Closure frame corner joint
View Patent ↗A closure frame includes at least one end rail, at least one side rail and a corner joint between ends of the corner and side rails. The corner joint includes a rail insert secured within a first of the rails. A threaded fastener is secured against rotation within the insert and extends from an open end of the first rail into a second of the rails. A nut is disposed within the second rail in threaded engagement with the end of the fastener and clamps the second rail against the open end of the first rail. The corner joint preferably is a butt joint, and a pair of rail inserts preferably are disposed within the end of the first rail so that a pair of threaded fasteners extend into the second rail and are engaged by associated nuts in the second rail. A washer plate preferably is disposed in the second rail beneath the nuts, and a gasket preferably is disposed between the second rail and the open end of the first rail to seal the corner joint.
1. A closure frame that includes at least one end rail, at least one side rail and a corner joint between said end rail and said side rail, said corner joint including:
a rail insert received within a first of said rails, said insert having a through opening, a pocket around said through opening, and a finger at least partially overlying said pocket,
a threaded fastener secured against rotation within said insert and having a head disposed in said pocket and captured by said finger and having a shank extending from said head and further extending from an open end of said first rail into said second rail, and
a nut within said second rail threadably engaging an end of said fastener and clamping said second rail against said open end of said first rail.
2. The closure frame set forth in claim 1 including a washer within said second rail beneath said nut.
3. The closure frame set forth in claim 1 including a gasket between said open end of said first rail and an outside surface of said second rail.
4. The closure frame set forth in claim 1 wherein said insert is secured within said first rail by an adhesive.
5. The closure frame set forth in claim 1 wherein said head of said threaded fastener is non-circular, and wherein said pocket of said insert is non-circular.
6. The closures frame set forth in claim 5 wherein said head and said pocket are of hexagonal geometry.
7. The closure frame set forth in claim 1 wherein said first rail has at least two hollow chambers adjacent to said open end,
wherein a pair of said rail inserts are respectively secured within said chambers, each of said inserts having an associated threaded fastener secured against rotation with respect to said insert and extending from said open end, and
wherein said second rail is hollow and a pair of said nuts are disposed within said second rail in threaded engagement with said fasteners.