POLYFUNCTIONAL STRUCTURAL CONNECTOR AND ITS UNIVERSAL FASTENING COMPONENTS MAKING A SYSTEM

Abstract

A building system for building modular structures, based on the use of universal structural elements, and their universal fasteners, where all elements are of opposite ends or bipolar elements, where each end refers to the distance from the intersection point of two connectors to the center of the holes at the time of assembly.

Description

This CIP document refers to file Ser. No. 15/780,530. It is related to the field of building house structures and other buildings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

State of the Art

This continuation-in-part (CIP) refers to file application Ser. No. 15/780,530. It refers to a single and universal structural connector as the single part of the system. However, there are some fastening (2) and (3) and adjustment elements (4), which are also universal, which fasten the universal structural elements of the reference patent or connector (1) with the use of bolts {adjustment elements, (4)}. Due to the system of universal and identical parts to each other, automatically these bolts become universal as well. In other words, the same type of bolt (4) whichever is used, since the connector (1) is identical to the other connectors and its perforation along the element is the same and identical to each other as well, makes the type of bolts (4) used also become universal bolts in this system, whatever the size of the bolt.

Below I will detail the characteristics of the parts, each of which are universal and identical to each other, and I will detail other characteristics that this system has always had but that were not mentioned in the reference document (Ser. No. 15/780,530).

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

THE COMPLETE SYSTEM—This building system is used for implementing modular structures. It is based on the use of universal elements (1) plus their universal fasteners (2) and (3). All elements have opposite ends or are bipolar elements. Each end refers to the distance from the point of intersection of two connectors to the center of the holes at the time of assembly. This bipolarity factor turns all the elements, and especially the main element of the system (1) into a universal element. Consequently, that universal element or piece can be connected with another universal element, which is exactly the same, over and over again, through their opposite ends and with one or more universal elements (1) at even the same time, with the help of its universal fastening elements (2) and (3) and the universal fastening piece (4), over and over again without limitation, to assemble an infinite number of types of structures. The opposite ends of all elements have out-of-phase perforations with each other. This is necessary to allow the universal fastening element (4) to completely pass through the universal main element (1) and the universal fastening elements (2) and (3), making up the desired structure, thus providing the system with unlimited modularity in area extension and height levels. This building system does not necessarily have to use both fasteners in the same structure, because you decide whether to use one kind of fastener or another kind in a connection, and it will depend on the design of the structure you want to build.

The system element or universal connector (1) of the reference file (Ser. No. 15/780,530), now with its fastening elements (2) and (3) and adjustment elements (4), make up the complete structural system, which makes the assembly or erection of the system possible. This system has the particular feature of having the highest modularity and allows for building structures of infinite size if desired, to the sides. In other words, extending in area, as well as in height. It also has the ability to work at different scales depending on the need. The special feature of this system is that its universal parts [universal connectors (1), universal angles (2) and universal hinges (3)] have polarity characteristics in the arrangement of their perforations or holes at the ends of each part, called extremes where the “x” distance is called (45END) and where the “y” distance is called (37END), respectively. It refers to the distance from the point of intersection, at the moment of joining two universal connectors (1) to the center of the perforations. The same applies to the fastening elements, with the difference that these elements [universal angles (2) and universal hinges (3)] also have two different distances from the point of intersection to the center of the perforations. Always in all universal elements (2) and (3), they always have the two distinct distances (“x” and “y”) that characterize each of the extremes. In other words, each fastening element, such as the universal angle (2) and the universal hinge (3) have 2 different ends and at the same time, for obvious reasons, are opposite each other. Thus, the assembly is unlimited due to its polarity both in the main element (1) and in the fastening elements (2) and (3). In the assembly, the fasteners are placed starting from the same point of intersection or vertex when joining two connectors together.

It should be noted that in each element of the system, the “x” distance is always different from the “y” distance. The two distances, called the (45END) and (37ND) extremes, are always definitely both at each point of intersection. These two distances or extremes are out-of-phase with each other. It is the only way that the two universal connectors (1) can be connected to each other when erecting a given structure. This is what generates the polarity of the system, due to its opposite ends, since only two universal connectors can be connected through their opposite ends only. In the case of universal connectors (1), the point of intersection is the point where two connectors come together, whether they are joined through the universal angle (2) or, in the case of the special universal hinge (3), the point of intersection is positioned along the entire length of the vertex of the special universal hinge (3).

