the Unthreaded bore 814 and is engaged in the threaded bore 814 whereby the relative position of the two structural elements 210 can be adjusted steplessly by adjustment of screw 815. Such infinitely adjustable connection is of importance, inter alia, when the structural elements are used as trusses or braces as schematically indicated in FIG. 22, and in particular where such trusses or braces are under tensional stresses.

Flg. 29 illustrates a pivotal connection of two structural elements 210 each provided again with apertures 211. The pivotal connection generally designated by reference numeral 900 includes a rst connector member 910 constituted by a relatively short, flat structural element provided with two projections 911 or such shape and configuration as to be complementary to apertures 211 and is provided with a bore 912. A

second connector member generally designated by reference numeral 915 and formed again by a relatively short, flat structural element is provided with two apertures 916 of shape and spacing similar to apertures 21 l and complementary to projections 911. Additionally, the connector member 915 is provided with a bore 917 which is located in precisely the same place, in relation to the apertures 916 as the bore 912 is located in relation to the projections 911. A pivot member generally designated by reference numeral 920 consists of a substantially rectangular body part 921 of a shape and dimension complementary to apertures 211 from which

project pin members

922 and 923 in the upward and downward directions for engagement into

bores

917 and 912, respectively. The structural elements 210 as well as the

connector elements

910 and 915 are of the same thickness. The part 921 has a thickness equal to or slightly less than the thickness of a structural element 210, while projections 911 have a thickness equal to or slightly less than two times the thickness of a

structural element

210, 915. During assembly, apertures 211 of the left structural member 210 as viewed in FIG. 29 are brought into engagement with projections 911, pin 923 is thereupon inserted into bore 912, j

aperture 211 of the right structural element is thereupon engaged with the part 921 of the pivot member 920 and thereafter connector member 915 is assembled in such a manner that pin 922 engages in its bore 917 while apertures 916 receive projections 911. A locking member 930 of substantially similar shape as locking

members

20, 730 and 830 though of somewhat greater length is thereupon moved from its position indicated in FIG. 29 into the position indicated in FIG. 30 in which position the two structural elements are pivotally connected with each other. The pivot member 920 is held in its assembled condition within

bores

912 and 917 by reason of the fact that the right end section of

connector members

910 and 915, as viewed in FIGS. 29 and 30, cannot become disengaged from

pins

922 and 923 due to the locking effect of locking member 930 which precludes the structural elements from any substantial bending in a direction away from the pivot member 920. Since the structural elements 210 as well as the part 921 are of the same thickness, a safe pivotal connection is established which is reliable in operation and able to withstand relatively high stresses.

FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 show an assembly of structural elements generally designated by reference numeral 950, similar to structural elements 210 but provided with circular gspaced apertures 951, by means of connector members 960 of circular shape, complementary to apertures 951 and of a thickness equal to or slightly less than twice the thickness of a structural element 950, and by means of a locking member generally designated by reference numeral 970 which with its top 971, its bottom 972 and its

sides

973 and 974 forms a sleeve of substantially rectangular cross section slightly greater than the width of a connector member 950 and slightly higher than twice the thickness of a connector member 950.

The locking member 970 is additionally provided in its top and

bottom surfaces

971 and 972 with aligned bores 975 and 975' for insertion of a screw generally designated by reference numeral 976 held in position by a nut 977 as will be described more fully hereinafter.

l l Additionally, the top surface 971-is provided with a semi-circularly shaped recess 971' to facilitate assembly as will be described more fully hereinafter.

For purposes of assembly, the locking member 970 is threaded over the upper structural element 950 as viewed in FIG. 33 until its left end lays bare at least three apertures 951. The bottom structural element 950 is thereupon brought into alignment so that three apertures of the top structural element 950 are in alignment with three apertures 951 of the bottom structural element. The locking member 970 is thereupon displaced in the direction of arrow E until its recess 971' assumes the position indicated in phantom line-in FIG. 33. Depending on the conguration of the recess 971 the unrecessed bottom surface 972 covers at least twothirds or three-quarters of the corresponding aperture 951 of the bottom structural element 950 as measured in the diarnetric dimension thereof. Obviously, by giving the recess 971' the desired configuration, i.e., by making the same more or less deep, the extent of coverage by the bottom surface of the corresponding aperture cari be varied. A connector element 960 can then be safely inserted into the third aperture from the end of the top structural element 950 since it is prevented from falling through the corresponding aligned bottom apertures 951 by the bottom surface 972 of the locking member 970. Thereupon, the locking member 970 is displaced further in the direction of arrow E until its recess 970' assumes the position indicated by the dash lines. The other connector member 960 may then be safely inserted into the left end aperture of the top structural element 950 since it is also prevented from falling through the aligned corresponding bottom aperture 951 by the bottom surface 972. Thereafter, the locking member 970 is further displaced in the direction of arrow E until its bores 975 and 975' are in alignment with aligned, empty apertures of the structuralk element in FIG. 33. The screw 976 and bolt 977 can thereafter be readily assembled as shown in FIG. 32 whereby the locking member970 is securely held against any inadvertent displacement notwithstanding its frictional contact with the structural elements.

