Abstract: The invention concerns a girder in reinforced concrete that has a flat intrados (11) and a flat or sloping extrados (12), which consists of two symmetrical halves or girders (13, 14) with adjacent parts that meet in a plane mid-way (15), perpendicular to the intrados, and equipped, near the extrados (12), with connecting plates for bolting (16) and, near the intrados (11), with a joint device (17) that has bars which are parallel to the intrados.

Abstract: A spherical joint for coupling three or more links together at one point. The joint includes a bail and a hollow spherical body wrapping the ball therein. The ball is movable in the hollow spherical body. An upper link inserted into and fixed to the hollow spherical body through an upper link insertion opening formed on the hollow spherical body. Lower links are connected to the hollow spherical body through lower link insertion openings, wherein the number of the lower links correspond to that of the hollow spherical body. Link support discs are set within a gap between outer surface of the central ball and inner surface of the hollow spherical body and fixed to each end of the lower link, and all the axes of the lower links and the upper link are coincident with a center point of the ball.

Abstract: A retraction control device especially is employed to a baby joyful bed for controlling the retraction processes of the baby joyful bed. The retraction control device includes a shell, a pad, two clips, a plate and an auxiliary stand. When the user would like to retract the baby joyful bed, the user is only needed to pull up the pad. The pad will move the clips and therefore move the plate. In this case, the four bottoms will be released, rotated and retracted downwardly. Moreover, the dynamic forces are delivered via the inclined and curved surfaces of the retraction control device.

Abstract: A connecting node, manufactured on a specific plastic material is described. Said connecting node comprises a cylindrical main body lodging inside two hollow cavities with convex semicircular flanges able to provide a tight-fit between the node and the element to be connected; and wherein said connecting node further comprises three connection arrangements disposed on its right-hand side, frontal and left-hand side walls. With said arrangements a rapid and safe union between two or three connecting nodes is attained. In addition, said arrangements permit the incorporation of elements working under stress into said connecting node. Said elements connected between nodes intend to provide higher rigidity between the elements forming the structure when assembled by said connecting nodes.

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: A glass display case being held together by clamping fittings and a clamping fitting for the corner connection of three adjoining wall structures, especially glass panes or the like. The clamping fitting presents a central coupling member, to which are associated three rotatable and lockable connecting axles, the center longitudinal axes of which respectively stretch out or extend radially with regard to the coupling member at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from one another. At their free end opposite to the coupling member, the connecting axles present a stiffening connector articulation for the connection to an adapter element.

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 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 fo threaded dowels set in engagement with the circular grooves.

Abstract: An improved frame for a switchgear cabinet includes a plurality of rails that are connected together with a plurality of connectors. The rails are generally of two different cross-sectional configurations, both of which are cooperable with a single type of connector to enable the rails and connectors to be configured into numerous different types of cabinet frames to which panels can be mounted to form switchgear cabinets. The rails and connectors are modular in nature and are specifically configured to be easily connected with one another. During assembly of the connectors and the rails, portions of a coating on the rails become ruptured, thereby electrically conductively connecting together the rails and the connectors.

Abstract: A canopy for covering the top of a playyard, the canopy comprising a canopy cover, a canopy support adapted to be coupled to a playyard and configured to support the canopy cover, the canopy support includes a rod connector and four support rods, each support rod includes an inner end pivotably coupled to the rod connector and an outer end adapted to be coupled to one of four corner pieces included in the playyard to retain the canopy support on the playyard, and the rod connector includes a connector ring arranged to pass through apertures formed in the inner ends of each support rod to establish a pivot axis of each support rod about the connector ring and about which each support rod is free to pivot relative to the connector ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing structure for civil construction wherein light weight, longitudinally elongated bodies comprise an external layer of carbon fiber impregnated with epoxy; the bodies resin have a porous plastic core and are magnetically coupled to cooperating pairs of male and female constraining elements.

Abstract: A side rail assembly including a side rail having two ends, and a fixture. The fixture is configured to be fixed at one end of the side rail, and defines a central hollow dimensioned to fit snugly around one of the plurality of uprights. The fixture further has a socket for receiving one end of the side rail, and hinged member. The hinged member defines one wall portion of the central hollow. The fixture is slidable around the upright when the hinged member is in an open position and fixture is fixed around the upright when the hinged member is in a closed position. A wedge portion of the hinged member defines a portion of the central hollow. A slot, dimensioned to receive the wedge portion of the hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position, is also provided on the fixture. Lastly, a locking member is provided which is disposed to lock the hinged member in the closed position.

