NZ578691A - A framework that connects together to create three dimentional structures using hubs and rods - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame work (30) using three dimensional connectors (10) is disclosed. The connectors (10) connect frame members (20) together to form a structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements. The frame work (30) includes i) at least two spaced apart vertical frame members (20) and at least two spaced apart horizontal frame members (20); ii) at least four connectors (10) where each connectors (10) has at least two vertical arms and at least four horizontal arms radiating outward from a centre; iii) a connecting means at each end of the frame members; iv) fastening means adapted to join the arms and the frame members (20) together to form a frame (30). The fastening means connect the connectors (10) to the frame members (20) by passing through at least two holes in the arms and two holes in connecting means of the frame members (20). The connector arms have a planar flattened shape. In this way three dimensional structures may be built up. The frame work may be covered to form enclosed spaces i.e. a box for storage.

Description

Patents Form # 5 578691 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL 578691 I- DATED: 29 July 2009 TITLE: FRAMEWORK WITH THREE DIMENSIONAL CONNECTORS I, RIERA, Peter Address: 51A Wellington Road, Paekakariki, New Zealand, 5034 Nationality:New Zealand do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: FEE CODE - 1050 Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 FRAMEWORK WITH THREE DIMENSIONAL CONNECTORS The invention relates to a framework with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame elements together to form a structure, typically a rigid cube structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements and usage.

Background of Invention In the storage and transporting of containers, crates, boxes, etc there are a varied and well known methods and devices for stacking and supporting the stacked items together for 10 storage and to a mode of transport when being transported.

However these known methods and devices whilst being perhaps effective are cumbersome and in most cases unstable when not secured together. Also it is not possible to unstick a particular item without having to unstick the whole stacked load.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame elements together to form a structure, typically a rigid cube structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements and usage, that ameliorates some of 20 the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of Invention In a first aspect the invention resides in a frame work with three dimensional connectors for 25 connecting frame members together to form a structure, typically a rigid cube structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements and usage, the frame work includes: i) at least two spaced apart vertical elongate frame members and two spaced apart elongate horizontal frame members; ii) at least four first connecting means where each first connecting means has at least one vertical elongate means and at least one horizontal elongate means I:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TCiRdoc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 radiating outward from a centre and each elongate means has at least one hole therein; iii) a second connecting means attached to and extending outwardly from each end of the said elongate frame members, the second connecting means extends and aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member, the second connecting means has at least one hole or protruding portion; iv) fastening means adapted to extend through said holes and adapted to join the first and second connecting means together; wherein the hole of each respective first connector means is aligned with the hole of a corresponding second connector means with the fastening means extending through the holes to secure the first and second connecting means together so that the vertical elongate members and horizontal elongate members are connected together to form a frame.

Preferably, the first connecting means has at least four horizontal elongate means and two vertical elongate means radiating outwardly from the centre.

Preferably, each elongate member is perpendicular to an adjacent elongate member.

Preferably, each elongate member is angled relative to an adjacent elongate member at least at an acute angle.

Preferably, each elongate means of the first connecting means has two holes, the first hole is adapted to align with a corresponding first hole of the second connecting means to allow the 25 first and second connectors to be joined together and the second hole is adapted to accommodate therein a protruding member on the second connecting means to align and retain the first and second connecting means in the proper and correct alignment.

Preferably, the elongate means and second connecting means when fastened together are 30 aligned and extend along the same longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member to which it connected to.

I:\4QI400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 -4.

Preferably, there are eight first connecting means, eight horizontal elongate frame members and four vertical elongate frame members and each elongate frame member having a second connecting means at each end such that the first and second connecting means are adapted to form six frames interconnected together in the form a cube, Preferably, a plurality there are a plurality of cubes adapted to be stacked and attached to one another by fastening the respective free elongate means of a cube with respective free elongate means of an adjacent cube.

Preferably, the fastening means is a nut and bolt arrangement, a screw, rivet, pin or any other suitable fastener adapted to be inserted and retained in a hole.

