Abstract: An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.

Abstract: A shelving system formed by a plurality of vertical posts and horizontal traverses held together through frictional engagement. Disposed between each lateral pair of posts is at least one traverse which includes a male frictional engagement member configured to engage with a removable female frictional engagement member disposed on each post. The post and traverse engage with each other so as to create a proportional or supportive reaction force in response to any shear force applied to the shelving system. Each of the female frictional engagement members has a tapered edge which forms a closely fitted coupling between the post and each traverse. Each of the female frictional engagement members may be selectively disposed in one of a plurality of positions along the height of each vertical post. The shelving system further includes top and bottom connectors, both of which also frictionally engage with the vertical posts.

Abstract: An embodiment frame joint structure includes a plurality of body members, each body member including a closed section portion having a closed section of a set shape and a flange portion integrally extending from the closed section portion, and a plurality of joints, each joint having a first end coupled to a connection point of a respective one of the body members and a second end coupled to an adjacent joint.

Abstract: A simplified framing system with two or more arches which are joined together into a unitary structure by means of connector elements. Each arch is joined to a base by means of connector elements herein termed “base frame connectors”. The angle frame connectors and base frame connectors are preferably fabricated from sheet metal by conventional die cutting and press-forming or stamping techniques. The simplified framing system of this disclosure is particularly designed for assembly using nominal 2×4 inch lumber. The system does not require cutting the lumber except for straight, perpendicular cutting of the lumber to the desired lengths.

Abstract: A shelving system formed by a plurality of vertical posts and horizontal traverses held together through frictional engagement. Disposed between each lateral pair of posts is at least one traverse which includes a male frictional engagement member configured to engage with a removable female frictional engagement member disposed on each post. The post and traverse engage with each other so as to create a proportional or supportive reaction force in response to any shear force applied to the shelving system. Each of the female frictional engagement members has a tapered edge which forms a closely fitted coupling between the post and each traverse. Each of the female frictional engagement members may be selectively disposed in one of a plurality of positions along the height of each vertical post. The shelving system further includes top and bottom connectors, both of which also frictionally engage with the vertical posts.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a quick-assemble construction system that includes various components that can be positioned and interconnected quickly and later adjusted and tightened. The quick-assemble construction system was envisioned specifically for freestanding seating systems that can be quickly installed and removed if needed, although the quick-assemble construction system can be used in a wider range of applications and is not limited to seating systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for an architectural opening may include a plurality of panels. At least one of the plurality of panels may include a frame including a pair of rails and a pair of stiles secured to the pair of rails at respective interfaces. The frame may define at least one opening. The interfaces may be sealed in a manner allowing a vacuum to be created inside at least a portion of the frame. An inset panel may be secured within the at least one opening. At least portions of the frame may be vacuum insulated. One or more hinges may secure a first panel of the plurality of panels to a second panel of the plurality of panels. The member may be a transparent or translucent window. The apparatus may be a garage door, an entry door, a window, or a storefront.

Abstract: Disclosed are connectors and collapsible bed frames. A collapsible bed frame includes first and second frame units disposed side by side. Each of the first and second frame units comprises a plurality of bar units with adjacent bar units rotatably connected with each other. A collapsible bed frame also includes an inner lateral bar unit disposed between the first and second frame units, and rotatably connected with the first and second frame units. During contraction and expansion, the first frame unit, the second frame unit and the inner lateral bar unit remain substantially on a first plane defined by a top surface of the collapsible bed frame when it is expanded.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture, systems, and methods relating to a liquid containment panel are provided, where the liquid containment panel includes a body comprising a thermoplastic olefin. The body has a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion and is configured to be freestanding with the substantially vertical portion in an upright position. One or more coupling features can be located along one or more edges of the body, where such coupling features can couple the liquid containment panel to another liquid containment panel to form a barrier or containment system.

Abstract: A pass through grid connector clip for a suspended ceiling. The grid connector clip is made of two identical halves connected back-to-back by a fastener passing through a first aperture of both identical halves or other joining method. The identical halves each have a web with a first side and an opposite second side defining a height; a third side and an opposite fourth side defining a length; a louver element closer to a fourth side than the third side; a half sleeve located between the clip and the louver element and extending from the first side to the second side the in a substantially semi-circular shape; the first aperture located between the half sleeve and the clip or the half sleeve and the louver element. The halves include a clip connected to the third side and two flanges projecting in substantially the same direction from opposite sides of the web. As a result, when the halves are joined back-to-back they form a pass through sleeve.

