BUILDING FRAMEWORK NODE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to modular construction systems or provisional architectural building solutions. Fair stand systems, Office separator wall systems, elevated flooring, structural (support) facade systems can be given as examples for the field.

PRIOR ART

Common components of the most modular construction systems are connectors and bars. (Pressure or tracking bars). The bars are connected to connectors and permanent or provisional support constructions are provided. The bars can be made of different materials and forms. The connectors can be made of different materials and of shapes depending on number of bars they are to connect, resistance expectations and flexibility requirements.

The way of connecting the bars to connectors determines the field of system utilization.

The position of the bars during connection is important. In the frequently applied space frame system type structures the turning of the bar around the axis passing through connector at perpendicular angle, around itself does not cause any problem. In a simpler way, installation of the bars by means of rotating with their bodies and change of direction in regard to face in respect to connector is not important. In such systems, what is important is that the bars are connected to connector at a convenient safety in a convenient period. The functions of the bars here meet the pressure and tracking forces.

Particularly in provisional architectural space solutions, the shapes and positions of bars in respect to connectors, their directions and non-change of it are as much important as their supporting characteristics.Because the bars in such systems have other functions rather than meeting the pressure or tracking forces. The bars are in the nature of main supporters of several various physical space components to be formed among them selves. For instance, separator panels, shelf systems, illumination systems etc. For mounting such components to bars in an appropriate

manner, the bars and various components thereun ^αnαis, iemciie aoiew μαu ₃ , notches, bulges etc..) should be in harmony.

Therefore, the connection should be made in a manner that the bar should be approached to the connector without necessarily making any rotation movement around its central, should be fixed onto the connector. Because of this characteristic, modular construction systems for space frame systems and provisional architectural space solutions are differing.

In addition to be modular, the modular construction systems for provisional architectural solutions should be capable for dismantling and installation for several times without any damage. In addition, quick dismantling and installation is more important for some modular applications (for instance fair stand systems).

The said systems are the forms of above mentioned conventional space frame system transformed for a particular purpose. Space frame system has two main components. 1. Connector, connector where profiles are connected,

2. Profile, bars connected (in general screwed) to connectors to meet the pressure and tracking forces

In space frame systems profiles are directly connected to connectors by means of screwing, for that reason, they form a lighter construction when compared to provisional space modular structures and are used for passing through wider openings in buildings. According to static requirements, the profiles can be gathered at various angles, and therefore, connectors are manufactured in compliance with such angles. The function of the connectors in this system is to accommodate the female screws where profiles will be connected. In general, since several profiles and connectors are in the form of a pattern together and function in outdoor locations, it is difficult to perceive them separately and therefore, they do not require so much aesthetic appearance need.

Modular construction systems for Provisional architectural space solutions have the similar factors as those of conventional space frame systems. Two basic components of such systems are also profiles and connectors. Main use purposes of the systems are different. The purpose to gather the connectors and profiles in such systems is to provide open, semi-open or closed locations which will form floors, separators or

support walls or panels. A framework consisting oτ Trames is oDiaineα Dy means oτ connecting the profiles to the connectors. The frames also serve as supports for separator walls of the location.

In the invention with the number US2002189191 an embodiment consisting of profiles and connectors is proposed to form modular construction system for provisional architectural space solutions. In this embodiment, clamp method is used for mounting the profiles to the connectors. This way of fixing is a less resistance when compared to bolt safety. Therefore, in cases where bar size increases and supporting expectation increases, the profile is locked at least at two different points. This case results in two negative results.

1. Cost increase in product manufacturing

2. Increase in labor cost due to increase in time required for product installation and dismantling

There are two methods also proposed by the inventor in regard to connector manufacturing. One of them is the welding of surfaces by means of forms or cutting technologies or manufacture by use of forms. Since the sensitivity required by the surfaces and female components located thereon for clamp mounting is too high, welding workmanship is too high. In form method, too sensitive and double form technique is used to provide manufacturing and the cost is high. Despite its aesthetic advantages, cost disadvantages are considerably explicit in fair stand sector where price and fastness are very important criteria.

