INTERLOCKING FRAME SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate interlocking frame systems, and more specifically relates to an interlocking pin clamp and I-beam for construction use which forgoes the need to use fasteners.

BACKGROUND

Structures of all types include a structural frame which supports other elements of the structure such as the roof, doors, windows, and drywall. During the framing process, pieces of the structure are fit together to create the general shape of the structure. Each piece of the frame is fastened using hardware components (i.e., fasteners) to mechanically join and affix two or more pieces of the frame together. In some instances, joint fasteners are utilized to provide additional strength to the structure. On a smaller scale, similar principles are used in the construction of furniture and other items.

The use of fasteners requires the proper procurement of fastening hardware specific to the materials being used for the structure. Further, fasteners require the use of power and/or hand tools (e.g., drills, hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) in order to properly attach the pieces of the structure to one another. While their use is widespread and effective, the utilization of fasteners often increases cost, time, and requires sufficient expertise and resources during a construction project.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to a frame system for use in construction, including a first elongated body mechanically coupled to a first cylindrical male fitting and a second cylindrical male fitting. A second body is mechanically coupled to a first female fitting and a second female fitting. A third elongated body is mechanically coupled to a third cylindrical male fitting and a fourth cylindrical male fitting. A forth body is mechanically coupled to a third female fitting and a fourth female fitting. The first female fitting of the second body slidably receives the first cylindrical male fitting to fasten the second body to the first elongated body. The second female fitting slidably receives the third cylindrical male fitting to fasten the second body to the third elongated body. The third female fitting slidably receives the fourth cylindrical male fitting to fasten the fourth body to the third elongated body.

In one aspect, the first elongated body has a first longitudinal axis, the first cylindrical male fitting has a second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical male fitting has a third longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis and the third longitudinal axis.

In one aspect, a first retaining ring is positioned in a first groove of the first female fitting. The first retaining ring is constructed to retain the first cylindrical male fitting in the first female fitting.

In one aspect, a second retaining ring is positioned in a second groove of the second female fitting. The second retaining ring is constructed to retain the third cylindrical male fitting in the second female fitting.

In one aspect, a third retaining ring is positioned in a third groove of the third female fitting. The third retaining ring is constructed to retain the fourth cylindrical male fitting in the third female fitting.

In one aspect, the first retaining ring is a first c-clip, the second retaining ring is a second c-clip, and the third retaining ring is a third c-clip.

In one aspect, the first elongated body is mounted to a load-bearing wall.

A method for making a furniture item or other construction (i.e., a structure) is also disclosed. A first elongated body is formed by mechanically coupling a first cylindrical male fitting and a second cylindrical male fitting. A second body is formed by mechanically coupling a first female fitting and a second female fitting. A third body is formed by mechanically coupling a third cylindrical male fitting and a fourth cylindrical male fitting. A fourth body is formed by mechanically coupling a third female fitting and a fourth female fitting. Next, the second body is fastened to the first elongated body by inserting the first cylindrical male fitting of the first elongated body in the first female fitting of the second body so that the first female fitting slidably receives the first cylindrical male fitting. The second body is then fastened to the third elongated body by inserting the third cylindrical male fitting of the third elongated body in the second female fitting of the second body so that the second female fitting slidably receives the third cylindrical male fitting. The fourth body is fastened to the third elongated body by inserting the fourth cylindrical male fitting of the third elongated body in the third female fitting of the fourth body so that the third female fitting slidably receives the fourth cylindrical male fitting.

Using the above method when making a furniture item, a tabletop (for example) or other item may then be mounted to the first elongated body and the third elongated body. Alternatively, when constructing a structure, a concrete foundation may be formed, and the first elongated body and the third elongated body are mounted to the concrete foundation.

The frame system described herein is used in constructing structures, furniture, fencing, and other items having a structural frame. The embodiments provide a means of constructing the structural frame without needing fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, and other hardware) to reduce construction time, simplify the construction process, and enhance the reliability and integrity of the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the male fitting of the interlocking frame system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the female fitting interlocking frame system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates the interlocking frame system showing the connection between the male and female fittings, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A illustrates an assembly constructed using the interlocking frame system, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4B illustrates an assembly constructed using the interlocking frame system, wherein a male fitting is removed to show the assembly process, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relates to a method and system designed to accelerate building assembly while enhancing reliability compared to conventional methods. The system comprises two key components including a male end on a pre-fabricated construction material featuring circular protrusions, and a corresponding female end with a hollow receptacle to accept and interlock with the male end. Once the male and female ends are joined, a pin is inserted over the male end, securing the connection and preventing any unwanted movement.

This novel interlocking mechanism eliminates the need for nails, screws, or other traditional fasteners when assembling structural elements. Construction can proceed rapidly by simply fitting the pre-cut pieces together via the male-female connections and locking them in place with pins.

The streamlined process facilitated by the present embodiments allows for faster and more dependable construction of buildings, furniture, and other structures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the male fitting 100 of the interlocking frame system. The male fitting 100 includes an elongated body 103 mechanically coupled to at least a first cylindrical male fitting 105 and a second cylindrical male fitting. The first cylindrical male fitting 105 and the second cylindrical male fitting (not shown) are used to engage with female fittings (as shown and described in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The elongated body 103 can be various forms and configurations of elongated members such as an I-beam, truss, or other structural member used in the construction of structures, furniture, etc. which provides sufficient structural support to the structure. The elongated body 103 has a first longitudinal axis 109. The cylindrical male fitting 105 is integrally molded or otherwise affixed to the elongated body 103.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the female fitting 200 interlocking frame system. The female fitting 200 includes a second body 201 which is mechanically coupled to one or more female fittings configured to slidably receive the cylindrical male fittings as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The female fitting 200 includes a groove 203 to receive a retaining ring configured to retain the cylindrical male fitting in the female fitting 200. The female fitting 200 is molded into the second body 201 to create a channel 207 dimensioned to receive the cylindrical male fitting. The channel 207 has an opening 209 positioned at the top 211 of the second body 201 while a base 213 of the channel 207 is positioned nearmost the bottom 215 of the second body 201 to support the cylindrical male fitting once it is slidably received within the channel 207. A front 217 of the second body 201 is characterized by a slot 219 which has an opening smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical male fitting to prevent the male fitting from sliding horizontally out of the female fitting. The diameter of the channel 207 is similar to the diameter of the male fitting to provide a secure fit when the male fitting is slidably engaged with the female fitting.

FIG. 3 illustrates the male fitting 100 and female fitting 200 in a connected configuration having a retaining ring 300 positioned within the groove 203 of the female fitting 200. The retaining ring 300 is releasably engaged with the groove 203, and once attached aids in retaining the male fitting 100 within the female fitting 200. This is accomplished by preventing the male fitting 100 from moving upwards and out of the opening of the female fitting 200. The female fitting 200 may be positioned within an I-beam 301 or other structural element. The elongated body 103 of the male fitting 100 can be various forms and configurations of elongated members such as an I-beam, truss, or other structural member used in the construction of structures, furniture, etc. which provides sufficient structural support to the structure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary assembly 400 which can be used as a component of a structure constructed using the interlocking frame system 401. FIG. 4A illustrates a fully assembled structure, while FIG. 4B illustrates the structure being partially disassembled with a male fitting 100 being removed from the female fittings. FIG. 4A will be used to describe the assembly 400 and function of the interlocking frame system 401, while it is to be understood the information provided by the description of FIG. 4A can be readily applied to the illustration shown in FIG. 4B.

In reference to FIG. 4A, a first elongated body 403 is mechanically coupled to at least a first cylindrical male fitting 405 and a second cylindrical male fitting 407. A second body 409 is mechanically coupled to at least a first female fitting 411 and a second female fitting 413. A third elongated body 415 is mechanically coupled to at least a third cylindrical male fitting 417 and a fourth cylindrical male fitting 419. A fourth body 421 is mechanically coupled to at least a third female fitting 423 and a fourth female fitting 425. The first female fitting 411 of the second body 409 slidably receives the first cylindrical male fitting 405 of the first elongated body 403 to fasten the second body 409 to the first elongated body 403. The second female fitting 413 of the second body 409 slidably receives the third cylindrical male fitting 417 of the third elongated body 415 to fasten the second body 409 to the third elongated body 415. The third female fitting 423 of the fourth body 421 slidably receives the fourth cylindrical male fitting 419 of the third elongated body 415 to fasten the fourth body 421 to the third elongated body 415. The aforementioned description may be repeated to construct a structure of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. In such, the number of male fittings, female fittings, and bodies may differ from what is described while still being constructed in a similar fashion using the teaching provided herein.

Each connection between the male and fittings receives, via a groove positioned on the top of the female fitting, a retaining ring. In such, a construction may include a first retaining ring, second retaining ring, third retaining ring, etc. It is to be understood that the construction may include various numbers of male fittings, female fittings, and retaining rings depending on the size and configuration of the structure being assembled. Similarly, each female fitting will include one of a first groove, a second groove, a third groove, etc. Further, each elongated body includes a longitudinal axis, such that the assembly can include a first longitudinal axis of the first elongated body, a second longitudinal axis of the second elongated body, a third longitudinal axis of the third elongated body, etc. The examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate only one example of an assembly and are not intended to be limiting in scope.

In some embodiments, each retaining ring is a C-clip or similar clamping device capable of retaining the male fitting within the channel of the female fitting. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that various other clamping mechanisms may be utilized.

The elongated body 103 has a first longitudinal axis 109. The first cylindrical male fitting 105 has a second longitudinal axis. The second cylindrical male fitting 107 has a third longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis 109 is generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis and the third longitudinal axis.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.