Abstract: A bicycle frame joint accommodating internal cabling is shown and described. The joint includes an internal passage joining at least two frame tube receiving sockets. The internal passage can receive cables and lighting strips, enabling a circuit or lighting strip to extend along a plurality of frame tubes, and to pass through joints between adjacent frame tubes, to promote circuit continuity. Some bicycle frame joints may have internal passages bypassing some sockets, enabling a continuous circuit to bypass an intervening frame tube.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: A tension-only member for a truss structure and a method of operating a vehicle with tension-only members is provided. Tension-only members readily deform when a compressive load is applied. The tension-only members may be a leaf spring, a strap, a cable, or a rope between two connector ends. The tension-only members are placed diagonally in a truss such that the tension-only members support a load applied in one direction but deflect when a load is applied in an opposite direction. A truss structure with such tension-only members can be flexible to enable a vehicle frame to which it is attached to flex.

Abstract: A building frame connector for connecting beams to columns to create a building frame. The building frame connector includes a pin member and plurality of fins mounted on said pin member for rotation relative to said pin. The pin may be in alignment with the column, and the fins allow connection of the beams to the columns. The fins may be disposed to rotate relative to said pin member about a longitudinal axis of the pin. In one embodiment the pin member may have an outer diameter and the fins have a collar with an inner diameter is greater than said outer diameter of said pin allowing for the collars to rotate about the pin member. The present building frame connector may also include at least one coupling member coupled to the pin member, wherein the coupling member facilitates the connection of the building frame connector to a building column.

Abstract: A beam has an upper face, a lower face, side faces, and an end face. The end face has a rectangular configuration and is vertically disposed. The end face has a slot vertically disposed and parallel with, and equally spaced from, the side faces. Beam holes extend through the beam on opposite sides of the slot. A post has a front face, a parallel rear face, and parallel side faces. A connector has a first section and a second section. Beam apertures are formed in the first section. The first section is positioned in the slot with the beam apertures aligned with the beam holes. The second section is attached to the post. Dowels extend through the beam holes and the beam apertures thereby coupling the beam to the post. The system also includes tools for accurately cutting and drilling components, wood and otherwise, to be coupled.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel cable system for a disaster-resistant structure (such as a building or wall) and a method for constructing or assembling the cable system to secure the structure, including the roof of the structure, to a body of cast material such as a foundation, grade beam, base, platform, slab or floor by incorporating flexible cables to resist the very high loads that may occur due to high winds, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other severe storms.

Abstract: An adjustable fork connector to connect adjacent trusses. A hollow tube is mountable to the end of a first truss and has a pair of spaced apart flanges to extend vertically or horizontally. The flanges are longitudinally movable to position the flanges a selected distance outward from the first truss. A single flange is rotatably mounted to the second truss and is extendable between the pair of flanges and removably connected thereto.

Abstract: Provided are a buckling restrained brace including a core material that has a plate shape and extends along an axis, a restraining member that extends along the axis and covers the core material from an outer peripheral side in a state where both end portions of the core material in an axis direction protrude outside, a filler that is filled between the restraining member and the core material, and a pair of first reinforcing members that each have a plate shape and are installed in both end portions of the core material in the axis direction so as to interpose the core material therebetween from both sides of the core material in a plate width direction, and a load-bearing structure installed with the buckling restrained brace.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a building structural bracing apparatus having an inner core element disposed between an upper and a lower containment web. The brace frame being useful in the construction of earthquake and blast resistant structures where energy dissipation is desired.

Abstract: A coupling for furniture components includes two cheeks, each including a plurality of seats which, when matched, define housings for tubular elements such as furniture legs to be secured between the two cheeks. Each seat opens at the edge of the respective cheek and has a cross-section defining, with a facing seat, a housing with a cross-section that is slightly less than that of the tubular element to be secured. In one embodiment, a flat longitudinal wall in the seat blocks the rotation of the tubular element within the housing. Each seat in at least one cheek is also provided with a projecting element cooperating with a complementary aperture defined in the tubular element, and in one embodiment has an arched portion extending from the seat towards the facing cheek to define a closed cross-section that engages the tubular element.