The connector is formed upon joining of 6 relatively thin plate edges in a section. The thinness of the surface plate is disadvantage in terms of supporting. Increasing the thickness of the surface material to increase the resistance will deform the aesthetic integrity of the connector. Increasing the thickness of the surface material does not seem quite likely because of the necessity to lock the threads of clamp apparatus into the spaces on the surface, which is the proposed way of fixing the profiles to the connector. Increasing the thickness of the surface material also obstructs the fixing of the tightening members on the corners because of the inadequate space. Particularly, the connector is far from providing adequate combination in mounting of the tightening bars. Fixing the tightening bars is not practical. Since the connector

surface does not have screw threads it is not liκeιy io mouni several structural (support) parts onto surface.

In the patent no DE 195 09 398 it is proposed to screw the connector surface and bar member of the same cross section shape onto the surface for mounting. There is a female screw thread on the end of the bar corresponding to connector point, and male screw is inserted into connector point and screwed to the female part formed within bar on the opposite through the hole on the mid of the surface. Inserting the screw into the connector point and alignment to female correspondent and keeping the screw fixed until location requires high skill and takes time. And therefore, the mounting time is considerably long and is not economical. In the smaller systems, the space between the connection point surfaces which can be used for mounting is as small as not allowing mounting relatively.

In comparison to patent no US 2002/0189191 , the installation of triangle part located perpendicular to the surfaces on inner side on the poles of the connector point, increased the applicability of cutting and welding technology. However, it is not adequately economical yet.

Since the inside of the connector is empty and the surfaces contact each other in a small area relatively, it might be inadequate in conditions requiring high supporting. The problem similar to the one in US 2002/0189191 patent is also valid for this application. It is not likely to increase the thickness of the surfaces to increase the resistance due to geometry of the connector. If the thickness increases, the corners of the block will make it difficult to screw from inside and aesthetic will be corrupted.

A safety precaution to prevent rotation of the bar around its axis on the surfaces of the connector point after mounting has not been considered. Since the profiles are fixed to the connector via screwing, it is highly important for safety.

In the application numbered WO9628622 geometric shape and manufacturing method allowing quick and safe screwing of the connection point to one end of the bar manually or by use of an appropriate apparatus, cause a disadvantage in high resistance requirements. The planar parts forming the body are connected to the central circle from relatively too small areas. And this limits load supporting capability of the connector.

The specific geometry of the connector does not allow connection of bars not having same size as the surface aesthetically. Again it is not likely to adapt the connector point to bars having different sizes allowing meeting different needs due to the specific geometry of the connector, and it is not open to developments. There is a female screw thread on the end of the bar corresponding to connector point, and male screw is inserted into connector point and screwed to the female part formed within bar on the opposite through the hole on the mid of the surface. Inserting the screw into the connector point and alignment to female correspondent and keeping the screw fixed until location requires high skill and takes time in the similar way as explained under application no. DE 195 09 398.

In the patent no. US6647669, it is proposed to drill a screw hole on the connector surfaces and screwing a simple auxiliary part therein. Other auxiliary parts are located inside the bar member to be fixed to the connector. Both of the said auxiliary parts or at least one of them have/has magnet feature. The bar is pushed over the auxiliary part screwed onto connector and approached to the connector and mounted by help of magnet feature of the parts. The auxiliary part on the connector increases the resistance of the point where bar and connector are joined and magnet parts provides a safety against release in bar direction by attracting forces.

Very simple and economic joining occurs here but capabilities and use areas of the system are very limited. Such system can only support relatively small loads. For instance, magnet safety is not adequate for double storey fair stands and systems requiring support of more loads. However, it can support itself and very light members when combined.

In addition, during dismantling of the bar from the connector, the bar should be withdrawn from the auxiliary part screwed onto the connector or the bar should be rotated together with the part and be pulled back at the distance of screwing.

According to this embodiment, increase in sizes and weights of the bar and connector in the systems supporting bigger weights makes it difficult to loose the bars with man force and take such distance. And this case makes the easy and practical mounting and dismantling, which is main focus point of the invention, impossible when the sizes increase.

Moreover, rotation and position of the bar to its own axis ana connectors surrace is not guaranteed. This disadvantage causes very important restrictions.

Connector and profiles are support elements of vertical and horizontal members such as panels, shelves etc. in the systems where they are employed. In order to be able to mount the said members in a dismountable manner, the spaces, canals or holes on the connector and profiles are used. Profiles are the main support of those members here due to size of surface areas. However, if their positions in respect to their perpendicular axis to their width sections are not guaranteed, mounting of auxiliary members such as panel, shelf by means of such holes and canals cannot be provided since directions of the holes and canals are not known. Only spaces and embodiments to be formed on the connector can be used for such work. Capability of adding auxiliary and supporting additional members to the system and therefore capabilities of the system are considerably limited.

