Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having a canopy and a frame, the frame having mounting members with a stabilizer, reduced friction pivot shafts and an adjustable locking member having a spring providing for easy adjustment of the height and breadth of the canopy.

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: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a hub assembly, namely, a main hub member mounted about a central pole member of the umbrella frame which offers improved means for attaching brackets thereto which are structured to pivotally receive a plurality of strut members therein, which strut members are, in turn, pivotally secured to a plurality of rib members interconnected with an upper, secondary hub. The main hub member of the present invention preferably includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a channel having at least one ledge formed therebetween, with a band formed from a flattened strip of metal secured within the channel about the hub member.

Abstract: A customized swing set/play set system, and kit of components containing a pair of assembly brackets, where the assembly may be readily erected by a do-it-yourself handyman. The system, is for use in conjunction with a supply of wooden lumber products, which includes a pair of 4×4 leg supports, a 4×4 beam, and a wall panel section. A first bracket includes a pair of channel shaped sections extending angularly from an intermediate channel section. The second bracket includes a planar face plate and a pair of upstanding tabs extending generally perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A modified trampoline holder structure comprises a plurality of transverse tubes, six connection sleeves, and three supporting tubes. The transverse tubes are connected together into a ring shape. Each connection sleeve firmly clamps the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes. Each connection sleeve is inserted into an end opening of one supporting tube. Locking bumps are formed at two sides of the inner edge of each tube clamping portion. Corresponding locking grooves are formed at two sides of the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes. When the tube clamping portion firmly clamps the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes, the locking bump and the locking groove will be locked together. Each insertion tube portion is composed of at least two arc-shaped sheets. Detents that can be locked together are formed on the two arc-shaped sheets.

Abstract: A connection element of the present invention has several jaw sidewalls that are oriented in different directions, whereby two jaw sidewalls at a time can be braced against each other to receive a component part. At least one jaw sidewall can be set so that it is adjustable on the connection element and this jaw sidewall projects by a lateral leg into the inside of the connection element. There is in active connection with an adjustment element that is to be activated from the outside in a direction to brace or detach the jaw sidewall. With the connection element according to the invention, it is possible to connect the plates of a shelf construction system together without nails, screws and the like.

Abstract: A device for joining, in particular, composite structure elements with metallic structure elements of an aircraft. The device includes a junction element, provided with a first longitudinal partition wall fastened to a metallic panel, integral with a stiffener comprising a vertical core and at least one baseplate, with a second longitudinal partition wall, fastened to a composite panel, and with a lower branch to which are connected the proximal extremities of the said first and second longitudinal partition walls. The device further includes a first fitting element, provided with a first pick-up fitting body on the said stiffener and with a first heel and a second fitting element, provided with a second pick-up fitting body on the composite panel, and with a second heel, the heels of the fitting elements being fastened to the lower branch, on both sides of the lower branch, opposite each other.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: An angle connection accessory is to be disposed at the junction between at least two skirting ducts extending in different directions. The angle connection accessory includes a plate having: a web; an inlet side face and an outlet side face that extend perpendicularly to at least one partition that is perpendicular to the web and that mutually isolates a first compartment and a second compartment; and an outlet face parallel to the partition via which firstly the first compartment opens directly to the outside, and secondly the second compartment also opens to the outside via a channel isolated from the first compartment and extending substantially perpendicularly to the partition between the second compartment and the outlet face. The plate includes two flaps hinged relative to each other via a hinge so as to form an angle between them, the channel extending at the join between the two flaps.

Abstract: A composite tension member. The composite tension member is assembled from a number of composite rods, each having two ends. A wedge plug is formed around the ends of the composite rods. The wedge plugs are inserted into termination fitting having a termination fitting body with an aperture at a proximal end for receipt of the bundle of composite rods and having an internal cavity that flares outwardly from a proximal end to a distal end to closely receive the wedge plug with the composite rods imbedded therein. A closeout nut is used to retain the wedge plug in the termination fitting body. The invention further provides method of manufacturing composite tension members.