Abstract: A foldable frame for play pen and cot includes a pair of parallel top frame units each having an affixing end and a locking end, a pair of first top joints each having a transverse tubular sleeve, a pair of second top joints each having a transverse locking slot. A rotatable locker is affixed to each of the locking ends of the top frame units and arranged in such a manner that each top frame unit is slidably penetrated through the locking slot of the second top joint until the affixing end of the top frame unit is fittedly inserted into the tubular sleeve of the first top joint and the rotatable locker is adjustably locked up with the second top joint, so as to detachably mount the top frame unit between the first and second top joints.

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: A programmable smart membrane and methods therefor. The smart membrane conducts an overall function on at least one of a sorting function, a filtering function and an absorbing function of at least one object having an attribute. The smart membrane includes a plurality of module units disposed adjacent each other. Each of the plurality of module units obtains information from an environment around each of the plurality of module units. The plurality of module units also each perform a function based on at least a first control method that determines the function based on the information for each of the plurality of module units. Wherein the plurality of module units individually perform function to collectively perform the overall function of the membrane based on the attribute of the object.

Abstract: A passage communication member is fitted in a first passage in a structural member, and has a head which is mounted in a slot in another structural member. The first passage in the structural member and a passage in the other structural member are held in communication with each other through a through hole that is defined in the passage communication member. Alternatively, a first engaging member is inserted in a recess defined in a structural member, and a second engaging member is retained in a slot in another structural member. When the first and second engaging members are coupled to each other by a fastening member, the structural members are firmly joined and fixed to each other.

Abstract: A connector is described comprising a longitudinally extending central portion, a plurality of planar walls, radially extending from the central portion, and a plurality of hammer-shaped members interposed between the walls, and radially extending from the central portion. An asymmetrical channel is defined between each of the walls and the members for retaining inserts.

Abstract: A connector element for connecting frame parts at a joint location in a bicycle frame is made of a single part of structural fiber based material, typically carbon fiber material, after reticulation in a mould exploiting the expansion of a core on which windings of fiber fabric material are provided, to obtain the application of a uniform radial pressure on the layers of fiber based material. In one embodiment, the connector element defines a bicycle bottom bracket and tubular extensions departing therefrom for connection to elements of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A cable tray junction assembly for attaching together a plurality of cable supporting rails including a central body having a peripherally extending vertical surface having a plurality of apertures. The central body forming a horizontal plane and having a vertical axis extending there through. The junction assembly further including a coupler for joining a cable supporting rail to the central body. The coupler including a rail connecting portion adapted to be secured to the rail and a central body connecting portion adapted to be secured to the vertical surface of the central body. The central body connecting portion including a lateral extent that engages the vertical surface such that the engagement between the lateral extent and the vertical surface resists rotation about the vertical axis.

Abstract: Partition wall comprising at least one wall element (5) connected to a column (6) by a connecting element (1). The column (6) has a plurality of grooves distributed along its periphery and suitable for interacting with the connecting element (1). The wall element (5) has a connection profile (9) with at least one groove (11) on the edge side bordering on the column. The connecting element (1) has two clamping flanges (2,3) parallel to each other and interconnected by a connecting rod (4), wherein one flange is received in a groove (15) of the column (6) and the other flange is received in a groove (11) of the wall element (5). One (2) of the clamping flanges (2,3) of the connecting element (1) is received in the corresponding groove (11;15) in a rotationally fixed manner while the other clamping flange (13) is received in the corresponding groove (15;11) in such a way that it can rotate around its longitudinal axis (12) within a predetermined angular area.

Abstract: A structural framework system for the construction of exhibition display stands and the like makes use of a beam extrusions having dovetail shaped edge formations which enable panel frames to be hung therefrom and locked in position by virtue of coupling frames incorporating therein a locking element which can be retracted into a recess of the coupling frame for initial location of the coupling frame relative to a beam and can then be moved to project from the recess and to clamp the beam dovetail by insertion of actuating pins into bores provide in the coupling frame and communicating with the recess. A beam end fitting enables a beam to be secured to a transversely-extending second beam by a similar process and a 4-way node fitting enable nodes to be formed at the intersection of a plurality of orthogonal beams. A leg length adjustment provides for the adjustment of the lengths of structural support legs.

