Abstract: A coupling wherein a spherical or ring-shaped female coupling member has sockets for pins at the ends of rod-shaped male coupling members. Each pin has a conical displacing portion in front of a cylindrical peripheral surface which is formed with a pair of recesses, and the female coupling member contains a pair of movable retaining elements for each socket and springs, rubber pads or like parts which bias the retaining elements into the recesses of a pin in the respective socket. The conical displacing portion serves to spread the retaining elements apart during introduction of the pin into a selected socket, and the pin is thereupon secured in inserted positoin by an internally threaded sleeve which surrounds the end of the rod and can be moved into abutment with the external surface of the female coupling member in order to urge undercut portion of surfaces in the recesses of the inserted pin against the respective retaining elements.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a modular system for making structural frameworks in which crystal-like hubs are used to connect lightweight struts in a variety of configurations. The hubs are comprised of uniform nodes and cylindrical trunnions, several embodiments of which be used in a structural configuration to create irregular shapes. The struts are equipped with end grips which snap into engagement with the trunnions and nodes of the crystal-like hubs. The end grips have C-shaped gripping sections and stems which fit into a hollow tube which forms the body of the strut. The end grips are free to rotate about the axis of the strut, and the end grips can rotate about the axis of the trunnions to which it is attached. Such freedom of rotation allows complete flexibility of design.

Abstract: A fastener for construction systems, especially for exhibition booths, comprising tubes and nodes, with one screw attaching to a tube and another attaching to a node. The tube-attached screws are accommodated axially aligned in a sleeve that surrounds at least their heads, leaving their threaded shafts extending out. The node-attached screw slides back and forth but cannot rotate in the sleeve and is secured to the tube-attached screw by a threaded bolt that extends through a bore in the latter. The head of the tube-attached screw rotates in the sleeve and has a threaded axial bore that the head with a matching outside thread of an opposing node-attached screw screws into, whereby the thread has the same handedness as the threaded section on the node-attached screw and the bore is long enough to allow the head of the node-attached screw to screw all the way into the head of the tube-attached screw.

Abstract: A space frame node and connector assembly is provided in which the node is provided with a series of sockets each of which is formed into an inner and outer part, the inner part being screw-threaded for receiving a screw-threaded spigot portion of a connector and the outer part being of enlarged shape for co-operation with an enlarged spigot portion axially adjacent the screw-threaded spigot portion. Preferably the enlarged portion of the socket and co-operating enlarged portion of the spigot are of truncated conical shape such that the connector is firmly urged into the tapering enlarged socket formation when the screw-threaded spigot and socket are interengaged.

Abstract: A node-connector for a space frame structure includes a base plate divided into a plurality of equal sections by a corresponding plurality of double-wall partitions joined to the base plate and to each other at the center of the base plate and extending perpendicularly to the base plate. Each of the double-wall partitions includes two parallel walls spaced from each other and formed with aligned openings for pivotally mounting one structural member of a first group in the space between the two walls of the respective partition. Each of the plurality of sections of the base plate is further formed with an opening for pivotably mounting one structural member of a second group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for a tubular truss assembly which is formed of tubes loosely fit between selected adjacent ones of the connectors. The tubes are held in place either by set screws in connector receptacles into which the tubes are mounted or by tensioning elements connected between connectors for urging the connectors together. The manner of coupling and securement provides for very rapid assembly, minimization of stress concentrations and turning connector assemblies to form nonplanar structures.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism comprising a pair of interconnecting members. One of the members has a cavity for receiving therein a terminal end on the other member generally configured to the cavity. The terminal end is laterally placed in the cavity and a spring biased plunger in the member having the terminal end engages the exterior wall of the cavity and moves backwardly allowing a locking sleeve on the member having the terminal end to be slid to a position surrounding the engaged terminal end in the cavity and locking the same. A frictional-held release sleeve is also provided on the member having the terminal end rearward of the locking sleeve which may be slid forwardly to release the locking sleeve from locking engagement.

Abstract: A family of space frames formed from one or more parallel, planar layers, with each layer comprising a plurality of prismatic nodes arranged in a spaced, non-periodic or periodic, planar array and a plurality of struts coupling adjacent nodes together. Each node has top and bottom surfaces of the same configuration and p side surfaces interconnecting the top and bottom surfaces or any suitable shape derived from this configuration. P is any odd number greater than three or any even number greater than four. Adjacent layers are coupled via interconnecting struts that are perpendicular to each layer or tilted relative to each layer. Successive layers are the same or different. The space frames can also define, locate, and map out tiled surfaces or block-filled volumes.

Abstract: A quick-connect fastener is arranged with a tubular body that is arranged to be engaged against the exterior surface of a hollow attachment fitting and coincidentally aligned with an opening in the fitting. A collet having normally-contracted fingers with outwardly-enlarged ends is operatively arranged in the body to be moved forwardly by an expander member mounted in the tubular body for advancing the collet fingers through the opening in the attachment fitting. Biasing means are arranged between the expander member and a toggle linkage in the tubular body which is selectively operated to urge the expander member forwardly into engagement with the collet fingers with an initial biasing force to advance their forward portions through the body opening and then expand them outwardly. The biasing means also provide a subsequent biasing force for retaining the collet members in their expanded positions once their enlarged forward end portions are on the opposite side of the body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of connecting tubes using a connector which comprises a body 41, through which is positioned a screw 43 having a head 44 and a threaded stem 45. A resiliently deformable member 413 is positioned on the threaded stem and a washer 46 is positioned on the threaded stem 45 the opposite side of the resiliently deformable member 413 from the body 41. A second washer 412 is positioned between the resiliently deformable member 413 and the body 41. In the method of the present invention the connector is inserted into a tube and a screwdriver is inserted into a groove in the head 44 of the screw 43. The screw 43 is thus rotated so that the washer 46 is threaded along the threaded stem 45 towards the body 41, thus compressing the resiliently deformable member 413 so that the resiliently deformable member 413 bulges outwardly and thus establishes a friction grip on the inner surface of the tube, thus securing the connector in relation to the tube.

Abstract: A highly variable and economical spaceframe structual system is provided wherein the ends of elongated frame members have fixedly attached spherical, ball-shaped ends which, in turn, fit into spherically-shaped recessed sockets 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 fastening means. Each of the three connector parts share interior faces with another part and have matching hemispherical 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, faciitate the property of variable curvature of the spaceframe structure. An intermediate assembly nut and a location for its placement is provided in the interior of the connector, the use of which, significantly simplifies the assembly process into three, more manageable stages.

Abstract: An arched tubular frame for building construction includes a plurality of box beams comprised of double edge abutting, welded C-beams coupled together by internal nut/bolt combinations which are hidden from view and not exposed to the elements. The lower end of each vertical column is adapted for secure coupling to an anchor bolt extending upward from the building's base, or foundation, and permits an arched rectangular frame of modular construction to be pivotally raised to a generally vertical orientation and secured to the building's base. Sandwich-type foam core roof panels may be secured to an upper portion of the tubular frame.

Abstract: A modular construction which is suitable for use as a pen holder is fabricated from a plurality of flat board members detachably connected to each other by connecting members having a plurality of wing pieces disposed at a suitable angle relative to each other and provided with board member receiving grooves. The board members and connecting members may be assembled into a holder having at least one tubular compartment having a bottom member detachably secured therein. The shape of the various compartments can be varied by changing the angle between the wing pieces of the connecting members and some connecting members may be provided with upwardly and downwardly opening grooves for assembling a two tiered structure of board members.

Abstract: A mechanical end joint system for connecting structural column elements and eliminating the possibility of free movement between joint halves during loading or vibration has a node joint body having a cylindrical engaging end, and a column end body having a cylindrical engaging end. Each of the cylindrical engaging ends has an integral semicircular tongue and an integral semicircular groove. The node joint body has a conical aperture at the center of its cylindrical engaging end. The column end joint body has an internal latch mechanism housed therein, with the internal latch mechanism having a latch bolt element slidably disposed along the longitudinal axis of the column end joint body at the cylindrical engaging end. The internal latch mechanism also has a spring mechanism disposed along the longitudinal axis of the column end joint body, as well as a compressible preload mechanism and plunger means housed therein.

