Abstract: A connector unit for connecting the struts of a geodesic dome framework is disclosed. The connector unit has the general shape of a frustum of a right circular cone. Five equally spaced rectangular depressions are formed in the upper surface of the frustum and a pair of flanges in mirror image relationship in planes perpendicular to the planes of the rectangular depressions are placed on opposite sides of each rectangular depression and each flange of the pair has an opening in its central area with the openings in register with each other.

Abstract: The invention is directed to structural elements for use in triangulated structures, and structures assembled from such elements. In particular the invention provides an elongated structural element for use in a triangulated structural assembly, provided at at least one end thereof with connector means adapted for pivotal connection directly to at least one further structural element about a pivot axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the structural element and which is disposed outside the general envelope of the structural element itself. The arrangement is such that from two to as many as one hundred such structural elements may be interconnected at a structural node without the use of an intermediate nodal member.

Abstract: A junction plate is disclosed which is formed by stamping from a metal disk and which is adapted to secure together a plurality of main struts to form a polygonal geodesic structure, such as an icosahedron. The junction plate includes a series of main strut channels which are bent relative to a flat central portion of the plate so that they are parallel to the main struts of the structure to receive and hold the main struts in the main strut channels. There are also formed in the plate a series of auxiliary strut channels intended to receive ends of auxiliary struts which may be inserted into the structure to support the surface faces of the structure to allow easier covering of the structure using conventional building materials. The auxiliary strut channels are particularly shaped and adapted to allow easy and quick installation of auxiliary struts into the structure with a minimum of shaping necessary to the auxiliary strut.

Abstract: A metal connector for a geodesic dome structure constructed with wood struts. The connector including a cylindrical hub with metal support arms welded to the outer surface of the hub and extending outwardly in spaced pairs. The arms are formed with openings for receiving bolts which register with bolt openings in the wood struts.In a modified form of the invention, the hubs are formed with internal threads which threadably receive a metal pipe. A second metal connector may be threadably joined to the metal pipe; thereby spacing the connectors for constructing dormers, cupolas doorways, double domes and other peripheral and interior structures.

Abstract: A suspension folder support system for placement within a file drawer includes four identical corner members that are defined by a planar web. Each corner member includes a hinge allowing a first side of the web member to be bent at a right angle to a second side. The web includes a pair of sleeves on opposite sides of and parallel to the hinge and a pair of channel members perpendicular to the hinge. Support rails and cross braces are included for insertion into the channels. Four legs or supports are also included for insertion into the sleeves. The support rails, cross braces and legs include frangible portions at spaced intervals to be broken to vary the length. The suspension file support system may be packaged in a single container including four interconnected corner members, two side rails, two cross members and four support posts.

Abstract: A joint for use with a space frame for connecting a plurality of struts together. The joint permits dome fabrication and erection with essentially no field bolting required. A central hub is included in the joint for resisting forces transmitted to the joint by dome struts.

Abstract: On an article of furniture an edge assembly is provided which has three edge pieces extending along mutually perpendicular edges of the furniture article forming a corner. Each edge piece in the vicinity of the corner has an insert spine which forms the backbone of the three edge pieces and contours the latter into a plumb and crisp corner assembly. The edge piece and insert spine represent parallel threaded openings which receive socket-set Allen Screws. These Allen Screws are embedded in the threaded openings of the edge pieces at the time of assembly in order to engage and lock the edge pieces into a permanent and secure corner assembly.

Abstract: At each of the nodes (20) of a double-layer flat grid space frame, the longitudinal chord members (10,12) and the lateral chord members (11,13) of both the upper grid and the lower grid are in superimposed crossing arrangement, the ends (18) of the diagonal struts (14) which interconnect the nodes (20) of the upper and lower grids being interposed between longitudinal chord members (10,12) and lateral chord members (11,13), a connector member (19) being secured through the end (18) of each diagonal strut (14) extending from the node (20) and through the chord members above and below it.