FIG. 34 illustrates an assembly of structural elements 210 with apertures 211 similar to the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 31 through 33 with the dilerence that the apertures 211 in the structural elements are of rectangular cross section so that the connector members 960' are of similar rectangular complementary shape.

The connection of structural elements illustrated in FIGS. 31 through 34 is simple, requires relatively few, inexpensive parts, which can be readily manufactured, and is easy to assemble since the locking member 970 itself can be utilized for that purpose, thanks to its recessed portion 971'. Additionally, the screw and

nut connection

976, 977 assures against any inadvertent sliding movement of the locking member 970 which might jeopardize the safe connection of the structural elements. Of course, instead of a screw and nut connection, any other suitable type of locking connection may be used, such as a lock nut, cotter pin or the like.

While I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto but it susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the configuration of the apertures may be varied at will provided the projections or raised web portions are similarly modified. The connectormembers may also have any desired configuration and any angular relationship and may include two, three, four or more leg portions as needed for a particular application. Likewise, the thickness or strength of the material can be varied at will depending on the intended purposes in a given application. In connection with. Prefabricated houses, heavier gauge material is needed than, for example, with structural assemblies for smaller units. The siding to be used with structural units in their assembled condition may also be varied at will. For example,

for military purposes, canvas or other fabrics could be used whereas appropriate siding and roofing paneling,

e.g. made from wood, particle boards, synthetic resinous materials, etc., may be used in other applications.

' Additionally, the various parts including structural elements may be made of any suitable synthetic. resinous material, thereby facilitating manufacture since such parts can be readily made by injection molding or the like. Such synthetic resinous materials may be used in particular with the present invention when used in smaller structures. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to any particular size of structures but may be used even with relatively small size parts, I

e. g., as educational toys for children, in whichcase, the use of synthetic resinous materials is particularly appropriate. V

Consequently, I do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of those skilled in the art. v

I claim:

l. Structural elements formed by parts having substantially opposite flat surfaces, of which the flat surface of one part is provided with substantially -identical apertures, and adapted to be assembledinto structural units, characterized in that connector means are provided on the structural parts for form-lockingly connecting together two structural elements, the connector means fomiing in effect at least one male part on one structural part engaging in a complementary aperture extending through the other structural part to form-lockingly connect with one another two structural elements, the height of the male part being at most substantially equal to the thickness of the other structural part so that the overall thickness of the two interlocked parts is equal overall to the thickness of the two structural parts and the surfaces thereof opposite their abutting surfaces are substantially flat and devoid of any projections in a direction away from the respectively opposite part, and locking means at least partly surrounding and engaging the thus form-locking assembled structural elements on the two opposite flat surfaces thereof to form-lockingly as well as forcelockingly hold said assembled structural elements in their assembled conditions, said locking means being provided exclusively with flat surfaces engaging with the opposite flat surfaces of the structural parts to enable sliding assembly and disassembly 2. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said means means is of approximately C- shape.

3. Structural elements according to claim l, characterized in that said locking means is of approximately double-L-shape with the two Ls disposed at an angle to each other corresponding to the angle formed by leg portions of an angular member constituting one of said structural elements.

4. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means has such a cross-sectional protile as to engage the assembled structural elements at least in part on all exposed surfaces thereof.

5. Structural elements according to claim 4, characterized in that the structural elements are apertured, leaving therebetween web portions constituting the male parts of said connector means.

6. Structural elements according to claim 5, characterized in that the structural elements are constituted of regularly apertured band material with at least some web portions between adjacent apertures raised to form said male parts.

7. Structural elements according to claim 5, wherein said structural elements are relatively flat in transverse cross section with only some web portions raised.

8. Structural elements according to claim 5, wherein all web portions are raised to form male parts.

9. Structural elements according to claim 4, characterized in that connector means forming male parts are formed integrally with a structural element.

10. Structural elements according to claim 9, characterized in that the male parts are formed by claw-like projections punched out from the corresponding structural element.

1 1. Structural elements according to claim 9, c haracterized in that the structural element including the connector means forms an angular section with at least two angularly disposed parts.

l2. Structural elements according to claim ll, characterized in that the structural element with the connector means has several angularly disposed parts each provided with male parts.