Abstract: A connector for connecting hollow rectangular tubular members. The connector comprises a cube-shaped base member with a plurality of diagonally extending spigots which are adapted to make a press fit within a respective tubular member by engaging appropriate interior surfaces of the tubular member. The connector allows for the use of commercial tubing and is less expensive than the prior art devices.

Abstract: A construction set for the erection of support structures comprises supporting rods and at least one connecting joint containing a plurality of mutually parallel chambers. Cylindrical beads are formed on the ends of supporting rods. Those beads are inserted into the cylindrical chambers of the connecting joint. The chambers are dimensioned to form a clearance relative to the beads in order to facilitate the insertion of the beads into the chambers. The beads are formed by a rolling-in of the free ends of the supporting rods.

Abstract: A joint for joining structural members extending in at least two intersecting planes comprises a pair of outer spaced-apart annular plate members parallel to one of the intersecting planes and sandwiching structural members in that plane, a pair of spaced-apart inner plate members located within the outer plate members and parallel to another of the intersecting planes for sandwiching structural members in the another plane and attachment means for attaching the inner plate members and the outer plate members. The invention also extends to a structure incorporating the joint and modified forms of the joint are disclosed for use on the sides and corners of such a structure.

Abstract: An assembly of prefabricated structural components for lattices or trusses includes a plurality of rod-like, load-bearing elements, a plurality of joining elements for joining the rod-like elements to one another, a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the rod-like elements to the joining elements, and a plurality of clamping elements for clamping the connecting elements and associated rod-like elements to the joining elements. Each joining element has a spherical peripheral surface provided with first and second T-grooves disposed at opposite ends of a predetermined diameter of the surface and at least one additional T-groove extending circumferentially of the surface in a plane normal to the predetermined diameter. The connecting elements resemble T-bolts and one connecting element is receivable in each first and second groove while several connecting elements are receivable in each additional groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connective apparatus between a truss beam and another object, e.g., a second truss beam or another device, for rigidly joining the two together. The connective apparatus comprises a unitary attachment device which is connected to one of the frame elements in a truss beam. The device includes a rabbet member capable of attachment to a pair of struts of the frame element and a connector member attached to the rabbet member. A connector strut is provided for joining two or more truss beams to each other by interconnecting two nodes of the respective beams.

Abstract: A six-way connector, for use with structural formwork elements, comprises an upper plate a lower plate and four vertical plates extending therebetween. Each plate is provided with a plurality of apertures to enable a structural formwork element to be secured to the respective plate. At least two of the plates are provided with apertures to receive bolts from the structural formwork element so that the plates may have one structural formwork element centrally connected thereto, or two structural formwork elements connected thereto in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: In a modular structure consisting of rods and junction plates joined orthogonally to each other, the rods are attached by means of expanding linking pins to tubular coupling hubs provided on the front face of each junction plate at right angles therewith. The latticework rods are attached by means of connecting grippers to an enlarged attachment molding formed along one edge between two orthogonally joined junction plates having complementary beads in the mating flanges of these plates. Thus, from a latticework knot formed by two or more junction plates, rods can be branched off either orthogonal to the plates or inclined relative to the plates.

Abstract: The present invention includes a connector having rods with keys thereon. The keys engage slot in tubes comprising a frame for portable furniture. The connector also includes a foot which will apply a releasable breaking force to a surface supporting the portable furniture. The present invention also includes a portable bed using the connector invention and the inward suspension of the playpen. The present invention also includes a child enclosure using the connector of the present invention and suspended inwardly from horizontal support members.

