Abstract: A truss structure for use in orbital systems and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The structure is characterized by high stiffness and a precisely determined geometry and takes the form of an oblique triangular prism. The structure is constructed of a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements which achieve high stowage volume efficiency during transport to the construction site.

Abstract: A mechanical expansion device for internally clamping assembled hollow sections includes at least two angle pieces (10) and (10') which fit inside a section (1), and at least two spherical cups (8) and (9) spaced on a rod (7) and placed between the two angle pieces. One cup (8) bears on the inner face of the angle pieces and the other cup (9), of a slightly larger diameter, bears on the inner face of the section (1) at the end of the angle pieces. Clamping is effected by flattening the cups to increase their diameters.

Abstract: A device for forming a miterless joint from two moulding strips, including a solid member defined by a pair of legs configured and angled for flush engagement against a corner formed by two intersecting wall surfaces, each leg including a free end terminating in a socket for receiving the corresponding ends of the moulding strips.

Abstract: A substantially rigid structural joint can be assembled from an assembly made up of a pair of separate joinery parts. Each joinery part is preferably in the form of a rigid rectangular-shaped, sheet metal strip. One joinery part has a bracing member connected to and extending outwardly from one of its longitudinal sides in an orthogonal relationship. The bracing member also extends toward and along one of the longitudinal sides of the other joinery part when the latter is placed in an erected condition with the one joinery part. In such condition, they extend in orthogonal relationship to one another and have end portions which form a corner therebetween. Interengagable male and female elements on end portions of the joinery parts adjacent the corner are mated together when the parts are placed in their erected condition.

Abstract: A universal joint which permits global positioning of an object and a locking mechanism for securely and positively locking the universal joint in any position to which it can moved. The universal joint of the present invention may be used in series or singly to provide a mechanism for positioning and locking an object such as, for example, a headrest or a lamp, in any position within a spherical range.

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 system for attaching non-cylindrical legs to upholstered seating-type furniture is disclosed wherein the frame of the furniture may have 90.degree. corners or corners at other than 90.degree. and the system includes means whereby the non-cylindrical legs may be simply aligned by the ultimate consumer.Through the use of the system of the invention as much as a 30 percent saving in space is possible in shipping furniture from the factory to a retailer or a retailer to the ultimate customer.Another aspect is that chairs and sofas may be manufactured having base platforms which are parallel to the ground and when the legs are attached to the frame the preferred 3.5.degree. rearward slope is acquired by the furniture.

Abstract: A portable playpen embodies a disassemblable base frame having elongated upright members connected thereto and defining upstanding corner posts for a rectangular enclosure in the form of a one piece fabric unit having rectangular panels defining a box-like compartment having a bottom panel joined along its edges to upstanding side panels with adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels secured to each other. Sleeve-like members are connected to the adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels and extend outwardly thereof in position to telescope downwardly over an adjacent corner post with such corner post being in spaced relation to the adjoining edge portions of adjacent side panels. Stop members limit downward movement of the sleeve-like members relative to the corner posts.

Abstract: A corner panel assembly (for mounting items such as speakers in a corner of a room where two walls and the ceiling converge) comprises a generally triangular mounting frame including three side pieces connected by corner brackets. The side pieces are V-shaped, having an outer panel leg and a wall leg extending from the back thereof at acute angle, wherein the wall leg is secured to the walls and ceilings adjacent to corner. A front panel is removably secured to the panel legs of the side pieces of the mounting frame, such as by Velcro, quarter-turn fasteners, or other means. The mounting frame is mounted in a corner, and the item desired to be mounted is secured to mounting panel, whereafter the mounting panel is secured to the mounting frame, concealing the frame unobtrusively utilizing the space of the corner.

Abstract: A handle for a bicycle comprising a handle stem and a pair of left-hand and right-hand handle bars, the handle stem being provided at the upper portion with a bar holding member which is directed lengthwise of the handle stem and has bar fitting portions into which the left-hand and right-hand handle bars are fitted in relation of being rotationally adjustable, the bar fitting portions being slanted at the upper portions thereof away from the center line lengthwise of the handle stem, the left-hand and right-hand handle bars being fixed to the handle stem in a relation permitting a distance between grips at the handle bars, a height of each grip, and a position thereof longitudinal of the bicycle, to be adjustable.

