US 9,731,773 B2Granted

Node for a space frame

AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.

InventorsRahul N. Gami, Ajay Dnyandeo Yadav, Richard K. Huff, Jarrod Delane Neal, Matthew M. Robinson, Tad W. Miller, Brandon C. Brenner, David William Holthaus, Jacob Warner Bell, Michael H. Noble, Edward Patrick Ormiston, Hemant Prasad Mallampalli, Thierry A. Marchione, Michael R. Spengler

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Abstract

A node is disclosed. The node may have a core. The node may also have a projection extending from the core. Further the node may have a structural member attached to the projection. The node may also have a top cover having a top recess. The top recess may be configured to receive the structural member. Additionally, the node may have a bottom cover having a bottom recess. The bottom recess may be configured to receive the structural member. In addition the node may have a fastener to connect the top cover and the bottom cover.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A node, comprising:

a core;
a projection extending from the core;
a structural member configured to be attached to the projection;
a top cover including a top recess configured to receive the structural member;
a bottom cover including a bottom recess configured to receive the structural member;
a fastener to connect the top cover and the bottom cover;
wherein the structural member has a node attach portion disposed at a first end of the structural member;
wherein the projection is configured to slidingly receive the node attach portion of the structural member;
and
wherein the core includes a cover plate having a cover edge and the projection is attached to the cover edge.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/645,092Filed 11 Mar 2015
Published: US 2016/0264187 A115 Sep 2016
Granted: 15 Aug 2017
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B62D 27/02
Connections between superstructure or understructure sub-units: rigid
B62D 25/00
Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units
B62D 65/02
Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided…
E04B 1/1903
Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures: connecting nodes specially adapted therefor