Abstract: An apparatus for a pop-up display structure that provides a hub structure that is divided into two sections that are held together by a thumbscrew. The two sections define internal channels in the hub for capturing guide pins attached to the tubes such that the tubes pivot about the guide pins and rotate about the hub through slots in the hub. The thumbscrew provides for removal of tubes from the hub structure without the use of tools and therefore provides for changes on the fly for reconfiguring the structure or for replacing broken tubes. The thumbscrew also provides a mounting structure for the channel bar that attaches to the pop-up structure. The channel bar is capable of folding into three sections and is capable of folding compactly without regard to the sequence of the folds.

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

Abstract: A building toy comprising a plurality of flexible and stiff pieces and connectors capable of being connected to each other in a desired pattern to form constructions like buildings, cars, forts, planes and other recreation arrangements, the toy comprising a plurality of flexible hollow tubes connectable to each other by means of connectors than can be snugly fitted into the hollow ends of the tubes.

Abstract: A linear cold connection with connecting places contains a first and a second structural component to join first and second construction elements of a frame for road or rail bound vehicles. First construction elements are attached to the first structural component and second construction elements are attached to the second structural component. The first and second structural components are joined together via a pair of first and second joint faces. The joint faces form a length of arc of a circular cylinder with a common circular-cylinder axis. The first structural element is joined to the second structural element via a bolt-type connection penetrating openings in the first and second joint faces.

Abstract: A clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete foaming systems. A clamp member having swill, arm jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.

Abstract: A bearing structure for cabinets preferably containing electric and/or electronic apparatuses is provided, which comprises a predetermined number of metal section members, defining upright elements (2) and crosspiece elements (3), and connectors (4) between the section members which is adapted to be disposed in an operatively functional position to join the upright elements (2) to the crosspiece elements (3) independently of engagement of panels defining the cabinet top and base with the crosspiece elements.

Abstract: A board to board coupling structure coupled between at least two panel assemblies, the board to board coupling structure including a tubular shaft, two locating plates respectively mounted in a longitudinal groove at the tubular shaft, two inner socket assemblies respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two end caps respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two outer sockets, a plurality of hook plates, and a plurality of plug plates. The hook plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a hooked portion respectively hooked on a top notch at an outer race at one inner socket and a notch at an upright flange at one outer socket. The plug plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a plug portion inserted in between the socket body and outer race at one inner socket and engaged into the notch at the upright flange at one outer socket.

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 tile panel system has a frame for supporting one or more tiles. The system includes a plurality of vertical support member. Attached to the support members are two piece blocks that clamp around the vertical supports. Horizontal rails then extend between oppositely positioned clamp. Tiles are then releasably secured to the horizontal rails via spring clips or other appropriate mechanisms.

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: A split separable joint includes a cylindrical hub having a first portion and a second portion. The hub portions interconnect at a keyed interface. The hub has axially extending, radially directed, keyed slots formed in a peripheral hub surface for receiving structural members. The first and second hub portions are retained together as a unit by a fastener which extends diametrically through aligned bores in each hub portion. The structural members are retained in place by an axially extending fastener which retains end plates on opposed ends of the hub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, the Co-Axial Joint (CAJ) System, and a method of assembling the moment resisting connection system for use in diverse areas of architectural design, fabrication, engineering, and field erection of lattice structures. A given CAJ System connection is comprised of a framing member, a block connector, an end cap, an end cap-block connector attachment means, and a sleeve. The end cap, movably attached to the block connector, is connected to both the sleeve and framing member. To assemble the CAJ System, a sleeve is slid onto a framing member and positioned at the end of the member. The framing member is then positioned relative to the block connector. Attached to the block connector is an end cap which is made to align with the framing member. The end cap-block connector attachment means, typically a bolt, acts to absorb the tensile forces exerted on to the system without compromising the member-block connector connection.

Abstract: A hub assembly (10) for use in arranging muntins (22) across a window pane includes at least first and second covers (12, 14) which are snap-fit and frictionally held together and which define at least one arcuate track (70) that is adapted to slidably receive carrier members (20) for interconnecting the muntins (22) to the hub assembly (10). The arcuate track (70) coacts with the carrier members (20) to retain the carrier members (20) in selective angular positions about the hub assembly (10). The hub assembly (10), which is semi-circular in plan view, can be selectively attached directly to a window frame, or to another similarly constructed hub assembly (10) to form a circular overall hub assembly.

