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US3776523A - Structural tube assembly - Google Patents

Structural tube assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US3776523A
US3776523A US00248253A US3776523DA US3776523A US 3776523 A US3776523 A US 3776523A US 00248253 A US00248253 A US 00248253A US 3776523D A US3776523D A US 3776523DA US 3776523 A US3776523 A US 3776523A
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United States
Prior art keywords
tubular member
tubular
opening
locking tabs
tabs
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US00248253A
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E Weiland
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UNIVERSAL FENCE Inc
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UNIVERSAL FENCE Inc
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/04—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of tubes with tubes; of tubes with rods
    • B21D39/044—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of tubes with tubes; of tubes with rods perpendicular
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
    • E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
    • E04B1/5825—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section
    • E04B1/5837—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section of substantially circular form
    • E04B1/5843—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section of substantially circular form with ends provided with protuberances
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B17/00—Connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other and involving plastic deformation
    • F16B17/004—Connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other and involving plastic deformation of rods or tubes mutually
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
    • E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
    • E04B1/5825—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section
    • E04B2001/5856—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section using the innerside thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
    • F16B2200/10—Details of socket shapes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
    • F16B2200/20—Connections with hook-like parts gripping behind a blind side of an element to be connected
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y10T29/49938—Radially expanding part in cavity, aperture, or hollow body
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/49—Member deformed in situ

Definitions

  • a structural tubing assembly such as a fence or gate in which one tubular member is joined to a second tubular member by (1) cutting an elongated opening in the second member, (2) cutting opposing slots in the end of the first member thus forming two locking tabs, (3) inserting the tabs through the opening in the second member, and (4) spreading the tabs, thus securely and rigidly locking the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
  • the end of the first tubular member is partially flattened to conform to the shape of the elongated opening in the second member prior to cutting the two opposing slots to form the locking tabs.
  • a reinforcing insert such as a tube of proper size is pressed into the opening between the spread tabs to strengthen the connection.
  • Tubing assemblies are constructed for many purposes such as fences, gates, antenna towers, pre-fab kennels, scaffolding, swing supports, and the like.
  • One of the major use areas relates to the construction of fences and related fixtures.
  • Tubing assemblies for whatever purpose they might be used have in common the fact that they comprise a plurality of tubular members which are connected to form the desired structure.
  • Such connections must be strong and substantially rigid in order to impart structural integrity to the completed unit.
  • the most accepted method of making such connections was to butt one member against another and weld them together. This is time consuming and does not adapt well to rapid production. It also required that the work be performed at the factory where the necessary welding equipment is located, which greatly limited the amount of assembly that could be done at the construction site.
  • the present invention provides a wide variety of tubing assemblies in which a first tubular member is joined to a second tubular member by providing an opening in .the wall of the second tubular member through which the end of 'the first tubular member extends.
  • the end of the first member is generally flattened to resemble the shape of the opening in the second member and slots are cut in the end of the first member to separate the two flattened surfaces into two locking tabs which extend into the opening in the second member and are spread to substantially conform to the contour of the inside surface of the second tubular member, thus locking the members securely and rigidly together.
  • the joint can be strengthened by providing an insert which is pressed between the spread locking tabs, thus holding them securely in place.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first tubular member about to be inserted in an opening of a second tubular member.
  • FIG. 2 shows the completed connection
  • FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 1 taken at A-A.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 2'taken at B-B.
  • FIG. 5 shows a completed gate assembly made according to this invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section similar to FIG. 4 except showing in cross-section a tubular reinforcing insert in place.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-section of FIG. 4 takenat C-C.
  • FIG. 8 is a tubular assembly having multiplerectangular units sharing common tubular members.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a tubing connection .in FIG. 8 taken at DD.
  • FIGS. 1 andfl how tubular members ready toform the connectionof this invention.
  • First tubular member 1 has opposing portions of its side wall flattened 2 such that its cross-section conforms substantially to elongated opening 3 is second tubular member 4.
  • Two opposing slots or recesses 5 are cut in tube 1 in a manner such that flattened portions 2 are separated into locking tabs 6 and 7.
  • FIGS. 2 and 4 show the completed connection.
  • Tabs 6 and 7 extend through longitudinally elongated opening 3 of member 4 and are spread such that they substantially conform to the inside contour 8 of second tubular member 4 firmly locking the tubular members together without the need of welding or of the use of screws, bolts, brackets, locking pins, and the like.