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 polymeric connector block for interconnecting a plurality of elongate tubular members into a structure has five-sided front and back sides with an orthogonal pattern of three parallel through-apertures therethrough. A fourth through-aperture passes from the left side to the right side, intersecting two of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A non-through aperture passes from the top side and intersects the other of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A sixth aperture extends into the block at an intermediate angle such as 45°. There are no apertures in the bottom side. Tubular members are insertable into the apertures and lockable therein by lockscrews. Tubular members may comprise tubing, pipe, electrical conduit and the like, and may include non-tubular materials such as solid rods. A wide range of structures may be created.

Abstract: A construction system and method of constructing is disclosed. The construction system includes a substantially spherical hub and linear member attached to the substantially spherical hub to construct a variety of structures. The method of constructing a structure utilizing a plurality of substantially spherical hubs and linear members includes inserting the linear members into the substantially spherical hubs and rotating them to lock them securely in place.

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: A support frame kit for canopies and display racks includes vertical posts and horizontal rails which are coupled to one another by square sockets mounted on the posts which receive square pintles projecting from the ends of the rails. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rails are secured to the posts by removable pins and provide support for a canopy which is attached at its periphery to peripheral rails by attachment loops. In another embodiment of the invention rails are joined by struts and project from couplings fixed to the posts to provide shelves of a display rack.

Abstract: Organizational system for compact spaces. A sheet version has pre-perforations formed thereon, for allowing different sized walls and/or floors to be separated therefrom. The sheet can have side indentations along its edges. Corner connectors can be originally supplied where individual connectors each have four prong prongs/tabs of flat triangular shapes arranged approximately ninety degrees from one another in a cross-shape. Walls/floors can be attached to one another by inserting the prongs/tabs into the side indentations of other walls/floors. The prongs/tabs can separated from the others depending on whether an installer wishes to use a connector to attach two walls/floors together, three walls/floors together or four walls/floors together. Floor panels can be used for the walls. The system can make customized compartments for drawers, under-the-counter spaces, shelves, storage boxes/containers for clothing, tools, various accessories, and the like, having various heights, lengths, widths and sizes.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.

Abstract: A kit and structures that may be assembled using components of the kit are disclosed. The kit includes structural nodes and structural connections adapted for connecting the structural nodes. Each structural node has a polygonal openings from a central cavity to the outside of the node. Each of the structural connections has an elongated body having two ends from which stubs having a polygonal cross section extend. The stubs include at least one outward dimple positioned so that it resides within the central cavity of a structural nodes when the stub is inserted through one of the polygonal openings with the end of the elongated body abutting the structural node.

Abstract: A connection device for the realization of a tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces constituted by a body (18) from which projects at least one socket (19) for connecting to tubular profiles (15) and possibly, in a generic perpendicular direction or at an angle, projects a connector (20) for the removable connection of a leg (14), in which said at least one socket (19) has a non-continuous external wall (21), which defines a seat (22), attached at the base by an abutment surface (42) for a blocking means, with a threaded hole (25) which houses an operation grain (23).

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 invention relates to a cube-shaped profile element provided with more than six identical side surfaces, wherein preferably eight slots are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to each other around an axis of symmetry of the side surface and wherein a central boring is provided. Through the slots behind the side surface, insertable closing elements can be inserted through the slots behind the side surface. The profile element is preferably hollow and is constructed from six identical plates that form side surfaces. All the plates are provided with eight-cornered edges, whereby the plates are connected via one edge and the other edges each form an opening at the corners of the cube-shaped profile elements. Very modular, stable construction systems are produced using these elements and cross-shaped profile strips having an acceptable appearance when connected with clamp profiles, wherein these elements each form an optically acceptable closure at the edges of the skeleton structure.

