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 foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are hingedly connected together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes frictional hinge surfaces that hold the truss member in a deployed configuration. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A space frame (100) capable of facilitating the deployment, and subsequent support, of a space structure includes a packageable, deployable, and rigidizable frame assembly (110), a packageable, deployable, and inflatable frame assembly shell (120) disposed around the frame assembly (110); means for attaching the frame assembly shell (120) to the frame assembly (10); and a shell inflator.

Abstract: An adjustable roof support frame is disclosed. This support frame is adapted to support roofs with access holes. The support frame comprises two lateral supports and two cross supports. Preferably, all supports comprise a first and second member, the first member having a substantially C-shaped cross section that is adapted to slidably receive the second member. Fastening holes are provided on each member for receiving fasteners and attaching the two members together. Hook members are provided for attaching the ends of the lateral supports to trusses and L-brackets are used to attach the cross supports to the lateral supports. A truss bridge member is also provided for spanning a truss and attaching two support frames together.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A portable enclosure, easily erectable and collapsible, to provide environment control and prevent contaminants from being released from the enclosure. The enclosure provides a flexible envelope attached to the interior of the space defined by vertical and horizontal supports which can be erected and collapsed. When erected the enclosure functions as an anteroom and has removable panels in the sides and top. In use, the enclosure is sealed against a vertical or horizontal surface to be worked on and a panel from the side of the enclosure is opened and closed to provide access to the surface by the user. When collapsed the enclosure is a package approximately the size of an average golf club bag which is easily portable to another location. Ducting is provided to which negative pressure pumps are connected to maintain negative pressure within the enclosure and draw contaminants into the pump and then into a closed container.

Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.

Abstract: A method (102) of concealing a cell site radio frequency (RF) antenna (22) at a location (24) calls for generating a configuration (48, 62, 166) of an antenna screen structure (20) to determine geometrical parameters of the configuration. A set of instructions (108) are executed on a processor to evaluate the configuration (48, 62, 166) of the antenna screen structure (20). The instructions (108) direct the processor to perform operations that include defining geometrical parameters of the configuration (110), obtaining structural parameters of the configuration (112), receiving a wind load value for the location (114), and computing a maximum deflection value of the configuration in response to the geometrical parameters, the structural parameters, and the wind load value (128). In addition, the instructions (108) direct the processor to assess a cost (132) and a weight (130) of the configuration.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. A fixture is provided which includes posts for holding the wires before they are welded. The posts and a coupling member such as a welding gun can move with respect to each other to form the joints between the wires.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.

Abstract: An unfoldable connected structure has a structural unit movable in a folded and an unfolded state. The structural unit includes five arm units, and each of the arm units include an inner arm member having first and second ends, an outer arm member having first and second ends, an elbow joint mechanism movably connecting the first end of the inner arm member to the first end of the outer arm member, a shoulder joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the inner arm member, and a wrist joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the outer arm member; and means for connecting the arm units radially through their respective shoulder joint mechanism to form a frame of a pentagonal pyramid configuration when the structural unit is in an unfolded state. The unfoldable connected structure forms no void at its outer surface when it is in an unfolded state, has improved structural strength, and allows smooth folding and unfolding action.

Abstract: A tower and a method of constructing a tower. The tower has three first support members which are made up of sections. Each section has an outside leg and two inside legs, laced together in a triangular cross section. The upper end of each inside leg is attached to the upper end of one of the other inside legs. Sections are joined together to form support members. Second support members are joined on top of the first support members. The desired height of the tower is achieved by adding other support members on top of the second support members. The last member to be placed on top is the upper member. An upper member, having three legs, laced together to form a triangular cross section, is erected on top of the support members, so that the legs of the upper member extend upward from the outside legs of the support members.

Abstract: A folding square framework which may serve as a support for a tensile canvas or membrane. This framework, which may be mounted on a fixed column or wall, may fold, around hinges set at 54.3° to the longitudinal axes of each member of the framework, at each corner, compactly together such that all four sides of the framework are rested parallel with one another, perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded structure.

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members each having a curved cross section forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends and flattens by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least a coupling lever and at least two substantially flat frames of equilateral polygonal shape, each of which defines a frame space therein and each of which includes equilateral side portions that confine the frame space, and pivotal parts that are disposed within the frame space and that are connected to the side portions. The coupling lever has two opposite pivotal ends respectively pivoted to a selected one of the pivotal parts of one of the frames and a selected one of the pivotal parts of the other one of the frames so as to permit the frames to be turnable relative to the coupling lever.

Abstract: There is provided a metal chord member for use in a building system which chord member is formed of two or more interlocked generally U-shaped chord tubes. The chord tubes are interlocked by means of the provision of a plurality of equisized, equispaced, longitudinal ribs formed along the length of the depending side arms of the U-shaped chord tubes defining elongated recesses therebetween, the ribs on one of the chord tubes being adapted to interlock into and mate with the recesses defined between ribs on the adjacent chord tube and vice versa.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable display system including a collapsible frame comprised of a plurality of box units defined by spaced hubs with pivotable members extending therebetween. In one aspect of the invention, a locking feature is provided between the members and the hub. In another aspect of the invention, a hook-type mounting between the members and the hub is described. More than one of these display systems can be mounted one to another with a clip that is provided between adjacent outward-most hubs of two different systems. A cage also is described, which permits assembly and disassembly of the collapsible unit into two separate packageable parts. A button also is disclosed which permits two parts of the display to be mounted removably to another.