Abstract: A quick assembly tent framework is disclosed. In the framework, each of mounts has a channel type socket. The socket is eccentrically formed on each mount with thick and thin sidewalls being formed on opposite sides of the socket. Each of the thick and thin sidewalls has a hinge bore and a hinge guide depression. Two connection members are attached to both ends of each scissor bar. Each of the connection members is axially slitted to a depth thus forming a channel type slit with resilient sidewalls being formed on opposite sides of the slit. Each of the resilient sidewalls has a boss on its outside surface. The boss is guided by the guide depression and elastically snapped into the hinge bore when each scissor bar is jointed to an associated mount. The framework is easily and quickly assembled or disassembled without using any tools thus being convenient to users.

Abstract: A grille-type guard system, in particular a wrought iron grating assembly, includes a plurality of longitudinal bars in spaced-apart disposition, and a plurality of crossbars which are connected to the longitudinal bars at crossing points. The crossbars are formed at each crossing point with an arched section for receiving the longitudinal bars at least partially in a form-fitting manner, with the securement between the crossbars and the longitudinal bars being effected in each crossing point in non-detachable manner by a screw fastener that is received in aligned bores of the longitudinal bar and crossbar.

Abstract: A connector system joins together long rods or tubes at various angles to form a wide variety of shelter frames for diverse applications as well as railings, racks, and the like. The diverse connectors required are assembled from modules of the invention which are bolted together in various combinations. The modules fasten at one end to the rods or tubes. The other end of the module terminates in an annular gear adapted to intermesh at an adjustable angle with one or more gears of other modules. Once bolted together the modules form a rigid connector. The modules may be unbolted and reused to form a connector of another configuration. The few module types required to form the many connector configurations reduces inventory and manufacturing requirements.

Abstract: A modular storage and support assembly uses a platform system that includes vertically disposed support posts. The support post has an extended tubular body and a plurality of symmetrically spaced, radially extending flanges running the length of the tubular body. Each flange has a first portion extending radially from the post and a second portion at the terminal end of the first portion. A slot is defined between each pair of adjacent flanges for receiving vertical panels or other inserts.

Abstract: A panel fastener and space frame hub adapted for releasably holding panel sections in place against the space frame hub. The space frame hub has threadable connections for receiving space frame struts so as to permit the construction of a frame of any desired shape or size. Each panel section used with the invention has respective panel brackets at each of its corners, the panel brackets being complementary shaped to engage with a rotatable keyed plate on the fastener. They Keyed plate may be rotated to align a key cutout with a complementary shaped key in the respective panel brackets and may then be rotated to lock the panel bracket in place against the keyed plate.

Abstract: A beam or girder joint element is formed by a flat plate member composed of: (a) column connecting plate portion having a plurality of pin receiving holes and a vertical slit; and (b) a beam or girder connecting plate portion formed as a unitary structure with the column connecting plate portion on at least one side thereof and having a pin receiving hole, a plurality of bolt holes and a V-shaped guide groove defined by a slope extending down from the upper edge of the beam or girder connecting plate portion toward the column connecting plate portion and a vertical edge opposite to the slope.

Abstract: A connector is provided for joining hollow elongate frame members, such as tubes, to a support structure such as an other tube. The connector has a base portion with inner and outer faces, the inner face being shaped to conform to the shape of the adjacent surface of the support structure. The connector has at least one spreading mechanism extending outwardly from the base portion and having external transverse dimensions enabling it to be inserted into an end of the elongated frame member. This mechanism has parallel first and second arms located adjacent to each other. A screw is located in a threaded hole extending transversely through the first arm. This screw can be used to push against the second arm and thereby spread the arms apart. The base portion can have a hole formed therein to receive an elongate fastener used to connect it to the support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the second arm is divided into two parallel prongs separated by a narrow slit.

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.

Abstract: A stretcher or crossrib (1) for seating furniture, such as chairs, and for tables has four rib parts (4) of solid wood, preferably beech wood, in the form of flat pieces arranged at an angle to one another. Their butt ends (5) are interconnected by tenons (6) into a cross with different spacing angles .alpha., .beta. and are glued. A connecting element 7 is used to hold the butt ends (5) of the four rib parts (4) form-fittingly. Connecting element (7) is composed of a top part (8) and a bottom part (9). Top part (8) and bottom part (9) of connecting element (7) hold butt ends (5) of rib parts (4) in corresponding holes (10) form-fittingly and are screwed to rib parts (4). Top part (8) and bottom part (9) of connecting element (7) can be gussets.

