US3609821A - Coupling means for a stack of modules - Google Patents

Abstract

A PRESTRESSED STRAP ADAPTED TO EXTEND COEXTENSIVELY OF A MULTIPLICITY OF MODULES AND WITH AN EMBRACING END CONFIGURATION HAVING DEPRESSIBLY RELEASABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN ANCHOR AT THE ENDMOST MODULE, ONE OR MORE SUCH STRAPS AND END CONFIGURATION BEING EMBRACEABLY EXTENDED ALONG A STACK OF MODULAR BODIES AND EACH ENGAGEABLE WITH AN ANCHOR TO JOIN THEM INTO A COMPOSITE AND STABLE MOUNTING CONDITION. ACCOMMODATION OF VARIED LENGTH ASSEMBLIES IS PROVIDED FOR IN SEVERAL FORMS OF STRAP EXTENSIBILITY, COMBING BOTH MODULAR EXTENSION AND INFINITELY VARIABLE TENSIONING. THE STRAPS ARE OF SPECIFIED LENGTH SO AS TO EMBRACE A PREDETERMINED MODULAR STACK LENGTH, OR THE STRAPS ARE ADJUSTABLY SEPARABLE INTO TENSIONABLE SECTIONS, AND/OR THE STRAPS ARE MODULARLY HOOKED ONTO SECTIONS REDUCED TO REQUIRED LENGTH BY REMOVAL OF EXPENDABLE SURPLUS LENGTH AS CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE. THE PRESTRESSING PROVIDES THE BIAS FOR SECUREMENT AND ENSURES TIGHT FITTING EMBRACEMENT, THEREBY PRECLUDING SEPARATION OF THE STRAP AND /OR STRAPS FROM THE MODULAR BODIES EMBRACES THEREIN.

Description

Oct. 5, 1971 J. T. M MILLAN, JR

COUPLING MEANS FOR A STACK OF MODULES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 10, 1969 Oct. 5, 1971 J, T. M MILLAN, JR

COUPLING MEANS FOR A STACK OF MODULES 3 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 10, 1969 f 1,? S S 26 G 3 A f 2 7 4 5, 1971 J. T. MCMILLAN, JR 3,609,821

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United States Patent 3,609,821 COUPLING MEANS FOR A STACK OF MODULES John T. McMillan, Jr., 9972 Petunia Ave., Fountain Valley, Calif. 92708 Filed Dec. 10, 1969, Ser. No. 883,956 Int. Cl. 365d 63/00 US. C]. 24-16 R 40 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A prestressed strap adapted to extend coextensively of a multiplicity of modules and with an embracing end configuration having depressibly releasable engagement with an anchor at the endmost module, one or more such straps and end configurations being embraceably extended along a stack of modular bodies and each engageable with an anchor to join them into a composite and stable mounting condition. Accommodation of varied length assemblies is provided for in several forms of strap extensibility, combining both modular extension and infinitely variable tensioning. The straps are of specified length so as to embrace a predetermined modular stack length; or the straps are adjustably separable into tensionable sections; and/or the straps are modularly hooked onto sections reduced to required length by removal of expendable surplus length as circumstances require. The prestressing provides the bias for securement and ensures tight fitting embracement, thereby precluding separation of the strap and/or straps from the modular bodies embraced therein.

Control and instrument panel installations require the multiple assembly of modular components such as switches, terminal blocks, light indicator units and the like; and it is these types of modular units with which the present invention is concerned. It is to be understood however, that the place of mounting upon a chassis or in a panel is incidental, the primary object being to secure otherwise loose modules into a mounting condition for subsequent installation as may be required. Thus, the purpose of the module is also incidental, and it is the coupling means hereinafter disclosed which is the subject of this invention, namely a prestressed strap with a depressible end configuration releasably engaged with an anchor at the endmost module. Heretofore, tie-rods and straps have been employed, the former being applied under tension with end hooks or fasteners, and the latter being wrapped onto or otherwise applied over modules to be embraced and often biased inwardly and spread apart for inward pressured engagement. The present invention relates to the strap-type of coupling that embraces parts or modules so as to bind them together, but differs from prior art concepts in a prestressed arrangement that not only enhances a tight fit of the strap onto the modules, but which is also compatible with and provides the outward bias establishing locked engagement of the strap end configuration with the complementary anchor provided therefor at the endmost module. The combination of elements and features hereinafter described inherently work toward the overall function of a tight and normally inseparable interengagement of the stacked modules but which can be readily disassembled when and if required.

