Strut connector

Abstract

A strut connector is described. In particular, a strut connector for connecting at least two struts, the strut connector defining a periphery and comprising at least one first connecting means adjacent the periphery thereof configured to connect one or more of the struts for securing the struts to the strut connector at any point about the periphery. This provides increased flexibility to allow complex geodesic shapes to be constructed.

1 . A strut connector for connecting at least two struts, the strut connector defining a periphery and comprising:
 at least one first connecting means adjacent the periphery thereof configured to connect one or more of the struts for securing the struts to the strut connector at any point about the periphery.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein, the at least one first connecting means is configured to adjustably connect the one or more of the struts to the strut connector. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the strut connector defines a connecting plane, and the at least one first connecting means is configured for connecting the one or more of the struts to the strut connector extending in one of the connecting plane and at an offset angle greater than zero offset from the connecting plane. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 3 , wherein the offset angle to the connecting plane at which the at least one first connecting means is configured to connect the one or more of the struts to the strut connector, is adjustable; and lies in the range of 0° to 45° C. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one first connecting means is configured for connecting the one or more of the struts to the strut connector with the struts spaced apart around the periphery of the strut connector, and wherein the spacing of the struts around the periphery of the strut connector is adjustable. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting means comprises a connecting hoop extending around the periphery of the strut connector, and preferably, wherein the hoop is of circular or partly circular transverse cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting means comprises a plurality of first connecting elements configured for securing corresponding ones or more of the struts to the strut connector with the struts spaced apart around the periphery thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein each first connecting element is of circular transverse cross-section, and preferably, wherein the spacing between adjacent ones of the first connecting elements is adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 13 , wherein a guide means is provided for guiding each first connecting element along the periphery of the strut connector, and wherein the guide means comprises a guide track, and advantageously, a guide member extending from each first connecting element is slideably engageable in the guide track. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a first securing means for securing each first connecting element to the strut connector. 
     
     
         17 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the struts terminates in a second connecting means for connecting the strut to the at least one first connecting means. 
     
     
         18 . The connector of  claim 17  wherein each second connecting means is complementary to the at least one first connecting means. 
     
     
         19 . The connector of  claim 17  wherein each second connecting means defines a bore for engaging the at least one first connecting means, and wherein the bore defined by each second connecting means is of circular transverse cross-section, and ideally, is of circular transverse cross-section substantially similar to the circular transverse cross-section of the first connecting means. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The connector of  claim 17  wherein an entry slot is provided in each second connecting means communicating with the bore extending through the corresponding second connecting means. 
     
     
         22 . The connector of  claim 21  wherein the entry slot in each second connecting means is configured for accommodating a part of the strut connector, and/or wherein the entry slot of each second connecting means is of width in a circumferential direction relative to the corresponding bore extending through the second connecting means for permitting pivoting of the second connecting means about the first connecting means, and preferably, for permitting pivoting of the second connecting means about the corresponding first connecting means for pivoting the corresponding strut through an offset angle relative to the or a connecting plane defined by the strut connector. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The connector of  claim 17  wherein the connector further comprises, at least one second securing means for securing each second connecting means to its corresponding first connecting means, and wherein each second securing means comprises a second securing element. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The connector of  claim 17  wherein the connector further comprises, a third securing means for securing each second connecting means to the corresponding strut. 
     
     
         27 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the periphery defined by the strut connector comprises a circular periphery, or wherein the periphery defined by the strut connector is of polygonal shape, and advantageously, one first connecting means is located on each side edge of the polygonal periphery of the strut connector. 
     
     
         28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the strut connector comprises a disc member. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A structure comprising a strut connector of  claim 1 , said structure further comprising at least one strut connected to the strut connector, and wherein the at least one strut terminates at its respective opposite ends in respective second connecting means, and wherein, each strut is connected at its respective opposite ends to respective strut connectors. 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . (canceled)