Abstract: A vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting ceiling panels comprising a two-way connecting member, a one-way connecting member, an angled slat, an inner angled plate, an outer angled plate and a receiving base. Each of these components is formed integrally with plastics and can be selectively assembled together to form a grid system. The one-way and the two way connecting members are provided for the connection of the partitioning board to form the grid structure suspended in the ceiling. The angled plates can either be selected from the inner type or the outer type depending on the application. The receiving base is inserted at the end of the partitioning board so as to be able to connect to the angled slat, forming the vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A muntin bar joiner includes adjustable tabs for attachment to muntin bars. The tabs may be rotated about an axis to customize the joiner for holding the bars in accordance with the muntin assembly design. The tabs move in a common plane when rotating, while parts of the tabs may move over one another. The tabs are interchangeable to accommodate different bar designs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator having a frame in which a drive source and a slider displaced under the action of the drive source are held, and an actuator arrangement comprising a plurality of actuators connected to each other by connecting devices. A beam member, which constitutes the frame, has a concave portion defined in a side thereof and the drive source is held in the concave portion. A slider base is held in the concave portion and includes the slider displaced along the concave portion. A cover is used to cover the concave portion defined in the beam member. The beam member has grooves defined in respective outer sides thereof, which have substantially T-shaped cross sections and enable other beam members to be mounted to the beam member. The grooves are defined along the longitudinal direction thereof so as to be substantially identical in structure to one another.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut including a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member being interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment support with changeable hanging hook and support beams, in which the hanging hook and support beams can be easily changed for meeting various sizes and patterns of different kinds of garments. A decorative toy-like member can be associated with the garment support for achieving pleasing effect.

Abstract: A modular building system having two or more elongated hollow profiled frame members and female and/or male fasteners which separably connect the frame members to each other. Each frame member has smooth, plane and at least substantially uninterrupted external surfaces, at least one longitudinally extending stiffening core with a longitudinally extending at least partially tapped hole, at least one longitudinally extending outer wall adjacent an external surface and spaced apart from the core, and at least one pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls which connect the core with the outer wall. The outer wall, the core and the sidewalls define a longitudinally extending chamber which is located between the outer wall and the core and is flanked by the sidewalls. Male fasteners can extend transversely of the outer wall and core and into the holes in the cores of adjacent frame members or into transversely extending tapped bores of adjacent frame members.

Abstract: A support system suitably applicable as a timbering for construction of a concrete structure, which can reduce the number of parts and greatly improve the workability. The support system includes a plurality of jack members 6 placed on the ground or the like, a plurality of bottom members 5 connected to upper ends of the jack members 6, a plurality of vertical members 1 connected to upper ends of the bottom members 5, the vertical members 1 being connected with each other at upper and lower ends thereof, a plurality of vertically inverted jack members 6 connected to the upper ends of uppermost ones of the vertical members 1, a plurality of horizontal members 2 horizontally extending between the vertical members 1, and a plurality of diagonal members 3 and 4 diagonally extending between the vertical members 1. Each vertical member 1 has an annular horizontal flange 10 at the upper end.

Abstract: A ceiling frame joint structure comprises a first member and a second member each of which is in the form of an elongated, downward-facing U-shaped channel defined by a top wall and two opposite side walls to receive therein a portion of a bar member which constitutes the ceiling frame. Each of the first and second members comprises a middle section interposed between two opposite end sections and the side walls of the middle sections are removed to form notches which have such a size that the second member is receivable within the notches of the first member in an orthogonal manner to have the top wall thereof crossly overlapped under the top wall of the first member. A fastener penetrates through holes formed on the middle sections of the top walls to secure the two members together. Holes are provided on the side walls of both members to allow nails or screws to penetrate into the bar member received within the channels to secure the bar members within the first and the second members.

Abstract: A fold and roll platform assembly having a pair of platform panels, and support units for supporting the platform panels on an underlying support structure. Each support unit has a locator pin mounted on a frame for movement from a retracted position to an upwardly extending position for engagement in a hole in a platform panel to locate the panel. The locator pin can be retracted into a recess provided in the frame.

