U.S. patent application number 13/863324 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for connector and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements.
The applicant listed for this patent is Geoffrey Alan BAKER, Nicholas Girard VITALE. Invention is credited to Geoffrey Alan BAKER, Nicholas Girard VITALE.
Application Number | 20140305064 13/863324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51685799 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140305064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAKER; Geoffrey Alan ; et
al. |
October 16, 2014 |
CONNECTOR AND SYSTEM FOR MECHANICALLY JOINING ABUTTING CONSTRUCTION
ELEMENTS
Abstract
A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction
elements each having a groove therein, comprising a support, at
least one split tongue extending from the support, the split tongue
including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging
steps located in the groove. During insertion the sub-tongues are
flexed toward each other and remain in a partially restored
configuration. This, combined with the angled catches, reduces the
space between the abutting construction elements.
Inventors: |
BAKER; Geoffrey Alan;
(Sandisfield, MA) ; VITALE; Nicholas Girard;
(Albany, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BAKER; Geoffrey Alan
VITALE; Nicholas Girard |
Sandisfield
Albany |
MA
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51685799 |
Appl. No.: |
13/863324 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/582.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/0588 20130101;
E04F 2201/046 20130101; E04B 1/6154 20130101; E04F 2201/044
20130101; E04F 15/02038 20130101; E04F 2201/0535 20130101; E04F
13/0894 20130101; E04F 2201/0576 20130101; E04F 2201/049 20130101;
E04F 15/08 20130101; E04F 2201/0146 20130101; E04B 1/615 20130101;
E04F 2201/0115 20130101; E04F 2201/042 20130101; E04F 2201/0517
20130101; E04B 1/6116 20130101; E04B 1/6129 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/582.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38; E04F 13/08 20060101 E04F013/08; E04F 15/02 20060101
E04F015/02 |
Claims
1. A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction
elements each having a groove therein, comprising: a support; at
least one split tongue extending from said support, said split
tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for
engaging steps located in said groove; wherein said sub-tongues are
flexed toward each other during insertion of said split tongue into
said groove, said sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored
configuration after insertion, said partially restored
configuration and said angled catches combining to reduce the space
between said abutting construction elements.
2. The connector of claim 1, wherein said sub-tongues are biased
away from each other at rest.
3. The connector of claim 1, wherein said split tongue and said
grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of said
abutting construction elements such that the flexing of said
flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
4. The connector of claim 1, wherein said support is configured
such as to limit entry of said split tongue into said groove.
5. The connector of claim 1, wherein said split tongue and said
grooves run parallel to a line formed by a common joint of said
abutting construction elements such that the flexing of said
flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
6. The connector of claim 5, wherein said split tongue extends from
said support such as to be inserted into an edge of said abutting
construction elements in a direction perpendicular to a plane
formed by said common joint.
7. The connector of claim 5, wherein said support includes at least
one vertical support strut configured to support a top surface of
said abutting construction elements after insertion into said
groove.
8. The connector of claim 5, comprising two split tongues extend
from said support in opposite directions.
9. The connector of claim 5, wherein said split tongue extends from
said support such as to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to
a bottom surface of said abutting construction elements.
10. The connector of claim 9, comprising a plurality of said split
tongues extending from said support in a common direction.
11. A system for mechanically joining abutting construction
elements, comprising: a first and second construction elements each
having therein a groove containing steps; a connector comprising: a
support; at least one split tongue extending from said support,
said split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled
catches for engaging said steps of said first and second
construction elements; wherein said sub-tongues are flexed toward
each other during insertion of said split tongue into said groove,
said sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored configuration
after insertion, said partially restored configuration and said
angled catches combining to reduce the space between said first and
second construction elements.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said sub-tongues are biased
away from each other at rest.
13. The connector of claim 11, wherein said split tongue and said
grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of said
first and second construction elements such that the flexing of
said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein said support is configured such
as to limit entry of said split tongue into said groove.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein said split tongue and said
grooves run parallel to a line formed by a common joint of said
first and second construction elements such that the flexing of
said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line, and
wherein said support is configured such as to limit entry of said
split tongue into said groove.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said split tongue extends from
said support such as to be inserted into an edge of said first or
second construction elements in a direction perpendicular to a
plane formed by said common joint.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein said support includes at least
one vertical support strut configured to support a top surface of
said first and second construction elements after insertion into
said groove.
