# Patent

## Title
Construction assembly for spatial structure with movable screw

## Abstract

Construction assembly for spatial structure intended to be releasably fastened to an element, the construction assembly includes a support and a screw. The support has a threaded hole, a front surface and an abutting surface. The screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between a retracted position and a protruding position. In a fixing position, the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support, the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the support, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis.

## Background
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a construction assembly for spatial structure and a device further comprising an element releasably fastened by screwing to the construction assembly.
The spatial structures that can be achieved with construction assemblies according to the invention are in particular part of furniture, architectural constructions, and machine and vehicle structures.
The invention relates in particular in the furniture field to tables, bookcases, chairs, beds, storage units, stands, and in the architectural construction field to private housings, offices, shops, stations, scaffolding.
The construction assembly is preferably part of bars, nodes, plates and parallelepiped boxes.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Document BE-531 761 discloses a construction assembly comprising a tubular rod, a sleeve and a screw. The tubular rod has an abutting surface with a hole. The sleeve has a hole and a front surface. The screw has a shank and an abutting flange. The shank extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a threaded portion. The screw is able to freely slide through the hole of the tubular rod and is able to translate without rotation around the longitudinal axis with respect to the sleeve between a retracted position and a fixing position. In the retracted position the threaded portion of the screw extends essentially within the hole of the sleeve. In the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw protrudes from the front surface of the sleeve, the abutting flange of the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the tubular rod, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention aims at making the spatial structure easier to build with the construction assembly, while providing a robust, simple and not expensive construction assembly.
To this goal, according to the invention the construction assembly comprises a support and a screw. The support has a threaded hole, a front surface and an abutting surface. The screw has a shank and an abutting flange. The shank extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a threaded portion. The screw is movable with respect to the support between a retracted position and a fixing position. The screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between the retracted position and a protruding position intermediate between the retracted position and the fixing position. The threaded portion of the screw engages the threaded hole between the retracted position and the protruding position. The shank protrudes from the front surface of the support in the protruding position. In the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support, the abutting flange of the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the support, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis.
Thus, the construction assembly is simpler, has a better appearance and is more robust. Contrary to the construction assembly disclosed in BE-531 761, it does not require a sleeve intended to be interposed between the tubular rod and the element to releasably fasten by screwing the element to the construction assembly. Otherwise, the construction assembly is able to be inserted between two elements to (at least one of) which the construction assembly has to be screwed without requiring to substantially move the elements away from each other, and then to bring them closer to fix the construction assembly to the elements. Moreover, the user only has to rotate the screw first to move the screw towards the element in order to engage the screw in threaded hole of the element, and then to press the element against the construction assembly.
Preferably, in the retracted position the shank does not protrude from the treaded hole.
According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, coupled translation and rotation of the screw with respect to the support from the protruding position to the retracted position is prevented beyond the retracted position and the screw still engages the threaded hole in the retracted position.
Therefore, the user is ensured that driving the screw in rotation enables to move the screw along the longitudinal direction in order to make the screw protrude and/or to increase the protrusion of the screw from the front surface.
According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the shank comprises an annular groove disposed between the threaded portion and the abutting flange.
This solution is simple and efficient.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, in the protruding position the abutting flange of the screw is distant from the abutting surface of the support of a distance preferably less than 3 millimeters, more preferably less than 1 millimeter.
Therefore, the fixation of the construction assembly is more robust.
According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the support comprises a housing having a cavity and the construction assembly further comprises a guide member disposed in the cavity and connected in rotation around the longitudinal axis to the screw.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, the guide member is preferably integral with the screw.
According to an alternative characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the guide member is pivotally mounted along the longitudinal on the support (being retained along the longitudinal axis with respect to the support), and the screw is free to slide with respect to the guide member along the longitudinal axis.
Therefore, it is easier to drive the guide member in rotation around the longitudinal axis.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the guide member comprises an annular gripping portion, and the support comprises at least one aperture facing the gripping portion.
Therefore, the user is able to drive the guide member in rotation around the longitudinal axis with a hand.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the aperture is surrounded by a peripheral edge which is flush with the gripping portion.
Thus, intrusion of dirt in the cavity is reduced and the appearance is improved.
According to an other characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the gripping portion has knurled surface.
According to another additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the gripping portion further comprises driving holes extending radially to the longitudinal axis.
Therefore, insertion of a rod in the driving holes enables to exert a high torque on the guide member.
According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the housing comprises a cylindrical surface of circular cross section which forms a bearing surface against which rotates the guide member.
This solution is simple and enables to guide the guide member in rotation around the longitudinal axis with respect to the housing.
According to another characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the support includes a rod extending along the longitudinal axis, said rod having:

    
    
        four flat lateral surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis, adjacent two by two,
        four ribs extending along the longitudinal axis, and
        each rib joins two adjacent lateral surface and protrudes from both of the adjacent lateral surfaces.
    
