WO2008145755A1 - Connection element and use thereof in adaptable constructions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a connection plate for the erection of adaptable, transformable and dismountable constructions, whereby the plate is based on a geometrical configuration, which is determined by a geometric model and corresponding geometric series. The invention also provides a connection profile comprising two or more connection plates according to the invention, wherein said connection plates are coupled to one another and positioned under an angle of 90° with respect to each other. The invention further relates to the use of such connection plates in combination with structural elements designed according to a similar geometrical model and corresponding geometric series in adaptable constructions.

Description

Connection element and use thereof in adaptable constructions

Field of the invention

The invention relates to connection elements such as connection plates and profiles, and use thereof in adaptable and versatile construction systems or kits that enable the assembly of different types of constructions, including tensile structures and frame structures, such as tents, fabric architecture, dwellings or similar constructions.

Background

The last decades the number of armed conflicts and natural disasters such as floods, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, drought, wild fire, etc. has increased drastically. As a result, due to the destruction or damage of dwellings and/or the forced migration caused by the disaster a great pressure is placed on housing resources. It is then essential to provide accommodation to the affected population in a quick and efficient way in order to save lives and support the recovery process. Amongst other things, the affected population can find accommodation in emergency shelters and settlements, such as tents and tent camps, temporary transitional shelters and/or more permanent dwellings.

Post-disaster shelter interventions are characterised by the difficulty that disasters can occur all over the world resulting in a wide variety of contexts and needs, which have to be handled by the aid organisations and agencies. In addition most disasters are unpredictable. These two issues seriously complicate the preparedness and efficiency of post-disaster shelter interventions. Furthermore, post-disaster relief is characterised by three different phases: the emergency phase, the care and maintenance or transitional phase, and the permanent solution or reconstruction. Since each phase is characterised by different needs and requirements the form the accommodations takes has to evolve during the process of relief and recovery in order to support the changing needs.

Shelter material and solutions currently used and implemented during shelter interventions -amongst which tents- are characterised by a specific, static and end-state design resulting in a reduced, if not inexistent, flexibility and/or adaptability. Consequently, most shelter solutions cannot meet the local requirements and needs, and cannot support the shelter process along the different phases of relief. On one hand, the current shelter and tent systems cannot be adapted to the local context such as the climate, the geography, the family size and the socio-cultural habits of the inhabitants, nor to the changing context such as temperature changes depending on the season or the time of the day/night and the evolving needs of the affected populations. As a result the current shelter material hampers the provision of adequate and efficient shelter solutions and complicates the response on unpredictable and/or evolving situations. On the other hand, the opportunity to adapt, extend or transform current shelters and tents and/or the components and elements they are composed of is limited or inexistent. In addition, the opportunity to reuse current shelters and tents and/or the components and elements they are composed of in different humanitarian interventions or during the subsequent phases of relief is also limited or inexistent. Consequently, for each shelter intervention and in each phase of the shelter relief new shelter/tent material has to be implemented, resulting in a waste of material and financial means but also in an additional need for material and financial means, in situations in which these means are limited and in many cases insufficient. Summary

The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems. To that end, the invention provides connection elements such as connection plates and profiles, which can be applied in an advantageous way, in combination with structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns, characterized by different sizes, cross sections and materials, to create adaptable and versatile construction systems or kits that can generate a wide variety of constructions, such as tents, transit shelters or more permanent dwellings. The invention thus relates to versatile connection elements that are suitable to be used and implemented in construction systems or kits, so that such construction systems get an adaptable, transformable and demountable character. In other words the versatile design of the connection elements permits - in combination with structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns - to create a variety of formal, e.g. mono-pitched roofs, duo-pitched roofs, hip roofs, etc., and structural typologies, e.g. tensile structures and frame structures, and constructions that can be easily adapted, transformed, extended or reduced depending on the needs and requirements. In addition, due to the versatility a variety of constructions can be realised based on the use of three different types of connection elements only. Besides for humanitarian purposes the invention in question can also be applied in construction systems used for the erection of (temporary) constructions and accommodation for sport, outdoor and leisure activities, logistics and industrial applications, and events and exhibitions, such as camping tents, event halls, party tents, warehouse tents, etc. Due to the temporary use, and the changing boundary conditions and requirements, the adaptability provided by the versatile connection elements, in combination with structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams can increase the use and reuse of the elements constituting the construction systems and thus their efficiency and performance. In certain embodiment the invention can be implemented in a toy construction system, comprising versatile connection elements according to the invention and bars, pipes and profiles with which different artefacts can be created such as toy houses, playthings and playground instruments.

