Connector

Abstract

The frames of two adjacent panels are interconnected and locked together by means of a V-shaped anchor plate. The anchor plate is mounted within a slot in a bar located between the adjacent frames, both ends of the V in the anchor plate extending through corresponding slots in the adjacent frames. Force applied to the bar positively wedges the anchor plate simultaneously with both frames, thereby locking the structure together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention finds particular application in modular building constructions where it is desirable to provide premanufactured components which can be readily assembled at the construction site. In certain types of modular constructions, wall panels are made of sheet metal frames, the inner and outer openings of which are closed by panels of various materials. Fastening devices are required for attaching panels to one another or to attach the panel to a supporting column. The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive, positive locking device for such purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, this invention provides a locking device which comprises an anchor plate formed into a V-shaped wedge. The respective legs of the V of the anchor plate are projected through narrow slots in adjacent panels which are to be connected. Wedging action results from the application of pressure to the anchor plate at a notch at the bottom of the V. Pressure is applied to the plate by means of a bar having a narrow slot in which the anchor plate rests. A threaded bolt is hooked to the bar, and a nut bearing simultaneously against the two panels, is used to apply a wedging pressure between the panels and the legs of the V anchor plate.

THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of this invention showing the connection of two adjacent panels;

FIG. 2 is a section taken through the line 2--2 in FIG. 1; throgh

FIG. 3 shows the construction of a pressure bar;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a panel frame; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly partially broken away.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

While the locking device which is the subject of this invention can be used for interconnecting various structures, its use as reduced to practice and as shown in the drawings is for interconnecting two adjacent panels 10 and 12. The panels are identical, each being constructed of a sheet metal channel framework generally indicated at 13 and including vertical sides 14. The open framework 13 is closed by any suitable sheet material, for example, a gypsum board 16 covered by a vinyl sheet 18.

The purpose of the invention is to interlock the sides 14 of the panels 10 and 12. For this purpose I provide a plurality of V-shaped anchor plates 20 having legs 21 and 22 which provide inclined wedging surfaces 23 and 24. The plate also has a notch 25 at the base of the V. A bar 26, having a plurality of slots 28, supports the anchor plates 20. Each anchor plate 20 projects through a slot 28 in the bar 26 with notch 25 resting at the bottom of the slot.

Each of the sides 14 is provided with slots 30. The slots 30 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spaces between the slots 28, but are longer and provide easy passage for the legs of the anchor plates 20. When an upward force is exerted on the bar 26, the anchor plates 20 are raised thereby simultaneously wedging the two frames 14. To raise the bar 26, a threaded bolt 32 having a hook 34 at one end is hooked through a hole 36 in the bar 26. A nut 38 threaded onto the bolt 32 acts against a notched washer 40 which in turn rests within the cutout portions 42 at the top of the frame sides 14. A slot 44 below the cutout portion 42 provides clearance for the hook 34.

For the purpose of providing a waterproof and decorative seal between the two panels, four compressible waterproof pads 46 are cemented to the frames. In addition, two oppositely disposed sheet metal T-flanges 48 and 50 extending the full height of the panels are positioned between the frames 14. The legs 51 of the T-flanges are provided with slots through which the anchor projects and with compressible waterproof pads 52.

When the nut 38 is tightened down against the washer 40, the positions of the panel frames 14 are fixed, while at the same time the bar 26 is elevated, thereby acting against the anchor 20 at the notch 25. This action drives the wedging surfaces upwardly, sandwiching and compressing the various surfaces including the frames 14, the legs 51 of the T-flanges, the bar 26 and the pads 46 and 52. This results in a very rigid connection which is positive locked against relative movement. In addition, the joint between the frames 14 is sealed by the compressible watertight pads 46 and 52, and a decorative cover for the joint is provided by the head of the T-flanges.

SUMMARY

One of the most important advantages of the disclosed device results from the fact that it is symmetrical. For this reason the panels may be identical on both sides; i.e., there is no need for making different configurations for the left and right panel sides. Furthermore, the invention provides a connection between panels which is rigid and strong, and the connector is simple to manufacture and assemble at the construction site.

Obviously, the invention is subject to many variations within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the bar 26 may be made in the form of a threaded rod, thereby eliminating the need for the hook 34. Moreover, the hook 34 could be eliminated by welding the threaded bolt to the bar. In addition, the size and shape of the anchor can be varied within wide limits, so long as the wedging surfaces 23 and 24 can function appropriately.

Claims

I claim:

1. Mechanism for interconnecting the sides of two abutting panels, said panels being constructed of frames having vertical sides, said sides having a plurality of slots therein, the combination comprising:

a vertically elongated bar positioned between said sides, said elongated bar having a like plurality of slots therein;

a V-shaped wedging connector plate extending through each of said slots in said elongated bar, each of said plates being loosely supported within a respective slot of said bar and having oppositely projecting legs, each of said legs projecting through a respective slot in the side of an adjacent panel, said legs being angled to provide a wedging surface between a leg and

means tending to maintain each wedging connector plate in an operable position in its slot, and

means for applying a wedging force to said elongated bar.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for applying a wedging force comprises a threaded bolt secured to one end of said elongated bar and a nut threaded onto said bolt, said nut bearing down simultaneously against said respective sides.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for applying a wedging force comprises a bolt threaded at one end and having a hook at the other end,

said hook being secured to said elongated bar,

and a nut threaded onto said threaded end, said nut bearing down simultaneously against said respective sides.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said means tending to maintain said plate in its operable position in said slot is a notch at its base at the junction of said legs, said V-shaped wedging connector plate being loosely supported at said notch by the surface of said bar at the end of a respective slot.