Space frame construction assembly
First Claim
1. A space frame assembly designed for use in the construction of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures, said assembly comprising:
- a) a plurality of connectors and a plurality of frame members, said plurality of frame members interconnected to one another by said plurality of connectors, b) said plurality of frame members having an elongated configuration terminating at oppositely disposed end portions, c) each of said end portions dimensioned and configured to be secured to any one of said plurality of connectors, d) each of said plurality of connectors comprising a base portion having a first interior surface and at least one cover portion having a second interior surface, e) said first and second interior surfaces disposed in confronting engagement with one another upon attachment of said base portion to said cover portion, f) a first plurality of sockets integrally formed in said base portion in spaced relation to one another along a sidewall thereof, g) a second plurality of sockets integrally formed in said one cover portion in spaced relation to one another along a sidewall thereof, h) said first and second plurality of sockets disposed in spaced, offset relation to one another and each of said first and second plurality of sockets comprising an open end disposed in confronting relation to said second interior surface and said first interior surface respectively, and i) each of said first and second plurality of sockets disposed and cooperatively structured with any one of said end portions to secure said frame members to any of said plurality of connectors in a transverse, substantially radially outward extending orientation relative to a respective one of said base portion and cover portion to which it is secured.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A space frame assembly designed for use in the constructing of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures including but not limited to walls, bridges, roof structures etc. The space frame assembly comprises a plurality of elongated preferably tubular frame members formed of a high strength, light weight material having opposite end portions formed to include an anchor portion thereon. Each of said plurality of connectors includes a base and at least one end portion mounted thereon such that correspondingly positioned interior surfaces of the base and end portion are disposed in confronting relation to one anther and wherein the base and the one end portion each include a plurality of sockets disposed in spaced and off-set relation to one another. Each of the plurality of sockets includes an elongated curvilinear groove integrally formed therein and disposed in aligned cooperative relation to one or more recesses formed in the aforementioned interior surface of the interconnected base or cover portion. The grooves and recesses are disposed, dimensioned and configured to receive and grip the anchor portions on any one of the ends of any one of the frame members. Interconnection of a plurality of frame members by a plurality of connectors in an predetermined design or configuration will serve to form a support frame for any of the aforementioned substantially rigid, weight bearing structures of the type set forth above.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A space frame assembly designed for use in the construction of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures, said assembly comprising:
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a) a plurality of connectors and a plurality of frame members, said plurality of frame members interconnected to one another by said plurality of connectors, b) said plurality of frame members having an elongated configuration terminating at oppositely disposed end portions, c) each of said end portions dimensioned and configured to be secured to any one of said plurality of connectors, d) each of said plurality of connectors comprising a base portion having a first interior surface and at least one cover portion having a second interior surface, e) said first and second interior surfaces disposed in confronting engagement with one another upon attachment of said base portion to said cover portion, f) a first plurality of sockets integrally formed in said base portion in spaced relation to one another along a sidewall thereof, g) a second plurality of sockets integrally formed in said one cover portion in spaced relation to one another along a sidewall thereof, h) said first and second plurality of sockets disposed in spaced, offset relation to one another and each of said first and second plurality of sockets comprising an open end disposed in confronting relation to said second interior surface and said first interior surface respectively, and i) each of said first and second plurality of sockets disposed and cooperatively structured with any one of said end portions to secure said frame members to any of said plurality of connectors in a transverse, substantially radially outward extending orientation relative to a respective one of said base portion and cover portion to which it is secured. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A space frame assembly designed for use in the construction of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures, said assembly comprising:
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a) a plurality of connectors and a plurality of frame members, said plurality of frame members interconnected to one another by said plurality if connectors, b) said plurality of frame members having an elongated configuration terminating at oppositely disposed end portions, c) each of said end portions dimensioned and configured to be secured to any one of said plurality of connectors, d) each of said plurality of connectors comprising a base portion having two spaced apart first interior surfaces and two cover portions each having a second interior surface, e) each of said first interior surfaces disposed in confronting engagement with said second interior surface of a different one of said two cover portions upon attachment of said base portion to said two cover portions, f) a first plurality of sockets each including an open end and being integrally formed in said base portion in spaced relation to one another along a sidewall thereof, g) a second plurality of sockets each including an open end and being integrally formed in each of said cover portions in spaced relation to one another along a respective sidewall thereof, h) each open end of said first plurality of sockets disposed in confronting relation to said second interior surface of one of said cover portions and each open end of said second plurality of sockets disposed in confronting relation to one of said first interior surfaces of said base portion, and i) each of said first and second plurality of sockets disposed and cooperatively structured with any one of said end portions to secure said frame members to any one of said plurality of connectors in a transverse, substantially radially outward extending orientation relative to a respective one of said base portion and said two cover portions to which it is secured. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A space frame assembly designed for use in the construction of of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures, said assembly comprising:
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a) a plurality of connectors and a plurality of frame members, said plurality of frame members interconnected to one another by said plurality of connectors, b) said plurality of frame members having an elongated configuration terminating at oppositely disposed end portions, c) each of said end portions dimensioned and configured to be secured to any one of said plurality of connectors, d) each of said plurality of connectors comprising a base portion having a first interior surface and at least one cover portion having a second interior surface. e) said first and second interior surfaces disposed in confronting engagement with one another upon attachment of said base portion to said cover portion, f) a first plurality of sockets integrally formed in said based portion in spaced relation to one another along a side wall thereof, g) a second plurality of sockets integrally formed in said one cover portion in spaced relation to one another along a side wall thereof, h) said second interior surface disposed in confronting relation to said first plurality of sockets and in retaining engagement with said end portions disposed within said first plurality of sockets, and i) each of said first and second plurality of sockets disposed and cooperatively structured with any one of said end portions to secure said frame members to any of said plurality of connectors in a transverse, substantially radially outward extending orientation relative to a respective one of said base portion and cover portion to which it is secured. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification