Abstract: A coupler structure for steel pipe conjoinment that provides for user DIY assembly having a coupling block overlapping inner sides of two horizontal sections of steel piping, a bolt inserted through the coupling block to fasten together the two horizontal sections of steel piping, a locating hole formed in the ends of each inner side of the two horizontal sections of steel piping, and a threaded hold tapped at a suitable position in the front corner of a straight section of steel pipe. A junction contact element extends from each of the two ends of the coupling block with insertion tabs fitted into the locating hole in each of the two horizontal sections of the steel piping. A semi-circular opening is formed at the mutually facing ends of the two horizontal sections of the steel piping such that after the semi-circular openings are brought together, their position is in a state of alignment with the threaded hole of the straight section of steel pipe.

Abstract: A space frame assembly designed for use in the constructing of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures including but not limited to walls, bridges, roof structures etc. The space frame assembly comprises a plurality of elongated preferably tubular frame members formed of a high strength, light weight material having opposite end portions formed to include an anchor portion thereon. Each of said plurality of connectors includes a base and at least one end portion mounted thereon such that correspondingly positioned interior surfaces of the base and end portion are disposed in confronting relation to one anther and wherein the base and the one end portion each include a plurality of sockets disposed in spaced and off-set relation to one another.

Abstract: A device (1; 1′; 13″; 100; 150; 170) for connecting at least one lath element (13′; 13″), the device (1; 1′; 13″; 100; 150; 170) being characterized by having a main outer body (2; 101) formed in one piece from a first material, and at least one resisting element (15; 102; 155; 174) having connecting means (10′, 10″, 11′, 11″, 12′, 12″; 110, 111; 151b, 151d, 152b, 152d, 153b, 153d, 154b, 154d; 171a, 171d, 172a, 172d, 173a, 173d) for connecting the lath element (13′; 13″); the resisting element (15; 102; 155; 174) being defined by a number of parts (6, 7, 8; 151, 152, 153, 154; 171, 172, 173) substantially housed inside the main outer body (2; 101), and being made of a second material, other than the first material, for resisting mechanical stress.

Abstract: A movable type frame assembly includes upright rods, connecting seats, support rods, and frame bodies. End portions of the connecting seats are provided with insert slots along X, Y, and Z-axes. Each connecting seat is further provided with a vertical insert hole corresponding to a position between two adjacent insert slots. One insert slot of the connecting seat receives a top end of the upright rod. The horizontally insert slots receive support rods such that they make a frame structure. The frame body is placed on the frame structure, and has comer end portions provided with indentations for butting against the connecting seats. Each indentation is provided with a hook for engaging the insert hole of the connecting seat. The vertical insert slots of the connecting seat may receive an additional upright rod or support rod of the same diameter to permit formation of a multiple-tier frame assembly.

Abstract: The joint reinforcement member for a hollow structure of an automotive vehicle has a carrier portion with an outer surface. The carrier portion has a base portion with a first extension having a first longitudinal axis and a second extension having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and second longitudinal axis correspond to the hollow structure. A thermally expandable adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface of the carrier portion and substantially covers the outer surface. A method for forming the joint member includes providing a carrier having a plurality extensions extending from a base portion that correspond to the hollow structure a layer of thermally expandable adhesive materials applied to the carrier portion. The carrier portion is heated to activate the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cooled so that the adhesive layer is bonded to the structural member.

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 teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: An assembly node for tubular structures in the form of two half-shells (1) joined together by bolts and provided with corresponding recesses (2) and/or holes (3) for the insertion and blocking of the ends of tubular elements (4 and 5). The assembly node is provided, for each end of a tubular element (5) to be mounted in at least one hole (3) of a half-shell (1), outside the joint planes (6), with at least one independent element (10) for holding and gripping the end without play. The assembly is more particularly applicable in the field of tubular structures, in particular tubular constructions, sport and leisure time equipment, as well as scaffolding and exhibition materials.

