Abstract: A construction system suitable for erecting a modular structure such as a furniture item or the like. A first part is connectable with a second part by a releasable cross connection. A third elongate part has a cavity extending substantially over its full length for receiving the cross connection at a position therealong. The third part may be a leg member for the furniture item and the first and second parts may be rail members. Alternatively, the first part may be a coupling element for connecting modular structures together or a hinge element for pivotably attaching a door panel, the second part being a securing element for securing the coupling or hinge element to a leg member. A modular structure and a method of erecting a modular structure are also disclosed.

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 connector for creating exhibits having one piece including a series of grooves (used for connecting panels) arranged at fixed angles with respect to each other. The connector also includes a second piece that is trapped within the other piece. The second piece has a groove that can be arranged at a range of angles with respect to the other grooves.

Abstract: A raised access floor and method for modifying a raised access floor understructure construction uses a beam support bracket which allows additional support beams to be installed at any desired location within the mid-span of the adjacent stringer support beams of the respective quadrant sections within the raised access floor understructure. The bracket is capable of being mounted at any position along the length of a stringer support beam of a raised access floor quadrant section. This allows for great flexibility in available understructure modification schemes to allow appropriate modification for a wide variety of different sized obstructions installed within the raised access floor understructure.

Abstract: A module panel for use in constructing different configurations of module assemblies. The module panel has an outer frame and a central core. The frame has outer shell and hollow interior. The frame has a plurality of frame members connected by frame connection member and a plurality of connector holes for inserting connection members for like connecting panels to construct a module assembly.Connection members are anchored to the frame via connector fastener members which have a connector cavity. The connector fastener members are inserted into the frame through an opening and moved within the frame to align the connector cavity with a desired connection hole for insertion of a connector member. The connector member is secured relative to the frame within the connector cavity for connecting module panels. Connector members may also be received within the frame connection members at the corners of two adjoining frame members.

Abstract: A motor, a ball screw shaft, etc. are accommodated within a frame that forms an outer frame. Direct-acting guides are provided on both sides of a groove-shaped opening defined in the frame. The ball screw shaft is centrally disposed within the frame. A table slides along the direct-acting guides under the action of rotation of the ball screw shaft. The ball screw shaft has ball-screw splines formed over its entire length and both ends thereof supported by the motor and a bearing. The center of rotation of the ball screw shaft is brought into alignment with the centers of rotation of the motor and the bearing by balls inserted into the ball-screw splines.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes one or more corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent corners or edges at predetermined angles to each other. The corner structures include sockets of which at least one includes a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels with the other sockets each including at least a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels. Adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other at cantilevered ends or at the bases of the flange limbs, or at combinations thereof. The corner structure can be fabricated from sheet metal by cutting and stamping the corner structure according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The Structural Fastener is an internal longitudinal, reversible, gear-driven interlocking screw assembly and coupling device. The Structural Fastener uses a spring-loaded, gear driven coupler shaft with a threaded stud that mates with a female threaded socket so as to form an invisible joint that is easily decoupled. The Structural Fastener can be arranged in polar or linear arrays to increase its load-bearing capabilities, its air or water tight sealing capabilities or for redundancy. The Structural Fastener makes a rigid, reliable coupling between coupled members and forms a smooth external splice that is virtually invisible. The Structural Fastener is reversible, reusable, scaleable, precisely torqueable, and can be used with O-rings or sealing gaskets to provide air or water-tight seals.

Abstract: A CD rack includes at least two parts and each of the two parts has four connections, a first connection, a second connection, a third connection and a fourth connection. Each of the connections has a first tube extending upwardly therefrom and each of the first tubes has an inserting portion extending downwardly therefrom so that the inserting portions of one part are sized to be received in the first tubes of another part. The first connection and the second connection are located on one of two sides of the respective part and the third connection and the fourth connection are located on the other side of the respective part. Each of the first connection and the second connection has a second tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof and each of the third connection and the fourth connection has a third tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof so that the third tubes in one part are sized to be received in the second tubes of another part.

Abstract: A construction element, preferably a constructional toy, including a tubular body portion and, formed integrally with each of the opposite ends thereof, a pair of gripping jaws, each pair constituting a coupling portion. The constituent jaws of each pair are oppositely disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body portion and are separated by oppositely disposed peripheral coupling device. The tubular body portion is formed with longitudinally directed, angularly spaced-apart, first coupling device. Each pair of the gripping jaws of the construction element can embrace a body portion of a second construction element, with the jaws not extending beyond a median plane of the body portion of the second construction element, and with inner surfaces of the pair of jaws conforming to the outer surface of said body portion.

