Miter coupling and method

Abstract

A miter coupling is provided, together with a method for using the miter coupling to join a pair of square metal tubes at a desired angle using a welding process. The miter coupling, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a single piece of metal formed into a shape that is adapted to receive the ends of two square metal tubes at a desired angle. The miter coupling is shaped to form a pair of parallel elbow members, where the elbow members are formed into a desired angle, and the elbow members are interconnected by a cross support. This arrangement provides a stronger joint, and eliminates the time consuming steps of cutting the square metal tubes at specific angles and grinding the welds to form a smooth seam.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A miter coupling comprising:
 a single piece of metal formed into a three dimensional shape that is adapted to receive ends of two square metal tubes, wherein said miter coupling includes a pair of parallel flat elbow members, where the elbow members are formed into a desired angle, and wherein said elbow members are interconnected by a cross support.   
     
     
         2 . The miter coupling set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said square metal tubes are joined with said miter coupling by at least five welded seams. 
     
     
         3 . The miter coupling set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said miter coupling is made from a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.