Abstract: A gusset structure includes a body having a plate contacting end forming a plate mating surface, and extending from the plate contacting end to a distal end. The body defines a tube mating surface extending between the plate contacting end and the distal end. The plate mating surface engages a plate. The tube mating surface includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion forming an interior surface angle therebetween. The interior surface angle has a vertex disposed on a vertex axis, which intersects the plate mating surface. The first surface portion engages a first side wall of an elongate member. The second surface portion engages a second side wall of the elongate member. The body flares outward from the distal end toward the plate contacting end to distribute stress in the plate from the corner of the elongate member over a larger area.

Abstract: A gusset structure includes a body having a plate contacting end forming a plate mating surface, and extending from the plate contacting end to a distal end. The body defines a tube mating surface extending between the plate contacting end and the distal end. The plate mating surface engages a plate. The tube mating surface includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion forming an interior surface angle therebetween. The interior surface angle has a vertex disposed on a vertex axis, which intersects the plate mating surface. The first surface portion engages a first side wall of an elongate member. The second surface portion engages a second side wall of the elongate member. The body flares outward from the distal end toward the plate contacting end to distribute stress in the plate from the corner of the elongate member over a larger area.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.