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Shelving connectorRelated Patent Categories: Supports: Racks, Knockdown, Vertically Adjustable, Plural Beams Between Plural Pairs Of Uprights (e.g., Pallet Rack, Etc.)Shelving connector description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060144809, Shelving connector. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCES [0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/640,791, "Shelving Connector", filed Dec. 30, 2004, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the assembly of metal parts and more particularly to apparatus facilitating assembly of parts such as in sheet metal shelving or cabinets. Other applications are contemplated. BACKGROUND [0003] Metal shelving is usually packaged in component pieces which are assembled to form shelving. Discrete fasteners are typically used in this process, as well as a variety of tab/slot arrangements as is well known. The use of discrete fasteners can increase cost and are the source of aggravation where quantities are mishandled or the like. [0004] Known tab and slot configurations can lack permanency and rigidity, especially when the shelving units are handled or manipulated. For instance, "bayonet-type" tab and slot configurations are known in the art and typically include a male tab protruding through an oversized slot so that movement of the tab within the slot is possible. In some instances, the slot may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the bottom surface of the tab resting against the bottom of the slot via gravity. However, since the vertical dimension of the slot may be oversized relative to the vertical height of the tab, the tab and the member attached to the tab may move upwardly in response to the application of sufficient force, which can cause the assembled structure to wobble or to be otherwise undesirable. [0005] It is thus desired to provide improved connecting structure which produces position and rigid interconnection between elements of a structure such as a metal shelving or cabinet. SUMMARY [0006] To these ends, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a connector for securing two members together. The connector includes an opening or aperture formed in one member and a tab extending from the other member. At least one of the opening and the tab is tapered for frictional engagement with the other when the members are joined. [0007] In one illustrative embodiment, a generally rectangular portion of a tab integral with one member is frictionally and securely engaged within a trapezoid shaped opening formed in the other member when the two members are joined. However, other shapes of openings and tabs are considered to be within the scope of the present invention provided the tab is frictionally and securely engaged with the opening when the two members are joined. [0008] A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for securing two members together without the use of discrete fasteners. With the method of the present invention, a plurality of openings are formed in one member and a plurality of tabs are formed in the other member so they extend from the other member. The members are aligned so the openings and tabs are in register with one another and the tabs are inserted through aligned ones of the openings. One of the members is moved relative to the other thereby wedging the tabs into frictional engagement with the openings to securely join the members together. [0009] In one illustrative embodiment, trapezoid shaped openings are formed in one member with tabs being formed in the other member. The tabs include a substantially rectangular portion. Each male tab is inserted into the larger end of the female trapezoid shaped opening and then slid to the narrower end of the female trapezoid shaped opening "wedging" the substantially rectangular portion of the tab securely into the female part. The tab also makes contact with the flat surface adjacent the female part opening also gripping it to insure a tight fit. [0010] Assembly of the two components or members of a shelving unit wedges them together and the combination of the wedged components and the flat surface engagement provides a strong, rigid, secure interconnection between the components. Use of discrete fasteners for this joint is eliminated and the female and male elements can be provided by stamping in the forming of the components or members, reducing the cost. [0011] These and other advantages will be appreciated from the following written description and from the drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cross-brace or shelf support member of a shelving unit provided with a plurality of tapered female connecting elements according to one embodiment of the invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1; [0014] FIG. 3 is a plan, or flat pattern view of the developed member of FIG. 1; [0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another shelving member, such as a support column, showing a plurality of the male tab connecting elements according to one embodiment of the invention; [0016] FIG. 5 is a developed view of the member of FIG. 4; [0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the encircled area of FIG. 5 showing the male tab connecting element of FIGS. 4 and 5; [0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 4; [0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 4; Continue reading about Shelving connector... Full patent description for Shelving connector Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Shelving connector patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Shelving connector or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Ergonomic work station Next Patent Application: Feed and drink bottles for babies and young children Industry Class: Supports: racks ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Shelving connector patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 3.17377 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , 174 |
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