Connector with a receiving fin
View Patent ↗The disclosed invention is a connector that enhances the construction of structures by enabling the connection of boards to sheets of material with improved precision and stability. The connector's body is equipped with an integrated guide that aligns with the edge of a sheet for accurate placement. Multiple sockets in the body, each facing different directions, are designed to receive the ends of boards. A key feature is a sheet slot that allows the sheet to directly contact the board, reinforcing the structural integrity of the assembly and substantially eliminating gaps between the boards and sheets. The connector can be manufactured as a single part or in multiple parts for assembly flexibility and may be made from sustainable materials. It is suitable for structures requiring easy assembly and disassembly, and can be provided as a kit with corresponding boards and sheets.
1 . A connector for connecting at least one elongated board with at least one sheet, the connector consisting of:
a body having at least one guide projecting outwardly therefrom configured to receive an edge of the sheet;
at least two sockets extending outwardly from the body, each socket having an opening configured to receive an end of the board, each socket opening in a different direction, and at least one hole extending through a wall of each socket configured to receive a mechanical fastener that prevents axial movement of the board with respect to the socket; and
at least one sheet slot centrally located in the body configured to receive the edge of the sheet, the sheet slot being aligned with the at least one guide and traversing an entire length of the body such that the at least one sheet directly contacts the at least one board.
2 . A connector for connecting at least one elongated board of material with at least one sheet of material, the connector comprising:
a body with at least one guide projecting outwardly therefrom configured to receive an edge of the sheet; and
at least two sockets extending outwardly from the body, each socket having an opening configured to receive an end of the board, each socket opening in a different direction and having at least one rib extending axially along an inner surface thereof, and at least one hole extending through a wall of each socket configured to receive a mechanical fastener that prevents axial movement of the board with respect to the socket;
wherein the body includes at least one sheet slot centrally located therein configured to receive the edge of the sheet, the sheet slot being aligned with the at least one guide and traversing an entire length of the body such that the at least one sheet directly contacts the at least one board.
3 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein the at least one guide is at least two parallel guide sections that define one or more channels for holding the edge of the at least one sheet of material, the sheet slot traversing the body between each guide section.
4 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein the at least one guide has at least one aperture for receiving the mechanical fastener therethrough to secure the sheet with the connector.
5 . The connector according to claim 2 formed as a single part.
6 . The connector according to claim 2 formed from a synthetic plastics or a recycled synthetic plastics.
7 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein the at least two of the sockets project at different angles from the body.
8 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein a sectional profile of each of the at least two sockets is rectangular.
9 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein a sectional profile of each of the at least two sockets is square.
10 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein a sectional profile of each of the at least two sockets is circular.
11 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein the opening of each of the at least two sockets is tapered.
12 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein each rib varies in height along a length thereof.
13 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein each of the at least two sockets or the body includes a stopper plate to limit entry of the end of the board into each socket.
14 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein each of the at least two sockets or the body includes a stopper ridge to limit entry of the end of the board into each socket.
15 . The connector according to claim 2 formed as two or more parts, each part mutually separated at the at least one sheet slot.
16 . The connector according to claim 2 wherein the body is formed from a sheet steel material and bent into a fully formed configuration.
17 . The connector according to claim 2 further including at least one tool slot extending axially along the wall of each socket to permit a tool to be inserted through the at least one tool slot to engage with the board.
18 . A kit of parts including at least two said connectors according to claim 2 , said at least one board, and said at least one sheet.
19 . The kit according to claim 18 wherein the at least one board includes a longitudinal groove formed therein that corresponds with the sheet slots of the connectors.