  • FIG. 5 shows a gate constructed according to the present invention.
  • Vertical members 10 and 11 correspond to tubular member 4 and are provided with an elongated opening 3 in proximity to the top and bottom.
  • the ends of horizontal members 12 and 13 are flattened to provide a slip-fit into opening 3 and are slotted to provide two locking tabs 6 and 7.
  • a facile method of assembling the gate is to insert the pre-formed ends of members 12 and 13 into the elongated openings in members 10 and 11. At this stage the assembly can be held in a fixture. Then, as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 7, a tapered pin 15 is driven through the ends 16, 17, 18 and 19 of members 10 and 11 in between tabs 6 and 7, thus spreading the tabs and forcing them into locking position against the inner surface 8 of members 10 and 11.
  • the gate frame is then provided with fencing 20 which is attached to members 10, 11, 12 and 13.
  • the completed gate is provided with hinges 21 and 22 and latch 23.
  • the rest of the fence can be assembled in the same manner as the gate.
  • the connected tubular members are at right angles with each other, but this is not necessary as the connection can be formed over a wide angle range.
  • a reinforcing insert '60 is press-fit into the space between spread locking tabs 6 and 7 in second tube member 4.
  • Insert as shown is a tubular insert but may be any suitable material such as wood or plastic pin. Also useful is a segment of split tubing which is compressed for insertion and then allowed to expand against tabs 6 and 7.
  • the reinforcing insert 60 is a swedged end of third tubular member of the tubing assembly.
  • swedged I mean that'the end of the tubular member is reduced in diameter by known means such as forcing the tube into a die having a circular opening of smaller diameter than that of the tubular member.
  • more complex tubular structures may be assembled without use of welding or brackets, although such other attachment methods may be used in conjunction with my method.
  • This embodiment of my invention permits construction of :such things as pre-fab fence units containing more than one rectangular frame. It is also useful in construction of such assemblies as TV antenna towers made of three or four long vertical tubes each of which is crossbracedv to another of the vertical tubes.
  • the lower end of upright tubular members are swedged and inserted into the upper end of another upright tubular member forming long vertical tubes and at the same time reinforcing the connection of the cross-brace members which are connected to the upright tubular members in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a typical fence section suitable for use in assembling a dog kennel. It is comprised of lower upright tubular members and 31 and horizontal members 32 and 33 which together form a rectangular frame. Ends 34 and 35 of tubular member 33 are flattened and slotted to form opposed locking tabs and fit into an elongated opening in the top of upright members 30 and 31. The locking tabs are spread to form connections of this invention. One end 36 of member 32 is also flattened, slotted, and inserted into an elongated opening at the lower end of upright member 30 wherein it is spread to form a connection of this invention.
  • the lower end 37 of upright member 31 is flattened, slotted, and fit into an elongated opening near the end of member 32 wherein it is spread to form a connection of this invention.
  • a second rectangular frame is constructed by inserting the lower swedged ends 38 and 39 of upright members 40 and 41 in between the spread locking tabs inside the upper end of members 30 and 31. This should be a press-fit to form a secure joint.
  • the joint formed is further illustrated in FIG. 9. Phantom lines show swedged end 39 of member 41 inserted in between the locking tabs 6 and 7 of member 35. This forms a secure joint of three tubular members.
  • Upper horizontal tubular member 42 is flattened and slotted at end 43 to form opposed locking tabs as 6 and 7 in FIG. 3. These are inserted in an elongated opening in the side wall of member 40 near its upper end.
  • the locking tabs are spread by driving in a tapered rod and a tubular insert is pressed in between the spread locking tabs to reinforce the joint as shown in FIG. 6.
  • an elongated opening is provided which receives the locking tabs formed by flattening and slotting the upper end of member 41. This completes a second rectangular frame sharing common tubular member 33 with the first rectangular frame.
  • An opening suitable for the installation of a gate is next provided by inserting the swedged ends 45 and 46 of horizontal members 50 and 51 in between the spread locking tabs of members 41 and 31 within tubular members 42 and 32 forming a reinforced connection as illustrated in FIG. 9.
