Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title
Improved Connecting Method
Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a method for mechanically connecting two or more
components
together. In one aspect, the invention concerns components having key
arrangements and keys of
the key arrangements are retainable by a key connector such that the key
connector clamps the
components together to form a secure joint.
Background of the Invention
In the specifications of international patent application number
PCT/AU2008/000839 and
Australian patent application number 2009248444 the present inventors describe
an earlier
connecting method for mechanically connecting components together. That
connecting
mechanism comprises components having keyway arrangements and a keyway
connector having
keys retainable by the keyway arrangements so as to lock the components
together to form a
secure joint. The method comprises the steps of aligning the keyway
arrangements of the first
and second components such that the keyways provide a keyway passage extending
longitudinally between the keyways, and extending the keyway connector
longitudinally within
the keyway passage such that the keyway connector engages the keyways of the
keyway
arrangements to lock the first and second components together.
The inventors have now developed a new connecting mechanism that, although
utilising
keys and a keyway, operates in a different manner from the connecting
mechanism described
earlier in that it does not have a keyway passage extending longitudinally
between keyways as
such.
The instant invention minimises or overcomes one or more of the component-
joining
problems referred to the specifications of' international patent application
number
PCT/AU2008/000839 and Australian patent application number 2009248444, the
entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by way of cross-reference. For clarity,
relevant passages of
number 2009248444 are reproduced below.
Plastic is a versatile material that can be rotationally cast, injection
moulded, heated and
vacuum or pressure formed and even draped over form-work to make a variety of
shapes for
various purposes. For mass production, injection moulding is a preferred
method because it is
fast, energy efficient and gives more precision of shape and size. It is,
however, limiting in that
internal cavities can't be made without welding or gluing the components
together. For some
plastics, especially those in the polyolefin group like the very popular
polypropylene, gluing is
not normally successful, so welding or using mechanical compression fittings
and seals is the
only real joining alternative. Compression fittings are limited in how big
they can be in practice
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because of expense. They are also predominantly used for standard sized pipe
as making
compression fittings for the variety of shapes required for consumer items is
not practical. Even
if it were practical for small items, moulded compression fittings are not
practical nor cost
effective for large plastic parts, so in these circumstances fabrication and
welding is the only
realistic alternative.
Several methods of welding are practiced. Butt welding involves cutting and
cleaning
both surfaces to be joined and then heating them before they are pushed
together while still
molten. This type of joint can leave an internal weld bead which is difficult
to remove and can
cause ragging that could lead to blockages when used for sewer pipelines.
Fusion welding, where
.. fittings have electrical resistance wire built into the components to melt
the plastic, is also
popular. Fusion joints can be pushed together whilst clean, then electrical
energy is used to heat
the bonding surfaces of the joint to fuse the parts together and so achieve a
good seal. Other
forms of welding include ultrasonic and hot air welding and both are time
consuming and require
specialist equipment and skills to bond joints successfully and safely. All
forms of welding can
produce toxic fumes and require good ventilation or breathing apparatus to be
worn.
This significantly limits the uses to which plastics could otherwise be put,
because it
is time consuming and expensive to fabricate good quality joints on large
components. Also,
getting smooth curves when cold bending plastics for fabricated components is
problematic and
so is seldom done commercially.
Adhesives and glues are another alternative, but like welding processes, these
are
usually messy, hazardous, require specific surface preparation and conditions,
and typically
provide permanent, non-reversible joints only.
Drums and pails are commonly used for the storage of ha7ardous or messy
liquids
and powders. They must have positive seals that are robust, even when dropped.
Commonly used
bucket-type clips are prone to leakage, have a limited shelf life and once
opened are no longer
very effective. Threads provide a positive joining method but are expensive to
mould, especially
on large plastic components, and if they become too large they are very
difficult to undo or
tighten in real world conditions. Threads also are limited to use on circular
joint face profiles
with planar joint faces.
Disclosure of Invention
The present inventors have now developed a general connecting method. In
particular,
the present inventors have now developed a general connecting method for
connecting two or
more components together which may be made of like or unlike plastics
material, composites
material or metals material or of any other suitable type of material. In one
or more embodiments
the connecting mechanism minimises or overcomes one or more of the component-
joining
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problems referred to above.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
method of
connecting at least a first component and a second component together, wherein
each said
component comprises at least one key arrangement extending along the component
and keys of
the key arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said method comprising
the steps of:
aligning the key arrangements of the first and second components such that
aligned keys
of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis or
ensuring alignment of
the key arrangements of the first and second components such that aligned keys
of the key
arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis; and
extending a key connector comprising at least one longitudinal keyway passage
over the
aligned keys generally in line with the common axis so that the keys extend
within the keyway
passage, are retained by the key connector, and the first and second
components are clamped
together.
The present invention also relates to at least a first component, a second
component and a
key connector as defined above when used for the method according to the first
aspect.
Each key arrangement and its keys may extend along each component in any
suitable
way. For instance, the key arrangement may extend along a face, surface, edge,
perimeter and/or
periphery of the component. The form of each key arrangement will depend on
the nature of each
component and how they are to be connected to one another.
Each key arrangement may be detachably connected to a remainder of the
component,
and this may be achieved in any suitable way. For instance, the key
arrangement may comprise a
body and keys extending from the body, and the body may be receivable within a
groove, pocket
or a fold of a panel of the component.
Alternatively or additionally, the body may be mateable with the remainder of
the
component by way of male and female formations. For example, male formations
(locating lugs)
of the body may press fit/friction fit with openings in the remainder of the
component, or vice-
versa. Such formations may also help correctly orientate the body and
remainder of the
component relative to each other.
Each component may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be
made of
any suitable material or materials. The component may be planar, angular,
bent, arcuate, convex,
concave, annular, discoid, cylindrical, rectangular or of any other simple or
complex geometry.
It is to be understood that the first and second components (and any further
component
for that matter) may in fact be different regions or sections of the one
component. That is, the one
component may have a first face, surface, edge, perimeter and/or periphery
etc. that requires
connection to a second face, surface, edge, perimeter and/or periphery etc.
Therefore, first,
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second and further components as used herein may equally relate to faces,
surfaces, edges,
perimeters and/or peripheries etc of the one and same component.
Each component and key arrangement may be planar, angular, bent, arcuate,
convex,
concave, annular, tubular (circular or non-circular), discoid, conical,
tapered, cylindrical,
rectangular or of any other simple or complex geometry. Each component and key
arrangement
may consist of metal, an alloy, steel, polyurethane, plastics material,
composites, wood and
wood-based materials, ceramics or rubber or any combination of these. The key
arrangement and
component/remainder of the component need not be made of the same material or
materials.
Each key arrangement may comprise any suitable number of keys and the keys may
be of
any suitable size, shape and construction, provided that they can extend
within the keyway
passage and be retained by the key connector so as to clamp the components
together to form a
secure joint. In a preferred embodiment, each key is in the form of a hook or
node and the
keyway passage/key connector is shaped so as to be retained by the hook or
node.
The key arrangements of the first and second components are aligned such that
the keys
generally extend in line with a common axis and this may be achieved in any
suitable way. The
axis may be linear, arcuate, circular or other than linear, arcuate or
circular. The keys and/or
component edge may have the general appearance of a sine, square, triangle or
sawtooth
waveform, having both peaks and troughs.
The keys of the key arrangements may intermesh with one another or not. If
first and
second components are to be connected together, then each key of the first
component may be
located immediately adjacent a key of the second component.
More than two components may be connected together. For instance, if first,
second and
third components are to be connected together, then the key of one component
may be flanked by
a respective key of each other component, although this need not necessarily
be the sequence of
keys.
Each component may have more than one key arrangement extending along the
component. This would allow a component to be directly connected to two or
more other
components at the same time, thus enabling an endless number of complex
structures to be
assembled.
The key connector may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may
be made
of any suitable material or materials. The key connector need not be made of
the same material as
the first and second components. The key connector may consist of metal, an
alloy, steel,
polyurethane, plastics material, composites, wood or wood-based materials,
ceramics or rubber
or any combination of these. The key connector may be of unitary construction
or may comprise
two or more detachably connected pieces. An end of a first key connector piece
may interference
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fit with an end of an adjacent second key connector piece. Alternatively, one
end of an annular
key connector may interference fit with the other end of the same connector.
Preferably, the key connector has an elongate body and the longitudinal keyway
passage
extends the entire length of the body (from end to end of the body), although
this need not be the
case. The keyway passage could be discontinuous in one or more places between
opposed ends
of the body.
The key connector may have more than one keyway passage. If so, then
preferably a
keyway passage extends along each longitudinal side of the body.
The keys may be retained by the key connector in any suitable way. Preferably,
the key
connector has one or more key retainers ¨ preferably hooks or nodes - for
retaining the keys on
opposed longitudinal sides of the key connector body. Preferably, the key
retainers and keys
hook together.
Preferably, the keys individually engage and are retained by individual said
key retainers
of the key connector to clamp the first and second components together
In one embodiment, a single hook may extend along one or each opposing
longitudinal
side of the key connector body. In another embodiment, each side of the key
connector body
may have a plurality of hooks extending within the same plane and the hooks
may be spaced
apart from one another in accordance with the spacing of the keys. The
position of the hooks may
alternate from one side of the body to the other along a length of the body,
or the hooks of one
longitudinal side of the body may directly oppose hooks of the other
longitudinal side of the
body. With the hooks in this arrangement, the hooks may be slid into locking
engagement with
the keys or slid out of locking engagement with the keys. If the key connector
body has spaced
apart hooks, then the key connector may be removed from clamping engagement
with the keys in
a lateral direction between the keys when not in locking engagement with the
keys.
The keys and key connector may engage so that they may releasably unlock or
they may
engage so that they cannot be unlocked without destroying the joint. This may
be achieved in
any suitable way. They may also engage such that the key connector can be
reversibly fixed or
held to prevent it accidentally unlocking with stress cycling. A lofted
profile may be used to
achieve this or alternatively any number of other methods that will be obvious
to those skilled in
the art may be used, e.g. insertable keys, tabs or grub screws.
The key connector may comprise a handle, lobe, tool/finger opening or grip
surface
extending from or along the connector body. The connector may have any
suitable type of
handle. The handle may extend almost the length of the body but for some
applications it may be
located at or near one end only. The handle may have openings for fingers
located between an
upper surface of the handle and an upper surface of the body. The handle may
be removable or
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engage with a variety of gripping surfaces that can be formed onto a suitable
face of the
connector body.
Alternatively or additionally, the key connector may comprise a structural
component
extending from or along the body. This structural component may be, for
example, planar,
angular, bent, arcuate, convex, concave, annular, discoid, cylindrical,
rectangular or of any other
simple or complex geometry. This structural component may connect with another
component,
including by way of another key arrangement and key connector.
In one embodiment, the key connector may have a planar body and at least one
appropriately shaped cut out or formation in the planar body that provides a
keyway passage with
key retainers engageable with the keys to retain the keys.
The method may comprise the step of connecting or holding the components
together
using a further connecting mechanism. Such a mechanism may include mating male
and female
regions, such as, for example, a key and keyway arrangement, a tongue in
groove arrangement, a
pin and hole arrangement and so forth being located between abutting surfaces,
faces or edges of
the components.
In the case where the key arrangements have the general appearance of a sine,
square,
triangle or sawtooth waveform, having peaks that overhang an edge of both the
first and second
components, the peaks may locate within the troughs of the adjacent component
and be backed
by an edge of that adjacent component that extends between the peaks. For
example, first and
second tubular components may each have a key arrangement extending as a
flange around an
end of a tubular remainder of the component. Each key arrangement may have an
annular body
extending around but slightly aback from the end of the tubular remainder and
waveform peaks
may overhang that end. When the ends of the components are brought together
for connection,
the peaks of the first component may locate within the troughs of the second
component and the
tubular remainder of the second component may back the peaks of the first
component.
The method may further comprise the step of introducing a sealing member
between the
components before connecting them together, so as to render the connection
fluid-tight. Any
suitable type of sealing member may be used (e.g. a gasket or 0-ring). A
sealing member may be
extended along abutting surfaces, faces or edges of the components.
Alternatively, abutting surfaces, faces or edges of the components themselves
may be
shaped to provide a sealing function. For example, one or more of the
components may have an
integrally formed (eg. moulded) sealing member.
In a first embodiment, the first component is in the form of a container and
the second
component is in the form of a closure for the container. The key arrangements
may extend along
a circumference of the container and closure, and the key connector may be
annular.
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In a second embodiment, the first component is in the form of a cylindrical,
conical or
other shape wall section of a tank and the second component is in the form of
discoid base
connectable to the wall section of the tank. The key arrangements may extend
along a
circumference of the wall section and base, and the key connector may be
annular. In this
embodiment, a third component in the form of a cylindrical, conical or other
shape wall section
of the tank may be connectable to a free end of the other wall section, again
by way of an annular
key connector.
In a third embodiment, the first and second components are in the form of
panels or
beams that are connectable edge to edge or face to face such that they extend
substantially in the
same plane or at different angles relative to one another. The key
arrangements may extend along
an edge or face of each panel or beam, and the key connector may be
longitudinal. In this
embodiment, any suitable number of additional panels or beams may be connected
to the first
and second components so as to form, for example, floors, walls, ceilings,
roofs, form-work,
scaffolding, architectural beams and other types of building elements, frames,
structures or
buildings.
In a fourth embodiment, the first and second components are in the form of
pipes/tubes or
general tubular members that are connectable edge to edge/end to end. Each key
arrangement
may extend along a circumference of the pipe or tubular or conical member or
adjacent the pipe
end or tubular or conical member end that is to be connected. The components
may be of the
same diameter or of differing diameter, and one or more of the components may
be conical or
tapered. The pipe or tubular member may have a circular or non-circular cross-
section, including
a rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. One or more
of the components
may have a flanged end.
The key arrangement may comprise a body or series of body segments in the form
of an
arcuate, tubular, cylindrical or annular strip or ring, and the key retainers
(eg. hooks) may extend
from the body along a length of the body. The key retainers/hooks may have the
appearance of a
sine, square, triangle or sawtooth waveform, having both peaks and troughs.
The key
retainers/hooks may extend from one or both longitudinal sides of the body.
The key arrangement may be permanently connected or detachably connected to
the pipe
or tubular member or a remainder of the pipe or tubular member, and this may
be achieved in any
suitable way. For instance, the key arrangement body may be of integraUunitary
construction
with the pipe or tubular member. For instance, the key arrangement body may be
receivable
within or retainable by a groove or fold of the pipe or tubular member. For
instance, the key
arrangement body may be connectable to or otherwise engageable with a flange
of the pipe or
tubular member. Alternatively, or additionally, the key arrangement may be
welded, fused,
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melted, glued, bolted, swaged, nailed, screwed or otherwise adhered, affixed
or fastened to the
pipe or tubular member or remainder of the pipe or tubular member.
The key connector may comprise an arcuate, annular, tubular or ring body or a
split ring
body or multi-piece body, and key retainers/hooks of the key connector may be
spaced along
.. opposing longitudinal sides of the key connector body. The key
retainers/hooks may be slid
between adjacent keys of the key arrangements and rotated into locking
engagement with the
keys. The key retainers/hooks may extend generally in line with a central axis
of the arcuate,
annular or ring body and/or the key retainers/hooks may extend generally or
otherwise point
radially relative to a central axis of the body. The key connector may be able
to ride over the
keys when the key connector is being positioned over the aligned keys.
Each key connector retainer, hook or node and each key can comprise, on one or
both of
its ends, a smooth rounded, arcuate, filleted, tapered, chamfered or angular
lead-in edge or
surface. This lead-in edge or surfaceon one or both ends can provide an
important self-aligning
function of the components during assembly and also provide a means to
function without
hindrance by dimensional tolerance issues and alignment differences either
from manufacture,
transport, handling, fitment or during assembly. The lead-in edge or surface
also enables the key
and key retainer to apply the required load for the specified joint by moving
the keys relative to
the key retainers only one pitch length. By doing so the lead-in applies the
required load along
the entire length of the joint relative to the ease and friction fit of the
two or more components
being joined. The amount of friction applied per section of the join can be
adjusted to ensure
assembly is simple and efficient and in many cases requires simple hand tools
(or in many cases
can be performed by hand only) to lock and/or unlock the joint These aspects
of the present
invention provide distinct advantages over existing similar methods such as
dove-tail, C-shape,
wedge-shape or other similar mechanical or connector type joins and
mechanisms.The first and
second components may each be in the form of a pipe or tube having a flanged
end with the key
arrangements extending around and over abutting flanged ends of said pipes or
tubes. Such pipe
or tube components may be cylindrical, conical, tapered, square, rectangular
or any other shape
with similar or dissimilar sizes including varying wall thicknesses, inside
diameters and outside
diameters and others. This embodiment enables numerous combinations of joins
of various size,
.. shape, configuration or materials. One simple example may be joining
cylindrical to conical
components or square profile to cylindrical components. Another example is
joining a pipe or
tube to a valve, pump, junction, tank or similar. Importantly, this is
particularly beneficial for
pipe, tube or conical components that have wear-resistant linings and
components that require
ongoing or regular service access, rotation or change-out of liner materials
and components,
insulation materials, strengthening or repair components and materials.
