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 quick assembling coupling system for bar structures consists of an annular disk containing a number of radial sleeves having their longitudinal axes distributed about the annular disk such that the ends of the bars are held in the sleeves by a prismatic lock cover inserted in the center of the annular disk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel architectural joints for use in constructing geodesic domes. The joints disclosed are less costly to manufacture and are of increased strength over prior art joints. Through the use of the joints disclosed, construction of novel geodesic domes not found in the prior art is now possible.

Abstract: A rod joint serves as a construction element of a load-bearing structure for supporting a glass wall or glass roof. A plurality of rods are joined together in the joint by a screwed tab connection. The rod joint (10) is distinguished in that the rods (12-22) abut one another, pressing nonpositively against one another, with their end regions each via at least one end face region and that the end regions of the rods, located in the joint are held, screwed together between two cover disks.

Abstract: One-piece staging support for use in staging which can be horizontally collapsed. Cylindrical pivot supports are supported at a common level about a centrally located cylindrical body for the support of pivoted stage support members.

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 tent has an elongate shell of limp material and a pair of self-erecting frames movable between an erect configuration in which the frames are capable of supporting the shell to define an interior space of the shell and a collapsed configuration in which the shell is compacted and stored in a storage bag. Each of the self-erecting frames comprises a plurality of frame members having an upper end and a lower end. A connecting system connects the upper ends of the frame members and biases the lower ends of the frame members apart to move the frame to its erect configuration. The frame members are movable against the bias of the connecting system to move the frame from its erect configuration to its collapsed configuration. In another embodiment, a portion of the shell comprises a mesh window panel to permit air flow in and out of the interior space of the tent. A window flap is connected to the shell adjacent the window panel for covering the window panel.

Abstract: A cladding support system for a framework including rounded tubular members having an arcuate face and flattened opposite ends inserted into cylindrical hubs. The support element includes an elongated span and opposite end portions each including a terminal end. The span has an arcuate surface in seated engagement with the arcuate face of the tubular member. The end portions of the support element each have a tapered surface coextensive with and angularly disposed relative to the arcuate surface. The tapered surface includes a groove at each terminal end of the support element for receiving the flattened ends of the tubular members. The terminal ends are angular and overhang the cylindrical hubs.

Abstract: A frame assembly which can be converted to various shapes to hold different articles. Inner and outer frame members are utilized with the inner frame member serving to hold a panel or flat plate thus forming an enclosure. The frame members are connected to joints to form the frame assembly. With each joint having a U-shaped plate housing a fastening element which attaches to each outer frame member in a snap fit relationship. A screw rod and adjusting bolt enable a detachable connection between the U-shaped plate and the fastening element. Dual fins of the fastening element behind corresponding protruded blocks lying within the outer frame to allow for connection between frame the fastening element.

Abstract: A joint fitting for use in a unit building provides a box-like support structure for respective ends of a column and beams to strengthen a connection or joint between the column and the beams, with a simple assembling work and low cost involved. In one preferred form, the metal fitting is used in a unit building including a plurality of unit blocks connected together in vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions and each composed of a rectangular tube-like column and at least two rectangular tube-like beams connected together. The joint fitting is composed of a substantially box-shaped metal frame member including at least one column engagement portion fittingly engageable with an end of at least one column, and at least two beam engagement portions fittingly engageable with respective ends of at least two beams.

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 joint for modular shelves which allows assembly or disassembly of shelves more simply in a short period of time, and a modular shelf system using the same. The joint includes a flattered columnar body, one end surface of which forms a front surface and the other end surface of which forms a rear surface. A circumferential side surface of the flattened columnar body is provided with left and right rear frame-fitting slits extending in parallel with the front surface, side frame-fitting slits extending in right angles to the rear frame-fitting slits, and L-shaped shelf-fitting slits which have first side parts extending along the rear frame-fitting slits and second side parts extending along the side frame-fitting slits and which are provided on the left and right sides of the side frame-fitting slits. These slits include both upwardly opened slits and downwardly opened slits.

