CA1181921A - Locking fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fastening device for use in association with a recess having a restricted opening and having a shaft having a leading end designed to enter the recess and a trailing end extending therefrom, a retaining device formed on the leading end, having a width such that it will fit within the opening of the recess, a rotation inducing device on the trailing end, and frictional formations on the retaining device oriented to engage interior surfaces of the recess, and retain the device against releasing forces.

Description

The invention relates to Eastenlng apparatus, for Eastening in a b]ind recess, and is of par-tic~llar utili-ty in associa-tion with the fastening of accessories and supporting devices on furniture, such as bookshelves, screens, partitions, wall sys-terns, and -the like.
Fas-tening systems for fastening into blind recesses frequently employ a recess with a slotted type opening. In -this -type of system, the front opening giving access -to -the fastening recess is elongated. The fastening device has an elongake~ tongue ox securing por-tion. The device can be inserted through the slotted recess and then rotated, so that it remains captive within the interior of the rec~ss.
Such a fastening system permits the securing device to be inserted and operated from one side only, so that the operator does not need to have access to the opposite side of the recess. In this sense, the fastening system is of utility in association with any form of so-called "blind"
recess.
Fastening systems of this type are usually required where some form or degree of releaseability or adjustability is required. There may be a plurality of slotted openings, at different locations, or there may be various conEigura-tions in which components can be arranged and fastened.
Thus, where it may be desired to attach an ar-ticle in one position, and later it may be required to release the ar-ticle and at-tach it in a differen-t position, then the fastening sys-tem used may have to be opera-ted to first of all fasten and then release the fastening device several times over~
Clearly, any such fastening systems must be -1- ~

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secure, and capable of supporting subs-tan-tial loads, and must be such -that when fas-tened in one posi-tion, it will not become loosened or slip.
In addi-tion, it mus-t be as far as possible inexpensive to make, and simple and self-explanatory to use, wlth the most elementary hand -tools.
In certaln cases, -the b]ind recess will in fact be a continuous elongated slo-t. Typically, such a slot may for example ex-tend up eithex side of a bvo~case, or may extend in vertically spaced apart parallel locations on a wall sys-tem or on partitions or the like. Various differen-t structures such as tables, shelves, llghtlng, and other supportlng devices, may be attached -to such structures at intervals. It may be desirable to attach or remove some of such accessories wi-thout disturbing the others. Alternatively, it may be desirable to move some of such accessories upwardly or downwardly without disturbing the others.
In all of these cases, the fastening system must be such that it is readily accessible, and can be operated without disturbing the other accessories which will remain fixed in position.
In particular, the fastenlng system must be such that -the actual securing devlce can be lnserted into and removed from the elongated slot at any posl-tion along its lenc~th.
Some fastening systems -that have been available ln the past have been inser-ted from one or other end of the slot and slid leng-thwise until the desired location is reached. Such fastening systems are not accep-table to the majority of customers since they do not permi-t full flexibility in use.
BRIEF SUMM~Y OF THE INVENTION
With a view to OVerCOminCJ -the foregoing disadvantages, the invention comprises a Eastening device for use in as.socia-tion wi-th a recess having an opening o:E predetermined width dimensionr ancl having an interior having a width dimension greater than said predetermined width dimension if said opening, for releaseable attachment oE an art.icle thereto, said fas-teninq device comprisi.ng a shaft having a leading end designed to en-ter said recess and a trailing end extending therefrom, retaining means formed on said leading end, saicl retaining means having width and leng-th dimensionsl the width dimension being such that it will fit within the wid-th dimension of said opening, an~ the length dimension being greater than the width dimension of such opening, rotation inducing means on said trailing end, whereby said shaft means may be ro-tated, and friction means formed on said retaining member, said friction means being oriented to engage interior surfaces of said recess, and retain the same against releasing forces applied thereto.
More particularly, the invention comprises the provision of re-taining means in the form of a generally T shaped bar member forrned transversely oE the end of said shaft means, sa.id bar member having upper and under surEaces, the upper sur:Eaces engaging the interior oE said recess, and wherein said frictional means comprise a plurality of general.ly arcuate ridges formed in said upper surface, said ridges being spaced apart from one another and defining grooves therebetween, and being of hardened material whereby said ridges cut into the material in which said recess is formed, for making a physical bond therewith, whereby -to resist ro-tational releasing forces.
More particularly, the invention comprises a sha-Et means having adjacent its trai].iny end, shoukler means Eor in-terengagement with article supporting means, whereby an article may be supported on said shaft rneans.
The various Eeatures oE novelty which characteri.~e the invention are poin-ted ou-t with part:icular:i-ty in the claims annexed to and Eoxming a part o:E -this clisclosure. For a better understanding o~ the invention, i-ts operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the acco~panying drawings and descriptive matte.r in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
IN THB DRAWINGS
-Figure 1 is a perspective illustration showing a typ;cal article of furni-ture, incorporating elongated recesses, in which fastening means according to the invention are inserted;

Figure 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective cut away illustration showing a portion of a component which may be supported on such article of furni-ture;

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective illustration of the fastening device in its locked posi-tion;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the fastening elemen-t;

Figure 5 is a side elevation;

Figure 6 is an end elevation from line 6-6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an elevation along 7-7 of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a section along 8~8 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is a perspec-tive of an alterna-te embodiment, and, Figure 10 is a perspective of another embodiment.

DESCR:IPTION OF A SPE~CIFI(' EMBODIMENq' Referriny now to the drawings, Fiqure 1 illustrates a typical ar-ticle of furni.ture, in this case a self-staJIding parti~ion device such as may be used for partitioning space in commercial, indus-trial or institutional buildin~s~ Such partiti.on comprises a vertical panel 10 supported on feet (not shown). The panel 10 may be oE any variety of desicJns, some of which may be free standing. O-ther such panel systems may .require support in some form, either by attachmen-t between the floor and the ceiling, or by interlockin~ with other panels to form an enclosure.
I'ypically, such panels may incorporate end members 12, and may require shelving 14, to be supported thereon by, for example, bracke-ts 15 having flanges 16 and holes 17. Such end members 12 may however be of a wi.de variety of designs.
In some panel systems intermediate strips(not shown) may augment or replace such end members.
I-t will, however, be appreciated that the invention is not restricted solely to such an applica-tion. The invention is applicable to any situa-tion where i.t is required to attach two or more members, such as a support and one or more components to be attached thereto.
In accordance with the invention, a plurali-ty of elongated continuous recesses 20 having slotted openings 22 are located on the one, or both, faces of panel 10, ex-tendin~
; ver-tically thereal.ong at jpaced apart intervals.
Such recesses or channels 20 are shown in this embodiment as being formed in en~l members 12. They can of course be formed integrally in the panel, or on intermediate st.rips 18, as desired.

A~Jain, it will be appreci.a~ecl that while the inven-tion is described in association wi-th vertically arranged recesses or channels, tlle recesses could equally well be arranged at some other anyle. Alternatively, the recess or channel 20 could be replaced by, for example, a modified channel 20a havirlg a p:lurality of elongated openinys ~2a at spacecl apart locations (I;`igure 10).
The recesses 20 are typica:Lly formed of extruded metal, such as extruded aluminurn or the like, and comprise a 1.0 pair of face flanges 24 defining the continuous slotted openincJ 22, having a prede-termined width.
Within the i.nterior of the recess, a pair of opposed grooves 26 are formed, defining a width dimension which is greater -than -the width dimension of -the slot 24.
A third groove 28 may be forrned in reglstration wi-th opening 22, although it may not always be necessary t~ include -this~

The e~terior of the extrusion forming the slotted fasteniny recess 20 may have any shape such as may facilitate its fastening in position in the panel 10.
The details of this of are omi-tted for -the sake of clari-ty.
Alterna-tively, if desired the fas-tening recess 20 may be provided simply wi-th a plural.ity of screw holes on either side throuyh which screws such as wood screws, bo:Lts or the like may be passed so that it may be simply fastened in position at intervals, if that is desired.
Various different componerlts and accessories rnay be erectecl or at-tached on the panel 10. Such accPssories may include booksllelves, coat han-Jers, lamp brackets, desks, table tops, wa:Ll displays~ boot racks, and conceivably in some cases, electrical componcn~s.