Industry examples of
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such may include but are not limited to wearresistant lined pipe, chutework,
cyclone and
hydrocyclone equipment and related components, insulated pipe, ducting, pile
and drill pipe and
casings.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
assembly
comprising at least a first component, a second component and a key connector,
wherein each
said component comprises at least one key arrangement having one or more keys
extending along
the component, wherein the key arrangements of the first and second components
are aligned
such that aligned keys of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a
common axis, and
wherein the key connector comprises at least one longitudinal keyway passage
and the key
connector extends over the aligned keys generally in line with the common axis
so that the keys
extend within the keyway passage, are retained by the key connector, and the
first and second
components are clamped together.
The components and key connector of the assembly may be as described above for
the
first aspect of the invention. Again, it is to be understood that the first
and second components
(and any further component for that matter) may in fact be different regions
or sections of the one
component. That is, the one component may have a first face, surface, edge,
perimeter and/or
periphery etc. that requires connection to a second face, surface, edge,
perimeter and/or periphery
etc. Therefore, first, second and further components as used herein may
equally relate to faces,
surfaces, edges, perimeters and/or peripheries etc of the one and same
component.
The specifications of international patent application number
PCT/AU2008/000839 and
Australian patent application number 2009248444 describe numerous types of
components but
having a different type of connecting mechanism. It is to be understood that
the connecting
mechanism described in those earlier applications (particularly in the
preferred embodiment
section) could in most instances be substituted for the connecting mechanism
as described in the
instant specification.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example
with
reference to the accompanying figures.
Brief Description of the Figures
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows the panel assembly of Figure 1 but with the two components in
the
process of being connected together using the key connector;
Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 follows on from Figure 2, showing in end view the components and key
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connector fully assembled;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows in perspective the components and key connector of Figure 5
fully
assembled;
Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure 5;
Figure 8 shows in end view the panel assembly of Figure 6;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows in perspective the components and key connector of Figure 9
fully
assembled;
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 shows the panel assembly of Figure 11 but with the two components in
the
process of being connected together using the key connector;
Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
11;
Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 shows the panel assembly of Figure 14 but with the two components in
the
process of being connected together using the key connector;
Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
14;
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 shows the panel assembly of Figure 17 but with the two components in
the
process of being connected together using the key connector;
Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
17;
Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 21 shows the panel assembly of Figure 20 but with the two components
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together using the key connector;
Figure 22 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
20;
Figure 23 depicts the joining/abutting edges/surfaces of various panel
components (in end
view) like those of Figure 1, but omitting other details such as key
arrangements (represented
generally in broken lines), according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 25 shows the panel assembly of Figure 24 but with the two components in
the
process of being connected together using the key connector;
Figure 26 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
24;
Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly comprising two
panel
components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for connecting
the components
together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 28 shows the panel assembly of Figure 27 but with the two components
and key
connector connected together;
Figure 29 is a bottom perspective view of the key connector shown in Figure
27;
Figure 30 is an exploded side view of a tank assembly comprising a container
component,
a lid component and a key connector, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 31 is a perspective view of two parts of a key connector of the tank
assembly
shown in Figure 30, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 32 is the same as Figure 30 except that the tank assembly has been
partially
assembled;
Figure 33 is a side view of part of the tank assembly shown in Figure 32;
Figure 34 is a side view of the tank assembly shown in Figure 30 but fully
assembled;
Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe/tube assembly comprising
two
pipe/tube components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for
connecting the
components together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 36 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing the assembly of
Figure 35 fully
assembled;
Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe/tube assembly comprising
two
pipe/tube components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for
connecting the
components together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 38 is the same as Figure 37 except that the pipe/tube assembly has been
partially
assembled;
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Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe/tube assembly comprising
two
pipe/tube components each having a key arrangement, plus a key connector for
connecting the
components together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 40 is the same as Figure 39 except that the pipe/tube assembly has been
partially
assembled;
Figure 41 shows in perspective a pipe/tube assembly fully assembled, according
to an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 42 shows in perspective two pipe/tube components of the assembly shown
in
Figure 41;
Figure 43 shows in side elevation the components of Figure 42;
Figure 44 shows in perspective a pipe/tube component as shown in Figures 41-
43;
Figure 45 shows in perspective a split pipe component having two key
arrangements,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 46 is a side elevation view of the pipe component shown in Figure 45;
Figure 47 is an end view of the pipe component shown in Figure 45;
Figure 48 is a perspective view of a key connector for connecting together the
two key
arrangements shown in Figure 45, according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 49 is a plan view of the key connector shown in Figure 48;
Figure 50 is a perspective view of a key connector for connecting together the
two key
arrangements shown in Figure 45, according to another embodiment of the
present invention; and
Figure 51 is a plan view and detailed view of the key connector shown in
Figure 50.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.
Referring first to Figures 1-4, there is shown a panel assembly 1 comprising a
first panel
component 2, a second panel component 3 and a key connector 4. Preferably the
assembly 1 is
made of plastics material, although this need not be the case. A key
arrangement extends along
an edge 16 of the first panel 2 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced
keys 5. A key
arrangement also extends along an edge 17 of the second panel 3 and comprises
a plurality of
regularly spaced keys 6.
The key connector 4 comprises a longitudinal body 7 and a longitudinal keyway
passage
8 extending between longitudinal sides 9, 10 of the body 7. Each longitudinal
side 9, 10 has a
series of spaced key retainers/hooks 11, 12. The hooks 11, 12 extend in a
common plane and are
regularly spaced from one another. The spacing of hooks 11, 12 matches the
spacing of keys 5, 6.
Each key 5, 6 also is in the form of a hook 13, 14 that engages a hook 11, 12
of the key connector
4.
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As seen in Figure 2, the key arrangement of each panel 2, 3 can be aligned
such that
aligned keys 5, 6 of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a
common axis 15 and an
edge 16, 17 of each panel 2, 3 abuts. In order to clamp the panels 2, 3
together, the key
connector body 7 is extended over the aligned keys 5, 6 generally in line with
the common axis
.. 15 so that the keys 5, 6 extend within the keyway passage 8 and are
retained by the hooks 11, 12
of the key connector 4.
