Connector for variable-shape spaceframe structural system

A spaceframe connector comprising a plurality of parts which are stacked one on the other on a common axis, said parts having interior faces each of which mates and abuts against the interior face of another part, said mating faces having a plurality of matching, substantially hemispherical recesses, which together form substantially spherical sockets for joining the ball-shaped ends of elongated frame members, said parts having other matched recessed formations adjoining said sockets and which extend to the exterior of said connector, said other recessed formations substantially including circumferentially enlarged recesses which permit the axes of said frame members to vary with respect to each other and to said common axis and, by this means, permit multi-planar angular freedom in the hinging action of said elongated frame members, and fastening means extending parallel to said axis and securing said parts together.

In a spaceframe connector of the type comprising first, second and third parts which are stacked one on the other on a common axis and wherein said parts have matching recessed formations on their mutual interior faces for joining the headed ends of elongated structural frame members, said parts having central holes,

• the improvement which comprises:
• said parts are held together with a single bolt, an intermediate assembly nut and a final fastening nut, said nuts being threaded on said bolt ,said bolt extending through said holes and parallel to said axis and wherein said mutual interior faces of said second and third parts have a recessed cavity concentric with said axis, said intermediate assembly nut being disposed in said cavity and being adapted for holding together one set of frame member ends between said first and second parts during the assembly process, said final fastening nut bearing against the outer surface of said third part so that another set of frame member ends can be held between said second and third parts said final fastening nut being tightened on said bolt clamping together said first, second and third parts after completed assembly of said connector and after final alignment of said frame members.