An object of this invention is to provide coupling means for securement of stacked modular bodies in stable mounting condition wherein they are normally inseparable but readily disassembled upon deliberate depression of a unique strap end configuration thereby releasing the same from an anchor.

Another object of this invention is to provide coupling means of the character referred to above and wherein a 3,609,82 Patented Oct. 5., 1971 plurality of such coupling means is cooperatively employed to inseparably join a multiplicity of stacked modules.

It is another object of this invention to provide apposed coupling means of the character referred to above and which are adjustably tensioned to accommodate varied lengths of modular stacks.

It is still another object of this invention to provide separable straps that are stepped to adjustably receive sections that are infinitely tensioned to accommodate varied lengths of module stacks. And with the present invention provision is made for expending surplus strap length by removing marked portions thereof as circumstances require, said portions being removed from either the strap per se or from sectional extensions thereof.

The various objects and features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of the typical preferred forms and applications thereof, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 through 5 are perspective views illustrating the five preferred forms of the present invention respectively. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the prestressed strap and its end configurations as it is used in the form of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the prestressed strap and its end configurations as it is used in the form of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the prestressed straps and their end configurations as they are used in the form of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the strap sections and its end configurations as it is used in the form of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the anchor strap as it is used in the form of FIG. 5. FIGS. 11 through 15 are views taken substantially as indicated by their respective section lines shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 inclusive. And FIG. 16 is an enlarged detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 1616 on FIG. 14.

The coupling means of the present invention can take varied forms as clearly illustrated throughout the drawings, and relates to the preparation of otherwise loose modular bodies for their stable conditioning as a composite stack. The number of bodies in a stack is infinitely variable within reasonable limits and preferably in whole numbers thereof, and ordinarily bodies of common size and/ or even multiples in length are employed, although this coupling means is adaptable to any combination of modular lengths. The assembled condition of both chassis type and panel type assemblies is effected with the various coupling means hereinafter described, and it is the tight and normally inseparable conditioning that is the primary objective. However, disassembly and/0r replacement of modules is equally of importance, this additional objective being accomplished by means of depressing the end configuration of the strap or straps and which consequently release the entire assembly, and all of which is reliably effective for innumerable repeated operations of assembly and disassembly.

A typical module M is shown throughout the drawings and which involves, generally, a housing comprised principally of side walls 10 and 11 and wherein the one wall is nestably or otherwise engageable with the other for continued alignment of next adjacent modules M, however many there may be in stacked relation. The walls 10 and 11 can be of male and female configuration respectively, and to this end there are alignment pins 12 and 13 which register one module with the next in the stacked formation. This keyed engagement between the modules per se is preferred but not necessary to the invention, inasmuch as the coupling means provides its own alignment functions and which is suflicient when stacking many such modules. Further, the module has top and bottom and rear Walls 14, and 16, the features of which depend upon the type of module involved; and as shown the module has a front face 17 with a top and bottom bezel 18 and panel engaging shoulders 19. The shoulders 19 are in a common plane while the bezels 18 are parallel and extend longitudinally in alignment with the axis of the module and stacking thereof. In the instance illustrated, the endmost modules M are opposed by end plates P which are identical and which complete the framing of the exposed front face 17 with a bezel 20 and a panel engaging shoulder 21. The shoulder 21 is in the common plane of the shoulders 19, and the bezel 20 continues transversely between the two parallel bezels 18. In practice, the end plates P engage flat upon the endmost modules in each instance, and the said plates incidently close the otherwise open ends of the modules if so required. However, it is to be understood that some modules M are themselves closed and thereby establish end walls or plates P and upon which or at an anchor A is established as later described.

Referring to FIG. 1 and the first form of the invention a plurality and namely a pair or two coupling means are employed to stabilize a stack of modules in usable or mounting condition. It is the top and bottom walls 14 and 15 that are embraced within the pair of prestressed straps S, and it is the depressibly releasable end configurations E that are engaged with the endmost modules M or end plates P, whichever the case may be. That is, it is either the endmost module M or end plate P which is provided with the anchor A that releasably secures a strap end configuration. In its broadest sense, the present invention resides in the strap S and it is the depressible releasable end configuration E as it is cooperatively related to the anchor A, utility being found in a single ended strap S secured by whatever means at one end and having but one depressibly releasable end configuration E disengageable secured to an anchor A. Therefore a description of one end portion of the strap S and its engagement with an anchor A will sufiice for all ends of said straps, whether they are of integrally joined end portions, or separated end portions, or of individual end portions.

The endmost module M and/or the end plate P overlying the same is provided with the anchor A, and the top wall 14 or bottom Wall 15, whichever the case may be, is provided with an alignment channel 25. The channel 25 receives and accommodates the longitudinally extended body 26- of the strap S, while the anchor A disengageably captures the end configuration E. In the preferred form, the channel 25 is a longitudinally disposed depression corresponding in cross section to the strap body 26, and freely receives said strap body with keyed and/ or guided engagement. Thus, the strap S lies flat within the confines of the channel 25, the latter being open so that the strap S can be inserted into or lifted therefrom. As shown, the modules M are identically formed, with respect to location of said channel, so that the strap S extends into aligned keyed engagement with next adjacent modules M.

The anchor A is displaced inwardly from the plane of the wall that is embraced by the strap body 26 and is spaced outwardly from the endmost side or end plate P, leaving an opening 27 through which the end configuration E is projected for its disengageable securernent. The anchor A comprises a bar 30 displaced inwardly and spaced outwardly as described, and said bar is disposed parallel with the plane in which the strap body 26 engages the sides of the modules. In the preferred form, bar 30 presents a sharp corner 31 defined by converging inner faces; one face 32 opposed to the endmost module M or end plate P and the other face 33 faced oppositely and away from the plane in which the strap body 26 engages the sides of the modules. In practice, the bar 30 extends transversely between supporting posts 34 intermediate which the width of the strap end is free to pass. It is the bar and p ifi lly the corner 31 defined by faces 32 4 and 33 (rounded or squared), that disengageably receives the depressibly releasable end configuration E of the strap S.

The strap S and its depressibly releasable end configuration E is preferably embodied in a single piece of resilient material, such as for example a piece of spring steel or the like. It is to be understood that materials such as plastic can be employed in fabricating the strap S, quarter hard stainless steels being most satisfactory. As shown, the strap S comprises an elongated body 26 bowed convexly against the wall 14 or 15 and/or into channel 25, and the end configuration E comprises an inwardly and outwardly extending leg 35 with an outwardly turned foot 36 at its terminal end. The body 26 is yieldingly dram into fiat enagement with the wall 14 or 15 and/or with the bottom of the channel 25, by directing the leg 35 through the opening 27. In accordance with the invention, the leg 35 is initially biased toward the bar 30 and so as to yieldingly press against the corner face 32, the amount of pressure engagement being controlled by the angular displacement of said leg 35 from the nominal plane of, or tangent at the end of the body 26. In practice, the leg is displaced at an obtuse inside angle, so as to afford substantial pressured engagement against the bar 30.

The outwardly turned foot 36 presents a shoulder 37 that opposes corner face 33 of the bar 30, said foot being of limited size so as to readily pass through the opening 27 to thereafter be projected outwardly and beneath the bar 30 so as to engage the same. In the preferred form, the foot shoulder 37 engages flatly with the corner face 33 and is yieldingly urged into pressured engagement therewith by the resiliently deflected bowed body 26. By proportioning the parts as shown, the strap S and its end configuration E springs into releasable engagement with the bar 30, and can be released therefrom only through deliberation wherein the leg 35 is pressed inwardly so as to withdraw the foot 36 and its shoulder 37 from beneath the bar 30 that normally captures said end configuration.

With the strap S as hereinabove described and referring again to FIG. 1, both the top 14 and bottom 15 of the stack of modules M are embraced by double ended straps S, and wherein the said traps S are prefabricated to a specified length for the embracement of a predetermined number of modules M and/or stack length. Thus, there is a pair of anchors A spaced inwardly from the top 14 and bottom 15 at each of the opposite ends of the stack. And with the pressing of the two straps S into position as shown, with the legs 35 entered through the opening 27, and with the feet 36 engaged beneath the bars 30, the assembly is made and secured; the straps being held to the modules and the legs tensioned against the anchor bars, thereby holding the parts tight and preventing any movements therebetween.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and the second form of the invention the strap S2 remains the same as the strap S hereinabove described with the exception that the two end portions are separated into relatively adjustable bodies 26', the depressibly releasable end configuration E and anchor A remaining the same. In this concept the total length of the two complementary strap bodies 26' is less than the total length of the stack of modules M, and the opposed inner ends 40 of the straps are provided with outwardly turned ears 21 that are opened to receive a screw 42 or the like. Thus, the straps S2 can be separated and thereafter drawn together by threaded members, such as by tie-rods, that effect the desired stabilized assembly removing all clearance and play from between the modules M.

Referring now to FIG. 3 and the third form of the invention the strap S3 remains the same as the strap S hereinabove described with the exception that the two end portions are separated into incrementally adjustable bodies 45 and 46, the depressibly releasable end configuration E and anchor A remaining the same. In this concept the incremental adjustments are predetermined according to the incremental thicknesses of the modules M to be embraced, and accordingly the strap bodies 45 and 46 have selectively engaged positions of extensibility, each position being determined to accommodate a specified number of modules M. A feature of this concept is the established configuration of the one strap body 45 which is characteristically of hooked configuration, and the expandable configuration of the other strap body 46 which is characteristically of initial surplus length and marked for incremental reduced lengths as circumstances require. Strap body 45 has an upwardly joggled inner end portion 47 adapted to overlie the end portion of the complementary strap body 46, there being a depending hook 48 or the like to engage the incrementally spaced Openings 49 through the underlying strap body 46. The strap bodies are preferably of sheet metal and the book 48 is in the form of a tongue that has a flat section underlying the strap body 46, thereby to have locking engagement. In carrying out this concept, the surplus of the strap body 46 is severed immediately beyond the outermost usable opening 49 and the loose end is discarded. Otherwise, the hookedly assembled strap bodies 45 and 46 are applied to embrace the modules M as hereinabove described in connection with the first form of the inventlon.

Referring now to FIG. 4 and the fourth form of the invention, the strap S4 remains the same as the strap S hereinabove described with the exception that the two end portions are separated by an intermediate section 50 that is incrementally adjustable in length, the depressibly releasable end configuration E and anchor A remaining the same. In this concept the incremental adjustments are predetermined according to the sum of the modules M to be embraced, and accordingly the strap bodies 45 are both of hooked configuration while the intermediate section 50 is of expandable configuration and characteristically of initial surplus length and marked for incremental reduction as circumstances require. As shown, the strap bodies 45 are alike and as hereinabove described in connection with the third form of the invention. However, the intermediate section 50 is provided with incrementally spaced openings 51 that receive the hooks 48, the surplus of section 50 being severed immediately beyond the endmost usable opening 51 and discarded as is indicated. Thus, the intermediate section 50 is double ended and adapted to be hookedly engaged by oppositely extending straps 45. And in practice the section 50 is separated into adjustable bodies 56, the total length of which (together with the connected strap bodies 45) is less than the total length of the stack of modules M. The opposed inner ends of the bodies 56 are provided with outwardly disposed ears 57 that are opened to receive a screw 42 the same as above described in connection with the second form of the invention, the straps S4 being drawn together by a threaded tie-rod 42 and thereby accommodating the number of modules M as may be required.

The separable bodies 56 of the intermediate section 50 above described pull from the upwardly joggled end portions of the strap bodies 45, and because of the under lying hook 48 there is a separation of the bodles 56 from the bottom of the channel 25. Therefore, depending guides 55 project from the inner ends of the bodies immediate the ears 57 to engage the bottom of the channel 25 and thereby support the section 50 between the inner connections with straps 45.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and the fifth form of the invention, the strap S5 remains the same as the strap S hereinabove described with the exception that the two depressibly releasable end configurations E are extended so as to engage anchors A provided in the form. of a complementary strap S. As in the first form of the invention, the straps S are of predetermined length so as to accommodate the embracement of a specified stack length of modules M. It is to be understood however, that the straps S5 and S can be extended according to the teachings of forms 2, 3 and 4 as they are hereinabove described; the strap S5 being shown so extended according to the form 3 concept. As shown in FIG. 5, the end configuration E of the strap S5 is extended to reach to and immediately beyond the plane of the opposite side of the module stack, thereby to be received directly in the incrementally spaced openings 60 provided therein the same as above described in connection with forms 3 and 4 of the invention. The anchor strap S is characteristically of surplus length and such that the unnecessary end portions can be severed immediately beyond the endmost usable openings 60, and the surplus subsequently discarded. Consequently, the terminal end portions of the strap S establish opposite end anchors A, each of which is spaced outwardly of the endmost module M, or plate P, and also displaced from the plane in which the strap S5 engages the sides of the module M. It will be seen, therefore, than an anchor bar 30' is established with a sharp corner 31 defined by converging inner faces 32' and 33, all the same as described hereinabove in connection with the first form of the invention.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the form variations hereinabove described utilize the prestressed strap or straps which establish anchored engagement at the ends of a stack of modules, or the like, to embraceably secure otherwise loose and separable bodies into a stabilized condition suitable for their intended cooperative uses. The prestressing is effected by arcuately forming each of the strap members and/or intermediate sections thereof, and principally by obtusely disposing the legs at the end configurations. It will be observed that the inside corner or intersection of the strap and extended leg is dimensionally positioned in every instance to closely embrace the side and end corner of the endmost module M or plate P, whichever the case may be. The depressibly releasable end configurations of the straps are manually engageable and disengageable, and when in working position as shown ensure a tight fitting and reliable embracement of modules that are held under an established pres sure therebetween.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A prestressed coupling strap and anchor combination adapted to releasably secure a module in a fixed position against a next adjacent module; the strap comprising, an elongated body anchored to project from said next adjacent module and in a plane extending over the first mentioned module, a leg turned inwardly from the body to engageably overlie and biased to press away from the first mentioned module opposite its engagement with said next adjacent modules, and a foot at the terminal end of the leg and turned outwardly away from the first men tioned module; the anchor comprising a bar fixed to one of said modules and displaced inwardly from the plane of said body and spaced outwardly from the first mentioned module, the said leg being depressibly disengageable from the anchor bar withdrawing the said foot projected beneath a face thereof disposed away from said plane of said body.

2. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the elongated body embraceably engages at least one of the said modules in said plane extending over the first mentioned module.

3. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the elongated body is accommodated in an alignment channel formed in at least one of the said modules in said plane extending over the first mentioned module.

4. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the elongated body and leg with its foot are integrally formed of resilient material.

5. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the elongated body is convexly formed of resilient material to embraceably oppose at least one of said modules in said plane extending over the first mentioned module.

6. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the anchor bar is fixed to project from said next adjacent module.

7. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the anchor bar is fixed to project from said next adjacent module in a plane of said modules opposite the first mentioned plane.

8. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the anchor bar is fixed to project from the said first mentioned module.

9. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the anchor bar is fixed to project from a cover plate overlying said first mentioned module.

10. The coupling strap and anchor combination as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the anchor bar has a corner opposing the leg and foot and defined by converging faces engaging the leg and foot respectively.