More in particular, the invention is directed to the design and development of versatile connection elements (plates and profiles) that, among other things, can be used to connect at least two structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams of different materials, cross sections and sizes or one structural element such as a bar, a profile, a pipe, a column or a beam with its surrounding, e.g. the ground or a wall. The connection plates/profiles can be combined and positioned in different ways with each other and with structural elements they are connecting so that a wide variation of planar and spatial connections can be realized. The versatile connection elements can also be used to construct adaptable, transformable and dismountable constructions, such as tents, of different typologies and sizes.

In a first aspect the invention relates to a connection plate made from a rigid material such as plastic, composite, or metal, such as steel, aluminium, etc. suitable for the erection of adaptable, transformable and dismountable constructions, whereby the plate is based on a geometrical configuration which is determined by a geometric model and corresponding geometric series, whereby said geometrical configuration consists of a square having sides A, B, C, D, and corners a(A-B), b(B-C), c(C-D), d(D-A), whereby said square is subdivided into 16 equal sub-squares, whereby said sub-squares are provided with a hole or a slot, which slot has a slot hole and which slot has a width which is equal to the diameter of the holes, whereby the length of the square side (x) is determined by a geometrical series in which x equals (Λ/2)^Π cm, whereby n is an integer, whereby the connection plate is configured along a segment from said configuration, said segment having two straight sides essentially equal to sides A and B, interconnected with a circular side (E), whereby said circular side (E) is defined by a circle arc having as centre the middle point of the hole near corner a and as radius (x - 1/8x). In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a connection plate whereby said connection plate comprises at least seven holes which are centrally positioned in said sub-squares along the sides A and B of said square, and further comprises at least two slots, which are positioned along the diagonal connecting corner a to c but which are not positioned in the sub-squares that are next to the corners a or c. In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a connection plate, which further comprises at least two slots, which are positioned along the diagonal connecting corner b to d but which are not positioned in the sub-squares that are next to the corners b or d.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a connection plate, wherein said slots have a slot hole that is positioned centrally in a sub-square, which is not positioned along one of the edges A, B, C, D, wherein said slots are positioned along the diagonals of said square and extends over a length in the direction of a hole near a corner (a,b,c,d), whereby said length is at least (X/8).(2-Λ/2) plus the diameter of said hole. In addition, the invention also provides in another embodiment, a connection plate, wherein said slots have a slot hole that is positioned centrally in a sub-square, which is not positioned along one of the edges A, B, C, D, wherein said slots are positioned along the diagonals of said square and extends over a length in the direction of a hole near a corner (a,b,c,d), whereby said length is at most (X/4).Λ/2. A connection plate according to the invention may further comprise an additional hole which is positioned in the centre of said square.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a connection plate, which further comprises at least two additional holes (5) which are positioned on a circle arc of which the centre is provided in the middle point of the hole near corner a, whereby said arc runs through the middle point of two holes near corners b, d, whereby said holes (5) are positioned on the intersection point of a straight line with said circle arc, and wherein said straight lines run through the centre of said circle arc and form an angle of 30° and 60° respectively with the sides A, B of the square. A connection plate according to the invention is further characterised in that the corners (a, b, d) of said square are rounded according to a circle arc having as centre the hole near corner a, b or d, respectively, and as radius 1/8. x.

In another embodiment, a connection plate is provided, wherein said geometrical configuration further comprises one or more sub-configurations which are superposed on said geometrical configuration, whereby said sub-configurations consist of reduced-size reproductions of said geometrical configuration, and whereby the diameter of the holes and the width of the slots in said sub-configurations are as in said geometrical configuration, and whereby the proportion between the said geometrical configuration and said sub-configurations is determined by the geometrical series based on the operator "multiplying or dividing by Λ/2".

Further a connection plate is provided wherein the scaling centre of said configuration and following sub-configurations is positioned in one of the corners a, b, d resulting in a scaling according to the diagonal or is positioned in the centre of the said square resulting in a concentric scaling with regard to said geometrical configuration. In a second aspect the invention relates to a connection profile, which comprises two, three or more connection plates according to the invention, which are coupled to one another and positioned under an angle of 90° with respect to each other.

In one embodiment the invention provides profile, wherein said profile is an L-shaped connection profile which is formed by two interconnected connection plates according to the invention, and wherein said profile is formed by a first connection plate which is duplicated by being mirrored with regard to one of its straight sides (A or B), and wherein a second connection plate, which corresponds to the mirrored part of said first connection plate, is coupled to said first connection plate under an angle of 90 degrees.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an orthogonal, 3-directional corner profile. Said profile is a corner profile which is formed by three interconnected connection plates according to the invention, wherein said profile is formed by a first connection plate which is duplicated twice by being mirrored with regard to its two straight sides (A and B), and the second and third connection plates which correspond to the mirrored parts of the first connection plate, are coupled to each other and to the first connection plate under an angle of 90 degrees with regard to each other and with regard to the first connection plate.