Abstract: A hand rail mounting system having a rail with an open end and a barrel with a open end configured to fit about closely about an outer surface of the first rail. The rail may be slidably received within the barrel. A clamp is positioned within the barrel and extends into the open end of the rail, with a portion of the end of the rail between the clamp and the barrel. A screw extends through the barrel and engages the saddle. The screw configured so that rotating the screw will draw the clamp toward the barrel and capture the end of the rail within the barrel between the barrel and the clamp. The end of the rail is generally contained within the barrel.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one item, but preferably multiple items such as trading cards or photographs, in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.

Abstract: Outdoor equipment including a connection joint for inflatable beams (FIG. 1), an ergonomic leave designed segmented pack (FIG. 4), a device for attachment of multiple canopy edges (FIG. 6), a stuff of sack having an integrated bleed valve (FIG. 7), an insulating tend liner (FIG. 8), a strategically cut the foam load support (FIG. 9), a dual layer sleeping pad (FIG. 14), a hand-held inflation, (FIG. 15), a tent frame with additional ridge poles (FIG. 18), an interior tent floor liner with insertion points for accessories (FIG. 23), and all weather personal hood (FIG. 25), a bending mechanism for a air beams (FIG. 28), a single wall air beam (FIG. 33), a vestibule connector (FIG. 36), a water bladder anchoring system (FIG. 37), a cross frame is suspension system (FIG. 39) and a forked bivy end (FIG. 42).

Abstract: A unitary, bent corner piece for a valance frame has an extending tongue at each end shaped to interfit the hollow cross-section of an adjacent, extruded, valance frame member. Complementary corner pieces so formed provide part of a valance interface between the lid and body of a container, ensuring sealing continuity around corners fitted with such corner pieces. Each corner piece is provided with a mating valance surface for presentation to the valance interface to provide an intimate engagement with the mating valance surface of the complementary, opposed corner piece. Gaskets fitted within the corner pieces may form part of the interface. Tongues formed a at the respective ends of a corner piece are provided with a groove to accommodate the inclusion of a gasket into the interior core of the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: Connectors for linear members of wall structure which allows a variety of guide rails, fences, and pipes to be assembled in a desired pattern conveniently are provided. The connector includes a central body of annular shape; at least one socket member 6, the one end of the socket member being connected to the central body and the other end being connected to the linear member, such as pipe, wire or bar; and a rail means that connects the central body and the socket member such that the socket member can be moved along the circumferential surface of the central body.

Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device and system permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one, but preferrably multiple items such as a trading cards or photographs in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.

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 prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to trampolines and component parts including a frame assembly to fold a fixed or foldable trampoline from an expanded state to a collapsed state or vice-versa. In one embodiment, a frame assembly includes a base frame member, two peripheral frame members and two connecting members connecting the two peripheral frame members to the base frame member. The two peripheral frame members are also connected to a center joint which may slide up and down a center frame post via a folding mechanism which may include a crank shaft and an elongated threaded member. In some embodiments, the frame assembly may include hydraulics and the two peripheral frame members may be off-set relative to one another. Embodiments of component parts for the trampoline may also include a plurality of net frame members, a foldable ladder, a wheeled support and a frame pad.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure in which a panel is reinforced by a pair of reinforcing members, and a connecting member is included. The pair of reinforcing members intersects with each other and the reinforcing members are provided along one surface of the panel. The connecting member is connected to both of the pair of reinforcing members in a portion where the pair of reinforcing members intersects with each other.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: Embodiments of hollow generally T-shaped couplers suitable for coupling respective ends of two tubular members to an upright member for a trampoline support are disclosed. Neither manufacture of the coupler nor the manner of its coupling between the tubular members and the upright member requires welds. The coupler has a hollow cross piece for coupling with the respective ends of the two tubular members. It also has a hollow upright piece extending from an underside of and intersecting the cross piece that receives in female fashion a male end of the upright member. Both the underside of the cross piece and sides of the upright piece are of split form along their respective lengths. The upright piece is provided with location regions that cooperate with corresponding location regions on the male end of the upright member to locate the upright member longitudinally of the upright piece.