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As is self-eviden-t, such components may be attachecl to the panel 10 at a variety oE different heiyh-ts and positions depending upon -the:ir desired use.
In addi.-tion, i-t may be desirable to at-tach and remove any of these components without disturbing the others, or it may be desirable -to re].ease and rai.se or lower any of the components withou-t disturbing the o-thers.
The invention provides for such flexibility oE
use by the provision oE the fastening device as shown in Figure 4.
The device shown in Figure 4 will be seen to comprise a shaft or stud 30, -typically of cylindrical cross section, having a leading end 32 which is inserted into the fas-tening recess channel 20, and a trailing end 34 which extends out of the recess channel 20 for supporting components.
~ securing device, namely the transverse bar 36, is fastened on the leading end 32. Bar 36 has a width dimension ~ and a length dimension, and the width dimension is such that it : will fit within the slotted opening 22 of recess channel 20.
The length dimension of bar 36 is such that it is greater than the width dimension of slot 22.
~ Bar 36 has upper and under surfaces 38 and 40, ; and end surfaces 42. Rotational inducing means such as the hex head 44 are located on the trailin~ end 34 of shaft 30. Such rotational induclng surfaces can be a wide variety of different types of surfaces and shapes, and may in most cases be readily engaged by conventional hand tools. Alter-natively, i-t may be desirable to design special such surfaces which cannot be engaged except wi-th a specially designed and :Eabricated hand tool, so that such devices cannot be operated by unauthorized persons.

Fric-tional forma-tions are formed on the upper surface 38 of bar 36. In this case -they will be seen to comprise a plurality o:~ ~e~lerally arcua-te rid~es ~6, separated by grooves ~8. As bes-t .shown in Figure 5, such ridges ~6 define in profile a continuously increasing height, somewhat in the manner of a canl surface so as to provide a ~ood wedging, tightening effect as -the shaft 30 is rotated.
Preferably, the bar 36 is formed of hardened steel material, so that the ridges 46 effectively form cutting surfaces, which can cut in-to the underfaces of ; flanges 24, when the device is tightened up.
End teeth formations 50 are forrned on end surfaces 42.
Teeth 50 are designed to bite into the sides of grooves 26 of recess channel 20, when the device is ~ully tightened up, and to provide a positive loc]~ing effect against inadvertent l.oosening.
Where reference is made herein to "frictional"
formations, it will be understood that such formations are not restricted solely to the generation of -Friction as such. I-t is intended that such wording shall refer to an~ formations which may resist loosening or rotation in a reverse direction. Thus, such formations include the surEaces 38 on the bar 36 and also the end teeth 50, and also any other ~ormations or struc-ture which may be used to res:ist loosening, or reverse rotation.
Various different means may be provided for supporting componen-ts on the shaft 30.
Typically, a shoulder 52 is formed on shaf-t 30 preferably in conjunction with a groove 54. This is adapted to engage a circlip or ring 56, and -thus re-tain a eircular washer 58 in posi-tion.
In use, the fastening devices may be supplied loose in a box, along with the necessary number of cirelips 56 and washers 58.
The recesses will of course in the majority of cases, already be incorporatecl in some form of supporting structure, such as the partition or screen panel 10.
Conceivably, however, the recesses could also be suppliecl in lengths, so that they may be fastened to an existing supporting structure, such as a wall, bookcase, or other article of furniture.
I'he articles to be supported, typically being shelving, or any other articles, ineluding those suggested herein and others, will then be manually fitted on site with the necessary number of fastening devices. This will be achieved simply by inserting the trailing end 34 of the fastening device through holes 17 in flanges 16 as shown in Figure 2. The trailing end 3~ will thus protrude, subs-tan-tially as shown in ~igures 1 and 3, and the washers 58 are slipped over the protruding portions, and the circlips 56 are then fastenecl in the grooves 54.
The fastening devices are thus captively rotatably secured to the brackets 15.
The brackets 15 may then be placed with their flanges 16 facing the recesses or channels 20. Each of the fastening devices will then be successively rotated un-til the bar portion36 is aligned with the slotted opening 22.
This will permit it -to be inserted into -the slottecl opening 22.