In another patent numbered W02006/087051 , screwing way proposed under patent no. US6647669 has been used and a special form has been provided for the connector to eliminate some of the above mentioned disadvantages, and bulge in the form of arm has been formed on the surfaces. Tightening members between connectors have been provided and it is sought to provide solution for resistance problems. Again some auxiliary mounting parts have been proposed. However, this solution is not adequate because failure to control the direction of the bars in respect to connector surfaces has excluded the bars in regard to mounting of members such as panels, shelves, indicators etc. as it is under patent no US6647669. Although it is tried to reinforce the system by means of tightening, the proposed magnetic component does not provide adequate resistance in several cases. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

From this status of the related art, the purpose of the invention is to provide an embodiment eliminating the above mentioned disadvantages.

In order to achieve this purpose an embodiment having the following characteristics has been provided; • quick to mount and demount,

• More resistant,

• More practical,

• Having much more application combinations,

• More aesthetic,

• More economical and easy to manufacture, • Much more open to arrangements to respond to development and different needs in regard to its geometry and mounting,

• Economical manufacturing even in less number of manufacturing,

• Having practicality and strength of space frame systems and full connector rigidity due to screwing from profile to connector In order to achieve the said purposes, at least one main body has been linked with at least one connector outer surface plate as a whole which is forming a monoblock connector.

In addition, in another embodiment of the invention, the main body can be located inside the said connector has been obtained in the simplest manner. The outer surface plates connected to the main body between profile and main body in a demountable manner and surface pallets (4) and supports (18) provided on the said plates enable the above mentioned advantages. Therefore a modular connector can be obtained.

In another embodiment of the invention, a main body located inside the connector and in contact with outer surface forming the connector is used. Thus, resistance of the connector like a full connector is provided.

In another embodiment of the invention, the connection spaces are provided on the main body in order to provide connection of outer surface plates of the connector to main body. Screw threads are provided on connection spaces and main body and connector outer surface plates are formed in a manner enabling mounting and demounting from outside of the connector. Thus, connectors which can be manufactured by use of clipping method and mounted from outside of the connector practically have been provided.

In another embodiment of the invention, a passage space is formed on outer surface plate of the connector to enable access of connection member located in outer part

of the connector screw threats provided inside the main body connection spaces. Connection member passes through this space and joins the main body. Connector is obtained by means of fixing the connector elements. Since the connector element is inserted from outside part of the connector, providing the connector is ensured by means of mounting the connector without need for skill in terms of time and practicality.

In another embodiment of the invention, the resistance is increased by means of supports formed in inner surface of the connector in a manner enabling outer surface plate of the adjacent to contact the inner surface of the connector, and standing the load on the connector point is provided by means of establishment of the embodiment.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is characterized in that the surface pallets have been formed on the outer surface of the connector so as to enable accessibility to profile canals and in a manner extending to profiles during mounting. Upon screwing the profile to surface of the connector surface pallets prevents risk of rotation towards perpendicular axis passing through surface of the connector. Since this means the fixing the positions of holes and canals to be formed on the profile, it provides that the profiles perform a much more important role in regard to mounting of the auxiliary members to the system. As known, connectors and profiles are in the nature of supports for several vertical and horizontal elements such as panels, shelves etc. in the system where they are used. Spaces, canals or holes are used on the connectors and profiles for demountable mounting of such members. The profiles are supports of such members in priority due to surface area size.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the situations when a profile is mounted on the connector outer surface plate, to mount the tightening hook on the connector, there is connector inner part providing reaching this hook to the tightening hole.

Another objective of the present invention is to obtain a monoblock or modular connector to achieve aforesaid objectives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1a. Perspective view of the monoblock connector. Figure 1 b. A two dimensioned drawing of the Figure 1a.

Figure 2a. Perspective view of the moduler connector, its outer surrace plate ana main body as well as connection members.

Figure 2b, 2c. A two dimensioned drawings of the Figure 2a from side and upper view. Figure 3. A perspective view of demounted status of Figure 2a.