This system has innovative industrial advantages. It allows for the mass production of each universal element (1), (2) and (3), thus, generating enormous advantages for the industry and an unrivaled cost in the final product. On the other hand, it generates very high speed in manufacturing and in the assembly or erecting of the system. It also reduces the risk of accidents in the manufacturing and assembly process. Generating large quantities of square feet per day, reduces the percentage of accidents per square foot by several times the average rate. This system also turns into a very simple system and the effort needed to generate the structure of a building, for example, is less than the effort needed when building that structure in a normal way. It produces more structure than a conventional system, while taking the same amount of time for this task. It also generates a minimum effort in logistic control, as you would only have to count a few pieces and all of them are the same kind. Thus, the Quality Control Department is benefited with a minimum effort as well. Another feature is that due to its manufacturing and assembly speed, in financing, you achieve that the letters of guarantee are more economical due to their returning speed or cancellation. Regarding personnel training, the members of the team end up being experts on the first day of work, as the assembly or erecting process is typical. This means that the assembly or erecting process is always the same. Therefore, no specialized labor is needed. It is extremely easy to assemble and manufacture, as the process is always the same.

Universal Structural Element (1):

This universal main structural element or connector (1) consists of a multifunctional element, universal or common and unique as a single universal part. It works as a column or beam, according to how you want to place it or according to the position that corresponds to it at the time of assembly or of erecting the structural system. It works as a structure of the system which will be joined to other universal structural elements by means of fasteners which we will discuss later. It is ideally composed of a tubular component with a square cross-section. However, it can also be an element of the same shape but completely solid as, for example, in the case of it being built from a piece of wood. This means that it is a square tubular structure or exactly the same but solid, with out-of-phase perforations between adjacent sides and pre-set to connect to each other and work as universal columns or beams. This is a connector that works as a beam or column of square cross-sectional area as it can also be rectangular, because it might not be exactly square. This means that it could be that the two sides are slightly wider or narrower. This does not alter how the system works. In other words, it could also be rectangular. It does not alter the system, which has two (A) sides and two (B) sides. The (A) sides are opposite to each other, as are the two (B) sides, which are also opposite to each other. The (A) side has holes or perforations with an “x” distance at one end, labeled as (45END). At the other end of the universal connector (1) on the same side, there are also the same perforations, but at a “y” distance from the other end, labeled as (37END). The same is true for the adjacent (B) sides. In other words, the same distribution configuration of the holes along the universal connector (1) but placed inversely to the (A) side. It means that if the (A) side at one end starts with an “x” distance labeled as (45END), the other end would start with a “y” distance labeled as (37END). On the adjacent (B) side, the situation or composition will be exactly the same, but reversed. When I refer to the ends, I mean that each end covers half the length of the universal connector (1) because this element has perforations all along its 4 sides. On the other hand, at the moment of erecting or assembling a structure, it is not obligatory to use all the perforations of the connectors, as this will depend on the shape of the structure that one wants to build.

This way of presenting these perforations at both ends of the universal connectors (1), inverse between the (A) and the (B) side, makes it possible that they do not collide inside the connector at the moment of connecting them with the universal bolts (4) that go through the perforations, as they are out-of-phase with each other, This results in the fact that only one end (45END) can be connected to only one end (37END). In this way, it is possible to connect one with the other end, over and over again, indefinitely, and with no limitation, to achieve the desired structure. In terms of shape and size, the structure becomes highly modular and efficient with no limitations for structural design. Regarding the distances of the holes, named “x” and “y”, these distances always start from the point of intersection or vertex of two universal connectors (1) at any position of the element along the element where they are to be joined, considering that we will find this point of intersection or vertex in all the positions where the fastening elements are placed. The points of intersection or vertices refer to the points where one connector finally joins another. These are obvious and logical points that exist at the time of erecting the system, as well as in the fastening elements (2) and (3). They have the same polarity characteristics or opposite ends. The holes also start from the same point of intersection for obvious reasons, as, at the same time, it is the point of connection and fastening, and where the set bolts (4) that finally adjust the structure will have to pass through.

