US Patent:
20050260865, Nov 24, 2005
Inventors:
Jurg Rehbein - New York NY, US
International Classification:
H01R039/00
Abstract:
A connector is disclosed which allows standard hardware pieces (e.g. hinges, etc.) to be easily connected to round or other substantially non-planar surfaces or surfaces with minimal planar aspects. Currently, direct connection of standard hardware to round or other substantially non-planar surfaces is cumbersome, or not practical or possible since existing hardware is generally configured to attach only to planar surfaces. The connector comprises a first surface configured to engage the non-planar structure and second surface configured to engage the planar surface of the standard hardware piece (e.g. a hinge). The disclosed connector may be installed using the same tools used to install standard hardware, such as wrenches or screw drivers, socket drivers, etc. The connector may integrate a standard hardware piece, or it may be configured to attach to a separate standard hardware piece. Either way, the connector may be used, for example, to attach doors, side panels etc. to open shelving units that use round pipe or tubing as vertical supports. The connector expands the uses of currently limited standard hardware pieces, to allow connection to a wider range of structural surfaces.