    


Therefore, several (preferably four) such construction assemblies surrounding a plate maintain said plate with their ribs to form a shelf, a top or the like of the spatial structure.
Preferably, in accordance with the invention, the construction assembly further includes the following characteristics:

    
    
        the support further has a peripheral surface extending along the longitudinal direction and an end along the longitudinal axis, said support comprising a side hole extending through said peripheral surface, and
        the construction assembly further comprises a drive shaft pivotally mounted with respect to the support along the cross axis, said cross axis being not parallel to the longitudinal direction and extending through the side hole of the support, rotation of the drive shaft around the cross axis being mechanically linked to rotation of the screw around the longitudinal axis.
    
    


Therefore, driving the screw in rotation around the longitudinal axis is further easier.
The invention further relates to a device comprising, in addition to the construction assembly, an element comprising a threaded fixing hole, wherein:

    
    
        said abutting surface is an internal abutting surface and the construction assembly further comprises an external abutting surface,
        the screw is screwed in the fixing hole of the element, and
        in the fixing position the external abutting surface of the construction assembly exerts a pressure along the longitudinal axis against an abutting surface of the element increasing with the screwing of the screw in the fixing hole.
    
    


Thus, the fixation of the construction assembly and the element is easy to achieve and is very robust.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the construction assembly comprises a crank having a non-circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the element comprises a crank opposite and complementary to the crank of the construction assembly, so that the construction assembly and the element fit into each other.
Thus, the fixation between the construction assembly and the element is more rigid and more robust.
According to an additional characteristic in accordance with the invention, and preferably, the crank of the construction assembly and the crank of the element have a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, in accordance with the invention, one of the cranks of the construction assembly and the crank of the element has a regular octagonal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawing in which:
FIG. 1 schematically shows in perspective a device according to the invention comprising a plurality of construction elements and joining elements fastened ones to the others,
FIG. 2 shows in perspective, partially exploded, and at an enlarged scale a construction element and a joining element of the device, according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 3 is a cross section view on line referenced III-III in FIG. 2,
FIG. 4A is a view at an enlarged scale of the area referenced IV in FIG. 3, showing the screw in a retracted position,
FIG. 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A, showing the screw in a protruding position,
FIG. 5 is a view at an enlarged scale of the area referenced V in FIG. 3, showing the screw in a fixing position
FIG. 6 is a partial cross section view on line referenced VI-VI in FIG. 1, at an enlarged scale,
FIG. 7 shows in perspective a device according to a second embodiment,
FIG. 8 shows the construction element according to the second embodiment in exploded perspective,
FIG. 9 is a section view on line referenced IX-IX in FIG. 7,
FIG. 10 shows in perspective the device according to the second embodiment during assembling,
FIG. 11 shows partially, in cross section, the construction element according to a third embodiment, a driver being inserted,
FIG. 12 shows the third embodiment in accordance with FIG. 11, the driver being removed,
FIG. 13 shows in perspective, partially exploded, a device according to a fourth embodiment,
FIG. 14 is a cross section view on line referenced XIV-XIV in FIG. 13,
FIG. 15 shows in exploded perspective a device according to a fifth embodiment,
FIG. 16 is a cross section view on line referenced XVI-XVI in FIG. 15,
FIG. 17 shows in perspective, partially exploded, a device according to a sixth embodiment,
FIG. 18 shows in perspective, partially exploded, a device according to a seventh embodiment.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a device 100 forming a spatial structure made of construction elements 1 and joining elements 101 fastened ones to the others.
In the embodiment illustrated, all the construction elements 1 are identical and all the joining elements 101 are identical. Each construction element 1 has an external shape of a bar having a substantially constant external section and extending along a longitudinal axis X. Each joining element 101 defines a node having an external shape of a cube having a threaded fixing hole 122 in the middle of each face.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 further includes a plate 110. The device 100 defines a table. The construction elements 1 constitute the feet and the peripheral edge of the table. The joining elements 101 constitute the corners of the table. The plate 110 constitutes the top of the table.
As shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, the construction element 1 comprises a support 10 and a screw 50 movable with respect to the support 10 in order to be screwed in one threaded fixing hole 122 of the joining element 101. The construction element 1 further comprises a guide member 40 and a drive shaft 60.