Preferably, each frame is adapted to be covered with a planer cover to form covered sides of the cube.

Preferably, at least one of the planar covers is releasably attached to the frame so as to allow the covered cube to allow access to the interior of the covered cube.

Preferably, the releasably attached planar cover is attached to the top or side of the cube.

Preferably, the planar cover is made from plastic material, canvas, fibreglass, wood, metal or any other suitable planar material.

Preferably, the planar cover is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, the connecting means and the elongate members are made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, the connecting means and the elongate members are made from plastic, 30 fibreglass, wood, metal, combination thereof or any other suitable material.

Preferably, the covered bottom side includes a base insert made from plywood.

I:\401400\40I409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 Preferably, the cover portions are adapted to be attached to the elongate members of each frame by suitable fastening means, such as screws, rivets, nut and bolt arrangement, pins, hook & loop fasteners, adhesives or combination thereof.

Preferably, each elongate member has fastening holes adapted to allow either screws, rivets, pins or nut and bolt arrangements to be fastened thereto on order to secure the planar covers to a respective frame.

Preferably, the frame work has feet attachable to the bottom of a cube, wherein each foot 10 includes a ground engaging portion and connecting portion adapted to be attached to a first connection means at the bottom of a cube.

Preferably, the connecting portion extends outwardly away from the ground engaging portion such that the connecting portion and the ground engaging portion are aligned 15 substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the foot.

Preferably, each foot is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, each foot is made from plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, combination thereof or 20 any other suitable material.

In a second aspect the invention resides in a connector suitable for use in attaching frames together to form a cube, wherein the connector includes at least four horizontal elongate means and two vertical elongate means radiating outwardly from a centre, each elongate 25 means has two holes that are adapted to allow the connector to be attached to respective connecting elements of the frames.

Preferably, each elongate member is perpendicular to an adjacent elongate member.

Preferably, each elongate member is angled relative to an adjacent elongate member at least at an acute angle.

I:\401400\40I409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 In a third aspect the invention resides in an elongate frame member suitable for forming a frame, wherein each elongate member has two connectors, one attached on end of the elongate member and the other at the other end of the elongate member, each connector extends outwardly from an end of the sai d elongate frame members such that the connector 5 extends and is aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member, the connector has one hole and protruding portion that are adapted to co-operate with the respective holes connector disclosed in the second aspect.

Preferably, the connector of the second aspect and the connector of the third aspect are 10 fastened together by a suitable fastening means adapted to extend and pass through a hole in each connector.

In a fourth aspect the invention resides in a frame work with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame members together to form a structure suitable for a wide range of 15 storage and/or transportation requirements and usage, the frame work includes: i) at least two spaced apart vertical elongate frame members and at least two spaced apart elongate horizontal frame members; ii) at least four first connecting means where each first connecting means has at least two vertical elongate means and at least four horizontal elongate means radiating outward from a centre and each elongate means has at least two holes therein; iii) a second connecting means at each end of the said elongate frame members, the second connecting means has a planar flattend shape and the second connecting means extends and is aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member, the second connecting means has at least two holes therein; tv) fastening means adapted to extend through said holes and adapted to join the first and second connecting means together; wherein the holes of each respective elongate means is aligned with the holes of a 30 corresponding second connector means with the fastening means extending through the holes to secure the elongate means and second connecting means together so that the vertical elongate members and horizontal elongate members are connected together to form a frame.

I:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 Preferably, each elongate member is perpendicular to an adjacent elongate member.

Preferably, each elongate member is angled relative to an adjacent elongate member at least 5 at an acute angle.

Preferably, each elongate means of the first connecting means has two holes and each end of the second connecting means has two holes such that the holes of the first connecting means is is adapted to align with the corresponding holes the second connecting means to allow the 10 first and second connectors to be joined together by the fastening means.

Preferably, the first connecting means and second connecting means when fastened together are aligned and extend along the same longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member.

Preferably, the second connecting means is hollow and has a opening adapted to allow the first connecting means to extend therein in order to allow the two connecting means to be secured together by the fastening means when the holes of each are aligned together.

