Patent ID: 6357959
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A boltless connector for retaining a mounting member, the boltless connector comprising:(a) a mounting plate defining a mounting surface having a generally U-shape, the mounting plate adapted to receive the mounting member, the mounting plate comprising: (1) an engagement lip defining a closed edge of the mounting surface and including an engagement surface planarly displaced from the mounting surface, the engagement lip including a channel, the channel disposed along the length of the engagement lip; (2) a first leg defining a first edge of the mounting surface and disposed approximately perpendicular to the engagement lip, the first leg having a groove disposed distally to the engagement lip and generally transverse to a long axis of the first leg; (3) a second leg defining a second edge of the mounting surface and disposed approximately perpendicular to the engagement lip, the second leg having a groove disposed distally to the engagement lip and generally transverse to a long axis of the second leg; and (b) a wedge having a free surface and an engaging surface adapted to engage the mounting plate and the mounting member, the wedge comprising: (1) a first extension, the free end of the first extension defining an angle with respect to the free surface, the first extension adapted to engage the groove of the first leg; (2) a second extension, the free end of the second extension defining an angle with respect to the free surface, the second extension adapted to engage the groove on the second leg; and (3) an engagement edge disposed distally from the free ends of the first and second extensions, the engagement edge adapted to be inserted into the channel of the engagement lip.