Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support system for use in forming a temporary scaffolding such as a prefabricated scaffolding, a temporary system such as a panel support, or a structure such as a truss-type pillar, tower, etc. The support system comprises columnar members each provided with a plurality of flanges along the longitudinal direction thereof, connecting members each provided with joint shoes at both ends thereof, and wedges each driven into the joint shoe, the flanges each comprising a supporting piece along the circumferential direction thereof, the joint shoes each comprising a hollow housing having a pair of opposed wall bodies, and a hook loosely fitted movably in the housing, the wall bodies and the hook being provided with respective wedge insertion holes opposed to each other, and the hook being provided at an end portion thereof with a catch portion to be engaged with the supporting piece of the flange.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable structural joint particularly suited for use in space systems. The joint comprises a connector having at least two tubular sleeves, at least two tubular members, and at least two annular clamping means for securing the tubular members inside the connector. The connector comprises at least two elements, manufactured from a fiber reinforced composite, which, when mated, form the connector. The tubular members are manufactured from a material having a coefficient of axial expansion of substantially zero. The annular clamping means are manufactured from a material having substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members. The combination of the connector comprises at least two elements and the annular clamping means with substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members allows the joint to accommodate radial expansion and contraction while maintaining axial dimensional stability.

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: 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: A space frame node including a hub, a facet device, and a transition connector for holding the facet deviced to the hub. For a planar node, the hub is formed by a pair of members fastened together such that receptor cavities are created between them so as to receive transition connectors, generally in the form of bolts. Any of a variety of facet devices are threaded onto the bolts. For a spherical node, three pairs of hub forming members facing one another are joined together at four legs with bolts and facet devices or alternatively nuts. In addition, facet devices may be installed in the intersecting regions of the legs of the hub forming members. These nodes are lightweight, are usable with quick connect/disconnect facet devices as necessary, and result in a reduction of field assembly time of space frame structures.

Abstract: A connector for tubular poles of a dome type tent includes a disk shaped based section with a central aperture surrounded by upstanding walls at each of opposite sides of the base section. The upstanding walls are reinforced by cross walls in the aperture. Sockets are formed by walls on opposite sides of the base section. The sockets are equiangularally arranged so that the socket extend radially about the base section for receiving end portions of the tubular poles. An elastic member extending from the end of each pole is threaded through an opening in an anchor wall separating a socket from the central aperture. The end portion of the elastic member in the aperture is tied in a knot whereby the pole cannot be completely separated from the connector.

Abstract: This invention involves connectors for vertical end rectangular grids having spaced pairs of vertical end rails joined to horizontal rods extending between the end rails with vertical spaced rails between the end rails. Each connector includes a rigid, flat plate formed with two or more horizontally spaced symmetrical notches. Each notch has a passage extending inwardly from an end edge of the plate. The passage terminates at two inner opposed concave lobes each of of which slidably engages a respective vertical end rail. The passages permit the plate to move beyond the horizontal rods when the plate is moved along the end rails. A third inner lobe between the two opposing lobes allows the plate to pass free projecting ends of plates can have two, three, four or more notches to hold vertical grids in free standing, upright angular arrays. Stop blocks can be placed below the connectors to hold them in desired positions on the rails supported by the horizontal rods projecting through the rails.

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 are 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 may be welded in a circumferential weld; but preferably the posts and rails are joined by bolts connected to the plugs.

Abstract: A fastening device for use in support structures wherein the fastening of support members is accomplished by slidably inserting end connectors into slotted fastening devices to produce a final locking fit between the support members and the fastening device. A keyed screw which holds the fastening device and support member in an intermediate locking position to aid in the overall assembly of the support 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: 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: 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 column/beam joint structure, made of steel members, in which a reinforcing member formed into a flat plate or into a strip shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the flange is interposed between a flange having a vertical plane constituting the column and a base plate constituting a connector fixedly fitted to an end of a beam. The flange, the reinforcing member and the connector are integrally joined together via a connecting fastener member.

