GB2088991A - A Connector for a Framework Structure - Google Patents
A Connector for a Framework Structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2088991A GB2088991A GB8124234A GB8124234A GB2088991A GB 2088991 A GB2088991 A GB 2088991A GB 8124234 A GB8124234 A GB 8124234A GB 8124234 A GB8124234 A GB 8124234A GB 2088991 A GB2088991 A GB 2088991A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- projections
- group
- connector
- projection
- framework structure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004727 Noryl Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001207 Noryl Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B25/00—Models for purposes not provided for in G09B23/00, e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes
- G09B25/04—Models for purposes not provided for in G09B23/00, e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes of buildings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
- E04B1/1903—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor
- E04B1/1906—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor with central spherical, semispherical or polyhedral connecting element
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
- E04B1/1903—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/1921—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor with connecting nodes having radial connecting stubs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
- E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/1927—Struts specially adapted therefor of essentially circular cross section
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
- E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
- E04B2001/1984—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework rectangular, e.g. square, grid
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Educational Administration (AREA)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
The connector comprises a body (10), a first group of at least four projections (16) which extend outwardly from the body in a common plane. A second group of at least four projections (20) extend outwardly from the body at an angle of between 15 DEG and 75 DEG to the aforesaid plane and preferably at 45 DEG to said plane. The projections of each group are equi-angularly spaced about an axis (18) normal to said plane and the projections (20) of the second group are angularly staggered by half the angle between adjacent projections of the first group about said axis relative to the projections (16) of the first group. Each projection is of non-circular and preferably triangular cross-section and the body (10) and projections (16, 20) are made of non-flexible plastics material. Such connectors are used to connect together elongate members having tubular ends at least to form a frame work structure. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
A Connector for a Framework Structure
This invention relates to connectors of a type suitable for connecting together elongate members to form a framework structure which may be used, for example, as a display structure, and to a framework structure.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a first group of at least four projections extending outwardly from the body, and being equi-angularly spaced about an axis normal to a plane parallel to the direction which each projection of the first group extends from the body, and a second group of at least four projections extending outwardly from the body and being equi-angularly spaced about said axis, the projections of said second group each extending at between 150 and 750, and preferably at 450 or substantially 450, to the aforesaid plane.
Preferably each projection is of non-circular cross-section.
Preferably, there is an equal number of projections in said first and second groups and the projections of the second group are angularly staggered by half the angle between adjacent projections of the first group about said axis relative to the projections of the first group.
Conveniently, the body part includes a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface portion from which the first group of projections extend and a part spherical or substantially part spherical end portion adjoining the cylindrical portion and from which the second group of projections extend.
Advantageously, each projection is of triangular or substantially triangular cross-section.
In this case, preferably, a flat or a substantially flat portion is provided at the junction between each pair of adjacent sides of each triangular or substantially triangular projection.
Conveniently, the projections and body of the connector are made of non-flexible plastics material.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a frame work structure comprising a plurality of elongate members having tubular ends at least and interconnected by connectors according to the first aspect of the invention.
Preferably, the elongate members are tubes and are made of deformable plastics material.
The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an end view of the connector of
Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a tube mounted on a projection of the connector of
Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a plurality of elongate members connected together by connectors of Figures 1-3 to form a space frame.
Referring to Figures 1-4 of the drawings, the connector shown therein comprises a body part 10 having a cylindrical surface portion 12 and a part-spherical end portion 14 which adjoins the cylindrical portion 1 2. The other end portion of the body part will be referred to later. A first group of four projections 16 extend outwardly from the cylindrical surface portion 1 2 and are equiangularly spaced about an axis 18 of the cylindrical portion 1 2. These projections 1 6 extend in a common plane which is normal to the axis 1 8. A second group of four projections 20 extend outwardly from the part-spherical end portion 1 4 of the body part 10.These projections 20 are also equi-angularly spaced about axis 18 but are angularly staggered by 450 about this axis relative to the projections 1 6. Also, the projections 20 extend at an angle of between 150 and 750, and preferably at 450, to said common plane.