18. The system of claim 17, comprising a channel between said
groove and said edge for receiving a portion of said support.
19. The system of claim 15, comprising two split tongues extend
from said support in opposite directions.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein said split tongue extends from
said support such as to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to
a bottom surface of said first and second construction
elements.
21. The system of claim 20, comprising a plurality of said split
tongues extending from said support in a common direction.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein said groove comprises a tapered
portion such that said groove is at its narrowest at said
steps.
23. The system of claim 15, wherein said groove of at least one of
said first and second construction elements is formed into an
auxiliary groove containing member adapted to be integrated into
said at least one of said first and second construction
elements.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein said groove comprises a tapered
portion such that said groove is at its narrowest at said steps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/705,593 filed on Feb. 13, 2010, which is
herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector and system for
mechanically joining abutting construction elements, more
specifically building panels, floating floors, concrete block,
concrete brick, concrete tile floors or walls, or the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Methods and systems for laying and joining building panels
is known in the prior art. More specifically, by way of example,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,486 to Pervan discloses a locking system for a
floorboard having connectors which are integrated with the
floorboard and adapted to connect the floorboard with an identical
floorboard in a horizontal direction. The connectors consist of a
locking strip which projects from the vertical plane of the
floorboard and has a locking element which engages a downward open
locking groove of the floorboard. The locking strip is a separate
part which is mechanically fixed to the floorboard in a horizontal
and vertical direction and consists of a machined sheet-shaped
material which is made of a wood-based material.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides a connector for mechanically
joining abutting construction elements each having a groove
therein, comprising: [0005] a support; [0006] at least one split
tongue extending from the support, the split tongue including
flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging steps
located in the groove; wherein the sub-tongues are flexed toward
each other during insertion of the split tongue into the groove,
the sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored configuration
after insertion, the partially restored configuration and the
angled catches combining to reduce the space between the abutting
construction elements.
[0007] The present disclosure also provides a connector as above,
wherein the sub-tongues are biased away from each other at
rest.
[0008] The present disclosure also provides a connector, wherein
the split tongue and the grooves run parallel to a line formed by
the common joint of the abutting construction elements such that
the flexing of the flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to the
line.
[0009] The present disclosure also provides a connector, wherein
the support is configured such as to limit entry of the split
tongue into the groove.
[0010] The present disclosure further provides a system for
mechanically joining abutting construction elements, comprising:
[0011] a first and second construction elements each having therein
a groove containing steps; [0012] a connector comprising: [0013] a
support; [0014] at least one split tongue extending from the
support, the split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having
angled catches for engaging the steps of the first and second
construction elements; wherein the sub-tongues are flexed toward
each other during insertion of the split tongue into the groove,
the sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored configuration
after insertion, the partially restored configuration and the
angled catches combining to reduce the space between the first and
second construction elements.
[0015] The present disclosure further still provides a system,
wherein the sub-tongues are biased away from each other at
rest.
[0016] The present disclosure further still provides a system,
wherein the split tongue and the grooves run parallel to a line
formed by the common joint of the first and second construction
elements such that the flexing of the flexible sub-tongues is
perpendicular to the line.
[0017] The present disclosure further still provides a system,
wherein the support is configured such as to limit entry of the
split tongue into the groove.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of
examples only with reference to the accompanying drawing, in
which:
[0019] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of a prior art tongue and
groove joint with lateral insertion;
[0020] FIGS. 2A 5 and 2B are side views of the prior art with the
split tongue of the present connector replacing the solid tongue of
the prior art;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of the split tongue of
FIGS. 2A and 2B where both members are shown flexing;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue
restoring force with a bulk elastic material;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue
restoring force with a strip spring material;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of a grooved tongue with a locking
catch and groove with locking step for receiving the locking
catch;
[0025] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show the grooved tongue with locking
catches of FIG. 6 entering the groove with locking steps;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of a prior art auxiliary
connector;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having split
or grooved tongues;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side view of the auxiliary connector having
split or grooved tongues of FIG. 9 inserted into a left panel;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9
having split or grooved tongues inserted into both a left and right
panel;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9
as it is being inserted into a left and a right panel;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary
connector with split or grooved tongues in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the
auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 in
accordance with the principles of the disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split
or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 installed in the panel groove of FIG.