  • the opposite end 52 and 53 of members 50 and 51 are flattened and slotted to form locking tabs which are inserted in elongated openings in the side wall and near the ends of tubular member 54. These locking tabs are spread inside member 54.
  • Tubular reinforcing inserts are pressed in between the spread locking tabs to form a secure rigid joint as shown in FIG. 6.
  • a structural tubing assembly comprising at least one substantially rigid connection of a first tubular member to a second tubular member, said connection comprising (A) an opening in the wall of said second tubular member, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said second tubular member, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of said first tubular member such that the wall between said slots form two locking tabs, said tabs being positioned through said opening and inside of said second tubular member and shaped to abruptly diverge and converge to substantially confon'n to and tightly contact the inside surface of said second tubular member to prevent angular and lateral distortion thereof forming a substantially rigid connection of said first tubular member to said second tubular member.
  • a tubing assembly of claim 1 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-section of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
  • a tubing assembly of claim 1 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
  • a tubing assembly of claim 3 wherein said reinforcing insert is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
  • a tubing assembly of claim 5 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-section of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
  • a tubing assembly of claim 6 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
  • tubular member is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
  • a substantially rectangular tubular frame assembly comprising four tubular members, each of said members connected at both ends to another of said four tubular members to form a substantially rectangular frame, each of said connections comprising (A) a longitudinally elongated opening in one of the connected members, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said one of the connected members, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of the other of said connected members such that the wall between said slots forms two locking tabs, said tabs being inserted through said elongated opening and abruptly diverging and converging to substantially contabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said one of the connected members.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
  • Gates (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a structural tubing assembly such as a fence or gate in which one tubular member is joined to a second tubular member by (1) cutting an elongated opening in the second member, (2) cutting opposing slots in the end of the first member thus forming two locking tabs, (3) inserting the tabs through the opening in the second member, and (4) spreading the tabs, thus securely and rigidly locking the first tubular member to the second tubular member. Preferably, the end of the first tubular member is partially flattened to conform to the shape of the elongated opening in the second member prior to cutting the two opposing slots to form the locking tabs. Optionally, a reinforcing insert such as a tube of proper size is pressed into the opening between the spread tabs to strengthen the connection.

Description

Umted States Patent [1 1 [111 3,776,523
Weiland Dec. 4, 1973 STRUCTURAL TUBE ASSEMBLY 3,180,663 4/1965 Lehmann 287/56 x Inventor: Edward E. w Union Lake 3,348,699 10/1967 Mealmg 287/56 X Mich. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 73 Assigneez Universal Fence Inc Highland 254,347 9/1964 Australia 287/56 Mich.
[ 1 Filed: p 1972 Primary ExammerDenms L. Taylor Appl. No.: 248,253
Related US. Application Data Attorney-Joseph D. Odenweller [5 7 ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a structural tubing assembly such as a fence or gate in which one tubular member is joined to a second tubular member by (1) cutting an elongated opening in the second member, (2) cutting opposing slots in the end of the first member thus forming two locking tabs, (3) inserting the tabs through the opening in the second member, and (4) spreading the tabs, thus securely and rigidly locking the first tubular member to the second tubular member. Preferably, the end of the first tubular member is partially flattened to conform to the shape of the elongated opening in the second member prior to cutting the two opposing slots to form the locking tabs. Optionally, a reinforcing insert such as a tube of proper size is pressed into the opening between the spread tabs to strengthen the connection.
13 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED DEC 4 7 SHEET 1 0F 2 FIGURE 2 FIGURE l FIGURE 4 Q. Q Q. (Q Q whonh o FIGURE 3 FIGURE 5 PATENTEDBEB 4:915
SHEET 2 BF 2 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 9 ,FIGURE'YT HGURE a 1 STRUCTURAL TUBE ASSEMBLY PRIOR APPLICATIONS This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 120,107, filed Mar. 2, 1971 now abandoned. su
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Tubing assemblies are constructed for many purposes such as fences, gates, antenna towers, pre-fab kennels, scaffolding, swing supports, and the like. One of the major use areas relates to the construction of fences and related fixtures. Essentially tubing assemblies for whatever purpose they might be used have in common the fact that they comprise a plurality of tubular members which are connected to form the desired structure. Such connections must be strong and substantially rigid in order to impart structural integrity to the completed unit. In the past, the most accepted method of making such connections was to butt one member against another and weld them together. This is time consuming and does not adapt well to rapid production. Italso required that the work be performed at the factory where the necessary welding equipment is located, which greatly limited the amount of assembly that could be done at the construction site.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a wide variety of tubing assemblies in which a first tubular member is joined to a second tubular member by providing an opening in .the wall of the second tubular member through which the end of 'the first tubular member extends. The end of the first member is generally flattened to resemble the shape of the opening in the second member and slots are cut in the end of the first member to separate the two flattened surfaces into two locking tabs which extend into the opening in the second member and are spread to substantially conform to the contour of the inside surface of the second tubular member, thus locking the members securely and rigidly together. The joint can be strengthened by providing an insert which is pressed between the spread locking tabs, thus holding them securely in place.
