Abstract: An one-piece corner connector for connecting two frame bars at right angles to one another includes a right-angle bracket having two angle legs, an intermediate plate, and two U-profile connecting pieces at right angles, having a middle leg and two side legs for insertion into the plug-in openings in the frame bars which are open at one end. The middle legs of the U-profile connecting pieces are formed on and run with their outer side parallel to the intermediate plate. The one outer side legs of the U-profile connecting pieces are each formed on one of the angle legs and run with their outer side parallel to the outer side of the angle leg. The other inner side legs of the U-profile connecting pieces are connected to one another by means of a wall element which is angled from the intermediate plate.

Abstract: This utility model discloses a kind of outdoor furniture with a non-welded and quick-installed structure, including a furniture body, is characterized in that the connection of each pipe of the furniture body mentioned is realized through the interference fit between the fittings and adjacent pipes. The utility model eliminates the welding and polishing processes and simplifies the assembly process through the interference fit of the two-coupling, three-coupling and four-coupling fittings with pipes for the early stage brackets, greatly saving the labor cost and production cost.

Abstract: Aircraft wings have an interior volume that incorporates a space frame as a primary supporting structure of the wing, and enables securement of an aircraft fuselage to the wing. The space frame includes carbon fiber rods arranged to handle tensile and compression loads otherwise carried by conventional wing spars, ribs, and stringers normally connected to heavy structural metal wing box joints at the sides of a fuselage for attachment of left and right wings. The space frame also includes sleeve and shaft connectors secured to the carbon fiber rods, the connectors arranged in truss-like configurations for preventing buckling of the carbon fiber rods. The space frame is designed to extend at least midspan between wings, so that traditional wing box joints on a fuselage can be eliminated. Finally, wing skin panels secured to the space frame are designed to support only aerodynamic loads of flight.

Abstract: Method and system disclosed herein provides generating a three-dimensional construction grid based on a data file generated by an architectural software, wherein the three-dimensional grid includes three-dimensional position information of various structural building components; displaying the three-dimensional construction grid using a display device of a computing device; receiving information of various non-structural building components, the information including location of the non-structural building components on the three-dimensional grid; associating the non-structural building components to one or more of the structural components of the three-dimensional grid; and automatically generating a plurality of specifications for the non-structural building components.

Abstract: An assembly of a platform assembly and a support structure, the platform assembly comprising a flexible platform, a plurality of support straps arranged to support the platform, a plurality of clamps supported by the support structure, the plurality of clamps provided along a side of the platform and clamping a side section of the platform, and a plurality of tensioning devices attached to the support straps at attachment locations and arranged to tension the support straps, wherein the attachment locations of the tensioning devices are positionable independently of the position of the clamps, and a method of assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game comprises a three dimensional structure assembled from a plurality of interconnectable and disengageable construction elements. Each construction element is a shaped elongate body piece with two end mating faces or surfaces. Each mating surface has a male or female connector or two female orifices plus a four way male connector to enable each construction element to connect to and disengage other like construction elements. The interconnection between two contacting faces or surfaces is allowable in one orientation only.

Abstract: A building system comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of connection nodes comprising tubular sections for connection to the tubes, wherein the tubes are arranged to connect between the connection nodes to form a frame for a building, wherein at least one continuous cavity is formed through at least a portion of the nodes and tubes when the nodes and tubes are connected, the building system further comprising fluid tight seals between the tubes and connection nodes to enable fluid to flow through the at least one continuous cavity.

Abstract: A work platform for coiled-tubing downhole operations apparatus and method, for safe, efficient, and relatively inexpensive extended access to the elevated top of the section of riser pipe necessary for the use of coiled tubing for downhole operations such as drilling, production, intervention, logging, work-over, and fracturing the reservoir. The access is achieved by providing a shell-like riser-pipe sleeve which attaches securely, but removably, to the top section of riser pipe itself, in such a way that balanced support is obtained without placing dangerous strain on the riser pipe, and by providing a shell-like platform securely, but removably, connected to and supported by the riser-pipe sleeve, which in turn is supported by the riser pipe itself. An integral elevator or lift for personnel and equipment, which is stable without any attachment or anchoring to a work deck, which is safe for personnel, is provided.