The key connector 4 body 7 can be inserted from above the keys 5, 6 through
spaces
between adjacent keys 5, 6 and slid longitudinally in line with the common
axis 15 until hooks
11, 12 engage hooks 13, 14 of the keys 5,6. To disconnect panel 2 from panel
3, the key
.. connector body 7 is slid in line with the common axis 15 until the hooks
11, 12 no longer engage
the hooks 13, 14 of the keys 5, 6.
Each key retainer/hook 11, 12 and each key 5, 6/hook 13, 14 has on both of its
ends a
smooth rounded, arcuate, filleted, tapered, chamfered or angular lead-in edge
or surface. This
lead-in edge or surface on both ends provides an important self-aligning
function of the
.. components 2, 3 during assembly and also provides a means to function
without hindrance by
dimensional tolerance issues and alignment differences either from
manufacture, transport,
handling, fitment or during assembly. The lead-in edge or surface also enables
the keys 5, 6 and
key retainers/hooks 11, 12 to apply the required load for the specified joint
by moving the keys 5,
6 relative to the key retainers/hooks 11, 12 only one pitch length. By doing
so the lead-in applies
.. the required load along the entire length of the joint relative to the ease
and friction fit of the two
components 2, 3 being joined. The amount of friction applied per section of
the join can be
adjusted to ensure assembly is simple and efficient and in many cases requires
simple hand tools
(or in many cases can be performed by hand only) to lock and/or unlock the
joint.
= Referring now to Figures 5-8, there is shown a panel assembly 20
comprising a first panel
.. component 2a that is almost identical to panel 2, a second panel component
3a that is almost
identical to panel 3, and a key connector 4a that is identical to key
connector 4.
The only difference between the assemblies 1 and 20 is that panels 2a and 3a
each has a
longitudinal upstand/rib 18, 19, creating longitudinal moves within which the
key connector's
longitudinal sides 9, 10 locate - between upstand/rib 18 and key 5a, and
between upstand/rib 19
.. and key 6a.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a panel assembly 31
comprising a first
panel component 32, a second panel component 33 and a key connector 34.
Preferably the
assembly 31 is made of plastics material, although this need not be the case.
A key arrangement
extends parallel with but back from an edge 46 of the first panel 32 and
comprises a plurality of
.. regularly spaced keys 35 interconnected by an upstand/wall 35a. A key
arrangement also extends
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parallel with but back from an edge 47 of the second panel 33 and comprises a
plurality of
regularly spaced keys 36 interconnected by an upstand/wall 36a.
The key connector 34 comprises a longitudinal body 37 and a pair of
longitudinal keyway
passages 38a, 38b extending between longitudinal sides 39, 40 of the body 37.
Each longitudinal
side 39, 40 has a series of spaced hooks 41,42. The hooks 41, 42 extend in a
common plane and
are regularly spaced from one another. The spacing of hooks 41, 42 matches the
spacing of keys
35, 36. Each key 35, 36 also is in the form of a hook 43,44 that engages a
hook 41,42 of the key
connector 34.
As seen in Figure 10, the key arrangement of each panel 32, 33 can be aligned
such that
aligned keys 35, 36 of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a
common axis 45 and
an edge 46, 47 of each panel 32, 33 abuts. In order to clamp the panels 32, 33
together, the key
connector body 37 is extended over the aligned keys 35, 36 generally in line
with the common
axis 45 so that the keys 35, 36 extend within the keyway passages 38a, 38b and
are retained by
the hooks 41, 42 of the key connector 34.
Panels 32 and 33 each has a longitudinal upstand/rib 48, 49, creating
longitudinal grooves
within which the key connector's longitudinal sides 39, 40 locate - between
upstand/rib 48 and
keys 35, and between upstancUrib 49 and keys 36.
The key connector 34 body 37 can be inserted from above the keys 35, 36
through spaces
between adjacent keys 35, 36 and slid longitudinally in line with the common
axis 45 until hooks
41, 42 engage hooks 43, 44 of the keys 35, 36. To disconnect panel 32 from
panel 33, the key
connector body 37 is slid in line with the common axis 45 until the hooks 41,
42 no longer
engage the hooks 43, 44 of the keys 35, 36.
Referring now to Figures 11-13, there is shown a panel assembly 50 comprising
a first
panel component 2b that is almost identical to panel 2 (of Figure 1), a second
panel component
3b that is almost identical to panel 3, and a key connector 4b that is almost
identical to key
connector 4.
One difference between the assemblies 1 and 50 is that keys 5b and 6b are
offset relative
to one another as opposed to aligning with each other edge-to-edge when the
panels 2b, 3b are
clamped together with the key connector 4b. The other difference between the
assemblies 1 and
50 is that key connector 4b keys 1lb and 12b are offset relative to one
another as opposed to
aligning with each other. The key connector 4b is moved into and out of
clamping position as
described for assembly I.
Referring now to Figures 14-16, there is shown a panel assembly 60 comprising
a first
panel component 2c that is almost identical to panel 2b (of Figure 11), a
second panel component
3c that is almost identical to panel 3b, and a key connector 4c that is
identical to key connector
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4b.
The only difference between the assemblies 50 and 60 is that an
interconnecting wall 61
extends between keys 5c, and an interconnecting wall 62 extends between keys
6c.
Referring now to Figures 17-19, there is shown a panel assembly 70 comprising
a first
panel component 2d that is almost identical to panel 2b (of Figure 11), a
second panel component
3d that is almost identical to panel 3b, and a key connector 4d that is
identical to key connector
4b.
The only difference between the assemblies 50 and 70 is that panels 2d and 3d
each has a
longitudinal upstand/rib 71, 72, creating longitudinal grooves within which
the key connector's
longitudinal sides 72, 74 locate ¨ between upstand/rib 71 and keys 76, and
between upstand/rib
72 and keys 77.
