A connector system

Abstract

A connector system for joining a plurality of beams is provided. Connector system includes at least one first connecting element may include a first hub including a first connectable side, a first left leg and a first right leg, each extending from the first hub, such that the first left leg and the first right leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams, at least one second connecting element including a second hub may include a second connectable side, a second left leg, a second right leg and a centre leg, each extending from the second hub, such that the second left leg, the second right leg and the centre leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams, such that the first connectable side is connectable to a first connectable side of another first connecting element or the second connectable side, or the second connectable side is connectable to a second connectable side of another second connecting element, and such that the at least one first connecting element is connectable to another first connecting element or the at least one second connecting element, or the second connecting element is connectable to another second connecting element to form a joint for joining the plurality of beams.

Description

A Connector SystemCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application No.10202403304V filed on 24 October 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector system for joining a plurality of beams.Background

[0003] Connectors are used to join beams to form a structure, e g. rack, cupboards, frame of boxes. Depending on the number of beams required, different connectors are used to join them. For example, a connector is used to join two beams perpendicularly cannot be used to connect three beams, all perpendicular to each other. Hence, to provide connectors for different configuration and number of beams, a variety of connectors is required to be provided.

[0004] To cater for different requirements, a large inventory of connectors of various configurations has to be kept. As such, a large storage space and an inventory system is required to maintain the large inventory. It is also troublesome to keep track of the variety of the connectors to replenish the connectors. Needless to say, the costs to do so are relatively high. It is also understood that the costs to manufacture and transport a large variety of connectors can be high as well.

[0005] Furthermore, for a particular configuration, the types of connectors required have to be precise. Therefore, if a connector is not available during installation, the structure cannot be completed, or the completion is delayed while waiting for the required connector.

[0006] Therefore, it is beneficial to have a connector system that solves all the above problems.Summary

[0007] According to various embodiments, a connector system for joining a plurality of beams is provided. Connector system includes at least one first connecting element may include a first hub including a first connectable side, a first left leg and a first right leg, each extending from the first hub, such that the first left leg and the first right leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams, at least one second connecting element including a second hub may include a second connectable side, a second left leg, a second right leg and a centre leg, each extending from the second hub, such that the second left leg, the second right leg and the centre leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams, such that the first connectable side is connectable to a first connectable side of another first connecting element or the second connectable side, or the second connectable side is connectable to a second connectable side of another second connecting element, and such that the at least one first connecting element is connectable to another first connecting element or the at least one second connecting element, or the second connecting element is connectable to another second connecting element to form a joint for joining the plurality of beams.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the first connectable side and the second connectable side, each may include a connecting portion adapted to connect to another connecting portion of another first connecting element or another second connecting element.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the connecting portion may include a male connector and a female connector, such that the male connector of a connectable side is connectable to the female connector of another connectable side.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the first left leg may include a first left connectable face and the first right leg may include a first right connectable face, such that the first left connectable face and the first right connectable face are in the same plane as the first connectable side.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the second left leg may include a first left connectable face and the second right leg may include a second right connectable face, suchthat the second left connectable face and the second right connectable face are in the same plane as the second connectable side.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the first connecting element may be connected to the second connecting element to form a three-legged joint, such that when connected, the first hub is connected to the second hub to form a joint hub, the first left leg is connected to the second right leg to form a left coupled leg and the first right leg is connected to the second left leg to form a right coupled leg.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the connector system may include at least two of the first connecting elements, such that the two first connecting elements are connected to each other to form a two-legged joint, such that when connected, the two first hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the first left leg of one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first right leg of another of the two first connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and the first right leg of the one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first left leg of the another of the two first connecting elements to form a right coupled leg.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the connector system may include at least two of the second connecting elements, such that the two second connecting elements are connected to each other to fonn a four-legged joint, such that when connected, the two second hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the second left leg of one of the two second connecting elements is connected to the second right leg of another of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and the second right leg of the one of the two second connecting elements is connected to the second left leg of the another of the two second connecting elements to form a right coupled leg.