Abstract: A collapsible three dimensional framework includes a plurality of tubular rods (10) connected to each other by means of articulation joints. Each of the joints consists of a block divided into two matching pieces (28, 30). The block has a plurality of cavities (18a, 18b) each of which is open on a respective side face and on a back face of the block. The ends of respective rods (10) are inserted in the cavities (18a, 18b) and are connected to the block by transverse pivot pins (24). Each of the cavities has articulation seats (32) which received the pivot pins (24) When the two pieces (28, 30) of the block are secured to each other, the pivot pins (24) are entrapped in respective seats (32). The two pieces (28, 30) of the block are clamped together by releasable fastening means such as a screw (40) and a nut (42).

Abstract: A kit and structures that may be assembled using components of the kit are disclosed. The kit includes structural nodes and structural connections adapted for connecting the structural nodes. Each structural node has a polygonal openings from a central cavity to the outside of the node. Each of the structural connections has an elongated body having two ends from which stubs having a polygonal cross section extend. The stubs include at least one outward dimple positioned so that it resides within the central cavity of a structural nodes when the stub is inserted through one of the polygonal openings with the end of the elongated body abutting the structural node.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable display system which includes plural, hollow, plastic panels having uniquely contoured corners. The panels may be of flat or curved configuration. Most of the plastic panels are fabricated to present smooth front and rear faces. However, some panels are made with at least one slotted face for supporting shelves therein. Straight plastic connector components are designed to accept the corners of the panels, thereby connecting the panels in a manner to form a display area. Hinged plastic connectors are provided so that adjacent panels may be arranged at angles ranging from ninety to one hundred eighty degrees.

Abstract: A connection assembly for constructing animal stalls including a connection body that is rigidly constructed and adapted for releasable and variable positioning upon an elongate support rail. A first releasable connector is formed in the connection body and is adapted for releasable fixation to an animal stall divider. The connection body is elongately constructed along a longitudinal axis with first and second ends that are distally located one from the other. The first releasable connector is positioned at the first end of the connection body. The connection body has first and second side flanges that are connected together by a webbing. At least a portion of the first and second side flanges project away from the webbing to form a receiving area between the portions of the first and second side flanges that is configured to insertibly accept a portion of an animal stall divider to be secured therein.

Abstract: The invention herein of a spherical connector and supporting rod assembly is mainly designed as a structure of a multi-angular spheroid with multiple tangent planes of six cubical quadrilaterals and twelve beveled hexagons, and with mounting holes disposed respectively at the centers of the quadrilateral and the beveled hexagonal tangent planes to make each spherical connector having eighteen mounting holes with included angles pointing at different directions so as to increase the application of a single spherical connector and to make all the spherical connectors have the identical structure for exchangeable connection to not only fully comply with the needs of specific application, but also to be able to make various applications by using the supporting rods pointing at different mounting angles to directly fulfill the specific need of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for prefabricated structures, including a first connector which consists of a central connecting part and six unit members with two tetrahedral connecting parts mutually bound; a second connector which consists of a base connected to the central connecting part or the tetrahedral connecting parts from the first connector; a supporting rod formed in a unit on the base, a connecting part and a lamp support part formed in an unit on the supporting rod. It thereof allows us to build a structure by consecutively connecting a plurality of different truss members in various angles.

Abstract: A connective device in a partition and screen system comprises at least and upright post, a plurality of retaining pins, a plurality of trunking parts longitudinal, and at least a partition. The upright post is cylindrical with a homogeneous cross section with longitudinal slide grooves circumferentially disposed through the entire length thereof. The retaining pins are selectively inserted into the slide grooves and each of the retaining pins has an arched side with two opposite lateral edges. The trunking parts are connected to the respective coupling pieces so as to be positioned next to the upper end and the lower end of the upright post. The partition fits with two of the trunking parts in a way of being disposed between one next to the upper end of the upright post and the other one next to the lower end of the upright post.