11. A double ended prestressed coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination adapted to releasably secure a stack of next adjacently related modules in fixed position one against the other; the strap comprising, an elongated body in a plane extending over the stack of modules, a leg turned inwardly from each end of the body immediate to and to engageably overlie and biased to press away from the endmost module respectively, and a foot at the terminal end of each leg and turned outwardly away from the endmost module; each of the anchors comprising a bar fixedly positioned and displaced inwardly from the plane of said body and spaced outwardly from the endmost module respectively, each of the said legs being depressibly disengageable from its complementary anchor bar withdrawing the said foot projected beneath a face thereof disposed away from said plane of said body.

12. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the elongated body embraceably engages at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

13. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the elongated body is accommodated in an alignment channel formed in at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

14. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the elongated body and leg with its foot are integrally formed of resilient material.

15. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the elongated body is convexly formed of resilient material to embraceably oppose at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

16. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the anchor bars are fixed to project from the endmost modules respectively.

17. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein the anchor bars are fixed to project from a cover plate overlying said endmost modules respectively.

18. The double ended coupling strap and opposite end anchor combination as set forth in claim 11 and wherein each anchor bar has a corner opposing the leg and foot and defined by converging faces engaging the leg and foot respectively.

19. In combination, a pair of double ended prestressed coupling straps and opposite end anchors adapted to re leasably embrace opposite sides of and to secure a stack of next adjacently related modules in fixed position one against the other; each strap comprising, an elongated body in a plane extending over one of said opposite sides of the stack of modules, a leg turned inwardly from each end of the body immediate to and to engageably overlie and biased to press away from the endmost module respectively, and a foot at the terminal end of each leg and turned outwardly away from the endmost module; there being an anchor at each opposite end of each strap and each of said anchors comprising a bar fixed to the endmost module and displaced inwardly from the plane of said body related to the strap to be engaged thereby and spaced outwardly from the endmost module respectively, each of the said legs being depressibly disengageable from its complementary anchor bar withdrawing the said foot projected beneath a face thereof disposed away from said plane of said body.

20. The combination of a pair of double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 19 and wherein each of the elongated bodies embraceably engages at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

21. The combination of a pair of double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 19 and wherein at least one of said elongated bodies is accommodated in an alignment channel formed in at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

22. The combination of a pair of double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 19 and wherein each elongated body is convexly formed of resilient material to embraceably oppose at least one of said modules in said plane extending thereover.

23. The combination of a pair of double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 19 and wherein the anchor bars are fixed to project from a cover plate overlying said endmost modules respectively.

.24. The combination of a pair of double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 19 and wherein each anchor bar has a corner opposing the leg and foot and defined by converging faces engaging the leg and foot respectively.

25. In a combination, a pair of sectional prestressed coupling straps and opposite end anchors adapted to releasably embrace opposite sides of and to secure a stack of next adjacently related modules in fixed position one against the other; each strap comprising, apposed and elongated body sections in a plane extending over one of said opposite sides of the stack of modules, adjustment means longitudinally connecting the body sections one to the other, a leg turned inwardly from the end of each section of the body immediate to and to engageably overlie and biased to press away from the endmost module respectively, and a foot at the terminal end of each leg and turned outwardly away from the endmost module; there being an anchor at the end of each strap body section and each of said anchors comprising a bar fixed to the endmost module and displaced inwardly from the plane of said body related to the strap to be engaged thereby and spaced outwardly from the endmost module respectively, each of the said legs being depressibly disengageable from its complementary anchor bar withdrawing the said foot projected beneath a face thereof disposed away from said plane of said body.

26. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes a tensioning member extended between the strap sections.

27. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes ears projecting from the apposed ends of the strap body sections and a tensioning member extended between said apposed ends and through the said ears and engaged therewith.

28. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth 1n claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes a hook projecting from the apposed end portion of one said body section, and said hook being disengageable in an opening through the apposed end portion of the other said body section.

29. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes a hook projecting from the apposed end portion of one said body section, and said hook being disengageable in one of a series of modularly spaced openings through the apposed end portion of the other said body section.

30. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes an end portion of one said apposed body section joggled out of the plane of the strap body and overlying an end portion of the other said apposed body section, there being a hook projecting from the first mentioned joggled portion and disengageable in an opening through the second mentioned underlying end portion.

31. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25 and wherein the adjustment means includes an end portion of one said apposed body section joggled out of the plane of the strap body and overlying an end portion of the other said apposed body section, there being a hook projecting from the first mentioned joggled portion and disengageable in one of a series of modularly spaced openings through the second mentioned underlying end portion.

32. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25, wherein the adjustment means includes a section with a hook projecting therefrom and dis engageable in an opening through a continuing section, and wherein the continuing section receives a tensioning member extended to the apposed coupling sections to be connected thereto.

33. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25, wherein the adjustment means includes a section with a hook projecting therefrom and disengageable in one of a series of modularly spaced openings through a continuing section, and wherein the continuing section includes a projecting ear that receives a tensioning member extended to the apposed coupling sections to be connected thereto.

34. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25, wherein the adjustment means includes a section with an end portion joggled out of the plane of the strap body and overlying an end portion of a continuing section and with a hook projecting from the joggled portion and disengageable in an opening through the end portion of said continuing section, and wherein the continuing section includes a projecting ear that receives a tensioning member extended to the apposed coupling sections to be connected thereto.

35. The combination of a pair of sectional double ended coupling straps and opposite end anchors as set forth in claim 25, wherein the adjustment means includes a section with an end portion joggled out of the plane of the strap body and overlying an end portion of a continuing section and with a hook projecting from the joggled portion and disengageable in one of a series of modularly spaced openings through the end portion of said continuing section, and wherein the continuing section includes a projecting ear that receives a tensioning member extended to the opposed coupling sections to be connected thereto.

36. In combination, a double ended prestressed coupling strap embracing one side of and an anchor strap embracing the other and opposite side of and to releasably secure a stack of next adjacently related modules in fixed position one against the other; the double ended strap comprising, an elongated body in a plane extending over the stack of modules, a leg turned inwardly from each end of the body immediate to and to engageably overlie and biased to press away from the endrnost module respectively, and a foot at the terminal end of each leg and turned outwardly away from the endrnost module; the anchor strap comprising a bar at at each opposite end thereof and each of said bars displaced inwardly from the plane of said body related to the step to be engaged thereby and spaced outwardly from the endrnost module respectively, each of the said legs being depressibly disengageable from its complementary anchor bar withdrawing the said foot projected beneath a face thereof disposed away from said plane of said body.

37. The combination of a double ended coupling strap and anchor strap as set forth in claim 36, and wherein the double ended strap and the anchor strap are both convexly formed of resilient material to embraceably oppose the sides of the modules respectively.

38. The combination of a double ended coupling strap and anchor strap as set forth in claim 36, and wherein the feet at the terminal ends of the first mentioned strap are disposed at the outside plane of the second mentioned inchor strap and engaged thereat with the said anchor ars.

39. The combination of a double ended coupling strap and anchor strap as set forth in claim 36 and wherein the feet at the terminal ends of the first mentioned strap are disposed at the outside plane of the second mentioned anchor strap and engaged thereat with the said anchor bars, the anchor bars being defined by spaced openings through the anchor strap immediate the endrnost modules respectively.

40. The combination of a double ended coupling strap and anchor strap as set forth in claim 36 and wherein the feet at the terminal ends of the first mentioned strap are disposed at the outside plane of the second mentioned anchor strap and engaged thereat with the said anchor bar, the anchor bar being a subtantially flat member disposed in the plane of the side of stacked modules embraced thereby and perforated with modularly spaced openings, and the anchor bars being defined by said spaced openings immediate the endrnost modules respectively.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,922,560 8/1933 Sullivan 206-65 BX 3,332,551 7/1967 Peterson 206-65 B 3,272,329 9/1966 Mehalov 20665 B DONALD A. GRIFFIN, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 20665 B

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