Abstract: A cube (100) has a first hemicube (HI) having a first connector configuration including a post (110) adjacent the vertex (VI) of each of the three faces (A, B, C) and a second hemicube (H2) having a second connector configuration including a channel (105) adjacent the vertex (V2) of each of the three faces (D, E, F). The connector configurations include an array of connectors (105, 110), possibly including an odd number of connectors (105, 110). The channels (105) are flush with and the posts (110) have a same shape of cross sections from the free end to the corresponding planar faces (A, B, C, D, E, F). The channels (105) have polygonal cross sections. The cube (100) is hollow and formed by folding the faces (A, B, C, D, E, F) along pivotably interconnected edges and connecting the remaining faces (A, B, C, D, E, F) by slideable interconnections.

Abstract: A connector (10) for tubular members (12, 14) is disclosed including first and second connector elements (16, 18) each having U-shaped cross sections and jaw members (20, 22). A cam (60) is located between the connector elements (16, 18) which each preferably include a cam trough (52). The first and second connector elements (16, 18) are biased together by first and second O-rings (50) positioned around the connector elements (16, 18). The jaw members (20, 22) can be inserted in longitudinal insertion directions into the tubular members (12, 14) while the cam (60) is in an insertion position and the cam (60) can be rotated to a locked position to separate the jaw members (20, 22) sufficiently to grip the inside surfaces of the tubular members (12, 14) with sufficient force to prevent relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A connector (10) for tubular members (12, 14) is disclosed including first and second connector elements (16, 18) each having U-shaped cross sections and first and second jaw members (20, 22). A set screw (30) is threaded into the central portion (24) of the second connector element (18) intermediate the first and second jaw members (20, 22) and has an end abutting with the central portion (24) of the first connector element (16). A collar (32) encircles the first and second connector elements (16, 18) and the set screw (30) intermediate the jaw members (20, 22). The first and second connector elements (16, 18) are biased together by first and second O-rings (50) positioned around the connector elements (16, 18) and on opposite sides of the set screw (30).

Abstract: A framing system (10) including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including a slide connector (66) which receives lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamping band (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). In the preferred form, the clamping band (28) is split and is removably locatable in the ports (22) by being distortable into a helical shape by flex notches (40, 42) formed in the side walls (32, 34).

Abstract: A connector (10) for tubular members (12, 14) is disclosed including first and second connector elements (16, 18) each having U-shaped cross sections and first and second jaw members (20, 22). A set screw (30) is threaded into the central portion (24) of the second connector element (18) intermediate the first and second jaw members (20, 22) and has an end abutting with the central portion (24) of the first connector element (16). A collar (32) encircles the first and second connector elements (16, 18) and the set screw (30) intermediate the jaw members (20, 22), with the first and second connector elements (16, 18) being biased apart by an O-ring (38) positioned between the connector elements (16, 18) and around the set screw (30).

Abstract: A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24).

Abstract: A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24).

Abstract: A space frame node including a hub, a facet device, and a transition connector for holding the facet deviced to the hub. For a planar node, the hub is formed by a pair of members fastened together such that receptor cavities are created between them so as to receive transition connectors, generally in the form of bolts. Any of a variety of facet devices are threaded onto the bolts. For a spherical node, three pairs of hub forming members facing one another are joined together at four legs with bolts and facet devices or alternatively nuts. In addition, facet devices may be installed in the intersecting regions of the legs of the hub forming members. These nodes are lightweight, are usable with quick connect/disconnect facet devices as necessary, and result in a reduction of field assembly time of space frame structures.

Abstract: Fastener (22) connects an insert (24) to a hollow tube (26). Fastener (22) is formed to have a yoke portion (58) extending between a pair of arm portions (56), all of which are formed arcuately to conform to the shape of tube (26). Arm portions (56) have arcuate free ends. Arm portions (56) include protuberances (60) which then may be cammed between an engagement position with edges (34) of openings (30) in tube (26) and edges (44) of cavity space (40) in insert (24) and a disengageable position with edges (34) and (44).

Abstract: A slat-wall is fastened at an edge to an elongated member. A metallic strap is formed to have first and second end portions and a central portion therebetween. The central portion fits about the elongated member so that the first and second end portions extend into a groove in the slat-wall. A screw is tightened to separate the first and second end portions against opposite sides of the groove.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a quick connect/disconnect mechanism for fastening structural members together. The inventive apparatus includes flanges with nonfacing ringular surfaces on each structural member. A bolt or other mechanism aligns the structural members and prevents movement in shear of one with respect to the other. A resilient clip having end portions which are U-shaped in cross section and which extend around more than one-half the circumference of the flanges fits onto the flanges to hold and clamp the structural members together.

Abstract: Interconnecting apparatus (10) for a pair of structural members or space frame assemblies is disclosed. Apparatus (10) includes a button (12) attached to an end of one structural member and a receiver (18) attached to the end of another structural member. Receiver (18) includes a cradle (38) with a wall (40) on one side and a lip (42) on the other. Button (12) fits snugly into cradle (38) between wall (40) and lip (42) and is retained there by a locking mechanism, such as clip (24). Interconnect mechanism (10) may be used in a variety of applications including connecting a pair of trusses together and creating a space frame structure.

Abstract: A modular proscenium theatre (20) is disclosed. Theatre (20) includes transverse truss beams (24) connected together by flat truss sections (26) supported on columns (22). Cantilevered members (28) support lights (30). A cross-over curtain (36) is hung from a traveler track (150). Side masking curtains (38) are adjustable longitudinally and rotatably. Other masking curtains and a cyclorama screen (40) may be provided. The framework, the lights and curtains are assembled near floor level and elevated with hoist motors (78) using pulleys (50) and cables (94). The entire theatre (20) may be assembled and disassembled with two people.