Abstract: A three-way connector for a cabinet frame, including a body 1, multiple positioning columns 4, 8, a pair of M6 tapping holes 7, a pair of M6 tapping holes 11, a M12 tapping hole 3, a ten-folded section 6, and a fifteen-folded section 10. A pair of triangular corners 2 is disposed on both sides of the body 1. The M12 tapping hole 3 is disposed at the top of the body 1. The positioning columns 4 are fit with a cavity of the ten-folded section 6. The M6 tapping holes 7 are disposed on the positioning columns 4, and fit with an installation hole of the ten-folded section 6. The positioning columns 8 are fit with a cavity of the fifteen-folded section 10, and are parallel to each other. The M6 tapping holes 11 are disposed on the positioning columns 8.

Abstract: Supporting pipes for hanging toys pivotally connect to each opening formed around a seat of a toy supporting frame with first ends and mount on a playard or a mattress with second ends. A rotary cover is further rotatably mounted on the seat and has openings corresponding to the openings of the seat. When the rotary cover rotates to a first position, the openings of the rotary cover align with the openings of the seat such that each supporting pipe is rotatable relative to the seat between an opening status and a folding status. When the rotary cover rotates to a second position, the openings of the rotary cover misalign with the openings of the seat such that each supporting pipe is retained in an opening status.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. 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 is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fixing device for supporting sticks. The fixing device includes a vertical stick, a horizontal stick coupled to the vertical stick, a pair of first fixing units, a pair of second fixing units, and fastening means. Each first fixing unit has a horizontal coupling part coming into close contact with the horizontal stick, and vertical coupling parts which are provided on an end of the horizontal coupling part, come into close contact with the vertical stick, and have a space defined therebetween. Each second fixing unit has a vertical coupling part which is inserted into the space of each of the first fixing units and comes into close contact with the vertical stick, and a horizontal coupling part protruding outwards from the vertical coupling part. The fastening means fasten the first fixing units and the second fixing units.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A modular structural system includes a hub in the general shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon, which may be somewhat rounded or may have a regular shape. The system includes a plurality of other structural members, such as hub spokes, for interfacing adjacent the hub, and leg spokes, for interfacing with the hub or with the hub spokes. The system also includes cross braces for providing additional support between the hub spokes and leg spokes. The hub, the hub spokes, leg spokes, and cross braces are joined by bores in the individual pieces and a plurality of dowels or rods placed into the bores. From these modular pieces, and currently available structural members, many useful and recreational structures may be assembled and then disassembled, such as frames, garden structures, furniture, shelving, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible enclosure comprising, a plurality of structural support beams, a hub having a plurality of attachment means and a pressure plate positioned below the attachment means to which one end of the structural support beams are attached and a cover disposed upon and traversing between the structural support beams. The top portion of the cover having means for receiving the plurality of structural support beams and the bottom portion having adapters for receiving the other ends of the plurality of structural support beams. The cover may have one or more openings and one or more flaps to secure the one or more openings.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. The method involves (a) preparing an elongate column to act as a travel way for a carriage which is designed to transport and deploy beam-mount structure, shifting such a carriage progressively along the column from defined attachment site to defined attachment site, and at each such site, deploy-attaching from the carriage to the column the carriage-carried beam-mount structure.

Abstract: A joint structure of a fold type tent frame is provided. In the present invention the joint structure includes a plurality of pillars which support a tent, a plurality of horizontal frames which are supported by the pillars to form a roof, and a plurality of connectors which connect between the pillars and the frames and between the frames as a joint structure, includes semicircular rotators which are disposed at end portions of the frames and have bolt holes formed at central portions of the rotators, coupling parts disposed at each of the connectors to have coupling plates with bolt holes and upper coupling plates perpendicular to the coupling plates such that the rotators are coupled to the coupling parts, guide grooves or guide protrusions formed on the upper coupling plates at the inner side of the coupling parts, and guide protrusions or guide grooves formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the semicircular rotators to correspond to the guide grooves or guide protrusions.