Referring now to Figures 20-22, there is shown a panel assembly 80 comprising
a first
panel component 2e that is very similar to panel 2d (of Figure 11), a second
panel component 3e
that is very similar to panel 3d, and a key connector 4e that is identical to
key connector 4d.
One difference between the assemblies 70 and 80 is that an interconnecting
Wall 81
extends between keys 76e, and an interconnecting wall 82 extends between keys
77e.
Another difference between the assemblies 70 and 80 is that an abutting edge
83, 84 of
each panel 2e, 3e has a tongue in groove arrangement to further strengthen the
joining of the
panels 2e, 3e. That is, edge 83 has a longitudinal tongue 85 that is received
within a longitudinal
groove in edge 84, and edge 84 has a longitudinal tongue 86 that is received
within a longitudinal
groove in edge 83.
Yet another difference is that panels 2e and 3e each has a longitudinal
upstand/rib 71e,
72e.
Referring now to Figure 23 there is depicted joining/abutting edges of various
panel
components (in end view) like those of the earlier figures but omitting other
details such as key
arrangements. It is to be understood that these panel components 2f-2m and 3i-
3m, as well as
any of components 2 and 3 in general, can be of indefinite length, width and
breadth.
Panel components 2f and 3f are only butt-joined together.
Panel components 2g and 3g are only butt-joined together but component 2g has
a
longitudinal groove 90 for receiving a seal or gasket.
Likewise, panel components 2h and 3h are butt-joined together but each
component 2h,
3h has a longitudinal groove 91a, 91b for receiving a seal or gasket or for
receiving a connecting
strip for a tongue in groove arrangement.
Panel components 2i and 3i are butt-joined together and component 21 further
has a
backing section/strip 92 that overlaps and supports a lower edge of component
3i ¨ thus
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providing a more secure joint.
Panel components 2j and 3j are the same as components 2i and 3i, except that
component
3j has a longitudinal groove 93 for receiving a seal or gasket.
Panel components 2k and 3k are butt-joined together and component 2k further
has a
backing section/strip 94 that overlaps and supports a lower edge of component
3k. Moreover,
panel components 2k and 3k each has a longitudinal groove 94a, 94b for
receiving a seat/gasket
or a longitudinal tongue (ie. tongue in groove arrangement) - thus providing a
more secure joint.
Panel components 21 and 31 are joined together by way of a tongue 96 in groove
97
arrangement, and component 21 further has a backing section/strip 95 that
overlaps and supports
a lower edge of component 31.
Panel components 2m and 3m are joined together by way of a tongue 98 in groove
99
arrangement - thus providing a more secure joint than the butt join of
components 2f and 3f.
Figures 24-26 show a panel assembly 100 comprising a first panel component 2n
that is
similar to panel 2b (of Figure 11), a second panel component 3b that is
similar to panel 3b, and a
key connector 4n that is identical to key connector 4b.
A main difference between the assemblies 100 and 50 is that keys 5n and 6n and
abutting
edges 101, 102 are generally in a sine waveform, having both peaks and
troughs. Since the keys
5n of panel 2n are offset from the keys 6n of panel 3n, the panels 2n, 3n can
be clamped together
as seen in Figure 25 with the key connector 4n as shown in Figure 26.
Key connector 4n is inserted from above the keys 5n, 6n through spaces between
adjacent
keys 5n, bn and slid longitudinally in line with a common axis 103 until hooks
11n, 12n engage
hooks 13n, 14n of the keys 5n, 6n. To disconnect panel 2n from panel 3n, the
key connector 4n
is slid in line with the common axis 103 until the hooks 11n, 12n no longer
engage the hooks
13n, 14n of the keys 5n, 6n.
Referring now to Figures 27-29, there is shown a panel assembly 110 comprising
a first
panel component 2p that is almost identical to panel 2n (of Figure 24), a
second panel component
3p that is almost identical to panel 3n, and a key connector 4n that is
identical to key connector
4n.
The only difference between the assemblies 110 and 100 is that panels 2p and
3p each has
a longitudinal upstand/rib 111, 112, creating longitudinal grooves within
which the key
connector's longitudinal sides 113, 114 locate ¨ between upstand/rib 111 and
keys 5p, and
between upstand/rib 112 and keys bp.
Referring now to Figures 30-34, there is shown a tank assembly 120 comprising
a
container component 121, a lid component 122 and a multi-part key connector
123.
The assembly 120 is made of plastics material, although this need not be the
case. A key
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arrangement extends along an upper edge 125 of the container component 121 and
comprises a
plurality of regularly spaced keys 126. A key arrangement also extends along a
lower edge 127 of
the lid component 122 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keys 128.
The container component 121 has a circumferentially extending proud rib 147.
The
lower edge 127 of the lid component 122 is recessed relative to a
circumferentially extending
shoulder 148.
The key connector 123 comprises multiple parts, each having a longitudinal
arcuate body
130 and a longitudinal arcuate keyway passage 131 (see Figure 31) extending
between
longitudinal sides 132, 133 of the body 130. Each longitudinal side 132, 133
has a series of
spaced hooks 140, 141. The hooks 140, 141 extend in a common plane and are
regularly spaced
from one another but in an offset arrangement (like in assembly 50). The
spacing of hooks 140,
141 matches the spacing of keys 126, 128. Each key 126, 128 also is in the
form of a hook 142,
143- that engages a hook 140, 141 of the key connector 123.
Each keyway connector 123 part has a series of openings 149 in the body for
receiving an
end of a tool or a person's finger.
As seen in Figure 32, the key arrangement of each component 121, 122 can be
aligned
such that aligned keys 126, 128 of the key arrangements extend generally in
line with a common
axis 146 and an edge 125, 127 of each component 121, 122 abuts. In order to
clamp the
components 121, 122 together, the key connector body 130 is extended over the
aligned keys
126, 128 generally in line with the common axis 146 so that the keys 126, 128
extend within the
keyway passage 131 and are retained by the hooks 140, 141 of the key connector
123.