Abstract: A work platform for coiled-tubing downhole operations apparatus and method, for safe, efficient, and relatively inexpensive extended access to the elevated top of the section of riser pipe necessary for the use of coiled tubing for downhole operations such as drilling, production, intervention, logging, work-over, and fracturing the reservoir. The access is achieved by providing a shell-like riser-pipe sleeve which attaches securely, but removably, to the top section of riser pipe itself, in such a way that balanced support is obtained without placing dangerous strain on the riser pipe, and by providing a shell-like platform securely, but removably, connected to and supported by the riser-pipe sleeve, which in turn is supported by the riser pipe itself.

Abstract: A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners.

Abstract: A multidimensional structures that is formed of thirty six interconnecting members in such a manner as to form eight (8) tetrahedrons and six (6) octahedrons thereby providing a structure that is both light weight and strong, the interconnecting members variously intersecting at a central point that may be formed of a single unified structure having fillets in the middle of the multidimensional structure and at twelve (12) external connecting points.

Abstract: A multidimensional structures that is formed of thirty six interconnecting members in such a manner as to form eight (8) tetrahedrons and six (6) octahedrons thereby providing a structure that is both light weight and strong, the interconnecting members variously intersecting at a central point in the middle of the multidimensional structure and at twelve (12) external connecting points.

Abstract: A toy building block system and method involving a posable structure comprising a metal linkage, the structure having a plurality of ends and a Lego-like brick having means for coupling at least one of the plurality of ends of the posable linkage thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of elongate members to form a support structure for supporting an accessory is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a rigid body having a top end and a bottom end, at least three inclined through holes and a vertical through hole within the rigid body wherein each through hole is configured for receiving a corresponding elongate member such as, for example a disassembled section of a telescopic trekking pole, and also an accessory mount configured for supporting a camera to a top end of an elongate member secured within the vertical through hole. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment is configured for interconnecting four elongate members such that three of elongate members form a tripod support base below the rigid body and the fourth elongate member extends upwardly above the rigid body and supports a camera at the top end via an accessory mount.

Abstract: A joint for use in making a shipping crate includes a base and a pair of orthogonal channels which extend upwardly from the base and are open from above. Each channel has an inner closed end and an outer open end, and has a width, along a length of the channel between the inner and outer ends, which is greater than the width at the inner and outer ends. The channel is preferably defined by an outer wall, an inner wall, and a pair of reinforcement members located at the inner and outer ends to define the region of smaller width at each end. The reinforcement members are preferably hollow vertical members which are rectangle or square in cross-section and which extend from the inner wall towards the outer wall. Preferably, at their inner ends, the channels share a reinforcement member.

Abstract: A post coupler is provided with a pair of coupler flanges having rivet receiving apertures for receiving rivets extending from horizontal shelf-supporting beams to facilitate vertical shelf placement in a shelving unit unfettered by the vertical disposition of the post couplers. Apertures in the coupler index with apertures in abutting corner post sections to permit rivet extension therethrough. The reverse bend flanges of the coupler have a length shorter than the overall length of the coupler.

Abstract: A three dimensional polyhedron frame structure formed by a plurality of rigid rods and a plurality of hubs in which each rod has a retractable bolt at at least one end for assembly into a socket of a hub having a plurality of sockets that accept a plurality of rods with the rods being assembled to the hubs in different directions to form frames of various polyhedron shapes. A board is attached to at least one horizontal rod forming a vertical face of a prism frame so that its angle of inclination can be adjusted to demonstrate a principle of gravity. Preferably the rods are electrically conductive and the hubs are non-conductive so that wires can be connected to selected rods to form an electrical circuit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A domed structure (500) comprises a plurality of struts (505) of equal or a reduced number of differing lengths. The struts are held in place by hubs (510, 515, 1400). In one aspect, a first hub secures the ends of inserted struts at a constant distance from its center, while other hubs secure the ends of inserted struts at predetermined distances from their centers. The differences between the various predetermined distances is the difference in strut lengths required by the design of the structure. Thus all struts are of equal length and identical, or a reduced number of lengths, resulting in an economy of scale and ease of construction. A cover can be added after the structure is built. Alternatively, the hubs can be sewn into a fabric or plastic cover for further ease of construction. The struts can be glued in place, or removed from the hubs to disassemble the structure.