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 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: A plurality of struts are coupled together by a plurality of connection systems for creating a geodesic dome skeletal structure. Each connection system includes a single first connection member including a center body portion having a plurality of cylindrical fingers extending therefrom and a plurality of second connection members. The number of second connection members employed at a specific connection point is proportional to the number of fingers on the first connection member. Each second connection member includes a tubular housing having an inner semi-circular portion mounted along an inner circumference for mating with an outwardly extending semi-circular portion of each cylindrical finger. The mated semi-circular portions form an interface for frictionally locking the tubular strut to the connection system between the first and second connection members.

Abstract: The joint reinforcement member for a hollow structure of an automotive vehicle has a carrier portion with an outer surface. The carrier portion has a base portion with a first extension having a first longitudinal axis and a second extension having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and second longitudinal axis correspond to the hollow structure. A thermally expandable adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface of the carrier portion and substantially covers the outer surface. A method for forming the joint member includes providing a carrier having a plurality extensions extending from a base portion that correspond to the hollow structure a layer of thermally expandable adhesive materials applied to the carrier portion. The carrier portion is heated to activate the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cooled so that the adhesive layer is bonded to the structural member.

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 structural member includes a tube member having first and second opposite ends. An elongated portion between the opposite ends terminates at a flattened, tapered portion adjacent each end, and a crimped portion at each end. At least one reinforcing member is provided adjacent each end. Each reinforcing member is attached to the tube adjacent the flattened, tapered portion, and extends transversely through the tube member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel architectural joints for use in constructing geodesic domes. The joints disclosed are less costly to manufacture and are of increased strength over prior art joints. Through the use of the joints disclosed, construction of novel geodesic domes not found in the prior art is now possible.

Abstract: An improved rack frame cabinet for supporting electronic components having a plurality of elongate frame members and a plurality of corner brackets arranged to engage at least three adjacent frame members at each corner of said cabinet. Each of the elongate frame members includes a tube portion defined by walls forming a cavity therein, a first flange member, and a second flange member. The tube portion and both of the flange members extend along the length of the elongate frame member. The first flange member is aligned with one of the walls of the tube portion of each elongate frame member. The second flange member is parallel to and offset from another wall of the tube portion of each elongate frame member. The first and second flange members are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A sleeping unit for furnishing a standardized room having two dresser units thereunder is disclosed. Each dresser unit comprises a rectangular box-like frame constructed of 1.times.1 aluminum tubing and welded joints. The frame has a base which is constructed of 1.times.2 aluminum tubing and welded joints connected to the 1.times.1 tubing. The tubing has flanges thereon for the attachment of two panels which are inserted into the frame to form outer surfaces thereon, and each panel has a durable coating thereon. Each dresser unit also comprises a pair of inner frames with drawer slides thereon, wherein the inner frames are attached inside and thereto the box-like frame, and a rear inner frame having two openings therein defining two slots. Each slide has a single screw secured onto a front end thereof. A rear of each slide rests in a respective slot of the rear inner frame whereby each slide is easily removable for repair by removing the screw on the front of the slide.

Abstract: One-piece staging support for use in staging which can be horizontally collapsed. Cylindrical pivot supports are supported at a common level about a centrally located cylindrical body for the support of pivoted stage support members.

Abstract: A toggle linkage for incorporation into a frame of a structure, such as a building, including a first link having a shock absorber therein, a first end on the first link connected to a first area of the frame, a second link having a first end connected to a second area of the frame remote from the first area, a second end on the second link, a third link having a first end connected to a third area on the frame remote from the first and second areas, and a second end on the third link. The second ends of the second and third links are connected to each other by a metal plate structure which has a bending axis, and the second end of the first link is pivotally connected to the second ends of the second and third links along an axis which is coincident with the bending axis of the metal plate structure.

Abstract: A joint for use in forming a three-dimensional framed spatial structure for interior use and construction comprising three identical shaped surfaces or wings resembling the corner of a cube, each of the three identical shaped surfaces (4, 5 & 6) comprised of two different segments: the first an L-shaped segment with one hole at the intersection (23) and two holes on each arm of the "L" (26 & 27); the second segment comprising a sector of a circle whose arc measures ninety degrees (4) with a hole in the center (32) to permit attachments. These two different segments are connected on the inside surface (surface A) by a forty-five degree angle and on the outside (surface B) by a ninety-degree angle. Multiple connections and attachments can be made through the four predetermined holes (23, 26, 27, 32) located on each of the three identical shaped surfaces (4, 5, 6).

