Abstract: A mechanism for coupling a strut (30) to a nodal element (32) comprises a female coupling fixture (31) and a male coupling fixture (33). The female coupling fixture (31) includes an elongate cylindrical member (35), a distal end of which is hemicylindrically configured with an inner surface that is contoured to receive a conjugately contoured knob on a distal end of the male coupling fixture (33) in mating engagement. The female coupling fixture (31) also includes a sleeve (36), which is slidable coaxially from an OPEN position around an intermediate portion of the cylindrical member (35) to a LOCKED position around the matingly engaged distal ends of the cylindrical member (35) and the male coupling fixture (33). Spring-biases locking bars (50) and (51) maintain the sleeve (36) in the LOCKED position.

Abstract: A device comprising a frame composed of lengths of tubing and coupling pieces interconnecting the same, coupling piece and coupling piece parts for the same, each coupling piece having a cubical body provided on each outer face with a recess with undercut engaging rims for receiving a base part of an arm connected with a tubing and having complementary engaging rims in a manner such that the arm is fixed in place at least in the direction transverse of the outer face. The edge of the body is equal to the thickness of the tubings, the body consists of two identical parts having a square head face, each part having complementary connecting means for joining a body part by a base face to the base face of the other body part in a direction transverse of the head face, while each side face has a recess which is accessible only from the base face for the base part of the arm and which forms, together with a corresponding recess in the other body part, the recess for receiving the base part of an arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a folding structure and more particularly, to a novel hinge mechanism for use with a folding structure. The hinge mechanism comprises a corner joint with at least one flange extending therefrom. A pivotal support means is provided with a securing means to secure the corner joint to the support means to provide a pivotal connection thereto. The novel hinge mechanism when used with the folding structure provides a device which is simple to manufacture, easy to use and which requires no special tools or expertise to assemble or disassemble. It can be quickly and easily converted from a folded position to an unfolded position and vice versa.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for engaging toothpicks to assemble a toy structure having different possible structural configurations. The toy structure is formed using toothpicks in conjunction with one or more support members, each support member including a plurality of support sleeves radiating outwardly therefrom. Each support sleeve has a conically shaped passageway therein for engaging one end of the toothpick wherein the support sleeve connects the toothpick to the support member. The toy structure is assembled by interconnecting the toothpicks with a plurality of support members. The support sleeves project outwardly in both the horizontal and vertical directions to provide support for toothpicks in the horizontal and vertical planes. The unattached end of a toothpick is "capped" with an additional support member having support sleeves thereon to act as sites for future expansion.

Abstract: Interconnecting apparatus (10) for a pair of structural members or space frame assemblies is disclosed. Apparatus (10) includes a button (12) attached to an end of one structural member and a receiver (18) attached to the end of another structural member. Receiver (18) includes a cradle (38) with a wall (40) on one side and a lip (42) on the other. Button (12) fits snugly into cradle (38) between wall (40) and lip (42) and is retained there by a locking mechanism, such as clip (24). Interconnect mechanism (10) may be used in a variety of applications including connecting a pair of trusses together and creating a space frame structure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a clip for securing together adjacent collapsible, expandable, self-locking, self-supporting structures which include a plurality of pairs of crossed rod elements pivotally joined in scissored fashion to each other and to hubs having openings therein, the structures having at least one hub of each section adjacent each other, and the clip having at least two stems with each stem being interlockingly received in an associated opening of the adjacent hubs to thereby secure the structures to each other in any one of a plurality of different configurations.

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: Faced with the necessity to establish a mechanical connection between the components of a supporting structure, a great many techniques and devices have been developed. This invention adds to the existing repertory a joint where a plurality of elongated members, positioned in a circular configuration, is held together by a link which embraces them all at once, thus eliminating the need for separate fastening devices on each and every single member. The elongated members protrude from the joint at predetermined angles projecting towards adjacent joints in a predetermined distance, thereby defining in shape and size entire structures. The joints may be secured against rotation and shifting, individually by means of pins or keys, or collectively by fitting trigonal, tetragonal or pentagonal panels between a corresponding number of joints.

Abstract: A space frame is made from a plurality of truss modules and transverse chords. The truss modules and transverse chords are interconnected by fasteners contained therein. The truss modules have split longitudinal chords which are abutted to interconnect the truss modules. The transverse chords interconnect with the truss modules which are alternatingly arranged in two parallel planes to form the space frame matrix.

Abstract: A special structure comprising equidistantly positioned knuckles, a set of sections, and means for joining either end of said sections to said knuckles, where each knuckle is made up from two hollow base pieces whose outside shape is approximately that of a spherical shell in which there is a number of equidistantly positioned holes at an angular distance of a width respect to one another. At least one of the base pieces has a perimeter area which is bent inwards. An arrangement for the attachment of the first base piece is provided. When the base pieces are joined together all equidistantly positioned holes lie at an angular distance with respect to one another.

Abstract: A metal space truss comprises two generally horizontally extending and vertically spaced lattices, an upper one composed of two intersecting groups of parallel steel T-bars having downwardly directed webs with generally vertically oriented side faces forming one or more inner corners in each node, and a lower one composed of two intersecting groups of parallel steel bars also having cross sections presenting generally vertically oriented side faces forming in each node one or more inner corners being unobstructed in a direction towards said upper lattice. The two lattices are interconnected by a plurality of struts, each of which has a generally trough-shaped cross section and extends from a first node in said upper lattice to a second node in said lower lattice in a manner to form an oblique angle with the respective planes of the two lattices and also an oblique angle to the bars thereof.

Abstract: A master fitting is disclosed adapted to be subdivided into a set of vertex fittings for use in a truss structure which comprises a plurality of frame elements. Interchangeable vertex fittings with accurately aligned surfaces, slots and holes are provided at a low cost. The vertex fittings are adapted to form the frame elements with mating struts, or to form hinge joints for interconnecting groups of frame elements. The invention permits ease of assembly and quick and easy removal and replacement of a strut in the truss structure.

Abstract: A beam assembly (1), in which two hollow beams (2,3) are head connected to each other by means of a connecting member (9) formed by two concave plates (11,12) arranged with their concavities facing in opposite directions and each extending part inside one and part inside the other of the above two beams (2,3); the two plates (11,12) cooperate with a force element (25) which moves them apart and against opposite walls (2) of each of the above two beams (2,3).

Abstract: A structural connection between a tubular thermosetting plastics member and a thermoplastics end cap is described. An end of the tubular member is inserted into an annular, axially extending gap in the thermoplastics end cap. The inner and outer wall surfaces of the gap are threaded. Adhesive fills the space between the end of the tubular member and the threaded surfaces of the gap.

Abstract: A ledger hanger for a geodesic dome having a seat and upstanding sidewalls connected to a spline which serves as a seat back and an adaptor connected to the spline. The adapter connects to a metal hub connector in the wall of the geodesic dome. A special pin securely attaches the ledger hanger to the structural metal hub in the wall. Ledger members are placed in the seats of the ledger hanger, bolted and form a secure partial or full ring around the inside perimeter of the dome at a second floor height.

Abstract: A web section for a space frame has a node member attached to each end of the web member. A nodal section of the space frame is made up of four web sections which interconnect the chords of the space frame. Each node member of the web section is one quarter of the nodal section of the space frame. The space frame utilizing these web sections has two levels of chords interconnected by the web sections. The nodal section has a protective cover to cover and protect the fasteners to prevent corrosion as well as to improve the esthetics of the space frame by eliminating any exposed external fasteners.

Abstract: A three-dimensional reticulated structure or space lattice structure is formed of metal rods tapered at their ends so that the loss of cross-section leads to a thickening of the tubular wall of the rod, whereby it can be threaded at its ends by removal of material without losing mechanical strength. This is preferably attained by coining through at least six successive passes in dies of increasingly smaller dimensions. The knots or junctions are bored metal cups, said rods converging into the bores thereof and being fixed simply by bolts. A plug of concrete reinforced with steel fibres closes the base of the cup while allowing its reopening for inspection and maintenance, and provides further mechanical strength to the assembly.