The support 10 extends along the longitudinal axis X between a first end 10a and a second end 10b. The support 10 includes a housing 18 and an insert 20. The housing 18 has a peripheral surface 30 which is cylindrical and extends along the longitudinal axis X. The housing 18 further has a cavity 17 having an opening 4 at each end 10a, 10b. The insert 20 is inserted in the cavity of the housing 18 through the opening 4 at the first end 10a and another (identical) insert 20 at the second end 10b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the housing 18 is a bar having a tubular shape with longitudinal reinforcing ribs and is extruded so that it has substantially the same cross section along the longitudinal axis X. Moreover, the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the construction element 1 are identical. Parts at the first end 10a and parts at the second end 10b being identical have the same reference number.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the insert 20 comprises a body 23 and a plate 28 integral with the body 23. The insert 20 is preferably cast in one piece. The plate 28 comprises an internal abutting surface 26 and a front surface 24 opposite to the internal abutting surface 26. Both of the front surface 24 and the internal abutting surface 26 are plane and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the construction element 1. The plate 28 has passages receiving screws 21, so that the plate 28 is fixed to the housing 18 by the screws 21. The plate 28 further has a threaded hole 22 extending between the internal abutting surface 26 and the front surface 24 along the longitudinal axis X.
The screw 50 extends along the longitudinal axis and has a shank 54, a cylindrical pin 59 and a ledge 53 disposed between the shank 54 and the cylindrical pin 59. The shank 54 includes a threaded portion 56 and an annular groove 58, smooth (not threaded), disposed between the threaded portion 58 and the ledge 53. So, the threaded portion 56 extends along the longitudinal axis X and in a first direction X1 from the groove 58 up to an end surface 51 of the screw 50.
The screw 50 engages the threaded hole 22 of the insert 20 between a retracted position, shown in particular in FIG. 4A and a protruding position shown in FIG. 4B. Therefore, the screw 50 is linked in coupled translation and rotation along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the support 10 between the retracted position and the protruding position.
The ledge 53 has a retaining flange 55 and an abutting flange 52. In the retracted position, the end surface 51 of the screw 50 is flush with the front surface 24, the threaded portion 56 of the screw 50 engages the threaded hole 22 and the retaining flange 55 abuts against an end abutting surface 39 of the guide member 40. Therefore, translation of the screw 50 in a second direction X2, opposite to the first direction X1, along the longitudinal axis X due to unscrewing of the screw 50 is stopped in the retracted position, thereby preventing the disengagement of the screw 50 from the threaded hole 22.
The engagement of the threaded portion 56 in the threaded hole 22 ends in the protruding position shown in FIG. 4B. Between the protruding position and the fixing position shown in FIG. 5, the annular groove 58 is in the threaded hole 22, the threaded portion 56 does not engage the threaded hole 22, and therefore the screw 50 can independently rotate around the longitudinal axis X and translate along the longitudinal X.
As shown in particular in FIG. 4B, in the protruding position, the abutting flange 52 is at a distance d from the internal abutting surface 26 of the insert 20. Advantageously, the distance d is less than 10% and preferably less than 5% of the diameter of the threaded hole 22. Moreover, the distance d is advantageously less than 3 millimeters and preferably less than 1 millimeter.
As shown in particular in FIG. 5, in the fixing position, the abutting surface 52 of the screw 50 abuts against the internal abutting surface 26 of the insert 20 and a gap d exists between the threaded portion 56 of the screw 50 and the threaded hole 22.
So, rotating the screw 50 in a first rotating direction from the retracted position enables to make the threaded portion 56 of the screw 50 protrudes. Thus, if the joining element 101 faces one of the ends 10a, 10b, the threaded portion 56 of the screw 50 engages the fixing hole 122 of the joining element 101 due to rotation of the screw 50 in said first rotating direction. The screw 50 moves in coupled translation and rotation along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the support 10 from the retracted position up to the protruding position. Then, since the threaded portion 56 of the screw 50 still engages the fixing hole 122 of the joining element 101, but does not engages anymore the threaded hole 22 of the construction element 1, keeping on rotating the screw 50 in the first direction moves the joining element 101 towards the construction element 1.
In the fixing position, shown in particular in FIGS. 3 and 5, an external abutting surface 25 of the support 10 is in contact against an abutting surface 125 of the joining element 101. Then, function of the rotation of the screw 50 with respect to the support 10 in the first rotation direction around the longitudinal axis X, and therefore function of the screwing (coupled translation and rotation of the screw 50 in the fixing hole 122), the retaining flange 52 exerts an increasing pressure against the internal abutting surface 26 and thus the external abutting surface 25 exerts an increasing pressure F against the abutting surface 125 of the joining element 101.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the plate 28 has a peripheral surface 6 having a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X which is substantially square. The external abutting surface 25 is plane and is part of the housing 18. The plate 28 protrudes from the external abutting surface 25. Therefore, the construction element 1 has at each end 10a, 10b a protruding crank 2 having a non-circular (square) section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
The joining element 101 has a front surface 124 which is set back to the abutting surface 125 and faces the front surface 24 of the construction element 1. So, the joining element 101 has a set back crank 102 of substantially cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X which is complementary to the protruding crank 2 of the construction element 1. Thus, the construction element 1 and the joining element 101 fit into each other. Therefore, the construction element 1 is indexed in one of four angular relative positions with respect to the joining element 101 around the longitudinal axis X.
The guide member 40 comprises the end surface 39 at an end of the guide member 40 in the first direction X1, along the longitudinal axis X and a conical gear 41 at an opposite end of the guide member along the longitudinal axis X in the second direction X2.