Abstract: A metal frame made up of a plurality of linear bars, which have a constant cross section, are obtained by extrusion, and are joined to one another by means of welding at structural nodes defined by jointing bodies provided with pockets for housing the linear bars. The jointing bodies have box type structures and are made up of the union of respective a load-bearing element, which is obtained by extrusion and has a given direction of extrusion, with a pair of plane closing metal sheets, which are set perpendicular to the direction of extrusion and are welded to the load-bearing element on opposite sides of the load-bearing element. The load-bearing element may also be formed by the lateral union of a number of simple elements, each of the simple elements being obtained directly via extrusion and having a given direction of extrusion parallel to the direction of extrusion of the other simple elements, and wherein the simple elements are joined to one another laterally by mechanical slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling between two objects via a coupling element. Each object comprises a panel with a continuous hole with four inward protruding tongues which are disposed at 90° to each other and extend over angles of about 22.5°. The coupling element comprises a shank, an insert stop member on both sides so that the coupling element can be inserted in the one or the other direction into the hole, four locking cams on each end zone of the shank which each extend over angles of 22.5° disposed at 0°, (90°?22.5°), 180°, (270°?22.5°), and rotation stop members. The coupling element can be inserted into the hole in a chosen orientation as desired in one of four equidistant angular positions and then rotated through about 22.5° in the one or the other direction, wherein rotation locking means fix the chosen angular position.

Abstract: A tube assembling device consisting of hub-carriers and hubs for erecting three-dimensional structures. The hub-carriers consist of two pairs of half-rings, bearing tongues offset by 90° along an antero-posterior axis and linked by four connecting lugs, they support radial hook-shaped expansions. The hub-carriers can link two tubes in a fixed or balanced position, can be fixed at the tube end, can be fixed along a tube and support hubs. The hubs support tongues are positioned folded or unfolded inside the tubes used for the construction of the radial expansions into rings and catching teeth internal to the rings. The assembly enables the hubs and hub-carriers to be linked by tubes or elastic links and constitute by folding or combining the hubs and hub-carriers nodes for modelling structures of numerous types from a reduced number or elements.

Abstract: A pipe fitting of the present invention comprises a combination of a plurality of split fittings and has a central cylinder and an extended cylinder which outwardly projects from the central cylinder, the central cylinder and the extended cylinder being capable of receiving pipes from orthogonal directions with respect to each other. The extended cylinder includes a bolt hole which locates near the central cylinder and which penetrates the extended cylinder. The central cylinder has an aperture provided in a side surface thereof. Each split fitting is fixed on the pipes by a bolt and nut via the respective bolt hole.

Abstract: A foldable tent (1), wherein a covering is supported by a plurality of columns (2) and an outer peripheral frame (3) and reinforcement frames (4) connected to the columns (2), the reinforcement frames (4) are formed so as to pass through the inside of a polygon in plan view formed of the outer peripheral frame (3) and disposed so as to connect the columns to the center of the polygon to more increase the strength thereof over a conventional foldable tent, parts of unit pipe bodies forming the reinforcement pipe units (41, 42) of the reinforcement frames (4) are horizontal relative to an installation surface or downwardly titled toward the center thereof to smoothly fold the reinforcement pipe elements (41, 42) when the tent is dissembled, and the reinforcement frames (4) are supported on the columns (2) or on the columns (2) through play allowing the reinforcement frames (4) to move within a specified range from a center column (5) in a generally circumferential direction to smoothly fold the foldable tent.

Abstract: A connecting device for tubular elements (1), for assembling the tubular elements into modular structures, includes a plurality of inserts (22), each insert having an expandable portion (2) and a head (3). Shells (9) are provided, each shell having a plurality of housings (10) having a shape approximately complementary to a shape of the head (3). The head may be fixed to a related housing (10). The insert (22) is locked into an end of the tubular element (1), when the expandable portion (2) is inserted into the end of the tube, and expanded. The tubular element (1) is connected to the shell (9), when the head (3) is in the locked condition, the tubular element (1) being engaged in a related housing (10) of the shell, and fixed to the shell by a fixing device.

Abstract: A modified trampoline holder structure comprises a plurality of transverse tubes, six connection sleeves, and three supporting tubes. The transverse tubes are connected together into a ring shape. Each connection sleeve firmly clamps the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes. Each connection sleeve is inserted into an end opening of one supporting tube. Locking bumps are formed at two sides of the inner edge of each tube clamping portion. Corresponding locking grooves are formed at two sides of the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes. When the tube clamping portion firmly clamps the joint of two adjacent transverse tubes, the locking bump and the locking groove will be locked together. Each insertion tube portion is composed of at least two arc-shaped sheets. Detents that can be locked together are formed on the two arc-shaped sheets.

Abstract: An improved umbrella includes a durable hub including a number of spherical rotating joint knuckles captured in a hub body. The joint knuckles provide rotational movement of rib and spreader elements which support a flexible umbrella cover. The joint knuckles provide increased bearing surface area that increases ease of use and durability. The hub design enables identical hub bodies to be used for a spreader hub and a rib hub.