Abstract: A multi-pointed three dimensional connector has a first planar element having a plurality of radially extending arms, a second planar element having a plurality of radially extending arms, a first locking member defined by the interengagement the first and second elements and a second locking member to secure the first and second elements together.

Abstract: A connector for 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 an internal cam that is rotated in place to drive radial pins outward to engage the inner surface of the tubing. Cam rotation is accomplished by screw means that are mounted transverse to the axis of the tube and engage the cam tangentially. In some embodiments, additional screw means engage the cam to cause contrary rotation to disassemble the connection.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting and locking tubular elements in preselected angular relationships. The connector assembly includes a pair of clevis having tube engaging elements at one end and three clevis rings at the other. The clevis rings of each clevis are interengaged and define a bore. The bore has a plurality of grooves therein. Locking elements, including a locking pin and a locking plug are inserted in the bore. The locking pin and locking plug each have a pair of opposed raised ribs and a pair of opposed resilient locking arms that engage the grooves in the bore. Detents on the ends of the resilient arms engage a space between the interengaged clevis rings to secure the locking elements in place. The tubular elements can be interconnected in a system of frames to suspend function and decorative panels.

Abstract: A cladding support system for a framework including rounded tubular members having an arcuate face and flattened opposite ends inserted into cylindrical hubs. The support element includes an elongated span and opposite end portions each including a terminal end. The span has an arcuate surface in seated engagement with the arcuate face of the tubular member. The end portions of the support element each have a tapered surface coextensive with and angularly disposed relative to the arcuate surface. The tapered surface includes a groove at each terminal end of the support element for receiving the flattened ends of the tubular members. The terminal ends are angular and overhang the cylindrical hubs.

Abstract: A frame assembly which can be converted to various shapes to hold different articles. Inner and outer frame members are utilized with the inner frame member serving to hold a panel or flat plate thus forming an enclosure. The frame members are connected to joints to form the frame assembly. With each joint having a U-shaped plate housing a fastening element which attaches to each outer frame member in a snap fit relationship. A screw rod and adjusting bolt enable a detachable connection between the U-shaped plate and the fastening element. Dual fins of the fastening element behind corresponding protruded blocks lying within the outer frame to allow for connection between frame the fastening element.

Abstract: Set of structural elements for producing supporting structures, having supporting bars 5 and cylindrical connecting elements 1 for insertion heads 6 provided on the end sides of the supporting bars 5, the connecting elements being provided with a plurality of slots which are open on one side and extend, parallel to one another and to the axis of the cylindrical connecting elements, from the surface to the center, and the slots each being widened, at a distance from the radial ends of the same, to form chambers for receiving the insertion heads. The insertion heads are formed in the flat end regions of the supporting bars, at a distance from the end edges, in that at least two parallel slits are provided at an angle of 90.degree.

Abstract: A framework, in particular an at least partially hollow framework, has nodes and members. The nodes are formed by at least a projection on a hollow framework member and by at least a further hollow member mounted and secured thereon. Also disclosed is a process for producing this framework and its use in land, air and water vehicles, in building construction, in civil and underground engineering, scaffolds, shelving systems and furniture.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical transmission line support structure is constructed virtually completely from glass reinforced composites, comprised of vertical ribs, reinforcing cross bracing members and a skin composed of composite panels, enabling the reduction in elevation and closer spacing of conductors, and the creation of a smaller support structure weighing half or less the weight of a steel tower of the same power rating. The resulting structure requires substantially less ground right-of-way, and EMF radiation is attenuated in the immediate tower area due to the closer phase spacing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for constructing of a building composed of combination of frame members, at an architectural spot, and aims to not only improve the efficiency in construction, but also to realize high insulation and airtightness in the building. Airtight lubricant is smeared on a frame member to be connected to a established frame member at its fitting end. The frame member is connected to the established frame member by dropping or heading, for example, reducing frictional resistance during fitting or connecting process due to the existence of the airtight lubricant. The process realizes high insulation and airtightness in the structure at the joint portion due to the existence of the airtight lubricant.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting and locking tubular elements in preselected angular relationships. The connector assembly includes a pair of clevis having tube engaging elements at one end and three clevis rings at the other. The clevis rings of each clevis are interengaged and define a bore. The bore has a plurality of grooves therein. Locking elements, including a locking pin and a locking plug are inserted in the bore. The locking pin and locking plug each have a pair of opposed raised ribs and a pair of opposed resilient locking arms that engage the grooves in the bore. Detents on the ends of the resilient arms engage a space between the interengaged clevis rings to secure the locking elements in place. The tubular elements can be interconnected in a system of frames to suspend function and decorative panels.