14;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split
or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 installed in both first and second
panel grooves;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary
connector with split or grooved tongue in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the
auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 17 in accordance
with the principles of the disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split
or grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG.
18;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split
or grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in both first and second
panel grooves of FIG. 18;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary
connector with tongue in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the
auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21 in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with
tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22;
[0042] FIG. 24 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with
tongue of FIG. 21 installed in both first and second panel grooves
of FIG. 22.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be
integrated into a construction element to receive and hold a split
or grove tongue auxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG.
9;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG.
25 integrated into the edge of a construction element;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG.
25 integrated into the edge of a construction element with the
auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 laterally inserted into and
holding onto the channel in the auxiliary groove;
[0046] FIG. 28 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG,
25 integrated into the edge of a first construction element with
the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted into the channel
in the auxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of the
auxiliary connector laterally inserted into and holding onto the
channel of a second auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a
second construction element;
[0047] FIG. 29 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be
integrated into a construction element to receive and hold a split
or grooved tongue auxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG.
13;
[0048] FIG. 30 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG.
29 integrated into the underside of a construction element;
[0049] FIG. 31 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG.
29 integrated into the edge of a construction element with the
auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into and
holding onto the channel in the auxiliary groove;
[0050] FIG. 32 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG,
29 integrated into the edge of a first construction element with
the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into the
channel in the auxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of
the auxiliary connector normally inserted into and holding onto the
channel of a second auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a
second construction element;
[0051] FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
vertical projection on the left side adhesively connected to a
channel in the bottom surface of a first construction element and a
split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector
integrated into a channel in the bottom surface of a second
construction element;
[0052] FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
plurality of vertical support struts on the left side adhesively
connected to a lateral channel in a first construction element and
a split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector
integrated into a channel in an edge of a second construction
element;
[0053] FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
full tongue on the left side which may be adhesively connected to a
lateral channel in a first construction element and a split tongue
on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a
channel in a second construction element where a plurality of
vertical support struts are located between the full tongue and the
split tongue;
[0054] FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
plurality of horizontal struts which project up on the left side
and which are connected to a vertical channel in a bottom surface
of a first construction element and a split tongue on the right
side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a vertical channel
in a bottom surface of a second construction element; and
[0055] FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove integrated
into a first construction element which is adapted to receive and
hold a block extender and a split or grove tongue auxiliary
connector integrated into the block extender and a second
construction element.
[0056] Similar references used in different Figures denote similar
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Generally stated, the non-limitative illustrative embodiment
of the present disclosure provides a connector and system for
mechanically joining abutting construction elements, more
specifically building panels, floating floors, concrete block,
concrete brick, concrete tile floors or walls, or the like. The
connector and system of the present disclosure provides a viable,
robust, split tongue connector that can be cheaply extruded,
designed to be of a uniform cross section while remaining very
robust. This makes the connector inexpensive to produce and is a
real competitive advantage over the prior art.
[0058] The connector is also designed to be inserted into either a
side or the bottom of a construction element; this allows, for
example, the affixing of wooden or plastic nosing to a countertop,
push trim onto vinyl windows, affix decorative panels to wall and
ceiling surfaces, etc.
[0059] The connector is further designed such as to pull abutting
construction elements ever so closer, allowing it to absorb
tolerance errors in the grooves of the construction elements.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown side views of
a prior art tongue and groove joint prior to and after being joined
together with lateral insertion. Typically, the adjacent edges 10,
12 of building panels 14, 16 must be held in good alignment normal
to the panel faces 18, 20, e.g., in floating laminate flooring, so
that the assembled panels appear to form a contiguous flat front or
top surface. This alignment and holding is typically achieved by
means of a tongue 22 and groove 24 joint. In many cases the holding
feature of the tongue to its groove is accomplished solely by
friction between the tongue and groove surfaces, while in other
instances the holding action can be augmented with the use of
adhesives or by shaping the tongue and its mating groove to provide
a mechanical locking feature.
