.5in PVC Hexagon Connectors

Connectors for .5in PVC pipes that includes bottom/base, middle, top, and center to make a hexagon shape with a joined top.

I was asked to create 2 bird cage prop shapes for a local performing group (winter guard / WGI) and ended up landing on the hexagon shape so that I would not have to worry about tension in bent PVC to make a half or full circle.   The 3 way (bottom) is used to create a base that can be fastened to a surface using the Pipe Strap and then adding PVC to the vertical sections leads to the 4 way (middle) which creates the next level hexagon shape but then also leads up the 4 way (top) 15 degree to create the closed top along with the 6 way (top middle).  At one point I thought I was going to leave a door so I made 3 way tee connectors but never ended up using them.  The 45 degree (gusset) parts are used to create some visual design but also to add a bit more rigidity to the shape.  It takes 2 parts + short PVC pipe to make the gusset and they snap on (watch your fingers!).

I ended up choosing a 15 degree angle for the top as it completed the design without adding too much extra height to the overall shape.  The SCAD file is included for anyone who wants to adjust the angles.

Once the basic shape was completed the director asked for parts that could be removed from the bird cages so I created the PVC Pipe Holder and Colorguard Flag Pole Holder parts which allow for poles to be “snapped” onto the cage shape that can be removed as part of the performance.  

And last of all, we transport these from practice to competition so I made the Pipe Carrier (12 pipes) to try to find a way to keep everything together after it is broken down for transportation.   The holder does fine as long as the pipes are somewhat centered and we quickly found that a rubber band on top helps keep things together.