Preferably, the shape and dimension of the opening in the second connecting means is 20 adapted to allow the first connecting means to snugly fit and retained therein.

Preferably, there are eight first connecting means, eight horizontal elongate frame members and four vertical elongate frame members and each elongate frame member having a second connecting means at each end such that the first and second connecting means are adapted to 25 form six frames interconnected together in the form a cube.

Preferably, a plurality there are a plurality of cubes adapted to be stacked and attached to one another by fastening the respective free elongate means of a cube with respective free elongate means of an adjacent cube.

Preferably, the fastening means is a nut and bolt arrangement, a screw, rivet, pin or any other suitable fastener adapted to be inserted and retained in a hole.

I:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmeiidedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TOR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 Preferably, each frame is adapted to be covered with a planer cover to form covered sides of the cube.

Preferably, at least one of the planar covers is releasably attached to the frame so as to allow 5 the covered cube to allow access to the interior of the covered cube.

Preferably, the releasably attached planar cover is attached to the top or side of the cube.

Preferably, the planar cover is made from plastic material, canvas, fibreglass, wood, metal or 10 any other suitable planar material.

Preferably, the planar cover is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, the connecting means and the elongate members are made from a rigid, durable 15 and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, the connecting means and the elongate members are made from plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, combination thereof or any other suitable material.

Preferably, the covered bottom side includes a base insert made from plywood.

Preferably, the cover portions are adapted to be attached to the elongate members of each frame by suitable fastening means, such as screws, rivets, nut and bolt arrangement, pins, hook & loop fasteners, adhesives or combination thereof.

Preferably, each elongate member has fastening holes adapted to allow either screws, rivets, pins or nut and bolt arrangements to be fastened thereto on order to secure the planar covers to a respective frame.

Preferably, the frame work has feet attachable to the bottom of a cube, wherein each foot includes a ground engaging portion and connecting portion adapted to be attached to a first connection means at the bottom of a cube. l:\401400\401409NZV401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 Preferably, the connecting portion extends outwardly away from the ground engaging portion such that the connecting portion and the ground, engaging portion are aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the foot.

Preferably, each foot is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material.

Preferably, each foot is made from plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, combination thereof or any other suitable material.

Any other aspects herein described Brief Description The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a view of a connector for use within the frame work in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is side view of a frame element for use with the frame work in accordance with a 20 first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is perspective view of the frame work in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a foot for use with the frame work in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is view of a cover for use with the frame work as shown in figure 3.

Figure 6 is a view of the base insert for use with the frame work as shown in figure 3.

Figure 7 is a perspective view plurality of spaced apart stacked frame works in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. i:\401400\40i409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGRdoc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 Figure 8 is a perspective view plurality of stacked frame works in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a perspective view terrain-following horticultural unit in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a cut away side view of a portion of the terrain-following horticultural unit shown in figure 9.

Figure 11 is an exploded view of a connector and frame element for use within the frame work in accordance with a preferred fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connector shown in figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the frame element as shown in figure 11.

Figure 14 is a perse4pctive view of the fastener as shown in figure 11.

Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a frame work with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame members together to form a structure, typically a rigid cube structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements and usage. The invention is in no way 25 limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 shows perspective view of a connector 10 used in the invention. The connector is 30 shown as having four horizontal elongate sprigs 12, 13, 15, 16 and two vertical sprigs 14, 16 where each sprig radiates from a centre 19. It is envisaged that the connector could have any number of sprigs ranging from two or more that radiate from the centre region depending upon the type of frame work being created, however the six configured sprig being preferred.

I:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc 578691 Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 Each sprig is perpendicular to its adjacent sprig so that the connector can be used in the formation of a cubed frame. However it is also envisaged that the sprigs could be angled relative an adjacent sprig at an acute angle so that other shaped frames could be formed.

Each sprig has two spaced apart holes 17 and 18 that are used to align and attach the connector 10 to a corresponding connector on the frame.