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: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein each hub member has a plurality of slots formed in its outer perimeter. Ribs and struts are pivotally secured to the hub members using hub connectors which are removably secured to the hub slots so as to allow the size and shape of the attached canopy to be readily varied. The struts are also pivotally secured to the ribs by a collar member which helps prevent damage to the overlying canopy. The umbrella frame is rotatable about its axis in both the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A cam style hub and strut system for use in single panel fabric, cloth, or plastic units, or structures with an unlimited number of wall and/or roof panels. The purpose of the cam style hub is to compensate for certain fabric characteristics and to allow easier setup of structures containing flexible or rigid support struts connected to a central hub by lessening the distance of the diametrically opposing struts during assembly, and applying the force necessary to engage the self-supporting structure by engaging the cam, increasing the distance between the ends of the opposing struts. The amount the distance is increased can be dictated by materials used and the size of the panel. The hub may contain an optional “locking” feature activated when the hub cam is engaged for convenience and safety reasons. The principle can be used with any number of struts greater than one.

Abstract: A trim assembly for use with at least one flanged support post including a first trim member engagable with the flanged support post, and a second trim member engagable with the first trim member.

Abstract: A display framework collapsing from an inverted V-shaped display framework to a compact configuration includes rods, hubs, and a fastening mechanism. Each rod pivotally joins to another rod by a scissors-type connection intermediate the rod ends. In addition, the end portion of each rod pivotally joins to a hub, where each hub may receive a plurality of rods. As configured, each rod enjoys pivotal movement in relation to the hub along a single axis of revolution. The rods rotate about this single axis of revolution from the collapsed compact configuration, where the rods are substantially parallel to one another, to the erect inverted V-shaped configuration, where the rods radiate outwardly from one another and the display framework includes a front face, a rear face, and a top. In this erect configuration, the display framework provides display surfaces on both the front and rear faces.

Abstract: A multiaxial spherical joint, which precisely couples three or more links together at one point while allowing the links to be freely movable relative to each other within a predetermined range of motion without allowing any interference between them, is disclosed. This spherical joint has a central ball 10, a hollow spherical body 30 movably covering the central ball 10 without allowing a removal of the ball 10 from the spherical body 30, with a plurality of upper and lower link insertion openings 31 and 32 formed at the upper and lower portions of the spherical body 30. An upper link 20 is inserted into the spherical body 30 through the upper link insertion opening 31, and is coupled to the top surface of the ball 10. A plurality of link support discs 40 are set within the gap between the ball 10 and the spherical body 30 such that the discs 40 are not removable from the spherical body 30 through the lower link insertion openings 32.

Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the slot's teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: A system and method for transiently connecting modular elements of a self movable robot. The self movable robot is known as metamorphosing robots, polymorphic robots, shape changing robots, or morphable structures. The modular elements can act together to build a structure to perform a given task. Each modular robotic module contains a mechanism allowing for communication and transfer of power between adjacent modules, and defining a robot whole to be all the modules in one connected component.

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 wooden piece of furniture includes at least three rod-like elements each having shorter edges, longer edges and an end portion of a rectangular cross section with a ratio of approximately two to three. The cross section is formed by the shorter and the longer edges. Slits are located in the end portion of each of the rod-like elements. The slits are arranged in the middle between and parallel to the shorter edges. The depth of the slits corresponds to the longer edges, and the width of the slits corresponds to one third of the longer edges. Cutouts are located in the end portion of each of the rod-like elements. The cutouts are arranged parallel to the longer edges, the depth of the cutouts corresponding to the shorter edges, and the width of the cutouts corresponding to half of the shorter edges. Extending times each formed by one of the slits and one of the cutouts are located in the end portion of each of the rod-like elements.

Abstract: A frame for forming a housing of a group of air-handling units mainly includes a plurality of extruded plastic angle columns and a plurality of integrally injection molded plastic three-way unions. The plastic angle columns and three-way unions eliminate the problem of condensate on the surfaces of the housing and allow the air-handling units to operate with reduced energy consumption, because the plastic columns and unions have low coefficient of thermal conduction and would not easily have a surface temperature lower than a dew point temperature of ambient air outside the housing. Meanwhile, the extruded plastic angle columns and the injection molded plastic three-way unions can have standardized dimensions and be efficiently produced through mass production, the frame for the housing of the air-handling units can therefore be formed at reduced labor and time.

Abstract: A quick-action connecting device for the detachable connection of wall or frame parts has a locking body manufactured from a U-shaped leaf spring ending in locking noses which can be inserted into openings of a part to be held. The openings are provided with undercut portions, and the locking noses can be fixed in their locking position by means of a rotating body by spreading. The rotating body can press on the springing U-legs of the leaf spring. The quick-action connecting device can be anchored, by means of projections of its rotating body or a bearing journal, in one of two parts to be connected with one another.

Abstract: A corner piece is configured for rigidly joining together a pair of beams to form a frame. A main body includes a pair of pegs diverging outwardly therefrom for being inserted in corresponding sockets in respective ends of the beams. The body includes a crotch laterally separating the pegs at an inside corner for engaging the beams. The crotch permits inside welding to the corner piece. And, in a preferred embodiment, a corner bezel extends from the body to define an outside corner, and a corner seat is disposed in the body for receiving a gasket.

Abstract: A multidirectional connecting device for assembling and mutually securing furniture parts, e.g., for modular landscaped offices essentially consisting of horizontal work surfaces, underframes and vertical panels or elements arrangeable in a plurality of configurations. The device comprises a central portion (1) with at least one horizontal planar surface located underneath at least one work surface (13), said central portion (1) being provided with vertical surfaces to which are connected projections (2, 3) engaging other supporting elements of the work surface (13), as well as at least one arm (4) that ends in a raised portion (7) for supporting at least one vertical element (14). Said device is adjacent to a corner of the work surface (13).

Abstract: A knockdown garden deck, assembly and manufacture of which are simplified with a small number of components, and a fence and the like of which are built firmly, is provided.A frame member (10) and reinforcing frame members (21, 22, 23) form a deck floor. The frame member is obtained by combining longitudinal deck frames (11) and lateral deck frames (12) into a quadrilateral shape to place a decking (13) in it. The reinforcing frame members are framed to form mortices (h) at four corners of the frame member. Fence posts formed with elongated tenons projecting to extend through the mortices (h) are provided to vertically stand on the upper side of the deck floor. A fence body is fitted between the fence posts by clamping. Clustered piers (41) formed with tenon recesses at upper ends thereof are provided on the lower side of the deck floor. The tenon recesses fit on the tenons of the fence posts that extend through the mortices.

Abstract: A beam construction for ceilings in clean rooms, comprising first (1) and second (2) beams. The first and second beams are arranged essentially horizontally and perpendicularly to each other and have longitudinal ducts (7) for receiving a liquid or viscous sealant. In order to facilitate mounting and increase the flexibility of the beam construction, a transition piece (12) is arranged between two beam elements (1a, 1b) which are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming an opening (14) in at least one side-limiting duct wall (6) of the first beam (1). A second beam (2) is arranged sealingly against the transition piece (12) and the first beam elements (1a, 1b) arranged on each side thereof, such that the ends of the duct walls (6) of the second beam encompass the thus-formed opening (14).

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A tripod structure including a plastic-made connecting seat. A bottom end of the connecting seat is formed with three cavities each of which is defined by two lateral securing plates. An angular metal plate is fixed on the outer faces of the two interconnected securing plates. The metal plate is bent to form a left plate and a right plate which are integrally connected with each other and respectively tightly attach to the securing plates. The left and right plates serve to reinforce each other to achieve a good bending strength. Therefore, the securing plates of the connecting seat is able to bear greater lateral force and bending force without deformation. Accordingly, the tripod structure can be stably used without tilting.

Abstract: A modular portable stage and floor system uses a small number of standardized modular components to construct a temporary or permanent platform that is easily adaptable to a wide variety of platform designs. The modular standardized components include a series of modular vertical and horizontal supports and a light-weight modular deck panel. The modular vertical and horizontal supports can be detachably coupled together in a slidably interlocked manner using a universal connector mechanism in to a support frame structure for supporting a plurality of modular deck panels. By using a small number of modular supports and a universal connector mechanism that is similar for all structural interconnections required to build the support frame structure, the modular portable stage and floor system is strong and stable, yet easily transported, assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engagemnent devices and coupling members for forming a structural frame work for hollow tubes. One form of engagement device comprises a hollow sleeve (1) through which a tube (31) may be passed. The hollow sleeve has a deformable flared portion (2). A further hollow sleeve member (12) is immovable on the outside of the first sleeve and has a surface (13) arranged to co-operate the flared portion to cause it to deform to grip the tube (31). A further engagement device comprises a hollow sleeve portion (100) which is distendable to grip a tube mounted on its surface. A trustoconical wedge (101) is movable within the hollow sleeve potion (100) to cause to distend. A number of engagement devices may be connected together to form coupling members for connecting tubes to form a structural frame work.