[0015] According to various embodiments, may further include two or more coupling sections adapted to couple to the first left leg and the first right leg and / or the second left leg and the second right leg, such that each coupling section when coupled to each of the first left leg, the first right leg, the second left leg or the second right leg forms the profile of the centre leg.

[0016] According to various embodiments, each of the first left connectable face, the first right connectable face, the second left connectable face, and the second right connectable face may include a female connecting part and each of the two or more coupling sections may include a male connecting part adapted to connect to the female connecting part

[0017] According to various embodiments, the connector system may include at least two of the first connecting elements and at least two coupling sections, such that the at least two first connecting elements connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections are connected to the at least two first connecting elements to form a T-shaped joint, such that when connected, the two first hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the first left leg of one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first left leg of another of the two first connecting elements to form a centre coupled leg, and one of the at least two coupling sections is coupled to the first right leg of the one of the two first connecting elements to form a right coupled leg and another of the at least two coupling sections is coupled to the first right leg of the another of the two first connecting elements to form a left coupled leg.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the connector system may include at least two of the second connecting elements and at least two coupling sections, such that the at least two second connecting elements are connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections are coupled to the at least two second connecting elements to form a five-legged joint, such that when connected, the two second hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the second left leg of one of the at least two second connecting elements is connected to the second left leg of another of the at least two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and both of the at least two coupling sections are coupled to the second right leg of the one of the at least two first connecting elements and the second right leg of the another of the at least two second connecting elements to form a right coupled leg.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the connector system may include at least two of the second connecting elements and at least four coupling sections, such that the at least two second connecting elements are connected to each other and the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the two second connecting elements to form a five-legged joint to form a sixlegged joint, such that when connected, the at least two second hubs are connected to eachother to form a joint hub, two of the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the second left leg and second right leg of one of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg and right coupled leg, and another two of the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the second left leg and the second right leg of the another of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg and a right coupled leg.

[0020] According to various embodiments, each of the first hub and the second hub may include a socket within the first connectable side and the second connectable side respectively and a through hole connected to the socket, such that the socket is adapted to secure a nut therein and the through hole is adapted to receive a threaded rod therethrough to be secured by the nut, such that when the first hub and the second hub are connected together to form a joined hub, the through holes of the first hub and the second hub are connected to form a through hole.Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the connecting system for joining a plurality of beams.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the first connecting element in Fig. 1.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view and a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling section.

[0024] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a three-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0025] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a two-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0026] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a four-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0027] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a T-shaped joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0028] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a five-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a six-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system.

[0030] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view and a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the first connecting element.Detailed Description

[0031] In the following examples, reference will be made to the figures, in which identical features are designated with like numerals.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the connecting system 100 for joining a plurality of beams (not shown in Fig. 1). Connecting system 100 includes at least one first connecting element 110 having a first hub 112 with a first connectable side 112S, a first left leg 114L and a first right leg 114R, each extending from the first hub 112, such that the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R are for connecting to the plurality of beams. Connecting system 100 further includes at least one second connecting element 120 having a second hub 122 with a second connectable side 122S, a second left leg 124L, a second right leg 124R and a centre leg 124C, each extending from the second hub 122, such that the second left leg 124L, the second right leg 124R and the centre leg 124C are for connecting to the plurality of beams, such that the first connectable side 112S is connectable to a first connectable side 112S of another first connecting element 110 or the second connectable side 122S, or the second connectable side 122S is connectable to a second connectable side 122S of another second connecting element 120, and such that the at least one first connecting element 110 isconnectable to another first connecting element 110 or the at least one second connecting element 120, or the second connecting element 120 is connectable to another second connecting element 120 to form a joint for joining the plurality of beams.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the first hub 112 may be a cuboid with the first connectable side 112S on one side thereof and the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R extending from two sides perpendicular to each other and to the one side. First connectable side 112S may include a connecting portion 116 adapted to connect to a connecting portion 116 of another first connecting element 110 or a connecting portion 126 of the second connecting element 120. Connecting portion 116 may include a male connector 116M and a female connector 116F, such that the male connector 116M of a connectable side is connectable to the female connector 116F of another connectable side and vice versa. First hub 112 may include a guide slot 112G for guiding a coupling section (not shown in Fig. 1) when the coupling section is being coupled to a left leg or right leg. Guide slot 122G may be disposed on each side of the first hub 112 that is blank or flat, without a connectable side or leg.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 1, the second hub 122 may be identical to the first hub 112 except that the second hub 122 has a centre leg 124C perpendicular to both the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R. As such, the second hub 122 may be a cuboid with the second connectable side 122S on one side thereof and the second left leg 124L and the second right leg 124R extending from two sides perpendicular to each other and to the one side. Second connectable side 122S may include a connecting portion 126 adapted to connect to a connecting portion 116 of the first connecting element 110 or a connecting portion 126 of another second connecting element 120. Connecting portion 126 may similarly include a male connector 126M and a female connector 126F, such that the male connector 126M of a connectable side is connectable to the female connector 126F of another connectable side. Second hub 122 may include a guide slot 122G for guiding a coupling section (not shown in Fig. 2) when the coupling section is being coupled to a left leg or right leg. Guide slot 122G may be disposed on each blank or flat side of the second hub 122.

