U.S. patent application number 10/339137 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-05 for joining system for tubular members.
Invention is credited to Hewett, Frank W..
Application Number | 20030101677 10/339137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39318075 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030101677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hewett, Frank W. |
June 5, 2003 |
Joining system for tubular members
Abstract
A joining system for tubular members having attaching members
and two types of stabilizing members. A first type of stabilizing
member is used to attach two tubular members at a plurality of
angularities and a second type is used to attach two tubular
members at a ninety degree angle. One tubular member is attached to
another tubular member by a groove in a stabilizing member being
positioned against a first tubular member, another groove of the
stabilizing member being positioned against a second tubular member
at a desired angle. The attaching member is positioned through
holes in the tubular members and stabilizing members. The system
includes two wing nut wrenches for attaching tubular members to
each other. One wing nut wrench can also be used as a petcock
wrench. Two jig systems for holding tubular members in place while
holes are drilled therethrough are also disclosed, as is a method
for joining tubular members.
Inventors: |
Hewett, Frank W.; (Poulsbo,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONNA J. THIES
790 IDYLWOOD DR. S.W.
ISSAQUAH
WA
98027
US
|
Family ID: |
39318075 |
Appl. No.: |
10/339137 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10339137 |
Jan 9, 2003 |
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09877580 |
Jun 6, 2001 |
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60217591 |
Jul 12, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/655.1 ;
52/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/44 20130101;
F16B 7/185 20130101; F16B 7/0493 20130101; E04H 15/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/655.1 ;
52/16 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/08; E04H
012/00 |
Claims
Having described my invention, I claim:
1. A joining system for tubular members comprising: a plurality of
tubular members; at least one stabilizing member attached to at
least two tubular members; at least one attaching member, the
attaching member positioned through the tubular members to attach
tubular members at a desired angularity with an entire stabilizing
member in between.
2. A stabilizing member for use in a tubular member joining system
comprising: a member having a top and bottom surface, the top and
bottom surfaces each having at least one tubular member engaging
groove; whereby a stabilizing member is attached entirely between
at least two tubular members.
3. The stabilizing member for use in a tubular member joining
system as defined in claim 2 wherein the stabilizing member has a
plurality of grooves for attaching at least two tubular members to
each other at a plurality of angularities.
4. The stabilizing member for use in a tubular member joining
system as defined in claim 2 wherein the stabilizing member has a
first single groove in the top surface and a second single groove
in the bottom surface of the member for attaching two tubular
members to each other at a ninety degree angle.
5. The joining system for tubular members as defined in claim 1
wherein: the tubular members are joined to form a structure.
6. A first wing nut wrench comprising: a channel having a lower
surface and a first and second side, the lower surface having at
least one bolt engaging hole therethrough; whereby the first and
second sides for a wing nut engaging slot.
7. The first wing nut wrench as defined in claim 4 wherein there is
a plurality of nested channels having varying size holes and slots
therein.
8. A petcock wrench comprising: a channel having a lower surface
and a first and second side, the lower surface having at least one
bolt engaging hole therethrough and, the first and second sides
each having at least one petcock engaging slot therethrough.
9. The petcock wrench is defined in claim 8 wherein there is a
plurality of nested channels having varying size holes and slots
therein.
10. A second wing nut wrench formed from a deep socket of a socket
wrench, the socket wrench having a handle, the second wing nut
wrench comprising: a cylindrical member having a first hex shaped
opening with a slot therethrough, and a second square shaped
opening; whereby the slot in the hex shaped opening receives a wing
nut and the square shaped opening receives the handle of the socket
wrench.
11. A first jig system for holding a tubular member in place
comprising: an upper plate, the upper plate having a plurality of
drill holes therethrough; a lower plate attached to the upper
plate, the lower plate having a tubular member receiving groove;
and at least one attaching member for attaching the lower plate to
the upper plate.
12. The jig system as defined in claim 11 further comprising an
indicator to indicate a parallel or perpendicular relative position
between two holes.
13. A second jig system for holding a tubular member in place
comprising: an upper plate having at least one bolt engaging hole
therethrough and having at least one drilling hole positioned
therethrough; a lower plate attached to the upper plate and having
at least one drilling hole positioned therethrough; an attaching
member for attaching the upper plate to the lower plate and to
provide a distance between the upper plate and the lower plate
equal to substantially slightly larger than the diameter of a
tubular member to thereby hold the tubular member in place.
14. A rain water collection system comprising: a plurality of
tubular members, each tubular member being approximately the same
height as all other tubular members; a plurality of stabilizing
members, each stabilizing member being attached to each tubular
member; a plurality of attaching members, for attaching a
stabilizing member to a tubular member each tubular member being
attached to one other tubular member at approximately a
ninety-degree angle thereby forming a structure, the structure
having a top; a cover having a central portion and an underside,
the cover being removably attached to the top of the structure and
having a discharge opening in the central portion of the cover; a
downspout removably attached to the underside of the cover at the
central portion of the cover; piping having a first and second end,
the piping removably attached to the downspout at the first end of
the piping; whereby water by natural flow, flows toward the central
portion of the cover, down into the downspout and piping to be
collected at the second end of the piping.
