Abstract: A node structure for connecting a member of a lattice frame to one or more other members of the frame comprises a hollow brace having opposed walls that converge outwardly at an acute angle in cross-section toward a central plane to connect at an outer edge. At least one root portion has a central longitudinal axis extending outwardly in the central plane of the brace for alignment with a member of the frame. The root portion has an inner end cut away at opposite sides around the central plane to leave a joining surface that intersects the converging walls of the brace while embracing an outer region of the brace extending inwardly from the outer edge.

Abstract: A wedge connector assembly for forming an electrical connection with first and second electrical conductors includes a coupling portion, first and second resilient spring sleeve portions located on the coupling portion, a first wedge member and a second wedge member. The first spring sleeve portion defines a first sleeve cavity tapering in a first direction away from the second spring sleeve portion and the second spring sleeve portion defines the second sleeve cavity tapering in a second direction away from the first spring sleeve portion. The first wedge member is configured to be forcibly driven into the first sleeve cavity in the first direction to capture the first conductor and the second wedge member is configured to be forcibly driven into the second sleeve cavity in the second direction to thereby capture the second conductor.

Abstract: A unitary, bent corner piece for a valance frame has an extending tongue at each end shaped to interfit the hollow cross-section of an adjacent, extruded, valance frame member. Complementary corner pieces so formed provide part of a valance interface between the lid and body of a container, ensuring sealing continuity around corners fitted with such corner pieces. Each corner piece is provided with a mating valance surface for presentation to the valance interface to provide an intimate engagement with the mating valance surface of the complementary, opposed corner piece. Gaskets fitted within the corner pieces may form part of the interface. Tongues formed a at the respective ends of a corner piece are provided with a groove to accommodate the inclusion of a gasket into the interior core of the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: Connectors for linear members of wall structure which allows a variety of guide rails, fences, and pipes to be assembled in a desired pattern conveniently are provided. The connector includes a central body of annular shape; at least one socket member 6, the one end of the socket member being connected to the central body and the other end being connected to the linear member, such as pipe, wire or bar; and a rail means that connects the central body and the socket member such that the socket member can be moved along the circumferential surface of the central body.

Abstract: A prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure in which a panel is reinforced by a pair of reinforcing members, and a connecting member is included. The pair of reinforcing members intersects with each other and the reinforcing members are provided along one surface of the panel. The connecting member is connected to both of the pair of reinforcing members in a portion where the pair of reinforcing members intersects with each other.

Abstract: A new technique is disclosed, according to which it is possible to extensively increase the efficiency of the construction of large-size wooden building, to effectively use the loading space when materials for construction are carried from factories and other places because the extent of projection of hardware from the materials where it is used is far less than in the conventional case. Moreover, when the hardware is connected, a force to pull lateral members toward longitudinal members can be induced.

Abstract: In a joint connection 20 in which a beam end and a column base of a structure 10, or a peripheral member rigidly joined thereto, are joined to an other structure 13 capable of receiving a bending moment through supporting means 22, a deformation due to a very small geometric movement within a resilient range is generated in the supporting means 22 by a reaction force generated at a joint portion with the other structure 13 due to an external force exerted on a beam or a column, thereby being capable of generating a bending moment Mr in a reverse direction to a bending moment Mc generated in the column base or the beam end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining system for joining two elements (1, 2), for example a pillar and a beam in a building construction, where a first part (3) of the joining system comprises an outer box element (10) and at least one internal box element (20) for insertion in the outer box element (10) comprising a locking device for locking the internal box element (20) to the outer box element (10) and a joining element (22) for cooperation with a second part (4) of the joining system and where the second part (4) of the joining system can be attached in the second (2, 1) of the two elements that have to be joined, where the locking device comprises a snap-in device that works in conjunction with cut-outs (12) provided in the outer box element (10).

Abstract: A door jamb assembly for an entryway has a wooden jamb plate to which an extruded plastic brick mold and stop member is attached. The brick mold and stop member forms the raised stop of the jamb assembly also may form the brick mold thereof. The extruded plastic brick mold and stop member has a core made of economical cellular PVC plastic at least partially encased in a stabilizing layer of a plastic material, such as SAN, having a heat distortion temperature greater than that of the PVC plastic of the core. The stabilizing layer holds the core material in place and restrains it against distortion and shrinkage due to extreme temperatures, such as those found between a storm door and a door exposed to direct sunlight.

Abstract: A presentation device (1) is formed with a base (5), with bars (3) for a flexible stand (2) connected to the base (5) via a plug connection, and with a holder for a placard, a film or the like. A presentation carrier (6) connects the holder to the base (5) and the stand (2), wherein the stand (2) has individual bars (3), which are plugged together, and at least two transverse struts (4) for achieving a double-H-structure of the stand (2).

Abstract: A wheel hub unit having a wheel hub (11), a wheel bearing (19) and an outer joint part (15) of a constant velocity universal joint which, at the hub end, includes a shaft journal (16) with shaft splines (17), which shaft journal (16) is inserted into a through-aperture (13) of the wheel hub, which through-aperture (13) is provided with internal splines (14), wherein an axial securing mechanism between the wheel hub (11) and the outer joint part (15) are formed by a securing ring (18) which comprises a rectangular cross-section and which engages corresponding rectangular circumferential grooves in the internal splines (14) and in the shaft splines (17) and is arranged near the end of the shaft journal, and wherein, at the shaft journal (16), near its base, there is provided a centering collar which, in a radially play-free way, engages the through-aperture (13) of the wheel hub (11).