Abstract: An adapter includes a main body, at least one jointer and at least one screw. The main body is a hexahedron and has six combining surfaces. Each of the combining surfaces is formed with at least one threaded bore. The jointer is adapted for an extender to connect thereto, and the jointer has an abutting surface to attach to one of the combining surfaces. An area of the abutting surface is not larger than an area of its corresponding combining surface. The abutting surface has at least one through bore corresponding to the at least one threaded bore. The screw is extended through the through bore and threaded with the threaded bore to detachably fix the jointer with the main body.

Abstract: A three-way connector for a cabinet frame, including a body 1, multiple positioning columns 4, 8, a pair of M6 tapping holes 7, a pair of M6 tapping holes 11, a M12 tapping hole 3, a ten-folded section 6, and a fifteen-folded section 10. A pair of triangular corners 2 is disposed on both sides of the body 1. The M12 tapping hole 3 is disposed at the top of the body 1. The positioning columns 4 are fit with a cavity of the ten-folded section 6. The M6 tapping holes 7 are disposed on the positioning columns 4, and fit with an installation hole of the ten-folded section 6. The positioning columns 8 are fit with a cavity of the fifteen-folded section 10, and are parallel to each other. The M6 tapping holes 11 are disposed on the positioning columns 8.

Abstract: A connecting node comprises a polyhedral structure comprising a plurality of panels joined together at its side edges to form a spherical approximation, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a faceted surface being constructed with a passage for integrating with one of a plurality of elements comprising a docking port, a hatch, and a window that is attached to the connecting node. A method for manufacturing a connecting node comprises the steps of providing a plurality of panels, connecting the plurality of panels to form a spherical approximation, wherein each edge of each panel of the plurality is joined to another edge of another panel, and constructing at least one of the plurality of panels to include a passage for integrating at least one of a plurality of elements that may be attached to the connecting node.

Abstract: A new connecting node set that is unique and surprisingly effective at aligning interfacing holes in connecting nodes is illustrated by their application to radial tetrahedral structures. This method of connecting one node to another requires that a left handed node be connected to a right handed node. They are called left handed or right handed because their lines of interface in at least two directions of intended use are geometrically coincident with straight line rulings of a hyperboloid of revolution of one sheet which itself consists of two families of straight line rulings, designated a left handed and a right handed family respectively. With these nodes, magnets could be placed on the lines of interface (opposite placement in a left handed one from a right handed one) and thus the magnets would always attract or repel as preferred.

Abstract: Joint element for a pneumatic structural element (1) according to the prior art, comprising a sleeve (2), a compression member (3), two tension members (4) and two spherical caps (5). In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps (5) such that an opening (10) accommodates the spherical cap (5). The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element (1), the compressive forces being absorbed by the compression member (3) and the tensile forces being absorbed by the tension members (4). The joint element has holes (12) for fastening the compression member (3) with a screw (15), on the one hand, and holes (11) for accommodating the tension members (4), on the other hand.

Abstract: A supporting framework with connection node and struts has at least two strut receiving elements, each strut receiving element being arranged centrally on an imaginary cube face of the connection node. Arms extend from the strut receiving elements and run parallel to the edges of the imaginary cube face and extend up to an edge of the imaginary cube face that is perpendicular to the arms. The arms of one strut receiving element meet arms of an adjacent strut receiving element arranged orthogonal thereto and form at least one loop. A connection element can be hooked into the loop for producing a diagonal connection.

