Abstract: A structural framework assembly made up of tubular members interconnected by a first connector arrangement which uses a connector having a concave surface pressing against a curved outer surface of a tubular member and having a pair of spreadable arms which are spread by a setscrew to lock inside an end of another tubular member, and a second connector arrangement which uses a connector plate extending into the end of a tubular member with the bottom of the connector plate inserted into a longitudinal slot at the bottom of the tubular member and a top tab on the connector plate inserted into an upper slot at the top of the tubular member. The longitudinal slot at the bottom of the tubular member opens out to the end of the tubular member and the upper slot is located at a distance from the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A structural framework assembly (150) is made up of framework subassemblies (102, 104, 104', etc.) interconnected by elongated horizontal structural members (122, 124, 126, 128, etc.). The subassemblies are made up of elongated structural members (114, 116, 118, 120) interconnected by clamping assemblies (106, 108, 110, 112). The clamping assemblies are made up of clamp elements (20a, 20b) with recesses (28, 30) which extend part way around the structural members and third portions (26) with cylindrical recesses (36) in which the ends of other elongated structural members are locked.

Abstract: A framing structure comprises a vertical post of hollow metal tubing having an aperture for receiving a horizontal cross-member also of hollow metal tubing. A slot is formed near one end of the cross-member to hook onto the bottom edge of the wall defining the aperture in the post. A reinforcing plug having a slot of about the same size as the slot in the cross-member is inserted into the end of the cross-member so that the slots are in substantial register. The reinforcing plug strengthens the joint by effectively increasing the wall thickness in the area of the joint, thereby allowing use of relatively thin-walled and inexpensive cross-members without having the slots compromise the structural integrity of the framing structure.