Hub and strut in a reticulated frame

Abstract

A plurality of hubs are joined to frame struts thereby forming a space frame structure, wherein the hubs have monolithic bodies with protruding joints adapted for receiving and joining with the frame struts using tubular sleeves. Axes of the joints are aligned to converge at a common point to avoid rotational moment forces on the hubs. The hubs are preferably fabricated by a 3D printing method in a structural material. In a method of the invention, the struts, joint diameters and joint lengths are sized and positioned to avoid interference between adjacent struts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame structure comprising:
 a plurality of struts engaged with a plurality of hubs;   each of said hubs comprising a monolithic body with at least two integral hub joints integrally formed with said monolithic body; wherein each one of said hub joints is adapted for engaging an end of one of said struts; and wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.   
     
     
         2 . The frame structure of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said hub joints is an integral tubular projection extensive from said monolithic body. 
     
     
         3 . The frame structure of  claim 1  wherein said struts are of disparate sizes. 
     
     
         4 . The frame structure of  claim 3  wherein said hub joints are of disparate sizes corresponding to said disparate sizes of said struts. 
     
     
         5 . The frame structure of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said hubs is a product of a 3D printing method. 
     
     
         6 . The frame structure of  claim 1  wherein said end of said one of said struts is joined with one of said hub joints by a tubular sleeve. 
     
     
         7 . The frame structure of  claim 6  wherein said tubular sleeve is fastened to said one of said hub joints by an axially oriented fastener and to said strut by a transaxially oriented fastener. 
     
     
         8 . A hub for integration into a frame structure said hub comprising:
 a monolithic body with at least two integral hub joints;   wherein each one of said hub joints is adapted for engaging an end of a strut of said frame structure;   and wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.   
     
     
         9 . The hub of  claim 8  Wherein at least one of said hub joints is a tubular projection relative to said monolithic body. 
     
     
         10 . The hub of  claim 9  wherein said hub joints are of disparate sizes. 
     
     
         11 . The hub of  claim 10  wherein said hub is a product of a 3D printing method. 
     
     
         12 . A method of producing a frame structure wherein said method comprises:
 engaging a plurality of struts with a plurality of hubs;   forming each one of said hubs into a monolithic body having at least two integral hub joints;   adapting each one of said hub joints for engaging an end of one of said struts; and   positioning said hub joints wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said hub joints are produced as tubular projections of said monolithic body and said tubular projections are minimized in length. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said struts are produced with disparate sizes. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said hub joints are produced with disparate sizes corresponding to said disparate sizes of said struts. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein at least one of said hubs is produced by a 3D printing method. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein a tubular sleeve is positioned for joining said end of said one of said struts with said one of said hub joints. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein an axially oriented fastener is positioned for joining said tubular sleeve to said one of said hub joints. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein a transaxially oriented fastener is positioned for joining said tubular sleeve to said one of said struts.