GB2303190A - Frameworks formed of rods and nodal connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

A framework for buildings, or for use as a toy, includes spherical nodal connectors (1) (Figure 1) having screwthreaded sockets (3) each for receiving the end (17) (Figure 2) of a screwthreaded plug (15) axially movable in a screwthreaded insert (25) secured in each of the ends of tubular rods (13).

Description

CONSTRUCTIONAL APPARATUS This invention relates to constructional apparatus, in particular apparatus in which rods and spherical members are connected together to form a variety of different shapes and frameworks.

Such constructional apparatus are known for use as building toys, but the present invention is of use not only in connection with toys but also for structures including frameworks for buildings such as green-houses, shelters and more substantial structures.

Existing constructional apparatus of the type discussed above typically comprises spherical connectors made out of a soft material, and rod members formed out of a relatively rigid material. Although it is easy to join together a plurality of spherical connectors and rod members, the resulting structure is not rigid and cannot be used to form an accurately dimensioned structure.

According to the present invention there is provided a constructional apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially spherical connector members and a plurality of co-operating rod members, each connector member having a plurality of radially disposed and peripherally spaced apart socket elements, each rod member having an elongated body portion, and at least at one end thereof, a plug element adapted for engagement with a socket element to effect a joint between a rod member and the spherical member, the rod member being provided with means for moving the plug element relative to the body portion in a direction along the longitudinal axes of the body portion.

By means of the present invention, it is possible to utilise spherical connectors of rigid form as well as rod members of rigid form. The adjustability of the plug element of the rod member allows the whole structure, when assembled, to be not only rigid but of accurate shape and dimensions.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a spherical connector member of an embodiment of the present invention: Figure 2 illustrate a rod member of the same embodiment as that of Figure 1: and Figure 3 illustrates the joining together of spherical connector of Figure 1 and the rod member of Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a spherical connector forming part of an embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a solid ball 1 made of aluminium provided with 18 blind holes 3 which are equiangularly spaced about the periphery of ball 1. Each hole 3 is internally threaded and extends radially into ball 1, making an angle of 45" between each hole. Ball 1 may have a diameter of 2cm in this particular embodiment but in other applications the corresponding spherical connector may be of quite different sizes.

Referring to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, a rod member 11 is for use in connection with the spherical connector of Figure 1. Rod member 11 includes a length of aluminium tube 13 which in this embodiment has a diameter of 8mm. Inserted into each end of aluminium tube 13 is a plug element 15 which includes a length of aluminium bar 17 which is threaded on its external circular-cylindrical surface and which carries a turning member 19 secured thereto. Turning member 19 includes turning section 21 which is of hexagonal shape enabling a spanner or other tool to be engaged with the turning member to turn this member together with bar 17. Turning member 19 also includes frusto-conical section 23 extending from hexagonal section 21 in a direction away from rod 13.

Plug member 11 further includes insert 25 which is in the form of a hollow short cylinder having an outwardly extending flange 27. The external diameter of the main section of insert 25 is such that the insert can be fitted within the end of rod 13 and secured thereto by means of a press fit and/or an adhesive bond. The internal surface of insert 25 is threaded to match the external threaded surface of bar 17. Figure 2 shows the plug element 15 in position in the end of rod 13 and plug element 15 screwed into insert 25 to the maximum extent possible so that the flat radial surface of turning member 19 abuts the corresponding radial surface of insert 25.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated the relationship between a rod member 31 and spherical connectors 35. Figure 3A shows the rod member 31 in its desired position relative to spherical connector 35 and with the plug element 37 in the same position relative to rod 39 as is illustrated in Figure 2. At this point there is no positive engagement between rod member 31 and spherical connector 35. However, by turning hexagonal turning member 41, bar 43 can be engaged with one of the threaded holes (not shown) in spherical connector 35. Figure 3B illustrates the position after this engagement has been accomplished.During this procedure the rod 39 of rod member 31 remains in the same spatial relationship to spherical connector 35, as is illustrated in Figure 3C, because as the plug element is screwed into engagement with spherical connector 35, it unscrews from rod 39, leaving rod 39 in an unchanged spatial relationship relative to spherical connector 35.

A structural framework can be assembled using a plurality of spherical connectors and rod members as described above.

The entire structure, when assembled, will be completely rigid and able to withstand tensile, compressive and side load stresses/forces.

It should be appreciated that, in various possible embodiments of the present invention, the sizes of the components can vary and the materials used can also vary.

Furthermore the expression "substantially spherical" as applied to the nodal connectors is intended to cover any appropriate symmetrical shape including the octodecahedron (an 18-sided solid). It should also be appreciated that both the spherical connectors and the rod members can be either hollow or solid. Furthermore, the various components of the apparatus of the invention can be provided in any colour and, indeed, the colours of individual components of a particular apparatus can vary.

Claims (5)

1. Constructional apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially spherical connector members and a plurality of co-operating rod members, each connector member having a plurality of radially disposed and peripherally spaced apart socket elements, each rod member having an elongated body portion, and at least at one end thereof, a plug element adapted for engagement with a socket element to effect ajoint between a rod member and the spherical member, the rod member being provided with means for moving the plug element relative to the body portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

2. Constructional apparatus according to Claim 1 in the form of a toy.

3. Constructional apparatus according to Claim 1 for providing a framework for a building.

4. Constructional apparatus according to Claim 1 and substantially as herein described.

5. Constructional apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.