Abstract: A connector system joins together long rods or tubes at various angles to form a wide variety of shelter frames for diverse applications as well as railings, racks, and the like. The diverse connectors required are assembled from modules of the invention which are bolted together in various combinations. The modules fasten at one end to the rods or tubes. The other end of the module terminates in an annular gear adapted to intermesh at an adjustable angle with one or more gears of other modules. Once bolted together the modules form a rigid connector. The modules may be unbolted and reused to form a connector of another configuration. The few module types required to form the many connector configurations reduces inventory and manufacturing requirements.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting struts formed from paper or paper-like sheets rolled into a tube is made of cylindrical receptors and connectors. Each cylindrical receptor has an inside diameter approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the predetermined outside diameter of the tube for friction-fit engagement onto the end of the tube. Each cylindrical receptor also has a finger which is centrally disposed within the receptor, about the longitudinal axis thereof. At least a part of such finger is substantially the same size as the inside diameter of the tube. The finger is made of a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending radially from its longitudinal axis. Each receptor is press-fit engageable with a connector. Each connector is press-fit engageable with at least two receptors. The connection system allows for the connection of struts which can be readily constructed by the user of the construction system.

Abstract: A connector device for interconnecting frame-work profiles provided with internal hollow channels and at least one T-shaped longitudinal slot in end-to-end and end-to-sideface relations includes a generally parallelepiped shaped connector having a through bore which receives one element in the form of a screw that is adapted to be firmly attached to a first framework profile in end-to-end relation thereto and a second element in the form of a T-connector member for effecting connection with a second framework profile. The T-connector member has a thin element that is adapted to pass through the T-shaped longitudinal slot of the second framework profile in a first position of the T-connector member, and to be broader than the slot in a second position of the T-connector member so that the T-connector member is trapped in a cavity in the interior of the second framework profile behind the slot.

Abstract: A strutural connector hub for an exhibit booth. The connector hub provides for a double friction fit connector to secure various components together in place and further provides for a lock to additionally secure various components thereto.

Abstract: A display having a modular element structure, including a tubular upright provided with a base and having at least one recess, pointed in at two longitudinally separate portions embracing the upright, each of the portions being provided with a projection complimentary to the recess, a threaded band of one portion meeting with a threaded band of the other portion when these are combined to form the collar, and then outwardly projecting lower band. The display also includes a tubular sleeve mountable over the collar from above and resting on all of the projecting band via a complimentary portion, the height of the sleeve being such as to leave the threaded band upwardly free, a plurality of beams fixed at least one end and an end piece which is provided with a device for hooking it to the tubular sleeve, and the ring nut which screws on to the threaded portion of the collar positions it so as to lock the end piece of the beam to the sleeve.

Abstract: A joint mechanism having a movement between relative members about a center of rotation located at a point where a first line extends from one of the members intersects a second line extending from the opposite member is disclosed. Multiple joint mechanisms may be aligned together along with common lines being the axis of rotation of each joint mechanism to provide a concentric spherical joint mechanism. Concentric spherical joint mechanism may be used to assemble truss frame structures.

Abstract: Pultruded composite members which interfit to form a rigid post and beam, or beam and brace, are adapted for use in heavy construction in such applications as bridges, buildings including high rise structures, ship deck and the like. Two pultruded shapes are used for the entire framework. A first member ordinarily serving as a beam is pultruded as a completely enclosed thick-walled I-beam with an internal channel which is formed with a continuous scalloped or toothed cross-section on both sides. The mating support member has a bifurcated end with outer sides configured to interlock with the sides of the internal channel of the I-beam. Access into the channel is provided by periodic windows milled into the beam at the precise entry points of the insertion member. The bifurcated end of the insertion member compresses adequately to be inserted into the channel of the cross-beam, where it expands such that the external teeth engage the scalloped walls of the I-beam and lock securely into place.

Abstract: A T-shaped connecting piece is provided to enable a front stabiliser and two counter-stabilisers to be fastened on the central bow part of a sports bow. The connecting piece may be screwed in the threaded hole provided in the central bow part for this purpose and may be clamped on the central bow part in the correct rotational position by means of a threaded tube. The counter-stabilisers are shifted further forward owing to the T-shape of the connecting piece, so they do not impair the archer. Owing to the clamped connection between the connecting piece and the central bow part, the transmission of the strong vibrations produced during the firing of an arrow from the sports bow to the stabilisers is optimally guaranteed so excellent shots may be fired.

Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a plurality of rail sections, a hub supported at a fixed elevation, and a plurality of rail connectors for connecting the rail sections to the hub in positions in which the rail sections radiate out from the hub.

Abstract: A method of making and erecting a framed structure, preferably single level, by milling standard pieces of lumber that are joined into a sturdy, rectangular frame is disclosed. Opposed Side Beams having dado cuts at their opposite ends are joined to opposed Face Beams having complementary dado cuts at their opposite ends. Floor joists connect opposed sidebeams and support subflooring or decking, and, to accommodate certain larger dimensional floorplans, Center Beams are built into the frame. The frame can rest on a periphery foundation or be erected over posts.

Abstract: A panel fastener and space frame hub adapted for releasably holding panel sections in place against the space frame hub. The space frame hub has threadable connections for receiving space frame struts so as to permit the construction of a frame of any desired shape or size. Each panel section used with the invention has respective panel brackets at each of its corners, the panel brackets being complementary shaped to engage with a rotatable keyed plate on the fastener. They Keyed plate may be rotated to align a key cutout with a complementary shaped key in the respective panel brackets and may then be rotated to lock the panel bracket in place against the keyed plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a sectional bar system consisting of X-section bars and connecting elements preferably made up of pyramids. The advantages of the invention are a large variety of possible designs and high stability of the sectional bar system as well as easy and inexpensive production of the connecting elements.

Abstract: A mobile suspension arrangement having a central member adapted to frictionally hold in suspension extended wires having related clip members frictionally engaging the wire ends and hanging strings for suspending mobiles.

Abstract: A beam or girder joint element is formed by a flat plate member composed of: (a) column connecting plate portion having a plurality of pin receiving holes and a vertical slit; and (b) a beam or girder connecting plate portion formed as a unitary structure with the column connecting plate portion on at least one side thereof and having a pin receiving hole, a plurality of bolt holes and a V-shaped guide groove defined by a slope extending down from the upper edge of the beam or girder connecting plate portion toward the column connecting plate portion and a vertical edge opposite to the slope.

Abstract: A single or multi-tier lighting fixture includes intra-tier and inter-tier corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent corners at predetermined angles to each other, within and across one or more horizontal tiers. The corner structures include sockets including flange members for straddling connection to opposite sides of the panels being connected. The adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other for connecting the adjacent panels in a single or multi-tier lighting fixture, and tiered structures include the corner structures which are adhesively connected to the panels in the lighting structure. The tiers of panels may be structurally supportable by rods and struts connecting tier support plates, or rings, and selected corner structures of the lighting fixture.

Abstract: A connector structure for connecting together a plurality of elongated frame bars at their ends includes a main part having three side walls with mutually perpendicular quadrangular outer surfaces and a cover piece also having three side walls with mutually perpendicular outer surfaces such that they together assume a cubic form when they are attached to each other in a closed relationship with an engagement member on the inner surfaces of the three walls of the main part and a protrusion on the cover piece engaged to each other. Each side wall of the main part is provided with a throughhole for passing a screw through such that it can be attached to end surface of a frame bar. Such main part is produced by using only two mold pieces, an upper molding piece with a convex part and a lower molding piece with an indentation. The indentation has three inner surfaces, each making a same angle to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A highly rigid structure is provided using six struts connected at three er and three lower nodes to upper and lower support structures. The joint assemblies are formed by half-spherical balls attached to the ends of each of the struts, and retained within cylindrical apertures, such that the center lines of the struts intersect at the nodes. Bending loads on the struts are thus eliminated, while the design and construction of the structure is substantially simplified.

Abstract: A spherical grid for constructing geodesic spheres and portions of spheres. The grid includes a plurality of links interconnecting with a plurality of hubs arranged in a geodesic configuration. The hubs have a cylindrical shape with top and bottom planar surfaces and five or six attachment positions equally spaced around the hub. Each attachment position has radially-extending holes equally spaced around the hub. The links have square recessed ends which engage with the hubs at each attachment position. An insert member affixed inside each end cooperates with a screw extending from inside the hub, through the hub into the recessed end to connect each end to the respective attachment position on the hub. Each recessed end of the links having an upper wall with an interior surface, a lower wall with an interior surface and sidewalls with vertical edges.

