WO2009095946A2

WO2009095946A2 - Joint for reticular structure

Info

Publication number: WO2009095946A2
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silorata Massimo Bernabo'
Original assignee: Silorata Massimo Bernabo'
Priority date: 2008-01-29
Filing date: 2009-01-29
Publication date: 2009-08-06
Also published as: ITRM20080047A1; WO2009095946A3

Abstract

The invention find a number of applicaitons in the construction field, particularly in the implementation of reticular structures. As node reticular structures sono replaced by rods and joints chic, combined one wiht another, allow you to define spaces and volumes. The joints of these structures can be 'customized' for a particular project or 'universal', so that they can provide a plurality of clutches for different occasions depending on project needs. In most of the cases the 'universal' joints have the following features : 1. rods are grafted second predetermined angles 2. They are located in the head of the rod. The invented joint differs from existing ones for these special features : 1. You can insert up to eight rods. 2 The angles between the rods are absolutely free 3 Rods are always complanare. 4 The joint can be positioned in the head of the rods 5 The joint can be positioned along the length of the rods or panels 6 The joint can be positioned on the edges of frames or panels. Note: the opportunity to be placed along the edges of frames or panels allows the joint to work in pairs or in series creating innovative reticular structures (joint / frame). The described characteristics allow the joint to create virtually unlimited structure forms, and all of them can be easily designed, assembled and disassembled.

Description

DESCRIPTION

JOINT FOR RETICULAR STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Construction

BACKGROUND ART

The constructive system is a kind of reticular structure, characterized from being formed by nodes and rods, which combines geometric patterns and allows you to define spaces and volumes .

In conventional reticular structures the link between the poles of the structure is obtained through two main techinques:

1) joints welded to the rods

2) joints bolted or screwed to the rods.

Currently there are two types of systems that use joint screwed or bolted to the rods: a) "universal" joint: generally consists of beads that allow the insertion of rods on predetermined angles. b) "customized" joint: studied "ad hoc" for each structure implemented andytherefore limited to it.

In both cases the joint is positioned at the top rod.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION:

The invention, that can be located in the field of "universal" joints, is valid for many applications and is particularly geared towards the creation of light and "temporary" structures that can be easily assembled and disassembled, such as exhibition stands, stage sets, gazebos, covers in general, geodetic domes, etc The invention consists of a joint that has the following characteristics:

1) The coupling device allows you to place up to eight rods around him, with no overlap between them.

2) The rods can be placed in any position, angles between them are not predetermined.

3) The coupling devici can be connected to the rod (in head) or frames (along the sides).

With these features, you can create structures with essentially unlimited reticular conformation.

The joint is composed of four main parts:

- PIN

- MALE TERMINAL

- FEMALE TERMINAL

- SLED.

PIN (axis of rotation of the node)

As shown in fig.l, this component takes the form of a double cylinder cable (letters a ', b') and two discs (point c '), with conic sections (letter e¹ ) , jagged edges, and the apex directed toward the interior of the solid (point d ')• See fig. 2-3-4-5-6

Thanks to this particular design the hub allows you to:

1) connect multiple rods around it (together with clamps and guides) .

2) connect the system to other external parts (through the passage of screws through the cylinder cable 'a')- See fig.7

3) insert rods or other means of straps wrapped around the cylinder "b '". See fig.7 CLAMPS

As shown in Figure 8 there are two separate clamps, whose form is derived from a triangular prism, with mutual solidarity obtained by a screw around the pivot.

The "male" clamp has a hole for the passage of a screw (Fig. 9, point c'¹), the "female" clamp presents an inside threaded cylinder which accepts the screw itself (fig.16, letter d '').

Both components have a shaped beak(Fig. 9-16, a ''letter) for coupling with the pin and two feet (Fig. 9-16, b¹') for sliding on the sled.

The fig. 2 / 6 in particular illustrates the clamp holes.

The fig. 3 / 6 in particular illustrates the clamp with the threaded barrel.

Note: The number of rods that can be assembled around the cylinder can be obtained from the angle that the faces of the terminals, on which the beak, is derived, form between them.

Consequently: >

- With an angle of 22.5 ° you can assemble up to 16 rods around the cylinder fig.23 / A

- With an angle of 45 ° you can assemble up to 8 rods around the cylinder fig.23 / B

- With an angle of 60 ° you can assemble up to 6 rods around the cylinder fig.23 / C

- With an angle of 90 ° you can assemble up to 4 rods around the cylinder fig.23 / D.

The choice of terminal type to be used will be a function of the desired modularity. SLED

As shown in Fig. 25 the sled is formed by a plate with two edges shaped to accommodate the terminals (a^{1 1 1}), two screw holes to guarantee the connection with the rod (b'¹ 'c'^{1 1}) and a groove to accommodate, by scrolling, fittings and accessories

(letter^{1 •} d ' ) .

The fig.27, 28,29,30,31,32 - indicate the plan, elevation and section dimensions of the guide.

The Fig.24 shows the hinge as a whole and highlights the position of the guide.

MATERIALS :

The materials for the construction of the invention may be aluminum, steel or plastic in relation to a greater or lesser size and strength of the expected structure.

DIMENSIONS :

The size of the hinge shown in the graphic (to be considered "minimal") is indicative and will vary in relation to the size of the structures to be implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

The drawings contained in the 6 attached tables are:

Sheet.1 / 6) THE PIVOT

Figures 1,2,3,4,5 describe its geometric characteristics In figure 6.7 the module is represented with the other components .

Sheet.2 / 6) THE "MALE" CLAMP

Figures 9,10,11,12,13,14,15 describe its geometric characteristics. In figure 8 the clamp is represented together with the other components .

Sheet.3 / 6) THE "FEMALE" CLAMP

Figures 16,17,18,19,20,21,22 describe its geometric characteristics.

In figure 8 the clamp is represented together with the other components .

Sheet.4 / 6) SLED

Figures 25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32 describe its geometric characteristics.

In figure 24 the sled is represented with the other components.

Sheet.5 / 6) SCHEDULE FOR INSTALLATION

Figures 31,32,33,34,35,36 describe the coupling system.

Figures 37, 38 show the positioning of the joint in the head of the rod or along the length of it.

Sheet.6 / 6) EXAMPLES

In figure 39 and 40 are presented some projects and realizations examples .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:

The best way to implement the invention is to proceed by stamping the individual parts of the joint and then by assembling them with wood or metal rods and frames.

Here we describe the various operations: Preliminary Step:

1) Create solidarity between the guidance and the type of rod/case selected. Fig.31

2) Insert one of the terminals in the guide, fig.32

Mounting:

1) Put the cylinder along the first clamp, fig.33

2) Insert the second clamp fig.34 and connect it to the first through the screw placed in it. This way you create a single rod-sled-clamp-cylinder block, fig.35.

4) Put that block near the second shaft and lock the second shaft in the same manner described above, fig.36.

5) The following operations lead to the completion of the structure to be implemented, as shown by some examples given in fig.37-38.

The entire structure can then be assembled and disassembled with the help of a simple screwdriver because it is the movement of the screw that either block or unblock the system. The special geometry of the system guarantees that:

- Once the clamps are tighten, thanks to their "beaks", they are forced to be positioned exactly at the center of the cylinder (axis of rotation of the system) and prevent the cylinder to unlock from them;

- The pressure exerted by the clamps on the cylinder through the "beaks" on its conical surface, and through the faces on its internal disk, prevents the rotational movement of them, and consequently of the entire shaft, around the pivot.

- Obviously, a lower initial pressure will allow the rod to rotate in the required position, a greater pressure will lock it in that position.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:

Temporary construction, exhibition stands, covers, gazebos, geodesic domes.

Claims

1) Pivot: the upper and lower ends of the cylinder-shaped inverted cone, with the apex directed inwards, whose function is to guide the clamps toward the center of rotation and prevent them from unlocking (point e ' ) .

2) Pivot: the Perforation of the upper surface of the disk that provides a greater friction between the components (letter d ' )

3) Pivot: the central hole along the cylinder which allows the passage of screws or rods in order to connect the structure to other parts of the building (point a ' ) .

4) Pivot: a central groove due to the different diameter of the cylinder which allows the placement of hanging rods or other (b

') .

5) Clamps: the particular "beak" form (letter to'¹) through which the terminals once positioned and locked between them, perfectly adhere to the cylinder and can no longer unlock from it.

6) Clamps: the mechanism for opening-closing of the system garantendo by the screw connection of the terminals (letter d") .

7) Clamps: the particular shape of the base that allows it to slide on the sled without unlocking possibility (b¹¹)

8) Sledge: The section of the sledge

9) Sledge: The geometry of the sledge, which is complementary to the clamps one, and allows the scrolling.

10) Sledge: The holes for the attachment of screw/bolts to the rod.

11) Sledge: The site for the insertion of accessories.