Abstract: An improved geodesic dome connector of the paired-opposed-arm type with "swept-back arms", angled axially with respect to the central portion, has a central portion in the form of a cylindrical tube; respective adjacent arms of different pairs join the central portion in close proximity to each other preferably, and preferably also have conical taper on the axial ends of the central member, convex on the outer end and concave on the inner end, for fairing-in sheathing applied on the outer and inner faces by attachment to respective elongate members held between the pairs of arms.

Abstract: Described is a table easily assembled from a number of uniform components including rail and leg members secured together at the corners of the table by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly can be used for this as well as other uses and includes an inner bracket having three mutually perpendicular arms underlying ends of respective rail and leg members, and an outer bracket fitting thereover.

Abstract: The mobile has twelve elongated members positioned with respect to one another to create the appearance of a hexahedron. At each of the eight corners is a flexible joint means joining three rods together and permitting the rods to pivot relative to one another (but maintaining their attachment) so that exterior forces such as air currents or mechanical thrusts cause the mobile to move in an undulating fashion and thereby create changing hexahedron shapes or patterns. The mobile is suspended from a ceiling or from an arm on a stand. Suspension is attained by a pair of threads which are respectively attached to an opposite pair of top members.

Abstract: A geodesic dome connector system of the type having a tubular polygonal hub supporting a radial array of arms provides for precision assembly of a variety of types of connectors by pre-assembly of respective arms to two peripherally extending faceted sections which form on resilient assembly about a template the tubular polygonal hub, the template being affixed as a gusset bracing the connector; structure defining apertures between tubular polygonal hub and template or gusset which permit looser tolerances on bending of the tubular polygonal hub parts and provide easier assembly with less distortion.

Abstract: A junction plate (1) for an icosahedron geodesic structure is disclosed which serves to join together the struts (4) of the structural frame. The plate (1) includes a plurality of channels (7) sized so as to firmly grasp the ends of the struts (4) so that only one bolt (5) is needed to firmly attach the strut (4) to the plate (1) with a fixed angular relationship between them. The plate (1) is constructed to minimize any plastic deformation, other than simple bending, of its material as it is formed so as to avoid weakening the strength of the plate.

Abstract: A plural-single-sweptback geodesic dome connector system for joining struts to arms of the connector provides a uniform circular hub periphery permitting assembly-connection of the arms at any selected peripheral angles to the hub; hub diameter may advantageously be 1.75 times strut width to provide laterally abutting bracing of struts for six-arm uniform-arm spacing connectors.

Abstract: A connector hub made in a single integrally cast unit for connecting the ends of the stringer frame members of a geodesic dome structure, said hub being characterized by a plurality of pairs of spaced apart flange elements defining stringer receiving slots arranged in generally radially extending relation around the central axis of the hub unit with stiffening web elements disposed between adjacent slots, to provide an extremely strong and rigid connector hub for the stringers which is also specifically designed to abut the ends of the stringer elements to provide additional rigidity for the stringer connection.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for joining a plurality of struts at a vertex, such as the vertex of a geodesic or a space frame structure. A plurality of strut supports are provided, each strut support including a pair of substantially parallel spaced side plates for receiving and securing one of the struts, with a longitudinal face of the strut aligned with a pair of the longitudinal edges of the side plates. Each strut support also includes a clamp between the side plates, the clamp having a generally rectangular base plate mounted across the side plates in substantially perpendicular relationship to said longitudinal edges of the side plates, such that an end face of the strut can abut against the base plate of the clamp. The clamp also has a pair of generally parallel flanges extending away from the strut at an oblique angle with respect to the flange base plate. The clamps of each of a plurality of strut supports are joined at a tubular hub member that is typically cylindrical or polygonal.

Abstract: A connecting assembly consisting of a hub and a plurality of U shaped connecting members for joining the framework of geodesic domes is provided. The hub is formed from a hollow member containing a plurality of radial grooves designed to accept the rectangular end of framing members. The rectangular ends are secured in the grooves by the U shaped connecting members that wrap around the bottom of the grooves of the internal side of the hub and thereafter lie adjacent to the flat end of the framing members. Further, nails, screws or bolts can be used to secure the U shape connecting members to the rectangular ends of the framing members. The frame members extend radially from the center of the hub and are so arranged that the angle between the adjacent framing members is at least 40.degree.. The grooves are so designed that the attached framing members form an angle from 1.degree. to 14.degree. with a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the hub.