Abstract: A load bearing truss constructed of composite materials. The truss is made of three or more longitudinal load bearing composite members. Bracing for the truss is a combination of perpendicular and diagonal composite cross-members or all diagonal composite cross-members. The longitudinal and cross-members of the truss are joined together by a sandwich constructed joint which encapsulates the joint area as well as spacers, thereby tying all members together.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut includes a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member are interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting flexible tie struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed. Additionally, wheels are disclosed that have axles having both male and female connection means.

Abstract: Pultruded composite members which interfit to form a rigid post and beam, or beam and brace, are adapted for use in heavy construction in such applications as bridges, buildings including high rise structures, ship deck and the like. Two pultruded shapes are used for the entire framework. A first member ordinarily serving as a beam is pultruded as a completely enclosed thick-walled I-beam with an internal channel which is formed with a continuous scalloped or toothed cross-section on both sides. The mating support member has a bifurcated end with outer sides configured to interlock with the sides of the internal channel of the I-beam. Access into the channel is provided by periodic windows milled into the beam at the precise entry points of the insertion member. The bifurcated end of the insertion member compresses adequately to be inserted into the channel of the cross-beam, where it expands such that the external teeth engage the scalloped walls of the I-beam and lock securely into place.

Abstract: A frame construction with several rod elements, which are connected at a node point by a node element (1) that has several holes (2.1, 2.3, . . . , 2.6) which are arranged on principal axes orthogonal to one another in pairs, distinguished in that a hole (2.2) is provided whose axis (s)--located in a plane defined by two principal axes (y, z)--is offset by preferably 15.degree., at most 20.5.degree., with respect to one of the two last-mentioned principal axes (y, z).

Abstract: An improved, economical spaceframe structural system capable of varying curvature is provided, wherein the ends of elongated frame members have fixedly attached headed ends which, in turn, fit into matching recesses in the connector joint. The connector comprises three, disk-like parts which nestle one on top of another on a common axis and which are held together with a single bolt. Each of the three connector parts share interior faces with another part and have matching recesses for joining the frame member ends. Other matching recessed formations on the interior faces of these parts permit the frame members to assume variable angles with respect to the common axis and, by this means, facilitate the property of variable curvature of the spaceframe structure. A minimum of two frame member ends have an improved T-shape which strengthens the connector under tensile forces, enhances the alignment of the framework during assembly, and helps the spaceframe resist racking after erection.

Abstract: This invention provides a sectional bar system consisting of X-section bars and connecting elements preferably made up of pyramids. The advantages of the invention are a large variety of possible designs and high stability of the sectional bar system as well as easy and inexpensive production of the connecting elements.

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 hot stick adaptor has two members that are adjustably movable relative to each other. A first one of the members has two separate first ratchet areas. A second one of the members has three separate second ratchet ares. A fastener and spring connect the two members to each other with one of the first ratchet areas and one of the second ratchet areas in interlocking engagement. The two members can be moved away from each other in a first direction, compressing the spring, to disengage the interlocking engagement and thereby allow the two members to be moved in a second direction.

Abstract: A framework connector comprises a main body having a hemispherical surface with a plurality of non-circular projections extending outwardly from the hemispherical surface. Each of the projections have at least three longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced land areas. Two of the three land areas are relatively closely spaced and define a projection surface therebetween. Another of the land areas is located opposite the projection surface. A post extends vertically outward from the projection surface. Each connector includes an elongate tubular member for connecting one connector to another connector. The tubular member has an inner diameter selected to slidingly engage the land areas of the projection when the member is inserted over a projection. The tubular member has a hole for receiving the post for releaseably coupling the member to the connector.

Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably interconnecting a plurality of elongated hollow bodies at an angle to each other, comprising a rigid connector element having a central base portion and a plurality of mutually angular legs extending from the base portion, a plurality of partitions or partial partitions carded by the base portion, each partition having an opening for receiving a shank type of fastener and further including at least one elongated hollow body, a boss integral with and disposed within the interior of the hollow body for receiving the shank of a fastener which is received in the opening in the partition.