[0035] Male connector 116M,126M may be a protrusion 116P, 126P protruding from the first connectable side 112S or the second connectable side 122S, and female connector 116F,126Fmay be a slot 116S,126S in the first connectable side 112S or second connectable side 122S for receiving the protrusion 116P,126P. Male connector 116M,126M may be engaged to the female connector 116F,126F via friction between each other, or interference fit. As shown in Fig. 1, the male connector 116M,126M may include four protrusions 116P,126P and the female connector 116S,126S may similarly include four slots 116S,126S disposed at locations for receiving the four protrusions 116S of another connecting element when the first hub 112 or second hub 122 is connected to another first hub 112 or second hub 122. However, it can be appreciated that there may be other number of protrusions and slots as long as the number of protrusions is the same as the number of slots.

[0036] First hub 112 and second hub 122 may each include a socket 112CJ22C within the first connectable side 112S and the second connectable side 122S respectively and a through hole (see Fig. 2) connected to the socket 112C,122C. First hub 112 or second hub 122 may be ahemisphere having afirst connectable side 112S or second connectable side 122S respectively or any other shape that is suitable to be connected to another of the first hub 112 or the second hub 122.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the first connecting element 110 in Fig. 1. Second connecting element 120 has also the same top view and the following description is applicable to the second connecting element 120. As shown in Fig. 2, the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R may be perpendicular to each other. Also shown in Fig. 2 are the four protrusions 116P disposed equidistance from each other and spaced radially identical from the centre of the first hub 112. Similarly, the four slots 116S that are disposed adjacent the four protrusions are disposed equidistance from each other. In fact, the four protrusions 116P and four slots 116S are symmetrical about the centre of the first hub 112. Socket 112C and through hole 112H may be seen in Fig. 2. Socket 112C may be disposed at the centre of the first hub 112 and adapted to retain a nut 20. As such, the centre of the first hub 112, the through hole 112H and the socket 112C may be coaxial and disposed between the four protrusions 116P and four slots 116S. Each first left leg 114L and first right leg 114R has one or more female connecting parts 114FP. One of the female connecting parts 114FP has a tapered comer 114P to align the orientation of a coupling section (not shown in Fig. 2).

[0038] Referring to Fig 1, as mentioned, the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R may be perpendicular to each other. First left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R may have a rectangular sectional area. However, they may be of another shape, e g. semi-circular. First left leg 114L may include a first left connectable face 114LF and the first right leg 114R may include a first right connectable face 114RF. First left connectable face 114LF and first right connectable face 114RF may be in the same plane as the first connectable side 112S. Each of the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R may include ridges 114D on and along opposite sides adjacent to the first left connectable face 114LF or the first right connectable face 114RF respectively to improve the grip of the beam on the leg when the leg is inserted into the beam.

