Abstract: A structural assembly (10) comprising a first structural member (100), a second structural member (200), and a lock plate (300). Each of the structural members (100, 200) have a first portion (102, 202) which extends in a first plane and a second portion (103, 203) which extends away from the first portion (102, 202) and which extends in a second plane at an angle to the first plane. The first portion (102, 202) of the structural members (100, 200) are provided with an engagement feature (104, 204) configured to interlock with a compatible engagement feature (304) provided on the lock plate (300) of the structural assembly. The second portion (103, 203) of the first structural member (100) and second structural member (200) being provided with: compatible seating features (106, 206) configured to seat one of the structural members (200) on the other structural member (100).

Abstract: One variation of a panelized structural building system includes, a set of wall panels, each including: an outer face; a set of hardpoints, each arranged proximal a corner of the outer face, defining a lateral wall panel datum facing outwardly from a side of the wall panel, and defining an exterior façade mount facing outwardly from the outer face; and a load-bearing structure extending between the set of hardpoints and inset from a maximal wall panel perimeter defined by the set of hardpoints; wherein the set of wall panels are assemblable into a wall with lateral wall panel datums—defined by hardpoints in adjacent wall panels—abutting to laterally space the set of wall panels along the wall. The system also includes a set of exterior façade panels configured to install onto exterior façade mounts—defined hardpoints in adjacent wall panels—to conceal outer faces of these wall panels.

Abstract: A standardized structural metal plug assembly that, when welded to metal columns and beams, allows to join them together into a bi-axial moment connection without bolts or on-site welding. The plug is assembled in a gravity and interlocking fashion. It is composed of one flange cruciform joint that works as a “male” outward component that channels the beam's “female” inward bracket into its seated and locked position. The column terminals also act as “female” inward component that slips and seats over the flange cruciform joint ends. All the components are lock-in-place to the flange cruciform joint due to various mechanical locking latches attached to the beam brackets and column terminals.

Abstract: A retail merchandise tray and display incorporating the same are provided. The display includes a shelf and the tray mounted to the shelf. The tray includes a pair of opposed mounting rails with at least one tray section situated between the first and second mounting rails. A support leg is mounted to the first mounting rail and elevates a back end of the retail merchandise tray relative to a front end.

Abstract: A connector that has a frame and a complementary column affixing pressure plate for coupling to the frame. The frame and the complementary column affixing pressure plate together forming a hollow body. The hollow body having a top end having an opening, a bottom end and side faces. The frame and complementary column affixing pressure plate having complementary apertures for receiving fasteners for affixing a column receivable within the hollow body from the top end. A joist plate coupled to the frame and a joist affixing pressure plate adapted for coupling to the joist plate. The joist plate and the joist affixing pressure plate having complementary apertures for receiving fasteners for affixing a joist. The connector can be used in construction of modular building and units.

Abstract: A rolling block restraint connector for forming a moment resisting connection at a joint intersection between a continuous first structural member and at least a first continuous second structural member that intersects the continuous first structural member is shown. The connector includes a first restraint assembly including (i) a first block, (ii) a second block, and (iii) a first shaft that passes through channels of the first block and the second block, a second restraint assembly including (i) a third block, (ii) a fourth block, and (iii) a second shaft that passes through channels of the third block and the fourth block, a first linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly, and a second linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft each pass through the first linkage and the second linkage.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. The full-length beam is bolted to the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly. A brace has an end portion received between the gusset plates and makes an angle with the beam and with the column. The brace is bolted to the gusset plates at the end portion of the brace.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure one or more fence rails to a fence post. The present invention brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence or on a new fence. The invention includes a first fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a first fence rail, a second fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a second fence rail, and a fence post member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence post. The fence post brace member may form a picket fastener slot for use in affixing a picket to the fence post. The fence post brace system may be adapted for use with cylindrical fence posts or rectangular fence posts.

Abstract: A rolling block restraint connector for forming a moment resisting connection at a joint intersection between a continuous column and at least a first continuous beam that intersects the continuous column is disclosed. The connector includes a first restraint assembly, a second restraint assembly, wherein the second restraint assembly is configured to be located diagonally across the joint intersection from the first restraint assembly, a first linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly, the first linkage including (i) a first saddle configured to couple with an exterior of a first end of a first tubular shaft of the first restraint assembly, and (ii) a second saddle configured to couple with an exterior of a first end of a second tubular shaft of the second restraint assembly, and a second linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly.

