The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 22, 2019
Filed:
May. 22, 2017
Apogee Enterprises, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Aaron Thompson, Owatonna, MN (US);
APOGEE ENTERPRISES, INC., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A disclosed spacer key is configured for insertion within hollow spacer sections, thereby connecting the hollow spacer sections. The spacer key may include a top wall and a bottom wall connected by opposing side walls such that the spacer key has a tubular cross section and longitudinally-extending body. To control how much of the body is inserted into each spacer section, one or more raised areas may be included on the exterior of the spacer key. Protrusions may extend laterally-outward from the spacer key, configured to contact one or more internal surfaces of surrounding spacer sections upon insertion. External surfaces of the spacer key lacking protrusions may include one or more depressed areas. Longitudinally-extending grooves may also be included on the exterior of the spacer key to accommodate various perforations that may protrude from surrounding spacer sections, thereby improving the fit between the spacer key and spacer sections.