15. A method for joining tubular members comprising: providing a
plurality of tubular members; providing at least one stabilizing
member attached to at least two tubular members; providing at least
one attaching member; attaching one of the stabilizing members to
the tubular members using an attaching member, the attaching member
positioned through the tubular members to attach tubular members at
a desired angularity with an entire stabilizing member in
between.
16. The method for joining tubular members as defined in claim 15
wherein: the stabilizing members have a top and bottom surface, the
top and bottom surfaces each having at least one tubular member
engaging groove.
17. The method for joining tubular members as defined in claim 16
wherein: the stabilizing member has a plurality of grooves for
attaching at least two tubular members to each other at a plurality
of angularities. whereby a stabilizing member is attached to at
least two tubular members.
18. The method for joining tubular members as defined in claim 15
wherein: The tubular members are joined to form a structure.
19. A method for collecting rain water comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of tubular members, each tubular member being
approximately the same height as all other tubular members;
providing a plurality of stabilizing members each stabilizing
member being attached to each tubular member; providing a plurality
of attaching members for attaching a stabilizing member to a
tubular member, each tubular member being attached to one other
tubular member at approximately a ninety degree angle thereby
forming a structure, the structure having a top; providing a cover
having a central portion and an underside, the cover being
removably attached to the top of the structure and having a
discharge opening in the central portion of the top of the
structure; providing a downspout removably attached to the
underside of the cover at the central portion of the cover;
providing piping having a first and second ends, the piping
removably attached to the downspout at the first end of the piping;
whereby water by natural flow, flows toward the central portion of
the cover, down into the downspout and piping to be collected at
the second end of the piping.
Description
[0001] Applicant hereby claims priority of provisional patent
application No. 60/217,591 filed on Jul. 12, 2000.
[0002] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
09/877,580 filed Jun. 06, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are numerous applications for which it would be
desirable to have a quick and easy means and system for joining
tubular members at a plurality of angularities in a rigid and
strong manner. One obvious application for the herein described
joining system would be to form the shell for a temporary structure
such as a shade tent that can quickly and easily be constructed on
a beach. Then, when leaving the beach, the temporary structure
could be just as easily broken down and removed. There are a myriad
of similar applications, too numerous to list in their entirety,
some of which will be described herein by way of example only.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 229,788 to Winnek discloses a harrow tooth
holder for holding the teeth of a harrow in various positions.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 274,404 to Adler shows a wing nut and petcock
wrench that is used to turn a wing nut tightly.
[0006] U.S. Design Patent 329,178 to Ackerman discloses a wing nut
wrench having a handle portion with grooves.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 504,717 to Fanckboner discloses an umbrella
support that allows an umbrella handle to be angled at various
angles.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 595,196 to Bothwell discloses a display stand
that is formed by tubular members that are attached to each other
by various fittings.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 777,037 to Liebau discloses a supporting frame
which uses discs to allow the legs to either be locked in operative
relation or collapsed in disassembly.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,361,211 to Wilson teaches a wire protector
that employs grooved disks to keep wires separate from one
another.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,153,547 to Charlop et al. discloses a
hammock tent and support that uses disks to provide the same
angularity at two or more ends of the tent.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,469,588 to Rainwater discloses an
articulated multisection shelter that uses swivel joints.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,089 to Rainwater discloses a collapsible
shelter structure that has pivoted corner braces.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,971 to Leonhardt discloses a foldable
shelter with struts that disconnect when not in use.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,311 to Schaefer teaches a self supported
tent frame coupler that retains support poles at a preferred
angular orientation.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,363 to Moses discloses a knockdown
portable shelter that forms a particular type of framework.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,207 to Wilson discloses a book holder
with a stand that is easily assembled by a screw and a wing
nut.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In order to overcome problems inherent in the prior art,
there has been devised by the present invention, a new and novel
joining system for joining a plurality of tubular members to each
other at a plurality of angles to thereby form the shell for a
structure or other framework. The joining system of the present
invention comprises in general, tubular members, two types of
stabilizing members and attaching members. Each attaching member
generally comprises a nut and bolt configuration but other such
configurations are within the spirit and scope of the invention.
There are two different types of stabilizing members in the present
joing system for tubular members. One type of stabilizing member
allows tubular members to be attached to each other at a plurality
of angularities. The second type of stabilizing member serves to
allow tubular members to be attached to each other at a ninety
degree angle. Both types of stabilizing members provide a solid and
strong connection formed at the connection of the tubular members.
The system also includes two wing nut wrenches for attaching
tubular members to one another. A variation of one wing nut wrench
is used as a petcock wrench in another application. Two jig systems
are also disclosed for holding tubular members in place while holes
are drilled through them in order to attach tubular members at a
variety of angularities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of the basic elements used in
the present joining system for tubular members wherein a first type
of stabilizing member is used to provide a plurality of angular
relationships between two tubular members.
