Adjustable connection for structural members
AssigneesUniversity of Notre Dame du Lac, HNTB Corporation
InventorsAshley P. Thrall, Mirela D. Tumbeva, Theodore P. Zoli, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An adjustable structural connection—a connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachment—transforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.
Claims10
An adjustable connection for joining structural members comprising:
- a first structural member and a second structural member to be positioned at a desired angle relative to the first structural member;
- a universal gusset plate adapted to join the first structural member and the second structural member at a plurality of angles;
- connected to the first structural member and the second structural member at the desired angle;
- a first curved plate with a first end section and a second end section connected by a curved central section such that the first end section is connected to the first structural member at a portion that is substantially parallel and the second end section is connected to the second structural member at a portion that is substantially parallel,
- wherein the curved central portion is curved at an angle such that the second structural member is positioned at the desired angle relative to the first structural member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.