Abstract: An innovative steel-framing system and method of construction utilizing structural beams having preformed rotating hole patterns therein. The structural beams can be coupled together at various angles by virtue of the rotating hole pattern. The entire framing system is constructed using the same gauge of steel-framing members and without unique connectors. Furthermore, the preformed holes in the structural members allows the use of standard sharp-pointed screws, rather than self-tapping screws which are more time-consuming and costly. The structural members are formed as C-channels and may be coupled together to form stronger members. In this manner, a relatively small inventory of steel members is used, greatly reducing mistakes in the framing process.

Abstract: Modular furniture is disclosed wherein a system of tubes, preferably made from laminated paper or paperboard, build a system of rectangular frame-like subassemblies. The fill-in panels used in the subassemblies are of the type of hollow prisms, usually rectangular prisms, open at both ends and provided at the open ends with inwardly rounded side edges compatible in size with the surface of the structural tubes. Several embodiments of the fill-in panels are disclosed inclusive of cardboard blanks from which they may be produced. The invention further advances the art of inexpensive modular furniture and its manufacture.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut includes a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member are interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting flexible tie struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed. Additionally, wheels are disclosed that have axles having both male and female connection means.

Abstract: A joint mechanism having a movement between relative members about a center of rotation located at a point where a first line extends from one of the members intersects a second line extending from the opposite member is disclosed. Multiple joint mechanisms may be aligned together along with common lines being the axis of rotation of each joint mechanism to provide a concentric spherical joint mechanism. Concentric spherical joint mechanism may be used to assemble truss frame structures.

Abstract: Pultruded composite members which interfit to form a rigid post and beam, or beam and brace, are adapted for use in heavy construction in such applications as bridges, buildings including high rise structures, ship deck and the like. Two pultruded shapes are used for the entire framework. A first member ordinarily serving as a beam is pultruded as a completely enclosed thick-walled I-beam with an internal channel which is formed with a continuous scalloped or toothed cross-section on both sides. The mating support member has a bifurcated end with outer sides configured to interlock with the sides of the internal channel of the I-beam. Access into the channel is provided by periodic windows milled into the beam at the precise entry points of the insertion member. The bifurcated end of the insertion member compresses adequately to be inserted into the channel of the cross-beam, where it expands such that the external teeth engage the scalloped walls of the I-beam and lock securely into place.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of tubes having ends has a ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a center and formed with an outwardly projecting pin extending along an axis radial of the ball and center. The pin is dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of one of the tubes. Another pin dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of the other of the tubes has a seat shaped to complementarily fit against the surface of the ball. The other pin is secured to the surface the ball at any of a multiplicity of angular offset positions thereon. A threaded bore is formed in the ball and centered on a bore axis traversing the center and another bore is formed in the other pin, opening into the seat, and centered on a bore axis extending at an acute angle to the respective pin. A screw extends through the bore of the other pin and is seated in the threaded bore of the ball. Normally the bore axis of the threaded bore extends at an acute angle to the axis of the pin of the ball.

