US 5,956,917 A · Co-axial joint system

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, the Co-Axial Joint (CAJ) System, and a method of assembling the moment resisting connection system for use in diverse areas of architectural design, fabrication, engineering, and field erection of lattice structures. A given CAJ System connection is comprised of a framing member, a block connector, an end cap, an end cap-block connector attachment means, and a sleeve. The end cap, movably attached to the block connector, is connected to both the sleeve and framing member. To assemble the CAJ System, a sleeve is slid onto a framing member and positioned at the end of the member. The framing member is then positioned relative to the block connector. Attached to the block connector is an end cap which is made to align with the framing member. The end cap-block connector attachment means, typically a bolt, acts to absorb the tensile forces exerted on to the system without compromising the member-block connector connection. Once aligned, the end cap is shifted upwards and connected to the end of the frame member. The sleeve is then slid over the end cap, toward the block connector, and attached to the end cap in a position in which the sleeve acts to absorb compression forces exerted on to the framing member and to transfer such forces to the block connector without compromising the member-block connector connection.

Claims27

Dependent claims

An improved connection for a node element in a reticulated structure comprising:

a framing member;
an inner and an outer connector moiety;
a tension carrier affixed to the node element and extending slidably through the inner moiety, the carrier and the inner moiety being cooperatively configured for defining a limit of motion of the inner moiety along the carrier from the node element;
a first connection between the inner moiety and the framing member defined for withstanding tension in the framing member, the connection between the inner moiety and the framing member also defining a thrust seat for application of compression in the framing member to the inner moiety;
and
a second connection between the inner and outer moieties defined for accepting and carrying to the node element compressive load in the framing member as applied to the outer moiety via the inner moiety, the tension carrier and the connector moieties being so dimensioned that in the completed connection the framing member engages the thrust seat of the inner moiety and the outer moiety compressively abuts the node element when the inner moiety is essentially at its motion limit relative to the node element.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Co-axial joint system

Life of this patent

Co-axial joint system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27