I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a first tubular member about to be inserted in an opening of a second tubular member.
FIG. 2 shows the completed connection.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 1 taken at A-A.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 2'taken at B-B.
FIG. 5 showsa completed gate assembly made according to this invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section similar to FIG. 4 except showing in cross-section a tubular reinforcing insert in place.
FIG. 7 is a cross-section of FIG. 4 takenat C-C.
FIG. 8 is a tubular assembly having multiplerectangular units sharing common tubular members.
FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a tubing connection .in FIG. 8 taken at DD.
DESCRIPTION OF PREF ERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 andfls how tubular members ready toform the connectionof this invention. "First tubular member 1 has opposing portions of its side wall flattened 2 such that its cross-section conforms substantially to elongated opening 3 is second tubular member 4. Two opposing slots or recesses 5 are cut in tube 1 in a manner such that flattened portions 2 are separated into locking tabs 6 and 7.
FIGS. 2 and 4 show the completed connection. Tabs 6 and 7 extend through longitudinally elongated opening 3 of member 4 and are spread such that they substantially conform to the inside contour 8 of second tubular member 4 firmly locking the tubular members together without the need of welding or of the use of screws, bolts, brackets, locking pins, and the like.
FIG. 5 shows a gate constructed according to the present invention. Vertical members 10 and 11 correspond to tubular member 4 and are provided with an elongated opening 3 in proximity to the top and bottom. The ends of horizontal members 12 and 13 are flattened to provide a slip-fit into opening 3 and are slotted to provide two locking tabs 6 and 7.
A facile method of assembling the gate is to insert the pre-formed ends of members 12 and 13 into the elongated openings in members 10 and 11. At this stage the assembly can be held in a fixture. Then, as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 7, a tapered pin 15 is driven through the ends 16, 17, 18 and 19 of members 10 and 11 in between tabs 6 and 7, thus spreading the tabs and forcing them into locking position against the inner surface 8 of members 10 and 11.
The gate frame is then provided with fencing 20 which is attached to members 10, 11, 12 and 13. For installation, the completed gate is provided with hinges 21 and 22 and latch 23.
The rest of the fence can be assembled in the same manner as the gate.
As shown in FIG. 5, the connected tubular members are at right angles with each other, but this is not necessary as the connection can be formed over a wide angle range.
In another embodiment of my invention, illustrated in FIG. 6, a reinforcing insert '60 is press-fit into the space between spread locking tabs 6 and 7 in second tube member 4. Insert as shown is a tubular insert but may be any suitable material such as wood or plastic pin. Also useful is a segment of split tubing which is compressed for insertion and then allowed to expand against tabs 6 and 7.
In another embodiment the reinforcing insert 60 is a swedged end of third tubular member of the tubing assembly. By swedged, I mean that'the end of the tubular member is reduced in diameter by known means such as forcing the tube into a die having a circular opening of smaller diameter than that of the tubular member. According to this embodiment, more complex tubular structures may be assembled without use of welding or brackets, although such other attachment methods may be used in conjunction with my method. This embodiment of my invention permits construction of :such things as pre-fab fence units containing more than one rectangular frame. It is also useful in construction of such assemblies as TV antenna towers made of three or four long vertical tubes each of which is crossbracedv to another of the vertical tubes. The lower end of upright tubular members are swedged and inserted into the upper end of another upright tubular member forming long vertical tubes and at the same time reinforcing the connection of the cross-brace members which are connected to the upright tubular members in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 8 shows a typical fence section suitable for use in assembling a dog kennel. It is comprised of lower upright tubular members and 31 and horizontal members 32 and 33 which together form a rectangular frame. Ends 34 and 35 of tubular member 33 are flattened and slotted to form opposed locking tabs and fit into an elongated opening in the top of upright members 30 and 31. The locking tabs are spread to form connections of this invention. One end 36 of member 32 is also flattened, slotted, and inserted into an elongated opening at the lower end of upright member 30 wherein it is spread to form a connection of this invention. The lower end 37 of upright member 31 is flattened, slotted, and fit into an elongated opening near the end of member 32 wherein it is spread to form a connection of this invention. A second rectangular frame is constructed by inserting the lower swedged ends 38 and 39 of upright members 40 and 41 in between the spread locking tabs inside the upper end of members 30 and 31. This should be a press-fit to form a secure joint. The joint formed is further illustrated in FIG. 9. Phantom lines show swedged end 39 of member 41 inserted in between the locking tabs 6 and 7 of member 35. This forms a secure joint of three tubular members.
