Connector for 3-dimensional frame structures

Patent 4915532 Issued on April 10, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 12, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

1679758

2683329

3148539

3476421

3867048

Connecting apparatus for frame members
Patent #: 3982841
Issued on: 09/28/1976
Inventor: Endzweig

Joint assembly
Patent #: 3986316
Issued on: 10/19/1976
Inventor: Blodee

Universal hub for geodesic domes
Patent #: 4194851
Issued on: 03/25/1980
Inventor: Littlefield

Joint for space frames
Patent #: 4474490
Issued on: 10/02/1984
Inventor: Harper, Jr.

Furniture article with compression hub for joining radial members Patent #: 4501512
Issued on: 02/26/1985
Inventor: Hiltz

Inventor

Radclyffe, Simon P.

Application

No. 119851 filed on 11/12/1987

US Classes:

403/171, Polyhedral403/170, Three or more radiating members403/176, Polyhedral403/218All encompassed

Examiners

Primary: Cuomo, Peter M.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Killworth, Gottman, Hagan & Schaeff

Foreign Patent References

0164271 EP. 12/13/1985
1088334 DE 09/13/1960
2457674 DE 06/13/1976
2059876 FR. 06/13/1971
2136936 FR. 12/13/1972
2250395 FR. 05/13/1975
2350542 FR. 12/13/1977
2390613 FR 01/13/1979
2400135 FR. 03/13/1979
2494353 FR. 05/13/1982

International Class

F16B 007/00

Foreign Application Priority Data

1986-11-13 GB

Abstract

A connector for connecting structural members such as panels, rods and tubes, to form a three-dimensional structure, comprises a connector body with a pair of axial slots at opposite ends thereof shaped to receive and retain tongues on the ends of the structural members and at least one annular channel extending around the connector body to receive similar tongues of further structural members extending in directions transverse to those in the axial slots. The axial slots and the channel have constrictions adjacent the outer surface of the connector body to retain tongues having widened free ends which are elongate in end view.