The guide member 40 further comprises a tubular portion 45 having an internal surface 45a and an external surface 45b. The internal surface 45a defines a cylindrical bore 49 within which the cylindrical pin 59 of the screw is received.
The cylindrical pin 59 is free to slide along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the guide member 40 between the fixing position and the retracted position. As mentioned above, the screw 50 is prevented from sliding in the second direction X2 with respect to the support 10 along the longitudinal axis X beyond the retracted position by abutment of the retaining flange 55 of the screw 50 against the end abutting surface 39 of the guide member 40. The cylindrical pin 59 has a hexagonal external cross-section which is similar and complementary to the cross internal section of the bore 49. Therefore, the bore 49 engages the cylindrical pin 59 of the crew so that they are linked in rotation around the longitudinal axis X.
The body 23 of the insert 20 further comprises a bore 8, cylindrical of circular cross section, extending around and along the longitudinal axis X and facing the external surface 45b. Both of the bore 8 and the external surface 45b have a circular cross section. The bore 8 of the insert 20 forms a bearing surface against which rotates the external surface 45b of the guide member 40 around the longitudinal axis X.
Moreover, the housing 18 comprises a cylindrical surface 16 of circular cross section extending around and along the longitudinal axis X. The cylindrical surface 16 of the housing 18 forms a bearing surface against which rotates an annular external surface 43 of the guide member 40. The annular external surface 43 is near the conical gear 41.
The guide member 40 further comprises a ledge 48, having a first abutting flange 48a and a second abutting flange 48b. The first abutting flange 48a faces a guide member retaining portion 27 of the body 23 of the insert 20. The guide member retaining portion 27 of the insert 20 has an abutting surface preventing, by abutting the first abutting flange 48a, the guide member 40 from translating in the first direction X1 along the longitudinal direction axis X with respect to the support 10. The second abutting flange 48b faces an end of the cylindrical surface 16 of the housing 18 which thereby optionally prevents, by abutting the second abutting flange 48b, the guide member from translating in the second direction X2 along the longitudinal direction axis X with respect to the support 10.
The drive shaft 60 extends along a cross axis Y which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the cross axis Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
The drive shaft 60 comprises a head 62 at an end in a first direction Y1 along the cross axis Y and a conical gear 61 engaging the conical gear 41 of the guide member 40 at an opposite end of the drive shaft 60 along the cross axis Y in a second direction Y2 opposite to the first direction Y1.
The head 62 has, around the cross axis Y, a circular peripheral section 64 which is received within a side hole 12. The side hole 62 extends along the cross axis Y and through the peripheral surface 30. The side hole 12 has a circular section perpendicular to the cross axis Y and forms a bearing surface against which rotates the peripheral portion 64 of the head 62 of the drive shaft 60. Since the section of the side hole 12 is close to the section of the head 62 of the drive shaft 60, the head 62 of the drive shaft 60 closes the side hole 12.
The drive shaft 60 further comprises an annular external surface 63 near the conical gear 61. The external surface 63 is received within a bore of circular cross section achieved in the housing 18 and forming a bearing surface 13 against which rotates the external surface 63 of the drive shaft 60.
Therefore, the side hole 12 and the bearing surface of the support 10 guide the drive shaft 60 along the cross axis Y.
The drive shaft 60 further has an annular grove 68 having a first abutting surface 68a and a second abutting surface 68b. The body 23 of the insert 20 further has a drive shaft retaining portion 29. The drive shaft retaining portion 29 of the insert 20 has a fork shape and engages the annular groove 68. Said drive shaft retaining portion comprises to fingers extending along the longitudinal axis X, in the annular groove 68 and between which the drive shaft 60 is received. So, both of the first abutting flange 68a and the second abutting flange 68b faces the drive shaft retaining portion 29 of the insert 20. Therefore, the drive shaft retaining portion 29 prevents, by abutting against the first abutting flange 68a, the drive shaft 60 from translating along the cross axis Y in the first direction Y1. And, the drive shaft retaining portion 29 prevents, by abutting against the second abutting flange 68b, the drive shaft 60 from translating along the cross axis Y in the second direction Y2, with respect to the support 10.
Consequently, the drive shaft 60 can only rotate around the cross axis Y with respect to the support 10.
The guide member 40 is further prevented from translating along the longitudinal axis X in the second direction X2 since the conical gear 61 of the drive shaft 60 engages the conical gear 41 of the guide member 40 and the drive shaft 60 is prevented from translating along the cross axis Y in the second direction Y2 by the conical gear of the guide member 40. Therefore, the guide member retaining portion 27 of the insert 20 could prevent the guide member 40 from translating along the longitudinal direction axis X only in the first direction X1 and the drive shaft retaining portion 29 could only prevent the drive shaft 60 from translating along the cross axis Y only in the first direction Y1, with respect to the support 10. But, the robustness and the easiness of manufacturing the construction element would be reduced.
Otherwise, the head portion 62 of the drive shaft has an end surface 66 along the cross axis Y in the first direction Y1, and said end surface 66 of the drive shaft 60 is flush with the peripheral surface 30 of the support 10.
A hollow of hexagonal section defines a tool receiving portion 65 intended to receive a hex key and facing out from the housing 18.
Since the conical gear 61 of the drive shaft 60 engages the conical 41 of the guide member, and the guide member 40 is linked in rotation to screw through engagement of the bore 49 and the pin 59, rotation of the drive shaft 60 around the cross axis Y is mechanically linked to the rotation of the screw 50 around the longitudinal axis X.
Therefore, fastening of the construction element 1 with the joining element 101 is very easy, since the user can easily continuously rotate a hex key inserted in the tool receiving portion 65 of the drive shaft 60.
As shown in particular in FIG. 6, the housing 18 has four external flat lateral surfaces 32, 34, 36, 38 and four ribs 31 defining the peripheral surface 30.
The lateral surfaces 32, 34, 36, 38 and the ribs 31, 33, 35, 37 extend along the longitudinal axis X. Each rib 31, 33, 35, 37 joins two adjacent lateral surface 32, 34, 36, 38 and protrudes from both of the adjacent lateral surfaces.
Therefore, the plate 110 of the table is easily maintained between two ribs 33, 35 of four construction elements 1 surrounding the plate 110.
In FIG. 6, the tool receiving portion 65 of the drive shaft 60 preferably faces the floor to hide the drive shaft 60.
The screw 50 further has an optional tool receiving portion intended to receive a hex key in the end surface 51, as shown in FIG. 2. But, generally only the tool receiving portion 65 of the drive shaft 60 is accessible.
In order to manufacture the construction element, the drive shaft 60 is inserted in the housing 18 through the side hole 12, the pin 59 of the screw 50 is inserted in the bore 49 of the guide member 40, the tubular portion 45 of the guide member 40 is inserted in the bore 8 of the insert 20 and the screw is screwed in the threaded hole 22. Then, the insert 20 is inserted into the cavity 17 through the opening 4, the annular external surface 43 of the guide member 40 facing the cylindrical surface 16 of the housing 18 and the drive shaft retaining portion 29 engaging the annular grove 68 of the drive shaft 60. And, the insert 20 is fixed to the housing by the screws 21.
FIGS. 7 to 10 show a second embodiment of device 100 in accordance with the invention.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the housing 18 includes the cylindrical surface 16 forming bearing surface against which rotates the annular external surface 43 of the guide member 40. Therefore, the peripheral surface (cylindrical surface 16) defining the cavity 17 of the housing 18 is of circular section.
Moreover, the insert 20 does prevent the drive shaft 60 from translating along the cross axis Y anymore. Instead of the drive shaft retaining portion 29 of the insert of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the drive shaft 60 is prevented from translating, along the cross axis Y in the first direction Y1, by a retaining screw 69. The head 62 has a collar 67 abutting against the peripheral surface 30 of the housing 18 and therefore preventing the drive shaft 60 from translating along the cross axis Y in the second direction Y2.
Moreover, the guide member 40 has a groove 48 having a first abutting surface 48a and a second abutting surface 48b. The guide member retaining portion 27 of the insert 20 has a fork shape extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X and engaging the annular groove 48. The guide member retaining portion 27 comprises to fingers extending in the annular groove 48 and between which the guide member 40 is received. So, both of the first abutting flange 48a and the second abutting flange 48b faces abutting surfaces 27a, 27b of the guide member retaining portion 27 of the insert 20. Therefore, the guide member retaining portion 27 prevents, by abutting the abutting flange 48a, the guide member 40 from translating along the longitudinal axis X in the first direction X1, and the guide member retaining portion 27 prevents, by abutting the abutting second flange 48b, the guide member 48 from translating along the longitudinal axis X in the second direction X2, with respect to the support 10.
And the guide member 40 has a slot 46 extending between the internal surface 45a and the external surface 45b of the tubular portion 45 in order to insert the cylindrical pin 59 of the screw 50 in the cylindrical bore 49 of the guide member 40 along an insertion direction Y′ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as shown in FIG. 10.
Moreover, optionally, the guide member 40 comprises an annular gripping portion 42 and the support 10 comprises two apertures 14 facing the gripping portion 42, in order to enable a user to directly rotate the guide member 40 with his finger contacting the gripping portion 42. The gripping portion 42 is disposed between two annular external surfaces 43. As shown in FIG. 9, the aperture 14 is surrounded by a peripheral edge 15 which is flush with the gripping portion 42. The gripping portion 42 further comprises driving holes 44 extending radially to the longitudinal axis X, in order to enable insertion of a stem in the driving holes 44 to directly drives the guide member 40 and exerts a high torque around the longitudinal axis X.
Except the guide member retaining portion 27, the insert 20 has symmetry of revolution. So, the body 23 of the insert 20 is threaded near the plate 28, the cylindrical surface 16 is threaded next to the opening 14, and the insert 20 is fastened to the housing 18 by screwing 21.
In order to manufacture the construction element 1 of the second embodiment, the drive shaft 60 is inserted in the housing 18 through the side hole 12 and the retaining screw 69 is screwed in the drive shaft 60 to maintain the drive shaft 60 along the cross axis Y. The screw 50 is screwed in the threaded hole 22 of the insert 20. Then, the guide member 40 is moved along the insertion direction Y′ with respect to the screw 50 and the insert 20, so that the pin 59 of the screw 50 is inserted in the bore 49 of the guide member 40 through the slot 46. Then, the insert 20 supporting the screw 50 and the drive shaft 40 is inserted into the cavity 17 through the opening 4, and screwed 21 to the housing 18, the annular external surface 43 of the guide member 40 bearing against the cylindrical surface 16 of the housing 18.