Upper horizontal tubular member 42 is flattened and slotted at end 43 to form opposed locking tabs as 6 and 7 in FIG. 3. These are inserted in an elongated opening in the side wall of member 40 near its upper end. The locking tabs are spread by driving in a tapered rod and a tubular insert is pressed in between the spread locking tabs to reinforce the joint as shown in FIG. 6.
At the opposite end 44 of member 42 an elongated opening is provided which receives the locking tabs formed by flattening and slotting the upper end of member 41. This completes a second rectangular frame sharing common tubular member 33 with the first rectangular frame.
An opening suitable for the installation of a gate is next provided by inserting the swedged ends 45 and 46 of horizontal members 50 and 51 in between the spread locking tabs of members 41 and 31 within tubular members 42 and 32 forming a reinforced connection as illustrated in FIG. 9. The opposite end 52 and 53 of members 50 and 51 are flattened and slotted to form locking tabs which are inserted in elongated openings in the side wall and near the ends of tubular member 54. These locking tabs are spread inside member 54. Tubular reinforcing inserts are pressed in between the spread locking tabs to form a secure rigid joint as shown in FIG. 6.
From the foregoing description, it can be seen that a great many tubular frame assemblies can be fabricated using the connection provided by this invention. The number of such assemblies is limited only by the imagination and ingenuity of the fabricator.
I claim:
1. A structural tubing assembly comprising at least one substantially rigid connection of a first tubular member to a second tubular member, said connection comprising (A) an opening in the wall of said second tubular member, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said second tubular member, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of said first tubular member such that the wall between said slots form two locking tabs, said tabs being positioned through said opening and inside of said second tubular member and shaped to abruptly diverge and converge to substantially confon'n to and tightly contact the inside surface of said second tubular member to prevent angular and lateral distortion thereof forming a substantially rigid connection of said first tubular member to said second tubular member.
2. A tubing assembly of claim 1 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-section of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
3. A tubing assembly of claim 1 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
4. A tubing assembly of claim 3 wherein said reinforcing insert is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
5. A tubing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and said second tubular members have a substantially circular cross-section.
6. A tubing assembly of claim 5 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-section of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
7. A tubing assembly of claim 6 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
8. A tubing assembly of claim 7 wherein said reinforcing insert is a tubular member tightly fit between said two locking tabs.
9. A tubing assembly of claim 8 wherein said tubular member is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
10. A substantially rectangular tubular frame assembly comprising four tubular members, each of said members connected at both ends to another of said four tubular members to form a substantially rectangular frame, each of said connections comprising (A) a longitudinally elongated opening in one of the connected members, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said one of the connected members, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of the other of said connected members such that the wall between said slots forms two locking tabs, said tabs being inserted through said elongated opening and abruptly diverging and converging to substantially contabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said one of the connected members.
13. A tubular frame assembly of claim 12 wherein at least one of said reinforcing inserts is an end of another tubular member which forms one side of an adjoining tubular frame assembly, said adjoining tubular frame assembly sharing a common tubular member with said tubular frame assembly of claim 12, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.

Claims (13)

1. A structural tubing assembly comprising at least one substantially rigid connection of a first tubular member to a second tubular member, said connection comprising (A) an opening in the wall of said second tubular member, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said second tubular member, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of said first tubular member such that the wall between said slots form two locking tabs, said tabs being positioned through said opening and inside of said second tubular member and shaped to abruptly diverge and converge to substantially conform to and tightly contact the inside surface of said second tubular member to prevent angular and lateral distortion thereof forming a substantially rigid connection of said first tubular member to said second tubular member.