The connector holes could be of any shape. In other words, round, square, triangular or otherwise, as this feature of the hole itself does not remove or restrict the functionality of the bipolar system. The holes only serve to pass the bolts (4) through the fasteners (2) and (3) and the universal connector (1) at the same time. So as long as the bolt can pass through the holes, the system will work perfectly. This universal connector (1) has the ability to receive or join with more than one other connector at the same time. The distribution of the perforations along the sides of the connector (1) are homogeneously distributed.

First Universal Fastening Element or Fastening Angle (2):

This fastening element is a 90° angle with obviously two sides joined by a vertex, which have holes on both sides of the angle but always one side with the same “x” distance from its vertex, which is the point of intersection of both sides of the angle. The other side of the angle has a “y” distance from its point of intersection of the universal angle (2) called or known as “vertex”. The “x” distance from the point of intersection to the center of the hole is equal to the end called (45END). The “y” distance, also from the intersection point to the center of the hole, is equal to the end called (37END). These “x” and “y” distances correspond to or are the same distances that the universal connector (1) has. This so-called universal fastening element (2) is connected to the universal connector (1) at all junction points or points of intersection where the so-called intersection point of two universal connectors (1) is located. And, it is the same point of intersection where the universal fastening angle (2) must necessarily be placed, for which it has to possess the same polarity characteristics. Its sides can be referred to as the side with end (45END) and the side with end (37END). The ends (45END) of the universal connector (1) have to coincide with the side with end (45END) of the universal fastening angle (2), in order to be able to pass through the bolts (4) for the final adjustment of the structure and at the same time to guide the position of the connector in the correct position. This universal fastening element or fastening angle (2) always causes the elements to be connected perpendicular to each other.

The universal connectors (1) as well as the universal fastening angle (2) and the special universal hinge (3), which will be discussed below, could be colored or painted in different colors from each other. In other words, the (45END) side of one color and the (37END) side of a different color, if desired, to make it visually easier to detect the position, to make sure that at the moment of connecting both the angle (2) and the connector (1) and the fastening element (3), the correct ends are connected, and can, thus, be detected more quickly at the time of assembly or erection.

Universal Fastening Element (3):

This element is a hinge with the same characteristics as those of the universal angle (2). Ultimately, a hinge also has two sides joined by a vertex. However, it has the ability to place them also at angles other than 90°. This allows the system to generate structures with gable roof, pitched or sloping roofs for places or areas where there is heavy rainfall. As far as the upper part of the structure is concerned, however, it also allows for structures that are not necessarily orthogonal. In other words, you could generate triangular or trapezoidal structures or any other shape you wish to generate, making the system even more modular than it already is. This hinge-shaped fastening element will consolidate in a fixed position when the structure is assembled or erected. This special universal hinge (3) has two sides. Each side of the special universal hinge (3) has holes with the same “x” and “y” distance from the universal connector (1), always starting from the vertex or point of intersection. This special universal hinge (3) is connected parallel to and along the entire length of the universal connector (1). It has the same distribution on both sides in reverse orientation as on the adjacent sides of the universal connector (1). We also name the sides of this universal hinge. The sides with (45END) and (37END) on each side, but, inversely, between each side respectively. This means that the universal connector (1) and the universal special hinge (3) have sides, with (45END) and (37END) ends on each side. Both sides with the same hole distribution, and the same in both pieces placed in reverse order because at the time of assembling or erecting the system, these sides have to coincide in such a way that the adjustment bolts can pass through the fasteners to be finally adjusted. When assembling a structure and especially when joining one connector to another, you can choose whether to use the universal angle (2) or the universal hinge (3), depending on your design or need at the time of assembly. This means that when joining two elements (1) you will decide whether to join them with the angle (2) or with the hinge (3), depending on the structure you wish to assemble at that moment. The special universal hinge (3) is generally positioned parallel to the connector (1).

