Injection Molded Slotted Angled Dome Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a unique injection-molded, slotted, angled hub that connects standard timbers at predetermined angles to build geodesic domes. They form fit over the ends of multiple timbers to transfer load evenly, limit strut rotation and movement, and aid in easy construction of domes. Furthermore they include screw holes that help to snug the timbers flush into its slot to form a durable structure. Being injection molded, they are cost effective, lightweight and through multi directional load transfer, allow lightweight timbers to be used in maximizing the strength at each union. Building with molded slotted angled dome connectors one can assemble a geodesic dome without calculating angled cut for each timber.

An Injection Molded Slotted Angled Dome Connector

This invention provides a novel one-piece injection molded hub that form-fits around timbers to form a geodesic dome without the need for angled cuts.

Claims

1. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector which comprises an injection-moulded connector that fits lumber to form a geodesic dome.

2. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector has fixed predetermined angles that fit flush with lumber for load transfer and ease of construction.

3. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector including screw holes that fasten lumber into said connector.

4. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector including a raised centre that keeps lumber in place when assembled.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES

[0007] FIG. #1

[0008] A Plastic injection molded 1v dome hub used to build an Icosahedron (a structure with only one strut length). The connector slots are made to snuggly tit common hardware timber, and have an option for permanently fastening the strut with screws. The raised center pentagon helps reduce movement or slipping of struts once assembled.

[0009] FIG. #2

[0010] The backside of the hub: The screw holes are directed into each strut once inserted and keep in it place, flush against the predetermined angle, aiding in comprehensive load transfer. The spaces between each strut are re-enforced so during assembly the struts are held in place and once assembled the entire dome is tightly secured. Furthermore the plastic re-enforcing rays that come outwards from the centre transfer load with the spaces in between reducing the weight of each hub. This is paramount to the affordability of each hub in production and shipping costs.

[0011] FIG. #3

[0012] An assembled 1v dome used slotted angled connectors. Each strut is of equal length and fit into the hubs and screwed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Injection molded slotted angled connectors are center connection pieces for the struts of geodesic domes. The 3 dimensional hub transfers the structural load evenly and provides the necessary angles needed to easily create a geodesic dome. Slotted angled dome connectors connect standard timbers with formed slots with corresponding angles to form a dome with equal strut lengths. The timber is fit firmly in the hub against the predetermined angle allowing timbers with 90-degree ends to be used.

[0014] Slotted angled connectors for geodesic domes are used to fit around and conjoin standard lumber in order to construct a geodesic dome. They have preset angles in which struts are attached which reduce the effort and time needed to erect said structure as seen in example 1 in FIG. 1. The hubs transfer the load in multiple directions, allowing the structure to have integrity and strength. With form fitting receptacles, struts are snugly fit inside the hubs, allows for ease of construction, and reducing the need for fastening in conventional ways with simple screw holes seen as example 1 in FIG. 2. Furthermore the timbers do not need to be cut at any angle other than 90 degrees. This greatly reduces the effort and time needed to build the dome. An example of a completed dome can be seen in FIG. 3, a photo of an assembled 1v dome using Injection molded slotted angled domes connectors and 1×2″ timbers.

[0015] This is an important design for empowering people to assemble stable, sturdy, and affordable structures without complex calculations or even angled cuts or even using potentially dangerous power tools. Furthermore through the process of plastic injection moulding, production costs of are lower than other materials, and are able to be recycled. This lessens the overhead in both cost and time for erecting a dome. Moreover this design transfers the load more evenly than on other dome connectors as this for fits around the entire end of each strut. In regards to assembling emergency shelters, the connectors can be shipped anywhere where timbers are prevalent, and without vast overhead and shipping costs, municipalities can receive their hubs and assemble with local supplies. The slots not only transfer load to the other struts but aid in erecting the dome while the pieces are being assembled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INTENDED USES

[0016] With these connectors a dome can be assembled and used as a greenhouse, chicken coop, playhouse, shelter, trellis, or shed or any similar structures.