Abstract: A modular system uses a plurality of metal pipes each having an orthogonal array of coplanar openings at one end and a threaded bore at the other end. An insert is inserted in a first pipe bore at one end next to the openings, the insert having a set of like threaded bores aligned with the openings. A coupling member external the pipe is aligned with each opening and has a bore aligned with these openings. A plurality of bolts each with a threaded end is attached to a different threaded insert bore through a coupling member and pipe opening. The bolts each have an annular groove which is aligned with a threaded bore at a second pipe other end. A set screw in the second pipe threaded bore secures the bolt by engaging the groove, locking the second pipe to the first. A foot is threaded to a lowermost vertical pipe and an end cap is used as insert for the uppermost vertical pipe.

Abstract: A readily assemblable and disassemblable cart has snap-locking vertical and lateral members. The vertical members and top and bottom rails include notched end portions which define extended portions. The lateral rails have bores formed in each of the ends thereof for receiving two of the extended portions. The extended portions also include latching members which, when the cart is assembled, extend into openings in the lateral rails which are transverse to, and contiguous with the bores.

Abstract: A coupling for a modular construction system whereby a tubular element is linked to another element, or is supported, characterised by: 1) at least one cup-shaped unit (P, 22, 41, 61, 81, 102) having an open end (16) and a reduced end (12); the open end (16) serving to received an end (E) of a tubular element (T) to enable the end (E) to be pushed to a rest position (18) at the reduced end (12) of the cup-shaped Unit (P), and locking means (30) enabling a tubular element end (E) to be retained against further movement relative to the cup-shaped unit (P); the length (L') of the unit (P) being between one and one half and twice the outside diameter (D) of the tubular element (or of the major transverse dimension of the tubular element if it is of non-circular cross-section); and an aperture (13) at the reduced end (12) of the cup-shaped unit which is no more than one-half the maximum interior diameter (I) or maximum interior dimension of the cup-shaped unit (P); 2) the or each cup-shaped unit (P, 22, 41, 61, 81

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for securing bars or boards together so as to form an article of furniture. The apparatus includes a tube engaged between the members to be secured together. Two blocks are secured to each of the members and engaged inwards of the tube. Two slides are slidably engaged in the tube and are forced toward each other in order to engage with the blocks and so as to secure the furniture members together. The slides and the blocks include wedge-shaped engaging portions engaged with each other so as to prevent the slides from rotating relative to the blocks.

Abstract: A connector for a studded T-post comprises a tube having an internal keyway therein. The keyway slidingly receives a studded T-post and is configured to prevent relative rotational movement of the post within the tube when the post is inserted into the tube. A locking member passes through the tube and cooperates with studs of the T-post to inhibit longitudinal movement of the T-post within the tube. A second similar tube may be attached to the first tube such that two T-posts may be inserted in the respective tubes and supported relative to one another in any number of angular orientations, thereby providing support for a wire-formed trellis.

Abstract: A patient lift system incorporates a transverse bar which carries a patient lift system for movement between two laterally extending bars. The transverse bar is mounted at the same vertical height as the laterally extending bars and carries a motor for lifting and lowering the patient. Since the transverse bar is at the same vertical height additional patient lift height is provided as compared to prior art systems. In a further feature of the present invention, the frame includes an improved corner bracket and also includes vertical adjustment for the legs to achieve leveling of the overall frame. In another feature of this invention, a patient lift bar includes four lift points, with two forward lift points spaced by a greater distance than the two rearward lift points. This provides greater support to the rear of the patient, while the additional distance in the front facilitates entry and removal of the patient lift system.

Abstract: A method of making and erecting a framed structure, preferably single level, by milling standard pieces of lumber that are joined into a sturdy, rectangular frame is disclosed. Opposed Side Beams having dado cuts at their opposite ends are joined to opposed Face Beams having complementary dado cuts at their opposite ends. Floor joists connect opposed sidebeams and support subflooring or decking, and, to accommodate certain larger dimensional floorplans, Center Beams are built into the frame. The frame can rest on a periphery foundation or be erected over posts.

