Fitting for a T-slot structure

A unitary fitting for mating with and coupling a plurality of T-slot structures. The fitting comprises at least two sections to mate with the T-slot structures, with each of the sections having a first end, a second end, an outer surface circumferentially surrounding said T-slot structure, and an inner surface being capable of mating with one of said T-slot structures. the inner surfaces has at least one rail that extends inwardly into a recess of the T-slot structures. The fitting is formed of one piece construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to braces and fittings for use with “T-slot” aluminum structures. T-slot structures are also referred to as extrusions or extrusion structures. The fittings are used in building and constructing various mechanical structures and modular structures. Using T-fittings or extrusions in building structures and the like allows for structures to be erected quicker and easier than prior art structures. Also, because extrusions are connected with braces or fittings, mechanical stress on the structures is reduced.

Generally, prior art fittings and braces either consist of two or more sections that would be clamped together around the extrusion to hold the extrusion in place. The sections are secured to one another to enclose an end of the extrusions and then may be further secured to the extrusion with the use of pins, bolts, or other securing devices. These structures require preassembling, which increases the time needed for erecting a structure and increases the chance of improperly aligned and fitted extrusions. These devices leave further room for improvement if extrusions are to be attached in more than one direction, such as for corner arrangements. Extrusions have the potential to move or slide within these types of braces and fittings, as the pins and similar securing means may not adequately hold the brace to the extrusion.

Other prior art braces have been developed that provide for the extrusion members to be inserted into braces that are capable of forming corner structures for the extrusion members. An example of such a device can be found in Wood, U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,177, which allows for two extrusions to be attached to one another in a perpendicular arrangement. These structures allow for potential movement of the extrusion within the brace, as they do not necessarily follow the contour sufficiently of the extrusion for gripping purposes. That is, the braces generally tend to be sized for the most outer perimeter of the extrusions and generally are capable of accommodating only one size or shape of an extrusion. While capable of forming a corner connection, these devices still are time consuming when assembling or erecting a structure using T-slot extrusions. Further, these devices do not lend themselves to being adapted for various uses and angles that can be encountered when erecting a structure. For example, such braces are generally not capable of easily connecting more than two extrusions together, as would be necessary for making a three-dimensional corner. Two or more braces may be used together, but time must then be taken to properly align all three extrusions.

Thus, it would be advantageous to design a simple fitting for an extrusion or T-slot structure that could be adapted for a variety of uses. The fitting would be used to quickly form corner structures in two or three planes, quickly and with little required alignment of the extrusion pieces. The fitting could also be used to secure the extrusion at any length along the extrusion. That is, the fitting could be adapted for use as a corner brace or fitting to a center fitting or support. Such a device would result in improved efficiency and a reduction in assembly time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved fitting for T-slot fittings or T-slot extrusions that provides for easier and quicker assembly processes than previous fittings. The fitting surrounds the T-slot structure on all sides, with each side having a railing that will extend into the respective side of the T-slot structure. The fittings may allow the extrusions to pass entirely through the fitting, or may have an enclosed end wall and only one entry point. Alternatively, the fitting may have an open or hinged side or connected to another device on one side, depending on the specific use. The fittings may also be designed as corner fittings for connecting extrusions in two, three, or more directions.

The railings preferably are arranged to fit together with the extrusions in a relatively tight mating fashion. The railings can run the entire length of the fitting or could be located at predetermined sections of the fitting. Also, the railings could extend the entire height of each recess formed on each side of the T-fitting, or extend only partially into each side of the fitting. The fittings could be mounted onto the extrusions with any known mounting methods, such as welding, pinning, drilling, drilling and riveting, drilling and tapping blind or through a threaded fastener, or drilling and fastening with another threaded device.

The present invention is a fitting for a T-slot structure that surrounds the T-slot structure or extrusion on a plurality of sides and has a rail extending into the opening formed on at least one of the sides of the extrusion. The fitting of the present invention is also a unitary or single-piece design. Known prior art structures did not have rails that extended inwardly of the extrusion and/or were not designed as single pieces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1provides a perspective view of a fitting10for securing together and mate T-slot structures or T-slot extrusions20. The fitting10generally comprises a first mating section40and a second mating section60. Preferably, a corner brace12adds support for the fitting10. The corner brace12can also be used for mounting purposes, such as for mounting a sheet of Plexiglas®, metal plating, screening, guarding, or possibly a decorative piece of material. It is not necessary, though, for the brace12to be situated on the fitting10to carry out the present invention. The fitting10and extrusions20are arranged so that the extrusions20are fittingly inserted into the fitting10. However, various additional mounting devices can be used to permanently or releasably secure the fitting10to the extrusions20. For instance,FIG. 1shows pins or screws14being inserted into holes16sufficiently far enough to engage the surface of the extrusion20.

FIG. 2provides an exploded view of the fitting10and extrusions20shown inFIG. 1. The extrusions20are shown as being rectangular in shape, but could be any desired shape, such as hexagonal shapes. The extrusions20have a symmetrical design, having a plurality of raised or extended corners22extending from a central spine24, with a plurality of recesses26located between each pair of corners22. It is understood that reference to one of the extrusions20will refer to each of the extrusions20.

The first mating section40is generally comprised of an outer surface42arranged to circumferentially surround the extrusion20and an inner surface44having portions or railings50that are designed to extend inwardly of the recesses26and fittingly mate with the recesses26of the extrusion20. The inner surface44and the railings50preferably generally follow the contours of the extrusion20, but it is not necessary for the inner surface44to necessarily fittingly engage the surface of the extrusion20. For example, if a nut with a threaded fastener is used to as securing means, the railing50could have a short height and extend the entire length of the mating section40. Railings50that extend the entire height of the recess may be used with securing means where drilling, pinning, or tapping is used to connect the fitting10to the extrusion. Likewise, the railing could be T-slot shaped, generally being shaped as that of the recess (as shown inFIG. 2).

The first mating section40has a first end46and a second end48. The railing50can extend the entire length of the mating section from the first end46to the second end48, or only a portion thereof. Likewise, the railings50can extend inwardly entirely to the surfaces of the recesses26, or extend inwardly into the recesses26, but not entirely to the surfaces of the recesses26. The height of the railing50is generally be determined by the type of fastener used to secure the fitting10to the extrusion20. The extrusion20will be inserted into the opening52formed at the first end46of the first mating section40, but it will be shown that the first mating section40may be designed so that extrusion20could also be inserted into the second end48, or be inserted and pass through both ends46,48of the mating section40.

Still referring toFIG. 2, the second mating section60is shown partially cut away. The second mating section60generally comprises an outer surface62arranged to circumferentially surround the extrusion20and an inner surface64having portions or railings70that are designed to extend inwardly of the recesses26and fittingly mate with the recesses26of the extrusion20, in the same fashion as was described with the first mating section40. The second mating section60also comprises a first end66and a second end68, as is the case with the first mating section40, and can be arranged to mate and receive the extrusion20through an opening72, as well. The mating section60can be sized and configured as described with the mating section40. That is, the height and width of the railings70can vary within the area of the recesses26of the extrusions20.

Generally, the extrusion20will be inserted only a predetermined distance into the fitting10and not the complete length of the fitting10. For instance, the extrusion20would only be inserted a few inches into the opening52and not entirely into the opening to the second end48. This allows the fitting10to be adapted to receive more extrusions20in various directions or allow for addition of other features, such as castors or other external devices. Such arrangements will become apparent with following description, more specifically the description with respect toFIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 3shows a second embodiment110of a fitting according to the present invention. The shape and function of the individual matting sections is similar to that described with respect to the mating sections40,60of the fitting10(seeFIGS. 1 and 2). The fitting110is designed similarly to that of the fitting10, except that there are three separate mating sections. The fitting110generally comprises a first mating section140, a second mating section160and a third mating section180. Corner braces112can be used to give further stability to the fitting110.

The first mating section140is generally comprised of an outer surface142arranged to circumferentially surround the extrusion20and an inner surface144having portions or railings150that are designed to extend inwardly of the recesses26and fittingly mate with the recesses26of the extrusion20. The first mating section140has a first end146and a second end148. The railing150can extend the entire length of the mating section from the first end146to the second end148, or only a portion thereof. Likewise, the railings150can extend entirely to the surfaces of the recesses26, or extend into the recesses26, but not entirely to the surfaces of the recesses. The extrusion20will be inserted into the opening152formed at the first end146of the first mating section140, but it will be shown that the first mating section140may be designed so that extrusion20could also be inserted into the second end148.

Still referring toFIG. 3, the second mating section160generally comprises an outer surface162arranged to circumferentially surround the extrusion20and an inner surface164having portions or railings170that are designed to extend inwardly of the recesses26and fittingly mate with the recesses26of the extrusion20, in the same fashion as was described with the first mating section140(and the mating sections40,60of the fitting10). The second mating section160also comprises a first end166and a second end168, as is the case with the first mating section140, and can be arranged to mate and receive the extrusion20through an opening172, as well.

The third mating section180is also arranged similarly to the first two mating sections140,160. The mating section180generally comprises an outer surface182arranged to circumferentially surround the extrusion20and an inner surface184having portions or railings190that are designed to extend inwardly of the recesses26and fittingly mate with the recesses26of the extrusion20, in the same fashion as was described with the first mating section140. The third mating section180also comprises a first end186and a second end188, as is the case with the first mating section140, and can be arranged to mate and receive the extrusion20through an opening192, as well.

FIGS. 4-6demonstrates various means for mounting an exterior object onto the fitting10ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The mounting means could also be incorporated in the fitting110, as well, or with any other fitting that would fall within the scope of the present invention. As shown, the exterior object is another fitting10, but it is understood that the mounting means could be used to mount other objects on the fitting.FIG. 4shows the use of a pair of hinge members30and a pin32to rotatably secure two fittings10together.FIG. 5provides for a latch28that will secure two fittings10together.FIG. 6shows a post34located on a first fitting10that will be received by a female insert36located on a second fitting10. It is understood that the mounting means shown and described inFIGS. 4-6are merely exemplary of possible mounting means and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention to any specific arrangement. It is also understood that more than one mounting means may be located on an individual fitting10.

FIG. 7shows the fitting110being slightly altered. The third mating section180is shown with the outer surface182having an open side196. The open side196allows for access to the extrusion20after it has been inserted into the mating section180. The outer surface182could be further enclosed with a cover198, which could be pivotally or hingedly connected to the mating section180or completely removable from the mating section180. Either arrangement would fall under the scope of the present invention and could be designed as is known to one being skilled in the art.

FIG. 8shows a further arrangement of the fitting110each of the mating sections140,160,180comprises a through bore,154,174,194, respectively. That is, the second ends148,168,188of the mating sections140,160,180are open, thereby allowing an extrusion20to pass completely through the mating sections140,160,180, if necessary. This is advantageous in certain arrangements where extrusions of longer lengths need extra stabilization at certain critical load bearing points. It is understood that the fitting110can be designed with one or more throughbores154,174, or194, and that a throughbore could also be incorporated into the fitting10. It is also possible that each of the respective ends148,168,188could form openings, but not necessarily form throughbores. That is, each of the six shown openings could be configured to receive an extrusion20, with a wall or other abutment formed within the fitting110that would give the extrusions20a solid surface to be inserted against.

The various mating sections are usually arranged at 90° angles with respect to one another. However, the mating sections40,60or140,160,180can form other angles that are not right angles. As an example,FIG. 9shows the fitting110wherein the mating section160is angled at approximately 45° with respect to the mating section140. Provided that a unitary, one-piece fitting comprises at least two mating sections as described herein, the angle between the mating sections can be altered and still fall within the scope of the present invention. That is, the angle between the mating sections, whether there are two three, or more mating sections, can greater or less than 90° and fall within the present invention. Provided the various mating sections are situated in different planes, the fitting would fall within the scope of the present invention. Similarly,FIG. 9further demonstrates that the present invention is capable of mating extrusions in two, three, or more, directions.

The present invention provides a universal fitting for use with various sizes of extrusions. Manufacturers design and manufacture extrusions at differing sizes. Two common sizes have widths of 1½″ and 1⅝″ for the extrusions. Prior art fittings would require two separate sizes of fittings to accommodate these fittings, and possibly different fittings for other sized extrusions. The present invention can accommodate various sized extrusions without requiring multiple fittings. The outside of the fittings would not change, and the inside surface may be altered to accommodate the differing fittings, but because the fitting is designed with a portion extending inwardly into the recesses of the mated extrusion, minimal, if any, adapting is necessary.