Abstract: A modular structural system for building models and structures. The system comprises a plurality of connector hub members each having spherical symmetry, and a plurality of strut members having longitudinal symmetry, wherein, each of the connector hub members provides a strut joining feature adapted for receiving the strut members, and each of the strut members provides a hub joining feature adapted for engaging the strut joining feature of the connector hub members, such that the strut members are removably engagable with the connector hub members in alternative first and second positions placing the strut members in corresponding radial and tangential positions relative to the connector hub members.

Abstract: A lifted upright post device with multidirectional joints includes at least one upright post and a lifted device. The upright post is elongated with a homogeneous cross section, having longitudinal engaging slide grooves disposed at a circumferential periphery thereof and each of the slide grooves has an outer opening to communicate with the outside. The lifted device is selectively disposed in the slide grooves with a slide part being connected to a spacing board. Once the lifted device is actuated, the slide part can move upward or downward in the slide grooves longitudinally so as to move the spacing board synchronously.

Abstract: A structural frame or truss, suitable for use as part of a light aircraft fuselage includes steel tubular members joined by structural connectors or connector blocks. The blocks include bore holes into which the ends of lateral tubular members are inserted, and longitudinal tubes or longerons are inserted through holes extending between opposed block faces. The structural connector blocks not only connect the tubular members, but they serve as jigs for assembling the structural frame. Tubes can be plug welded to the blocks, and the fuselage outer skin can be attached to the structural connectors to form a dual fuselage structure.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: A connector device assembly of the add-on type and suitable for securing a second member, such as a metal tube, as a branch extending from a position between the ends of a first member, such as another metal tube, without the need to slide components along the first member includes two connector devices each having a first body region which defines a recess formation to accommodate a first member of a structural assembly, and at least one of the connector devices including a second body region for securing relative to a second member which is required to be connected to the structural assembly, the two connector devices each having at least one edge formation provided with an aperture which extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the first member and respective edge formations of the two connector devices being aligned in the assembly to receive a locking member extending therethrough, the locking member being arranged in the assembly to be loaded substantially only in shear to hold

Abstract: A universal mounting mechanism for holding objects, such as electrical, medical, optical or audio/visual components needing secure physical connection to another surface in such a way that the mounted object can be easily and quickly installed and removed. It locks the object by providing surfaces on three planes that firmly engage the object so it does not move during transportation or when mounted on a fixed surface. It is low in profile so it does not obstruct the use of the items being held. The mount has no loose parts that can be lost during installation or removal of the mounted objects. Furthermore, the mount has the added feature of locking into either the open or closed position. Because the range of motion is limited, the top of the mount will not move into a position where it could be damaged or obstruct the use of adjacently mounted items.

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 corner bracket comprising of two matching components held together by two bolts wherein as the two bolts are tightened, the two matching components will be urged toward each other thereby securely gripping a planar surface that is inserted between them. Another bolt is inserted through an opening in the second component through a threaded hole in the first component and protrudes into a hole in the first component where the vertical supporting member is inserted. The bolt will securely lock the corner bracket with the planar surface to the vertical supporting member inserted through the hole in the first component. The advantage of the present invention is that the force of the grip on the planar surface can be adjusted independently of the force of the grip on the vertical supporting member. Another advantage of the present invention is that the corner bracket can be used to secure a variety of planar surfaces with a relative large range of thickness.

Abstract: A connective device in a partition and screen system comprises at least an upright post, a plurality of retaining pins, a plurality of trunking parts, and at least a partition. The upright post is cylindrical with a homogeneous cross section with longitudinal slide grooves circumferentially disposed through the entire length thereof. Each of the slide grooves has an elongated opening communicating with the outside. The retaining pins are selectively inserted into the slide grooves and each of the retaining pins at a lateral side thereof is an arched side with two opposite lateral edges such that two flat sides extending from the two opposite lateral edges in a way of being orthogonal each other. Both of the two flat sides or one of the two flat sides can extend outward a horizontal coupling piece to join with the trunking parts. The trunking parts are connected to the respective coupling piece so as to be positioned next to the upper end and the lower end of the upright post.