Figure 4a. Perspective view indicating combination of three separate profiles on a monoblock connector with a tightening bar.

Figure 4b. Perspective view showing combination of two separate profiles on a modular connector. Figure 4c, 4d. Perspective view showing combination of five separate profiles on a modular connector and a monoblock connector respectively.

Figure 5a, 5b. Perspective view showing profile and connector together with screwing apparatus providing mounting of profile onto a modular connector and a monoblock connector respectively. The parts and components constituting the invention are listed below. REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Connector surface 16 Intermediate connection apparatus hole

2 Central connection apparatus 17 Male screw

3 Tightening holes 18 Support

4 Surface pallet 19 Profile channel

5 Connector surface female screw 20 Connector outer surface plate

6 Main body 21 Connector ,

21 a Monoblock type connector 21 b Modular type connector

7 Central connection apparatus 22 Connection points outer screw

8 Main body female screw 23 Profile central axis

9 Central connection apparatus 24 Passage space housing

10 Profile 25 Connector inner surface

11 Tightening bar 26 Connector outer part

12 Tightening pulley 27 Body

13 Tightening hook 28 Space

14 Profile upper screwing hole 29 Connector inner part

15 Intermediate connection apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be better understood when explained in reference to the figures and reference numbers given above. Figure Figure 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show the connections made on a connection point (22) forming a part of the modular construction system for particularly provisional architectural space solutions. In Figure 4b two profiles, in figure 4a three profiles and in figure 4c and 4d five profiles (10) are connected to each other to form one connection point (22) by means of connector (21 ) Depending on the characteristics of the space where it will be constructed, the profile ^' s (10) put in order and construction is completed.

As can be seen from the figure 1a, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, connector (21 ) is constituted as a monoblock type structure (21a) with connector outer surface plate (20) placed on a main body (6). On the connector outer surface plate (20); connector surface (1 ), tightening holes (3), connector surface female screw (5) and surface pallets (4) have been established. There are supports (18) which connector outer surface plates (20) being connected. From the figure 1b the supports (18) are placed on connector inner surfaces (25) which are on the connector outer surface plates (20). The main purpose of this monoblock type structure is easines of its production. These type connectors (21a) can be established with different variations by modifying their outer surface (20) formations of the connector (21 ).

In another prefferred embodiment, the present invention has a modular type connector structure. Figure 2a is a perspective view indicating connection of connector outer surface plate (20) and main body (6) constituting the connector (21) and their connection by means of connection members (2). The two dimensioned form indicating upper view of the figure is given in figure 2b and demounted view is given in figure 3.

Figure 3 gives the detailed view from lower and upper siαe oτ tne pans rorming ine connector (21 ). The centre of the connector (21 ) has a main body (6). Connection spaces (8) are provided on the main body (6). Preferably screw threads are provided in the spaces (8). The characteristics of the location will determine the number and positions of the connection spaces (8) in respect to each other to be formed. Here a main body (6) having six connection spaces has been shown as sample. Number of connection space (8) also determines the number of connector outer surface plates (20) to be located outside the main body (6). For instance, in figure 3 one connection point is obtained by use of six connector outer surface plates (20). Connector outer surface plate (20) is produced in cylinder form so as to enable manufacturing by clipping manufacture method. A passage space (24) has been provided in the centre in order to provide access of the connection member (2) located in the connector outside part to screwing threats provided inside connection spaces (8) of the main body (6). The screw threats (7) formed on the outer surface of the connection member (2) meet the screw threats inside the connection spaces (8) and connection member (2) is tightened on the main body (6) in a manner that connector outer surface plate (20) remains in between. The tightening provides alignment of connection member (2) with upper surface connector face (1) after fixing. What provides the alignment is the connection member housing (9) coming into the cap side of the connection member (2). (see Figure 3 and Figure 2a).