Abstract: Redundant joints for a wide variety of redundant-joint structures have three-way plumbing elbows (1, 5, 6) with coupling sleeves (2) into which two-way plumbing elbows (9, 13, 14) are inserted and rotated to form an infinite variety of angles of joining edges or sides of structural assemblies bordered by cylindrical beams (15) inserted into sleeves (12) in the two-way elbows. The three-way elbows can have different angles for particular structures than employed for conventional plumbing uses. For other structures, the three-way elbows have the same or similar angles as those employed for conventional plumbing. Two-way elbows with a coupling sleeve at one end and a pipe-sized opposite extension employed for particular forms also can have different or the same angles as employed for conventional plumbing.

Abstract: A joint device has a fastening bolt provided with a first external threaded part to engage a screw hole of a node, a polygonal boss slidably engaged with a sleeve, a third external threaded part and a second reversely threaded part engaged with an anchor nut in a steel pipe. The third part engages with an internal threaded part on the inner face of a bore in an end cap welded on the end of the steel pipe so that the first part can be advanced to the node or retracted into the sleeve. The sleeve has a stopper on the corners of the polygonal hole thereof so that it is prevented from coming off the fastening bolt. The device enables a connection of a steel pipe and a node even where the pipe is inclined or perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: This corner joint, which serves to connect together a plurality of hollow frame members, comprises a metal trunk member containing a plurality of holes and a plurality of metal posts mounted on and projecting from the trunk member. Each post has an inner end fitting in one of the holes, an externally-threaded outer end, and a body portion between the two ends having a non-circular outer periphery. A plurality of hollow plastic sleeves respectively fit over the outer peripheries of the body portions of the posts. Each sleeve has an inner periphery of approximately the same shape and size as the outer periphery of the associated post body portion. Retaining nuts respectively mounted on the outer ends of the posts receive the externally-threaded outer ends of the posts.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of generally hollow frame members is provided. The generally hollow frame members are secured to central portions of core members. The core members are positioned in juxtaposition with respect to one another so as to enclose a space therebetween with the core member extending generally outwardly from the enclosed space. The core members are secured to one another. An associated frame assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A construction system for making latticework structures comprising connectors and rods. Each connector has a base portion with at least two side portions and opposing faces. A first attaching element is attached to a first side portion of the base portion. Second and third attaching elements are secured in axial alignment at spaced locations to a second side portion of the base portion. Respective connectors can be interconnected to each other by placing the first attaching element of one connector between the second and third axially aligned attaching elements of another connector and passing a rod through aligned receiving openings in each of the first, second and third attaching elements. Many of these connectors and rods may be assembled to form larger structures such as cubes, pyramids and other polyhedrons. The connectors themselves may take various shapes such as triangles, sectors and trapezoids.

Abstract: Several cylindrical studs radiate from a spherical central hub to form a connector for joining adjacent ends of tubular structural members. The connector has six orthogonally arranged studs each sized to be fitted in an end portion of a structural member. The connector is formed in two identical halves secured together along a central plane bisecting four of the studs. The hub of the connector has a continuous peripheral wall, and the studs have tapered walls decreasing in thickness from such continuous peripheral wall outward toward the free ends of the studs. In a desired framework construction, one or more of the studs can be cut off without exposing the interior of the hub or jeopardizing the strength of the connector.

Abstract: In order to lower the number of individual components in joint connection-systems of planar or three-dimensional trusses of members and joints and further to reduce the frictional surfaces when implementing a member connection and to make possible a controlled prestressing force, the pipe members 10 comprise member-endpieces 14 with a borehole 16 passing a tap bolt 12 followed inward by a threaded borehole 17 into which is rotated a prestressing muff 18 with an outer thread. When the tap bolt 12 is screwed into a threaded borehole 13 of a joint-adapter 11, the inside end face of the member-endpieces 14 forms a stop for the head 26 of the tap bolt 12. A non-circular segment 23 with flats 25 to seat a corresponding rotating tool is provided to rotate the tap bolt 12 into a threaded borehole 13 of a joint-adapter 11.