[0039] Similarly, the second left leg 124L, the second right leg 124R and the centre leg 124C may be perpendicular to each other. Second left leg 124L and the second right leg 124R may have a rectangular sectional area. However, they may be of another shape, e.g. semi-circular. Centre leg 124C may have a square sectional area. However, the centre leg 124C may be another shape, e g. a circle. Second left leg 124L may include a second left connectable face 124LF and the second right leg 124R may include a second right connectable face 124RF. Second left connectable face 124LF and second right connectable face 124RF may be in the same plane as the second connectable side 122S. Each of the second left leg 124L, the second right leg 124R and the centre leg 124C may include ridges 124D on and along opposite sides thereof, where the opposite sides of the second left leg 124L and the second right leg 124R are adjacent to the second left connectable face 124LF or the second right connectable face 124RF respectively to improve the grip of the beam on the leg when the leg is inserted into the beam.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view and a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling section 130 Connecting system 100 may include two or more coupling sections 130 adapted to couple to the first left leg 114L and the first right leg 114R and / or the second left leg 124L and the second right leg 124R. Each coupling section 130 when coupled to each of the first left leg 114L, the first right leg 114R, the second left leg 124L or the second right leg 124R forms the profile of the centre leg 124C. Coupling section 130 may have a rectangular sectional area like that of the first left leg 114L, first right leg 114R, second left leg 124L andsecond right leg 124R. However, the coupling section 130 may have another sectional shape, e g. semi-circular. Coupling section 130 may include a coupling portion 134C adapted to couple the coupling section 130 to the female connecting part 114FP of the first left leg 114L, and the first right leg 114R of the first connecting element 110 and the female connecting part 124FP of the second left leg 124L and the second right leg 124R of the second connecting element 120. Coupling portion 134C may be a male connecting part 134MP adapted to be coupled to the female connecting part 114FP,124FP. Male connecting part 134MP may include one or more rectangular protrusions extending from one face of the coupling section 130. One of the rectangular protrusions may have a tapered corner 134P and the female connecting part 124FP may have a corresponding tapered corner 114P (see Fig. 2) to receive the male connecting part 134MP. In this way, the orientation of the coupling section 130 will be kept align when coupled to a leg.

[0041] Coupling section 130 may include ridges 134D on opposite sides thereof to improve the grip of the beam thereon when the coupling section 130 is inserted into the beam. As shown below, when the coupling section 130 is connected to a leg to form a coupled leg, a beam may be connected to the coupled leg. Coupling section 130 may include a guide 134G protruding from one end thereof and insertable into the guide slot 112G, 122G of the first hub 112 or second hub 122 so that the coupling section 130 is guided by the guide slot 112G,122G onto the leg when being coupled thereto.

[0042] Each of the first left connectable face 114LF, the first right connectable face 114RF, the second left connectable face 124LF, and the second right connectable face 124RF may include a female connecting part 114FP,124FP and each of the two or more coupling sections 130 may include a male connecting part 134MP adapted to connect to the female connecting part 114FP,124FP.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a three-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system 100. First connecting element 110 may be connected to the second connecting element 120 to form a three-legged joint.

[0044] When connected, the first hub 112 is connected to the second hub 122 to form a joint hub 142, the first left leg 114L is connected to the second right leg 124R to form a left coupled leg 144L and the first right leg 114R is connected to the second left leg 124L to form a left coupled leg 144R, both of which have the same shape as the centre leg 124C. In this way, a beam (not shown in Fig. 4) may be connected to each of three legs, i.e. the left coupled leg 144L, left coupled leg 144R or centre leg 124C.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a two-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system 100. Connecting system 100 may include at least two of the first connecting elements 110A, 110B which may be connected to each other to form a two-legged joint.