Universal Adjustment Element Set (4):

These elements are simply the bolts that will pass through the holes of the universal connector (1), the universal angle (2) or the special universal hinge (3) depending on the moment and design of the structure. These bolts will normally need their respective flat washers and lock washers as well as nuts, of course, to allow for greater flexibility in terms of dilatation tolerances. As mentioned above, the same type of bolt will always be used throughout the structure to be assembled, making it a universal, common or typical bolt. When referring to the fastening bolt, it is understood that it is the bolt set: washer and nut. The bolts in this system pass completely through the cross-section of the connector or universal structural element (1) and its fasteners (2) or (3) whichever is the case at the time of assembly.

Other Observations:

This system has:

• • a. A connector or structural element (1) which may be rectangular or square, solid or tubular depending on the material used for its manufacture.
  • b. The fastening element called universal angle (2) is a 90° angle with one vertex and two sides, where one side has a (45END) end and the other side has a (37END) end, i.e., it has opposite sides, with polarity characteristics between its sides.
  • c. The fastening element called universal hinge (3) has a vertex and also two sides. Each side has the two extreme (45END) and (37END) ends with the same polarity characteristics and reversely oriented on the other side of the universal hinge (3).
  • d. The adjustment element called universal bolts (4) are the bolts that will cross through the connector (1) and fasteners (2) and (3) in order to adjust things at the time of assembling or erecting the structure. These bolts include their washers and nuts.

All of the elements of this system have sides. In the case of the universal connectors (1), each side has two ends. In the case of the universal angle (2), they have two sides and each side is a different end. The universal hinge (3) has two sides. Each side has two ends and each side is the same, but reverse. The distribution of holes orientation is reversed to the other side of each of them, equal to the structural element (1) as well has two types of ends, which are the (37END) and (45END) ends. These ends are named (45END) and (37END). The holes placed on those ends have a certain distance. In the case of the “x” distance, we always call it the (45END) end from the point of intersection or vertex. In the case of the “y” distance, we always call it the (37END) end from the point of intersection or vertex. For this system, more than one element, or rather, all elements have the characteristic of having these ends on opposite sides, i.e., they are bipolar. The most important feature is that the structural element (1) can only be joined to each other if the ends are opposite. That is to say, the extremes must necessarily be opposite to each other. The end of the connectors of the universal connectors (1) and the fastening elements have to match, as the universal bolts (4) will be placed through the holes. This means that the perforations of the connector and the perforations of the universal fasteners (2) and (3) must coincide since they are used to fasten the connectors. They are not used to join each other. The purpose of the system is not to join two fasteners, but to join two or more universal connectors (1) to each other, using the fasteners.

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1.—This figure shows an example of an isometric view of structural element (1). It is a longitudinal element of a square and/or rectangular cross-section. It could be solid or hollow if it needed to be filled with a kind of material, for example, or it could be made from a piece of wood.

FIG. 2.—This figure shows an example of a mechanical drawing of the front views of connector (1) according to its “A” and “B” sides. It clearly shows the distribution of its identical perforations, but at the same time with inverse orientation to each other.

FIG. 3.—This figure shows an example of a universal connector (1) in perspective. The perforations that belong to each end of the connector (1) are stated. To differentiate them we named them (45END) and (37END). It turns the piece into a bipolar piece.

FIG. 4.—As in FIG. 3, this figure shows a universal connector (1) in perspective, but with the (45END) ends shaded, to explain how the characteristics of the opposite ends could be visually detected. This turns the piece into a bipolar piece. As also can be seen, the adjacent sides are inverse to each other.

FIG. 5.—This figure is a top view showing how several universal connectors (1) can be connected at the same time, along the entire length of one connector (1), just as an example. I would like to emphasize that they could also be connected on the other side without limitations.

FIG. 6.—This figure shows an example of how a connector (1) in a column position is joined to two other universal connectors (1) in beam positions, plus a universal angle (2). This is an example to show that the point of intersection or “vertex” of the connectors (1) is the same point of intersection of the fastening element, in this case a universal angle (2). These elements form a corner of a structure. Just one example of many possibilities.

FIG. 7.—This figure shows an example of a universal connector (1) in column position and another in a beam position. It shows how they should be assembled. In this case, they are assembled with universal angles (2) and universal bolts (4). The vertex or intersection point is also shown.

FIG. 8.—This figure practically shows the same as what is shown in FIG. 7, but at a moment before being joined and fitted with fasteners. It simply gives a better view of how it is done.

FIG. 9.—This figure is a frontal view of two connectors and shows the “x” and the “y” distances that generate (45END) and (37END) ends, respectively. It also shows the position of the intersection point of the elements, also called vertex.

FIG. 10.—This figure shows two connectors or universal elements (1) joined together. One of them is connected in one of the central positions of the other connector. It is a similar view to what is explained in FIG. 5. However, this time the figure shows a perspective and a close-up of one of them.

FIG. 11.—In this case, this figure shows a corner of a structure in perspective with its respective fastening elements (2). A universal structural element (1) in column position and two equal elements (1) in beam position can be seen. This is only an example.

FIG. 12.—This figure shows an example of an assembly with four connectors or universal structural elements (1). One of them in a column position and receiving 3 other connectors in a beam position, and with their respective universal adjustment elements (2), before being definitively joined. Just to show the typical assembly manner.

FIG. 13.—This figure shows an example of an assembly of 5 universal structural elements (1), joining together. One of them is in a column position, receiving 4 other connectors (1) in a beam position.

FIG. 14.—This figure shows a mechanical drawing of a universal angle (2) of the side views of both sides. One of the sides has the perforations at an “x” distance (45END) and the other side at the “y” distance (37END). It also shows a profile view where the intersection point or vertex of the universal angle (2) can be seen.

FIG. 15.—This figure shows the universal angle (2) in perspective and more clearly. Both sides show opposite distances (bipolarity). That is to say, “x” and “y” are named as the extreme characteristics (45END) and (37END). All the elements of this system possess bipolarity.

FIG. 16.—This figure shows a perspective image of the fastening element, called hinge (3). It shows the same characteristics of opposite ends (bipolarity) with the two different distances that characterize both (45END) and (37END) ends, from the centers of the perforations to the vertex, to always match the perforations of connector (1). It also shows that the holes of the universal hinge (3) are inversely oriented.

FIG. 17. —This figure shows another view of the universal hinge (3) showing opposite ends.

FIG. 18.—This figure shows another different view of the universal hinge (3) showing opposite ends and the holes have the same orientation but in reverse position.

FIG. 19.—This figure shows an example of the universal hinge (3) located in the place where it must be installed, in a section of the structure, just between two structural elements (1), generating a gabled roof; This is just one example and does not limit the modularity of the system at all.

FIG. 20.—This figure shows a zoom of a universal fastener (3) installed on a structure that is arranged to form a gable roof. This is only an example and does not limit the modularity of the system in any way.

FIG. 21.—This figure shows another zoom of a universal hinge (3) placed on the uppermost part of the roof connecting the two sides of the gable roof. This is only an example and does not limit the modularity of the system at all.

FIG. 22.—This figure shows another zoom showing the universal hinge (3) that, as in FIG. 21, joins two structural elements (1) that make up the two sides of a gable roof in this example. The opposite ends coincide with the ends of the connector (1), so that adjustment bolts (4) can pass through.

FIG. 23.—This figure shows the same as in FIG. 22, but at a greater distance. One can better appreciate the use in this example. It is not limited to that use only, as it is only an example.

FIG. 24.—This figure shows an example of a gable roof further away. Thus, it can be fully appreciated. These are only examples and do not limit the modularity of the system.

FIG. 25.—This figure shows an example of any arbitrary structure, in perspective. This structure is approximately 30 feet×30 feet. One cannot appreciate more detail. However, the system is not limited to this shape, as the system has unlimited modularity.

FIG. 26.—This figure shows the same structure as FIG. 25, but this time a little closer. One can see the shaded (45END) ends and how the connectors (1), are joined to each other by their opposite ends, only way to fit the connectors through the fasteners (2) and (3) with the adjustment bolts (4) which makes up the polarity of the system.