By any sultable tool, -the fastening device can -then be partially rotated in-to -the position shown in Figure 3, so that the bar 36 becvmes secured and locked in the -two grooves 26 o.E the slotted recess 20.
This opera-tion is repeated :Eor each of the fastening devices.
, Cl.early, the fas-tening devices may if desired be loosened o:E:E acJain so -tha-t the position of the component or bracket may be adjusted up or down, or conceivably sideways if such slotted recesses are located a-t a di:E~eren-t angle.
It will thus be seen that the fastening devices and components may be assembled and dismantled on site, readily without the use of skilled labour, and -that they may be used to fasten the components in position, and refasten them many times over, in difEerent positions, pe mitting such components to be moved around and rearranged at will.
Once fastened in position, the toothed ridges 46 will bite into the inwardly directed faces o:f the flanges 2 of the recesses 20~ As shown in Figures 4 through 7, such toothed ridges 26 are formed with a continuously rising profile so that at one end they are lower and -tha-t the other end -they are higher. This will provide a camming action, so that when the fastening device is ro-tated, -the teeth 46 will bite into the material of the recess 20, and will progressively tighten up, thereby providing a secure, snug locking action for -the componen-t.
his is found to be particularly advantageous when compared with earlier fastening devices in which the progressive -tigh-tenincJ action of the invention was no-t achieved, and components could not always be Eastened tightly in position.
This was par-ticularly disadvantageous in cases where a number of such components are used, as for example in -the arrangement of a modular office par-tition system in which a number of articles and work surfaces such as -tables t typi.ng desks and the like, are fas-tened -to such partitions.
Various modifica-tions may be made withou-t departiny from the inven-tion.
Thus as shown in Figure 9 t a modifiecl form of fas-tening device may be comprised oE the fastening device shown generally as 60~ having a trailing end 62 provided with a groove 64 t and rotational inducing surfaces 66.
The fastening or securing bar 6~ is Eormed on the leading end of the fastening device 60 and is essentially the same as that shown in the previous embodiment.
The bracket 15 having an opening 17 is of course representative of any component which it may be desired to be a-ttached hy -the fastening device.
In this embodiment the modification consists of the key-hole type locking tab 70 having an enlarged semi-circular opening 72 t and a reduced width locking opening 74, which together form an irregular shaped elongated slot.
The enlarged opening 72 can be slipped over the trailing end 62 of the fastening device 60. The narrower slot portion 74 can then be slipped into the groove 64, and the fastening device rnay then be tigh-tened up.
Thi~ devi may be advantageous il ~ne circumstances.
A further modification is shown il. ~gure 10, which has essen-tially already been referred to. In this case a modiEied form of fas-tening recess or channel 20a may be provided wi-th a plurality of spaced-apar-t slotted openings 22a ins-tead of a continuous slo-t.
This would not provide quite the same decJree of flexibility as the slotted recess 20 of Figure 1, but might be desirable in sorne circumstances.
Similarly, the fastening recess 20a could conceivably be simply a flat me-tallic panel, havincJ opens 22a punched there through, so that the fastening devices and -their locking bars 36 would simply pass -throucJh such openings. This modification is not illustrated but is believed to be self-evident frorn Figure l.Oo It might conceivably be useful in commercial or industrial situa-tions/ for example, in the erection or fastening of a modular laboratory bench or workbench, or in the fastening of display systems such as are used in trade shows and the like, or in window displays.
t will thus be understood that while -the invention has been described in relation to a slo-t-ted recess which is to be fastened in position on some o-ther structure, that is not necessarily restric-ted thereto, but is applicable to any situation where i-t is desired to provide a flexible releaseable locking system, for lockin~ components on any form of suppor-t.
It will of course be appreciated that while -the maximum locking effect is achieved when -the fastening device is used in association with a recess having two opposed grooves, into which the end tee-th 50 of the bar 36 can be embedded, that a substan-tial degree of locking action will be achieved simply by -the teeth ~6 on the reverse side of the flange portions 2~ of the recess 20.