Turning to figure 2 which shows a frame element 20 having an elongate member 21 10 (preferably a metre length pipe) has two connectors 22 (only one shown), one attached on end of the elongate member 21 preferably by a swage 25 and the other at the other end of the elongate member. Each connector 21 extends outwardly from an end of the said elongate member 21 such that the connector 22 extends and is aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the frame element 20. The connector has one hole 24 and protruding 15 portion e.g. stub 23 that are adapted to co-operate and align with the respective holes 17, 18 in the spigot of connector 10 whereby the spur 23 fits within hole 17 and hole 24 aligns with hole 18 when the spigot (13) and connector 22 are joined together. A suitable fastener such as a screw or nut and bolt can be inserted into and through holes 18 & 23 in order to secure the spigot (13) and connector 22 together. Holes 18 could be threaded to assist in the 20 attaching of the two respective components together.

Turning to figure 3 which shows an assembled frame work in the form of a cube 30. The cube is assembled by four vertical frame elements 20 and eight horizontal frame members 20 that are respectively interconnected by the use of eight connectors 10 that have spigots 25 attached to corresponding connectors 22 of the frame elements 20.

The cube 30 shown in figure 3 is an open cell/cage. However the sides of the cube can be covered with panels 31 (figure 5) in order to form an enclosed space in which items can be stored or packaged. The panels 31 can be attached by way of suitable fasteners to the side of 30 a cube by inserting the fasteners in to holes 32 in the panel and holes 26 in the frame member 20. However it is envisaged that other forms of fastening such snap buttons, or adhesive could be used. Preferably one side, e.g. the top panel, is openable in order to allow access to the interior of the cube 30. Also the base panel of the cube 30 could include an insert 33 (see I:\401400\40I409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 figure 6) made of a rigid material such as plywood in order to strengthen the floor of the cube 30.

Figure 4 shows a foot 21' attachable to a corner portion of the bottom of the cube 30... 5 wherein each foot includes a ground engaging portion 21' and connector 22' that is adapted to be attached a spigot (14) depending downward from a cube 30. The connector 22' has the same arrangement as the connector 22 shown in figure 2, namely a hole and a spur for cooperation with the holes in the spigot (14) of the connector 10. The foot can be made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material such as plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, 10 combination thereof or any other suitable material.

The panel 31 can be made from plastic, canvas, fibreglass, wood, metal or any other suitable planar material and is preferably rigid, durable and/or lightweight.

The connectors 10, the frame members 20 can be made from rigid, durable and/or lightweight materials such as plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, combination thereof or any other suitable material.

Figure 7 shows a plurality of cubes formed from the connectors and frame members in a 20 spaced stacked arrangement and figures 8 shows a similar arrangement where the cubes are attacked one on the other. The cubes as formed by this invention are suitable in any form of storage or transportation or as types of containers.

The frame work with the three dimensional connectors of the invention provides a system 25 that is flexible and the core of a remarkably expansive design concept that caters for a wide range of storage requirements and usages. In a preferred form the frame work connects at metre spaces with a simple three-dimensional 'knuckle' joint connector with vertical and horizontal 'sprigs' that feature both a hole for a locating spur and a screw fixture. The metre connectors have identical 'sprigs' differing only in the fact that the non-screwed locating 30 hole has a locating spur in its place. Over the connector length are three screw fixtures in both their vertical and horizontal faces. These enable facing/cladding materials to be adequately secured to create contents enclosure, while additional sub-layers of plastic sheet can ensure different levels of water-proofing or contents isolation. These facings provide i:\401400\40I409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20500309 1414 TGRdoc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 opportunities for product branding of, goods identification, any hazardous condition requirements of the contents, and an immediate identification of structural damage. Tills also forms and important structural bracing component. Together these features enable the construction of strong, environmentally protective, rigid cubic structures based on multiples 5 of the cubic metre. At the same time the use of a ten centimetre connector tube bearing a 'sprig' at each end (with locating spur and screw hole) creates both the opportunity to provide feet at the exterior of each knuckle joint and/or as a spacer to link to adjacent crates to form a homogenous whole structure (as in figure 7). This system allows transportation as a whole load unsupported or requiring of, any complex truck body other than that of the 10 simple flat-bed. This open structure allows wind to pass through the load, rather than being obstructed by a covering structure, leading to important fuel savings, and making unnecessary the cab-top wind deflectors currently used. Loads can built to any shape configuration consistent with route restrictions, and the inter connected nature of each unit ensures load integrity in the case of truck or trailer overturn. The connector feet can 15 themselves be located securely into the truck flat-bed or the whole can be secured by tie downs or the like.

Alternatively, a simple skeletal racking can create a framework in which similar size crates (cubes 30 - figure 3) can be inserted and removed without disturbing the integrity of the 20 whole load. This makes destination loading much simpler.

The skeletal construction also allows for a total dismantling of any crate into a flat pack that makes both storage and delivery easier and cheaper than current crate designs. In the specific case of house removals the benefits are even greater. A crate close to the specific 25 requirements can be built and filled on the truck or on-site. Once it is closed there is no need to open it again until final delivery to the customer at his destination. No need to unpack and rack at the Remover's premises - just lift it into its position unopened, and when needed, lift it back on the truck and deliver. Because the crate is a discrete unit, more than one removal can be made by the same truck on the same journey. Simple locking bars padlocked to the 30 sprigs of knuckle connectors allow security satisfaction.

IA401400\401409NZA401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 . 14.

The frame work of the invention can be constructed on a simple flat bed of a car drawn trailer ranging from a single cubic metre container to variations of up to eighteen cubic metres depending upon axle loading constraints.

For storage requirements in warehouses, factories, etc can be easily and quickly built or changed by using the connectors to create racks of adjacent crates that removes the need for any other form of racldng and with the ability to clad the whole in durable cladding using the connectors, separate wholly contained storage facilities can be built quickly, easily and with little difficulty.

Depending on the efficiency and strength of the cladding chosen, temporary structures such as garages, workshops, barns and agricultural buildings can be erected quickly and inexpensively. One of the prime benefits is the ease with which part or whole of the edifice can be deconstructed without significant damage to the skeletal parts, enabling change of 15 use, shape or size to occur quickly and without extensive cost.

Other usage can include temporary building use, for example as in the event facility business where short stay tent or marquee type buildings of greater strength and versatility than existing canvas facilities, can create safer and better insulated alternatives. Such facilities 20 grouped together can provide refugee and disaster home and succour facilities in a way not available with existing technologies.

The frame work of the invention can be used to construct terrain-following horticultural growing houses (as shown in figures 9 & 10). The growing house 50 can be constructed on 25 the basis of an earth filled trough 51 alongside and access platform. Secured to the ground using conventional fence posts drilled to accept a knuckle connector, the top knuckle provides a structure that links to the ground at metre intervals. The frame works ability to change directions up, down or sideways on simply scraped, narrow terraces means that hill country previously thought unable to support agricultural and/or growing houses can be 30 quickly and efficiently utilised.

Turning now to figures 11 to 14 which there is shown a most preferred arrangement of the connection components for use in the frame work. Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the connector assembly 100 that has a connector 110, a connecting portions of frame elements l:\40140G\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 120 and fastener 150 (only one set shown). Each component is shown in detail in figures 12 to 14 respectively, Figure 12 shows perspective view of a connector 110 used in the invention. The connector is 5 shown as having four horizontal elongate sprigs 112, 113, 115, 116 and two vertical sprigs 111, 114 where each sprig radiates outwardly from a centre. Each sprig is perpendicular to its adjacent sprig so that the connector can be used in the formation of a cubed frame. However it is also envisaged that the sprigs could be angled relative an adjacent sprig at an acute angle so that other shaped frames could be formed. Each sprig has two spaced apart 10 holes 117 and 118 that are used to align and attach the connector 10 to a frame element 120.

Turning to figure 13 which shows an elongate frame element 120. The frame element is preferably a hollow open ended tubular frame element, however it is envisaged that other elongate shapes could be used without departing from the scope of the invention which 15 would be readily understood and apparent to a skilled addressee.

The tubular elongate frame element shown in figure 13 consists of a middle section 121 and two end sections 122, 123. The mid section is generally circular in shape whereas each end section 122, 123 is flattened, preferably by swaging the tubular end sections to form the 20 flattened shape. The flattened end sections 122, 123 have an opening 124 that is shaped and dimensioned to allow a respective sprig of the connector 110 to snugly fit therein. Each end section 122, 123 has two spaced apart holes 125 and 126 that are used to align with the corresponding holes 117, 118 of a sprig of the connector 10 inserted through opening 124 of a frame element 120. A fastener 150 consisting of two bolts/pins 151, 152 as shown in 25 figure 14 are inserted and extend through holes 125, 126 of the frame element 120 and through holes 117, 118 of a sprig in order to secure the frame elements 120 to the connector 110. Preferably the bolts/pins are threaded and either the holes 125, 126 of the frame element 120 or the holes 117, 118 of the sprigs have a corresponding thread so as to securely fasten each frame element to a respective sprig of the connector 110. Each elongate member 30 120 is preferably a metre length pipe.

The frame work connection components as shown in figure 11 result in a more secure and easily assembled frame work assembly as each element 120 (note in figure 11 only an end is I:\401400\401409NZ\40I409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc 578691 Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 I:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmcndedCompSPliC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc adapted to receive in its end section a respective sprig of the connector 110 and when the holes 117, 118 of the sprig align with the holes 125, 126 of the frame element 120 the co-joined sprigs and the frame elements 120 are secured to one another by two fastening bolts/pins 151, 152.

The frame work system can be used in the city, from balcony braced one metre units to towers of continuous units similar to the terrain following system, fresh produce can be produced at the point of consumption, saving in transportation costs amongst other things. This system lends itself easily to hydroponic growing needs.

Variations Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein defined in the appended claims.

Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 VVhat I claim is:

Claims (31)