[0020] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the basic elements used in
the present joining system for tubular members wherein a second
type of stabilizing member is used to provide a plurality of
angular relationships between two tubular members.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first wing nut wrench used
in the present tubular member joining system.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first petcock wrench used
to tighten a thumbscrew in one jig system of the present invention
and as it is used in a different application. FIG. 2A shows a
variation of the first wing nut wrench of FIG. 2 used for
tightening or loosening a thumbscrew and the unrelated purpose of
tightening or loosening a petcock.
[0023] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a standard petcock and
showing the pieces that the petcock wrench of FIG. 2A would come
into contact with if the petcock wrench of FIG. 2A is used for the
unrelated purpose of tightening or loosening a petcock.
[0024] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the wing nut wrench of FIG.
2 wherein a plurality of wing nut wrenches have varying sizes and
varying size bolt engaging holes therein. FIG. 2C also represents a
nested version of FIG. 2A which would have varying sizes and
varying sizes of petcock engaging slots therein.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second wing nut and
petcock wrench used in the present tubular joining system.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jig system provided with
and part of the present invention that allows a tubular member to
be held in place in the proper position while holes are cut through
the tubular member at a desired angularity and in a desired
position.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second jig system provided
with and part of the present invention that allows two tubular
members to be held in place in the proper position while a hole is
cut through both tubular members at the same time. The jig system
as shown in FIG. 5 is most often used when the joining system is
being set up and particular holes are needed but unavailable, in a
particular piece of tubing.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first application of the
present tubular member joining system.
[0029] FIG. 6A is an enlargement of the circled joining
configuration as shown in FIG. 6.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second application of the
present tubular member joining system.
[0031] FIG. 7A is an enlargement of the circled joining
configuration as shown in FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third application of the
present tubular member joining system.
[0033] FIG. 8A is an enlargement of the circled joining
configuration as shown in FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth application of the
present tubular member joining system.
[0035] FIG. 9A is an enlargement of the circled joining
configuration as shown in FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the downspout area of the
fourth application of the present tubular member joining system
whereby water is removed from the top of the structure as seen in
FIG. 9.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fifth application of
the present tubular member joining system.
[0038] FIG. 11A is an enlargement of the circled joining
configuration as shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring now to the drawings in general, and in particular
to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown exploded views of the basic
elements used in the present joining system for tubular members. It
is to be understood that the herein described joining system for
tubular members has many applications and the applications
described and shown herein should be viewed as examples only and
the present invention should not be limited by such examples. The
present invention should also not be limited to the sizes of the
parts described. In FIG. 1A there are seen the basic elements
necessary for the joining of tubular members of the present
invention, wherein a first type of stabilizing member is used to
provide a plurality of angular relationships between two tubular
members. The system is shown generally by the number 10. The system
includes tubular members 12 that are joined to other tubular
members 12 by means of a stabilizing member 14 or 28, as seen in
FIG. 1B, and an attaching means, shown generally by the number 16,
and in the form of an attaching member 18. The first type of
stabilizing member 14, in the form of a stabilizer 20, is generally
a ring like shape. The stabilizing member 14 has at a top surface
22 and the bottom surface 24 of its ring like shape, a plurality of
grooves 27. These grooves 27 are of a size adapted to fit and hold
a tubular member 12 so that two tubular members 12 can be attached
to each other at twenty two and one half or forty five degree
angle. Other angles, of course, would be within the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1B there are also seen the basic
elements necessary for the joining system for tubular members of
the present invention, wherein a second type of stabilizing member
is used to provide a ninety degree connection between two tubular
members. The second type of stabilizing member 28, also in the form
of a stabilizer 20, is generally a square like shape. In a manner
similar to the first type of stabilizing member 14, the second type
of stabilizing member 28 has a top surface 29 and a bottom surface
30. The top surface 29 and the bottom surface 30 of the second type
of stabilizing member 28 each has a groove 27 identical to the
grooves 27 in the first type of stabilizing member 14. There is
however, only a single groove 27 in each of the top 29 and bottom
30 surfaces of the second type of stabilizing member 28, with the
groove 27 in the top surface 29 in ninety degree relationship, or
perpendicular, to the groove 27 in the bottom surface 30 of the
second type of stabilizing member 28. The second type of
stabilizing member 28 is thereby used to attach two tubular members
12 to each other at a ninety degree angle. There are holes 31 in
the tubular members 12 at appropriate intervals for receiving an
attaching member 18 as will be described hereinafter. In practice,
as seen in FIGS. 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A and 11A, a first tubular member 32
is placed in a desired groove 27 on the top surface 22 or bottom
surface 24 of the first type of stabilizing member 14, or in a
desired groove 27 on the top surface 29 or bottom surface 30 of the
second type of stabilizing member 28, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. A
second tubular member 33 is then placed in a groove 27 on the
surface 22 or 24 of the first type of stabilizing member 14, or in
a groove 27 on the surface 29 or 30 of the second type of
stabilizing member 28 that is opposite the first tubular member 32
at the desired angle relative to the first tubular member 32, with
holes 31 in the tubular members 12 lined up. So, for example, if
the first tubular member 32 is placed in a groove 27 on the top
surface 22 or 29 of the stabilizing member 14 or 28, then the
second tubular member 33 is placed in a groove 27 on the bottom
surface 24 or 30 of the stabilizing member 14 or 28 and vice versa.