Abstract: An improved personal shelter canopy hub is formed using a number of spherical rotating joint elements captured in a hub body. The joint elements provide rotational movement of canopy frame elements to allow easy opening and collapsing of a canopy frame and cover. An improved canopy includes two hubs joined by a cross shaft. Each hub may be formed by molding in high-density plastic and combined with stub arms to facilitate subsequent assembly of a completed canopy.

Abstract: The tent frame supports a traditional canopy, a tension canopy and a pagoda canopy and can be configured as a tent assembly kit. The tent frame includes uprights removably fitted into respective corner fittings along with generally horizontal tent frame cross members also fitted into the corner fittings. Canopy support members have one end removably coupled to the corner pieces and a crown fitting receives the other end of the canopy support member. A removable vertical extension piece is removably mounted atop the crown fitting such that when the extension piece is threaded to the crown fitting, the pagoda canopy can be utilized with the assembled tent frame or, in a different tent assembly without the extension piece, the tent frame retains and supports either the traditional canopy or the tension canopy.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a spacer configured to mount a fan housing to a surface of a structural support. In some embodiments, the spacer includes a body, a first aperture passing through the body and having a first length through the body, and a second aperture passing through the body and having a second length through the body, wherein the second length is different than the first length. The body can be oriented in a first orientation with respect to the fan housing and structural support or in a second orientation with respect to the fan housing and structural support to mount the fan housing at different distances from a mounting surface of the structural support.

Abstract: An interface for connecting supporting members of an audience seating system including an end plate secured to the first end of a horizontal member. The end plate includes a downwardly extending tongue and outwardly extending tabs and a hook member extending outwardly and downwardly. The upper end of the vertical member has a recess dimensioned to receive the hook member and a hanger bracket defining a space for receiving the tongue and openings for receiving the tabs. The horizontal member may be engaged to the vertical member by lowering the hook member into the recess, the tongue into the space and the tabs into the openings to create a substantially rigid engagement secured by gravity.

Abstract: An anti-vibration platform for supporting a semiconductor equipment is constructed from a plurality of top and bottom ball couplings having threaded holes provided thereon, a plurality of rigid connecting bars separately horizontally or diagonally connected at two externally threaded free ends to two of the ball couplings, and a plurality of vertical supports separately connected at two externally threaded free ends to two vertically corresponding ball couplings. Steel plates are provided at a bottom and four sides of the platform, and threaded bars are provided to extend through the side steel plates to connect the platform to a concrete foundation. Anti-vibration and pressure-resistant elastomeric material is applied to the bottom of the platform to wrap joints of the bottom ball couplings, the connecting bars, and the vertical supports. A flat bed is positioned to a top of the platform by screwing to the top ball couplings.

Abstract: A polymeric connector block for interconnecting a plurality of elongate tubular members into a structure has five-sided front and back sides with an orthogonal pattern of three parallel through-apertures therethrough. A fourth through-aperture passes from the left side to the right side, intersecting two of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A non-through aperture passes from the top side and intersects the other of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A sixth aperture extends into the block at an intermediate angle such as 45°. There are no apertures in the bottom side. Tubular members are insertable into the apertures and lockable therein by lockscrews. Tubular members may comprise tubing, pipe, electrical conduit and the like, and may include non-tubular materials such as solid rods. A wide range of structures may be created.

Abstract: A monopole system has a free standing monopole tower and at least one collar assembly positioned around the tower having a plurality of radially projecting arms with holes. A plurality of anchor assemblies, each coupled to the ground around the tower and including a bracket having an aperture. A plurality of guy cables coupling one leg of each collar assembly with an aperture of an associated bracket.

Abstract: A presentation device (1) is formed with a base (5), with bars (3) for a flexible stand (2) connected to the base (5) via a plug connection, and with a holder for a placard, a film or the like. A presentation carrier (6) connects the holder to the base (5) and the stand (2), wherein the stand (2) has individual bars (3), which are plugged together, and at least two transverse struts (4) for achieving a double-H-structure of the stand (2).

Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least one clamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining structural members. In one embodiment, an apparatus for joining a first member to a second member includes a first part and a second part configured to be engaged with and bonded to the first part. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first part includes a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction different than the first direction, a first recess at least proximate to the first surface, and a second recess at least proximate to the second surface. In another aspect of this embodiment, the second part includes a third surface facing a third direction, a fourth surface facing a fourth direction different than the third direction, a first protuberance at least proximate to the third surface, and a second protuberance at least proximate to the fourth surface.

