Joint

The present invention relates to a joint for connecting members. More particularly, the present invention relates to a joint for connecting members wherein the joint seam is curvilinear, obscuring the presence of the joint.

The joining of members utilizing an end joint dates back millennia and joint types are voluminous in the art. When joining members using an end joint it is desirable to produce a joint that exhibits both strength and aesthetic value. While many joints provide strength to the finished product, their designs lack aesthetic value. Most conventional end joints have seams creating unnatural lines detracting from the look of the joint.

The present invention recognizes the need to provide a joint of sufficient strength for a variety of applications while also providing an aesthetic quality desired by consumers.

The present invention is a joint for connecting members having a grain pattern. The end of the first member may have a first scalloped surface. The first scalloped surface has a series of peaks and troughs. A second scalloped surface is located at the end of a second member. The second scalloped surface also includes a series of peaks and troughs; however, the pattern of the peaks and troughs on the second scalloped surface has a complimentary relationship to the peaks and troughs of the first scalloped surface. The angles of the scalloped surfaces also have a complimentary relationship to each other. The peaks and troughs may be formed by a plurality of router bits of varying dimension or other similar technique. The members may be cut manually or by machine. The members may be any material having a grain pattern; including but not limited to, various species of wood or wood composites having a grain pattern.

The scalloped surfaces are then brought into fitted relation with each other. The peaks of one scalloped surface nestle into the troughs of the other scalloped surface and vice versa. The scalloped surfaces may then be affixed to one another using a number of methods; including but not limited to, adhesives or nailing. The resulting joint provides greater surface area over traditional mitered joints and the nestling of the peaks and corresponding troughs provides additional strength to the joint.

The joining of the scalloped surfaces produces a scalloped joint seam. The scalloped joint seam is the result of fitting the two scalloped surfaces together. The scalloped joint seam visually minimizes the joint by removing the angled edges and distinct harsh transitions normally found in conventional joints. Because of the removal of the angled edges and distinct transitions in the joint seam, the grain patterns of each member seemingly blend together, thereby obscuring the presence of the joint. The joint may be utilized in a variety of applications; including but not limited to, rails, furniture, windows, doors, cabinets, and other applications requiring the joining of members to achieve a desired length member.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention are, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.