Abstract: A building structure system and method includes a plurality of columns each having a uniform shape and size, a plurality of baseplates, a plurality of sleeves, and a plurality of support beams each having a uniform shape and size. Each of the columns include protrusions a first distance from each end of the column. Each sleeve is sized to receive two columns vertically and to position the ends of the received columns together while the protrusions of each of the received columns engage both ends of the sleeve. Apertures on the columns, baseplates and sleeves align to receive connectors. Each of the uniform beams are positioned horizontally between the columns and are joined to a sleeve at both ends. When so positioned, the top end of the sleeve will extend above the beam and flooring material so as to receive another column after the flooring material has cured.

Abstract: A reusable modular housing system has a gridded structure comprising reusable components with dimensions corresponding to a two-unit system. The structure has floor and ceiling grids with dimensions that correspond to multiples of a first unit of measurement. The vertical beams that connect the floor and ceiling grids are spaced apart at dimensions that also correspond to multiples of the first unit of measurement. The structure has a variety of other components that can be coupled to the floor and ceiling grids and the vertical beams, and those other components have dimensions that correspond to a multiple of a second unit of measurement. Dimensions of the structure can vary, but each of the component parts can be detachably coupled into the gridded structure, so as to fit within the grid's dimensions based on respective multiples of the first unit of measurement and the second unit of measurement.

Abstract: A retail merchandise tray and display incorporating the same are provided. The display includes a shelf and the tray mounted to the shelf. The tray includes a pair of opposed mounting rails with at least one tray section situated between the first and second mounting rails. A support leg is mounted to the first mounting rail and elevates a back end of the retail merchandise tray relative to a front end.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.

Abstract: The present application provides a prefabricated structural system and an assembly method thereof. The prefabricated structural system may be applied to steel structures, reinforced concrete structures and timber structures. When applied to the steel structures, the prefabricated structural system includes a plurality of steel structure joints and related members.

Abstract: A pipe rack system and a multi-plane coupling for such a pipe rack system are provided. The multi-plane coupling includes a coupling body that forms at least a first receiver aligned with a first axis, a second receiver aligned with a second axis, and a third receiver aligned with a third axis. The pipe rack system includes pipe sections that are received and coupled in the receivers. The multi-plane coupling may be in the form of a three-way, four-way, five-way, or a six-way pipe fitting. The receivers may be female threaded sockets. The pipe sections may be threaded pipe that are threadedly received within the female threaded sockets of the pipe fittings.

Abstract: The strengthening system for beam-column connections in steel frame buildings to resist progressive collapse helps to mitigate progressive collapse in the event of accidental column loss by using a system of rippled steel plates reinforcing the beam-column connection. Various configurations of rippled steel plates are provided to connect in-plane and transverse beams at a joint. In the event of severe damage caused to a column of a steel framed building, the upper joints of the damaged column undergo downward movement. The rippled plates at the joint straighten during the initial downward movement, and resist further downward movement after complete straightening of the ripples. This helps in the development of catenary action in steel beams. The proposed system is simple, fast to construct, demountable, and easy to repair/replace after damage caused by blast loads.

Abstract: A structure includes: two abutted vertical bars having a rectangular tube shape; a plurality of hook hole groups on the side wall thereof; the side walls of the vertical bars are provided with first and second locking through holes, respectively, at the place adjacent to the butt-joining opening thereof; a hook hole group is arranged between one butt-joining opening and the first or second locking through hole; a bidirectional plug-in butt-joining member is assembled between the two butt-joining openings at the opposite ends of the two vertical bars, and the bidirectional plug-in butt-joining member further includes recess portions that are aligned with the hook hole groups arranged on the vertical bar adjacent to the butt-joining opening; and first and second positioning holes arranged on the side wall of the bidirectional plug-in butt-joining member and aligned with the respective locking through holes for locking through the respective locking member.

Abstract: A node element for a furniture system having a three-dimensional load-bearing tubular structure comprises a plurality of connection points for the mechanical fastening of two or more tubes. It further comprises two regions which are electrically insulated from each other and which are arranged such that two electrical polarities can be coaxially tapped at the connection points for the tubes.

Abstract: A snap together tubing system having a plurality of molded plastic members which function to provide the posts and nails of a fence and are configured to be assembled with connectors formed of molded plastic to attach the nails to the posts by snapping them together. A flat sheet backer board is affixed or fastened to the to the tubing system to create a wall.

Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes first grid support members arranged in parallel spaced apart relationship. A pair of elongated lighting support members is arranged in parallel with the first grid support members. The lighting support members are spaced apart and define an axially elongated lighting opening. A lighting spacer bracket is connected between and supports the lighting support members from an overhead building support structure. In one embodiment, the bracket is configured to define a downwardly open cavity for at least partially receiving a lighting module therein. A lighting module is positioned in the lighting opening and supported by the lighting support members. In one embodiment, the lighting module may be a digital linear lighting module.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure a fence rail to a fence post. This brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence. The present invention may also be installed on a new fence. The brace may be adapted to support fences with cylindrical fence posts or rectanguloid fence posts and rectanguloid fence rails. Optional embodiments include braces for fence corner pieces. The brace may further optionally be adapted to secure fences on a steep incline. The invention includes a first fence rail brace member adapted to connect to 2 or more sides of a first fence rail; the first fence rail brace member is fused to a first side of a fence post brace member, the fence post brace member being adapted to connect to 2 or more sides of the fence post.

Abstract: A pin joint type structural member, made of double steel pipe consisting of a main pipe and a stiffening pipe, restrains buckling so as to be stable under axial compressive force. A clearance between the stiffening pipe 2 and the reinforcing member is determined so that a ratio (Pc2/Pc2) of the reinforcing member contact force with the stiffening pipe inner surface at the end 4b of a counter-clevis side, to the reinforcing member contact force with the stiffening pipe inner surface at the end 4a of the clevis side may be 0.40 to 0.65 when the reinforcing member 4 inclines to the main pipe 1 due to the axial force acting on the main pipe 1. In addition, a length Lin that the stiffening pipe 2 overlaps with the reinforcing member 4 is at least 1.1 times as large as the reinforcing member outer diameter at the overlapping portion.

Abstract: A rapid deployment plant protector having a polygonal umbrella cover having closed sleeves on a first side, open sleeves on an opposing side, and connection structure for joining an edge of a first of said polygonal umbrella cover with an edge of an adjoining polygonal umbrella cover; an umbrella hub; a plurality of cover stays corresponding in number to the number of said sleeves; and a vertical support on which said umbrella hub is disposed.

Abstract: A furniture assembly includes at least four division plates, at least four squared beams, and at least one storage space. The division plate has a left lateral surface and a right lateral surface to respectively mount a front fastener and a rear fastener. Four division plates are adhered to the squared beam at four orthogonal directions. The front fastener and the rear fastener of the division plate are to penetrate respective anchorage holes at the squared beam. With end plugs to be inserted into the corresponding end opening of the squared beam, the end plug and the corresponding fasteners of the division plates can be buckled up firmly at the corresponding end of the squared beam.

Abstract: A set of profiles for forming complex profiles comprises two profiles, namely a first profile (10) and a second profile (20), adjoining each other and having walls surrounding a main chamber. Each profile (10, 20) of the set has an outer shape which may be inscribed into a triangle, and has an inner wall (12, 22) with a faying face (13, 23) without protruding fragments. The faying faces (13, 23) adjoining each other, after being coated with adhesive enable a joint to be created when the complex profile is discussed, however, in the case of the set of the profiles they are considered to be contact surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A new connecting node set that is unique and surprisingly effective at aligning interfacing holes in connecting nodes is illustrated by their application to radial tetrahedral structures. This method of connecting one node to another requires that a left handed node be connected to a right handed node. They are called left handed or right handed because their lines of interface in at least two directions of intended use are geometrically coincident with straight line rulings of a hyperboloid of revolution of one sheet which itself consists of two families of straight line rulings, designated a left handed and a right handed family respectively. With these nodes, magnets could be placed on the lines of interface (opposite placement in a left handed one from a right handed one) and thus the magnets would always attract or repel as preferred.

Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.

Abstract: A joint structure for directly joining a plurality of pipes is provided. A first pipe 10 has a joined end face 11 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a tenon 12 formed on a joined end face. A second pipe 20 has a joined end face 21 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a mortice 22. By fitting the tenon 12 of the first pipe 10 to the mortice 22 of the second pipe 20, a joint structure of the two pipes 10, 20 is formed. The joined end face 11 of the first pipe 10 and the joined end face 21 of the second pipe 20 are on surface contact over the entire thickness of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile structure for adapting surfaces, which is formed by a grid assembly (1) which is supported at grid nodes by telescopic columns (2) which can be individually extended in order to use the grid assembly (1) to form a variable surface comprising relief elements.

Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

Abstract: Guide ring arranged coaxially with a drive shaft includes locating and locking features ensuring proper orientation of drive and driven shafts, also ensuring proper backlash between gears mounted thereon. Guide ring is inserted through a keyed aperture of a mounting bracket and brought into proximity with the driven shaft frame. Rotation of motor and guide ring in first direction draws shafts into alignment; mounting bracket is attached to driven shaft frame. Motor and guide ring then rotated in opposite direction to second extreme position in which the motor is locked and driven shaft can rotate freely.

Abstract: A storage unit assembly kit comprising only two types of rectangular panel pieces are repetitively interlocked to form a storage array for miniature toys. The first type of panel piece includes enlargements at each corner pierced by a first and second aperture extending completely across the plane of the panel. The second type of panel piece, in turn, includes a first and second set of posts extending laterally in the panel plane for insertion in the respective ones of the apertures. The second type of panel piece may also include a bounding barrier generally dimensioned to receive and confine the toy therebetween.

Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: A system and method for transiently connecting modular elements of a self movable robot. The self movable robot is known as metamorphosing robots, polymorphic robots, shape changing robots, or morphable structures. The modular elements can act together to build a structure to perform a given task. Each modular robotic module contains a mechanism allowing for communication and transfer of power between adjacent modules, and defining a robot whole to be all the modules in one connected component.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, easy to install reinforcement coupler to be interconnected between a pair of opposing reinforcement steel bars that are either embedded in and protrude outwardly from adjacent precast concrete structures or form part of the reinforcement of a prefabricated reinforcement element or cast in place concrete member. An eyelet is welded to the protruding end of each reinforcement steel bar. A pair of steel coupler plates having bolt holes formed through each end thereof extends between opposite sides of the reinforcement steel bars so that the eyelets of the reinforcement steel bars are sandwiched between the coupler plates and the bolt holes at the ends of the coupler plates are axially aligned with respective ones of the eyelets. A threaded bolt is then inserted through the bolt holes in each of the ends of each of the pair of coupler plates as well as the eyelets disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Joint apparatus for construction members and a building construction are provided with standardized joint members including at least one of a basic joint member including a fitting protrusion of an approximately cross-figured lateral sectional shape, an end plate portion connected at a top or a bottom face of the fitting protrusion, and a projection extending upwardly from the end plate portion for fitting a groove of approximate straight line or cross-figured lateral sectional shape. The joint apparatus is suitable for coupling standardized precut timbers capable of use for construction members so as to form a framework of a building. The joint apparatus for construction members can effectively construct a building in which characteristics of both the conventional frame work method and the built-up wall method are mixed together.

Abstract: A novel framework arrangement is presented whereby a bracket to shaft coupling assembly permits the face of horizontal beams to align with the face of a square tubular vertical posts and thereby establishes an exceptionally strong framework made up of exceptionally light structural elements (posts, beams and connector device) and comprising a minimum of interchangeable parts which can be readily mass-produced, and which can be used to assemble any variety of orthogonal building structure.

Abstract: A mounting clamp and assembly in which the clamp's intermediate web extends across the support member at an oblique angle. A pair of side rails are adjustably coupled to the support boom, each side rail having a separate clamp for independent adjustment with the side rails being diametrically opposed. Each clamp has a raised contact surface on one side to permit the clamp to remain fixed on the support boom while the side rail is adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus and system including a hanger device which is releasably clampable to a rod. The hanger device includes a pair of blocks each having a plurality of differently configured bore sections therein adapted for cooperating with a plurality of differently configured bore sections of the other block such that predetermined ones of the cooperating bore sections may be aligned to clamp the rod therebetween, whereby the blocks may be clamped to rods of a plurality of different configurations. One of the blocks is provided with a member for suspending a hoist. The apparatus further preferably comprises structure for connecting the hanger device to a come-along device whereby the functions of the hoist and come-along device may be effectively interrelated to lift and substantially horizontally translate material in an efficient and coordinated process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for a tubular truss assembly which is formed of tubes loosely fit between selected adjacent ones of the connectors. The tubes are held in place either by a set screw in connector receptacles into which the tubes are mounted or by a tensioning element connected between connectors for urging the connectors together. The manner of coupling and securement provides for very rapid assembly, minimization of stress concentrations and turning connector assemblies to form non-planar structures.