Abstract: A connector for connecting structural members such as panels, rods and tubes, to form a three-dimensional structure, comprises a connector body with a pair of axial slots at opposite ends thereof shaped to receive and retain tongues on the ends of the structural members and at least one annular channel extending around the connector body to receive similar tongues of further structural members extending in directions transverse to those in the axial slots. The axial slots and the channel have constrictions adjacent the outer surface of the connector body to retain tongues having widened free ends which are elongate in end view.

Abstract: A coupling piece for coupling two or more rods or the like, use being made, for connecting the coupling piece to a rod, of a connector rotatably connectable to said coupling piece, the other end of said connector being adapted for coaction with a rod end by means of a threaded connection. The connector is adapted, through a polygonal outer circumferential portion, to coact for rotation with a ring having a corresponding internal polygonal portion and being provided with external engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A framework which includes a plurality of angularly related elongated members interconnected by end connectors. At least one of the elongated members includes an elongated illumination device such as a noble gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A system for constructing staging or the like comprising beams 2,3,4,5,6 etc. (e.g. timbers) and socket elements 10,11,12,13, etc., with screws or the like to secure the beams to the socket elements. The socket elements each comprise at least three interconnected box sections for slidably receiving the beams, the box sections being open at both ends and arranged such that a first of the beams can pass through a selected one of the box sections, while at least one further beam can pass through further box sections and abut the first beam. The system generally supports cladding sheets 1, for example, for stage flooring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linking device for connecting the front end of a pipe to a structural component, particularly to a sphere to form a junction point with a plurality of pipe connections. The subject of the invention is distinguished in that the pipe (2) has an axially extending longitudinal channel (7) into which is inserted from the front a securing element (4) which is connected via a clamping device (6), abutting with its ends on the pipe (2) and on a structural component (3) and consisting of two opposed clamping jaws (19, 20) held together by a screw connection (39), with a connecting element (5) fixed opposite from the securing element (4) on the structural component (3).

Abstract: A node member (1) for use in building a geodesic structure having a multiplicity of connecting means (10) about its periphery for connection to other like node members (1) by connecting members (17) to form the geodesic structure, has connecting means (10) that are resiliently movable to permit relative angular displacement of connecting members (17) connected to them.

Abstract: A joint having a plurality of bars inserted through apertures into a metal casing adapted to be filled with a grout is disclosed. The casing has projecting members that taper in stepwise fashion from an enlarged portion covering the apertures.

Abstract: A jointing device primarily for scaffold or stand system, for example in exhibition show cases and the like, which system is assembled of tubes (3). The jointing device is a junction, to which one or several tubes (3) are attached, where each tube has one end to co-operate with the jointing device. A pull rod (5) comprising a T-shaped end portion (6) is provided in each tube and cooperates with a preferably substantially spherical junction member (1). The jointing device has a substantially sleeve-shaped attachment member (34) inserted within the tube (3) comprising inner stop members (35) for co-operation with stop members (36) located at the pull rod (5), so that the pull rod without axial displacement is rotatable about the axial direction in relation to the sleeve (34) in a predetermined direction, but substantially not in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device for joining elongate structure members to connector nodes includes a bolt having oppositely threaded ends for threaded engagement with a nut at one end and a connector node at the other end. Between its threaded ends the bolt has a cylindrical portion and a torque transmitting portion. An externally threaded bolt-support member engageable with internal threads at the end of the structure member slidingly receives the cylindrical portion of the bolt while a sleeve with an internal aperture non-rotatably but slidingly receives the torque-transmitting portion of the bolt. In use, the nut prevents the bolt from pulling out of the bolt-support member while external torque applied to the sleeve tightens the structure member to the connector node. An elastic sealing member around the bolt is squeezed between the connector node and the torque-transmitting portion of the bolt and this may be supplemented by sealing material applied at the interface between the sleeve and the structure member end.

Abstract: A space frame constructed from a plurality of identical struts using octahedron/tetrahedron ("octet") geometry wherein the struts, instead of being simple tubular members, are fabricated as space frame masts using octet geometry. A second aspect of the invention concerns a connector piece for orienting and joining the ends of struts to form octet structures. In one embodiment, the connector piece is in the shape of two interpenetrating tetrahedrons, allowing assembly and disassembly of individual struts without disturbing other struts. Retaining means are described which do not require tools for assembly.