2. A tubing assembly of claim 1 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-sEction of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
3. A tubing assembly of claim 1 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
4. A tubing assembly of claim 3 wherein said reinforcing insert is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
5. A tubing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and said second tubular members have a substantially circular cross-section.
6. A tubing assembly of claim 5 wherein said opening in the wall of said second tubular member is longitudinally elongated and the opposing side walls of said first tubular member at the location at which it extends through said opening in said second tubular member are flattened such that the cross-section of said first tubular member at said location substantially conforms with said longitudinally elongated opening in said second tubular member.
7. A tubing assembly of claim 6 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said second tubular member.
8. A tubing assembly of claim 7 wherein said reinforcing insert is a tubular member tightly fit between said two locking tabs.
9. A tubing assembly of claim 8 wherein said tubular member is an end of a third tubular member of said structural tubing assembly, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
10. A substantially rectangular tubular frame assembly comprising four tubular members, each of said members connected at both ends to another of said four tubular members to form a substantially rectangular frame, each of said connections comprising (A) a longitudinally elongated opening in one of the connected members, the width of said opening being less than the inside diameter of said one of the connected members, and (B) opposing longitudinal slots in the end of the other of said connected members such that the wall between said slots forms two locking tabs, said tabs being inserted through said elongated opening and abruptly diverging and converging to substantially conform to the inside surface of said one of the connected members forming a substantially rigid rectangular frame.
11. A tubular frame assembly of claim 10 useful as a gate or fence section wherein fencing is positioned in the rectangular area formed by said four tubular members and is attached to said members.
12. A tubular frame assembly of claim 10 further characterized by having a cylindrical reinforcing insert tightly fitted between said two locking tabs, said insert conforming with the inside contour of said two locking tabs thereby holding said tabs tightly against the inside surface of said one of the connected members.
13. A tubular frame assembly of claim 12 wherein at least one of said reinforcing inserts is an end of another tubular member which forms one side of an adjoining tubular frame assembly, said adjoining tubular frame assembly sharing a common tubular member with said tubular frame assembly of claim 12, said end having a reduced outside diameter to conform with the inside contour of said two locking tabs.
US00248253A 1972-04-27 1972-04-27 Structural tube assembly Expired - Lifetime US3776523A (en)

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US3911549A (en) * 1972-09-08 1975-10-14 Midland Ind Computing Method of forming a stachion assembly
US4172427A (en) * 1978-01-12 1979-10-30 Kindred William B Water propulsion unit including fin having foil and flexible ends
FR2578596A1 (en) * 1985-03-05 1986-09-12 Cotherm Sa METHOD OF FIXING A TUBE IN RELATION TO A BASE, AND APPARATUS ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS METHOD
US4631797A (en) * 1982-05-22 1986-12-30 Hill Stuart A Method of forming forged joints
US4722514A (en) * 1984-11-08 1988-02-02 Pettit Frederick M Plastic fence construction
NL9500092A (en) * 1995-01-19 1996-09-02 Henricus Wilhelmus Franssen Method for connecting a first and a second tube, and assembly and bicycle frame provided with at least one tubes which are connected to one another with the aid of such a method, and bicycle provided with a bicycle frame of this nature
US5853512A (en) * 1997-02-21 1998-12-29 Efp Corporation Method of manufacturing unitary framed foam panels
US6481697B1 (en) * 1999-11-10 2002-11-19 Alexander Brown Modular railing system for construction sites
US20030067160A1 (en) * 2001-10-05 2003-04-10 Wenck Charles Vincent System for detachable connection of a first and a second tube element
US6574849B1 (en) * 1998-08-17 2003-06-10 Siempelkamp Pressen Systeme Gmbh & Co. Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
US6789786B1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2004-09-14 Michael Schatzberg Tensioned fence with self-closing, self-latching gate
US20040245512A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2004-12-09 Allied Consulting, Inc. Fabric Fence System
