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: A structural joint and method of making the joint wherein an end portion of each of a plurality of tubes is partially flattened into an elongated, oval annular shape of a cross sectional contour that the flattened ends of the tubes can be telescopically nested within one another, the tubes are arranged to have their axes coplanar to intersect at the joint node with the tube flattened ends in a telescopically, mutually nesting relationship to each other, a splice plate extending into the interior of the nested array of flattened tube ends and having upper and lower surfaces in an underlying, closely adjoining relation to interior surfaces of each of the tube flattened end portions, and fastening means tightly clamping together the nesting, flattened tube ends and splice plate contained therewithin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved rattan joint in a knockdown form employing a tonque and groove connection with the tongue extending diametrically to cover the outermost layer of the rattan and said joint being rigidified and securely fixed together by unique fastening means.

Abstract: A pipe connection, and method for forming said connection, wherein one pipe is connected at an angle to the side of a second pipe, said connection forming a structural joint and not a flow passage; a first pipe has a cylindrical opening formed in its side while a second pipe has one end contoured to fit against the side of said first pipe over said opening; said second pipe has a locking member fixed to the interior thereof with a projection which fits into the opening in said first pipe with said projection having a stem extending therefrom having an enlarged head which projects into the interior of said first pipe; a holding clip is positioned between the underside of said enlarged head and the inner surface of said first pipe forcing the contoured end of said second pipe against the side of said first pipe.

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

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

Abstract: A joint unit for coupling hollow frame element including one connection members which are provided with at least two or more separated contacting sections with an inner wall of the frame element wherein one of the contacting sections is twisted against the other contacting section to obtain a function of torsional moment for rigid fit of the connection member to the frame element at more than two positions therein.

Abstract: A basically metal frame coffee table or stacked shelves or the like employing a plurality of tubes of circular, square or other regular shape joining at intersections by an improved corner member. The improved corner member is preferably die cast in a single piece including a pair of arms which define connectors for two adjoining tubes and an orthogonal opening to receive a leg. The corner member includes an integral support for holding a shelf. The integral support conceals a fastening member employed to hold the leg in place. Each of the arms define at least one recess at a predetermined distance outward from the corner and located in intimate contact relationship with the frame tubing whereby the tubes may be assembled to the corners merely by staking the underside of the frame to deform the tube locally into the recess of the corner member and thereby produce a fixed permanent frame.

Abstract: A jointing device for long-limbed framework elements in reinforced concrete and framework comprising framework elements jointed by such devices.Means are provided for housing with a tightening fit the ends of the sections to be assembled. In a realization said means comprise a body from which depend at least two sleeves provided for housing with a tightening fit a portion of the sections to be assembled. The sleeves are preferably removably fixed to the body.

Abstract: An assembly system for mounting lateral beams on a central beam to form a framework in which the central beam is provided with laterally extending, preferably cylindrical pegs, which are formed with inclined bearing surfaces, e.g. conical surfaces, adjacent their free ends. The lateral beams have bores formed therein into which the pegs fit, and transversely extending screws having conical ends are screwed against the inclined bearing surfaces to press the lateral beams against the central beam.

Abstract: Structural connector for tubular members used in trusses and the like comprises a one-piece forged element comprising at least a portion of a tubular primary member with a longitudinal central axis and a pair of first and second tubular secondary members integrally connected to one side of the principal member. The secondary members have longitudinal central axes coplanar with the axis of said portion of said primary member and the axes of the secondary members intersect each other at a point displaced to the same side of the axis of the primary member where the secondary members intersect one another.

Abstract: A ceiling support grid system is disclosed herein and includes a plurality of longitudinally extending support runners which are interlocked together to form an integral grid pattern, preferably a basketweave pattern. The runners are interlocked together by two separate and distinct but cooperating arangements in a rapid and reliable manner and without the need for separate tools and without bending or otherwise deforming any components associated with these interlocking arrangments.

Abstract: A form for pouring a conical concrete structure has a framework of obliquely inclined beams radiating from the axis of the structure in angularly offset relationship. Circumferentially elongated connecting members connect each beam to the two angularly adjacent beams. They are spaced longitudinally of the beams and sequentially increase in length in a direction away from the axis. Threaded fasteners connect the longitudinally terminal portions of each connecting member to respective connected beams. Sheeting covers the connecting members and is fastened to the members to constitute a substantially conically tapering wall extending about the axis of the form in a closed loop.

Abstract: A coupling assembles structural members at least one of which has an opening and another of which has grooves extending along its outer surface. The coupling has two yieldably spaced body portions inserted within the opening of the one structural member. Each body portion has a claw which protrudes from the opening in the one member and is received in a groove of the other structural member. A fastener extends between the yieldably spaced body portions for moving the body portions until each claw grips a side of the groove in which it is received to assemble the structural members. The fastener also connects the structural member having the opening to the coupling and the claws and grooves have cooperatively inclined gripping surfaces for drawing the one structural member into firm butting engagement with the other when the claws grip the grooves.

Abstract: A guiderail system for floor-mounted storage racks which is located generally adjacent the access aisles. Tubular guiderails are supported by brackets which include a pair of sockets extending in opposite horizontal directions which sockets are proportioned to closely interfit within the tubular guiderail. A main plate portion of the bracket is disposed under the storage rack column or support to transfer the load carried by the storage rack to the bracket and thus stabilize and rigidify the guiderail system.