And the guide member 40 has a slot 46 extending between the internal surface 45a and the external surface 45b of the tubular portion 45 in order to insert the cylindrical pin 59 of the screw 50 in the cylindrical bore 49 of the guide member 40 along an insertion direction Y′ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 7 shows an other embodiment of joining element 101. The joining element 101 shown in FIG. 7 is generally a sphere having twenty six threaded fixing holes 122 orthogonally distributed.
It should be noticed that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the peripheral external surface 30 is circular, but it can be identical to the peripheral external surface of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, since the shape of the cylindrical surface 16 and the shape of the peripheral external surface 30 can be modified independently one from the other. Moreover, the joining element 101 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the joining element 101 shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 can be fastened either to the construction element shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, or to the construction element shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of construction element 1 in accordance with the invention.
The third embodiment mainly differs from the first embodiment in that the drive shaft 60 is no more prevented from translating along the cross axis Y in the first direction Y1 and is part of a driving tool 80.
When the drive shaft 60 is operating, as shown in FIG. 11, the side hole 12 forms a bearing surface against which rotates the peripheral portion 64 of the drive shaft 60, the external surface 63 is received within the bearing surface 13 and the conical gear 61 of the drive shaft 60 engages the conical gear 41 of the guide member 40. Therefore, the side hole 12 and the bearing surface 13 of the support 10 guide the drive shaft 60 along the cross axis Y, so that the conical gear 61 of the drive shaft 60 is well positioned to cooperate with the conical gear 41 of the guide member 40.
When the drive shaft 60 is removed from the housing 18, preferably the side hole 12 is closed by a cap 82.
FIGS. 13 and 14 show a fourth embodiment of construction element 1 in accordance with the invention.
The fourth embodiment mainly differs from the first embodiment in that the insert 20 defines a casing having two parts 20a, 20b (the body 23 is divided is two along a plan of symmetry extending along the longitudinal axis X and the cross axis Y) fixed together and between which are retained the screw 50 and the drive shaft 60. Furthermore, the insert 20 comprises the side hole 12 forming bearing surface 13 against which rotates the peripheral portion 64 of the head 62 of the drive shaft 60, so that the insert 20, the screw 50 and the drive shaft 60 are part of a module 70.
In the fourth embodiment the guide member retaining portion 27 of the insert 20 is an annular ledge inserted in an annular groove 48 of the guide member 40, so that the guide member retaining portion 27 prevents the guide member 40 from sliding along the longitudinal axis X in the first direction X1 and in the second direction X2 with respect to the insert 20.
Therefore, the guide member 40 is directly supported by the insert 20 and can only rotate around the longitudinal axis X with respect to the insert 20.
Moreover, the drive shaft retaining portion 29 of the insert 20 is an annular ledge inserted in the annular groove 68 of the drive shaft 60, so that the drive shaft retaining portion 29 prevents the drive shaft from sliding along the cross axis X in the first direction Y1 and in the second direction Y2 with respect to the insert 20.
And, since the side hole 12 bears the peripheral portion 64 of the head 62 of the drive shaft 60, the drive shaft 60 is directly supported by the insert 20 and can only rotate around the cross axis Y with respect to the insert 20.
The self supporting module 70 comprising the insert 20, the screw 50, the guide member 40 and the drive shaft 60 is inserted in the cavity 17 of the housing 18 and fixed to the housing by screws 21.
Otherwise, the end surface 66 of the drive shaft 60 is flush with a peripheral surface 72 of the body 23 of the insert 20 and the housing 18 has a passage 11 which extends along the cross axis Y, runs on from the side hole 12 and has the same cross section as the side hole 12.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a fifth embodiment of construction element 1 in accordance with the invention.
The fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the guide member 40 is integral with the screw 50 (preferably cast in one piece with the screw 50), the construction element 1 is deprived of drive shaft 60 and therefore the guide member 40 is deprived of conical gear.
Moreover, the retaining flange 55 is on the guide member 40 and the abutting 39 is on the housing. The retaining flange 55 abuts against the abutting surface 39 in order prevent the screw 50 from moving along the longitudinal axis X in the second direction X2 beyond the retracted position and therefore prevents the screw 50 from disengaging the threaded hole 12.
Otherwise, the gripping portion 42 is disposed between two annular external surfaces 43 and is knurled whereas the external surfaces 43 are smooth.
FIG. 17 shows a sixth embodiment of device 100 in accordance with the invention.
The sixth embodiment mainly differs from the fourth embodiment in that the construction element 1 is a plate and the joining element 101 is a plate to be releasably fastened to the construction element 1.
The construction element 1 comprises two cavities 17. The module 70 is inserted in each cavity 17 and the screws 50 of the modules 70 are able to protrude in the same direction, so that the screws 50 are to be fastened to two respective threaded hole 122 of the same joining element 101.
FIG. 18 shows a seventh embodiment of device 100 in accordance with the invention.
In the seventh embodiment, the plate 28 has a peripheral surface 6 having a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X which is substantially octagonal. The construction element 1 has at each end 10a, 10b a protruding crank 2 having an octagonal section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
Therefore, the construction element 1 is indexed in one of eight angular relative positions evenly disposed (every 45 degrees) with respect to the joining element 101 around the longitudinal axis X.