[0061] The panels used in flooring typically have two relatively
flat surfaces: the upper surface 18, 20, which is the surface
typically walked on, and a lower surface 26, the surface which is
in contact with the surface supporting the floor. The panels
typically have four edge surfaces (two side edge surfaces and two
end edge surfaces), that are typically perpendicular to the upper
surface where the two side edge surfaces are relatively long and
parallel to each other; and the other two edge surfaces that are
relatively short and similarly parallel to each other. The result
is a panel which is typically long and narrow.
[0062] Typically a groove such as groove 24 is formed in a long
side and short end edge, and tongues 22 are formed on the long side
and short end edges opposite those on which the grooves are formed.
The panels are assembled so that the groove on the edge of one
panel mates with the tongue on the edge of its adjacent panel; and
typically the tongues and grooves join adjacent panels on both
their long and short edges.
[0063] Typically, forming the tongues on the long and short side
edges of a panel creates a loss of between 2% to 5% of saleable
panel face surface.
[0064] The present disclosure is directed toward providing a new
improved apparatus, method and system of joining panels together
which eases the installation of the tongue in the groove, and
eliminates the loss in saleable surface material associated with
the formation of a tongue on the side and end edges of a panel. In
another embodiment, the present disclosure also provides improved
apparatus, method and system of joining other construction
materials, e.g., concrete brick, concrete block, and concrete
tile.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are shown side views of
a split or grooved tongue 28 having a first projection 30, a second
projection 32 and a space 34 there between. The tongue 28 is
similar to the tongue 22 of FIG. 1A except for the addition of a
groove 34 (or grooves) formed in the tongue parallel to the
direction of insertion.
[0066] The front or top surface of each panel 14, 16 is the
decorative face of the panel that is exposed to view, while the
rear surface 26 is the normally unfinished surface that faces the
support structure. The tongue edge 10 is the panel edge that
remains after the panel tongue is formed and the groove edge 12 is
the panel edge that remains after the panel groove is formed. The
groove 34 that is formed into the tongue is called the tongue
groove to differentiate it from the groove 24 in the panel which is
called the panel groove. Formation of a tongue with one or more
grooves provides a tongue with two or more sub-tongues 30, 32 which
adjoin the tongue groove 34, or grooves.
[0067] As a consequence of their reduced thickness, the sub-tongues
30, 32 are able to flex in a direction that is normal to the tongue
axis as shown in FIG. 3. The force that the sub-tongues exert to
resist flexing is denoted as the sub-tongue restoring force. In
applications where the sub-tongue restoring force is inadequate, it
can be augmented by the installation of a spring element into the
tongue groove.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of both members of the
split tongue.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, a spring element 36 is provided by a
section of bulk elastic material such as rubber or Viton which is
inserted between the sub-tongues.
[0070] In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, a restoring
force is provided by using a spring element in the form of a
U-shaped element 38 which can be made of a spring material such as
steel, polyvinylchloride (PVC) or the like.
[0071] In another embodiment, a grooved tongue can be used to hold
the tongue in place in its groove. Referring to FIG. 6, there is
shown a side view of a split or grooved tongue with a locking catch
and a groove with a locking step for receiving the tongue. The
tongue 40 in FIG. 6 is designed with a catch 46 at the end of
sub-tongues 44; and the mating panel groove 48 is designed with an
engaging step 50 at the distal end on its upper and lower surfaces.
The manner in which the catch interacts with the groove to hold the
tongue in place is shown in the installation views shown in FIGS.
7A, 7B and 7C. As seen in FIG. 7B, during installation, the
sub-tongues flex towards the center of the tongue groove to allow
the sub-tongue catches to slide over the narrow region of the panel
groove. As seen in FIG. 7C, once the catches have passed the edges
of the groove, the sub-tongues snap back toward their expanded
condition and the sub-tongue catches 46 engage panel groove steps
50.