Abstract: A joint for a structural space frame. The joint includes a first, outer hollow spherical member. The first spherical member fixedly receives the ends of the components of the space frame. A plurality of second members are disposed within the interior of the first spherical member. The second members each contact the first spherical member as well as two or more adjoining second members to provide a rigid joint.

Abstract: Structural joint members for a space frame system with a node joint having threaded apertures, structural strut members with threaded end sections, and a connecting member. The connecting member includes an elongatged threaded bolt, a fixed nut locked on one bolt end with a set screw, and a jam nut threadably engaging the other bolt end. The bolt threadably engages the node joint and the strut threaded end section with the fixed nut secured against the node joint and the jam nut secured against the strut end section to lock the structural joint members together. A snap-on cap covers the connecting member.

Abstract: The joint uses a cruciform connector and machine bolts to interconnect two or more beams, and one or two posts, in such a way that the connector is concealed, and the beams as well as either post, may be removed from the joint at a later time, if desired, or added to the joint at such time, if not all of the quadrants of the connector were used initially.

Abstract: A connecting element for a scaffolding framework rod has a bolt 141 rotatably mounted on one end of the rod, and a guide sleeve 151 with an axial through-bore into which a section of the bolt extends. The bolt is connected to a screw insert 161 guided by a pin 171 which rides in a slot 152 of the sleeve, and a spring 172 urges the guide sleeve against a sleeve insert 130, 121 mounted on the end of the rod.

Abstract: A novel system of connectors and elongated tubes joined together thereby to form a variety of rigid three-dimensional rectangular structures. The connectors of the present invention have a central body with a plurality of outwardly extending arms, the arms to seatably engage open ends of the tubes. The connectors are made from extruded components and hence require a minimum of machining. The elongated tubes have notched ends permitting tubes, internally situated within a three-dimensional structure formed therefrom, to be removed or reconfigured.

Abstract: A hub structure for a collapsible frame which comprises a pair of similar members having radiating arms. The hub members are in contact with each other such that the arms are in interdigitated relationship. The arms have pivot attachment points for struts and all of the pivot points lie in the same plane.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in a gravity-free environment is disclosed together with methods and apparatus for constructing the same. The structure, characterized by high stiffness and a precise self-determined geometry and having a prism-form with square right cross section, is constructed from a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements. The truss structure may be manually constructed from a multi-row chain of interconnected elements or from a four row network of elements. The structure may also be constructed using an automatic method wherein individual frame elements are fed from four stack support and feed units to a holding fixture having a square cross section.

Abstract: A modular frame structure having a cooperating strut coupling and a connection node coupling which permits quick assembly and release. A method is presented for preassembly of the node couplings to the connection nodes to hasten field assembly. A method is also provided for connecting a strut to connection nodes which are fixed in space by the portion of the frame structure already assembled.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement comprises at least one connecting rod having at one or each end a connecting stud. The stud has a head portion at its free end an adjacent neck portion which leads into the head portion through an inclined shoulder. A spherical or part-spherical connecting member has one or a plurality of bores disposed on its surface and extending into the spherical or part-spherical member from its surface for receiving the connecting studs at the end of the connecting rods. One or a plurality of threaded bores each intersect a respective one of the stud receiving bores and locate a grub screw, the arrangement being such that as a said grub screw is screwed into its bore it engages said shoulder on the stud to draw said rod into said bore. Various means can be provided for preventing rotation of the connecting rods about their own axes.