Each projection 1 6, 20 is of non-circular crosssection and ideally is of substantially triangular cross-section as shown. Each projection 1 6, 20 has a flat 22 at the junction between each pair of sides. Each flat 22 may be slightly convex.
Each projection has two sides 24 of equal length and a side 26 of shorter iength. Each side 26 has a concave recess.
The other end of the connector is provided with an axially inwardly extending annular groove 28 (see Figure 2) which may receive the end of a tube serving as a vertical support column and as shown this other end of the connector is also provided with an integral, hexagonal nut 30.
The connector is conveniently formed from non-flexible plastics material, such as that sold by l.C.I. under the Trademark 'Noryl'.
A plurality of such connectors can be used to connect together elongate members in the form of deformable plastics cylindrical tubes 32 (see
Figure 4) to form a space frame which may be used for example, as a display stand. In order to locate a tube 32 on a projection 1 6, 20, an end of the tube is deformed, by hand pressure, is pushed over the projection and is then released. The inner wall of the tube is engaged by each of the three flats 22 of the projection as an interference fit (see Figure 3).
In the above embodiment the projections are described as being of non-circular cross-section and whereas this is highly desirable, it is conceivable that they could be of circular crosssection.
Instead of the tubes 32, solid rods, with cylindrical deformable plastics sockets at each end, could be used.
The connectors and tubes described above could be scaled down for use as a toy or an architect's model.
If desired, the tubes 32 could be heat welded to the projections 1 6, 20 in order to provide a permanent installation or, if the tubes 32 and connectors are of the same material, the tubes may be secured to the projections of the connectors by adhesive.
Moreover, the part spherical end portion may have grooves formed therein each groove joining a diametrically opposite pairpf projections 1 6 and acting in conjunction with the concave recesses in the sides 26 of the associated projections 1 6 as a location for a cable which can run through the tubes.
Claims (12)
1. A connector of the type described, comprising a body, a first group of at least four projections extending outwardly from the body, and being equi-angularly spaced about an axis normal to a plane parallel to the direction in which each projection of the first group extends from the body, and a second group of at least four projections extending outwardly from the body and being equi-angularly spaced about said axis, the projections of said second group extending at between 15 and 750 to the aforesaid plane.
2. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the projections of said second group each extend at 459 or substantially 450 to the aforesaid plane.
3. The connector of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each projection of said first and second groups is of non-circular cross-section.
4. The connector of Claim 3, wherein each projection is of triangular or substantially triangular cross-section.
5. The connector of Claim 4, wherein a flat or a substantially flat portion is provided at the junction between each pair of adjacent sides of each projection.
6. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is an equal number of projections in said first and second groups and the projections of the second group are angularly staggered by half the angle between adjacent projections of the first group about said axis relative to the projections of the first group.
7. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body part includes a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface portion from which the first group of projections extend and a part spherical or substantially part spherical end portion adjoining the cylindrical portion and from which the second group of projections extend.
8. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projections and body of the connector are made of non-flexible plastics material.
9. A connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in
Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A framework structure comprising a plurality of elongate members having tubular ends at least and interconnected by connectors as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9.
11. The framework structure of Claim 10, wherein the elongate m-embers are tubes and are made of deformable plastics material.
12. A framework structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8124234A GB2088991B (en) | 1980-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | A connector for a framework structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8025734 | 1980-08-07 | ||
| GB8124234A GB2088991B (en) | 1980-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | A connector for a framework structure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2088991A true GB2088991A (en) | 1982-06-16 |
| GB2088991B GB2088991B (en) | 1984-03-21 |
Family
ID=26276481
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8124234A Expired GB2088991B (en) | 1980-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | A connector for a framework structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2088991B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2159910A (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1985-12-11 | Colin John Stewart Stephenson | A connector for a framework structure |
-
1981
- 1981-08-07 GB GB8124234A patent/GB2088991B/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2159910A (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1985-12-11 | Colin John Stewart Stephenson | A connector for a framework structure |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2088991B (en) | 1984-03-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |