Separable joint for arm and hub constructions

Patent 5356234 Issued on October 18, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 26, 2012. 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

2931467

3275351

3452452

3527486

3715136

Construction set for the erection of a supporting structure Patent #: 4951440
Issued on: 08/28/1990
Inventor: Staeger

Inventor

Vangool, William

Assignee

506567 Ontario Limited

Application

No. 966423 filed on 10/26/1992

US Classes:

403/170, Three or more radiating members52/646, Three-dimensional space-defining403/171Polyhedral

Examiners

Primary: Bradley, P. Austin
Assistant: Pelto, Rex E.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Howrey & Simon

Foreign Patent References

640730 CA. 05/13/1962
647419 CA. 08/13/1962
714248 CA. 07/13/1965
964833 CA. 03/13/1975
2102466 GB 02/13/1983

International Classes

E04B 001/19
E04B 001/58

Abstract

There is provided an improved separable joint for arm and hub constructions for structural frameworks. The separable joint comprises a hub having sides and opposite ends. A plurality of spaced, longitudinal, parallel apertures extend end to end through the hub positioned towards the sides of the hub. Parallel, longitudinally extending slots extend between the sides of the hub and central portions of the apertures. An elongated spline is provided having ends and sides. A keyway slot extends from end to end through the spline and opening to one side. The sides of the spline are contoured to conform to the sides of the corresponding apertures in the hub and to be releasable received therein with the keyway slot opening and the hub aperture slot aligned adjacent to each other. The spline has secured in its keyway slot a co-operative interlocking key formed in an end of a corresponding arm. Securing means are provided at the ends of the hub to prevent accidental removal of the splines and associated arms when in position in the hub apertures.