Patent Application
20240093480
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
This system has:
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.
This CIP document refers to file Ser. No. 15/780,530. It is related to the field of building house structures and other buildings.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15780530 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 18107489 | US |