Abstract: A frame construction with several rod elements, which are connected at a node point by a node element (1) that has several holes (2.1, 2.3, . . . , 2.6) which are arranged on principal axes orthogonal to one another in pairs, distinguished in that a hole (2.2) is provided whose axis (s)--located in a plane defined by two principal axes (y, z)--is offset by preferably 15.degree., at most 20.5.degree., with respect to one of the two last-mentioned principal axes (y, z).

Abstract: A joint device enables to join a brace member, into which regulated pretension is exactly introduced, to unmovable connector nodes, comprising a steel rod 1 having a swelled portion 1A and a threaded connector portion 1B formed on the end thereof, respectively, one sleeve 3 providing an external threaded part 3A joined to one node 2M, which contacts a swelled portion 1A: and another sleeve 4 providing an external threaded part 4A joined to node 2N, which engages threaded connector portion 1B. The length from a node-contact face 3c of sleeve 3 to a node-contact face 4c of sleeve 4 is selected equal to difference of length between both nodes 2, 2 from length for generating a preferable elongation enough to introduce regulated pretension into steel rod 1.

Abstract: An improved, economical spaceframe structural system capable of varying curvature is provided, wherein the ends of elongated frame members have fixedly attached headed ends which, in turn, fit into matching recesses in the connector joint. The connector comprises three, disk-like parts which nestle one on top of another on a common axis and which are held together with a single bolt. Each of the three connector parts share interior faces with another part and have matching recesses for joining the frame member ends. Other matching recessed formations on the interior faces of these parts permit the frame members to assume variable angles with respect to the common axis and, by this means, facilitate the property of variable curvature of the spaceframe structure. A minimum of two frame member ends have an improved T-shape which strengthens the connector under tensile forces, enhances the alignment of the framework during assembly, and helps the spaceframe resist racking after erection.

Abstract: This invention provides a sectional bar system consisting of X-section bars and connecting elements preferably made up of pyramids. The advantages of the invention are a large variety of possible designs and high stability of the sectional bar system as well as easy and inexpensive production of the connecting elements.

Abstract: A mobile suspension arrangement having a central member adapted to frictionally hold in suspension extended wires having related clip members frictionally engaging the wire ends and hanging strings for suspending mobiles.

Abstract: A structure derives its structural strength and integrity entirely from interlocked pultruded composite members. The disclosed techniques can be used in a wide variety of applications including replacement for steel frame structures and is especially useful where the electrical properties of steel are undesirable, such as in high voltage transmission towers. Two types of pultrusions are used as structural members to build the entire structure. Lock-in butt joints between all members are made by inserting the compressed ends of the resilient bifurcations of the crossmembers into openings in the receiving member, where they expand to lock in place and are blocked against subsequent compression by inserts. Channels spanning the entire column lengths permit insertion of a crossmember anywhere along the channel where there is an access opening.

Abstract: A piece of furniture (1) including an upper part (2) and a lower part, the lower part having rails (8) and legs (3, 4, 5, 6, 7,) made of tubes. The legs have an upper tubular end with a tubular connecting piece (9) fixedly connected with and forming an angle with the leg. An assembly device (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is provided which has two connecting members (30, 31) each having at least two legs (21, 22), one leg of each member being inserted in an end of the connecting piece (9) and at least one other leg of each member being inserted in a tubular end of a rail (8), wherein one of the legs of the assembly device forms an angle with at least one other leg of the assembly device. The connecting members are pressed against an inner side of the tubular rails and connecting pieces by screws passing through holes in the legs of the connecting members, and the legs of the connecting members have a size and shape which substantially fills up an interior of the tubular ends.

Abstract: An assembling connector structure including a multidirection connector having multiple square hollow insertion columns, multiple square connecting tubes and multiple substantially U-shaped leaf springs. Each face of each insertion column is formed with two through holes and each end of each connecting tube is formed with two through holes. Each leaf spring is disposed with a long and a short engaging boss. The long boss has upper and lower engaging recesses. When assembled, the leaf spring is first inserted into and engaged with the insertion column. Then the connecting tube is fitted around the insertion column with the through holes of the connecting tube aligned with the through holes of the insertion column, so that the bosses of the leaf spring pass through the aligned through holes to bound outside the connecting tube to assemble the connector structure into a solid frame assembly having multiple square frames.

