FRAME CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR LARGE PORTABLE FRAMEWORKS

摘要

A frame connector assembly is configured to releasably, rigidly, and safely join large frame members to one another to form temporary structures. A connector assembly typically comprises a housing, a hoop element, a first cam block, a second cam clock and a rotatable actuator adapted to be engaged by a torquing tool. The housing is secured within the first frame member. Rotation of the actuator causes the threadedly-engaged second cam element to force movement of the first cam element in a direction opposing a spring bias. The hoop element is resultingly pulled toward the housing, along with a cleat or other detent element which is affixed to the second frame member. The housing can be manufactured inexpensively by way of extrusion. The frame connector assembly is adaptable to facilitate rapid construction and disassembly of various frame joint configurations, including end-to-face joints, and mitered 90-degree joints.

主权项

1. A frame connector assembly configured to being received by a first frame member which is generally hollow and elongated along a first longitudinal axis, for releasably securing said first frame member to a second frame member having a cleat element with a tongue portion, said frame connector assembly comprising:
a connector housing having a connector axis and adapted to being rigidly received substantially within said first frame member such that said connector axis is generally parallel with said first longitudinal axis; a hoop element including a pair of legs and a cross member therebetween, said legs being at least partially received by said connector housing for movement of said hoop element along said connector axis between a release position and a retention position, said connector housing, legs and cross member collectively defining a hoop eyelet adapted for receipt of said tongue portion therethrough, said hoop eyelet being configured to generally loosely receive said tongue portion therethrough when said hoop element is in its release position, said hoop eyelet being configured to loopingly draw said tongue portion toward said connector housing when said hoop element is moved toward its retention position; a first cam block affixed to said legs for said axial movement therewith; an actuator element having an actuator axis and a threaded section, said actuator element being at least partially received within said connector housing for rotation of said actuator element about said actuator axis; and a second cam block being in threaded association with said actuator element for transport of said second cam block along said actuator axis between a first position and a second position upon rotation of said actuator element, a second camming face of said second cam block being adapted to slidably engage a first camming face of said first cam block for forcing said first cam block toward said retention position upon transport of said second cam block toward said second position.