The key connector 123 body 130 can be inserted from above the keys 126, 128
through
spaces between adjacent keys 126, 128 and slid longitudinally in line with the
common axis 146
until hooks 140, 141 engage hooks 142, 143 of the keys 126, 128. The key
connector 123 body
130 is slid between the circumferentially extending proud rib 147 and the
circumferentially
extending shoulder 148, as seen in Figure 33. To disconnect component 121 from
component
122, the key connector body 130 is slid in line with the common axis 146 until
hooks 140, 141
no longer engage hooks 142, 143.
Referring now to Figures 35 and 36, there is shown a pipe (tube) assembly 150
comprising two pipe components 151, 152 each having a key arrangement, plus a
key connector
153 for connecting the pipe components 151, 152 together. These are made, for
example, of
metal, an alloy, steel, polyurethane, plastics material, composites (such as
but not limited to
glass, aramid or carbon fibre reinforced materials), ceramics or rubber or any
combination of
these either as separate components for assembly or as one component by way of
welding,
machining, casting, molding, co-molding or similar methods.
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Each key arrangement has a body 154, 155 in the form of a collar 154, 155 and
regularly
spaced keys 156, 157 extend from a circumference of the collar 154, 155 and
generally parallel
with a central axis of the collar 154, 155. The keys 156, 157 are located at
an end of each pipe
151, 152. An annular groove 165, 166 extends within an edge 180, 181 of each
pipe 151, 152
and can receive a seal/gasket.
Each body 154, 155 can be glued or otherwise adhered to the pipe 151, 152 or
each body
154, 155 can be of integral construction with each pipe 151, 152.
The key connector 153 comprises a longitudinal annular body 158 in the shape
of a split
ring, half-segments or multiple segments and a longitudinal keyway passage 159
extending
between longitudinal sides 160, 161 of the body 158. Each longitudinal side
160, 161 has a
series of spaced hooks 167, 168. The hooks 167, 168 extend in a common plane
and are regularly
spaced from one another. The spacing of hooks 167, 168 matches the spacing of
keys 156, 157.
Each key 156, 157 also is in the form of a hook 170, 171 that engages a hook
167, 168 of the key
connector 153.
As seen in Figure 36 the key arrangement of each pipe 151, 152 can be aligned
such that
aligned keys 156, 157 of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a
common axis and
the edge 180, 181 of each pipe 151, 152 abuts. In order to clamp the pipes
151, 152 together, the
key connector body 158 is extended over a pipe 151 or 152 and aligned keys
156, 157 generally
in line with the common axis so that the keys 156, 157 extend within the
keyway passage 159
and are retained by the hooks 167, 168 of the key connector 153.
The split enables the annular body 158 to be flexed laterally such that the
hooks 167, 168
of the key connector 153 can be hooked around the hooks 170, 171 of the keys
156, 157.
Once the keys 156, 157 extend within the keyway passage 159, it can be
slid/rotated
relative to the keys 156, 157 until the keys 156, 157 engage the hooks 167,
168 of the key
connector 153 and are retained by those hooks 167, 168 so as to lock the pipes
151, 152
together.
Referring now to Figures 37 and 38, there is shown a pipe (tube) assembly 200
comprising two flanged pipe components 201, 202 each having a key arrangement
203, 204, plus
a key connector 205 for connecting the pipe components 201, 202 together.
These are made, for
example, of metal, an alloy, steel, polyurethane, plastics material,
composites (such as but not
limited to glass, aramid or carbon fibre reinforced materials), ceramics or
rubber or any
combination of these either as separate components for assembly or as one
component by way of
welding, machining, casting, molding, co-molding or similar methods.
The flanges 211, 212 of the pipes 201, 202 may have locating spigots and/or
lugs (not
shown) and openings 215 for receiving those lugs, for both orientating the
pipes 201, 202 relative
18
to one another and more positively connecting the flanges 211, 212 together.
Each key arrangement 203, 204 has an annular body 207, 208 in the form of a
split ring
207, 208 and regularly spaced keys 209, 210 extend from a circumference of the
ring 207, 208.
Each key arrangement, 203, 204 may be attachable to its respective flange 211,
212 by way of
locking lugs 217, 218 that extend from the ring 207, 208 and locate within
openings in each
flange 219.
The key connector 205 comprises a longitudinal annular body 230 in the shape
of a split
(231) ring 230, half-segments or multiple segments, and a longitudinal keyway
passage (not
shown) extending between longitudinal sides 232, 233 of the body 230. A pair
of
handles/lugs/finger grips/tool slots 235 extends from the body 230. Each
longitudinal side 232,
233 has a series of spaced hooks (not shown). The hooks extend in a common
plane and are
regularly spaced from one another. The spacing of hooks matches the spacing of
keys 209, 210.
Each key 209, 210 also is in the form of a hook that engages a hook of the key
connector 205.
As seen in Figure 38 the key arrangement 203, 204 of each pipe 201, 202 can be
aligned
such that aligned keys 209, 210 of the key arrangements 203, 204 extend
generally in line with a
common axis and the flanged 211, 212 end of each pipe 201, 202 abuts. In order
to clamp the
pipes 201, 202 together, the key connector 205 body 230 is extended over a
pipe 202 and aligned
keys 209, 210 generally in line with the common axis so that the keys 209, 210
extend within the
keyway passage and are retained by the hooks of the key connector 205.
The split 231 enables the annular body 230 to be flexed laterally such that
the hooks of
the key connector 205 can be hooked around the hooks of the keys 209, 210. The
annular body
230 may be comprised of half-segments or multiple segments allowing assembly
of the annular
body to be achieved without lateral flex.
Once the keys 209, 210 extend within the keyway passage, it can be
slid/rotated relative
to the keys 209, 210 until the keys 209, 210 engage the hooks of the key
connector 205 and are
retained by those hooks so as to lock the pipes 201, 202 together.