Abstract: A structural system and method which utilizes a plurality of three dimensional nodal connectors and one or more struts extending between and secured to the nodal connectors. Each connector is comprised of at least three relatively flat planar plates and preferably, three pairs of relatively flat planar plates which are assembled in three mutually perpendicular planes in space. Each of these plates in each of the three pairs are substantially similar in both size and shape and are uniquely designed so that they are capable of being interfitted in the mutually perpendicular planes. Also each of the struts are substantially similar in both size and shape and may be connected to the nodal connectors at connection regions which are slightly resilient so that the struts are capable of being snap fitted between such plates of each connector and releaseably retained therein.

Abstract: A hub for use in the construction of geodesic domes is disclosed. The hub is formed from a plurality of pairs of elongate plate members. Each pair of elongate plate members includes two elongate plate members of dissimilar length, each having a circular orifice located a selected distance from one end thereof. The two elongate plate members are disposed in spaced apart parallel relationship and adapted to receive and restrain an elongate wooden strut therebetween utilizing a bolt threaded through the circular orifices. Each of the pairs of elongate plate members is then interconnected at at least three points with the remaining pairs of elongate plate members to form a central junction having increased structural reliability due to the multiple interconnection points. A preferred embodiment of the hub is constructed by welding together a plurality of elongate metal plates.

Abstract: A shelf system comprises structural rods with hollow ends, coupling elements each consisting of a body and a plurality of spigots for interconnecting the ends of the structural members, and shelf brackets designed to fit the ends of the structural members and to be held thereon by the inserted coupling spigots. On each coupling element one spigot is tubular or rod-like and each other spigot consists of a plurality of flat blades of which the edges define an envelope corresponding to the internal cross sections of the rod ends.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a support system for buildings having straight, longitudinally and transversely extending girders which are subjected to both compressive and tensional stresses. The girders are releasably connected to one another by connecting members. The girders and the connecting members are each in the form of a single casting made of a ductile metallic material such as gray cast iron with spheroidal graphite, malleable cast iron or cast steel.

Abstract: The ends of cylindrical girders are provided with spherical members mounted thereto. Sets of twelve, eight or four girders can be connected by a single joint, depending upon the configuration thereof. Each joint includes first and second parts which assemble, by means of a single bolt, to form a structure within which the spherical girder end members are received. The joint parts are provided with openings through which the girders extend. Some of the openings are elongated so that the position of the girders extending therethrough can be varied relative to the joint. The joint parts may be provided with external structural rigidity enhancement members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved free-standing tent frame having at least three four-sided collapsible subframes linked together in side-by-side relation and angled relative to one another so as to stand alone while leaving a gap between the endmost subframes, and a triangularly-segmented roof frame having one more triangular segment than there are subframes in the wall structure. The invention is also characterized by a hub assembly for the subframes of the wall assembly that comprises a series of three or more strut-receiving socket subassemblies hingedly interconnected to produce a closed polygon in which those having four or more sides are self-adjusting to accommodate various included angles between adjacent struts without the latter having to bow or bend.

Abstract: A hub for use in a space frame assembly which can be joined to a like hub by a strut member by bolt means connecting the strut to the hub in a preset spacing and in which the bolt means includes spherical bearing surfaces for positioning and a column member surrounding each bolt means to provide a compression load transfer path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling or plugging square tubes, which comprises a hollow base member having a hollow coupling member projecting therefrom and, if desired, one or more other coupling members projecting from the base member. The other coupling members have axial partitions in the mid-portions thereof, at least the mid-portion of which is thick enough to receive a sheet metal screw and, if desired, there is provided a plug for the hollow coupling member for receiving a sheet metal screw.

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

Abstract: A hollow spherical connector for securing framework members of a network structure, the connector comprising a hollow spherical main part and a closing shell part which when secured to the main part gives the connector a spherical outer configuration.

Abstract: Elongated width, depth and vertical posts of a structural metal frame are joined in mutually perpendicular relationship at the frame corners by a gusset sub-assembly consisting of a right angle brace reinforced by a gusset plate. The posts are each of C-shaped cross-section to provide a coextensive slot flanked by flanges having preformed therein corresponding hole patterns utilized by self-tapping screws to secure the gusset sub-assembly thereto. Integral fingers bent back from the terminations of the brace penetrate the slots to resiliently engage the width and depth posts and impart tension to the corner assembly joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint for trusses having members comprising tube-like hollow bodies, comprising a core member to which is welded a plurality of transition pieces to which free end a tubular member can be welded, the cross section of the transition pieces changing between the free end of these and the end which is welded to the core member.

Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.

Abstract: A connecting member for connecting a plurality of elongated hollow frame members together to form a desired structure. The connecting member is formed of plastic material and comprises a plurality of arms extending in different directions and which are adapted to be inserted into the hollow frame members. The arms are I-shaped in cross-section and have spring biased locking members adapted to fit into apertures formed in the frame members for securing the frame members to the connecting member when its arms are inserted into the hollow frame members.

Abstract: A joint for connecting tubular beams comprising two caps receiving deformed end portions of the beams therebetween. Each cap has a tapering tubular portion in contact with the end portions, each end portion having first and second outwardly diverging opposed faces and third and fourth inwardly converging opposed faces. The outer perimeter of the end portion is greater than the perimeter of an opening defined on the top and bottom by the two caps and on the sides by adjacent beams, so each end portion is highly resistant to forces tending to pull it from between the caps and must be mechanically deformed before it will be pulled through the opening.

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

Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.

Abstract: A rectangular channel member has coplanar spaced-apart wall portions defining a slot therebetween and each having a flange extending from the slot inwardly of the channel member and away from the other wall portion at an acute angle. A generally U-shaped connector is disposable within the channel member across the slot and includes rectangular recesses receiving the flanges therein. A threaded fastener engageable with the connector extends through the slot for engagement with a support member, tightening of the fastener causing deformation of the flanges by the connector for wedging the flanges in the connector recesses. The support member may constitute a bracket for coupling the channel member to another channel member, several different bracket constructions being disclosed for coupling to different types of channel members and for different orientations of the channel members.

Abstract: In a collapsible kite structure, a snap lock connecting assembly comprising at least two suitably rigid sticks or struts and at least one detachable bracing stick or strut, in combination with a snap lock connecting unit. The snap lock includes a fastening body portion attached to a stiffening stick, such as a wing stick of said kite, and a resilient, flexible, hollow retainer body portion configured to securely receive and resiliently hold an end part of a bracing strut. The retainer body portion of the snap lock has a longitudinal slot through the side thereof for forced passage therethrough of an end part of the bracing stick whereby the end of the bracing strut may be detachably retained in a secure position within said hollow retainer body. In a preferred embodiment the retainer body portion of the snap lock has a bead or other interengaging structure to enhance the secure retention of the end of the detachable bracing stick within the retainer body.

Abstract: A joint for connecting together three generally tubular members comprises first and second members and a clamp for joining the two joint members together. Each of the joint members has first and second portions, the first portion of each joint member being a telescopic fit within a respective one of the tubular members. The second portions of the two joint members together form a connector when the joint members are juxtaposed. The clamp is effective to pass around the two second portions of the juxtaposed joint members to fix the connector for coupling a third tubular member.

Abstract: An improved pipe-and-ball truss array for supporting a deck surface, such as a roof deck or a wall panel, thereon in a predetermined plane is provided in which the outer chord of the truss array comprises an outer hollow pipe element having a structural tee element extending radially outward from the outer surface thereof in a plane normal to the plane in which the deck surface is to be supported on the truss array and an inner rod running through the pipe along the longitudinal axis thereof. A hollow substantially ball-like member, such as a hollow spherical member, is provided which is common to a plurality of truss members which truss members are joined to the spherical member by bolting.

Abstract: An interlocking structural system comprising a plurality of tubular strut members defining a central opening in the ends thereof of a prescribed diameter and at least one connector for selectively interconnecting the tubular strut members, the connector including one or more plate members with a plurality of connector tangs thereon generally radially oriented with respect to the plate member where one set of alternate connector tangs angle away from the plane of the plate member and where another set of alternate connector tangs lie in the plane of the plate member with the connector tangs sized to be recieved in the central opening in the end of one of the strut members so that the strut member can be slipped over any one of the connector tangs to connect the strut member to the connector.