Abstract: The mounting cross-piece or node assembly serves for the leak-tight connection of the cut ends of profile sections with one another. These profile sections are provided with an upper lengthwise extending opening and thus form a support or carrier construction or framework in the form of a grid or grid structure suspended at the ceiling of a room, especially a clean room. Filter frames and clean room filters can be mounted in gas-tight fashion in the grid structure. The mounting cross-piece assembly comprises at the cut surfaces of the profile sections to be interconnected and at the sides of the mounting cross-piece confronting such cut surfaces connection elements which can be secured in both of these components.

Abstract: The structure is composed of a plurality of feet, each consisting of a section of square tubing which has at the base height adjustment means connected to a ground rest plate. Each foot bears on its top four crosspieces obtained by pressing from a sheet metal; the head of the crosspieces is shaped to cover an area of one fourth of the section of the foot tubing. The head edges are turned over to form hooking means for connection to the foot, while screw means are provided for achieving engagement among the crosspieces converging on a same foot and the foot itself. Each cross-piece is again covered by a U-like moulding of plastics which forms the rest plane for modular panels.

Abstract: A security grille is disclosed in which corresponding ends of rods, preferably of square cross-sectional shape, are clamped by initially-separate halves of clamps. The halves of each clamp become connected permanently to one another by a nub/bolt combination, wherein the nut has a drive head which shears off when the connection has been properly made. In one embodiment, the clamp halves are made by drop-stamping and the rods are made from hot-rolled steel bars. Alternatively, the clamp halves may be made as pressings and the rods may be made from cold-drawn steel bars. The clamp halves are provided with decorative covers.

Abstract: A structural framework assembly (150) is made up of framework subassemblies (102, 104, 104', etc.) interconnected by elongated horizontal structural members (122, 124, 126, 128, etc.). The subassemblies are made up of elongated structural members (114, 116, 118, 120) interconnected by clamping assemblies (106, 108, 110, 112). The clamping assemblies are made up of clamp elements (20a, 20b) with recesses (28, 30) which extend part way around the structural members and third portions (26) with cylindrical recesses (36) in which the ends of other elongated structural members are locked.

Abstract: An assembly for panels having a connection piece comprising a threaded male part with a cylindrical head, associated with a cylindrical female part of the same outside diameter as the head, the face of this head confronting the female part being recessed internally in such a way that the edge of the head projects laterally relative to the face in the direction of the female part. The system further includes a straight prism-shaped rod with a cross-section in the form of a regular polygon, this rod being intended to be engaged into a receptacle of matching shape made in the panels. The rod has, at one of its ends, a hook profile designed to cap the projecting part of the edge of the head. A removable pin is provided for locking the rod in position in the receptacles of matching profile of the panels.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for interconnecting support struts of the framework of a domical structure such as a geodesic dome. The bracket assembly includes a central annular hub member and a bracket member for interconnecting each of a plurality of circumferentially arranged and radially extending struts to the hub member. The outer end of each bracket member includes a pair of spaced apart side members which straddle the strut and are mounted to the strut by a pair of bolts. The inner end of each bracket member includes a pair of axially spaced apart triangularly shaped bosses located on opposite ends of the hub which are mounted to the hub by a bolt extending through both bosses at a location spaced radially inwardly of the hub member.

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: The invention is a photo clamp joint which can display photographs in various flat or three-dimensional displays, the device is composed of two four leaf clover shaped pieces having crossed small semi-circular protrusions to clamp photos or other paper materials in series to form different shapes for the purpose of creating a display.

Abstract: Construction units for forming multiple-faced polyhedrons and a wide variety of structural forms. The units are in the form of a circular disk and a link. The disk having concentric rings formed thereon, and further having a threaded female connector on one side and a male connector on the other side. The link is in the form of a ladder-shape having two end clamps for engagement with disk units and other link units.

Abstract: A body member comprising either a concrete block or molded or stamped product, includes upwardly opening recesses forming an anchor seat for building elements. The recesses may extend fully from side to side and also open out the sides so that building elements can be laid horizontally therein or fully across the body member. The recesses also include a central socket for receiving an upright pillar. Embodiments of the invention may include depending foot members. Embodiments of the inventions also include structure for fastening building elements to the body member. A further embodiment employs depending projections at outer portions thereof which frictionally fit on top of a base block and stabilize the body member against lateral movement.