In a third aspect the invention relates to a construction kit comprising one or more connection plates according to the invention and/or one or more L- shaped connection profiles according to the invention, and/or one or more corner connection profiles according to the invention, and - one or more structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns having holes and being suitable for being mutually connected to said connection plates and/or profiles by means of fastening elements such as screws and bolts, and whereby the position, size and shape of the holes in said structural elements is determined by said geometric model and corresponding geometric series, in order to guarantee the compatibility with the said connection plates and profiles, and optionally one or more cover elements, e.g. a fabric originating from an adaptable and versatile fabric cover system preferably having a form and dimension which are determined by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series used for the design of said connection elements and said structural elements.

In particular, the invention provides a construction kit comprising one or more connection elements according to the invention, and preferably one, two or three different types of connection elements according to the invention, e.g. basic connection plates, and/or L- shaped connection profiles and/or three-directional, orthogonal, corner connection profiles according to the invention, a number of structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns which are provided with corresponding holes, whereby said structural elements are suitable for being mutually connected to said connection elements (plates, profiles) by means of fastening elements such as screws and bolts, and one or more cover elements. For reasons of compatibility and in order to guarantee the power of combination, the shape and dimensions of the structural elements and/or cover elements and the shape, size and position of the connection points, such as bolt holes, are preferably determined by the geometric model and geometric series used for the design of the connection elements (connection plate, L- shaped connection profile, and three-directional, orthogonal, corner connection profile).

The invention thus provides a construction kit with which e.g. different types of adaptable, transformable and dismountable tensile tents and frame tents of different formal configurations and sizes can be constructed. Therefore in another embodiment, the invention also relates to a construction such as a shelter, made by means of a construction kit according to the invention. Thus, a construction is provided which is made by means of a kit according to the invention. Description of the drawings

Figure 1a represents the construction of a geometrical model and corresponding geometric series: A) represent a basic model; B) represents a diagonal construction of the model; C) represent a concentric construction of the model.

Figure 1b represents the construction of a geometric model and geometric series (sub- models) based on a multiplication and division by a factor Λ/2.

Figure 1c represents the construction of another geometric model and geometric series based on a multiplication and division by a factor Λ/2 and an equilateral triangle.

Figure 1d represents an embodiment of a connection plate (1 ) which shows a geometrical configuration that consists of a square basic plate (2) provided with holes (4) (5) (11 ) and slots (3) determined by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series: A) shows the position of the (bolt) holes (4) (11 ) according to an orthogonal grid determined by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series as defined herein; B) is an illustration of how the position of the additional (bolt) holes (5) can be determined in order to enable the connection under different angles, C) shows the position of additional (bolt)holes (5) which enable fastening of connection plates under different angles; D) illustrates the position of the slots (3); E) is a carved out, curved shaped connection plate (7).

Figure 2a represents a perspective view of two connection plates (7) according to the invention; Figure 2b represents a perspective view of a L-shaped connection profile (6) according to the invention; Figure 2c represents a perspective view of a 3-directional, orthogonal corner connection profile (8) according to the invention.

Figure 3A-L represent different embodiments of uses of connection elements according to the invention for connecting structural elements (9) such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams of different materials, cross sections and sizes. Such structural elements are provided with holes (10) and/or slots that correspond to the holes (4, 5, 11 ) provided in the connection elements according to the invention in order to allow connection to said connection elements by means of fastening systems such as screws and bolds.

Figure 4a illustrates a geometric configuration which is determined by a geometric model and corresponding geometric series that have been applied according to the invention and that guarantees compatibility between connection elements of different sizes/scales; A) represents connection plates (1 , 101 ) of different sizes according to the invention and showing a geometric configuration which is determined by the geometric model and the geometric configuration according to the invention; B) illustrates how a geometric configuration of the invention is elaborated according to the geometric model and corresponding geometric series: i.e. by projecting along the diagonal of said connection plate a sub-model of the geometrical model (i.e. a reduced size copy of the original model) resulting in an elaborated geometric configuration of the connection plate including a geometric sub-configuration. Figure 4b represents a perspective view of the elaborated connection plate (12) of figure 4a. Figure 4c represents a perspective view of the elaborated connection plate (12) of figure 4a carried out as an L-shaped connection profile (13). Figure 4d represents a perspective view of the elaborated connection plate (12) of figure 4a carried out as a 3- directional, orthogonal, corner connection profile (14). Figure 4e illustrates the possibility of connection between different connection profiles of different sizes (6, 13), Figure 5a-b represent how shape and dimensions of structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams and how shape, dimensions and positions of connection points such as bolt holes are determined by a geometric model and corresponding geometric series according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

The invention is directed to a connection element and uses thereof in adaptable, transformable and dismountable constructions.