Abstract: A tubing connector for connecting lengths of round or square tubing includes a base block with an integrally molded connecting arm. Additional connecting arms are connected to the base block by screws which extend through a hollow bore in the connecting arm and an aperture in an end face of the connecting arm. The screws are threadably received in the base block.

Abstract: A building structure comprises upright members and mutually perpendicular horizontal members having notches at adjacent ends shaped to receive one of the upright members. Fasteners connect each of the horizontal members to the one upright member. The fasteners are elongate and extend from each horizontal member into the one upright member in the direction of the perpendicular horizontal members and towards the center of the one upright member. The fasteners are at an angle of substantially 45.degree. with the horizontal members.

Abstract: A space frame formed from a first set of beams and joints in a first plane and a second set of beams and joints in a second plane, the joints in the two planes being interconnected by diagonal tubular struts. Each strut has two shafts at opposite ends which are received, respectively, in apertures in a joint in the first plane and a joint in the second plane. Each shaft has a fastening member coupled thereto for maintaining the shaft in the aperture. Each shaft extends along the longitudinal axis of the associated tubular strut.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure tie-beam connector provides an axially swept-back, flexibly alignable, circular array of paired-jaw bolt-tightened vises for holding respective tenon-ends of tie beams; each vise jaw pair is on the end of and generally aligned with a respective radially deployed rib and the jaws of each vise-jaw are axially spaced relative to the connector axis so that they clamp in a direction radial to a geodesic dome in which employed and can provide through oversize holes a degree of circumferential adjustment of the associated tie beams relative to a geodesic dome while preserving structural stiffness in directions radial to a geodesic dome as for example, in resisting snowloads; clear wrenching access for all types of wrenches is provided by the vise orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling tubular frame members is disclosed. A coupling block has a plurality of couplings extended therefrom. Each coupling has a guide recess, a clamp mounted for sliding movement within each guide recess, a bolt having a first end connected with the clamp and a second end screwed into the coupling. The clamp is provided with a hole which receives the first end of the bolt. A bearing within the hole supports the bolt at the first end for free turning movement. The bolt has a circular groove adjacent the first end, and a pin is mounted to the clamp and extended through said circular groove. The clamp is operable to slide responsive to the rotation of the bolt within the guide recess to press the tubular frame member surrounding said clamp and the coupling defining the respective guide recess thereby solidly holding said coupling and tubular frame member to each other.

Abstract: A wind propelled craft adapted for movement over water or ice having an equilateral tetrahedral frame comprising three substantially equidistantly spaced support members adapted to engage and be supported on the surface of the water, four substantially rigid spars connected together at a juncture and extending radially outward therefrom such that they are separated from each other by equal angles, and a plurality of equilength stays connected between each of the spars and the other spars at points on the spars substantially equidistant from the juncture so as to form with the spars a frame of substantially equilateral tetrahedral shape. Three of the spars extend laterally and downwardly from the juncture and are connected to the support members by stays with the fourth spar extending upwardly from the juncture. A pair of triangular mainsails are connected to respective pairs of stays extending downwardly from the vertical spar in such a manner that they are capable of being raised and lowered.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for the construction of a framework used in electrical communication engineering. At least two connection pieces are employed at a junction. Each connection piece has adhesive grooves within which glue flows. These connection pieces fit into hollow tubes to be joined and which are thereby glued together. Trapping of air bubbles during the introduction of glue is avoided by providing at least one central groove around a periphery of each connection piece and from which branching grooves extend. Also, an apertured disk can be slipped onto the connection pieces to prevent exiting of the adhesive and thereby insure a further improvement in adhesive distribution. A gap is also provided for release of trapped air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the assembling of a plurality of converging tubular bars by means of a central star-shaped core with points which fit into the tube ends, each of the points having means for clamping by expansion in said tubes, the ends of which are in their turn shaped to fit each other in such a way as to completely cover the central core, an entrance being, however, provided in order to act on the clamping means of each point.

Abstract: A hinge joint assembly for flexibly connecting rigid elongated structural components in the construction of modular buildings. More specifically, the joint permits the fastening of struts (rods, tubes, or the like) about a central hub. Each joint assembly includes a plurality of lengths of resilient tubing supported in slot openings in a body member. The flattened portion of the tubing in each slot functions as a hinge for relative movement of the adjacent unflattened portions. The unflattened open end portions of the tubing function as sockets to receive one end of a structural component. Several forms of joint assembly are shown and described.

Abstract: A joint for use with a space frame for connecting a plurality of struts together. The joint permits dome fabrication and erection with essentially no field bolting required. A central hub is included in the joint for resisting forces transmitted to the joint by dome struts.

Abstract: Three-dimensional structures are made of open or closed profile structural beams, said beams being connected perpendicularly to each other at all multiple joints and joined by an end face plate of said beams with cubic multiple joints. Such three-dimensional structures possess extremely good bearing property, said bearing capacity amounting to two and a half times its elastic limit so that these structures can compete economically with three-dimensional truss structures.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting joists which define triangular panel roof areas of a geodesic dome and comprised of a metal sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings extending therethrough and a plurality of metal tongues secured to the adjacent ends of the joists at their junction point and extending radially inwardly through the sleeve openings, each having a tapered pin extending through its tongue and bearing against the inner surface of the sleeve to cam the joists' ends against the exterior of the sleeve and thereby hold the same in rigid fixed relation to the sleeve.

Abstract: A geodesic dome connector system includes a central ring of symmetrical truncate-pyramid shape having on respective facets thereof respective pairs of laterally opposed jaws radiating from the center; inclination of the facets perpendicular to the intended chords of the dome structure automatically aligns the rectangular-end jaws along the chords and fairs-in the top and bottom surfaces of the ring and the jaws with conventional elongate members held by the jaws and with any conventionally applied sheathing panels used in completing the dome; and close-coupling of the connector elements according to the design of the invention maximizes rigidity and strength while minimizing weight and cost.

Abstract: A jointing device for long-limbed framework elements in reinforced concrete and framework comprising framework elements jointed by such devices.Means are provided for housing with a tightening fit the ends of the sections to be assembled. In a realization said means comprise a body from which depend at least two sleeves provided for housing with a tightening fit a portion of the sections to be assembled. The sleeves are preferably removably fixed to the body.

Abstract: Three-dimensional structures made of open or closed profiled metal beams and plates are disclosed. Said structures comprise a plurality of parallel frame beams connecting the side flange junctions with respective joists and connecting the top flanges of the frame beams with plates. The structure is divided into frame beams modules easily fabricated in factories and easily transported and then joists are fit at the construction site, thereby resulting in a high degree of prefabrication and shortened installation time.

Abstract: A connector for connecting together the structural members of frame works comprises two identical halves having means for receiving respective ends of said members. The two halves of the connector pivotably coupled together to permit the halves to be pivoted between a first position in which the structural members are arranged at a first angle and a second position in which the structural members are arranged at a second angle. In each of the first and second positions, a mouth is provided for receiving a third structural member. The advantage afforded by the present invention is that a single connector may be employed to position different frame members at selected angles therebetween.

