GB2446870A

GB2446870A - Geodesic frame hub

Info

Publication number: GB2446870A
Application number: GB0703421A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Brendan Turnbull
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-22
Filing date: 2007-02-22
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-22
Also published as: GB2446870B; GB0703421D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a geodesic frame hub providing a durable connection module 2 to simplify the erection and dismantling of geodesic domed structures. The connection module comprises a generally circular form equipped with a plurality of orifices 3 at specified angles circumferentially around the hub. The orifices retain rods, poles (1 figure 1) or other longitudinal structural members by detent locking pins 5 and 10. Optional fittings include eye bolts 7 attached centrally by means of a locknut 9 pressed into the outer face of the hub. The connection module may be used in the construction of temporary or permanent structures such as marquees, conservatories, emergency shelters, field offices, vehicle maintenance shelters or a children's playground.

Description

Title Geodesic Frame Hub

Background

This invention relates to a means by which a geodesic frame may be constructed using poles fixed to a network of hubs. The system allows for simple and quick assembly of geodesic structures, and provides inherent stability for temporary and permanent structures.

Statement of Invention

The present invention provides an elegant, simple and efficient means by which the poles of a geodesic frame may be assembled, and is hereinafter referred to as the hub.

The hub provides a durable, uniform connection that simplifies construction, and may be formed to accommodate all sizes and types of geodesic structures. It may be formed of a wide variety of materials, and may be machined, vast, moulded or otherwise shaped. The hub presents a connecting means suitable for the fabrication of structural geodesic domes featuring a generally circular form equipped with a plurality of orifices placed ccording to mathematical principles in conjunction with co-operating structural members that are retained in place by locking pins such as detent pins. Optional fittings include eye bolts attached centrally to the inner face of the hub by means of a locknut pressed into the outer face of the hub when the dome is constructed.

Advantages The ease and simplicity of the invention allows construction of large geodesic frames in less time, and with less staff than traditional frame structures, and specifically other geodesic hub designs. It also permits rapid dismantling, enables unitary construction and is capable of permanent erection. It is also suitable for use in playgrounds, allows for a variety of pins for fixing in place in different embodiments, and permits the use of eyebolts and other attachment means for accessories. It is suitable for permanent structures because of its inherent rigidity, which is due to the strength of the hub compared to previous means of construction.

Introduction to Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 Plan of the inner face of the geodesic hub; Figure 2 Sectional plan of the geodesic hub showing securing pins and central eye bolt; Figure 3 View of poles with fixing holes Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the inner face of the hub featuring an accessory in the form of an eye bolt. The invention allows for tubular poles I to be fixed to central hubs 2 at precise angles relative to each other in such a way as to form a geodesic dome. The structural elements (complexity) of the resultant frame are determined by harmony of pole 1 lengths and the angles a & 4 (Figures 1 & 2) such that a dome of the required size and complexity is achieved. These lengths and angles a & 4 are determined by mathematical functions (geodesic frequency), and allow for various geodesic forms to be constructed according to size and structural requirements.

The hub forms the junction of each geometrical section.

Each central hub 2 is provided with a plurality of orifices 3 to accommodate each structural pole I that is required for a specific design of dome. As geodesic domes are constructed from triangulated hexagons and pentagons, each hub 2 will have either 5 or 6 pole 1 fixings, positioned within the frame according to the standard mathematical elements of the specific geodesic forms. Said poles I may usually be of tubular construction although they may equally be formed of any suitable solid material.

To secure the poles 1 to the hub 2, perpendicular holes 4 are drilled centrally through the poles 1 at a set distance from each end. These said holes 4 co-operate with holes 8 formed perpendicular to each orifice 3 of the hub 2 at the angle a, such that a pin 5 will pass through pole I and hub 2 when a pole 1 is fully and correctly located in the hub 2.

A pin 5, such as a spring loaded detent pin with a locking ball 10 at the base of the pin, or other similar known locating means would then secure the pole I in position within the hub 2 when inserted correctly. a

In addition, each hub 2 may be furnished with a central orifice 6 of appropriate size to accommodate a locknut 9, having a locknut 9 pressed into the outer face of each hub 2 by an interference fit. Said orifice 6 Will ideally be provided with a shoulder created by the lessening of the internal bore to locate said locknut 5 and prevent further inward movement when tightened. This allows for post construction insertion of any fixing or attachment point such as a collar or dynamo eye bolt 7 (shown). These fixings or attachment points are thus available for hanging of external coverings, internal linings, audio visual or any other equipment. These fixings, due to the inherent strength of the structure, are capable of supporting considerable mass.

Claims

Claims: 1 A means of providing a durable connection module to simplify

the erection and dismantling of all types of geodesic structures wherein orifices are provided are provided circumferentially at specified angles around a hub in order to retain suitable rods poles or other longitudinal structural members together with smaller orifices which enable suitable detent pins to interpenetrate both hub and longitudinal members thus preventing unintentional separation of the structural members; 2 A connection means as claimed in Claim I applied to the construction of temporary structures for use as marquees and the like; 3 A connection means as claimed in Claim 1 applied to permanent domestic use as an external conservatory; 4 A connection means as claimed in Claim I applied to other "garden" rooms such as rooms to house a swimming pool; A connection means as claimed in Claim 1 applied to emergency shelters of medium size transportable internationally; 6 A connection means as claimed in Claim 1 applied to field offices 7 A connection means as claimed in Claim 1 applied to structures without internal support requiring considerable weight carrying capacity such as a large vehicle maintenance shelter requiring heavy central lifting gear; 8 A connection means as claimed in Claim I applied to child playground climbing frames; 9 A connection means as claimed in Claim I applied to rapidly erected mobile and stable shelter for investigations such as the archaeological or forensic examination of land; A connection means for forming a geodesic dome or similar structure substantially as herein described with reference to figures 1 to 3.