What type of Metal Joint is this?

[Don Morris]

I have to join 2" x 3"s together in a manner that can be removed easily. They're going to be the supporting part of bases (4' X 8' and 4' X 4' ply) of a train set that sits on the floor. I could use lag bolts and wing nuts, but getting to the farthest in bolt and nut could be difficult. I can't change the design. I'm thinking this type of metal joint would just require lifting one the bases to separate the parts for storage and thus an easier process for the single mom. I've tried searching for the type of joint this is, but can't seem to find it so I can go look for the hardware. I hope the drawing makes sense. Thanks for any other suggestions too!

[Bill LaPointe]

How about a slide bolt? Bent the bolt bracket to stop bolt from retracting.
http://cgi.ebay.com/40-POLISHED-4-BRASS-SLIDE-BOLTS-/110560164700?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bde63b5c

[Don Morris]

In this design, which I can't modify, one end of each joint could be handled with slide bolts, because the two ends butt up against each other. The other end has a 4' X 4' rail up against a 4' X 8' rail. Thus, there is only one end, the end of the 4' X 4' rail. I guess I could drill a hole through the rail of the 4' X 8' rail for the bolt. That's possible. Have to present that option to the little lady. Also, I'm worried the size of the slide bolt provided by the end of one 2" X 3"' with the 2" side horizontal wouldn't provide for a reasonably large enough unit to give much strength. However, That's still a good idea and I've got to look into that solution some more. Sure would be convenient for her.

[Will Overton]

I confess I don't quite understand the joint, but from the discussion I wonder if something like this would help.

http://www.amazon.com/1-4-20-Threaded-Inserts/dp/B001DSXJOW

[Scott T Smith]

Some T-handle quick release pins may be a good option. MSC sells them.

[Don Morris]

I looked up T handle quick release pins. Nice idea for joining the parts but won't help hold them together. Certainly will help with alignment though.
Thanks for the idea.

[Myk Rian]

How about trunk catches?
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=437
http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/26450-01-200.jpg

[Rick Lizek]

Can you better show what you are trying to do? Brilliant job of obsfucation. I spent a lot of time dealing with custom hardware, ready to assemble hardware (often called knock down) and have most every catalog of hardware.

[Dave MacArthur]

Indeed... did you draw your top piece and the receiving bottom piece to different scales? I can't see a 1/4" piece sticking into a 2" gap as doing anything but slopping around... Sorry.

[Don Morris]

Have convinced single mom to put train base on horses so she can get to bolts and wing nuts to connect the parts. After she saw size of completed train base parts and realized how big it was and how heavy it was going to be, she agreed that it needed to be up to access the connecting parts. Originally she wanted it on the floor and my worry was how was she going to lift it to get under it to get to the connecting parts after it was assembled. Will still have to put handles on the sides of the sections to help pick them up to place on horses, before connecting. Thanks for taking the time for the ideas. I was really worried about how this was going to work for her. Now it should be "doable".