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

Abstract: A device for connecting together elongated construction materials has one or more end-surface connecting parts each for being connected to an end surface of one of the materials and a side-surface connecting part for receiving and being connected to side surfaces of another one of the materials. Each end-surface connecting part has a bolt-accepting hole formed for allowing a bolt to pass through and a counter-bored part formed on the reverse side for receiving therein the head the bolt. The side-surface connecting part has an indentation for accepting therein and being connected transversely to another of elongated construction materials. Bolts are passed through holes in the side-surface connecting part to securely attach it to side surfaces of this another elongated construction material.

Abstract: A connector structure of assembled house truss is disclosed. The respective support members of the house truss are inserted and fixed in the connector by screws so that the support members can be quickly and easily assembled by a general person to form the house truss without welding operation and using any power.

Abstract: A connector and method for interconnecting separate frame members to form a display frame which does not require the use of tools for the assembly or disassembly thereof. The connector includes a first plate, a second plate spaced-apart from the first plate, and a resilient spacer retained between the first and second plates which are each disposed within ends of the frame members. The spacer is formed from a resilient non-setting material which expands between the first and second plates to permit the first and second plates to be frictionally retained within the frame members.

Abstract: A device for joining two beams at a right angle with one beam, preferably vertical, abutting to other beam, preferably horizontal. The cap is a single sheet which is cut, punched, and folded to form a saddle for each adjoining beam, a plurality of nail guide holes to attach the device firmly to each beam and a pair of slotted holes to guide a toenail for piercing both beams at their plane of juncture.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An improved joint mechanism for an umbrella which has a first connecting device which includes a shaft member which has a channel through its length and is capable of sleeving onto a rib member and a saddle portion with a U-shaped configuration disposed at the middle portion of the shaft member. A second connecting device defines a connecting tube suitable for fixing a tip portion of a stretcher and a yoke portion having a supporting beam which can be rotatably received by the saddle portion of the first connecting device.

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

Abstract: An improved panel coupler has a hub assembly which releaseably and adjustably holds two or more panel clamps for coupling together two or more adjoining panels. The panel clamps have keeper ends which are captured and adjustable within a keeper channel in the hub assembly such that the panel clamps are infinitely adjustable about the hub assembly, and distal clamping ends which, in turn, are adjustable for clamping onto panels having different thicknesses.

Abstract: A simple joint is disclosed for detachably connecting structural members. The connection is made with a resilient T-shaped tongue on a first member which can be engaged in a T-shaped slot on a second member. The tongue is engaged in the slot by rotating it about its axis. Rotation of the tongue causes the end of the tongue to be drawn into the slot by wedging action between the tongue and sloped inner surfaces of the slot. The first and second members are held tightly together by tension which is developed in the tongue as the tongue is drawn into the slot. The invention is well adapted for use in many fields which require parts to be detachably connected to one another such as constructing panel display systems, building modular cabinets or shelving units and building modular furniture.

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

Abstract: A foldable assembly structure to be used for camouflage nets which comprise a central telescopic pole composed of a plurality of sections which fit into each other, provided with fastening means. The upper free end of said pole is provided with a joint like member from which extend a plurality of foldable arms.

Abstract: A modular construction system for connecting two or more structural members, comprising a universal unit for connection to a first structural member, the unit having at least one planar surface adapted to be oriented in substantially vertical orientation, one or more posts projecting in substantially horizontal orientation from the planar surface, and a pair of finger members defining vertical channels on opposite sides of the one or more posts. One or more connector units are also provided for removable connection to the universal unit, each of the connector units having a planar flange member adapted to be received in the vertical channels and to rest on the one or more posts, and one or more tongue members connected to the flange unit for receiving one or more additional structural members.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A fastening device for use in support structures wherein the fastening of support members is accomplished by slidably inserting end connectors into slotted fastening devices to produce a final locking fit between the support members and the fastening device. A keyed screw which holds the fastening device and support member in an intermediate locking position to aid in the overall assembly of the support structure.

Abstract: An assembly of prefabricated structural components for lattices or trusses includes a plurality of rod-like, load-bearing elements, a plurality of joining elements for joining the rod-like elements to one another, a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the rod-like elements to the joining elements, and a plurality of clamping elements for clamping the connecting elements and associated rod-like elements to the joining elements. Each joining element has a spherical peripheral surface provided with first and second T-grooves disposed at opposite ends of a predetermined diameter of the surface and at least one additional T-groove extending circumferentially of the surface in a plane normal to the predetermined diameter. The connecting elements resemble T-bolts and one connecting element is receivable in each first and second groove while several connecting elements are receivable in each additional groove.

Abstract: A six-way connector, for use with structural formwork elements, comprises an upper plate a lower plate and four vertical plates extending therebetween. Each plate is provided with a plurality of apertures to enable a structural formwork element to be secured to the respective plate. At least two of the plates are provided with apertures to receive bolts from the structural formwork element so that the plates may have one structural formwork element centrally connected thereto, or two structural formwork elements connected thereto in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: The present invention includes a connector having rods with keys thereon. The keys engage slot in tubes comprising a frame for portable furniture. The connector also includes a foot which will apply a releasable breaking force to a surface supporting the portable furniture. The present invention also includes a portable bed using the connector invention and the inward suspension of the playpen. The present invention also includes a child enclosure using the connector of the present invention and suspended inwardly from horizontal support members.

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

Abstract: A beam joint for connecting the ends of two wooden beams, the beam ends having overlapping matching tongues for connecting them together and providing angular mating surfaces for strengthening the joint, the joint being capable of being supported by a post; a mortise can be formed in the joint for receiving a tenon on the post.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: 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.