Abstract: An interlockable connection system is disclosed herein for releasably joining a selected number of tiles together wherein each tile includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to snap-lock with a retaining element used in common with other tiles so as to provide a composite object composed of multiple tiles of various polygonal shapes. The retaining elements may be of many shapes and tiles may be of a variety of geometric configurations. The connection system provides convenient repeatable joining and unjoining of the retaining elements with the tiles and permits rotation of the joint through a large angle about the axis of the joined tile edges.

Abstract: This invention provides a double-bar connecting device which in one embodiment includes a cubic connector housing having three pairs of mutually orthogonal opposing surfaces. Each surface has two holes passing through to allow elongated bars having the same cross-section as the holes to snugly and tightly extend through the connector housing. Bolts may be provided to further secure the elongated bars to the connector housing. By positioning a number of such connector devices together with the elongated bars extending between connector housings, a three-dimensional frame structure is provided.

Abstract: A joint structure for removably attaching a ball member to an end of a bar member to form a truss structure is disclosed having an engagement member attached to the ball member, which engagement member has an exterior portion extending outwardly of the outer surface of the ball member, and an attachment device associated with the end of the bar member which removably engages the exterior portion of the engagement member. The joint structure according to the present invention may be utilized with bar members with or without tension rods extending through the bar member. The ball structure may be a spherical shell made of metal or fiber reinforced plastic which is located within a hollow concrete sphere. The spherical shell is not removed from the interior of the concrete sphere, but, instead, is used to increase the tensile force resistance of the ball member. The spherical shell may be imbedded in the ball member at the time of forming the concrete ball and can be used as a molding core.

Abstract: A connection assembly having a rod, a joint member with a threaded bore therein, a tapered end piece with a recessed axial through-hole therein, and a set screw received in the through-hole and having a threaded screw end which extends out from one end of the end piece and is threadably received in the threaded bore of the joint member. The end piece has a plurality of end piece bores concentrically arranged around the through-hole and extending substantially parallel thereto. A connection board is secured to an end of the rod and includes a plurality of board bores therein which correspond to the end piece bores. Screws extend through the corresponding end piece bores and board bores to connect the board to the end piece, thereby securely connecting the rod to the joint member.

Abstract: Families of node shapes based on prismatic symmetry for space frame constructions. The node shapes include various polyhedral, spherical, elipsoidal, cylindrical or saddle shaped nodes derived from polygonal prisms and its dual. The node shapes are determined by strut directions which are specified by various directions radiating from the center of a regular prism of any height. A plurality of such nodes is used in single-, double- or multi-layered space frames or space structures where the nodes are coupled by a plurality of struts in periodic or non-periodic arrays. The space frames are suitably triangulated for stability. Applications include a variety of architectural structures and enclosures for terrestrial or (outer) space environments. Suitable model-building kits, toys and puzzles are also possible based on the invention.

Abstract: A guide device including a bolt (5) which through a sleeve insert can be fastened rotatably to one end of a rod (21), which bolt is connected, sliding axially, to the front part of a guide sleeve (16') in such a way that a rotary movement of the guide sleeve (16') can be transmitted to the bolt (5). A spring (20) pushes the bolt (15) out of the guide sleeve (16'), and the rear end of the guide sleeve (16') an approximately bell-shaped flange (17) is provided, which delimits an inside space which is dimensioned such that the head (1) of the sleeve insert can be accommodated therein.