Abstract: Disclosure provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present disclosure discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable structure used for exhibition or sports (batting cage) applications including an expansion section with a plurality of expansion segments, each of which is self-contained. Each expansion segment is bounded by an upright member onto which an articulating arm is attached adjacent the tope and bottom. Each articulating arm bends at an elbow and folds flat against the upright members when each expansion segment is extended, the articulating arms straighten at the elbow and pivot in a scissor-type motion with respect to the upright members until the articulating arms are fully extended substantially straight. The expansion segments roll on rollers removably affixed to the upright members. The portable structure includes three positions, a transport position wherein large wheels or skids are suppled for easy manipulation of the device, an expansion segment wherein the expansion segments are extended or collapsed using smaller wheels.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

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 deployable single truss with folding or removable chordal members and diagonals and orthogonal hinge joints for continuous and synchronous retraction and extension, in straight and curved configurations. A deployable dual rectangular truss comprised of two single trusses mated along two common chords. A deployable diamond truss comprised of two single trusses mated along one common chord. An end frame to close off or mount one of more ends of the deployable trusses. A primary orthogonal hinge joint to connect the chordal members and diagonals of the deployable trusses along a primary chord. A secondary orthogonal hinge joint to connect the chordal members and diagonals of the deployable trusses along a secondary chord.

Abstract: An improved structure of a framework is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of connectors having provided with holes, and notch seats are employed in the framework for connecting side rods, slanting rods, and supporting device to form into a stable and conveniently foldable framework. The end section of the side rod is mounted with a rotatable connector for interlinking of the side rods. This facilitates the extension of the framework vertically and/or horizontally.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foldable member. A plurality of C-section member plies are formed. First and second sets of the C-section member plies are assembled. Two sections of a tube are arranged in an end-to-end manner defining a gap therebetween. The first set of the C-section member plies is secured to one side of the two sections of the tube to bridge the gap therebetween and the second set of C-section member plies is secured to an opposing side of the two tube sections to also bridge the gap therebetween thus forming opposing elongated slots separated by longitudinal strips of material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces and which unfold when released. A foldable member manufactured in accordance with this method is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a structure made of one or more such foldable members.

Abstract: A truss assembly includes angled cross members and straight cross members which extend between two parallel truss members. Brackets are provided along the two parallel truss members for attachment to the ends of the angled and straight truss members. Slots are provided either in the brackets or in the angled truss members to permit pivotal movement of the angled truss members to accommodate varying dimensions of the truss assembly.

Abstract: The device comprises a folding structure (3, 7, 20) involving a set of bars (7) which are articulated to one another by nodes (3, 20), and elongate support elements capable of being fixed to roughly vertical rows of receiving nodes (3) to receive the parallel edges (24) of the flexible panels (1).

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members each having a curved cross section forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends and flattens by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: A folding square framework which may serve as a support for a tensile canvas or membrane. This framework, which may be mounted on a fixed column or wall, may fold, around hinges set at 54.3° to the longitudinal axes of each member of the framework, at each corner, compactly together such that all four sides of the framework are rested parallel with one another, perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded structure.

Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

Abstract: For a truss, a hinge assembly for connecting truss members that form the truss. The hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate having a first boss formed thereon and a second hinge plate having a second boss formed thereon. The second boss defines an opening for pivotal receipt of the first boss. The hinge assembly also includes a retainer for maintaining the pivotal receipt of the first boss in the second boss. When the first hinge plate is attached to a first portion of a truss and the second hinge plate is attached to a second portion of a truss, the first and second truss portion can be pivoted relative to each other to enable portions of the truss to be collapsed for transporting purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).

Abstract: A new hub element is disclosed for building reversible expandable three-dimensional truss structures. The hub element can directly connect a pin joint towards the center of a scissor linkage to a pivot located near the extremity of another out-of-plane scissor linkage. It has the advantages of being more compact than previously known hub elements and can be used to create foldable structures that are more structurally sound than previously possible. The use of this novel hub element can also reduce the number of pieces required for a given foldable structure, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

Abstract: A decorative, spherically shaped structure formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongated, pivotably interconnected ribs that lie in substantially coplanar, contiguous relation to each other when not expanded, but are readily expandable to form a discontinuous, substantially spherical body having top and bottom hub sections formed by end panels unitarily molded onto the ends of each rib. The pivotable interconnection between adjacent ribs is achieved by providing tabs on the end panels, the tabs having cylindrical apertures cooperatively alignable with mating tabs of adjacent ribs, permitting such cooperatively aligned tabs to be pinned or riveted together to form an integral structure. The end panels of each molded rib preferably further comprise cooperatively engageable lips having stepped cross-sections that intermesh to form substantially continuous upper and lower hub surfaces providing strength and rigidity to the expanded sphere.