Abstract: A hanging file support frame has a pair of file folder support rails and four corner fittings mounted on legs. Each corner fitting has a bottom wall, a rear wall and a flexible top wall forming a first opening for the reception of one end of a rail. The top and bottom walls form a front entry into the first opening for the passage of said one end of a rail into said first opening in a direction transverse to the length of the rail. The rear wall is substantially thicker than the top wall and the top wall is cantilevered from the rear portion of the rear wall. Flanges releasably lock the rail end into the first opening. A transverse member having hollow ends has one end passing through a second opening in the rear wall.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in general to the connection art and in particular to the connection of two inclined tubes to a leg or other tubular piece in tables or similar articles. For improving the stability of such connections the ends of the two inclined square tubes extending above the prongs of the corner piece are obliquely cut such that their one side entirely conceals the corresponding side of the prongs and extends up to the seat and each forms an extension of the outer defining edges of the seat extending in the longitudinal direction of the leg or tubular piece in order, together therewith, to be held in abutment against the leg or tubular piece, the seat being designed to be urged laterally together with its extensions formed by the square tubes, against the leg or tubular piece substantially only along the defining edges and the extensions.

Abstract: A fabricated corner structure having a single piece outer member and two piece inner member construction for receiving tubular members generally perpendicular to each other encompassed by the inner and outer members with a vertical support member perpendicular to the tubular members welded to the outer member. The three tubular members form the corner of a ROPS structure.

Abstract: The present form assembly has sheet metal, hollow, flanged corner joints which telescopically engage the adjoining ends of elongated sheet metal forms for beams, columns, roof arches and trusses, and the like. After the parts are fitted together metal straps on the elongated forms are bent back to affix them to the corner joints, after which the interconnected corner joints and elongated forms may be filled with concrete.

Abstract: This specification discloses a tube connector system adapted to convenient and removable assembling of square, round or other shaped hollow tubes. It finds use in the construction of temporary and permanent store displays, furniture, shelves, and the like. In one embodiment the connector comprises a joining member having a plurality of insertion members each of which is closely but slidably fitted to the aperture in the end of a hollow tube. Each insertion member has a plurality of recesses on the side thereof. Each recess is provided with a resilient spring member, said spring member having a portion resting on the bottom surface of said recess, and a portion protruding above the top of said recess, permitting forceable entry of the insertion member and retaining it removably in place in the tube. No rotation of the parts is necessary for secure assembly, and no external parts such as screws, bolts, and the like are needed.

Abstract: A framework for an electrical switchboard comprises four angled uprights, and top and bottom angled crossbars. The uprights and crossbars each have the same cross section and are formed of sheet metal folded into four parts. The first part is contiguous with and perpendicular to the second part having the same width as the first part. The third part is narrower than the first part and is contiguous with and perpendicular to the second part, and is also contiguous with and perpendicular to a fourth part. The first and third parts are located on the same side of the second part, while the second and fourth parts are located on opposite sides of the third part.

Abstract: A shelving apparatus having a plurality of joint connectors to which is fastened a plurality of stringers is disclosed herein. Each of the joint connectors has a cubical center box from which a plurality of arms extends. Each of the arms extending from the cubical center box extends perpendicular to a face of the cubical center box to which each arm is connected. Each of the arms has a pair of free edges extending along each of the arms. Each of the arms has a U-shaped cross-section. Each of the stringers has a hollow square cross-section. The stringers are fitted to respective arms of the joint connectors. A plurality of shelves is supported by the stringers.

Abstract: A tube joint made of metal such as zinc and the like having a plurality of protruding longitudinal knurling tools. Each of the knurling tools has a wide root end and a narrow pointed end at the central part of the upper and the lower surfaces and of the right and the left sides of a square prism which has each corner cut off to form a fixed groove from the pointed end to the root end. A slight arcuate-shaped protuberance is provided at the central part of each of the longitudinal knurling tools. The knurling tool with its protuberance forms a joint rod having an outer diameter equal to, or slightly larger than the inner diameter of a square pipe into which the outer diameter of the diagonal in the protuberant part of the knurling tool corresponding to the square prism is inserted, in arbitary directions at the connecting part thereof. A plurality of joint rods are connected at their root ends to form the tube joint.