Abstract: A method of connecting two raceways, comprising the steps of joining respective ends of first and second raceways at a first junction area so that the ends of the first and second raceways engage and form a miter joint at the first junction area, coupling a first cover fitting over the first junction area so that a portion of the first cover fitting engages each end, respectively, of the first and second raceways, joining respective ends of third and fourth raceways at a second junction area so that the ends of the third and fourth raceways are spaced from one another at the second junction area with a curved base disposed therebetween, and coupling a second cover fitting over the second junction area so that a portion of the second cover fitting engages each end of the third and fourth raceways, respectively.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a fabric canopy or tent is formed from a number of elongate rigid cylindrical elements, tubes or rods, joined by a variety of special connectors. They form a frame of interconnected rigid trusses. Each truss has an upper chord and a spaced-apart lower chord connected by rigid members therebetween to form trusses with sufficient rigidity to span greater unsupported spans than conventional canopy frames. Each connector has a plurality of tubular receptacles for receiving the cylindrical elements and transverse threaded apertures for threaded locking fasteners for securing the cylindrical elements in place.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: A collapsible tent skeleton frame includes a plurality of poles, a plurality of joints mounted respectively on the poles, a plurality of side ribs pivoted respectively to the joints, a top joint, and a plurality of upper ribs pivoted respectively to adjacent pairs of the side ribs and to the top joint. Each of the joints has two arms, each of which is formed with a recess that has a round inner end section and an extension. Each of the side ribs has a rounded end that is received in and that conforms to the inner end section of the recess in a respective one of the arms of a respective one of the joints.

Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.

Abstract: A connection device for the realization of a tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces constituted by a body (18) from which projects at least one socket (19) for connecting to tubular profiles (15) and possibly, in a generic perpendicular direction or at an angle, projects a connector (20) for the removable connection of a leg (14), in which said at least one socket (19) has a non-continuous external wall (21), which defines a seat (22), attached at the base by an abutment surface (42) for a blocking means, with a threaded hole (25) which houses an operation grain (23).

Abstract: A handrail jointer which is most suitable to install a handrail easily at a placing site even on a slope which is bent and has a complicated shape having a varying inclination. The handrail jointer 1 comprises the post connector 10 connected to the post 5, the handrail holders 31, 32 having the handrail holding portions 31a, 32a holding the handrail members 7, and the elbow body 20 attached to the post connector 10 and having the fitting portions 23, 24 for fitting the handrail holders 31, 32. These handrail holders 31, 32 are rotatably attached at certain angles to the fitting portions 23, 24 so that the handrail holders 31, 32 can rotate in a neck roll exercise manner on the fitting portions 23, 24.

Abstract: A connecting system for modular furniture structures includes an upright element with outer square cross-section giving the upright element four sides and four corners, featuring a trapezoidal or dovetail section longitudinal groove on each side. The longitudinal grooves gives the upright element longitudinal corners a quasi trapezoidal or dovetail shape. Trapezoidal connection small blocks are slidably inserted into the grooves and “C”-shaped clamps are slidably mounted along the longitudinal corners. Pin rods are fitted to both the trapezoidal connection small blocks and the “C”-shaped clamps by means of a threaded section forming also locking means for fixing the small blocks and clamps along the grooves and the corners. The pin rods have a circular groove all around and are introduced into bored small blocks fastened to furniture complementary structural elements and are fixed by means for threaded dowels set in engagement with the circular grooves.

Abstract: Column, beam and cross-bracing frame structure and methodology. The column features an assembly of plural elongate angle-iron-like components held apart by spacers which establish laterally facing recesses between spaced, confronting legs for receiving the modified, inserted ends of the central webs in beams, and the ends of cross braces. Regions of end-to-end, vertically-stacked joinder between two columns take the forms of compact, friction-bound splices created through and with the inserted ends of beams' central webs. Columns in a frame can respond to severe loads with a certain amount of beneficial individual load-handling promoted and provided by the plural angle-iron-like components, and with modest, reversible frictionally resisted energy-dissipating longitudinal motions relative to one another. Such loading is also resisted by reversible, frictional relative motion in the splices between beams and columns. Similar friction connections are provided between cross-connected beams.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is comprised of three couplers for interconnecting three scaffolding members. The locking devices for the couplers may be of a bolt-and-nut configuration or, advantageously, of a wedge and arm, tapered circular wedge and arm or over-centre hand-lever.

Abstract: An adapter with improved connection function applicable to connection of KD furniture including cabinet, chest or rack, comprised with four 90-degree angular grooves, a cross clamping structure protruding from one side of the adapter, a hole in the center of the clamping structure, the clamping structure including two parallel clamping boards, multiple slip stoppers provided at equal spacing on the inner side of each clamping board, and an insertion structure provided externally to the clamping structure, a deeper hole provided to the insertion structure to connect to more parts, e.g. a door panel, cabinet, chest or a rack frame.