Abstract: A grid, the size of which is selectable to conform to a window opening, or the like, comprising(a) multiple couplings, and(b) elongated grid members having slidable telescopic interfit with said couplings to define(i) peripheral frame members, and(ii) other members which extend between the frame members.

Abstract: Joint maker for the assembly of two or more pieces of stock about common interconnecting members. The joint maker includes a plurality of configured arms about common interconnecting members for either assembling stock at a right angle, or at other angles with respect to each other, whether there are two or more pieces of stock. The joint maker includes angularly inwardly extending cleats which extend from the arms, and arms extending from a common interconnecting member. Each of the cleats have an inwardly extending member.

Abstract: A modular frame arrangement suspendable from the ceiling of a room is proposed for receiving filters having fluid seals for clean room ceilings, which consists of structural rails having U-section channels for receiving the fluid, the rails being provided with a central web. Lying parallel to the ceiling, the webs of the rails and the central webs are constructed as hollow sections, the hollow section of the web being formed of two hollow chambers and a T-section groove lying between these hollow chambers. For connection of the rails, connection members are provided which have a square central part and integral arms offset in height at the lower side. The connection members are inserted with their arms in the rails so that the respective U-section channels are extended around the corner.

Abstract: A dish antenna frame having an extruded central hub, an outer rim and a plurality of intermediate extruded and bent arcuate tubular spokes, mounted on peripheral, radially extending fingers of the central hub and wherein each spoke mounting finger has extruded retention teeth and each tubular spoke has internal extruded teeth for rigidly retaining the spoke on the mounting finger.

Abstract: The improved joint connection provides a separate stress ring for each of the compressive loading zone and tensile loading zone at the end of a timber beam and a central stem secured to one ring and unsecured to the other ring. The connection is such that shrinkage in the timber beam along the major axis of the cross section can be accommodated by movement of the unsecured stress ring relative to the stem. A plate is provided at the end of the stem to retain the moveable stress ring in the joint connection.In one embodiment, a pair of one-piece connectors can be secured at the end of each timber between the timber and the respective stress rings of the joint connection.In another embodiment, a second pair of coaxial and concentric rings may be employed with the outer rings being of polygonal shape to have flat sides against which the respective beams may be secured.In still another embodiment, the stress rings and stem may have a polygonal shape.

Abstract: A steering wheel for automotive vehicles is produced by a process of die casting light weight component parts to eliminate the need for extensive welding and self-supporting parts of heavy mass. The component parts comprise a steering wheel hub member and a steering wheel rim member joined together by a plurality of spokes connected to the rim through a sleeve connector member. The rim and spoke members may be of tubular light weight metal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing and disassembling a triangular prism-form truss structure in spaced are disclosed. The apparatus includes a triangular prism-form construction fixture and three feed units disposed about the fixture for feeding the triangular frame elements that form the basic unit of the structure, or for removing the elements from the structure. The construction method, essentially automatic, comprises feeding frame elements to the fixture from the feed units in sequence. Fixture forward and backward movement along the fixture longitudinal axis, before and after element feeding, effects fastening of the frame elements to one another. Shifting of completed truss structure sections relative to the fixture is accomplished by periodic axial movement of the fixture. The disassembly method essentially comprises the reverse sequence of the steps of the construction method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a honeycomb structure reinforced with geodesic structure. The honeycomb structure includes a plurality of elongated structural members with cross sections having a large moment of inertia, which are assembled into a hexagonal network. Each hexagonal subassembly included in the hexagonal network is reinforced by a first set of reinforcing elongated structural members disposed in a triangular pattern wherein three corners of the first reinforcing triangular subassembly disposed flush to one face of the hexagonal subassembly are respectively connected to one set of three alternate corners of the hexagonal subassembly and further reinforced by a second set of reinforcing elongated structural members disposed in a triangular pattern wherein three corners of the second reinforcing triangular subassembly disposed flush to the other face of the hexagonal subassembly are respectively connected to the other set of three alternate corners of the hexagonal subassembly.

Abstract: A tubular reinforcing member having end surfaces which conform to the cylindrical inner surface of a tubular chord member are positioned within the tubular chord member at the intersection of a bracing member. The longitudinal axis of the tubular reinforcing member is positioned so as to be coincident with the longitudinal axis of the intersecting bracing member. The use of the internal tubular reinforcing member constitutes an improvement over the commonly used stiffening rings in the direct translation of tensional and compression forces acting along a bracing member is transferred to a portion of the wall of the chord member opposite to that to which the bracing member is attached.