[0072] It is clear that if the panel facing edge of the catches and
the panel facing vertical edge of the groove steps in FIG. 6 are
exactly perpendicular to the axis of the tongue, then a large
lateral space between the panel edges of the adjoining panels would
have to be left in the finished panel surface to accommodate the
unavoidable tongue and groove fabrication tolerances.
[0073] The size of the lateral space required to allow for
fabrication tolerances can be reduced by forming the sub-tongue
catch edges at an angle "a" that is normal to the tongue axis, as
shown in FIG. 6, which will allow the distance between the
sub-tongue catch edge and the panel groove step edge to vary by "b"
which effectively reduces the lateral space between adjoining
panels. The choice of the angle "a" is a trade between the ability
to accommodate dimensional variations and how securely the tongue
is held in the groove.
[0074] The angle "c" of the groove step edge is typically
90.degree. but if can be either more or less than 90.degree..
[0075] However, regardless of how easy the split tongue makes
installation of the tongue in the groove, or how securely the
tongue is held in the groove after installation, the geometries
described above do not eliminate the loss of saleable panel surface
that results from the fabrication a tongue which is integral with
the edge of a panel. It is known that the loss of panel surface
material can, however, be avoided by the use of an auxiliary
connector such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,486 to
Pervan.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a side view of an
auxiliary connector disclosed by Pervan. The tongue (and its lost
surface material) on a panel edge is replaced with a groove similar
to that on the panels opposite edge; and the connector is
fabricated with two opposite facing tongues. As shown in FIG. 8,
the right panel 52 has a groove 54 and the left panel 56 has a
groove 58 where the panels 52, 56 are joined with an auxiliary
connector 60 having a left facing tongue and a right facing tongue.
As seen in the FIG. 8, after the two panels are joined, the
auxiliary connector is completely hidden from view.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a side view of an
auxiliary connector having right and left split or grooved tongues
where each sub-tongue has a catch which is provided to engage the
connector at its right and left mating panels. More specifically,
the auxiliary connector which is symmetrical about its center
vertical axis includes left and right upper 60 and lower 62
sub-tongues separated by a tongue groove 64, and each sub-tongue
has a catch 66 at its end. Located between the left and right
sub-tongues is one or a plurality of panel upper vertical support
struts 68 and one or a plurality of lower vertical support struts
70. An additional function of the support struts 68, 70 is to
facilitate the desired alignment of the panels relative to each
other in an assembly.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues
inserted into a left panel, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the
auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues
inserted into both left and right panels. FIG. 12 is a side view of
the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 as it is being inserted into left
and right panels.
[0079] As can be seen in FIG. 10, the front surface 18 of the panel
14 that extends over the panel groove 48 forms a relatively weak
cantilever element. The panel edge vertical support struts 68, 70
serve to support this relatively weak cantilever element by
transferring the load applied to it at the panel face from there to
the support surface supporting the panel.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 12, the left side of FIG. 12 shows the
grooved tongue auxiliary connector just starting to be inserted
into a panel groove, and the right side of FIG. 12 shows the
grooved tongue auxiliary connector partially inserted into its
panel groove.
[0081] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show the grooved tongue auxiliary
connector in which the auxiliary connector tongue is inserted into
its mating panel grooves in the lateral direction, i.e., in the
plane of the panel surfaces.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a side view of an
embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in
accordance with the principles of the disclosure where the grooved
tongue auxiliary connector is adapted to be inserted into mating
panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in a direction
which is normal to the panel surface.
[0083] The auxiliary connector of FIG. 13 is symmetrical about its
centrally located vertical axis and includes left and right first
sub-tongues 70 having sub-tongue catches 72, left and right second
sub-tongues 74 having sub-tongue catches 76.