When the tightening is performed, each connector outer surface plate (20) is fixed to main body (6). The place between connector outer surface plates (20) are supported with main body (6) and therefore the resistance of the connector (21) reaches a level non-comparable to the connectors in the former related art. When mounting of the connector outer surface plate (20) is performed, supports (18) in the form of bulges in inner surface (25) of the connector on the main body (6) part are provided. The said supports carry the loads that can be exposed onto the connector (21) mounted. For supports (18) to function, it is adequate that they are in contact with inner surface of the connector (25) after mounting. Geometry and size of the supports (18) can vary depending on the performance values expected from the connector (21 ). Since main body (6) provides connection between connector outer surface plates (20) and connector inner surfaces (25) are in contact with each other on poles via supports (18), the connector being subject of the invention has the

resistance provided by a fully filled material. The supports (i a) can oe τιxeα to connector (21 ) inner surface (25) in a mountable-demountable manner or fixed manner when desired (for instance by means of welding)

Similarly, surface pallets (4) are provided in connector outer surface (1 ) in a manner extending towards profiles (10) and accessible to profile channels (19). The purpose of those pallets (4) is to access the profile channels (19) formed on the profiles (10) during or after mounting and to prevent rotation motion (θ) of the profiles around their central axis (23). (See figure 4b and 4d). Connector outer surface plate (20) is obtained as a separate part independent from main body (6). Thus, main body (6) can be manufactured by clipping manufacturing method as well as a connector outer surface plate (20) which can be manufactured with clipping manufacturing method. Surface pallets (4) on the connector outer surface plate (20) may vary depending on structures of different profiles (10). Geometry of surface pallets (4) can be produced depending on geometry of the profile channels (19) in different profile (10) embodiment. Connector outer surface plate (20) having different geometry can be connected to main body (6) and thus it is ensured that profiles (10) having different geometries can be used on the same connection point (22).

When all connection members (2) are fixed onto the main body (6) in a manner connector outer surface plate (20) remains between them, the connector (21) is obtained (see figure 2a),

In order to provide a more stable embodiment of modular construction system, tightening bars (11 ) are used in mostly. Tightening bars have tightening pulley (12) and tightening hook (13) on the ends. Tightening hooks (13) are inserted into tightening holes (3) formed on the connector outer surface (1 ) and when tightening bars (11) are moved by means of tightening pulley (12), the embodiment becomes more stable, (see figure 4b and 4c).

Figure 5b and 5c is perspective view showing profile (10) and connector (21) together with interconnection member (15) providing mounting of profile (10) onto connector (21 ). Here varying methods can be used to complete the connections such as those given in figure 6, figure 7 and figure 8. Here the operation is made from outer part (26) of the connector (21 ) and an interconnection member (15) located on the connector is obtained and it provides progress without need for

rotation motion (θ) of the said profile (10) around its central axis [Zo) and thus tixing on the connector (21 ) is provided. Interconnection member (15) consists of a body (27) and this body (27) is located into the space in the profile (10) and provides reference for position of the profile (10) in respect to interconnection member (15) and therefore, provides reference for profile (10) position in respect to the connector (21 ).

The mounting operation can be realized in the way of connection of the interconnection member (15) onto the connector (21) and fixing the profile (10) as well as interconnection member (15) is moved together with the profile and fixing of both (10, 15) onto connector (21 ) can be realized.

Upon pushing the interconnection member (15) into profile (10) space (28) and providing referencing, rotation motion (θ) of the profile (10) around central axis (23) is prevented and progress of male screw (17) into female screw (5) of the connector surface is provided by inserting and turning a simple hand tool in intermediate connection apparatus hole (16) through profile upper screwing hole (14) and the said connection is performed. For this operation the apparatus proposed under patent no US 5743670 or another embodiment providing the same result can be used.

The male screw (17) on the end of the interconnection apparatus (15) has the capability to move forward and backward. During demounting, it is pulled back out from the connector and the profile (10) will not have to take the distance backward in respect to the axis during demounting as indicated under several embodiments in the related art, which is a problem. Therefore, it also provides easy mounting/demounting in big and heavy systems.

As it can be seen in all alternatives, no operation is conducted from inside part (29) of the connector (21 ), as all referencing, moving, fixing operations can be performed from outside (26) of the connector.

The invention cannot be limited to the description given under this invention. The invention can be used for office separating systems, particularly fair and exhibition systems as they require quick mounting and demounting as well as for steel constructions and particularly supporting glass facade easily. It can be easily applied in corner joining works during manufacture of tables and furniture. In space frame systems, pyramid or octagonal versions can be made instead of blocks at varying

angles. As a feature non-applicable in space frame systems, staiic ana aesineiic advantages of tightening members (11 , 12, 13) accessible from connector outer surface (1 ) via tightening holes (3) can be used.