Abstract: A joint has a plurality of synthetic resin hollow tubes inserted a plurality of resin-coated steel pipes which are formed by applying a coating resin on a surface of a thin wall steel pipe and are formed with at least one pair of fitting ribs extending in an axial direction on the coating resin for holding an edge of a partitioning body, in order to connect the resin-coated steel pipes in an intersecting fashion. The joint also includes slits which permit a pair of fitting ribs of the resin-coated steel pipes therethrough, are formed on reentrant side of at least adjacent two hollow tubes among a plurality of hollow tubes at positions in one plane extending across respective axes of the hollow tubes and extending over the entire length, and cover ribs which are formed integrally with the hollow tubes and extending along both sides of the entire length of the slits for covering outer side surfaces of a pair of fitting ribs of the resin-coated steel pipe.

Abstract: A patio construction, which is easy to assemble and disassemble by the user, includes at least four base joint to respectively support four vertical construction beams extended upwardly. Four top ends of said four vertical construction beams respectively connect four triaxial construction joints adapted for connecting at least four horizontal construction beams. A plurality of ceiling bars are detachably mounted between at least two of said horizontal construction beams.

Abstract: A modular display system of interlocking components, and more particularly, a modular cubic display frame, comprising two sets of four mitered frame members, the two sets defining opposing rectangular end planes, and a set of longitudinal frame members extending perpendicularly between the corners of the two end planes. The end and the longitudinal frame members are interconnected at each corner utilizing a threaded bolt or screw having a lipped head. The lip projecting from the head engages a corresponding groove formed in the outer surfaces of the mitered corners of the end frame members, while the externally-threaded shaft of the screw engages an internally-threaded bore in the end of the longitudinal frame member. All of the frame members have longitudinal channels formed along each side and one corner, for attaching two modular display frames to each other, or for attaching a variety of auxiliary devices to a display frame.

Abstract: A connector for standard commercial square or rectangular tubing. The connector consists of a cubic or otherwise appropriately shaped block with projecting sections in each direction where tubing is intended to be connected. The projecting sections fit loosely inside the tubing. Each projection has internal cams that drive radial pins outward to engage the inner surface of the tubing. Cam movement is accomplished by a screw perpendicular to the axis of the tubing.

Abstract: A quick assembling coupling system for bar structures consists of an annular disk containing a number of radial sleeves having their longitudinal axes distributed about the annular disk such that the ends of the bars are held in the sleeves by a prismatic lock cover inserted in the center of the annular disk.

Abstract: A rigid intersection connection, wherein an elongated longitudinal member, a first elongated lateral member, and a second elongated lateral member are joined by a one-piece rigid tie. The one-piece rigid tie joins the first and second elongated lateral members to the elongated longitudinal member with first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fasteners. The one-piece rigid tie has a central web member to which three gussets attach. Each gusset in turn connects to two attachment tabs. The attachment tabs are disposed against the elongated members and are connected thereto by fasteners.

Abstract: Adjustable 3-way scaffolding fasteners for holding together four corners of a scaffold with four upright members, two first cross members with extremes, and two second cross members with extremes. The fasteners include a pair of right fasteners and a pair of left fasteners. Each fastener of the pair of right fasteners connects one extreme of the extremes of one cross member of the two first cross members and one extreme of the extremes of one cross member of the two second cross members to an upright of the four upright members of the scaffold, and are separate and diametrically opposed to each other when being used.

Abstract: A toy construction kit which includes a structural element or connector having a centre panel and two or more rectangular side panels connected to the centre panel. The side panels are folded to form sleeve members of triangular cross section which are insertable in, and frictionally engaged in a hollow structural member of triangular cross section. The structural members and connectors are fabricated of corrugated cardboard so that the construction kit is safe light-weight and disposable.