Abstract: A joint connector for a space frame comprises two pairs of opposed brackets having seats for the transverse chords of the grid. Upon securing the brackets one to the other a housing encompasses the intersection of the transverse chords therein. An aperture chord mounting flange extends from each corner and towards the opposing grid of the space frame. Each diagonal chord extending between the upper and lower grids has an aperture mounting plate welded thereto. Upon alignment of apertures between the mounting plate and chord mounting flange, bolt/nut combinations secure one to the other. An alternative embodiment presents a brake/spacer plate to preclude the diagonal chord from being positioned away from a desired extension away from the joint connector. The joint connectors allow the transverse and diagonal chords of the space frame to be secured off-site and/or in a ground-adjacent position which reduces the fabrication assembly and erection costs.

Abstract: A luggage hand cart has a luggage supporting platform supported on wheels, with a pair of uprights extending upwardly from the platform at each end. The upper ends of the uprights are compoundly angled to extend inwardly relative to both the ends and sides of the platform and a pair of opposed, molded, generally Y-shaped plastic fittings, each having a base with a pair of projecting leg parts extending at a compound angle from the base outwardly relative to the sides and ends of the platform and downwardly, telescopically receive the upper ends of the uprights. The fittings each have internal wall structure and the longitudinally extending hanger rod then has its ends telescopically secured in the base portions of the fittings in abutting relation with internal wall structure head parts, while the upper ends of the uprights are secured in abutting relation with internal wall structure in the leg parts of the fittings.

Abstract: Robot-friendly connectors, which, in one aspect are truss joints with two parts, a receptacle and a joint, the joint having a head which is loosely inserted into the receptacle and is then tightened and aligned; in one aspect, the head is a rounded hammerhead which initially is enclosed in the receptacle with a sloppy fit provided by the shape, size and configuration of surfaces on the head and on the receptacle.

Abstract: A quick-connect fastener of a relatively-simple straightforward design is arranged with a tubular body adapted to be engaged against an attachment fitting in coincidental alignment with an opening in that fitting. A tubular collet having flexible fingers projecting from its forward end is arranged in the fastener body to be shifted forwardly by an elongated expander member coaxially arranged within the tubular collet for advancing the collet fingers into the opening in the attachment fitting. Biasing means are arranged between the elongated expander member and a rotatable actuator which is threadedly mounted within the tubular collet so as to be rotated for urging the expander member into engagement with the collet fingers.

Abstract: A connection element for a three-dimensional framework includes a bolt (6, 7, 8, 9) which by means of a sleeve insert (3) can be fastened rotatably to one end of a rod (11), as well as a sleeve (12) into the axial through-bore of which the bolt is partly inserted, to transmit, sliding axially, a rotary movement of the sleeve (12) to the bolt. The through-bore is only in the front part of the sleeve (12) so that it can transmit a rotary movement of the sleeve (12) to the bolt. At the rear part of the sleeve (12) the through-bore has a circumference which is larger than the circumference of the form-locking front part of the through-bore. The bolt is urged out of the sleeve (12) by a spring (13). The front end part (9) of the connection element can be fastened to a junction part (10) of the three-dimensional framework.

Abstract: A connector kit for construction of structures from pipe such as PVC pipe. The connectors include a body (2) through which an aperture (8) is provided. Extending from the body are pins (4,6) onto which a pipe (16) is attached by sliding the pipe over the extensions. The aperture in the body is adapted to receive one of two types of pins. The first of the two types of pins (12) is of sufficient length that it will allow slotted ends thereon to extend out of both the top and bottom of the body when inserted. The second type of pin (14) will extend out of only one end of the body when inserted therein. The two pin types allow the use of a single body type for internal and external connections within a structure, but also on top or bottom portions of a structure.

Abstract: A portable display structure comprising a number of upright columns joined by a number of horizontally extending beams, the columns and/or beams being formed in a similar manner of a central structural member made of a number of units and each unit comprising a plurality of rod elements connected at their ends to associated hubs.

