Multi-Directional Structural Joint

Abstract

A multi-directional structural joint for interconnecting the ends of tubular structural pipes that includes rigid perpendicularly intersecting planar plates the peripheral edges of which include a plurality of radially projecting connecting stubs for securing the terminal ends of tubular structural members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-directional structural joint including,
 a base member comprising intersecting perpendicular planar plates where each of the plates terminate in a peripheral edge, and   a plurality of spaced apart cylindrical studs, each having a longitudinal axis, and mounted radially on the peripheral edge of at least one of the plates where the longitudinal axis of each stud is coplanar with the plate on which it is mounted.   
     
     
         2 . The joint of  claim 1  where the longitudinal axes of antipodal studs are coincidental. 
     
     
         3 . The joint of  claim 1  where the longitudinal axes of at least two of the studs are mutually perpendicular. 
     
     
         4 . The joint of  claim 1  where the longitudinal axes of at least two of the studs are at 45° angles to one another. 
     
     
         5 . The joint of  claim 1  where the longitudinal axes of the studs intersect at a point. 
     
     
         6 . The joint of  claim 1  where the plates are polygonal in shape. 
     
     
         7 . The joint of  claim 1  where the plates are in the form of regular octagons. 
     
     
         8 . A structural framework including,
 an interconnecting joint having a base member comprising intersecting perpendicular planar plates where each of the plates terminate in a peripheral edge, and   a plurality of spaced apart connecting studs projecting radially from the peripheral edge of at least one of the plates, and   at least one tubular structural component having an end portion adapted to receive a stud.   
     
     
         9 . A multi-directional structural joint including,
 a base member comprising intersecting perpendicular planar plates where the peripheral edges of the plates include a plurality of radially projecting connecting stubs for securing the terminal ends of tubular structural members, each of said stubs comprising,   a pair of first level edges for contact with diametrically opposed sections of the terminal peripheral end of the tubular member,   a column co-planar with the plate and radially projecting from the peripheral edge of the plate and having a distal end portion and first and second lateral sides and first and second facing sides,   a latch disposed on each of the said first and second lateral sides, each latch having a pivotal stem and a hook for locking engagement with diametrically opposed apertures in the tubular member proximate its terminal end.   
     
     
         10 . The structural joint of  claim 9  where the distal end portion of the column is sized and dimensioned to be equal to the inside diameter of the tubular structural member. 
     
     
         11 . The structural joint of  claim 9  and further including;
 a pair of co-planar stiffening wings, having distal and proximal ends, and projecting transversely from the respective first and second facing sides of at least one of the stud columns, each wing having a projecting lip at the proximal end of the wing which is co-planar with the first level ledges, for contacting diametrically opposed sections of the terminal peripheral end of the tubular member. 
 
     
     
         12 . The structural joint of  claim 11  where the lateral extension of the wings is equal to the inside diameter of the tubular structural member. 
     
     
         13 . A multi-directional structural joint including,
 a base member comprising at least one planar plate, where the peripheral edges of the plate include at least one radially projecting co-planar connector stud for securing the terminal end of a tubular structural member where each stud includes,   first and second lateral sides,   first and second facing sides, and   a pair of pivotal locking latches, each disposed on one of the first and second lateral sides of the connector stud and adapted for locking engagement with diametrically disposed holes in the side walls of the tubular member proximate its terminal end.   
     
     
         14 . The structural joint of  claim 13  and further including stabilizing means laterally projecting from the at least one connector stud for making contact with the inside surface of the tubular structural member. 
     
     
         15 . The structural joint of  claim 14  where the stabilizing means includes wings transversely disposed on the first and second facing sides of the connector stud. 
     
     
         16 . The structural joint of  claim 14  where the wings are disposed in a position perpendicular to the plane of the plate and each includes a projecting lip adapted for making contact with diametrically opposed sections of the peripheral edge of the end of the tubular member. 
     
     
         17 . A structural joint for interconnecting tubular structural members comprising,
 a base member having perpendicularly intersecting planar plates each of which terminate in a peripheral edge, and   a plurality of spaced apart connecting studs projecting radially from the peripheral edge of at least one of the plates, each of said studs adapted to receive a terminal end of a tubular structural member.