Abstract: A geodesic frame assembly and method of making a frame assembly with a plurality of identical hub assemblies interconnected with flexible struts. The hub assemblies have rotatable members connected to ends of the struts. The struts are attached to the members along chord lines so the members rotated during erection of the frame assembly. A cable operably connected to a winch cooperates with outer hub assemblies to erect the frame assembly and hold the frame assembly in the erected configuration.

Abstract: Front and rear wheel drop outs for bicycle frames that are specially suited for bicycle frames of the tubular strut type used in light weight high performance high quality bicycles, the frames of which comprise a plurality of tubular strut members interconnected by lugs and brackets to form the well known generally diamond shaped frame that includes the familiar head, top, down, and seat tubes, the familiar pair of seat stay tubes, and the familiar pair of chain stay tubes. The invention provides for a special front wheel fork tip arrangement of the drop out type that is applied and brazed, socket fitted, relation to each fork blade of the front wheel mounting fork assembly, and a special rear wheel drop out bracket arrangement involving right hand side and left hand side drop outs that are formed to receive in brazed, socket fitted, relation the bicycle frame seat stay tube and the frame chain stay tube that is to be made fast to same.

Abstract: A connector of structural parts such as beams with a through-going wooden pillar is disclosed. The connection consists of a first plate having a hook and being fastened to the beam in a torsion free manner. This hook has an essentially horizontal supporting area at the lower end and at least one vertical contact area. A second cross-shaped support plate is disposed in a pillar and its vertical plate portions are in one plane with the first plate. The second plate includes fitting areas which mate with the supporting area and the vertical contact area of the hook. The pillar is connected by means of a wedge-shaped tenon joint below the supporting area of the support plate.

Abstract: A multicurvature reinforcing body comprising a pair of abutting bowl shaped members is fitted within a tubular chord member in the area of a complex joint. Cylindrical surfaces of contact of the multicurvature reinforcing body are positioned so that the longitudinal axis of an intersecting bracing member attached to the chord member passes through both of the surfaces of contact. The use of a multicurvature rinforcing body constitutes an improvement over the commonly used stiffening rings in that direct translation of tensional and compression forces acting along a bracing member which intersects at an angle other than perpendicular to the chord member to a large surface of contact within the chord member is effected.

Abstract: A portable playpen embodies a disassemblable base frame having elongated upright members connected thereto and defining upstanding corner posts for a rectangular enclosure in the form of a one piece fabric unit having rectangular panels defining a box-like compartment having a bottom panel joined along its edges to upstanding side panels with adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels secured to each other. Sleeve-like members are connected to the adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels and extend outwardly thereof in position to telescope downwardly over an adjacent corner post with such corner post being in spaced relation to the adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels. Stop members limit downward movement of the sleeve-like members relative to the corner posts.

Abstract: A modular framework system (construction set) for the production of racks for furniture from hollow forms and corner connections; the corner connections have corner connections and plugs; the corner pieces have a connection body with two continuous channels which run at right angles to one another; pegs of half width, "half pegs" start outside on the connection body; the pertinent plugs likewise have half pegs which may be inserted in various ways, so that one will obtain corner connections in the shape of an angle, of a T or of a cross; the half pegs have half conical threads which, after plugging in, supplement each other to full conical threads; wherein by screwing in of stud screws, the corner connections are secured against pulling apart and are locked in the hollow forms.

Abstract: Co-operating coupling members for securing together elongated tubular frame elements in the construction of a shelter. The said coupling members comprise two configurations, each of which is adapted to be received in the open end of an associated frame element. With these two coupling configurations, as many as five or more frame elements can be connected at a juncture at selected angles to each other.

Abstract: The one-piece steel connector is secured to an end face of a laminated timber via tendons which are embedded in the timber and nuts which are threaded onto the ends of each tendon. In one embodiment, a connector is secured to a cylindrical hub via bolts which are threaded radially into the hub. In another embodiment, a connector connects two co-linear timber members together. In another embodiment, a connector connects two angularly disposed timber members together.

Abstract: The subject invention is a device for facilitating the interconnection of support rod members relative to one another in order to provide a unified and integrated frame member for supporting a boat covering, or similar device. The subject invention comprises mainly a bifurcated structure specifically supporting two opposing hollow cylindrical members aligned along a common central axis, with each adapted to hold the end of a support rod in the frame. An opening is provided through the bottom surface of the bifurcated member to receive a portion of a bolt member, which may be used to interconnect the subject device to another such similar device in a mutually perpendicular fashion. As thusly interconnected, the two connected devices provide a support intersection for interconnected rod members in the framework system.

Abstract: A building construction system that permits the erection of a modular-skeleton structure type building in a very short time utilizing relatively unskilled labor. The construction of vertical metal profile posts which extend from the foundation to the horizontal roof girders in a single unit of uniform cross-section. The roof girders are attached by means of slotted tension bolts. The one-piece vertical profile posts have a cross-section which is essentially the combination of a T-section and an U-section. In the lower part of the building, basement wall elements extend into the vertical profile posts with their angled legs on the inside of the building. In this position, they are secured by a bracing tube.

Abstract: Connectors for joining struts used to form geodesic domes have first and second sets of semicylindrical portions located alternately on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the connector. In the assembled joint, the first and second sets of adjacent connectors are interleaved and secured by pins or bolts forming hinge-like interconnections.

Abstract: A skylight structure having a condensate removal system and constructed employing rafters and purlins in interconnecting relationship. The rafters have side condensation gutters formed by an upright wall upon which ends of adjacent purlins rest. The purlins rest upon the upright wall of the rafter. Adjacent purlins are secured by means of a purlin locating clip secured to the center support of the rafter and having side extending wings each engaging in a respective purlin groove.

Abstract: A skeletal load-bearing structure for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of tubular girders joined together by connectors. Each girder and each connector is composed of at least two shell elements of thin sheet metal provided with longitudinal flanges by means of which the shell elements are joined together. Each connector shell element has a plurality of smoothly merging arm portions which together with corresponding portions of the other shell elements of the same connector form a plurality of tubular connection stubs to which respective ones of said girders are connected.

Abstract: The furniture or equipment comprises building elements which can be combined in any desired manner as its parts, namely plug connectors, connecting pipes, toggles and plates. The positive plug connection between a connector socket of a plug connector and a pipe end of a connecting pipe of circular-cylindrical form so as to form a plug unit is secured in form locked (positive) fashion by a toggle. For inserting plates between parallel connecting pipes clamp connections are provided.The parts are also of importance by themselves.

Abstract: A structural joint wherein the intersecting members share at least one uninterrupted common surface to provide a particularly stable joint. In the preferred embodiment the composite material elements are protectively coated to prevent moisture absorption, and this coating is later utilized to bond the elements together to form the joint.

Abstract: A connector of a structural part such as a beam with another structural member is disclosed. The connection consists of a first plate which is fastened to the beam in a torsion free manner. The first plate includes a hook having a horizontal supporting area at the lower end and two vertical contact areas. A second plate is fastened to the other structural part and is in planar alignment with the first plate. The second plate includes fitting areas which mate with the supporting area and vertical contact areas of the first plate.

Abstract: A hand and guard rail system has a clamp member made up of two identical elements which have semi-circular sectional portions at right angles to one another. The elements co-operate in clamping so that each portion forms a tubular portion to locate a pair of tubular rail members at right angles to each other.

Abstract: The building is to be constructed of a plurality of interconnected building panels. Each said building panel is to be of a square or rectangular or other convenient polygonal shape and is to include a plurality of corner members with each corner member including a pair of openings, the longitudinal center axes of which intersect. The corner members include a web section which is to be connectable with a brace assembly. An end of an elongated tubular member is to be telescopingly located within each opening of a corner member with the arrangement of the elongated tubular members forming an enclosed area. There is to be a pair of separate brace assemblies located in a crossed arrangement across the enclosed area. Each brace assembly is composed of a pair of members which are interconnected together by a turnbuckle for the purpose of adjustment. Each corner member is constructed of two identical members assembled in a mirror image relationship and welded together.