The attaching member 18 comprises generally a bolt and a wing nut
combination 34, but other attaching members 18 would be within the
spirit and scope of the invention. The bolt portion 35 of the bolt
and wing nut combination 34 includes a bolt 36, having a bolt head
37, the bolt 36 is positioned through the lined up holes 31 in the
tubular members 12. The wing nut portion 38 of the bolt and wing
nut combination 34 includes a wing nut 39 and several washers 40.
The wing nut portion 38 of the bolt and wing nut combination 34 is
tightened down, thereby connecting the two tubular members 32 and
33 at the desired angular relationship, as seen in FIGS. 6A, 7A,
8A, 9A and 11A. The two types of stabilizing members 14 ad 28 then
serve two purposes. First, they support a first tubular member 32
at a preferred angularity to a second tubular member 33 and second,
they support and form a brace for the resultant framework such that
no further support, such as a diagonal brace is required for a
structure or framework 41, as seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. The
tubular members 12 each have end caps 42, so that sharp ends 43 and
44 of the tubular members 12 do not remain exposed. The present
system 10 for joining tubular members 12 facilitates the quick and
simple assembly and disassembly of innumerable configurations of
structures or frameworks 41. The resulting framework 41 is flexible
in the size of pieces used and the number of pieces used and
accommodates many applications that require that the structure or
framework have strength.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings there is shown a
further element of the present joining system 10, a first wing nut
wrench shown generally by the number 45. The first wing nut wrench
45 is substantially a piece of metal channeling 46 having at least
two holes 48 and 50 through the lower surface 52 of the channel 46.
The first hole 48 is substantially in the middle of the lower
surface 52 of the channel 46, and is adapted to fit the bolt
portion 35 of a bolt and wing nut combination 34, as seen in FIGS.
1A and 1B. In practice, the channel 46 is positioned atop the bolt
portion 35 of the bolt and wing nut combination 34 and the bolt
portion 35 of the bolt and wing nut combination 34 is positioned
through the first hole 48 in the channel 46. The wings 54 of the
wing nut 39 of the bolt and wing nut combination 34, as seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B, fit within the sides 56 and 58 of the channel 46
to provide the leverage needed to turn the wing nut 39. The channel
46 is then turned to move the wing nut 39 of the bolt and wing nut
combination 34 relative to the bolt portion 35 of the bolt and wing
nut combination 34, either loosening or tightening the wing nut 39.
A second hole 50 is positioned also in the lower surface 52 of the
channel 46 substantially at the first 60 or second 62 end of the
lower surface 52 of the channel 46. The purpose of this second hole
50 is to allow the second hole 50 to be positioned over the bolt
portion 35 of a bolt and wing nut combination 34 when the wing nut
39 is in close quarters, so that it is not required that the wing
nut wrench 44 have a large space to be turned.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2A there is shown a perspective view
of a first petcock wrench as used to tighten a thumbscrew as will
be described hereinafter and in a different application. If the
wing nut wrench 45 of the FIG. 2 is used for the unrelated purpose
of opening a petcock 64, as seen in FIG. 2B, a notch 66 is formed
in the wing nut wrench 45 thereby making the wrench a petcock
wrench 68. The notch 66 in the petcock wrench 68 is adapted to fit
around an indented screw and nut combination 70 in a petcock 64, as
seen in FIG. 2B. The hole 48 in the petcock wrench 68 through which
the screw portion 72 of the screw and nut combination 70 of the
petcock 64, as seen in FIG. 2B, would allow fluid or air to pass
easily from the petcock 64. A third hole 74 is also positioned
through the lower surface 52 of the channel 46. Through the third
hole 74 there is threaded a loop 76 of cording 78 or other
attaching material, and attached also on the loop 76 is a tag 79.
The tag 79 serves at least two purposes: first to identify the
manufacturer, indicia can be added to the tag 79; and second to
provide a hanging means 80 by which the wing nut wrench 45 or the
petcock wrench 68 can be hung on a wall or equipment to later be
found easily.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2C of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of the wrenches 45 of FIG. 2 and 69 of FIG. 2A
wherein there is a plurality of wing nut wrenches 45 that have
varying size bolt engaging holes 48 therein. Thus, the differing
sizes of wing nut wrench 45 can serve different functions in
different applications. It can be seen from FIG. 2C that it can
also represent a nested version of FIG. 2A wherein the petcock
wrenches 68 can also be nested for varying size and varying size of
petcock engaging slots 69. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2C,
the smallest wing nut wrench 81 may be used to turn thumb screws or
small wing nuts, the medium sized wing nut wrench 82 may be used to
turn petcocks, and the largest wing nut wrench 83 may be used to
turn larger wing nuts.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of a second type of wing nut wrench, shown
generally by the number 84, which is used in the present system.