As used herein the term "connection element" is intended to include all type of connection elements such as but not limited to connections plates and connection profiles as defined herein. It shall be noted that a connection profile can be considered to be a connection element comprising two or more connection plates as defined herein which are coupled to one another.

The term "structural element" as used herein is intended to refer to elements such as bars, pipes, profiles, columns and beams. The term "construction" is intended to include all types of structures which can be made using one or more connection elements, i.e. plates and/or profiles, according to the invention, in combination with structural elements and the like, and may include but are not limited to tents, shelters, dwellings, houses, etc.

The term "construction kit" is intended to refer to multitude of elements such as connection plates, connection profiles, structural elements, cover elements, etc. by which a great number of different objects or constructions such as tents can be made.

The term "geometric model" as used herein is intended to refer to a pattern that consists of a square, its inscribed circle and the diagonals of the square that divide the square into isosceles triangles, that can be split up into parts, each of which is a reduced size copy of the whole. At any scale, the squares can be divided into four equal squares, which form a reduced model of the whole consisting of square, inscribed circle and diagonals/triangles. The model can be projected on a material, for instance on a metallic plate, to determine the dimensions, the shape of the plate and the dimensions, shape and position of the connection points. The result is a geometric configuration (or "design"). The term "geometric configuration" thus refers to the configuration, i.e. reproduction, design of a connection element, and is determined by said geometric model and its corresponding geometric series.

The geometric model defines the position of the holes and slots in a connection element of the present application and also in structural elements. The configuration of a plate, as for plate (1) for instance, is a square with holes positioned according to an orthogonal pattern, an inscribed circle, triangle or diagonal is no longer visible on the plate, once fabricated. However, a geometrical model as defined herein and consisting of square, circle, triangle, diagonals, can be projected on this plate to obtain the said configuration for that plate.

The term "geometric series" as used herein refers to a series determined by the factor "multiplying or dividing by Λ/2" and resulting in a series of dimensions given by (Λ/2)^Π cm, whereby n is an integer such as ... -4, -3, -2, -1 , 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. ,.... The term "corresponding" geometric series refers to the fact that the series is determined by/in relation to the geometric model.

The terms geometric and geometrical may be used herein as synonyms.

A "sub-model" as used herein refers to a "reproduction on scale" of a geometric model as defined herein, i.e. it refers to a geometric model of reduced size, in which the size and the proportion in regard to the said model are regulated by the said geometric series, and which also defines the position of the holes and slots. As a result the dimensions of and the proportions between the model and sub-models are regulated by a geometric series based on the mathematical function 'dividing or multiplying by Λ/2'. The projection of the model and sub-models on the plate results in the superposition of the geometric configuration and sub-configuration, which is a scaled version of the geometric configuration. It shall be noted however that the diameter of the holes and the width of the slots in the sub-configuration are similar as in said geometric configuration.

The sub-models are superposed on said geometric configuration in diagonal or concentric position. Thus, according to the invention, the scaling centre of the geometrical configuration and following sub-configurations is positioned in one of the corners of the square resulting in a scaling according to the diagonal or is positioned in the centre of the square resulting in a concentric scaling with regard to said geometrical configuration. The "scaling centre" in this context therefore refers to the starting point from which scaling occurs.

The term "hole" is intended to refer to a substantially circular opening. The term "slot" is intended to refer to an elongated hole, i.e. to an opening having a length which is larger than its width.

The present invention provides connection elements such as connection plates and connection profiles made up of a stiff material in order to connect bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams to each other for the erection of, amongst other things, adaptable constructions such as tensile tents and frame tents. Connection elements are preferably made up of a basic plate provided with openings in the form of holes and slots in which the width of the slots equals the diameter of the holes. The form and dimensions of the connection plate, and the form, dimensions and position of the holes and slots in the plate are determined by a geometric model regulated by a corresponding geometric series.

The geometric model, which consists of a square, its inscribed circle and the diagonals of the square that divide the square into isosceles triangles, can be split up into parts, each of which is a reduced size copy of the whole model. At any scale, the squares can be divided into four equal squares, which form a reduced model of the whole consisting of square, inscribed circle and diagonals. As a result the dimensions of and the proportions between the model and reduced models are regulated by the mathematical function 'dividing or multiplying by 2'. The shrinkage and extension can occur along the diagonal (Figure 1a-B) or in a concentric way (Figure 1a-C). In addition, each intersection of the model can figure as a starting point for a new (sub-) model (reduced model). This geometric model and corresponding geometric series are used to determine the design of the connection elements and the structural elements they are connected to. The formal and dimensional standardisation guarantees compatibility between the different elements (connection elements together, on one hand, and connection elements and structural elements, on the other hand) independently of the size and the scale of the elements and thus increases the power of combination. The geometric series can be elaborated by integrating the dimensions of the diagonal. As a result the dimensions of, and the proportions between the model and sub-models are then regulated by the mathematical function dividing or multiplying by Λ/2, which includes the mathematical function 'dividing or multiplying by 2' and is an extension of the basic geometrical series. The elaboration of the model is given in figure 1b.

In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to connection elements such as a plate and L-shaped profile and 3-dimensional corner profile, made up of a stiff material for the connection of structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams, of different materials which can be connected in different directions creating a wide variety of possible planar and spatial connections, for the erection of constructions such as tensile structures and frame structures, amongst which tents.

The connection plate comprises a square basic connection plate that is provided with openings such as (bolt) holes (4) (5) (11 ) and slots (3) in which the width of the slots equals the diameter of the (bolt) holes. The connection plate is especially characterised in that the shape and the dimensions of the plate and the shape, dimensions and position of the holes, slots on the surface of the plate are regulated/determined by the presented geometric model and corresponding geometric series. The implementation of the geometric model and corresponding geometric series is illustrated in Figure 1d A-E. The use of the presented geometric model and geometric series in order to determine the size and form of the connection plate and the size, form and position of the holes and slots on the surfaces of the plate, presents the advantage that it guarantees mutual compatibility - even between elements of different scales - between the connection elements together, on one hand, and the connection elements and the structural elements, such as bars, pipes, profiles, columns and beams, on the other hand, and by combining and positioning/rotating the connection elements in different ways in regard to each other, planar and spatial connections in different directions and characterised by different angles can be created, resulting in a wide variety of formal, e.g. mono-pitched roofs, duo-pitched roofs, hip roofs, etc., and structural typologies, e.g. tensile structure and frame structure. The versatile design of the connection elements that enables the creation of a wide variety of formal and structural typologies based on a minimal amount of different types of elements (in particular three different types of connection elements) makes it possible to anticipate on disasters and the resulting need for shelter by stockpiling the presented elements and composing packages of suitable shelter kits that provide an adequate shelter in regard to the needs of the relief phase in question and in regard to the family size, the climate, socio-cultural habits, etc. In addition, the construction can be adapted depending on the (evolving) local needs and preferences of the inhabitants by (re-)using the same type of elements and by adapting/changing the (com)position of the elements.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention said connection plate is provided with at least seven holes, and for example nine to twelve holes, and at least two slots, and for example two to four slots, in which the slots are positioned along the diagonals of the square. This positioning of the holes and slots presents the advantage that the structural elements, such as bars, pipes, profiles, columns and beams can be connected to each other according to an angle that varies between 45° and 135°, in plane as well as out of plane.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention a connection plate is provided that is characterised in that the basic square is subdivided into 16 similar sub-squares, which have a side length that correspond to one fourth of the original basic square or 1/4.x, and is subdivided into four isosceles triangles by the diagonals of the basic square, in accordance to the presented geometric model and corresponding geometric series, and in which the holes are positioned in the centre of each similar sub squares and the slots are positioned along the diagonal of the basic square, starting at the holes 15, 16, 17, 18 respectively and ending on a distance equal to at least '(x/8).(2-^l2) plus the diameter of the bolt holes', and for example '(X/4).(Λ/2-1 ) plus the diameter of the bolt holes' or '(x/4).

Λ/2 plus the diameter of the bolt holes', in the direction of the holes positioned in the corners (a,b,c,d) of the basic square. An additional hole (11 ) is positioned in the centre of the basic square.

The regulation of the form and dimensions of the connection plate and the form, dimensions and position of the slots by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series, as described in the invention guarantees compatibility - between the connection elements on one hand and the connection elements and structural elements on the other hand - and a maximal power of combination. By increasing the number of holes and slots all positioned according to the presented geometric model and corresponding geometric series - the number of combinations also increases. Yet, for reasons of strength, stiffness and practical feasibility the number of holes and slots is limited.

In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a connection plate that is characterised in that slots are positioned along the diagonals, starting at the holes 15, 16, 17, 18 respectively and ending on a distance equal to '1/4x minus the radius of the bolt holes' from the centre of the holes positioned in the corners of the basic square. This position and size present the advantage that the structural elements can be secured to the connection plates along the diagonals and that the distance between the holes provided in the structural elements corresponds to the distance between the holes and the slots positioned along the diagonal on the surface of the connection elements so that the compatibility and power of combination is assured. In addition, the size and position present the advantage that two or more connection plates can be positioned upon each other and fastened to each other under an angle of 45°.

In another embodiment the invention is directed to a connection plate that is characterised in that it comprisies slots, which are positioned along the diagonals. A connection plate may comprise four slots. Each of the above-defined 16 sub-squares may be provided with a centrally positioned hole. An additional hole may be present in the centre of said basic square. Four holes in the corner of the square can be connected along the diagonals with their adjacent holes and form said slots. Another characteristic of the connection element is that the dimension x (figure 1d) of the basic square, i.e. the length of the square side (x) is determined by a geometrical series in which x equals (Λ/2)^Π cm, whereby n is an integer, and for instance ... -4, -3, -2, -1 , 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. In order to guarantee the compatibility between the different basic elements (connection elements and structural elements) the number of different dimensions has to be limited. Therefore the different dimensions are determined according to a geometrical series regulated by mathematical function 'multiplying or dividing by a factor Λ/2'. The implementation of the factor Λ/2 for the regulation of the series of dimensions presents the advantage that the leaps between the different dimensions (...- 1/2 -Jl - 1 - yfl - 2 - 2yfl - 4 - 4-42 - 8 - 8yfl - 16 - 16yfl - 32 - 32yfl - 64 - 64yfl - 128 - 128yfl - ... cm) of the geometrical series are reduced. This geometric series includes a geometric series which is regulated by the 'multiplying or dividing by a factor 2'. Furthermore some existing ergonomic and production dimensions can be approximated or integrated by the presented series of dimensions. The simplicity of multiplying or dividing by a factor 2, which is comprised within in the presented series of dimensions, makes it possible to use the series of dimensions in less developed regions or by less skilled persons. In another example the dimensions of the basic square can vary according to the geometric series in which the size of the side of the square amounts to 16 cm. The length of the side of the basic square thus, amongst other things, varies between ... - 8 cm - 11 ,3 cm - 16 cm - 22,6 cm - 32 cm - 45,3 cm - 64 cm - ... In a further preferred embodiment the invention provides a connection plate that is characterised by the fact that at least two additional holes are provided, represented by number (5) in the figures, that are positioned along an arc of a circle of which the centre is located in the centre of one of the corner holes and of which the radius amounts to 3/4 x. The holes are positioned on the intersection of a straight line with the arc. These lines go through the centre of the circle arc and form an angle of 30° and 60°, respectively, with the side of the basic square. These additional holes, which enable to rotate the connection elements upon each other and to secure the connection plates under different angles, so that structural elements such as bars, pipes, profiles, columns and beams can be connected to each other according to an angle of, for example, 30°, 60°, 120° (= 90° + 30°) and 150° (= 90° + 60°), in plane as well as out of plane, are regulated by integrating an equilateral triangle into the geometric model, angles of 60°, and due to the geometric series based on, amongst other things, the multiplier and devider 2, angles of 30° are part of the geometric model and corresponding geometric series (figure 1c). The position of the holes on the circle arc makes it possible to rotate two or more connection plates upon each other round the centre of the circle arc and to secure these connection plates according to an angle of 30° or 60° in regard to each other.

In a further embodiment the invention provides a connection plate that is characterized by the fact that the basic square is carved out according to a second circle arc of which the centre is positioned in the centre of the first circle arc, presented above, and of which the radius equals 7/8 x. Due to the specific position of the additional holes (5) as described above a preferential direction is given to the connection plates so that the use of the material, holes and slots located outside the first circle arc becomes limited. As a consequence the plate is carved out according to a second circle arc, parallel to the first circle arc, in order to diminish the weight of the connection plate. By carving out the connection plate, the sharp corner of the square is replaced by a smooth arc. This presents the advantage that in certain combinations (Figures 3C, 3E-G and 31-J) the smooth curve will not damage a flexible, fabric cover whereas a sharp angle of the square would.

In order to avoid the damage of the cover when combined with flexible, fabric cover elements, the remaining angles of the connection plates are round off by carving the connection plate according to a circle arc of which the centre is positioned in the centre of the sub-squares positioned in the corners (a,b,c,d) of the basic square and the radius equals x/8. Figure 1d-E and Figure 2a illustrate for example a carved out connection plate according to the invention.

In a further embodiment the invention provides a connection plate that is characterised by the fact that the length of the slot that is positioned perpendicularly to the curved edge, and next to the curved edge of the connection plate according to the invention is decreased so that the extremity of that slot is positioned along the diagonal, on a distance equal to 'x/4, increased by the radius of the holes' from the centre of the hole (11 ) positioned centrally in the basic square. This embodiment presents the advantage that a minimal distance is created between the extremity of the slot and the curved edge of the connection plate in order to avoid compressive strain. The position and dimension of that slot in question guarantee that the distance between the hole positioned in the centre of the basic square and the extremity of the slot correspond to the distance between the holes in the structural elements, which are positioned according to the geometric model and corresponding geometric series. In a further embodiment the invention provides a connection plate that is characterised in that the pattern of holes (4) (5) (11 ) and slots (3) according to the invention is repeated and scaled along the diagonal according to the geometric series, yet the diameter of the holes and the width of the slots is maintained. As a result the distance between the holes and slots of the scaled configuration (sub-configuration) and the position of the holes with regard to the straight edges of the connection plate equals the distance observed in the first configuration divided by 2, or in a further elaboration (V2)^π, wherein n is an integer. The superposition of patterns of holes and slots present the advantage that connection plates of different sizes can, not only be connected with each other, but can also be rotated upon each other around the centre of the arc, on which the additional holes (5) are positioned.