Abstract: A vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting ceiling panels comprising a two-way connecting member, a one-way connecting member, an angled slat, an inner angled plate, an outer angled plate and a receiving base. Each of these components is formed integrally with plastics and can be selectively assembled together to form a grid system. The one-way and the two way connecting members are provided for the connection of the partitioning board to form the grid structure suspended in the ceiling. The angled plates can either be selected from the inner type or the outer type depending on the application. The receiving base is inserted at the end of the partitioning board so as to be able to connect to the angled slat, forming the vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A metal connector includes a main metal member in the form of a tube which may be passed through a hole formed in a wooden member, a stop welded to one end of the main metal member, elongated holes formed in the lateral sides of the main metal member in the vicinity of its other end so as to permit a pin to be passed through it, and a tightening bolt threadedly engaged in the other end of the main metal member so that its distal end abuts against the pin. Alternatively, a metal connector includes a through-hole formed in the lateral side of the main metal member in the vicinity of its one end so as to be passed through by a bolt, and a tightening bolt threadedly engaged in the other end of the main metal member so that the distal end of the bolt is abutted against the pin when the bolt is tightened. Consequently, the wooden members of a construction may be connected easily and tightly to one another, while the mounting of the metal connector may be simplified with a view to improving the operating efficiency.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an optical element, for example, a secondary mirror. The assembly realizes a novel design technique that incorporates a capability for minimizing mass, minimizing the assembly's susceptibility to deleterious, extraneous vibratory perturbations, and reducing design constraints on assembly member angular separation distances. To this end, the assembly comprises a mounting unit frame including six elongated support legs arranged in a tetrahedral geometrical configuration having three supported corners defined by adjacent ends of different groupings of three of the support legs, the supported corners being respectively attached to three mounting units.

Abstract: This corner joint, which serves to connect together a plurality of hollow frame members, comprises a metal trunk member containing a plurality of holes and a plurality of metal posts mounted on and projecting from the trunk member. Each post has an inner end fitting in one of the holes, an externally-threaded outer end, and a body portion between the two ends having a non-circular outer periphery. A plurality of hollow plastic sleeves respectively fit over the outer peripheries of the body portions of the posts. Each sleeve has an inner periphery of approximately the same shape and size as the outer periphery of the associated post body portion. Retaining nuts respectively mounted on the outer ends of the posts receive the externally-threaded outer ends of the posts.

Abstract: A construction system for making latticework structures comprising connectors and rods. Each connector has a base portion with at least two side portions and opposing faces. A first attaching element is attached to a first side portion of the base portion. Second and third attaching elements are secured in axial alignment at spaced locations to a second side portion of the base portion. Respective connectors can be interconnected to each other by placing the first attaching element of one connector between the second and third axially aligned attaching elements of another connector and passing a rod through aligned receiving openings in each of the first, second and third attaching elements. Many of these connectors and rods may be assembled to form larger structures such as cubes, pyramids and other polyhedrons. The connectors themselves may take various shapes such as triangles, sectors and trapezoids.

Abstract: A lattice is disclosed which is made of a multiplicity of rods that are connected to one another by a series of joints. Each rod has a connecting member which serves to connect with the joint. The connecting member may be designed as a fork, the axis of which extends vertically to that of the rod. The lattice may be locked together by either a cam or by a spring clip. The resulting hollow body may be either a two- or three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for use in constructing a saw horse has a main bracket and an auxiliary bracket cooperatively engaged to readily form a rigid saw horse for use or readily permit the folding or break-apart of the saw horse for moving or storing. The main bracket has a generally inverted Y-shape with a vertical open-top channel to receive the auxiliary bracket and two inclined open-bottom channels to receive leg members of the saw horse. The auxiliary bracket has a H-shape with a vertical open-bottom channel to engage the vertical open-top channel of the main bracket and a vertical open-top channel to receive a cross-piece member of the saw horse. Attachment means allow a rigid though semi-permanent connection with the leg members and the cross-piece member and a rigid though removable connection between the main and auxiliary brackets.

Abstract: A modular building system having two or more elongated hollow profiled frame members and female and/or male fasteners which separably connect the frame members to each other. Each frame member has smooth, plane and at least substantially uninterrupted external surfaces, at least one longitudinally extending stiffening core with a longitudinally extending at least partially tapped hole, at least one longitudinally extending outer wall adjacent an external surface and spaced apart from the core, and at least one pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls which connect the core with the outer wall. The outer wall, the core and the sidewalls define a longitudinally extending chamber which is located between the outer wall and the core and is flanked by the sidewalls. Male fasteners can extend transversely of the outer wall and core and into the holes in the cores of adjacent frame members or into transversely extending tapped bores of adjacent frame members.