Abstract: A portable stage having at least a transport configuration and a deployed configuration is disclosed. The portable stage includes a chassis having wheels rotatably attached thereto and a main floor panel attached to the chassis. First and second deployable floor panels are pivotally attached to the main floor panel, and a deployable canopy is attached to the chassis. The deployable canopy is stored between the first and second floor panels when the portable stage is in its transport configuration. When the stage is deployed, the main floor panel, first floor panel and second floor panel form a main stage, and the canopy is large enough to cover the main stage.

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. Comer support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: A hub assembly for pivotally connecting the ends of support rods of a portable self-supporting display structure configured for a collapsed storage position and an expanded display position. The hub assembly may include first and second members and a connector. The first and second members are mated to provide bearing surfaces and to accommodate pivot pins affixed to the support rods. The connector secures the mated first and second members together by being extended through bores in the mated first and second members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a joint of a supporting frame, which includes a basic unit to connecting with one to six connecting units at a related side plate. The connecting unit can connect with related crossbeams to assembling a supporting frame; wherein each connecting unit has provided with a folded elastic plate at both ends with a related groove therebetween to engage with an end of the crossbeam. The basic unit is cubic and has one side opening, which can be sealed by a door to form a complete cubic hollow unit. By use of the basic unit engaging with desired connecting units, it provides the joints with various configurations, which can be used at any position in a supporting frame.

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

Abstract: A support structure for a collapsible shelter, includes legs and upper beams hinged together. Each upper beam is composed of two component rods connected with each other by a freely swinging hinge. Each leg has a sliding part thereon. There is provided an upper or upward stay bar between the sliding part on each leg and the component rods of the upper beam respectively. Both end connections of the top stay bar are freely swinging hinges. The leg has also a stop means thereon to limit motion of the sliding part in outspread state. The support structure does not need to be assembled and dismantled each time when it is to be used and can be easily and quickly spread out and collapsed, saving both time and manpower.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).

Abstract: A support frame is intended to support the decorative sheet product and is formed of a plurality of longitudinal elements and horizontal elements, which are in turn formed of a plurality of base portions and main bodies. The base portions are provided with a protrusion and a recess opposite in location to the protrusion, and two slots opposite in location to each other. The base portions are joined together by the mortise-tenon joints to form the longitudinal elements. The main bodies are provided with two protruded blocks opposite in location to each other and are arranged in alignment such that the protruded blocks are received in the slots of the base portions of the longitudinal elements, and that the main bodies form the horizontal elements perpendicular to the longitudinal elements.

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: A solarium includes window panel frames for supporting a plurality of window panels. Each window panel frame comprises a set of frame members defining a first surface, a diametrically opposed second surface, and a pair of third surfaces extending therebetween. The third surfaces define a third surface connecting recess positioned adjacent their corresponding intersection with the first surfaces. The window panels are made of thin and flexible sheets of material, such as heat shrinkable polymeric resin. A panel locking component is attached to the marginal edges of the window panels. The panels are undersized relative to the window frames when not mounted thereto, are secured to the window panel frame using the panel locking components, and then heat shrunk to a tensed state.

Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords). Each strut is in pure compression (i.e. no bending or twisting forces) and each guy is in pure tension. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Three or four configurations of guy arrangements are described and claimed for each of the five embodiments of this invention. Self-Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested (overlapping) or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS's.

Abstract: A collapsible three sided truss, in which a rectangular central framework section has outboard framework sections each hinged to one side, which can be swung together to bring interfitting portions together, with locking mechanisms manually operable to connect these portions together and form a rigid three sided truss. When released and swung out, the outboard sections form a flattened array with the central section for easy transport and handling. Slidable pins are included in the locking mechanisms, engaging aligned holes in partial sleeves on cross members of one outboard section fit to elongated member of the other outboard section. The three sided trusses can be connected end-to-end with couplings and locking pins.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube, and a plurality of opposing elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: According to existing methods of frame building construction, a concrete foundation is formed on which wooden floor joists are laid. Walls are constructed on the foundation and floor using wooden wall studs, and a roof is constructed on the walls using wooden rafters, beams and trusses. These methods require skilled carpenters and high quality wood materials, both of which are increasingly expensive. There is therefore a need for a system for framing houses or other buildings which uses prefabricated steel framing and which is quick and easy to construct. The invention provides a prefabricated system for framing a complete building on a foundation. Folding telescopic framing units are used for vertical partitions and horizontal floor panels.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of nine pre-fabricated structural members and two prefabricated connectors which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as columns. The connectors are right angle connectors; each employing a configuration of holes and slots for securing structural members to create a rigid attachment of rafters to columns. The same connectors can be employed to establish a shallow pitch or a steep pitch roof pitch through selection of the holes and slot positions used to bolt the structural frame together. Eave struts, purlins and girts are attached to mainframes and used to attach sheathing to the structural frame. Alternatively, a “V” shaped stiffener can be employed with the columns.