US20070200105A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-08-30 Luc Williams Railing system
US20100024342A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2010-02-04 Intex Recreation Corp. Retainer Frame for a Swimming Pool
FR2959268A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-28 Intecom Sarl Metal ladder i.e. metal scaffolding ladder, has steps whose ends are set on inner face of posts via strips folded and set by movable tool interior to posts, so as to assure irreversible mechanical characteristics of steps on posts
US20120224916A1 (en) * 2009-10-23 2012-09-06 Clamco Invest Ab Metal profile, fastening device and cover comprising a fastening system including the metal profile and the fastening device
US8757566B2 (en) 2010-06-09 2014-06-24 R & B Wagner, Inc. Hand rail mounting system
DE102021113998A1 (en) 2021-05-31 2022-12-01 Meleghy Automotive GmbH & Co.KG Process for the positive connection of a socket body with a tubular body

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US5259705A (en) * 1989-08-25 1993-11-09 Breaux Louis B Guide box assembly system for in-ground barrier installation
US5240348A (en) * 1989-08-25 1993-08-31 Louis Breaux Methods of hazardous waste containment
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US7681294B2 (en) * 2004-06-23 2010-03-23 Danny Scott Payne Metal fence picket staking apparatus and method
US9587414B2 (en) * 2012-09-25 2017-03-07 James A Lachenberg Fully welded fence panel and method of making same
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Cited By (22)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3911549A (en) * 1972-09-08 1975-10-14 Midland Ind Computing Method of forming a stachion assembly
US4172427A (en) * 1978-01-12 1979-10-30 Kindred William B Water propulsion unit including fin having foil and flexible ends
US4631797A (en) * 1982-05-22 1986-12-30 Hill Stuart A Method of forming forged joints
US4722514A (en) * 1984-11-08 1988-02-02 Pettit Frederick M Plastic fence construction
FR2578596A1 (en) * 1985-03-05 1986-09-12 Cotherm Sa METHOD OF FIXING A TUBE IN RELATION TO A BASE, AND APPARATUS ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS METHOD
NL9500092A (en) * 1995-01-19 1996-09-02 Henricus Wilhelmus Franssen Method for connecting a first and a second tube, and assembly and bicycle frame provided with at least one tubes which are connected to one another with the aid of such a method, and bicycle provided with a bicycle frame of this nature
US5853512A (en) * 1997-02-21 1998-12-29 Efp Corporation Method of manufacturing unitary framed foam panels
US6574849B1 (en) * 1998-08-17 2003-06-10 Siempelkamp Pressen Systeme Gmbh & Co. Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
US6905110B2 (en) 1999-11-10 2005-06-14 Alexander Brown Finished-stair-tread adapter for a modular railing system
US6481697B1 (en) * 1999-11-10 2002-11-19 Alexander Brown Modular railing system for construction sites
US20050274940A1 (en) * 1999-11-10 2005-12-15 Alexander Brown Modular railing system
US6789786B1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2004-09-14 Michael Schatzberg Tensioned fence with self-closing, self-latching gate
US20030067160A1 (en) * 2001-10-05 2003-04-10 Wenck Charles Vincent System for detachable connection of a first and a second tube element
US20040245512A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2004-12-09 Allied Consulting, Inc. Fabric Fence System
US20070200105A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-08-30 Luc Williams Railing system
US8286948B2 (en) * 2006-02-24 2012-10-16 Williams Interlocking Systems Inc. Railing system
US20100024342A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2010-02-04 Intex Recreation Corp. Retainer Frame for a Swimming Pool
US20120224916A1 (en) * 2009-10-23 2012-09-06 Clamco Invest Ab Metal profile, fastening device and cover comprising a fastening system including the metal profile and the fastening device
US8727656B2 (en) * 2009-10-23 2014-05-20 Clamco Invest Ab Metal profile, fastening device and cover comprising a fastening system including the metal profile and the fastening device
FR2959268A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-28 Intecom Sarl Metal ladder i.e. metal scaffolding ladder, has steps whose ends are set on inner face of posts via strips folded and set by movable tool interior to posts, so as to assure irreversible mechanical characteristics of steps on posts
US8757566B2 (en) 2010-06-09 2014-06-24 R & B Wagner, Inc. Hand rail mounting system
DE102021113998A1 (en) 2021-05-31 2022-12-01 Meleghy Automotive GmbH & Co.KG Process for the positive connection of a socket body with a tubular body

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA993621A (en) 1976-07-27
US3848855A (en) 1974-11-19

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