Abstract: This invention provides a double-bar connecting device which in one embodiment includes a cubic connector housing having three pairs of mutually orthogonal opposing surfaces. Each surface has two holes passing through to allow elongated bars having the same cross-section as the holes to snugly and tightly extend through the connector housing. Bolts may be provided to further secure the elongated bars to the connector housing. By positioning a number of such connector devices together with the elongated bars extending between connector housings, a three-dimensional frame structure is provided.

Abstract: A support system suitably applicable as a timbering for construction of a concrete structure, which can reduce the number of parts and greatly improve the workability. The support system includes a plurality of jack members 6 placed on the ground or the like, a plurality of bottom members 5 connected to upper ends of the jack members 6, a plurality of vertical members 1 connected to upper ends of the bottom members 5, the vertical members 1 being connected with each other at upper and lower ends thereof, a plurality of vertically inverted jack members 6 connected to the upper ends of uppermost ones of the vertical members 1, a plurality of horizontal members 2 horizontally extending between the vertical members 1, and a plurality of diagonal members 3 and 4 diagonally extending between the vertical members 1. Each vertical member 1 has an annular horizontal flange 10 at the upper end.

Abstract: A kit for assembling wood legs to form an A-frame to support the end of a cross beam for a children's play gym includes a trapezoidal frame bracket to connect the upper ends of the legs to each other and to the cross beam and a special frame brace for reinforcing that connection which will accommodate a tubular metal cross beam or a cross beam consisting of a single board or a plurality of boards. The frame brace has a generally rectangular top wall and a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls extending down from the top wall at an angle such that the side walls have more or less the same slope as the side edges of the frame bracket. Portions of the frame brace top wall define a first set of holes spaced apart along the longitudinal centerline of the top wall, there being two such holes in the first set and a second set of holes containing at least two holes spaced along the top wall on each side of that centerline.

Abstract: A unitized foldable tent framework includes a plurality of elongated roof members pivotally connected at their upper ends to a central hub and at their lower ends to elongated wall members. Perimetric interconnection of the roof members, in the form of a line which may be elastic, extends around the pivotal connections between the roof and wall members to form a loop whose perimeter length increases and decreases so as to expand and contract the separation between the lower ends of adjacent roof members. Elongated tubular eave members, formed in connectable sections, concentrically enclose the perimetric interconnection between adjacent roof members, with the eave members also being pivotally connected to the pivotal connection between the roof and wall members. Wall members extending downward from adjacent pivotal connections are flexibly joined at their lower ends in pairs.

Abstract: A joint structure for removably attaching a ball member to an end of a bar member to form a truss structure is disclosed having an engagement member attached to the ball member, which engagement member has an exterior portion extending outwardly of the outer surface of the ball member, and an attachment device associated with the end of the bar member which removably engages the exterior portion of the engagement member. The joint structure according to the present invention may be utilized with bar members with or without tension rods extending through the bar member. The ball structure may be a spherical shell made of metal or fiber reinforced plastic which is located within a hollow concrete sphere. The spherical shell is not removed from the interior of the concrete sphere, but, instead, is used to increase the tensile force resistance of the ball member. The spherical shell may be imbedded in the ball member at the time of forming the concrete ball and can be used as a molding core.

Abstract: Two types of corner couplings together with horizontally extending and vertically extending beams form a multi-cornered paneled frame structure. One coupling connects, with suitable connectors, horizontally and inwardly extending panels to the horizontally extending beams and the other coupling connects, with suitable connectors, vertically extending panels to said horizontally extending beams and to the vertically extending beams. Other suitable connectors secure the two types of couplings to each other.

Abstract: An improved hammock stand including a central base pipe, a pair of canted upstanding arm pipes, a set of four foot extension pipes, and a pair of connector assemblies to which the individually mountable/demountable feet extension, arm and base pipes may be telescopingly mounted. Each connector unit has a pair of extension pipes welded to a bowed crosspiece pipe oriented concave down. The extension pipes are identical in character and disposed on the crosspiece pipe such that the pipes lie in a vertical plane which passes transversely through the crosspiece at the center of the bend. The arm and base pipes telescopingly mount onto the extension pipes; the foot extension pipes telescopingly mount onto the crosspiece pipe so that they are canted downwardly and outwardly from about one to about five degrees.