Abstract: An improved hammock stand including a central base pipe, a pair of canted upstanding arm pipes, a set of four foot extension pipes, and a pair of connector assemblies to which the individually mountable/demountable feet extension, arm and base pipes may be telescopingly mounted. Each connector unit has a pair of extension pipes welded to a bowed crosspiece pipe oriented concave down. The extension pipes are identical in character and disposed on the crosspiece pipe such that the pipes lie in a vertical plane which passes transversely through the crosspiece at the center of the bend. The arm and base pipes telescopingly mount onto the extension pipes; the foot extension pipes telescopingly mount onto the crosspiece pipe so that they are canted downwardly and outwardly from about one to about five degrees.

Abstract: A base end of a hook plate is simply inserted into a column surface of a columnar receiving member for fixing. A hook of the hook plate is inserted into an inserted groove provided in an end of a crossing member such as a girder. Further, a bolt passing through the crossing member is received by the hook. As a result, a framework of the receiving member and the crossing member can be fixed. Alternatively, hook plates each having a circular outer periphery and provided in the hooked form are respectively inserted into inserted grooves provided in a receiving member and a crossing member. The respective hook plates are fixed by bolts so as to build a framework.

Abstract: In the process proposed, tubular struts (3a to 3d) are detachably connected to a column (1) using a connection device, wedge element pairs (5a to 5d) on the connection device being inserted in the struts (3a to 3d) and the wedge elements (23, 24) of the wedge element pairs (5a to 5d) being displaced longitudinally with respect to each other by screws (13, 17a, 17c) which pass through holes (12a to 12d) in the column wall and through a throughbore (11a to 11d) in each wedge element pair (5a to 5d). The wedge elements (23, 24) of each wedge element pair (5a to 5d) are thus pressed against the inside walls of the struts (3a to 3d). The heads (27a to 27d) of the screws are located outside the column (1). The column (1) is reinforced by an internal core (7) and the shape of the end (39) of one (24) of the wedge elements in each pair matches that of the outside wall of the column (1).

Abstract: A table leg assembly includes a plurality of vertical legs, a plurality of radial bars to brace the vertical legs, and a central body to interconnect the radial bars. The body includes a cylindrical rigid block which has a top end and a bottom end, a cylindrical periphery that interconnects the top and bottom ends, and a plurality of ribs that extend vertically and that project radially from the cylindrical periphery at predetermined angular intervals. The table leg assembly further includes a plurality of curved connecting plates, each being disposed between two adjacent ribs and each having two opposite ends screwed to the two adjacent ribs. Each of the connecting plates is integrally connected to a respective one of the radial bars.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment over a hub of a vehicle wheel to prevent its rotation and prevent the wheel from being removed from its axle. The apparatus has a generally triangular shaped shell having an upper and lower triangular plate spaced apart by a series of vertical pins. The apexes of the triangular plates have openings formed therein for receiving one end of a hooked rod. The other ends of the hooked rods extend through the shell and are held in place by the vertical pins and a locking screw-threaded nut-sleeve locking assembly. The hooked ends of the rods engage the circumference or tread of the tires and are held firmly in place by tightening the locking screw against the rods. A padlock secured to the assembled device through the sleeve of the locking device prevents tampering with the apparatus when in place on a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: The fastening device (5) for the releasable fastening of a strut (3a-3d) to a column (1) comprises a retainer ring (7), attachable to the column (1), and a connecting element (9a-9d) for connecting the strut (3a-3d) to the retainer ring (7). The connecting element (9a-9d) has at one of its ends diametrically opposed jaws (33a, 33b) which extend around the lateral surfaces (16a) of the retainer ring (7) whereby the strut (3a-3d) is fastened to the column (1) safe from twisting even with respect to large torques and bending moments. The exact horizontal position of the strut or struts (3a-3d) can be adjusted by rotating the retainer ring (7).

Abstract: A flag and buoy apparatus includes a body having a plurality of receptacles therein. The flag and buoy apparatus also includes a plurality of buoyant arms, each arm being receivable in one of the receptacles and extending radially from the body. Each arm is also tethered to the body. A pole assembly extends axially from the body to support the flag, the pole assembly being attachable to the body. The arms and the pole assembly may be detached from the body for storage of the apparatus.