[0046] When connected, the two first hub 112A,112B are connected to each other to form a joint hub 142, the first left leg 114LA of one of the at least two first connecting elements 110A is connected to the first right leg 114RB of another of the two first connecting elements 110B to form a left coupled leg 144L, and the first right leg 114RA of the one of the at least two first connecting elements 110A is connected to the first left leg 114LB of the another of the at least two first connecting elements 110B to form a right coupled leg 144R, which has the same shape as the centre leg (not shown in Fig. 5). Similarly, a beam (not shown in Fig. 5) may be connected to each of the two coupled legs, i.e. left coupled leg 144L and right coupled leg 144R.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a four-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system 100. Connecting system 100 may include at least two of the second connecting elements 120A,120B, such that the at least two second connecting elements 120A,120B are connected to each other to form a four-legged joint.

[0048] When connected, the two second hubs 122A,122B are connected to each other to form ajoint hub 142, the second left leg 124LA of one of the at least two second connecting elements 120A is connected to the second right leg 124RB of another of the at least two second connecting elements 120B to form a left coupled leg 144L, and the second right leg 124RA of the one of the at least two second connecting elements 120A is connected to the second left leg120LB of the another of the at least two second connecting elements 120B to form a right coupled leg 144R, both of which have the same shape as the centre leg 124C. In this way, a beam (not shown in Fig. 6) may be connected to each of four legs, i.e. the left coupled leg 144L, left coupled leg 144R, the top centre leg 124CB and the bottom centre leg 124CA.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a T-shaped joint is being formed using the connecting system 100. Connecting system 100 may include at least two of the first connecting elements 110A,l 10B and at least two coupling sections 130A,130B, such that the at least two first connecting elements 110A,l 10B connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections 130A,130B are connected to the at least two first connecting elements 110A,l 10B to form a T-shaped joint.

[0050] When connected, the two first hubs 112A,112B are connected to each other to form a joint hub 142, the first left leg 114LA of one of the at least two first connecting elements 110A is connected to the first left leg 114LB of another of the at least two first connecting elements 110B to fonn a centre coupled leg 144C, and one of the at least two coupling sections 130A is coupled to the first right leg 114RA of the one of the at least two first connecting elements 114A to form a right coupled leg 144R and another of the at least two coupling sections 130B is coupled to the first right leg 114RB of the another of the at least two first connecting elements 114B to form a left coupled leg 144L, both of which have the same shape as the centre leg (not shown in Fig. 7). In this way, a beam (not shown in Fig. 7) may be connected to each of the left coupled leg 144L, right coupled leg 144R and the centre coupled leg 144C.

[0051] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a five-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system 100 Connecting system 100 may include at least two of the second connecting elements 120A,120B and at least two coupling sections I30AJ30B. such that the at least two second connecting elements 120A,120B are connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections I30AJ30B are coupled to the two connecting elements 120A,120B to form a five-legged joint.

[0052] When connected, the two second hubs 122A, 122B are connected to each other to form ajoint hub 142, the second left leg 124LA of one of the at least two second connecting elements124 A is connected to the second left leg 124LB of another of the at least two second connecting elements 124B to form a left coupled leg 144L, and both of the at least two coupling sections 13OA,13OB are coupled to the second right leg 124RA of the one of the at least two first connecting elements 124A and the second right leg 124RB of the another of the at least two second connecting elements 124B to form a right coupled leg 144R, both of which have the same shape as the centre leg 124CA. In this way, a beam (not shown in Fig. 8) may be connected to each of the left coupled leg 144L, the right coupled leg 144R, the top centre leg 124CB and the bottom centre leg 124CA.

[0053] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of how a six-legged joint is being formed using the connecting system 100. Connecting system 100 may include at least two of the second connecting elements 120A,120B and at least four coupling sections 13OA,13OB,13OC,13OD, such that the at least two second connecting elements 120A,120B are connected to each other and the at least four coupling sections 130A,130B,130C,130D are coupled to the at least two connecting elements 120A,120B to form a six-legged joint.