1. Claim 1: A frame work with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame members together to form a structure suitable for a wide range of storage and/or transportation requirements and usage, the frame work includes: i) at least two spaced apart vertical elongate frame members and at least two spaced apart elongate horizontal frame members; ii) at least four first connecting means where each first connecting means has at least two vertical elongate means and at least four horizontal elongate means radiating outward from a centre and each elongate means has at least two holes therein; iii) a second connecting means at each end of the said elongate frame members, the second connecting means has a planar flattend shape and the second connecting means extends and is aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member, the second connecting means has at least two holes therein; iv) fastening means adapted to extend through said holes and adapted to join the first and second connecting means together; wherein the holes of each respective elongate means is aligned with the holes of a corresponding second connector means with the fastening means extending through the holes to secure the elongate means and second connecting means together so that the vertical elongate members and horizontal elongate members are connected together to form a frame.
2. Claim 2: The frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein each elongate means is perpendicular to an adjacent elongate means. 25
3. Claim 3: The frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein each horizontal elongate means is angled relative to an adjacent horizontal elongate means at least at an acute angle.
4. Claim 4: The frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein each elongate means of the 30 first connecting means has two holes, the first hole is adapted to align with a corresponding first hole of the second connecting means to allow the elongate means and second connectors to be joined together and the second hole is adapted to accommodate therein a protruding 10 15 l:\401400\401409N7A4D1409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 - 18- member on the second connecting means to align and retain the elongate means and second connecting means in a proper and correct alignment.
5. Claim 5: The frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein each elongate means of the 5 first connecting means has two holes and each end of the second connecting means has two holes such that the holes of the elongate means connecting means is is adapted to align with the corresponding holes the second connecting means to allow the elongate means and second connectors to be joined together by the fastening means. 10
6. Claim 6: The frame work as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the elongate means and second comiecting means when fastened together are aligned and extend along the same longitudinal axis of the elongate frame member.
7. Claim 7: The frame work as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second connecting means 15 is hollow and has a opening adapted to allow the elongate means to extend therein in order to allow the elongate means and the second connecting means to be secured together by the fastening means when the holes of each are aligned together.
8. Claim 8: The frame work as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shape and dimension of 20 the opening in the second connecting means is adapted to allow the elongate means to snugly fit and retained therein.
9. Claim 9: The frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are eight first comiecting means, eight horizontal elongate frame members and four vertical elongate frame members 25 and each elongate frame member having the second connecting means at each end such that the first and second connecting means are adapted to form six frames interconnected together in the form a cube.
10. Claim 10: The frame work as claimed in claim 9, wherein there are a plurality of cubes 30 adapted to be stacked and attached to one another by fastening the respective free elongate means of the first connecting means protruding from a cube with respective free elongate means of the first connecting means protruding from an adjacent cube. I:\401400\401409NZ\4014Q9NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 - 19-
11. Claim 11: The frame work as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means is a nut and bolt arrangement, a screw, rivet, or pin adapted to be inserted and retained in a hole.
12. Claim 12: The frame work as claimed in claim 9 or any claim dependant thereto, wherein each frame has a planer cover.
13. Claim 13: The frame work as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of the planar covers is releasably attached to the frame so as to allow the covered cube to allow access to the interior of the covered cube.
14. Claim 14: The frame work as claimed in claim 13, wherein the releasably attached planar cover is attached to the top or side of the cube.
15. 15 Claim 15: The frame work as claimed in claim 14, wherein the planar cover is made from plastic material, canvas, fibreglass, wood or metal.
16. Claim 16: The frame work as claimed in claim 14, wherein the planar cover is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material. 20
17. Claim 17: The frame work as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means and the elongate members are made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material, 25
18. Claim 18: The frame work as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means and the elongate members are made from plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal or any combination thereof.
19. Claim 19: The frame work as claimed in claim 12 or any claim dependant thereto, 30 wherein the covered bottom side of the cube includes a base insert made from plywood, I:\401400\401409NZ\40I409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 578691 -20-
20. Claim 20: The frame work as claimed in claim 12 or any claim dependant thereto, wherein the planar covers are adapted to be attached to the elongate members of each frame by fastening means. 5
21. Claim 21: The frame work as claimed in claim 20, wherein the planar cover fastening means are screws, rivets, nut and bolt arrangement, pins, hook & loop fasteners, adhesives or combination thereof.
22. Claim 22: The frame work as claimed in claim 21, wherein each elongate member has 10 fastening holes adapted to allow either screws, rivets, pins or nut and bolt arrangements to be fastened thereto on order to secure the planar covers to a respective frame.
23. Claim 23: The frame work as claimed in claim 9 or any claim dependant thereto, wherein the frame work has feet attachable to the bottom of a cube, where each foot includes 15 a ground engaging portion and connecting portion adapted to be attached to a first connection means depending from the bottom of a cube.
24. Claim 24: The frame work as claimed in claim 23, wherein the connecting portion extends outwardly away from the ground engaging portion such that the connecting portion 20 and the ground engaging portion are aligned substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the foot.
25. Claim 25: The frame work as claimed in claim 23 or any claim dependant thereto, wherein each foot is made from a rigid, durable and/or lightweight material. 25
26. Claim 26: The frame work as claimed in claim 23 or any claim dependant thereto, wherein each foot is made from plastic, fibreglass, wood, metal, or any combination thereof
27. Claim 27: The frame work as claimed in claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein 30 the structure is in the form of rigid cube.
28. Claim 28: The frame work as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the structure is in the form of shipping container, storage container, temporary building or growing house. i:\401400\401409NZ\401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc 578691 Recieved @ IPONZ 10 March 2010 -21 -
29. Claim 29: A frame work with three dimensional connectors for connecting frame members together to form a structure as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 5
30. Claim 30: A connector suitable for use in attaching frames together to form a cube as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. Claim 31: An elongate frame member suitable for forming a frame as substantially 10 hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. PIPERS 15 Attorneys for the Applicant I:\401400\401409NZA401409NZ AmendedCompSPEC 20100309 1414 TGR.doc