Abstract: An improved frame for a switchgear cabinet includes a plurality of rails that are connected together with a plurality of connectors. The rails are generally of two different cross-sectional configurations, both of which are cooperable with a single type of connector to enable the rails and connectors to be configured into numerous different types of cabinet frames to which panels can be mounted to form switchgear cabinets. The rails and connectors are modular in nature and are specifically configured to be easily connected with one another. During assembly of the connectors and the rails, portions of a coating on the rails become ruptured, thereby electrically conductively connecting together the rails and the connectors.

Abstract: Organizational system for forming customized compartments for compact spaces. A plastic type sheet has pre-perforations formed thereon, for allowing different sized walls and/or floors to be separated therefrom. The sheet can be a thin plastic having side indentations along its edges. Corner connectors can be originally supplied where individual connectors each have four prong prongs/tabs of flat triangular shapes arranged approximately ninety degrees from one another in a cross-shape. Walls/floors can be attached to one another by inserting the prongs/tabs into the side indentations of other walls/floors. The prongs/tabs can separated from the others depending on whether an installer wishes to use a connector to attach two walls/floors together, three walls/floors together or four walls/floors together. When the system is used to make divider walls, other portions can be attached to make a floor for the walls.

Abstract: A side rail assembly including a side rail having two ends, and a fixture. The fixture is configured to be fixed at one end of the side rail, and defines a central hollow dimensioned to fit snugly around one of the plurality of uprights. The fixture further has a socket for receiving one end of the side rail, and hinged member. The hinged member defines one wall portion of the central hollow. The fixture is slidable around the upright when the hinged member is in an open position and fixture is fixed around the upright when the hinged member is in a closed position. A wedge portion of the hinged member defines a portion of the central hollow. A slot, dimensioned to receive the wedge portion of the hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position, is also provided on the fixture. Lastly, a locking member is provided which is disposed to lock the hinged member in the closed position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for laser lap welding a pair of metal members together. At least one of the pair of metals having a protective metal layer. Each of the metal members having a melt temperature greater than the melt temperature of the protective metal layer. The method includes placing one end of the pair of metal members in an overlapping relation to an other end of the pair of metal members to form an overlapping section. The method also includes inserting a metal alloying agent between the pair of metal members of the overlapping section to form a gap therebetween. A laser welder is used to join the pair of metal members and the alloy agent together so that the protective metal layer and the alloying agent are melted to form an alloy layer between the pair of metal members.

Abstract: The invention herein of a self-assembled spherical joint structure is mainly designed as a structure of a multi-angular spheroid with multiple tangent planes of six cubical quadrilaterals and twelve beveled hexagons, and with mounting holes disposed respectively at the centers of the quadrilateral and the beveled hexagonal tangent planes to make each spherical joint have eighteen mounting holes with included angles pointing at different directions so as to increase the application of a single spherical joint and to make all the spherical joint have the identical structure for exchangeable connection to not only fully comply with the needs of specific application, but also to be able to make various applications by using the supporting rods pointing at different mounting angles to directly fulfill the specific need of the assembly.

Abstract: An assembly including a first, second and third component and a first and second fixing member, the first, second and third component having respective first, second and third holes, the first hole being a threaded hole, in which the first fixing member cooperates with the second hole and a first threaded portion of the first fixing member engaging the first hole to secure the first component to the second component, the first and second fixing member cooperating with the third hole with the first fixing member engaging the second fixing member to secure the third component to the first component, in which the first component is situated between the second and third component.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A tubular connector includes a tubular member and a retaining member. The tubular member includes proximate and distal tubular ends, and an intermediate portion interposed therebetween. The intermediate portion has an outer surrounding wall surface which is formed with two slits and a transverse slit inter-communicated with the two slits to thereby form a resilient tongue portion. The retaining member is disposed on the resilient tongue portion to be adapted to engage an engaging hole in a rod member.