[0084] The left and right first and second sub-tongues can be
composed of, for example, a plastic such as PVC or a metal such as
steel, bronze, etc., and extend outward from the same side of
support member 80.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a side view of a panel
groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of
FIG. 13 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Panel
groove 86 includes two steps 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue
catches 72, 76 as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, a clearance
channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the
part of support member 80 which is located between two grooved or
split tongues.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongue of FIG. 13
installed in the panel groove of FIG. 14 of a panel 14 and awaiting
installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue
catches 72, 76 engage the panel groove steps 88 and support member
80 is located in clearance channel 90. Referring to FIG. 16, there
is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue
of FIG. 13 installed in a panel groove formed into a second panel
16.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a side view of an
embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in
accordance with the principles of the disclosure where the grooved
tongue auxiliary connector is adapted to be inserted into mating
panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in a direction
which is normal to the panel surface.
[0088] The left grooved or split tongue consists of left,
non-flexing, sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with
tongue groove 96 between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The
right grooved or split tongue consists of right, non-flexing,
sub-tongue 94 and right flexing sub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98
between them and catch 72 on sub-tongue 70.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 18 there is shown a side view of a panel
groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of
FIG. 17 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.
Partial panel groove 86 includes a single step 88 sized to receive
the sub-tongue catch 76 as shown in FIG. 17. In addition groove 100
is provided to receive sub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 17; and a
clearance channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for
receiving the part of support member 80 from which the two split or
grooved tongues in FIG. 17 project.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector with grooved tongues of FIG. 17 installed in
the panel grooves of FIG. 18 of a panel 102 and awaiting
installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue
catches 76 engages the panel partial groove step 88 and support
member 80 is located in clearance channel 90. The right side
non-flexible sub-tongue 92 presses on the side of right side of
panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 of flexible sub-tongue 74 in
contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 18.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed
in the panel groove of FIG. 18 formed in panels 102, with the right
grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18
formed in panels 104. The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the
panel partial groove step 88. The left side of right side
non-flexible sub-tongue 94 presses on the left side of panel groove
100 to hold catch 72 of flexible sub-tongue 70 in contact with step
88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 17.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a side view of an
embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two tongues in accordance
with the principles of the disclosure where the auxiliary connector
is adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rear
surface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panel
surface.
[0093] The left grooved or split tongue consists of left,
non-flexing, sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with
tongue groove 96 between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The
right grooved or split tongue consists of right, non-flexing,
sub-tongue 94 and flexing sub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98
between them and catch 72 on sub-tongue 70.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 22 there is shown a side view of a panel
groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of
FIG. 21 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.
Partial panel groove 86 includes a single step 88 sized to receive
the sub-tongue catch 76 as shown in FIG. 21. In addition groove 100
is provided to receive sub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 21; and a
clearance channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for
receiving the part of support member 80 from which the two split or
grooved tongues in FIG. 21 project.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector with grooved tongues of FIG. 21 installed in
the panel grooves of FIG. 22 of a panel 102 and awaiting
installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue
catches 76 engages the panel partial groove step 88 and support
member 80 is located in clearance channel 90 of FIG. 22. The left
side nonflexible sub-tongue 92 presses on the left side of partial
panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 of flexible sub-tongue 74 in
contact with step 88 of panel groove 86 in FIG. 22.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a side view of the
auxiliary connector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 21 installed
in the panel groove of FIG. 22 formed in panel 102, with the right
grooved tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22
formed in panel 104. The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the
panel partial groove step 88. The right side non-flexible
sub-tongue 94 presses on the right side of panel groove 100 to hold
catch 72 of flexible sub-tongue 70 in contact with step 88 of
partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 22.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 25, there is shown a side view of an
auxiliary groove containing member 106 able to be integrated into
the edge of a construction element such as a concrete brick or a
concrete block or a concrete tile. The auxiliary groove containing
member would preferable be extruded in long lengths in a
thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or in a metal such as brass or
aluminum. It could also be cast in shorter lengths.
[0098] If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or
concrete block or concrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a
material in a mold, the auxiliary groove containing member can be
integrated into the element as part of the fabrication process.
Alternatively, a suitable groove containing member can be
incorporated into the edge of the construction element and the
auxiliary groove containing member adhesively integrated into the
element after it is formed (either at the element fabrication site
or, later, when the element is at a construction site.).
[0099] The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made
to mate with a connector such as that shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 25,
the groove 48 has sides 111 which serve to flex the sub-tongues of
the auxiliary connector until the catches 66 on the auxiliary
connector in FIG. 9 pass the steps 50 at the distal end of the
groove in FIG, 25. The tapered regions 110 of the groove 48 may or
may not be present and serve to make it easier to install the
auxiliary connector into the groove. The flat regions 112 at the
entrance of groove 48 server to act with the vertical leg or legs
68, 70 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 9 to transfer forces from
the top to the bottom of the connector. Steps (or alternatively
inclined surfaces) 108 in FIG. 25 serve to hold the auxiliary
connector firmly in the edge of the construction element.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 26 there is shown a side view in which the
auxiliary groove 5 containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is shown
integrated into the edge of a construction element 114.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 27 there is shown a side view in which the
auxiliary groove containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is
integrated into the edge of a construction element 114 from FIG.
26, with the left split or grooved tongue of the lateral auxiliary
connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted into and held by the interaction
of catches 66 of FIG. 9 with the steps 50 of the auxiliary
connector in FIG. 25.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 28 there is shown a side view in which a
first construction element 114 with auxiliary groove containing
member 106 of FIG. 25 integrated into its edge and having the left
split or grooved tongue of auxiliary the lateral connector of FIG.
9 inserted and held into the groove in the auxiliary groove
containing member; and has the right split or grooved tongue of the
lateral connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted to the groove of an
auxiliary groove containing member 106 of FIG. 25 that has been
integrated into the left edge of second construction element 116
with auxiliary groove containing member 106 of FIG. 25 integrated
into its left edge.
[0103] The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four
sides (left, right, top and bottom) of a construction element
allows the construction elements to be joined so as to form a wall
without the need for mortar in between the elements. This should
allow walls to be built more quickly in good weather or bad by
inexperience workers.
[0104] Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the
construction elements, this can easily be accommodated by
lengthening the connector shown so that a mortar receiving space is
left between the right and left or bottom and top edges of the
construction element.
[0105] In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the
connectors should serve to provide a construction that is less
prone to failure during earthquakes due to the ability of the
auxiliary connectors to flex rather than fracture when
strained.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 29, there is shown a side view of an
auxiliary groove containing member 118 able to be integrated into
the flat under surface of a construction element such as a concrete
brick or a concrete block or a concrete tile. This auxiliary groove
containing member is particularly suited to being attached by
mortar to the undersurface of bathroom or other decorative tile.
The auxiliary groove containing member would preferable be extruded
in long lengths in a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or in a
metal such as brass or aluminum. It could also be cast in shorter
lengths.
[0107] If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or
concrete block or concrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a
material in a mold, the auxiliary groove containing member can be
integrated into the element as part of the fabrication process.
Alternatively, a suitable groove can be incorporated into the
surface of the construction element and the auxiliary groove
element adhesively integrated into the construction element after
it is formed (either at the construction element fabrication site
or, later, when the construction element is at a construction
site.).
[0108] The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made
to mate with a normal connector such as that shown in FIG. 13. In
FIG. 29, the groove 48 has sides 122 which serve to flex the
sub-tongues of the auxiliary connector until the catches 72 and 76
on the auxiliary connector in FIG. 13 pass the steps 50 at the
distal end of the groove 48 in FIG. 29. The tapered regions 120 of
the groove 48 may or may not be present and serve to make it easier
to install the auxiliary connector into the groove. The region 90
in the auxiliary groove containing member is cut away to provide
room for the support leg 80 between the two split or grooved
tongues in FIG. 13. The top 124 of the step serves to locate the
auxiliary connector vertically when it is attached to the back of a
tile element.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 30 there is shown a side view in which the
auxiliary groove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is shown
integrated onto the undersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar
128 introduced into the space between the auxiliary groove and the
tile.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 31 there is shown a side view in which the
auxiliary groove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is
integrated onto the undersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar
128, with the sub-tongues 70 and 74 of the left split or grooved
tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted
into and held by the interaction of catches 72 and 76 of FIG. 13
with the steps 50 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 29.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 32 there is shown a side view in which a
first tile element 126 with auxiliary groove containing member 118
of FIG. 29 integrated into its lower surface and having the left
split or grooved tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in
FIG. 13 inserted and held into the groove 48 in the auxiliary
groove; and has the right split or grooved tongue of the normal
auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted to the groove 48 of
an auxiliary groove containing member 118 of FIG. 29 that has been
integrated into the lower surface of second tile element 130 with
auxiliary groove 118 of FIG. 29 integrated into its lower
surface.
