AristoLock (TM) - an AristoTechnics technology (www.aristotechnics.com)

AristoTechnics, Inc. - Technology licensing and consulting, mechanical joining methods and modular systems

Technologies:

Overview | AristoFlex | AristoLock | AristoWood | AristoSet

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	Description \| How it works \| Three general uses \| Construction benefits \| Independent comments

AristoLock™ (U.S. patent 5,758,988)

AristoLock™ is a quick-coupling rail system (also called an industrial or structural hook-and-loop connector).

This technology is strong, and it works quickly and easily.

AristoLock can align and connect your products or components in both the unfinished and pre-finished assembly stages. It works with all materials: steel, wood, aluminum, plastics, concrete, marble, etc. It operates quickly and safely for permanent connections and frequent knock-downs.

Applications: Potential applications for this technology include:

Exhibit systems
Modular housing
Railings
RTA furniture
Specialty fasteners
Structural framing

Customizable: If you license AristoLock technology, you can adapt its production to manufacturing methods and materials (steel, aluminum, plastic, etc.) that are compatible with your industry's expectations for quality and volume.

Many geometric configurations are possible (long, short, or curved rails; round rings; etc.). Also, you can surface-mount it or mount it in a groove to conceal the connection.

Related technology: AristoLock is one component of the AristoTechnics AristoSet™ modular building system.

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AristoLock works rather like Velcro. The assembly includes two rail-halves that separate along its longitudinal axis.

The first rail half (a U-rail) has slots and positioning holes. The second is an assembly comprising another U-rail, a sliding hook-rail, and locating pins. These go on either side of your product or component.

When you bring the two halves together, it quickly locates using the pins. It comes back to the same location every time.

You can use the movable hook rail to create a structural connection, practically without using tools. This connection will not come apart — even if you push or pull on it — until you specifically release it.

Each rail-half mounts on its respective member-to-be-joint. You can mount AristoLock with fasteners through existing holes, by welding, etc. The sliding hook-rail moves back and forth longitudinally into the locked and unlocked positions. You can activate AristoLock by hand or by using a lever, hammer, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, electric motor, and so on.

To engage, lock, and unlock:

Engage the members that will become the joint, and support them safely in position.
Slide hook-rail to locked position by applying appropriate force to engage self-locking tapers.
To unlock and disengage, reverse these steps.

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You can use AristoLock in three general ways:

As a pre-manufactured component: You can use AristoLock instead of traditional in-process jointing techniques. For example, in woodworking applications AristoLock can replace dovetailing and gluing — which can significantly reduce assembly labor. You also can apply this technology to finished components, allowing more upstream parallel processing (and therefore even less cycle time).
As a quick-connecting device requiring no special tools: Instead of using traditional bolt or screw joints, you can use AristoLock. This can help in erecting or dismantling modular structures, in tooling and automation change-over, or in ready-to-assemble consumer products.
As a concealed structural connector in straight or curved joints: This technology is an alternative to visibly overlapping plate connectors. Since AristoLock is concealed, in timber and truss construction it can increase fire ratings as well as improve aesthetics.

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In construction applications, AristoLock can offer several significant advantages in terms of cost, quality, and labor. Some examples include:

Roof Construction: Traditional roof-building requires a skilled craftsman. Also, you can only put so many nails in a limited area. And, after a while, you run out of room to use the hammer. Strength is a concern: load stresses are concentrated in the little areas where the nails are, making it difficult to create a roof as a subassembly.
— With AristoLock technology, you can build a roof ahead of time in a factory, applying the connectors in a controlled environment for consistent quality. Then you can assemble it in the field with less-skilled labor, in a matter of minutes (rather than days).
Extending Beams: Sometimes it's necessary to extend the length or width of a beam. Or, you might want to erect a post on top of a deck or any other surface, without taking anything apart or cutting any holes.
— With AristoLock, all you have to do is fasten one strip or ring directly onto the surface. Then, put the other strip or ring under your post. This provides an immediate, strong connection, whether vertical or horizontal.
Structural Opening: Any cut-out in a structure or vehicle (such as a door) dramatically reduces stiffness — especially resistance to twisting. Consequently, you must add material to strengthen the frame, which increases overall weight.
— Using AristoLock creates a structural connection between the door and the frame, making the entire structure stronger when the doors are closed. This allows you to reduce frame weight, thus improving fuel efficiency (for vehicles), or cutting shipping costs and labor.

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Comments about AristoLock from independent, objective market evaluations:

"...It functions precisely as described in both the patent and promotional materials."
— Building Systems Consultant,
School of Architecture and Urban Development, University of Wisconsin

"...AristoLock appears to be a unique, useful and feasible product."
— Wisconsin Innovation Service Center
University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center

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