Patent ID: 7018127
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A connector for joining a first piece of sheet metal and a second piece of sheet metal together end-to-end, wherein said connector has a length and a longitudinal center line, wherein the first piece of sheet metal has a raw free end with at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection thereon, and wherein the second piece of sheet metal has a raw free end with at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection thereon and a joggle inward of the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection thereon, said connector comprising: a) a first wall; b) a second wall; c) a ledge; d) a third wall; e) a fourth wall; and f) a flange; wherein said second wall and said first wall define a first channel therebetween; wherein said ledge extends inwardly from said second wall; wherein said ledge extends into said first channel; wherein said first channel is for lockingly receiving the raw free end of the first piece of sheet metal by virtue of the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the first piece of sheet metal spreading said second wall away from said first wall as the raw free end of the first piece of sheet metal slips through said first channel until such time as the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the first piece of sheet metal just clears said ledge causing said second wall to unspread, and in so doing, causes the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the first piece of sheet metal to be snapingly engaged onto, and lockingly captured against, said ledge, and in so doing, the first piece of sheet metal is secured in said connector; wherein said third wall terminates in a free edge; wherein said free edge of said third wall is folded inwardly onto itself so as to form a folded free edge; wherein said third wall and said first wall define a second channel therebetween; wherein said second channel is for lockingly receiving the raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal by virtue of the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal spreading said third wall away from said first wall as the second piece of sheet metal slips through said second channel until such time as the at least one wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal just clears said folded free edge of said third wall causing said third wall to unspread, and in so doing, causes the at least wedge-shaped reverse button lock projection on the raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal to be snapingly engaged onto, and lockingly captured against, said folded free edge of said third wall, and in so doing, the second piece of sheet metal is secured in said connector; wherein said first channel and said second channel open in opposite directions from each other for joining the first piece of sheet metal and the second piece of sheet metal together end-to-end; wherein said first channel and said second channel are offset relative to each other, and as a result thereof, requires the joggle on the raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal to offset the second piece of sheet metal so as to allow insertion of the other raw free end of the second piece of sheet metal into said first channel of a next connector without a need for field dressing; wherein said fourth wall extends from said ledge to a terminal edge; wherein said flange extends outwardly from said fourth wall; wherein said flange structurally stiffens said connector; wherein said flange has a free edge; and wherein said free edge of said flange is folded onto itself in a direction away from said ledge so as to form a folded free edge.