[0054] When connected, the two second hubs 122A, 122B are connected to each other to form a joint hub 142, two of the at least four coupling sections 130A, 130B are coupled to the second left leg 124LA and second right leg 124RA of one of the at least two second connecting elements 120A to form a left coupled leg 144LA and right coupled leg 144RA, and another two of the at least four coupling sections 130C,l 30D are coupled to the second left leg 124LB and the second right leg 124RB of the another of the at least two second connecting elements 120B to form a left coupled leg 144LB and a right coupled leg 144RB, all of which have the same shape as the centre leg 124CA. In this way, a beam (not shown in Fig. 9) may be connected to each of the left coupled legs 144LA,144LB, and the right coupled legs 144RA,144RB, the top centre leg 124CB and the bottom centre leg 124CA

[0055] As shown in the figures, the first hub 112 and the second hub 122 may each be half a cube such that when the first connecting element 110 or the second connecting element 120 is connected to another first connecting element 110 or second connecting element 120, the hubs 112,122 are joined to form a joint hub 142 that is in the shape of a cube. While the joint hub 142 has the shape of a cube, it is possible to have the joint hub 142 in another shape, e.g. asphere, where the first hub 112 and the second hub 122 are in the shape of a hemi-sphere. By having a shape that has identical sides for the joint hub 142, it is possible for the connecting elements 110,120 to be connected to each other to form the same shape.

[0056] Similarly, the first left legs 114L,124L, the first right legs 114R, 124R, the coupling section 130, each has the same shape, which is half the shape of the centre leg 124C, such that when the first left legs 114L,124L, the first right legs 114R,124R, the coupling section 130, are connected to each other, a coupled leg that is of the shape of the centre leg 124C is formed. In this way, the shape of any coupled leg and the centre leg 124C is the same when coupled so that a connecting part of the beam that connects to the coupled leg or centre leg 124C can be of one size. This avoids having beams with differing connecting part size and minimise inventory and storage space. While the first left legs 114L,124L, the first right leg s 114R,124R and the centre leg 124C has a square sectional area, it is possible for them to be in another shape, e g. a circle, where the first left legs 114L,124L, the first right legs 114R,124R have a sectional area of a semi-circle.

[0057] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view and a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the first connecting element 110. Although the first connecting element 110 is shown, the following is applicable to the second connecting element 120. Socket 112C is adapted to secure the nut 20 therein and the through hole 112H is adapted to receive a threaded rod 22, e.g. a bolt, therethrough to be secured by the nut 20, such that when the first hub 112 and the second hub 122 are connected together to form the joint hub, the through holes 112H,124H of the first hub 112 and the second hub 122 are connected to form a through hole.

[0058] This configuration enables additional parts, e g. a wheel, a hook, to be secured to the joint hub of the connector system 100. By enabling the additional parts to be secured to the joint hub 142, the connector system 100 is more versatile and provides more functionality to a structure using the connector system 100. For example, a shelf may require a plurality of three-legged and four-legged joints to join a number of beams to be assembled. To enable the shelf to be mobile, wheels may be attached to the joint hubs of the joints In addition, hooks may be attached the joint hubs to enable things to be hung on the shelf.

[0059] As clearly shown above, the connector system 100 requires only two to three types of elements, i.e. the first connecting element 110, the second connecting element 120 and / or the coupling section 130 to provide up to six configurations to join beams together. In this way, the inventory size and the storage space required to store the number of parts is greatly reduced and yet, the flexibility and possibility of the connector system 100 provides is tremendous. Consequently, the costs and resource to maintain the inventory is reduced. It is also understood that the costs to manufacture and transport the connectors can be reduced as well.

[0060] A skilled person would appreciate that the features described in one example may not be restricted to that example and may be combined with any one of the other examples

[0061] The present invention relates to a connector system generally as herein described, with reference to and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

Claim1. A connector system for joining a plurality of beams comprising,at least one first connecting element comprisinga first hub comprising a first connectable side, a first left leg and a first right leg, each extending from the first hub, wherein the first left leg and the first right leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams,at least one second connecting element comprisinga second hub comprising a second connectable side,a second left leg, a second right leg and a centre leg, each extending from the second hub, wherein the second left leg, the second right leg and the centre leg are for connecting to the plurality of beams,wherein the first connectable side is connectable to a first connectable side of another first connecting element or the second connectable side, or the second connectable side is connectable to a second connectable side of another second connecting element, andwherein the at least one first connecting element is connectable to another first connecting element or the at least one second connecting element, or the second connecting element is connectable to another second connecting element to form a joint for joining the plurality of beams.

2. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the first connectable side and the second connectable side, each comprising a connecting portion adapted to connect to another connecting portion of another first connecting element or another second connecting element.

3. The connector system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion comprises a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector of a connectable side is connectable to the female connector of another connectable side.

4. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first left leg comprises a first left connectable face and the first right leg comprises a first right connectableface, wherein the first left connectable face and the first right connectable face are in the same plane as the first connectable side.

5. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second left leg comprises a first left connectable face and the second right leg comprises a second right connectable face, wherein the second left connectable face and the second right connectable face are in the same plane as the second connectable side.

6. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element to form a three-legged joint, wherein when connected, the first hub is connected to the second hub to form a joint hub, the first left leg is connected to the second right leg to form a left coupled leg and the first right leg is connected to the second left leg to form a right coupled leg.

7. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least two of the first connecting elements, wherein the two first connecting elements are connected to each other to form a two-legged joint, wherein when connected, the two first hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the first left leg of one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first right leg of another of the two first connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and the first right leg of the one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first left leg of the another of the two first connecting elements to form a right coupled leg.

8. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least two of the second connecting elements, wherein the two second connecting elements are connected to each other to form a four-legged joint, wherein when connected, the two second hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the second left leg of one of the two second connecting elements is connected to the second right leg of another of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and the second right leg of the one of the two second connecting elements is connected to the second left leg of the another of the two second connecting elements to form a right coupled leg.

9. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising two or more coupling sections adapted to couple to the first left leg and the first right leg and / or the second left leg and the second right leg, wherein each coupling section when coupled to each of the first left leg, the first right leg, the second left leg or the second right leg forms the profile of the centre leg.

10. The connector system according to claim 9, wherein each of the first left connectable face, the first right connectable face, the second left connectable face, and the second right connectable face comprises a female connecting part and each of the two or more coupling sections comprises a male connecting part adapted to connect to the female connecting part.

11. The connector system according to claim 9 or 10, comprising at least two of the first connecting elements and at least two coupling sections, wherein the at least two first connecting elements connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections are connected to the at least two first connecting elements to form a T-shaped joint, wherein when connected, the two first hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the first left leg of one of the two first connecting elements is connected to the first left leg of another of the two first connecting elements to form a centre coupled leg, and one of the at least two coupling sections is coupled to the first right leg of the one of the two first connecting elements to form a right coupled leg and another of the at least two coupling sections is coupled to the first right leg of the another of the two first connecting elements to form a left coupled leg.

12. The connector system according to one of claims 9 to 11, comprising at least two of the second connecting elements and at least two coupling sections, wherein the at least two second connecting elements are connected to each other and the at least two coupling sections are coupled to the at least two second connecting elements to form a five-legged joint, wherein when connected, the two second hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, the second left leg of one of the at least two second connecting elements is connected to the second left leg of another of the at least two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg, and both of the at least two coupling sections are coupled to the second right leg of the one of the at least two first connecting elements and the second right leg of the another of the at least two second connecting elements to form a right coupled leg13. The connector system according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising at least two of the second connecting elements and at least four coupling sections, wherein the at least two second connecting elements are connected to each other and the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the two second connecting elements to form a five-legged joint to form a six-legged joint, wherein when connected, the at least two second hubs are connected to each other to form a joint hub, two of the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the second left leg and second right leg of one of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg and right coupled leg, and another two of the at least four coupling sections are coupled to the second left leg and the second right leg of the another of the two second connecting elements to form a left coupled leg and a right coupled leg.

14. The connector system according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the first hub and the second hub comprises a socket within the first connectable side and the second connectable side respectively and a through hole connected to the socket, wherein the socket is adapted to secure a nut therein and the through hole is adapted to receive a threaded rod therethrough to be secured by the nut, wherein when the first hub and the second hub are connected together to form a joined hub, the through holes of the first hub and the second hub are connected to form a through hole.

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