[0112] The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four
under-surfaces (left, right, top and bottom) of a construction
element allows the construction elements to be joined so as to form
a wall without the need for mortar in between the elements. This
should allow walls to be built more quickly in good weather or bad
by inexperienced workers.
[0113] Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the
construction elements, this can easily be accommodated by
lengthening the connector 80 in FIG. 13 between the left and right
split or grooved tongues so that space to receive mortar is left
between the right and left or bottom and top edges of the
construction element.
[0114] In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the
connectors should serve to provide a construction that is less
prone to failure during earthquakes due to the ability of the
auxiliary connectors to flex rather than fracture when
strained.
[0115] FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
vertical projection 140 on the left side adhesively connected to a
channel in the bottom surface of a first construction element 142
and a split tongue 144 on the right side of the auxiliary connector
integrated into a channel in the bottom surface of a second
construction element 146.
[0116] FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
plurality of vertical support struts 150 on the left side
adhesively connected to a lateral channel in a first construction
element 152 and a split tongue 154 on the right side of the
auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in a second
construction element 156. The s 5 mall projection in the lateral
channel in the first construction element may be eliminated when a
similar small projection is present on the end support strut.
[0117] FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
full tongue 158 on the left side which may be adhesively connected
to a lateral channel in a first construction element 160 and a
split tongue 162 on the right side of the auxiliary connector
integrated into a channel in a second construction element 164
where the auxiliary connector has a plurality of vertical support
struts 166 located between the full tongue 158 and the split tongue
162.
[0118] FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a
plurality of horizontal struts 190 which project up on the left
side and which are connected to a vertical channel in a bottom
surface of a first construction element 192 and a split tongue 194
on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a
vertical channel in a bottom surface of a second construction
element 196.
[0119] FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove 180 integrated
into a first construction element 182 which is adapted to receive
and hold a block extender 184 which is locked to the auxiliary
groove with a split of grove tongue 186, and an auxiliary connector
188 having a split or grove tongue at each of its ends for
connecting the block extender 184 to a second auxiliary groove 190
in a second construction element 192.
[0120] In the various embodiments disclosed therein, the connector
includes one or more split tongues, or tongue elements, where each
sub-tongue 60, 62, 70, 74 is provided with an angled catch 66, 72,
76 which is configured to engage the connector with a mating panel.
The tongue elements are made of sufficiently elastic material so as
to allow the sub-tongues 60, 62, 70, 74, which at rest are biased
away from each other, to flex toward each other during insertion
into the panel groove 48, 86, 100 and to constantly exert outward
pressure on the groove steps 50, 88 after insertion, the panel
groove 48, 86, 100 dimensions not allowing the sub-tongues 60, 62,
70, 74 to be fully restored. This, combined with the angle of the
sub-tongue catches 66, 72, 76, provides for the continued pulling
of the connector into the panel groove 48, 86, 100, which continued
entry is limited by the vertical support struts 68, 70 or the
support member 80. The depth of the panel groove 48, 86, 100 is
such that the sub-tongues 60, 62, 70, 74 do not enter into contact
with its bottom end when the connector is fully engaged therein.
This, combined with the continued pulling of the connector into the
panel groove 48, 86, 100, allows for the absorption of tolerance
errors in the panel groove 48, 86, 100.
[0121] Although the present disclosure has been described with a
certain degree of particularity and by way of an illustrative
embodiments and examples thereof, it is to be understood that the
present disclosure is not limited to the features of the
embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all
variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the
disclosure as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *