Connector assembly

Abstract

 A connector assembly (10, 110, 210, 310) for a support structure includes a structure member (12, 112) and a connector (14, 114, 314). The assembly is arranged to permit the structure member to be assembled to the connector at an orientation which is selectable from a range of predetermined orientations.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, particularly but not exclusively a connector assembly for a support structure.

[0002] Conventionally, support structures comprising a plurality of structure members employ a variety of arrangements for connecting the structure members to each other. These include methods such as welding and jointing, and the use of connector fittings such as sleeves, couplings or joints. Such arrangements suffer a number of disadvantages. Methods such as welding and jointing, while providing a connecting method which can be adjusted as required at the time of jointing, are permanent, generally do not allow easy disassembly, are relatively laborious and time consuming, and require a high degree of skill. Sleeves, couplings or joints permit connections between structure members to be made relatively easily, but only generally allow a limited range of standardised orientations between the structure members being connected and only allow limited adjustment of orientation at the time of connection. In the case of structures such as geodesic structures, the orientations of the structure members relative to each other can be relatively complex and "non standard", and can depend on the size and design of the geodesic structure being constructed.

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly for a support structure, the assembly including a structure member and a connector, the assembly being arranged to permit the structure member to be assembled to the connector at an orientation which is selectable from a range of predetermined orientations.

[0004] Preferably, the assembly is arranged to permit the orientation of the structure member to be adjusted within the range of predetermined orientations during and after assembly.

[0005] Preferably, the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a first axis.

[0006] Preferably, the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

[0007] Preferably, the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a third axis. The third axis may be aligned in parallel with the first axis.

[0008] Preferably, the connector includes a first connector part, which may include a head and a body. The head may extend from the body and may be enlarged relative to the body, and the structure member may define a channel in which the head is receivable.

[0009] Preferably, the assembly is arranged so that the structure member is pivotable about an axis of the head, the head axis comprising the first axis. Preferably, the head includes a pair of opposed substantially similar convex surfaces which in an assembled condition each abut the structure member. The head axis may be located equidistantly from and between the opposed convex surfaces.

[0010] Preferably, the assembly includes retaining means, which may be arranged to retain the structure member in the selected orientation relative to the first connector part. The retaining means may include a retaining member, which may pass through a passage defined by the structure member and a passage defined by the head.

[0011] Preferably, the assembly is arranged so that the structure member is pivotable about the axis of the retaining member, which comprises the second axis.

[0012] Preferably, the retaining means includes a friction raiser, to impede movement of the structure member relative to the first connector part. The friction raiser may include a friction raising surface, which may be formed on one or both of the convex surfaces of the head. Preferably, the friction raising surface includes one or a plurality of serrations.

[0013] Preferably, the connector includes a second connector part, which may be arranged so that the range of predetermined orientations includes one or a plurality of discrete orientations around the third axis.

[0014] Preferably, the second connector part defines one or a plurality of channels, in which an engaging projection associated with the structure member may be receivable. The or each channel may be arranged so that the engaging projection is slidably receivable within the or each channel, and may be slidably receivable by movement in a direction parallel with the third axis.

[0015] Preferably, the or each channel includes a channel mouth and a wider part, the mouth opening inwardly to the wider part, and the engaging projection may be shaped to correspond with the shape of the channel.

[0016] Preferably, the second connector part includes a circular periphery which may be centred on the third axis, and the plurality of channels may be equally spaced around the periphery.

[0017] The assembly may include locking means, which may be arranged to lock the engaging projection in position in the selected channel.

[0018] Preferably, the first connector part includes the engaging projection, which extends from an opposite end of the body to the head.

[0019] Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of structure members and may include a plurality of first connector parts, and each first connector part may be associated with one of the structure members. Preferably, the assembly is arranged to permit each structure member to be assembled to the connector at an orientation which is selectable from the respective range of predetermined orientations for that structure member. The range of predetermined orientations may be different for each structure member.

[0020] Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a connector for use in an assembly as defined above.

[0021] Still further according to the present invention, there is provided a support structure, the support structure including an assembly as defined above.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a connector assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of another connector assembly;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of another connector assembly;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another connector assembly; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Fig. 4 assembled with end plates.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a connector assembly 10, the connector assembly including a structure member 12 and a connector in the form of a first connector part 14. The first connector part 14 includes a body 16 and a head 18, the head 18 extending from the body 16 and being enlarged relative to the body 16. The head 18 includes a pair of opposed convex surfaces 30. A friction raising surface is formed on each of the convex surfaces 30 of the head 18, the friction raising surface comprising a plurality of serrations 34.

[0024] The head 18 is of a constant cross sectional shape through its depth. Each convex surface 30 subtends an angle of approximately 50°.

[0025] The structure member 12 defines a channel 20 in which the head 18 of the first connector part 14 is receivable. The assembly 10 includes retaining means in the form of a retaining bolt 26 which passes through passages 22 defined by arms 21 of the structure member 12 on either side of the channel 20 and a passage 24 defined by the head 18.

[0026] In use, the assembly is initially in a disassembled condition. The head 18 of the first connector part 14 is positioned within the channel 20 of the structure member 12, and the bolt 26 located through the structure member passage 22 and the head passage 24. A nut 27 threadably engages the bolt 26. Prior to tightening the nut 27 on the bolt 26, the orientation of the structure member 12 can be adjusted relative to the first connector part 14. The orientation can be adjusted by pivoting the structure member 12 about a second axis which is the longitudinal axis 28 of the bolt 26 as shown by arrow A, and by pivoting the structure member 12 about a first axis 19 of the head 18 as indicated by arrows B, the head axis 19 being perpendicular to the bolt axis 28. The head axis 19 is located equidistantly from and between the convex surfaces 30.

[0027] The amount of possible adjustment of the orientation of the structure member 12 about the head axis 19 will depend upon the shape of the convex surfaces 30 and the closeness of fit of the bolt 26 within the structure member passage 22 and the head passage 24. In one example, the structure member 12 could be adjusted through an angle 32 of approximately 10° about the head axis 19. In another example, the first connector part could be arranged so that the structure member 12 could be adjusted through an angle 32 of approximately 40° about the head axis 19.

[0028] Once the orientation of the structure member 12 relative to the first connector part 14 is correct, the nut 27 is tightened upon the bolt 26, clamping the arms 21 of the structure member 12 onto the head 18 of the first connector part 14. As the arms 21 are clamped to the head 18, the serrations 34 bite into the arms 21. The bite of the serrations 34 raises the friction between the convex surfaces 30 of the head 18 and the structure member 12, impeding movement of the structure member 12 relative to the first connector part 14, and thus retaining the structure member 12 in the selected orientation relative to the first connector part 14.

[0029] The first connector part 14 could form part of another structure member or could, for instance, could form part of a fixture. Fig. 2 shows a further example in which a connector assembly 110 includes a pair of structure members 12 which are assembled to a connector in the form of a double headed first connector part 114, the double headed first connector part 114 including a body 16 having a head 18 at each end. The features and use of the connector assembly 110 are similar to that previously described for the connector assembly 10 of Fig. 1. The assembly 110 of Fig. 2 permits each structure member 12 to be assembled to the first connector part 114 at an orientation which is selectable from a range of predetermined orientations, which includes a range of radial orientations of each structure member 12 around the respective bolt axis 28, and a range of radial orientations of each structure member 12 around the respective head axis 19.

[0030] A number of modifications of this embodiment are possible. One of the heads 18 could be orientated at a different angle to the other head 18. The first connector part could include a different number of heads extending from the body 16.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows another connector assembly 210, the assembly 210 including a pair of structure members 112 and a connector in the form of a second connector part 40. Each structure member 112 includes an engaging projection 50 which includes a leg 52 and a foot 54, the foot 54 extending from the leg 52 and being enlarged relative to the leg 52. The second connector part 40 is in the form of a circular ring centred on a third axis 56, and defines a plurality of engaging projection receiving channels 42 which are equally spaced around the periphery 58 of the second connector part 40.

[0032] Each engaging projection receiving channel 42 includes a channel mouth 44 which opens inwardly to a wider part 48, and the engaging projection 50 is shaped to correspond with the shape of the channel 42.

[0033] The cross sectional shape of the second connector part 40 is constant along the depth thereof.

[0034] In use the engaging projection 50 of each structure member 112 is slidably inserted within one of the channels 42 so that the orientation of the structure members 112 relative to each other best suits the particular installation. Each structure member 112 may be removed and placed in another channel 42 to adjust the radial orientation of that structure member 112 around the third axis 56. The channels 42 thus allow the orientation of the structure members 112 relative to each other and to the second connector part 40 to be adjusted in discrete intervals, the intervals being determined by the number of channels spaced around the periphery 58. For instance, in one example, thirty channels could be spaced around the periphery, giving an interval of orientation as indicated by arrow C and angle 46 in Fig. 3 of 12°.

[0035] A number of modifications are possible in relation to this embodiment. The second connector part 40 could be of any shape, and the channels and engaging projections could be of any suitable shape. Any suitable number of channels could be provided. The engaging projections could be provided on any suitable member.

[0036] Figs. 4 and 5 show another connector assembly 310, the connector assembly 310 including a pair of structure members 12 and a connector including a plurality of first connector parts 314 and a second connector part 340. The structure members 12 are similar to the structure members described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The second connector part 340 is similar to that described above and shown in Fig. 3. The first connector part 314 comprises a body 16 and a head 18, which are similar to that described for the first connector part in Figs. 1 and 2. The first connector part 314 includes an engaging projection 50 at an opposite end of the body 16 to the head 18, the engaging projection 50 being similar to that previously described above and shown in Fig. 3.

[0037] In use, the connector assembly 310 is assembled as follows. Each structure member 12 is assembled to one of the first connector parts 314 in the manner described previously for the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The engaging projection 50 of each first connector part 314 is then slidably mounted within one of the projection receiving channels 42 so that each structure member 12 is oriented relative to the other structure members 12 as required. Each first connector part 314 can be disengaged from its respective channel 42 and repositioned in another channel 42 thus permitting the radial orientation of each first connector part 314 and its associated structure member 12 to be selected and adjusted around the third axis 56. The nuts 27 can be slackened on the bolts 26 to allow adjustment of the orientation of each structure member 12 around the respective bolt axis 28 and head axis 19.

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the head axis 19 of each of the first connector parts 314 is aligned in parallel with the third axis 56 of the second connector part 340. This allows the adjustment of the orientation around the head axis 19 to provide a relatively fine adjustment of the orientation of the structure member 12 around, in effect, the third axis 56, in comparison with the relatively coarse adjustment provided by the channels 42. The first and second connector parts can be arranged to permit effectively a continuous range of adjustment of orientation around the third axis 56. This can be achieved by appropriate selection of an angle of adjustment 32 of the first connector part relative to the interval angle 46 of the second connector part. To permit location of the structure members 12 to a continuous range of points around the third axis 56, the angle of adjustment 32 must be greater than the interval angle 46. For instance, in the example in which the interval angle 46 is 12º, structure members 12 can be located to a continuous range of points around the third axis 56 if the angle of adjustment is greater than 12°.

[0039] Once the relative orientations of the structure members 12 are correct, the nuts 27 are tightened on the bolts 26, locking the structure members 12 in position.

[0040] The order of assembly could be different to that described above. The first connector parts 314 could be assembled to the second connector part 346 and the structure members 12 then assembled to the first connector parts 314.

[0041] The second connector part 340 includes a plurality of formations 60 extending along the depth of the second connector part 340 and which define fastener channels 62. Referring to Fig. 5, with the engaging projections 50 of the first connector parts 314 in position, a locking means in the form of a circular end plate 64 is positioned at each end of the second connector part 40 and fasteners such as bolts 66 located through the end plates 64 and along the fastener channels 62 to secure the end plates 64 in position against the ends of the second connector part 40, so that the engaging projections 50 are retained within the projection receiving channels 42. The structure members 12 are now locked in position.

[0042] The structure members 12 may be easily repositioned by removing the end plates 64 and relocating the engaging projections 50 of the first connector parts 314 within alternative projection receiving channels 42, and/or by slackening the nuts 27 on the bolts 26 and re-orientating the structure members 12 about the bolt axis 28 and the head axis 19.

[0043] Structure members 12 could be formed of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. The first and second connector parts, being substantially constant in cross sectional shape could be formed by extrusion, and could be formed of aluminium. Alternatively, the first and/or second connector parts could be formed by casting.

[0044] There is thus provided connector assemblies which allow adjustment of the position of structure members relative to each other when a structure is being built, and yet require little skill and only simple tools in use. The assemblies are easy to adjust in situ and to disassemble. The assemblies allow a wide range of relative orientations including "non standard" orientations to be easily achieved. The connector assemblies described are particularly suitable for use in the construction of geodesic structures in which structure members are orientated relative to each other by angles and orientations which are complex and "non standard" and can vary depending upon the size and design of the geodesic structure. The invention provides one connector assembly permitting the easy construction of a wide range of geodesic structures.

[0045] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (10, 110, 210, 310) for a support structure, characterised in that the assembly (10, 110, 210, 310) includes a structure member (12, 112) and a connector (14, 114, 314), the assembly (10, 110, 210, 310) being arranged to permit the structure member to be assembled to the connector at an orientation which is selectable from a range of predetermined orientations.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, in which the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a first axis (19).

3. An assembly according to claim 2, in which the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a second axis (28), the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

4. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the range of predetermined orientations includes radial orientations around a third axis (56).

5. An assembly according to claim 4 when dependent on claims 2 or 3, in which the third axis may be aligned in parallel with the first axis.

6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the connector includes a first connector part (14, 114, 314) the first connector part including a head (18) and a body (16), the head extending from the body and being enlarged relative to the body.

7. An assembly according to claim 6 when ultimately dependent on claim 2, in which the assembly is arranged so that the structure member is pivotable about an axis (19) of the head, the head axis comprising the first axis.

8. An assembly according to claims 6 or 7, in which the structure member defines a channel (20) in which the head is receivable.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, in which the head includes a pair of opposed substantially similar convex surfaces (30) which in an assembled condition each abut the structure member, and the head axis is located equidistantly from and between the opposed convex surfaces.

10. An assembly according to any of claims 6 to 9, in which the assembly includes retaining means (26, 28, 34), which are arranged to retain the structure member in the selected orientation relative to the first connector part, the retaining means including a retaining member (26), which passes through a passage (22) defined by the structure member and a passage (24) defined by the head.

11. An assembly according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the assembly is arranged so that the structure member is pivotable about the axis (28) of the retaining member, which comprises the second axis.

12. An assembly according to claims 10 or 11 when dependent on claim 9, in which the retaining means includes a friction raiser (34), to impede movement of the structure member relative to the first connector part, the friction raiser including a friction raising surface (34), which is formed on one or both of the convex surfaces of the head.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, in which the friction raising surface includes one or a plurality of serrations (34).

14. An assembly according to claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the connector includes a second connector part (40, 340) the second connector part being arranged so that the range of predetermined orientations includes one or a plurality of discrete orientations around the third axis.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, in which the second connector part defines one or a plurality of channels (44), an engaging projection (50) associated with the structure member being receivable in the or each channel.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, in which the or each channel is arranged so that the engaging projection is slidably receivable therein by movement in a direction parallel with the third axis.

17. An assembly according to claims 15 or 16, in which the or each channel includes a channel mouth (44) and a wider part (48), the mouth opening inwardly to the wider part, and the engaging projection is shaped to correspond with the shape of the channel.

18. An assembly according to any of claims 15 to 17, in which the second connector part includes a circular periphery (58) which is centred on the third axis, and the plurality of channels is equally spaced around the periphery.

19. An assembly according to any of claims 15 to 18, in which the assembly includes locking means (64, 66), which are arranged to lock the engaging projection in position in the selected channel.

20. An assembly according to any of claims 15 to 19, when dependent on claim 6, in which the first connector part includes the engaging projection, the engaging projection extending from an opposite end of the body to the head.

21. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the assembly includes a plurality of structure members.

22. An assembly according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the assembly includes a plurality of first connector parts, and each first connector part is associated with one of the structure members.

23. A connector for use in an assembly according to any of the preceding claims.

24. A support structure, the support structure including an assembly according to any of claims 1 to 23.

Drawing