Abstract: A basic joint member and a plurality of application joint members are formed so that a side plate portion or end plate portion is fitted to the end face of a construction member constituting a post, a beam or the like and a coupling plate portion extending from the side plate portion or end plate portion orthogonally to the side plate portion or end plate portion is fitted in a groove formed in the end face of the construction member or is gripped between construction members including two parallel members, and the connecting plate portion is clamped by a clamping member. The basic member containing a longitudinal construction member is combined with and connected to at least one application joint member for a lateral construction member, a lateral construction member orthogonal to the first-mentioned lateral construction member and an oblique construction member to construct a joint apparatus for construction members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for a tubular truss assembly which is formed of tubes loosely fit between selected adjacent ones of the connectors. The tubes are held in place either by set screws in connector receptacles into which the tubes are mounted or by tensioning elements connected between connectors for urging the connectors together. The manner of coupling and securement provides for very rapid assembly, minimization of stress concentrations and turning connector assemblies to form nonplanar structures.

Abstract: Tubular bars are connected to form room or open space framing by screw bolts with heads at their ends to connect the bars with intersecting members. Screw bolts with heads are supported in the end areas of the bars to be rotatable and axially movable. Their outward axial movement in each case is limited by a limiting boss in the end area of each bar. The limiting boss for the screw bolts with heads is formed by shaping of the end segments of the tubular bars in their hollow space. In tubular bars with tapered, truncated conical end segments, the head of the screw bolts can be welded against the inside wall of these end segments, when it is of correspondingly fitted truncated conical shape.

Abstract: A structural connection device is disclosed and is formed of a plurality of hub components having extending ear pairs for connecting with elongated struts or the like for constructing spatial structures. The hub components are positioned in stacked abutting relationship and connected into a unitary device via a single elongated rod connector disposed through and sealed within a large single axially aligned perforation extending centrally through each of the hub components. Adjacent hub components are rotated relative to each other prior to assembly to provide an angular relationship between the respective ear pairs of adjacent hub components.The elongated rod connector 16 (FIGS. 1-2), and 16a (FIG. 3) is fixed to the hub components by shrink fitting, force fitting or adhesively bonding. Other connection embodiments utilize a key-keyway arrangement (FIGS. 4-5a), a cross-pin arrangement (FIGS. 6-7a) and a star or gear shaped connector element (FIGS. 8-9).

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 3, a connector comprises a body (1) and a plurality of detachable connecting members for connecting the body (1) to a rod or tube, wherein the body (1) is provided with a plurality of threaded apertures (11) for receiving threaded end portions of the connecting members. The connecting members are form-locked to the connector body (1) to prevent relative rotation, by means of a hexagon head solid with the connecting member and received in a corresponding recess (12) in the connector body (1), thus preventing relative rotation between the connector body (1) and connecting member (31). In a preferred form, the connector body (1) is a pentagonal prism having two pairs of adjacent faces (4,5;6,7) at 90.degree. and the remaining three pairs (5,6;7,8;8;4) at 120.degree..

Abstract: A junction piece for releasably connecting rod-shaped structural elements 7, the junction piece consisting of a junction ball K and a pin element 4 to be radially screwed into the ball K. The pin elements 4 are of cylindrical shape and can be inserted with a cylindrical section into front end recesses of the structural elements 7 and can be fixed axially thereof. In this case, the cylindrical section is made to correspond to an axial guide casing for the pin element 4. The guide casing can be rotated and fixed in the front end recess of the rod-shaped structural elements 7, whereas the pin element 4 is arranged to be prevented from any rotation in the guide casing. It is, however, allowed to be axially displaced against the action of the spring 5.

Abstract: A joint between a vertically oriented hollow section column (1) and a horizontal load-carrying beam (3) in a two-story building structure such as an exhibition stand, which can be rapidly erected and dismantled, includes a straight core (2) fitted into the upper end of the column (1). The quadratic hollow section core (2) has a projecting bolt head (21) at the middle of either side surface. Each side wall of the generally quadratic hollow section column (1) has a central, axial slot (12) on its inside. On its underside the beam carries a dependent guide body, the width of which corresponds to the width of the internal column slot and is guided by this slot. The short end of the beam (3) has a vertically directed Tee slot (32,36) extending upwardly from the central area of the beam for accommodating the head and a portion of the shank of the screw on the core (2).