Abstract: A convex polyhedron is formed from planar polygonal members, wherein aligned sides of adjacent abutting polygonal members meet to form edges of the polyhedron. A flexible polycarbonate plastic joining tab fits into slots in the centers of sides of adjacent polygonal members to enable adjustment of the dihedral angle between the adjacent polygonal members. A supplemental source of support such as hook and loop strips are used to fasten joined polygonal members securely in place at a desired alignment and dihedral angle. The polygonal members have mirrored interior faces which impart infinite internal reflections within an interior of the polyhedron, wherein one of the polygonal members is a two-way transparent mirror serving as a viewport, allowing a user to see into the infinitely-reflective interior of the polyhedron.

Abstract: A modular structural system includes a hub in the general shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon, which may be somewhat rounded or may have a regular shape. The system includes a plurality of other structural members, such as hub spokes, for interfacing adjacent the hub, and leg spokes, for interfacing with the hub or with the hub spokes. The system also includes cross braces for providing additional support between the hub spokes and leg spokes. The hub, the hub spokes, leg spokes, and cross braces are joined by bores in the individual pieces and a plurality of dowels or rods placed into the bores. From these modular pieces, and currently available structural members, many useful and recreational structures may be assembled and then disassembled, such as frames, garden structures, furniture, shelving, and the like.

Abstract: A three-dimensional joint structure of a support frame for vehicles can include two hollow profiles, of which the first hollow profile has at least one planar side and is cut through around its circumference except for a web lying in this planar side and is bent around this web. The second hollow profile has at least two planar sides that press against the ends of the first hollow profile resulting from the cutting and bending. The two hollow profiles are integrally joined to one another at the edge region of the ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray plug that includes a base portion; a plurality of towers extending upwardly away from the base portion; a secondary base portion contiguous with the underside of the base portion; and a means for securing the plug to a display structure, whereby the tray plug can be quickly secured and subsequently removed from a display such as a point-of-purchase display.

Abstract: A radial-hinge mechanism includes one or more elongated members arranged and interconnected into a unique, geometry-based, closed-loop assembly often resembling a multi-point star when in its fully-closed mode. The mechanism's signature function is its variable nature of pivoting open from a centralized hinge-core as its substantially circular inner-aperture concurrently contracts in its own circular dimensions. Additionally, the mechanism has a natural susceptibility to spring-biasing techniques to further modify its versatility and performance.

Abstract: Structural system and method are disclosed for building a simpler and more efficient double layer reticulated frame structure. The double layer reticulated frame structure includes an internal network that has a lower strut frequency than the external network. The lower strut frequency helps reduce the overall weight, cost, and construction time of the structure. Diagonal struts space apart and connect the internal and external networks. The diagonal struts are connected in an alternating manner such that no more than two diagonal struts are connected together at any point.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular frameworking system having various apparatuses and methods of attaching same. A framework built according to the present invention includes a plurality of hubs or nodes, each hub including a plurality of pairs of opposing flat faces. Each face can connect to at least one connector. The present invention includes primary “T” shaped connectors that attach directly to the hubs and secondary “L” shaped connectors that attach to the primary connectors and thus the hub. An adapter is provided and connects at one end to a leg of the connector and at the other end to a structural member, e.g., a straight or curved tube, angle or channel. The adapter and structural member are readily removable from the hub and the connector. The connector can be curved and alternatively includes a hinge so that the connector can rotate. The connectors can attach to each face of the hub and can be rotated in multiple directions on any given face of the hub.