Abstract: A modular spaced framed structure is constructed using uniform components to provide the desired geometry of the modular structure. The structure is comprised of a plurality of rigid Y-shaped devices, each of which has three tubular branches which are disposed at respective predetermined space angles with respect to one another, and a plurality of panels spanning the spaces between the devices. Linear coupling members are also provided for interconnecting abutting branches of adjacent devices. In the preferred embodiment the three branches of each device are oriented at respective space angles of 108.degree., 108.degree. and 108.degree. so that a tower structure having a pentagonal horizontal cross-section is formed. Each successive level of the tower below the apex has a substantially greater area than the level above it so that the legs of the tower are inclined to provide greater resistance to earthquake forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tubes or rods provided with tapped tips.It comprises a hollow hub (1) comprising a plurality of holes (2, 3) and at least two bolts (7), each having a thread (10, 11) at each of its ends, each bolt going through one of the holes (2) and having its thread (11) interior to the hub screwed to a nut (12) and its outside thread (10) screwed to tip (9) of one of the tubes or rods (4), one of holes (3) having dimensions greater than those of the nuts to allow the introduction of the nuts into the hub, locking means (14) being provided to assure the locking of each bolt on the corresponding tip.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in a gravity-free environment is disclosed together with methods and apparatus for constructing the same. The structure, characterized by high stiffness and a precise self-determined geometry and having a prism-form with square right cross section, is constructed from a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements. The truss structure may be manually constructed from a multi-row chain of interconnected elements or from a four row network of elements. The structure may also be constructed using an automatic method wherein individual frame elements are fed from four stack support and feed units to a holding fixture having a square cross section.

Abstract: A pipe and socket connection for a spacial structure which is comprised of a pipe termination that is coaxial and welded to the end of the pipe and which possesses a hole in which a screw is able freely to rotate, the diameter of the screw head being greater than that of the hole in which it can rotate, a polygonally sectioned body and a threaded end, and where a nut having a polygonal inside shape engages upon the body of said screw, and where means are provided to restrict unwanted axial motion of the screw.

Abstract: This invention discloses elements for constructing a three-dimensional structure, comprising beams that make edges, polygonal plates that make faces and joints with arms that connect said beams and/or polygonal plates with each other so that a desired structure is formed, wherein the end of said joint arms is formed into a spherical shape and bearings which have a grasping means for said spherical and of said joint arms are provided to said beams and polygonal plates so that any of said bearings can be engaged or disengaged with it freely; said joints are formed into at least two shapes from an elastic material so that they can be used singly or in conjunction with the other in connecting said beams and/or polygonal plates; and hooks are provided to each side of said polygonal plates so that said hooks can hold said beams by their sides.

Abstract: An assembly kit for use as a toy or the like including plurality of rod elements, each having a pair of half portions and fasteners for fixing together the half portions, the half portions having ends in the axial direction and first and second recessed portions on the ends respectively. The first recessed portions are formed in a semi-arcuate configuration, and the second recessed portions are smaller in diameter than the first recessed portions and extend axially outward from the first recessed portions. A plurality of bolts are provided having head portions and shank portions connected to the head portions, the head portions being formed in a disk shape to respectively fit into the first recessed portions and the shank portions being respectively provided with external threads at a front end of the shank portion to fit in the second recessed portion. A plurality of connecting elements forming spheres in general are provided with a plurality of internal threads with which the bolts are engaged.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a quick connect/disconnect mechanism for fastening structural members together. The inventive apparatus includes flanges with nonfacing ringular surfaces on each structural member. A bolt or other mechanism aligns the structural members and prevents movement in shear of one with respect to the other. A resilient clip having end portions which are U-shaped in cross section and which extend around more than one-half the circumference of the flanges fits onto the flanges to hold and clamp the structural members together.

Abstract: Interconnecting apparatus (10) for a pair of structural members or space frame assemblies is disclosed. Apparatus (10) includes a button (12) attached to an end of one structural member and a receiver (18) attached to the end of another structural member. Receiver (18) includes a cradle (38) with a wall (40) on one side and a lip (42) on the other. Button (12) fits snugly into cradle (38) between wall (40) and lip (42) and is retained there by a locking mechanism, such as clip (24). Interconnect mechanism (10) may be used in a variety of applications including connecting a pair of trusses together and creating a space frame structure.

Abstract: A framing system for interconnecting elongated frame members into structurally stable, free-standing frames, building frame modules, lattice-type framework and the like employing novel connectors and associated connector arms.