Abstract: A spherical grid for constructing geodesic spheres and portions of spheres. The grid includes a plurality of links interconnecting with a plurality of hubs arranged in a geodesic configuration. The hubs have a cylindrical shape with top and bottom planar surfaces and five or six attachment positions equally spaced around the hub. Each attachment position has radially-extending holes equally spaced around the hub. The links have square recessed ends which engage with the hubs at each attachment position. An insert member affixed inside each end cooperates with a screw extending from inside the hub, through the hub into the recessed end to connect each end to the respective attachment position on the hub. Each recessed end of the links having an upper wall with an interior surface, a lower wall with an interior surface and sidewalls with vertical edges.

Abstract: Arrangements are disclosed for a lightweight engine frame wherein weight reduction and manufacturing simplicity are obtained primarily through the use of skeletal box frames fabricated from extruded material joined at their ends forming a unique double lap joint assembly without the need for additional components. The disclosure describes the inventions advantageous corner construction which permits simple assembly with a minimum of tools. Also the described construction may be combined with a soundproofed exterior shell. Shown is an engine of the axial type, but similar constructions may be employed for other engine types, as well as transmission cases and where precise frame structures are required and the use of this invention may be an economic alternative.

Abstract: The hot stick adaptor has two members that are adjustably movable relative to each other. A first one of the members has two separate first ratchet areas. A second one of the members has three separate second ratchet ares. A fastener and spring connect the two members to each other with one of the first ratchet areas and one of the second ratchet areas in interlocking engagement. The two members can be moved away from each other in a first direction, compressing the spring, to disengage the interlocking engagement and thereby allow the two members to be moved in a second direction.

Abstract: A framework connector comprises a main body having a hemispherical surface with a plurality of non-circular projections extending outwardly from the hemispherical surface. Each of the projections have at least three longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced land areas. Two of the three land areas are relatively closely spaced and define a projection surface therebetween. Another of the land areas is located opposite the projection surface. A post extends vertically outward from the projection surface. Each connector includes an elongate tubular member for connecting one connector to another connector. The tubular member has an inner diameter selected to slidingly engage the land areas of the projection when the member is inserted over a projection. The tubular member has a hole for receiving the post for releaseably coupling the member to the connector.

Abstract: The invention is a connector for square tubing used in a system of construction and includes many designs but all having a plurality of orthogonal arms connected at a common point and including a wedge block at the end distal from the common point. The arm and wedge block have complementary sloping surfaces that expand the wedge block as it is moved up the slope by a draw bolt which enters the side wall of the arm, crosses the primary longitudinal axis of the arm and exits proximate the opposed wall where it engages the wedge block. The expanded wedge block secures tubing in place over the arm to the arm. The hex head draw bolt is recessed in the arm of the connector.

Abstract: A connector shaped like a circular block having a circular top recess for mounting a male vertical frame rod, a circular bottom recess for mounting a female vertical frame rod, a center through hole communicated between the circular top recess and the circular bottom recess for allowing the screw rod section of the male vertical frame rod to pass and to be threaded into the screw hole on the female vertical frame rod, a plurality of radial holes for mounting a respective horizontal frame rod, and a plurality of countersunk holes around the circular top recess for mounting a respective screw bolt to hold down each horizontal frame rod in each radial hole.

Abstract: A modular system uses a plurality of metal pipes each having an orthogonal array of coplanar openings at one end and a threaded bore at the other end. An insert is inserted in a first pipe bore at one end next to the openings, the insert having a set of like threaded bores aligned with the openings. A coupling member external the pipe is aligned with each opening and has a bore aligned with these openings. A plurality of bolts each with a threaded end is attached to a different threaded insert bore through a coupling member and pipe opening. The bolts each have an annular groove which is aligned with a threaded bore at a second pipe other end. A set screw in the second pipe threaded bore secures the bolt by engaging the groove, locking the second pipe to the first. A foot is threaded to a lowermost vertical pipe and an end cap is used as insert for the uppermost vertical pipe.