Abstract: A clamp-connector for joining tubular members. The tubular members need not be threaded, welded, drilled, or bolted. The clamp-connector consists briefly of a sheet metal bracket formed with quarter-round portions for cradling the tubular members and openings for receiving the clamps. The clamps are standard worm gear clamps with perforated straps. The brackets may be shaped to hold the tubular members in two or more planes.

Abstract: An equilateral derrick structure such as for use in erecting chimneys and the like, wherein a plurality of horizontal members, upright diagonal brace members, and vertical column members are interconnected by a plurality of connectors to provide a desired three-dimensional framework derrick. The horizontal members may define a first kind of structural element, the brace members may define a second kind of structural element differing from the first kind, and the column members may define a third kind of structural element differing from each of the first and second kinds. The connectors may be formed as unitary members having a center portion defining a right circularly cylindrical hole for receiving corresponding right circularly cylindrical column members. The connectors may further define outwardly projecting flanges for connection of the horizontal members and diagonal brace members thereto.

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

Abstract: The invention is concerned with structures and with means for joining tubes together to form such structures. A connecting means has a pair of component parts each of which has spigot portions extending oppositely from a boss, the portions being such that a complete connecting means has oppositely extending spigots for insertion into respective tubes. Each component has in its boss a locking means for interaction with corresponding means on another component with which it is assembled to provide resistance to withdrawal of the spigots from the tubes.

Abstract: A corner construction as used for furniture, display fixtures, and the like which comprises a corner connector of rigid, yet limitedly, compressible material of construction having a body with a plurality of arms; each arm extending from the body in axially perpendicular relationship to the adjacent arm. Each arm of said connector is of four sided tubular character with the sides recessed to develop co-extensive corner, ridge-forming elements each having a rounded outer edge. Each arm is lengthwise tapered from its body connected end to its outer free end in the order of approximately one degree. Tubular frame members of four sided cross-section being open at their ends receive the arms of said corner connector as by a snug, friction fit for integration into the intended article.

Abstract: A framework joint comprises a square open-ended tube and a connector fitting comprising a preferably cubical hub portion having a tube-receiving projection or post extending from one of two or more faces thereof having a similar projection. Each tube-receiving projection has diametrically opposed portions of maximum spacing adapted frictionally to engage the opposed flat inner surfaces of a square tube and diametrically opposing portions of lesser spacing between said portions of maximum spacing and which provide clearance for the passage of a flexible resilient locking tongue inclining inwardly and axially from the wall of the square tube. The locking tongue preferably has a convex shape to be engageable by the recessed radially outwardly facing surface of a groove formed in the associated tube-receiving projection of the connector fitting.

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

Abstract: An interlocking structural system comprising a plurality of tubular strut members defining a central opening in the ends thereof of a prescribed diameter and at least one connector for selectively interconnecting the tubular strut members, the connector including a plurality of removably interconnected plate members with one of the plate members lying generally in a second plane intersecting the first plane so that the plate members intersect along a common line, each of the plate members defining a plurality of connector tangs thereon generally radially oriented with respect to the plate member where one of the connector tangs on one of the plate members intersects one of the connector tangs on another of the plate members along said common line and with the connector tangs sized to be received in the central opening in the end of one of the strut members so that the strut member can be slipped over the intersecting connector tangs to connect the strut member to the connector and to hold the plate members to

Abstract: A coupler is disclosed for connecting a plurality of laths of assembly of multi-component modular structures. The coupler comprises a plurality of channelled seats extending from the center of the coupler. Pins engage the bifurcated terminals of the laths, which are kept in place by said channelled seats, and may be snapped into varied structural configurations. Variants of the coupler are also described.

Abstract: A corner structure for a load supporting frame having a pair of horizontal side members with mitered end portions attached in end abutting relationship. The end portions are inserted in slots longitudinally extending from the upper end of an upright tubular leg. A pair of planar wedge members having a cooperating longitudinal slot and tab respectively are connected to define a predetermined angular relationship corresponding to the angle subtended by the side member end portions. In an alternate embodiment, a single, relatively wide slot longitudinally extends from the upper end of the upright tubular leg and a planar wedge member and an angle wedge member are connected to define the predetermined angular relationship. The attached wedge members are inserted between the side member end portions and the inner wall of the tubular leg to retain each end portion in the slot.