Abstract: Connectors for linear members of wall structure which allows a variety of guide rails, fences, and pipes to be assembled in a desired pattern conveniently are provided. The connector includes a central body of annular shape; at least one socket member 6, the one end of the socket member being connected to the central body and the other end being connected to the linear member, such as pipe, wire or bar; and a rail means that connects the central body and the socket member such that the socket member can be moved along the circumferential surface of the central body.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself wind power generation wall includes a plurality of wind power generation modules, each having a bushing, a wind power generation unit and a connecting rod. The exterior of the bushing forms a plurality of insert portions, and the wind power generation unit includes an electric generator connected to the bushing, and a vane wheel connected to the electric generator and formed on a side of the bushing, and an end of the connecting rod is sheathed onto an insert portion of the bushing, and each wind power generation module is connected to form a power generation wall. The invention allows users to freely install the power generation wall according to the environment of the application and greatly enhances the site and scope of using the power generation wall.

Abstract: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.

Abstract: A connecting device for tubular elements (1), for assembling the tubular elements into modular structures, includes a plurality of inserts (22), each insert having an expandable portion (2) and a head (3). Shells (9) are provided, each shell having a plurality of housings (10) having a shape approximately complementary to a shape of the head (3). The head may be fixed to a related housing (10). The insert (22) is locked into an end of the tubular element (1), when the expandable portion (2) is inserted into the end of the tube, and expanded. The tubular element (1) is connected to the shell (9), when the head (3) is in the locked condition, the tubular element (1) being engaged in a related housing (10) of the shell, and fixed to the shell by a fixing device.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that secures frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting part for attachment on a mounting rail has a fastening part with an at least approximately rectangular cross-section. The fastening part has legs and surrounds when mounted a mounting rail on all sides by having a matching cross-section formed by the legs. The fastening part has clamping devices for effecting a clamping fixation of the connecting part on the mounting rail. A cross-sectional plane of the fastening part has two diagonally opposed corners and the clamping devices are arranged on the two diagonally opposed corners, respectively.

Abstract: A frame joining structure for electrical and electronic equipment housing cabinets, in which ends of frames are simplified in shape to dispense with complex cutting and which possesses excellent strength and waterproof property. Ends of outer side surfaces (4) of three mutually orthogonal frames (1a, 1b, 1c), which constitute a framework of a cabinet, are cut at two planes of ±45° relative to a plane defined by other two frames to be point-shaped. These ends are joined together directly or through a corner member (20) having the same configuration as that of the ends to constitute a firm corner portion.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A nonrigid connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that nonrigidly secures the frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the nonrigid connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the nonrigid connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The nonrigid connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the nonrigid connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting parts of a multi-component product comprising a post having two releasably interlocking sides and an extension member. A slot provided in the exterior sidewall of the post at the juncture of the interlocking sides is configured to mate with the extension member. The extension member may be engaged with the slot when the two sides of the post are in a separated unlocked position. The two sides may then be placed in an interlocking position so as to fixedly connect the extension member therebetween.

Abstract: A grille system comprising at least two rod arrangements 1a and at least one clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 retains the rod arrangements b 1a in a predetermined spacial configuration. Each rod arrangement 1a comprises a straight rod 2 having a first end portion 2a provided with an expanded portion 3 received by the clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 comprises two separate, corresponding portions 5 secured together by a bolt 10 and nut 11. The grille system is used as a security grille or in the manufacture of garden furniture or plant supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for a pop-up display structure that provides a hub structure that is divided into two sections that are held together by a thumbscrew. The two sections define internal channels in the hub for capturing guide pins attached to the tubes such that the tubes pivot about the guide pins and rotate about the hub through slots in the hub. The thumbscrew provides for removal of tubes from the hub structure without the use of tools and therefore provides for changes on the fly for reconfiguring the structure or for replacing broken tubes. The thumbscrew also provides a mounting structure for the channel bar that attaches to the pop-up structure. The channel bar is capable of folding into three sections and is capable of folding compactly without regard to the sequence of the folds.

Abstract: A programmable smart membrane and methods therefor. The smart membrane conducts an overall function on at least one of a sorting function, a filtering function and an absorbing function of at least one object having an attribute. The smart membrane includes a plurality of module units disposed adjacent each other. Each of the plurality of module units obtains information from an environment around each of the plurality of module units. The plurality of module units also each perform a function based on at least a first control method that determines the function based on the information for each of the plurality of module units. Wherein the plurality of module units individually perform function to collectively perform the overall function of the membrane based on the attribute of the object.