FIG. 27.—This figure shows just another example of a structure. This time it shows the option of making artificial floors, as one of many possibilities that the system has.

FIG. 28.—This figure simply shows another example of a structure. This time with two levels. It is only an example and does not limit the modularity of the system at all.

FIG. 29. —This figure shows just another example of structure. This time it reaches three levels. It is only an example and does not limit the modularity of the system, which is unlimited.

FIG. 30.—This figure shows just another example of a structure.

Claims

1. A building system for building modular structures, based on the use of universal structural elements (1) and their universal fasteners (2) and (3), where all elements are of opposite ends or bipolar elements, where each end refers to the distance from the intersection point of two connectors to the center of the holes at the time of assembly, and where this bipolarity factor makes all the elements, and especially the main element of the system (1), become a universal element, and consequently, that universal element or piece can be connected to another universal element, over and over again through its opposite ends, and with one or more universal elements (1) even at the same time, with the help of its universal fastening elements (2) and (3) and the fastening piece (4), over and over again without limitations, in order to assemble an infinite number of types of structures; where the opposite ends of all elements have perforations out-of-phase with each other, necessary to allow the universal fastening element (4) to pass through the universal main element (1) and the fastening elements (2) and (3), making up the desired structure, thus achieving that the system has an unlimited modularity in area extension and height levels.

2. A building system for building modular structures as in claim 1, wherein this system, need not necessarily use the two fastening elements in one and the same structure.

3. Kit for assembling building structures comprising:

at least a plurality of universal structural elements (1)

at least a plurality of fastening elements or universal angles (2)

at least a plurality of universal fastening elements or hinges (3)

at least a plurality of universal fastening elements (4).

4. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) is a longitudinal piece of square or rectangular cross section, and can be solid or hollow without altering the perfect operation of the system.

5. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) has 4 sides, where the sides have holes with predetermined locations on their 4 sides, but the distribution of the perforations are the same, always on each adjacent side but they are reversely oriented.

6. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) operates as a column or beam, depending on what the building structure requires, and it is always the same universal part.

7. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal structural element (1) has the ability to connect with more than one universal structural element (1) at the same time and also has the ability to connect with other elements on its four sides, depending on what the structure requires.

8. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal structural element (1) possesses polarity characteristics in the arrangement of its perforations or holes both at opposite ends, and on adjacent sides of each piece, thus, as a result, the structural element (1) is universal.

9. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal structural element (1) has its holes always located at distances starting from the intersection points of two connectors towards the center of the holes, along the entire length of the universal structural element (1).

10. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) has different distances at each of its opposite ends on the same side.

11. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) has holes, which can be of any desired shape, as long as the fitting element (4) can pass through all the elements of the system.

12. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal structural element (1) may have holes that are not necessarily used in certain structures, which will depend on the design of the structure to be assembled.

13. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal structural element (1) has two opposite ends per side and each end corresponds to half of each side of the universal element (1).

14. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3 wherein the universal fastening element or angle (2) is an element that is used to join two structural elements (1), always through their opposite ends.

15. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal fastening element or angle (2) is a 90° angle wherein this angle has two sides with the distance of the holes on each side different from each other, which means, that the sides of the angle has opposite ends, corresponding to the (45END) and (37 END) ends mentioned in the system.

16. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal fastening element or angle (2) always results in the fact that the universal structural elements (1) are perpendicularly connected to each other.

17. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, where the universal fastening element or special hinge (3) connects the structural elements (1) at positions with angles different from 90°.

18. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal fastening element or special hinge (3) has two sides and a vertex and each side of the hinge (3) has two ends opposite to each other and is connected to the universal structural elements (1) in parallel.

19. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal fastening element or special hinge (3) has the same distribution of its holes on its two sides, but the distribution of the holes is reversely oriented, in a equal manner to the universal structural element (1).

20. Kit for assembling building structures as in claim 3, wherein the universal fitting element or set bolt (4) is used to fit the universal structural elements (1) with the fasteners (2) and (3) in all cases and they always pass through the fasteners (2) or (3) and the universal structural element (1) from side to side.