13. Structural elements according to claim 9, characterized in that the structural elements with the connector means has several angularly disposed parts each provided with male parts.

14. Structural elements according to claim 13, wherein said male parts are spot-welded to a structural element.

15. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that each structural element is apertured leaving therebetween web portions constituting in ef-l fect said male parts.

16. Structural elements according to claim l5, wherein all web portions are raised to form male parts.

17. Structural elements according to claim 1 characterized in that connector means forming male parts are formed integrally with a structural element.

18. Structural elements according to claim 17, characterized in that the structural element with the connector means forms an angular section with at least two angularly disposed parts.

19. Structural elements according to claim l, characterized in that said connector means is a separate connector member including at least one male part and provided with a toothed aperture means,'insert means provided with complementary toothed surface portions for engagement in the toothed aperture means in any predetermined position and having at least one male part, the two last-mentioned male parts being adapted to be inserted into complementary apertures of the structural elements while said locking means holds the thus-assembled parts form-lockingly and forcelockingly in their respective positions.

20. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector means includes two symmetrical angle members, each provided on one leg portion with at least one male part adapted to engage into the corresponding aperture of a respective structural element, the other leg portion of one of the angle members being provided with an unthreaded bore while the leg portion of the other angle member is provided with a threaded bore, and a threaded connecting means extending through the unthreaded bore and engaging with the threads of the other bore, each angular member being forrn-lockingly and force-lockingly held in the assembled position with its corresponding structural element by a respective locking means.

21. Structural elements according to claim l, characterized in that said connector means provides a pivotal connection between two apertured structural elements and includes a rst connector member with complementary male parts and a tirst bore, a second connector member provided with apertures corresponding to the apertures in a structural element and with a bore located in substantial alignment to the first-mentioned bore with the male parts of the rst connector member engaging in the apertures of one of the structural parts and said second connector member disposed on the opposite side of said one structural part, and pivot means having a body portion complementary to an aperture in a structural element and pin portions adapted to engage into the bores, the other structural element being in engagement with said body part and being pivotally held between the two connector members.

22. Structural elements according to claim 2l, characterized in that the male parts on said first connector member have about the thickness of two structural elements whereas the thickness of said body portion corresponds to the thickness of a structural element.

23. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector means are separate connector elements of a shape complementary to the apertures in the structural elements, and in that said locking means surrounds the aligned structural elements on all sides thereof and is provided in one major surface with a recessed portion to enable assembly.

24. Structural elements according to claim 23, characterized in that said locking means is provided with aligned apertures within the center portion thereof, the connector members being inserted into aligned apertures of the structural elements, leaving therebetween one set of aligned empty apertures, and securing means extending through the aligned apertures of the locking means and the aligned apertures, left free, of the structural members, to hold the locking means in place.

25. A structural assembly comprising two structural flat parts of substantially identical thickness, at least one of said two structural parts being provided with a plurality of regularly spaced apertures of predetermined conflguration extending through said one structural part, at least the other of said two structural parts being provided with a plurality of similarly regularly spaced male projections of a shape complementary to said predetermined shape and of a height at most equal to the thickness of a structural part, the opposite surface of said other structural part being substantially planar except of said projections and the two structural parts in their assembled condition, when the projections engage in corresponding apertures, being disposed completely between two parallel planes spaced apart a distance of substantially twice the thickness of a structural part and extending through the relatively flat outer surfaces of each structural part, readily detachable locking means slidingly engaging over the thus assembled, flat outer surface of the two structural parts to form-lockingly as well as forcelockingly hold together said assembled structural parts, said locking means including substantially flat opposite engaging surfaces spaced apart a distance of about the thickness of the two assembled structural parts and engaging with said outer surfaces of the stnictural parts.

26. The combination according to claim 25, wherein said locking means is of approximately C-shaped con-y figuration in cross section.

27. The combination according to claim 25, wherein said structural parts are of flat band steel, each with regularly spaced apertures.

28. The combination according to claim 27, wherein said band steel parts form web portions between said regularly spaced apertures with some of said web portions bent out -of the plane of the respective flat band steel.

29. The combination according to claim 25, wherein i both structural parts essentially consist of relatively 1 thin and bendable ladder-type, flat band steel material having regularly spaced apertures forming web portions therebetween which are adapted to bend outA to form said projections. p

Claims

1. Structural elements formed by parts having substantially opposite flat surfaces, of which the flat surface of one part is provided with substantially identical apertures, and adapted to be assembled into structural units, characterized in that connector means are proVided on the structural parts for formlockingly connecting together two structural elements, the connector means forming in effect at least one male part on one structural part engaging in a complementary aperture extending through the other structural part to form-lockingly connect with one another two structural elements, the height of the male part being at most substantially equal to the thickness of the other structural part so that the overall thickness of the two interlocked parts is equal overall to the thickness of the two structural parts and the surfaces thereof opposite their abutting surfaces are substantially flat and devoid of any projections in a direction away from the respectively opposite part, and locking means at least partly surrounding and engaging the thus formlockingly assembled structural elements on the two opposite flat surfaces thereof to form-lockingly as well as force-lockingly hold said assembled structural elements in their assembled conditions, said locking means being provided exclusively with flat surfaces engaging with the opposite flat surfaces of the structural parts to enable sliding assembly and disassembly.

2. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said means means is of approximately C-shape.

3. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means is of approximately double-L-shape with the two L''s disposed at an angle to each other corresponding to the angle formed by leg portions of an angular member constituting one of said structural elements.

4. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means has such a cross-sectional profile as to engage the assembled structural elements at least in part on all exposed surfaces thereof.

11. Structural elements according to claim 9, characterized in that the structural element including the connector means forms an angular section with at least two angularly disposed parts.

12. Structural elements according to claim 11, characterized in that the structural element with the connector means has several angularly disposed parts each provided with male parts.

13. Structural elements according to claim 9, characterized in that the structural element with the connector means has several angularly disposed parts each provided with male parts.

15. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that each structural element is apertured leaving therebetween web portions constituting in effect said male parts.

16. Structural elements according to claim 15, wherein all web portions are raised to form male parts.

17. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that connector means forming male parts are formed integrally with a structural element.

19. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector means is a separate connector member including at least one male part and provided with a toothed aperture means, insert means provided with complementary toothed surface portions for engagement in the toothed aperture means in any predetermined position and having at least one male part, the two last-mentioned male parts being adapted to be inserted into complementary apertures of the structural elements while said locking means holds the thus-assembled parts form-lockingly and force-lockingly in their respective positions.

20. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector means includes two symmetrical angle members, each provided on one leg portion with at least one male part adapted to engage into the corresponding aperture of a respective structural element, the other leg portion of one of the angle members being provided with an unthreaded bore while the leg portion of the other angle member is provided with a threaded bore, and a threaded connecting means extending through the unthreaded bore and engaging with the threads of the other bore, each angular member being form-lockingly and force-lockingly held in the assembled position with its corresponding structural element by a respective locking means.

21. Structural elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector means provides a pivotal connection between two apertured structural elements and includes a first connector member with complementary male parts and a first bore, a second connector member provided with apertures corresponding to the apertures in a structural element and with a bore located in substantial alignment to the first-mentioned bore with the male parts of the first connector member engaging in the apertures of one of the structural parts and said second connector member disposed on the opposite side of said one structural part, and pivot means having a body portion complementary to an aperture in a structural element and pin portions adapted to engage into the bores, the other structural element being in engagement with said body part and being pivotally held between the two connector members.

22. Structural elements according to claim 21, characterized in that the male parts on said first connector member have about the thickness of two structural elements whereas the thickness of said body portion corresponds to the thickness of a structural element.

25. A structural assembly comprising two structural flat parts of substantially identical thickness, at least one of said two structural parts being provided with a plurality of regularly spaced apertures of predetermined configuration extending through said one structural part, at least the other of said two structural parts being provided with a plurality of similarly regularly spaced male projections of a shape complementary to said predetermined shape and of a height at most equal to the thickness of a structural part, the opposite surface of said other structural part being substantially planar except of said projections and the two structural parts in their assembled condition, when the projections engage in corresponding apertures, being disposed completely between two parallel planes spaced apart a distance of substantially twice the thickness of a structural part and extending through the relatively flat outer surfaces of each structural part, readily detachable locking means slidingly engaging over the thus assembled, flat outer surface of the two structural parts to form-lockingly as well as force-lockingly hold together said assembled structural parts, said locking means including substantially flat opposite engaging surfaces spaced apart a distance of about the thickness of the two assembled structural parts and engaging with said outer surfaces of the structural parts.

26. The combination according to claim 25, wherein said locking means is of approximately C-shaped configuration in cross section.

28. The combination according to claim 27, wherein said band steel parts form web portions between said regularly spaced apertures with some of said web portions bent out of the plane of the respective flat band steel.

29. The combination according to claim 25, wherein both structural parts essentially consist of relatively thin and bendable ladder-type, flat band steel material having regularly spaced apertures forming web portions therebetween which are adapted to bend out to form said projections.