GB2281083A

GB2281083A - Bayonet ring hub connector

Info

Publication number: GB2281083A
Application number: GB9317183A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fiona Milnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-08-18
Filing date: 1993-08-18
Publication date: 1995-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2013-08-18
Also published as: GB2281083B; GB9317183D0

Abstract

Poles forming structural members of a geodesic dome or, e.g., a climbing frame, are connected together via nodal connectors (A) of ring or other shape, the poles being connected to the connectors by bayonet connections involving key-hole slots in the connectors and pegs (D, E, F) on the poles. <IMAGE>

Description

BAYONET RING HUB CONNECTOR This invention relates to a bayonet ring hub connector Bayonet fittings are commonly used, and we are familiar with them.

This invention combines a number of bayonet fittings in a ring, which acts as a hub which can be used to provide various configurations of interconnections.

A need arose in the construction of geodesic domes to provide a convenient, user-friendly connection method with as few parts as possible in an integral design. Traditionally, bolts have been used in the construction of geodesic domes, with subsequent drawbacks of bolts fouling, getting lost, and other numerous disadvantages.

The present bayonet ring hub method, as described below, allows a geodesic dome to be made at low cost, and constructed by the user without expert skills, knowledge or tools, following simple instuctions.

Although initial uses are intended for geodesic domes and exhibition structures, as an alternative to tents and marquees, several complex structures with a variety of applications can be constructed using the bayonet ring hub connector, thus allowing both production and construction to be more efficient.

According to the present invention there is provided a ring made of durable material into which has been provided a pre-determined number of holes. On the edge of each hole there is a slot. The poles which are to be used in the construction are provided with three pegs fitted at each end in a manner which allows the pole to fit securely into the hole by the relative positions of the three pegs to the ring.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows the position of the hole and the slot.

Figure 2 shows the relative positioning of the three pegs used.

Figure 3 shows the secure connection using the bayonet ring hub connector.

Figure 4 illustrates examples of hubs with four, five and six arms, using this connection method, as required, for example, in the construction of geodesic domes.

Figure 5 shows hub and spoke connections with two rings as required, for example, in the construction of climbing frames.

Referring to the drawing, the bayonet ring hub connector comprises a ring made of durable material, into which has been provided a pre-determined number of holes (A).

On the edge of each hole there is a slot. The hole (B) and the position of the slot (C) are clearly shown in Figure 1.

The poles which are to be used in the construction have three pegs fitted at each end, in the manner shown in Figure 2. The distance between pegs (D) and (E) is sufficient to accomodate the thickness of the material used for the ring described above.

Peg (F) is directly opposite peg (B).

The pole fits into the hole, and peg (D) passes through slot (C). The pole is then twisted and will be found to be held in place by the relative positions of the three pegs, acting against the surface of the ring.

Peg (D) prevents the pole from coming out of the ring, while pegs (E) and (F) prevent movement of the pole further inwards. This is illustrated in Figure 3.

To disconnect, peg (D) is put in line with slot (C) and the pole removed.

This connection method is particularly suited to complex structures where a variety of inter-connections are required. Geodesic domes, for example, require interconnections of four, five and six spokes.

The resulting need to provide different types of connections is catered for merely by providing different numbers of holes in the rings, thus allowing the rings themselves to be of equal size and form throughout the dome construction, if required, as shown in Figure 4.

Another combination would be required, for example, in climbing frames, where two crossed rings would be combined for the bayonet fixture, as shown in Figure 5.

The bayonet ring hub connection method can take many forms, where the hub can take the form of a bowl, a cone, a sphere, a semicircle or any polygonal shape.

Claims

[1] A bayonet ring hub connector which comprises a ring made of durable material into which has been provided a pre-determined number of holes.

On the edge of each hole there is a slot. The poles which are to be used in the construction are provided with three pegs fitted at each end in a manner which allows the pole to fit securely into the hole by the relative positions of the three pegs to the ring.

[2] A bayonet ring hub connector as claimed in Claim 1, whereby the ring, acting as a hub, takes a different form or shape for different applications, for example crossed rings, a sphere, a bowl, a semicircle or polygons.

[3] A bayonet ring hub connector substantially as described herein with reference to Figures

1 to 5 of the accompanying drawing.