Abstract: An improved structure of a framework is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of connectors having provided with holes, and notch seats are employed in the framework for connecting side rods, slanting rods, and supporting device to form into a stable and conveniently foldable framework. The end section of the side rod is mounted with a rotatable connector for interlinking of the side rods. This facilitates the extension of the framework vertically and/or horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular system for constructing a tubular structure. The improved system allows the tubing to be assembled and disassembled in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the tubing without having to move the tubing along its centerline. The improved system allows the tubing to be positioned at various angles. The system also enables curved tubing to be used. In an embodiment, the structural system includes a hub and a connector that removably couples to the hub. The connector has a first end that couples to the hub and a second that defines a notch. One of the walls of the notch connects to a flange that may extend in one or two directions from the centerline of the connector. The connector and flange removably couple to one end of an adapter, which contains a mating notch, wherein the adapter receives a tube.

Abstract: A polyhedron-like structural assembly comprises a plurality of polygonal frames installed in upright position on each of a pair of opposite sides of a structural assembly that is square-shaped in a plan view, a plurality of frames having H-shaped cross-sections and connecting the polygonal frames to form a plurality of triangular planes therebetween, a plurality of polygonal flat plates attached in the triangular planes to provide polyhedron-like upper walls and polyhedron-like side walls between the polygonal frames, and a joint disposed in the center of the assembly and having a plurality of arms formed to fit within the frames.

Abstract: The invention herein of a spherical connector and supporting rod assembly is mainly designed as a structure of a multi-angular spheroid with multiple tangent planes of six cubical quadrilaterals and twelve beveled hexagons, and with mounting holes disposed respectively at the centers of the quadrilateral and the beveled hexagonal tangent planes to make each spherical connector having eighteen mounting holes with included angles pointing at different directions so as to increase the application of a single spherical connector and to make all the spherical connectors have the identical structure for exchangeable connection to not only fully comply with the needs of specific application, but also to be able to make various applications by using the supporting rods pointing at different mounting angles to directly fulfill the specific need of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for prefabricated structures, including a first connector which consists of a central connecting part and six unit members with two tetrahedral connecting parts mutually bound; a second connector which consists of a base connected to the central connecting part or the tetrahedral connecting parts from the first connector; a supporting rod formed in a unit on the base, a connecting part and a lamp support part formed in an unit on the supporting rod. It thereof allows us to build a structure by consecutively connecting a plurality of different truss members in various angles.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least a coupling lever and at least two substantially flat frames of equilateral polygonal shape, each of which defines a frame space therein and each of which includes equilateral side portions that confine the frame space, and pivotal parts that are disposed within the frame space and that are connected to the side portions. The coupling lever has two opposite pivotal ends respectively pivoted to a selected one of the pivotal parts of one of the frames and a selected one of the pivotal parts of the other one of the frames so as to permit the frames to be turnable relative to the coupling lever.

Abstract: A climbing structure includes a first strut having an elongate portion, a first end portion and a transition portion between the elongate portion and the first end portion. The transition portion has a reduced thickness relative to the first end portion. A connection member has first and second connectable plates defining a first cavity. The first cavity is sized to receive and secure the first end portion therein.

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 continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A tubular connector includes a tubular member and a retaining member. The tubular member includes proximate and distal tubular ends, and an intermediate portion interposed therebetween. The intermediate portion has an outer surrounding wall surface which is formed with two slits and a transverse slit inter-communicated with the two slits to thereby form a resilient tongue portion. The retaining member is disposed on the resilient tongue portion to be adapted to engage an engaging hole in a rod member.

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

Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: 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 play and climbing equipment structure including a support structure with at least three sloping beams that form a vertex where the three beams meet, and that form a polyhedral shape having a triangular shaped bottom. At least one flexible planar surface is positioned within the interior of the support structure and is attached to the sloping beams. A contoured object is placed immediately under the vertex, and restricts the excessive inward movement of the beams, thereby preventing unintended collapse of the structure.

Abstract: An improved stability canvas tensioning picture frame which is formed by a plurality of abutting frame members is provided with a tapered screw and facing tapered channels in the abutting frame members, with each of the abutting frame members having a semi-circular slot adapted to receive an apertured disk in a mild interference fit, with the single apertured disk providing longitudinal and lateral stability between the abutting frame members when the screw is screwed down into the tapered channel to move the abutting members away from each other.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.