Abstract: A post and beam furniture system having a plurality of horizontally-extending beams having a longitudinally-extending T-shaped first channel and a longitudinally, T-shaped second channel, and a plurality of vertical posts each having a lower portion thereof adapted to be abuttingly supported on a floor surface of an office space, and an upper portion thereof adapted to be connected with the horizontally-extending beams, and a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. The channels of the beams and posts receiving a plurality of connectors and accessories, including a multiple bracket post and beam connectors, a T-nut connector, and T-connector, an infill panel, a horizontally-extending two-part wire manager, a vertically extending wire manager, a vertically adjustable worksurface, a transactional surface, a swivel support for supporting a post thereon, and a universal utility hook.

Abstract: A tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces comprising a supporting surface (12, 12′), a flat frame (13) and legs (14), in which said frame (13) is composed of tubular profiles (15) which can be combined in various ways, characterised in that all the elements are joined through connection means which provide a firm and dismountable connection, constituted by devices (16) for coupling tubular profiles (15) and devices (17) for coupling tubular profiles (15) with a leg (14).

Abstract: A light-weight, portable display system which includes plural, hollow, plastic panels having uniquely contoured corners. The panels may be of flat or curved configuration. Most of the plastic panels are fabricated to present smooth front and rear faces. However, some panels are made with at least one slotted face for supporting shelves therein. Straight plastic connector components are designed to accept the corners of the panels, thereby connecting the panels in a manner to form a display area. Hinged plastic connectors are provided so that adjacent panels may be arranged at angles ranging from ninety to one hundred eighty degrees.

Abstract: A convenient mount and connection system which permit articles, such as articles used in geomatic surveys, to be releasably attached to geomatic supports. Multiple articles may be removably attached at the same height on a geomatic pole by the mount. A connection system allows articles to be mounted in two different ways on two different connectors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle chassis and a vehicle chassis that is formed in modules with couplers for connecting extruded beams. The method includes extruding a plurality of beams and a plurality of couplers that are loosely assembled together to a fixture having locating pins that are received in pockets formed on the couplers and securing the beams and couplers together to form a chassis. The chassis includes a center chassis module to which the fire wall bulkhead and passenger compartment are secured, a drive train and front suspension module to which the engine transmission and front suspension are attached, a rear suspension module to which the rear suspension and gas tank are secured, and front and rear crush modules including the front and rear bumper assemblies, respectively. Couplers used in forming the chassis include a central portion having an outer wall and a plurality of inner walls extending inwardly from the outer wall to the pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for prefabricated structures, including a first connector which consists of a central connecting part and six unit members with two tetrahedral connecting parts mutually bound; a second connector which consists of a base connected to the central connecting part or the tetrahedral connecting parts from the first connector; a supporting rod formed in a unit on the base, a connecting part and a lamp support part formed in an unit on the supporting rod. It thereof allows us to build a structure by consecutively connecting a plurality of different truss members in various angles.

Abstract: A connective device in a partition and screen system comprises at least and upright post, a plurality of retaining pins, a plurality of trunking parts longitudinal, and at least a partition. The upright post is cylindrical with a homogeneous cross section with longitudinal slide grooves circumferentially disposed through the entire length thereof. The retaining pins are selectively inserted into the slide grooves and each of the retaining pins has an arched side with two opposite lateral edges. The trunking parts are connected to the respective coupling pieces so as to be positioned next to the upper end and the lower end of the upright post. The partition fits with two of the trunking parts in a way of being disposed between one next to the upper end of the upright post and the other one next to the lower end of the upright post.

Abstract: A plurality of main links and a plurality of connection links define a spherical joint. Each of the main links are adapted to couple to other bodies and are serially and pivotally connected by the plurality of connection links that extend between adjacent main links. Each connection link includes at least two connection segments, which are pivotally coupled together by a pivotal coupler that defines an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation defined by all of the couplers intersect at a common point about which the main links can move in spherical motion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable reflective apparatus that includes a flexible reflector supported by a plurality of support ribs that are pivotally connected to a central locking control hub, wherein at least one support rib can be independently set in any one of a plurality of pivot positions.

Abstract: A structural frame or truss, suitable for use as part of a light aircraft fuselage includes steel tubular members joined by structural connectors or connector blocks. The blocks include bore holes into which the ends of lateral tubular members are inserted, and longitudinal tubes or longerons are inserted through holes extending between opposed block faces. The structural connector blocks not only connect the tubular members, but they serve as jigs for assembling the structural frame. Tubes can be plug welded to the blocks, and the fuselage outer skin can be attached to the structural connectors to form a dual fuselage structure.

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.