Abstract: The invention is a quick-release connector to be used with a collapsible display frame structure as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,560. The invention permits quick coupling and release between a rear and front hub as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,210. During use, the quick-release connector provides a solid lock when mounted in a coupled position with a hub. The release of the connector from a coupled position occurs upon movement of a slidable sleeve. A spring maintains contact between the slidable sleeve and the connector collar during coupling. Engagement of the slidable sleeve separates the sleeve from the collar permitting the connector to be pulled free from the hub. A split housing couples the connector to the hub. A spring-loaded slidable sleeve maintains the split housing in a locked position. The rear end of the connector is releasably mounted to a hub of a collapsible display frame structure.

Abstract: A node coupler for interlocking truss beams of a self-standing structure. The coupler includes at least one pair of diverging elongated arms. Each arm has a cylindrical inner end portion and a thin outer end portion, engaged into the cylindrical hollow of a given truss beam. A slit is made in the arm outer end portion, to release a spring-loaded U-shape clip. The U-clip has a transverse finger to engage a bore in the wall of the truss beam, under the bias of the clip spring load.

Abstract: A device for joining an elongate structural member having a hollow end to a connector node includes a cover for the hollow end and an elongate bolt extending a threaded end therethrough for engaging with the node. A portion of the bolt between the threaded distal end and a bolt head at the opposite end has the form of a square cross-sectioned boss which has an external thread cut into corner portions thereof such that the square boss can be threaded through an internally threaded aperture in the cover, this internally threaded aperture being smaller than the bolt head. A sleeve having a length longer than the square boss has a square through-aperture sized to slidingly fit around the square boss.

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 collapsible framework is constructed of rods pivotally joined at their ends to hubs to form a self-standing unit when expanded and to fold into a small set of nearly parallel rods when folded. In one embodiment in which the expanded frame forms an array of cubicles, the hubs are designed to pivotally join the ends of four rods, with the plane defined by the pivot axes of one pair of opposing rods being offset from the plane defined by the pivot axes of the other pair of opposed rods attached to the same hub. One pair of rods attached to each hub can pivot on one of several pivot points on extended hub flanges to thereby provide expanded frameworks of various arcuate configurations. A stab-connection latch locks two hubs together and secures the framework in the expanded position. Folding channel bars are attached to knobs on vertically aligned hubs by keyslots.

Abstract: A three-dimensional framed structure is built up by interconnecting rod members end to end by knuckle members. Each rod member includes, at either end, a sleeve in which a connecting bolt is axially inserted from the inner side, and a rotary member disposed at an outer end of the sleeve in such a manner that each said rotary member is not turnable relative to the connecting bolt and is movable axially relative thereto. A temporarily holding means is carried by the sleeve. The temporarily holding means can project outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve to temporarily hold the bolt from being axially moved relative to the rotary member until the bolt is screwed into one of screw holes of one of the knuckle members to some extent, and the temporarily holding means can be retracted into the sleeve, until it is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve, when the bolt is screwed into the one screw hole of the knuckle member to some extent.

Abstract: A hinged three-dimensional display system primarily intended for advertising and display purposes, is constructed of bars or tubes and connecting pieces, the bars or tubes being pivoted to each other in pairs at their mid-points and forming crossing diagonal struts in the display system, wherein each pair of diagonal bars or tubes is either on a mutually parallel, horizontal plane or on a vertical plane that is at right angles to the former. The system is braced vertically by easily mountable and dismountable struts which are attached on the outside of the display system, on and between adjacent connecting pieces, and on the outward-facing side of which pictures, illustrative material etc. can be attached. Each connecting piece includes a central part having one end provided with four tangentially protruding pivot pins, lying in a single plane and located 90.degree. in relation to each other.

Abstract: The construction system of the present invention comprises a plurality of connectors and a plurality or struts, each of the connectors including three discrete flat elements interconnected in three mutually perpendicular planes, each of the three flat elements being composed of a semi-rigid material, each of the three flat elements having a plurality of outwardly directed prongs, and each of the struts being tubes into which the prongs project. The three flat elements are connected by engaging notches and slots. The prongs and the struts are connected by engaging catches and apertures. At least two of the elements have central openings presenting internal profiles and outer peripheries presenting external profiles.