As noted above, such flange portions 24 may be considered as rep:resentative simply o.E a fla-t metall.ic panel. In -this case, there would of course be no such opposed grooves 26, and the end teeth 50 would perform no useful function~ ~-lowever, a substan-tial lockincJ func--tion will still be achieved by the camming ac-tion of the fastening bar 36 and -the progress:ively deeper embedment of the teeth 46, so tha-t a substan-tial locking and supporting action will be obtained.
Having described what is believed to be the best mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be seen that the invention may be particularly deEined as follows:
A fastening device for use in association with a recess havi.ng an opening of predetermined wic1th dimension, and having an interior having a wid-th dimension grea-ter than said predetermined width dimension of said opening, for re'easeable attachment of an article there-to, said fastening device comprising a shaft having a leading end designed to enter said recess and a trailing end e~tending therefrom, retaining means formed on said leadiny end, said re-taining means having width and length dimensions, the width dimension being such that it will fit within the width dimension of said opening, and the leng-th dimension heing greater than the width dimension of such opening, rotation inducing means on said -trailing end whereby said shaft means may be rotated, and : friction means formed on said retaining means, said friction means being oriented to engage interior surfaces of said recess, and retain the same agains-t releasing forces applied thereto.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodimen-t of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is no-t -to be taken as limi-ted ; to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.

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Claims (10)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A fastening device for use in association with a recess having an opening of predetermined width dimension, and having an interior having a width dimension greater than said predetermined width dimension of said opening, for releaseable attachment of an article thereto, said fastening device comprising;
a shaft having a leading end designed to enter said recess and a trailing end extending therefrom;
retaining means formed on said leading end, said retaining means having width and length dimensions, the width dimension being such that it will fit within the width dimension of said opening, and the length dimension being greater than the width dimension of such opening;
rotation inducing means on said trailing end whereby said shaft means may be rotated, and, friction means formed on said retaining means, said friction means being oriented to engage interior surfaces of said recess, and retain the same against releasing forces applied thereto.

2. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said retaining means is in the form of a generally T-shaped bar member formed transversely of the end of said shaft means, said bar member having upper and under surfaces, and upper surfaces engaging the interior of said recess, and wherein said frictional means comprise a plurality of generally arcuate ridges formed in said upper surface, said ridges being spaced apart from one another and defining grooves therebetween.

3. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said retaining means is in the form of a generally T-shaped bar member formed transversely of the end of the said shaft means, said bar member including end surfaces on opposite ends of said bar member, and including end teeth members formed in at least one of said end surfaces.

4. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 1, including attachment means on said shaft adjacent to said rotation inducing means, and including shaft holding means releaseably interengageable with said attachment means.

5. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said attachment means comprises an annular groove formed around said shaft means, and wherein said shaft holding means includes a circlip, adapted to be inserted into said groove and said circlip being spring retained therein.

6. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said attachment means on said shaft comprises a generally annular shoulder formed on said shaft adjacent said rotational inducing means.

7. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said shaft holding means comprises an attachment plate member, and a generally key-hole shaped opening formed therein, said key-hole shaped opening having an enlarged semi-circular portion adapted to fit over said shaft, and over said shoulder and having a reduced width of slotted portion adapted to fit behind said shoulder, thereby fastening said shaft.

8. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said arcuate ridges are formed having a profile which is lower at one end and higher at the other, whereby to provide a progressive camming action, upon rotation of said fastening device, whereby to progressively tighten the same up as the same is rotated.

9. A :fastening device as claimedin Claim 1 including generally elongated metallic wall means defining a said recess, said wall means including at least two spaced apart front wall means, defining opposite sides of said wall means, side wall means extending from either side of respective outer edges of respective said front walls, and back wall means joining said side walls, spaced a predetermined distance from said front walls, and attachment means for attaching said wall means in a desired location.

10. A fastening device as claimed in Claim 1, and including article support means associated therewith, said article support means being provided with attachment flange means, and at least one opening extending therethrough, with said shaft means of said fastening device extending therethrough, and including shaft holding means engaged with said shaft, for holding same in said opening, whereby said shaft may be rotated relative to said flange means, but is captively rotatably retained therein.