Referring now to Figures 39 and 40, there is shown a pipe (tube) assembly 200a
like
assembly 200 shown in Figures 37 and 38, Assembly 200a is different from
assembly 200 only in
that key arrangement 204a of pipe 202a is of integral construction with flange
212a.
Referring now to Figure 41, there is shown a pipe/tube assembly 280 comprising
pipe
components 281, 282, 283 and 284, as well as key connectors 286, 287 and 288
for connecting
the pipe components 281-284 together. These are made, for example, of metal,
an alloy, steel,
polyurethane, plastics material, composites (such as but not limited to glass,
aramid or carbon
fibre reinforced materials), ceramics or rubber or any combination of these
either as separate
components for assembly or as one component by way of welding, machining,
casting, molding,
19
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co-molding or similar methods.
Pipe component 282 is shown in greater detail in Figure 44. The pipe component
282
comprises a pipe body 290 and a sine waveform key arrangement 291, 292 located
adjacent each
end 293, 294 of the pipe body 290. Each key arrangement 291, 292 has the
general appearance
of a sine waveform, having peaks 295, 296 that overhang the ends 293, 294 of
the pipe body 290
and troughs 297, 298 that are recessed relative to the ends 293, 294 of the
pipe body 290. Each
key arrangement 291, 292 comprises an annular sine waveform shaped body 300,
301 and keys
302, 303 extending from the body 300, 301.
Pipe component 281 and pipe component 283 each have a sine waveform key
arrangement (not shown) that is similar to key arrangements 291 and 292. In
fact, when pipe
component 282 abuts pipe components 281 and 283, the respective peaks of the
pipe components
281, 282, 283 locate within the respective troughs and the peaks are backed by
the abutting ends
of the pipe bodies. In this way, the peaks and troughs help orientate the pipe
components relative
to one another and more positively connect the components together.
The key connectors 286, 287, 288 are essentially the same as key connector 205
of Figure
37, except that the key retaining hooks are specifically shaped to retain keys
302, 303 of the pipe
components 281-284.
Pipe component 283 may be connected to pipe component 284 in a manner similar
to that
described above.
The profiles shown in Figure 23 also represent longitudinal pipe/tube
component cross
sections, showing how abutting ends of two pipes/tube components may be
connected to
together.
Referring now to Figure 45, there is shown a split pipe component 300 having a
split pipe
body 308 and two key arrangements 301, 302 according to another embodiment of
the invention.
Each key arrangement 301, 302 comprises a longitudinal body 303, 304 extending
along
a length of the split pipe body 308 and a plurality of a regularly spaced keys
305, 306 extending
from the body 303, 304. The keys 305, 306 extend away from one another.
Figures 48 and 49 show a key connector 310 for connecting together the two key
arrangements 301, 302 shown in Figure 45, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
The key connector 310 has a longitudinal body 311 with turned-over edges (side
walls)
which provide an internal keyway passage 312. A series of regularly spaced key-
retaining hooks
313 extend from the side walls. These hooks 313 can engage the keys 305, 306
of the key
arrangement 301, 302 by first extending the key connector 310 over the keys
305, 306 and then
sliding the key connector 310 relative to the keys 305, 306,
Referring now to Figures 50 and 51, there is shown a key connector 330 for
connecting
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together the two key arrangements 301, 302 shown in Figure 45, according to an
embodiment of
the present invention.
This type of key connector 330 comprises a planar body 331 and a cutout or
recess 332 in
the body 331 that forms a keyway passage 332. The key connector 330 is shown
here as having
four keyway passages 332 for illustration only and there may in fact be any
number of key
passages 332. The cutout or recess 332 has undulating edges that serve as
hooks for engaging the
keys 305, 306 of the key arrangement 301, 302. These hooks can engage the keys
305, 306 of the
key arrangement 301, 302 by first extending the cutout or recess 332 over the
keys 305, 306 and
then sliding the key connector 330 relative to the keys 305, 306. If the
keyway passage 332 is
provided by a recess 332, this can be moulded or machined into the planar body
331, The key
passage 332 may be fully enclosed from the opposing side of 331, providing
protection to keys
305, 306 of the key arrangement 301, 302 and enabling the mechanism to only be
visible from
the one side of 300.
The advantages of the present invention as exemplified include:
1. The present
invention provides advantages of singular mechanical clamps, clips,
wedges or brackets by providing a uniformly loaded joint without localised,
high stress point-
loads.
2. The uniform loading along the entire length of the joint of the present
invention
can also provide the important advantages of requiring lighter and less costly
parent materials to
withstand the required loads applied to the joints therefore reducing costs,
materials wastage and
need for specialised lifting /assembly equipment.
3. The present invention can have as little as one loose component (key
strip) to lock
an entire joint that is applied and assembled in one action making the present
invention faster,
easier and more efficient than existing methods such as single mechanical
clamps, clips, wedges
or brackets.
4. The present invention can enable more efficient, re-usable joint designs
therefore
enabling re-use of components and access.
5. Very versatile system that can be easily adapted to benefit a broad
range of
applications and products.
6. The joint and the
components and geometry of the connecting method is fully
enclosed thus providing advantages such as being a more aesthetically pleasing
joint, inherently
tamper-proof and also protecting the joint geometry from ingress of fluid,
particles or other
foreign matter.
7. The present
invention fundamentally differs from a traditional dove-tail assembly
joint as during the simple assembly of the components, the smooth rounded,
arcuate, filleted,
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tapered, chamfered or angular lead-in edges of each key and key retainer are
designed to provide
the desired tensioning force to pull the two or more components together to
provide a strong,
secure and if required, sealed joint.
The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the
invention, and
.. various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art. The invention is
capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other
embodiments. It is also to
be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and should
not be regarded as limiting.
The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or
"comprising" are
used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but
not to exclude any
other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an
exclusive interpretation of
the term is required.
22