The second wing nut wrench 84 is a cylindrical member 85, a hollow
cylindrical tube 86 having holes 87 and 88 at both ends 90 and 92.
The wing nut wrench 84 is substantially a deep socket with a slot
94 across the hex end 96. The end 98 opposite of the hex end 96 of
the tube 86 has a square hole 88 as would be found in a typical
socket wrench, the square hole 88 being compatible to receive the
handle 100 of a socket wrench, as seen in FIG. 3. The slot 94 at
the hex end 96 of the tube 86 with the hex opening or hole 87 has
substantially across the diameter 102 of the hex opening or hole 87
two notches 104 and 106 forming the slot 94 for receiving the wing
nut portion 38 of the bolt and wing nut combination 34, as seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B. In practice, the cylindrical tube 84 is inserted
atop the wing nut portion 38 of a bolt and wing nut combination 34,
as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Upon turning the tube 84, the wing nut
39 is then tightened or loosened from the bolt portion 35 of the
bolt and wing nut combination 34, depending on which way the tube
86 is turned.
[0045] As seen in FIG. 4, also provided in the present system for
joining tubular members 10 is a first jig system 108 for holding a
tubular member 12 in place while it has holes 31 placed therein at
various desired angles, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The first jig
system 108 of the present invention is shown most clearly in FIG. 4
and comprises in general, a device 110 having a lower plate 112
with a tubular member 12 receiving groove 114 routed in the upper
surface 116 of the lower plate 112. A stop 119, in the form of a
pin 120, is provided to be positioned through an upper plate 117
and into the lower plate 112 such that as a tubular member 12, as
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is positioned in the groove 114 within the
device 110, the tubular member 12 is forced to stop at a location
corresponding to the position where it is appropriate to drill a
hole through the tubular member 12. The upper plate 117 is attached
to the lower plate 112 by an attaching member 118. In the example
shown in FIG. 4, there are four holes marked S1 121, S2 122, S3 123
and S4 124 in the upper plate 117 that will hold the stop 119 in
the form of a pin 120. Each of the stop holes 121, 122, 123, and
124 in the upper plate 117 has a corresponding hole 121A, 122A.
123A, and 124A in the groove 114 in the lower plate 112 so the stop
119 or pin 120 can be positioned all the way through the jig system
108 and locked in place. There could be more or less of these stop
holes 121, 122, 123 or 124. Thus, in the example of FIG. 4, there
are four locations where a tubular member 12, as seen in FIGS. 1A
and 1B could be stopped by positioning the pin 120 in a
corresponding location. The pin 120 thereby sets the distance from
the end 43 or 44 of the tubular member 12 to the appropriate hole
31 or holes to be drilled. A fifth hole 125 is generally used to
park the pin 120 when it is not in use. An example of when the
fifth hole 125 would be used is when a hole is to be drilled in a
location of a tubular member 12 that is beyond the length of the
device 110. The upper plate 117 also has a plurality of drill holes
126 therethrough for holding a drill bit in position when holes 31
are being drilled in a tubular member 12, as seen in FIGS. 1A and
1B. Each of the drill holes 126 has a bushing 127 within for
providing durability with repeated long time use of the device 110.
In practice, a tubular member 12 is inserted in the jig device 110
and stopped by the stop 119. There is a first u-shaped member 128,
one of which is seen in FIG. 4 and a second identical u-shaped
member (not seen) is positioned across from the first u-shaped
member 128 in FIG. 4. The generally u-shaped members 128 form the
attaching member 118 that holds the upper plate 117 and the lower
plate 112 together, the generally u-shaped members 128 have a first
horizontal portion 129 that ends at the groove 114 in the upper
surface 116 of the lower plate 112. The first horizontal portion
129 attaches the u-shaped member 128 to the upper surface 116 of
the lower plate 112 by means of rivets 130. A second horizontal
portion 131 attaches the u-shaped member 128 to the lower surface
132 of the upper plate 117, also by means of rivets 130. Thus, a
channel 133 is formed where the unshaped members 128 are positioned
to the edge 134 of the groove 114 in the lower plate 112. The
channel 133 and the groove 114 ensure that a tubular member 12 will
be directed straight within the device 110 of the jig system 108
and will not come out of the groove 114. A hole 31 is formed
through the tubular member 12, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, by
placing a drill bit through the appropriate drill hole 126 in the
upper surface 135 of the upper plate 117. In order to drill a hole
31 in a specific place, the user should first determine which stop
hole 121, 122, 123 or 124 and which corresponding drill hole 126
are appropriate to use. The combination of the stop pin location
and drill hole 126 to be used will depend on the specific
application. Instructions for using various locations and drill
holes 126 are provided with the joining system for tubular members
10, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. When it is required that a second
hole be drilled that is at a right angle to a first hole 136, as
seen in FIG. 1B, the thumbscrew 137 is loosened and the tubular
member 12, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is rotated approximately
ninety degrees. Any appropriate item such as the stick 138 is
placed through the first hole 136 just drilled in the tubular
member 12, as described above, and as seen in FIG. 1B. The tubular
member 12 is then rotated so that the stick 138 is horizontal and
the tubular member 12 is snug to the stop 119. The stick 138 is
therefore used as an indicator 140 or flag to indicate a parallel
or perpendicular relative position of two holes 31. When drilling a
second hole (not seen) in the tubular member 12, placing the stick
138 in the first hole 136, as seen in FIG. 1A or 1B, indicates
parallelness, the stick pin 141 prevents the stick 138 from falling
through the hole 136. The thumbscrew 137 is then tightened to
secure the tubular member 12 and the hole 31 is drilled through the
second drill hole (not seen). When it is required that holes 31 be
drilled on each end 43 and 44 of a tubular member 12, as seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the holes 31 are required to be parallel to
each other, after a hole or holes 31 are drilled in a first end 43
as desired, a second undrilled end 44 of a tubular member is then
reinserted into the jig system 108. The stick 138 is then inserted
into the previously drilled hole 136, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
The tubular member 12 is then adjusted so that the stick 138 is
positioned vertically to the tubular member 12. The thumbscrew 137
is then tightened to secure the tubular member 12 and the hole 31
is drilled. The thumbscrew 137 is tightened down by the smallest
wrench 45 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2C. The thumbscrew 137 can be
loosened back up but still kept in its location at hole 139, so it
will not be lost when not in use. The stick 138 can also be used as
a plug to measure an equal distance at both ends 43 and 44 of a
tubular member 12, as seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. The appropriate
hole 126 to use in the upper plate 117 to achieve a ninety degree
angle between two holes 31 in a tubular member 12, for example, can
also be identified for the user by color coding of the holes 126 in
the upper plate 120, or other suitable means.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of a second jig system 142 provided with and part
of the present invention. The second jig system 142 is most often
used to hold a tubular member 12 in place in a fixed position while
a hole 31 is cut through the tubular member 12, while the joining
system 10, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is being set up. The second
jig system 142 is generally used with the joining system 10 being
partially put together and wherein a hole 31 in a tubular member 12
is necessary, but unavailable, for completing a particular
structure or framework 41. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the
second jig system 142 comprises an upper 144 and lower plate 145 in
the form of two generally rectangular members 146 and 147, each
having a plurality of holes 148 therethrough. Each rectangular
member 146 and 147 has at least one hole 148 generally at a first
end 149 and at least a second hole 150 generally at a second end
151. Each rectangular member 146 and 147 also has a generally
central hole 152 and generally includes a metal u-shaped portion
153 and a high-density polyethylene t-shaped portion 154, which
fits inside the u-shaped portion 153. In practice, a bolt portion
35 of a bolt and wing nut combination 34, as seen in FIGS. 1A and
1B, is positioned through the hole 148 in the first end 149 of a
first rectangular member 146 and through the corresponding hole 148
in the first end 149 of a second rectangular member 147. The wing
nut portion 38 of a bolt and wing nut combination 34 is screwed
down in a conventional manner to position the second jig system 142
around two attached tubular members 12. The second end 151 of the
first 146 and second rectangular members 147 are attached to each
other as the first ends 149 were. Thus, with the tubular members 12
and the second jig system 142 attached as shown in FIG. 5, a hole
can be drilled through both of the tubular members 12 at position
156, by placing a drill bit in the centralized hole 152 in the
rectangular members 146 and 147 and drilling into the tubular
member 12.
[0047] The following examples show some ways in which the present
joining system for tubular members 10 can be used. They are meant
as examples only and various changes to the size, arrangements of
various parts are within the spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, with slight changes to the sizes of parts, the present
joining system for tubular members 10 can be used to form various
configurations of scaffolding or laddering.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6 of the drawings, there is shown one
application of the present joining system for tubular members 10.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a configuration of the present
system used as a protective structure from wind or sun having a
slightly slanted roof 158 so as not to hold rain on top. The angle
used to connect two tubular members 12 together to form the slanted
roof 158 may be twenty two and one half degrees, or other desired
angle, so the first type of stabilizing member 14 is used to form
these connections between two tubular members 12. The slanted roof
158 is attached to the framework 160 formed by the tubular members
12 by means of stretch cords 162 through grommets 164 in a
tarpaulin 165 in a known manner. The front opening 166 of the
protective structure as seen in FIG. 6, is formed by the two front
tubular members 167 and 168 being attached at right angles to the
front cross tubular member 169 at the front of the slanted roof 158
and having the second type of stabilizing member 28 in between the
tubular members 12 since right angle connections are formed at the
front opening 166 of the structure 160.
[0049] FIG. 6A is an enlargement of the circled area in FIG. 6
showing an enlargement of the parts forming the appropriate angle
170 in FIG. 6. FIG. 6A shows more clearly the arrangement of the
tubular members 12, stabilizing members 14 and 28, attaching means
16 in the form of an attaching member 18 which is a bolt and wing
nut combination 34. It can be seen in FIG. 6A that the ninety
degree angle connection uses the second type of stabilizing member
28 between tubular members 12 and another angular connection other
than ninety degrees uses the first type of stabilizing member
14.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of a second application of the present tubular
member joining system 10 wherein the system is used to provide
shade or other protection, such as a temporary carport 171 for a
car. Joining occurs at four locations 172, 173, 174, and 176 so as
to form a two-sided structure or framework 177 having a partially
slanted roof 178 on top 180 of the framework 177. Then, across the
top 180 of the framework 177, a second set of joining 182 and 184
occurs at an angle to form the triangular section 186 of the roof
178. In FIG. 7 also it can be seen that at the right angle
connections 172, 173, 174, and 176, the second type of stabilizing
member 28 is positioned between two joined tubular members 12, and
at angles other than ninety degrees, the first type of stabilizing
member 14 is positioned between two joined tubular members 12. The
roof 178 of FIG. 7 is attached to the framework 177 formed by the
tubular members 12 by means of stretch cords 162 through grommets
164 in a tarpaulin 165 in a known manner similar to FIG. 6.
[0051] FIG. 7A is an enlargement of the circled area in FIG. 7,
similar to FIG. 6A, showing an enlargement of the parts forming the
appropriate angle 188 in FIG. 7. FIG. 7A shows more clearly the
arrangement of the tubular members 12, stabilizing members 14 and
28, attaching means 16 in the form of an attaching member 18 which
is a bolt and wing nut combination 34.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings there is shown a
perspective view of a third application of the present tubular
member joining system 10 wherein the system is used to provide a
temporary protective structure or framework 187 with a portion
positioned directly atop a van 188 or other vehicle. The
application as shown in FIG. 8 using the present tubular member
joining system 10 for a temporary structure or framework 187 can be
used, for example, by a van owner who uses his vehicle to transport
things to sell, such as a local fruit vendor. Another use for the
application shown in FIG. 8 would be a camper who sets up a
temporary shade for a patio when parked at a camping site. The roof
190 of FIG. 8 is attached to the framework 187 formed by the
tubular members 12 by means of stretch cords 162 through grommets
164 in a tarpaulin 165 in a known manner similar to FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 8A is an enlargement of the circled area in FIG. 8, similar to
FIGS. 6A and 7A, showing an enlargement of the parts forming the
appropriate angle 192 in FIG. 8. FIG. 8A shows more clearly the
arrangement of the tubular members 12, stabilizing members 14 and
28, attaching means 16 in the form of an attaching member 18 which
is a bolt and wing nut combination 34.
[0053] To form the configuration as shown in FIG. 8, two vertically
placed tubular members 12 of appropriate height approximating the
height of a van 188 are each attached to a horizontally placed
tubular member 12, such that the vertically placed tubular members
12 are at a ninety degree angle to the horizontally placed tubular
member 12. One of two of the second type of stabilizing members 28
are each positioned between the tubular members 12 with holes 31
and grooves 27 are appropriately lined up as seen in FIG. 8A. Two
more tubular members 196 and 198 are then attached to the top end
194 of the vertically positioned tubular members 200 and 202 and
the tubular members 12 are connected to each other as described
hereinbefore with stabilizing members 14 or 28 positioned
sandwiched between, since the tubular members 196 and 198 are
attached to the vertically positioned tubular members 200 and 202
at angles other than ninety degrees. Two further tubular members
204 and 206 are then attached to the tubular members 196 and 198
extending from the vertically positioned members 200 and 202, such
that a second horizontally positioned tubular member 208 can be
positioned between the last described tubular members 204 and 206
to provide a framework 187 as seen in FIG. 8. The second
horizontally positioned tubular member 208 would be placed on the
top 210 of a van 188 or other vehicle to make the framework 187 as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0054] FIG. 8A is similar to FIGS. 6A and 7A, an enlargement of the
circled area in FIG. 8, showing an enlargement of the parts forming
the appropriate angle 192 in FIG. 8. FIG. 8A shows more clearly the
arrangement of the tubular members 12, stabilizing members 14 and
28, attaching means 16 in the form of an attaching member 18 which
is a bolt and wing nut combination 34.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 9 there is shown a perspective view of
a fourth application of the present tubular member joining system
10 wherein the system is used to provide a rain water collection
system 209. In FIG. 9 it can be seen that tubular members 12 of
approximately the same height are attached to each other at ninety
degree angles to therefore form a generally boxed shaped structure
211. Since the tubular members 12 are joined at ninety degree
angles, the second type of stabilizing member 28 is positioned
between two connected tubular members 12. The boxed shaped
structure 211 can easily have a tarpaulin 165 positioned loosely
across its top 212 and attached with stretch cords 162 or other
means positioned through a grommet 164 in the tarpaulin 165 in a
known manner. If the tarpaulin 165 is slightly larger than the top
212 of the box shaped structure 211, the tarpaulin 165 will bow or
sag in its central portion 214, thereby generally forming an upside
down umbrella sort of configuration. Attached generally in the
central portion 214 of the tarpaulin 165 is positioned a downspout
216. A mesh portion 218 of the downspout 216 protrudes above the
upper surface 220 of the tarpaulin 165 and serves to keep leaves
from entering the downspout 216 area. As rain falls it is directed
onto the upper surface 220 of the tarpaulin 165 and by natural flow
toward the naturally occurring cavity of the central portion 214 of
the tarpaulin 165 and down the downspout 216 into piping 222 and
elbow joints 223 to be carried also by natural flow into a holding
device 224 such as a bucket 226 or other water holding container.
The mesh portion 218 of the downspout 216 is formed by flexible
plastic that is collapsible for packing and moving the rain
collection system 209. The mesh portion 218 of the downspout 216 is
attached to the solid piping 222 below the lower surface 230 of the
tarpaulin 165 by means of screws 231 pushed through the lower end
232 of the mesh portion 218 and into a hole 233 in a fitting 234,
as seen most clearly in FIG. 10. A hole 235 that corresponds to
hole 233 on the fitting 234 is positioned through a coupling 236
for an elbow joint 223, as seen most clearly in FIG. 10. The screw
231 is then secured with a bolt 238 within the coupling 236, as
seen also in FIG. 10.
[0056] FIG. 9A is an enlargement of the circled area in FIG. 9,
similar to FIGS. 6A, 7A and 8A, showing an enlargement of the parts
forming the appropriate angle 229 in FIG. 9.
[0057] FIG. 9A shows more clearly the arrangement of the tubular
members 12, stabilizing members 28, attaching means 16 in the form
of an attaching member 18 which is a bolt and wing nut combination
34. Since all the angles of connection for tubular members 12 are
ninety degrees in FIG. 9, only the second type of stabilizing
member 28 is used in the example of FIG. 9.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings, there is shown an
exploded view of the downspout 216 area of the fourth application
of the present tubular member joining system 10 whereby water is
removed from the structure 211 seen in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows in
more detail the downspout 216 area of the application shown in FIG.
9. The flexible plastic mesh 228 forms the caged portion 218 of the
downspout 216. The cylindrical plastic mesh 228 is help atop the
fitting 234 positioned above the upper surface 220 of the tarpaulin
165 by means of the screws 231 and a bolt 238, as seen in FIG. 10.
The fitting 234 is standard plumbing type fitting that has notches
240 to provide flow of water from the lowest level 242 of the
cavity 244 at the central portion 214 of the tarpaulin 165, as seen
in FIGS. 9 and 10. Another screw 231 fits through the upper fitting
234 above the upper surface 220 of the tarpaulin 165 and a lower
fitting 246 below the lower surface 230 of the tarpaulin 165 as
seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. A screw 247 and a nut 248 are positioned
through a series of mating holes 249 in the upper fitting 234 and
the lower fitting 246, and attaches the upper fitting 234 to the
lower fitting 246. The lower fitting 246 fits within a combination
coupling and clamp 236 positioned over the elbow joint 223, the
elbow joint 223 being connected to conventional plumbing piping
222. The combination coupling and clamp 236 allows the elbow joint
223 to be turned in any direction.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 11 of the drawings, there is shown a
perspective view of a fifth application of the present tubular
member joining system 10 wherein the tubular members 12 are joined
to form generally an open sided, open topped rectangular box shape
250 that holds firewood 251. The shape 250 of FIG. 11, can, of
course, be formed in any practical dimensions. In FIG. 11 also,
since the tubular members 12 are joined at ninety degree angles,
the second type of stabilizing member 28 is positioned between two
connected tubular members 12. Because of the increased stability
afforded to the framework 252 by the stabilizing members 28, a
heavy load of firewood 251 can be held.
[0060] FIG. 11A is an enlargement of the circled area in FIG. 11,
similar to FIGS. 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, showing an enlargement of the
parts forming the appropriate angle 254 in FIG. 11. FIG. 11A shows
more clearly the arrangement of the tubular members 12, stabilizing
members 28, attaching means 16 in the form of an attaching member
18 which is a bolt and wing nut combination 34.
[0061] It can be seen from the above described examples that there
can be achieved by the present joining system for tubular members a
multiplicity of angularities and combined angularities can be
juxtaposed. Any proposed angularity or combination of angularities
would therefore be within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0062] It can also be seen from the foregoing that many advantages
are accomplished by the joining system 10 for tubular members of
the present invention. Stabilizing members 14 and 28 have been
provided which are members having grooves 27 on the top 22 or 25
and bottom surface 24 or 26 to form the seat for holding a tubular
member 12 at one of a plurality of angularities relative to another
tubular member 12. Two types and different sizes of wing nut 45 and
petcock wrenches 82 have also been disclosed.
[0063] Two types of jig systems 108 and 142 for holding a tubular
member 12 in place while a hole 31 is drilled therethrough have
also been disclosed. A method of joining tubular members to each
other has also been disclosed whereby a stabilizing member 14 or 28
is used to attach one tubular member 12 to a second tubular member
12 at a desired angle.
[0064] While there has been accomplished advantages by the
Applicant's invention, nevertheless, variation in the structure of
the invention and arrangement of the various parts are within the
spirit and scope of the Applicant's invention. The embodiments
given have been given only by way of illustration and the Applicant
is not to be limited to the embodiments shown and described.
* * * * *