## Claims

1. A construction assembly for spatial structure intended to be releasably fastened to an element, said construction assembly comprising:
a support having a threaded hole, a front surface and an abutting surface, and
a screw having a shank and an abutting flange, said shank extending along a longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion,

wherein:
the screw is movable with respect to the support between a refracted position and a fixing position,
the screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between the refracted position and a protruding position intermediate between the retracted position and the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw engaging the threaded hole between the refracted position and the protruding position, the threaded portion of the screw is not engaged with the threaded hole at the fixing position and at the protruding position, and the shank protruding from the front surface of the support in the protruding position, and
in the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support so that there is a distance between the threaded portion and the threaded hole and the distance is less than 3 millimeters, the abutting flange of the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the support, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis,
in the retracted position the shank does not protrude from the threaded hole.

2. The construction assembly according to claim 1 wherein coupled translation and rotation of the screw with respect to the support from the protruding position to the retracted position is prevented beyond the retracted position and the screw still engages the threaded hole in the retracted position.

3. The construction assembly according to claim 1 wherein the shank comprises an annular groove disposed between the threaded portion and the abutting flange.

4. The construction assembly according to claim 3 wherein in the protruding position the abutting flange of the screw is distant from the abutting surface of the support of a distance less than 3 millimeters.

5. The construction assembly according to claim 1 wherein:
the support comprises a housing having a cavity,
the construction assembly further comprises a guide member disposed in the cavity and connected in rotation around the longitudinal axis to the screw.

6. The construction assembly according to claim 5 wherein the guide member is integral with the screw.

7. The construction assembly according to claim 6 wherein:
the guide member comprises an annular gripping portion, and
the support comprises at least one aperture facing the gripping portion.

8. The construction assembly according to claim 7 wherein the aperture is surrounded by a peripheral edge which is flush with the gripping portion.

9. The construction assembly according to claim 7 wherein the gripping portion has a knurled surface.

10. The construction assembly according to claim 7 wherein the gripping portion further comprises driving holes extending radially to the longitudinal axis.

11. Construction assembly according to claim 5 wherein:
the guide member is pivotally mounted along the longitudinal axis on the support, and
the screw is free to slide with respect to the guide member along the longitudinal axis.

12. The construction assembly according to claim 5 wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical surface of circular cross section which forms a bearing surface against which rotates the guide member.

13. The construction assembly according to claim 5 wherein
the support further has a peripheral surface extending along the longitudinal direction and an end along the longitudinal axis, said support comprising a side hole extending through said peripheral surface, and
the construction assembly further comprises a drive shaft pivotally mounted with respect to the support along the cross axis, said cross axis being not parallel to the longitudinal direction and extending through the side hole of the support, rotation of the drive shaft around the cross axis being mechanically linked to rotation of the screw around the longitudinal axis,
the support defines a casing in which are retained the screw, the guide member and the drive shaft, so that the casing, the screw, the guide member, and the drive shaft are part of a module.

14. The construction assembly according to claim 13 wherein:
the casing comprises a body divided in two parts along a plane of symmetry extending along the longitudinal axis and the cross axis fixed together, and
the screw, the guide member and the drive shaft are retained between said two parts.

15. The construction assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support includes a rod extending along the longitudinal axis, said rod having:
four flat lateral surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis, adjacent two by two,
four ribs extending along the longitudinal axis, and
each rib joins two adjacent lateral surfaces from which it protrudes.

16. A device comprising a construction assembly according to claim 1 and an element comprising a threaded fixing hole, wherein:
said abutting surface is an internal abutting surface and the construction assembly further comprises an external abutting surface,
the screw is screwed in the fixing hole of the element, and
in the fixing position the external abutting surface of the construction assembly exerts a pressure along the longitudinal axis against an abutting surface of the element increasing with the screwing of the screw in the fixing hole,
the construction assembly comprises a crank having a non circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and
the element comprises a crank opposite and complementary to the crank of the construction assembly, so that the construction assembly and the element fit into each other,
the crank of the construction assembly and the crank of the element have a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

17. A device having an element and a construction assembly forming a spatial structure, the element comprising a threaded fixing hole and an external abutting surface, and the construction assembly comprising:
a support having a threaded hole, a front surface, an internal abutting surface, and an external abutting surface, and
a screw having a shank and an abutting flange, said shank extending along a longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion,

wherein:
the screw is movable with respect to the support between a refracted position and a fixing position,
the screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between the refracted position and a protruding position intermediate the retracted position and the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw engaging the threaded hole between the retracted position and the protruding position, the threaded portion of the screw is not engaged with the threaded hole at the fixing position and at the protruding position, and the shank protruding from the front surface of the support in the protruding position, and
in the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support so that there is a distance between the threaded portion and the threaded hole and the distance is less than 3 millimeters, the abutting flange of the screw abuts against the internal abutting surface of the support, the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis, the element is fastened to the construction assembly, and the external abutting surface of the support exerts an increasing pressure against the external abutting surface of the element upon rotation of the screw.

18. The device according to claim 17 wherein:
the construction assembly comprises a crank having a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
the element comprises a crank opposite and complementary to the crank of the construction assembly, so that the construction assembly and the element fit into each other; and
the crank of the construction assembly and the crank of the element have a polygonal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein one of the cranks of the construction assembly and the crank of the element has a regular octagonal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

20. A device having an element and a construction assembly forming a spatial structure, the element comprising a threaded fixing hole and an external abutting surface, and the construction assembly comprising:
a support having a threaded hole, a front surface, an internal abutting surface, and an external abutting surface; and
a screw having a shank and an abutting flange, said shank extending along a longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion;

wherein:
the screw is movable with respect to the support between a refracted position and a fixing position;
the screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between the refracted position and a protruding position intermediate the retracted position and the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw engaging the threaded hole between the retracted position and the protruding position, and the shank protruding from the front surface of the support in the protruding position;
in the fixing position, the threaded portion of the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support, the abutting flange of the screw abuts against the internal abutting surface of the support, the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis, the element is fastened to the construction assembly, and the external abutting surface of the support exerts an increasing pressure against the external abutting surface of the element upon rotation of the screw;
one of the construction assembly or the element has a crank with a regular octagonal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
the other one of the construction assembly or the element has crank with a square cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and
the crank having a regular octagonal cross-section is inserted in the crank having a square cross-section.