Abstract: Building components are disclosed for constructing of frames, enclosures, and the like, comprising hollow edge struts all of uniform cross section, with the ends of each edge strut providing a female joint. Interlocking members are provided having a central member with a plurality of legs extending outwardly from the central member and at fixed angles to each other, the legs each defining a male member adapted to be inserted in said female joint. The legs have locking clip recesses formed therein in at least two adjacent surfaces of the legs, the locking clip recesses spanning substantially the entire width and length of the surfaces of the legs. An abuttment shoulder is formed at the central member and end of the locking clip recess which the edge strut butts up against when installed.

Abstract: A junction device for tridimensionally extending trussed structures, comprising a central joining core, showing a plurality of radially extending seats, wherein the bars by which the field of trussed structure are defined, can be inserted and fastened.

Abstract: A playground climber comprises one or more equally sized dodecahedron-shaped modules, two or more of which of equal size are joined together along a face of each. The modules are each made up of pieces of pipe of equal length attached together at their ends using a connector, each module having twelve faces and twenty corners, each face having five sides, and each corner being formed by the juncture of three pipes. Each module is a regular dodecahedron with structural members so positioned that a child can reach the members. Also, the majority of the faces of the dodecahedrons are open to permit a child to pass therethrough. The structural members of each face of each dodecahedron are spaced close enough to each other to permit a child to grasp the structural members of a regular pentagon, which forms each face of the dodecahedron, while climbing thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of metal articles such as work benches, pallet racks, etc., by way of example.In a typical construction upright metal legs are secured to a flat table or platform surface. The upright members or legs preferably may be square in cross section. The upper ends of the legs are secured to mutually perpendicular transverse members which in turn are secured to the flat platform surface, the members being joined by self tapping screws. The transverse members are flat with side flanges which terminate short of the ends the end portions of the flanges being bent inwardly to provide mutually perpendicular securement tabs. The ends of each of two transverse members have securement to 2 flat sides of the end part of the square legs.

Abstract: A hanging file support frame has a pair of channels each having a web portion and opposed hook portions for supporting file folders and has a pair of transverse members. Four corner fittings each have a substantially horizontal opening receiving one end of a transverse member. Each corner fitting also has a bead engaged by one of the hook portions of a channel and an integral resilient latch engaged by the other hook portion of said channel for releasably locking the channels to the fittings. Each corner fitting is supported by a leg. Advantageously, the channels have a plurality of lines of weakness and the corner fittings have opposed grooves for the reception of the hook portions of a channel to support a portion of the channel to be broken off at a line of weakness to adjust the length of the channel.

Abstract: A variable connector for interconnecting lengths of tubing to form frameworks. The connector consists of a central body member having a number of attachment points formed thereon and a series of separate connector members which are adapted to be releasably secured to desired attachment points on the body member by means of screws or the like. Any one of a number of possible connector configurations may therefore be obtained merely be securing the required number of connector members to the required attachment points on the body member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: A joint assembly for three tube sections forming the corner of a tube frame, includes a tensioning piece having ends which are hooked into openings provided in mutually facing sides of the first and second tube sections. A tensioning bolt extends through a hole in the tensioning piece and engages in a diagonally disposed threaded hole of the third tube section. The mutually facing sides of the first and second tube sections are exclusively restrained at locations which are immediately adjacent to two opposing walls of the first and second tube sections. The tensioning piece has a U-shaped cross section in a plane which is perpendicular to the common plane in which the first and second tube sections are located. The tensioning piece includes a transverse web extending transversely to the first and second tube sections and two spaced-apart legs which are parallel to the common plane in which the first and second tube sections are located.

Abstract: A supporting framework for a shelter shed which framework comprises mutually spaced parallel support arches and transversal beams interconnecting said support arches. Each support arch comprises several arch elements connected to each other longitudinally one after the other by means of articulated joints positioned at the ends of the arch elements. Said joints consist of double brackets each provided with two separated holes having parallel axes for fastening pins. Two double brackets are mounted at each end of each arch element at a distance from each other so that the holes of both double brackets are positioned in pairs coaxial with each other and the axes of said holes are parallel with the radius of curvature of the support arch. The double brackets of two adjacent arch elements are fastened to each other by means of two fastening pins inserted in said brackets through said holes.