Abstract: A fixture for a folding bed, comprising a 3-way pipe connector secured to the frame tubes of a folding bed at one corner by a rivet, and a side tube movably fastened in said 3-way pipe connector, wherein said side tube has an elongated slot through which said rivet is inserted to control the moving range of said side tube in said 3-way pipe connector, fastening holes for fastening support means to secure a tent, a mosquito net, a stand for intravenous infusion or casters to said folding bed. The side tube further comprises a flexible strip made through punching process, which flexible strip has a stop block made on the free end thereof to automatically stop the side tube from moving back into the pipe connector once it is extended out.

Abstract: A pipe joint for joining several pipes used in a pipe grid structure such as a scaffold. Each pipe (3) is connected, by way of a connecting member (17) inserted into its interior from the end of the pipe and by way of a clamping device (16) composed of two opposing clamping jaws (21, 22) held together by a screw connection (20), with the continuous or discontinuous peripheral extension (9) of a connecting element (1).

Abstract: A fitting assembly for joining hollow pipes has a fitting having a two-piece elongated body with ends to fit within the pipes. The elongated body defines longitudinally extending inserting channels extending from one end to an intermediate portion. Once inserted into pipes, the two pieces are urged apart by a screw to lock the fitting in the pipes. A second two-piece fitting may be attached via its engagement with an inserting channel. The second fitting has a portion insertable into a pipe and may be clamped within the pipes and to the first fitting by a screw urging apart the two pieces of the second fitting.

Abstract: A three-way clamp for the assembly of structural frameworks is disclosed. The clamp includes a block-like clamp body provided with a first bore extending through the block and second and third bores intersecting with the first at right angles and intersecting with each other at right angles. The clamp body is slotted in the plane of the axis of the second and third bores, to form cantilever extension portions of the block body capable of being squeezed together by a single compression bolt. Strut-like tubular structural elements are received in the several bores, one passing through the block, the other two being inserted endwise into the second and third bores. By tightening the single compression bolt, the clamp body is caused to be tightened down into secure gripping relation with structural elements in each of three right-angularly related, intersecting axes, significantly expediting assembly, disassembly and adjustment of frame structures.

Abstract: An improved scaffold connection is provided, comprising a first ring member having an upper side and a lower side, fixedly attachable to a vertical scaffold member; a connector body having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom and sides, fixedly attachable at its second end to one end of a horizontal scaffold member having an upper surface, the connector body including a section for attachment of the connector body to the upper side of the first ring member, extending from the first end of the connector body; a cavity, extending through the body and opening exterior of the body at a first opening in the first end and a second opening in the second end; and a support element fixedly positioned in the cavity, the support element having a curved support surface; and a latch member, positioned in the cavity and having a first end extending through the first opening, the latch member being pivotal within the cavity and having a curved base section, matingly slidable on and supported by the support surface.

Abstract: A railing system is composed of vertically aligned metal tubes and cross-members which are metal tube rails. The posts are formed with round protruding bosses whose outer diameter (OD) is the same as the outer diameter of the posts. The rails also have the same outer diameter. The bosses and rail ends may be brought into roundness, so that they match in a smooth circumferential seam, by round plugs forced into the bosses and rail ends. The post-rail joints are then welded in a circumferential weld.

Abstract: An extruded node is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending substantially hollow core and at least one longitudinally extending, hollow flange, extending outwardly of and integral with a longitudinally extending side portion of the core. This invention also provides a joined structure wherein at least one longitudinally extending lineal member has a hollow peripheral portion defined by walls having inside surfaces adapted to mate with outside surfaces of a mating hollow flange of the extruded node. In this joined structure the peripheral portion of the lineal member is inserted over the hollow flange of the node to an extent that the outer peripheral surface of the lineal member surrounds the integral wall of the node and the outside surfaces of the sidewalls of the hollow flange and the inside surfaces of the lineal member mate along substantially the entire length and around substantially the entire perimeter of the flange.

Abstract: An improved coupler for use in assembling display frames is provided. The coupler includes a male plug, a female receptacle and a locking lever. After insertion into frame members, the plug and receptacle are engaged and locked in place. The coupler enables a frame which can be assembled and disassembled by hand and which provides a smooth, finished appearance having no outstanding protrusions.

Abstract: An improved connector comprises a coupling sleeve, a cylindrical connecting block, and a bellows hose. The coupling sleeve has a base member on its outer surface. The base member has an annular ring and an engaging pin protruding from the base member, the end of which is formed as a wheel-shape disk. The connecting block is provided with a receiving hole, an annular ring, and a peripheral flange.