In a further embodiment the invention provides an L-shaped connection profile of which both of the flanges correspond to a plate according to the invention. An L-shaped connection profile is e.g. illustrated in Figure 2b. Such an L-shaped connection profile is characterised in that the first connection plate is extended by a mathematical function, namely by mirroring the connection plate in regard to one of its sides and the mirrored part is positioned/bended according to an angle of 90 degrees in regard to the mirror line. The invention thus provides an L-shaped connection profile which is provided with two mutually coupled connections plates according to the invention, whereby said first connection plate is duplicated by being mirrored with regard to one of its edges (sides) which function as a mirror axis, and the duplicated plate is bent over an angle of 90° with respect to the mirror axis. A connection plate as described above is thus extended by mirroring the connection plate along one of the straight sides of the connection plate. The extended connection plate is then bended along the mirror line according to an angle of 90° in order to create an L-profile. The extension of the connection plate into an L-shaped profile, as illustrated in Figure 2b, makes it possible not only to create different angular connections in plane, due to the rotation of the connection plates upon each other, but also out of plane.

In a further embodiment the invention provides an orthogonal, 3-directional corner connection profile of which the three flanges correspond to a connection plate of the invention. Such an orthogonal, 3-directional corner connection profile is e.g. illustrated in Figure 2c. Such an orthogonal, 3-directional corner connection profile may be characterised in that the first connection plate is extended by mirroring the connection plate two times with regard to its two straight sides and the mirrored parts are positioned/bended in the same direction according to an angle of 90 degrees in regard to the mirror line resulting in an orthogonal, 3-directional corner element. The invention also provides a orthogonal, 3-directional corner profile which is provided with three mutually coupled connections plates according to the invention, whereby said first connection plate is triplicated by being mirrored with regard to two of its edges (sides) which function as a mirror axis, and the mirrored parts of the first plate are each bent over an angle of 90° with respect to the respective mirror axis. A connection plate as described above is thus extended by mirroring the connection plate along both of the straight sides of the connection plate. The extended connection plate is then bended in the same direction along each mirror line according to an angle of 90° in order to create an orthogonal, 3- directional corner element, which corresponds to a closed corner element. The extension of the connection plate into an orthogonal, 3-directional corner profile, as illustrated in Figure 2c, makes it possible not only to create different angular connections in plane, due to the rotation of the connection plates upon each other, but also out of plane. In addition, the fact that the connection profiles correspond to a closed corner element the profile is reinforced compared to the L-shaped connection profile and can thus bear larger loads without creaing an angular deflection of the profile.

In another aspect the invention provides also a construction kit that comprises a set of e.g. three different types of connection elements, e.g. basic connection plate, L-shaped connection profile and an orthogonal, 3-directional corner profile according to the invention, and one or more structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns provided with corresponding holes, which makes the bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns suited to be connected to the connection elements by means of a fastening system such as screws and bolts. Such kit may optionally further comprise cover element(s). For reasons of compatibility and in order to guarantee the power of combination, the shape and dimensions of the structural elements/cover elements and the shape, size and position of the connection points, such as bolt holes, are preferably determined by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series (figure 1a-c, 5a-b) used for the design of the connection elements (connection plate, connection L- profile and connection three-dimensional, orthogonal corner element). Figure 3A-L illustrate for example different ways of implementation in which a connection plate, an L- shaped connection profile and an orthogonal, 3directional corner connection element can be applied in order to connect structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns.

For instance, in a preferred embodiment the invention provides shelter kits that comprise a selection of elements such as basic connection plate(s), L-shaped connection profile(s) corner profile(s), structural element(s) and/or cover element(s) (e.g. a fabric),, that can be applied to construct, amongst other things, different types of adaptable, transformable and dismountable tensile tents and frame tents. Further the invention provides an adaptable, transformable and dismountable tent made up from a construction kit according to the invention and comprising flexible fabric cover elements. The implementation of a construction kit according to the invention presents the advantage that different formal typologies, such e.g. mono-pitched roofs, duo-pitched roofs, hip roofs, etc., and structural typologies, such as tensile and frame structures can be created. In addition, for each specific typology the size of the construction/tent can be adapted, in the height, the width as well as in the length. Furthermore each typology can be transformed into another typology by changing the position and combination of the basic elements - structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, columns and beams; connection elements; and fabric cover elements.

Due to the compatibility, guaranteed by the geometric model and corresponding geometric series, and the resulting power of combination, the bearing capacity of the construction can be increased by the addition of (identical) structural elements or by replacing the structural elements by structural elements with another (larger) cross section and/or increased bearing capacity. The geometric model and corresponding geometric series that are used to regulate the design of the connection elements, and the structural elements to combine, according to the invention guarantee the compatibility between the connection elements themselves, the structural elements themselves and the structural elements and the connection elements, independently of the scale.

In the present text the following numbers represent the following elements:

Claims

Claims

1. Connection plate made from a rigid material such as plastic, composite, or metal, such as steel, aluminium, etc. suitable for the erection of adaptable, transformable and dismountable constructions, whereby the plate is based on a geometrical configuration which is determined by a geometric model and corresponding geometric series, whereby said geometrical configuration consists of a square having sides A, B, C, D, and corners a(A-B), b(B-C), c(C-D), d(D-A), whereby said square is subdivided into

16 equal sub-squares, whereby said sub-squares are provided with a hole or a slot, which slot has a slot hole and which slot has a width which is equal to the diameter of the holes. the length of the square side (x) is determined by a geometrical series in which x equals (Λ/2)^Π cm, whereby n is an integer, whereby the connection plate is configured along a segment from said configuration, said segment having two straight sides essentially equal to sides A and B, interconnected with a circular side (E), whereby said circular side (E) is defined by a circle arc having as centre the middle point of the hole near corner a and as radius (x

- 1/8x).

2. Connection plate according to claim 1 , whereby said connection plate comprises at least seven holes which are centrally positioned in said sub-squares along the sides A and B of said square, and further comprises at least two slots, which are positioned along the diagonal connecting corner a to c but which are not positioned in the sub-squares that are next to the corners a or c.

3. Connection plate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least two slots, which are positioned along the diagonal connecting corner b to d but which are not positioned in the sub-squares that are next to the corners b or d.

4. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said slots have a slot hole that is positioned centrally in a sub-square, which is not positioned along one of the edges A, B, C, D, wherein said slots are positioned along the diagonals of said square and extends over a length in the direction of a hole near a corner (a,b,c,d), whereby said length is at least (X/8).(2-Λ/2) plus the diameter of said hole.

5. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein an additional hole is positioned in the centre of said square.

6. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least two additional holes (5) which are positioned on a circle arc of which the centre is provided in the middle point of the hole near corner a, whereby said arc runs through the middle point of two holes near corners b, d, whereby said holes (5) are positioned on the intersection point of a straight line with said circle arc, and wherein said straight lines run through the centre of said circle arc and form an angle of 30° and 60° respectively with the sides A, B of the square.

7. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the corners (a, b, d) of said square are rounded according to a circle arc having as centre the hole near corner a, b or d, respectively, and as radius 1/8. x.

8. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said geometrical configuration further comprises one or more sub-configurations which are superposed on said geometrical configuration, whereby said sub-configurations consist of reduced-size reproductions of said geometrical configuration, and whereby the diameter of the holes and the width of the slots in said sub-configurations are as in said geometrical configuration, and whereby the proportion between the said geometrical configuration and said sub-configurations is determined by the geometrical series based on the operator "multiplying or dividing by V 2".

9. Connection plate according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the scaling centre of said configuration and following sub-configurations is positioned in one of the corners a, b, d resulting in a scaling according to the diagonal or is positioned in the centre of the said square resulting in a concentric scaling with regard to said geometrical configuration.

10. Connection profile comprising two or more connection plates according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said connection plates are coupled to one another and positioned under an angle of 90° with respect to each other.

11. Connection profile according to claim 10, wherein said profile is an L-shaped connection profile which is formed by two interconnected connection plates according to any of claims 1 to 9, and wherein said profile is formed by a first connection plate which is duplicated by being mirrored with regard to one of its straight sides (A or B), and wherein a second connection plate, which corresponds to the mirrored part of said first connection plate, is coupled to said first connection plate under an angle of 90 degrees.

12. Connection profile according to claim 10, wherein said profile is a corner profile which is formed by three interconnected connection plates according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said profile is formed by a first connection plate which is duplicated twice by being mirrored with regard to its two straight sides (A and B), and the second and third connection plates which correspond to the mirrored parts of the first connection plate, are coupled to each other and to the first connection plate under an angle of 90 degrees with regard to each other and with regard to the first connection plate.

13. Construction kit comprising one or more connection plates according to any of claims 1 to 9 and/or one or more L-shaped connection profiles according claim 10 or 11 , and/or one or more corner connection profiles according claim 10 or 12, and

- one or more structural elements such as bars, profiles, pipes, beams and columns having holes and being suitable for being mutually connected to said connection plates and/or profiles by means of fastening elements such as screws and bolts, and whereby the position, size and shape of the holes in said structural elements is determined by said geometric model and corresponding series, and optionally one or more cover elements.

14. Constructions made by means of a construction kit according to claim 13.