Abstract: An ornamental star display device adapted for use with strands of decorative electric lights having clip attachment means. The star is formed of a plurality of identical point members each of which is formed in the shape of an open-base triangle having sides terminating in outwardly extending leg portions. Brace members, one for each point member, form the base of each triangular point member when the display device is assembled. Fastening means securely hold a brace end and a leg portion in a parallel, superposed relationship with a side of each point member to form a rigid display device capable of easy assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a door framing system for a barn door or the like wherein a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members are joined together to define a generally rectilinear frame structure. All of the frame members are fabricated from substantially U-shaped channel members or similar cross-section, such that they may be cut from stock material of said U-shaped cross-section. Corner joining brackets are employed which include a pair of transversely disposed base sections, with spaced side flanges extending from each said base section to provide a U-shaped surface configuration which will embrace the outer side faces of the frame members. The brackets including clamping means for coupling the brackets to the respective frame members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a door framing system for a barn door or the like wherein a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members are joined together to define a generally rectilinear frame structure. All of the frame members are fabricated from substantially U-shaped channel members of similar cross-section, such that they may be cut from stock material of said U-shaped cross-section. Corner joining brackets are employed which include a pair of transversely disposed base sections, with spaced side flanges extending from each said base section to provide a U-shaped surface configuration which will embrace the outer side faces of the frame members. The brackets including clamping means for coupling the brackets to the respective frame members.

Abstract: A platform bed having a pedestal portion supporting a platform portion upon which the mattress is positioned; corner connectors are provided for connecting the side and end frame members of the pedestal and platform portions and transversely extending channel assemblies extend between the side frame members of the platform portion for supporting panel members upon which the mattress rests. The corner connectors and channel assemblies facilitate the assembly of the bed without the need for special tools or fasteners such as screws, bolts and the like.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling structural members, such as panels, wall members and frame members, in edge-to-edge relationship. The device comprises a coupling member capable of cooperating with at least two edges to be connected to lock the same together and at least one coupling pin provided in each member to be connected, said pin extending longitudinally of an edge of said member and being spaced inwardly thereof. The edge is formed with faces forming chord planes of an imaginary cylinder whose axis coincides with that of the pin. The coupling member is provided with clip-on means for engagement around at least two adjacent pins thereby holding two adjacent edge faces in contact with each other, and fixing the structural members relatively to each other.

Abstract: A girder for supporting a movable body has a truss structure of a cross-sectional shape forming an isosceles triangle with a horizontal base. The truss structure is formed of three main tubes of a circular cross section that are located in positions corresponding to respective corners of the triangle and extend continuously over the length of the girder. A plurality of branch tubes of circular cross section are fixed at their ends to respective pairs of the main tubes by joint pieces, such that three branch tubes lie in a plane extending through the respective joint pieces perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the main tubes so as to form the isosceles triangle. A rail support is secured to each main tube of the base of the isosceles triangle at a position disposed upwardly and outwardly of the center thereof, and a rail, along which the movable body is traversable, is supported on each rail support.

Abstract: A connection coupling or socket arrangement contains two coupling parts each possessing a bore and arranged at an angle with respect to one another. In order to be able to interconnect rods or the like with one another, without the use of further components, the one coupling part serving for receiving one of the rods is continuously lengthwise slotted over the length of its bore. The end regions of this one coupling part bounding at such lengthwise or longitudinal slot each carry a respective portion or section of the other coupling part which is divided into such two portions or sections transversely with respect to its bore. These portions are subjected to the action of a resilient or spring force which strives to mutually shift both of these portions with respect to one another transversely in relation to its bore.

Abstract: An external decorative corner member of the type suitable for use in attaching furniture panels and the like. The length of this corner member can be adjusted to the panel dimensions. The corner member also serves to support the furniture panels during assembly and grooves provided in each portion of the inner flange speeds assembly by providing a location for attaching fasteners. The grooves further serve to strengthen each portion of the inner flange.

Abstract: A hand-carryable flying sailboat for kite and water sports in which a lightweight rigid frame supports an airfoil-defining fabric stretched over the frame for flying and a sail assembly is carried dorsally by the frame and enables sail propulsion of the craft, whereby the craft can perform in the water or in the air, alternately and continually.

Abstract: Upholsterable base for seating furniture comprises a plurality of very low-density and light-weight foam panels including a pair of upright arm-panels and at least one intervening-panel wherein inter-panels angularity is maintained with opposed "angleiron-type" stiffener connections provided by flexible fabric sheeting adhered to the meeting foam panels. Thus, non-resilient inflexible framework is unnecessary for maintaining the armrests and backrest upright and perpendicular to each other. The fabric sheeting type stiffener connections are of low airflow permeability so as to prevent foam panel decompression by the seated occupant, though such stiffener connections are located below the armresting top-edge so as to enhance occupant comfort.

Abstract: For use in constructing a framework comprising a plurality of elongate rectangular-section elements such as square-section tubes, a kit comprising a plurality of clamp members (such as A) each having at least one first part (10) defining a portion of a socket, a second part defining a portion of a recess or channel, and fixing means (15) whereby the clamp member can be secured to a like clamp member to form a clamp assembly. Selected ones of the clamp members of the kit can be secured together to form a plurality of clamping assemblies, the number of different clamping assemblies constructable being greater than the number of clamp members.At least one outer wall of a clamp member can have a depression (22) for a head (24a) of a fastener (24) whose stem projects outwardly of the clamp member, either via an aperture (23) therein or via a gap between adjacent clamp members, to enable auxiliary fittings such as wall panels etc. to be secured to the framework.

Abstract: A haunch connector for use in building trusses comprises two channels secured together at an angle and clamping means for clamping elements of the truss into the channels. The construction permits the assembly of large trusses without the need for pre-drilling old holes in the ends of the trusses, thus strengthening the points of connection of the structural elements and permitting limited adjustment of the angles of adjacent elements within desired limits.

Abstract: A frame for furniture, particularly for display cabinets and showcases, having profiles which form the frame walls and having corner pieces to which the profiles are connected at profile-corner piece connections. At least one profile abuts bluntly on an associated end surface of a corner piece and is pulled thereagainst by at least one screw on the associated end surface. Such screw has its head resting on the corner piece and is screwed into the butting profile. The corner pieces are of hollow construction and have on at least one end thereof an end wall which the screw grips. The corner pieces have, near the screw, a lateral opening through which the screw is accessible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the screw.

Abstract: A device for joining panels, including first and second sections which, when connected together, provide recesses for receiving the edges of the panels. Each section has two wall portions adapted to lie substantially parallel to the panels to be joined and a connection member between the wall portions. Each connection member includes two spaced limbs, the two limbs of the first section being adapted to be inserted into a recess formed between the two limbs of the second section and each limb of the first section being provided with a series of serrations engageable with a series of serrations provided on a respective one of the limbs of the second section. The limbs of the second section are substantially rigid and the limbs of the first section diverge before insertion and are resilient, so that upon insertion they are pressed together and cause their associated wall portions to be pushed into clamping contact with surfaces of the panels.

Abstract: The cross-piece portion of a tubular T-joint has a cross-section of constant inside diameter from one end of the cross-piece to the other and increasing outside diameter from one end towards it center, then decreasing from its center towards it opposite end to define a double tapered tube wall for the cross-piece of maximum thickness at its center. A stem portion for the T-joint is in the form of a hollow tube extending normally away from the center portion of the cross-piece to terminate in a free end. The cross-section of the stem has a constant inside diameter from its free end to its point of interception with the cross-piece and an outside diameter increasing from its free end to its point-of-interception with the cross-piece so that the maximum thickness of the T-joint is at the interception between the cross-piece and the stem and yet the inside diameters are all uniform so that other tubes can be readily telescoped through the cross-piece.

Abstract: A new turnstile is provided which is constructed from a minimum number of different extruded components and includes an improved turnstile control mechanism. The turnstile is comprised of a plurality of upstanding, spaced mounting columns which define a frame-like structure. One mounting column includes a plurality of spaced apart barrier arms extending radially therefrom. Closure means extend between at least a pair of mounting columns which are spaced opposite the one column. A pivot column is rotatably journaled intermediate the one and the at least a pair of mounting columns and includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves. A plurality of pivot column arms associated with each pivot column groove extend radially therefrom at spaced apart intervals to permit free passage between the barrier arms when the pivot column is rotated.

Abstract: A corner molding for joining in particular the front cross rail of a refrigerator to the side wall, the molding having a slot in a plane parallel to the surface of the body of the molding to receive the front cross rail and an abutment against which is engaged the side wall of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A joint device has a first tubular element suitable for receiving a horizontal member on which firewood is stacked. A second tubular element, joined to the first receives a vertical member for retaining the firewood.

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 demountable trampoline capable of being separated into components suitable for compact packaging for shipment, comprising a segmented tubular top rail frame forming a closed loop frame to be supported in elevated horizontal position by vertical ground-engaging leg members and support a trampoline sheet in encircled relation within the top rail frame suspended by plural suspension springs interconnecting margins of the trampoline sheet to the frame. The top rail frame is formed of elongated top rail tube member sections having a uniform inner diameter bore opening through the opposite ends of each section and having a transversely narrow elongated interlocking end slot opening through each respective end of each section and extending inwardly along the lowermost wall portion thereof a predetermined short distance longitudinally parallel to the center axis of its adjacent tube member end portion.

Abstract: A splicer bar is provided for fastening together two inverted T-shaped runners. The splicer bar spans the junction between two runners and the splicer bar is fastened to the vertical web of both runners. Each runner has spaced apertures in its vertical web and the splicer bar has snap fasteners that will fit into these apertures to hold the two runners in parallel alignment and fixedly fastened together.

Abstract: A connector for a channel having a web and side flanges with inwardly turned, hook-shaped lips defining a slot therebetween. The connector comprises a channel-shaped connecting member having a pair of side walls with longitudinally extending edges and a connecting wall having a circular opening therein. The connector further comprises a relatively flat thin round screw member threaded in the opening and having opposing end faces of substantially the same diameter, the screw member being threaded substantially from one end face to the other.

Abstract: A connecting member for use in interconnecting elongated structural components having openings in their ends, the connecting member including projecting spigot members for engagement in the openings and a cover portion adapted to extend over portions of the outer surfaces of the interconnected components to conceal the joint between them. In one particular arrangement the connecting member comprises a corner piece for interconnecting hollow extruded plastics components to form a tray construction.

Abstract: A connector clamp assembly is disclosed for use with display panels for interconnecting the panels into a composite display assembly. A clamp base fabricated of plastic includes a pair of angle members and an integral bridge that is bent in the middle to form an appropriate angle. A pair of transparent clamp angles are connected to each angle member so as to provide a channel for receipt of the edge of the display panels. Adjustable fastener means connects the angle members of the base and the clamp angles so as to allow secure clamping of the edges. The adjustable fastener includes a bolt assembly and slot formed in the clamp angle to allow convenient adjustment of the channel width receiving the panel. To provide a stacked modular display assembly, a pair of connector clamp assemblies are connected in juxtaposition providing oppositely extending channels for clamping adjacent horizontal edges of the panels.

Abstract: The fastener comprises a sheet metal plate bent to provide two or more angularly related planar plate portions. One of the plate portions has a plurality of elongated nail-like teeth struck therefrom for embedment into one of the joint members. The other plate portion or portions have a plurality of elongated teeth each comprised of angularly related shank and tip portions. The shank portions extend from and form an included angle with such other plate portion. The tip portions extend from the shank portions in a direction toward the plate portion from which the tooth is struck and are poised for insertion through the respective slots for embedment into another of the joint members. Inside and outside connectors are formed depending upon the orientation of the teeth in the plate portions.

Abstract: A metal corner fitting for a wooden picture frame having two leg pieces, the leg pieces having screw slits thereon which form an angle .alpha. between the back thereof and the back of a picture frame with the outside edge of the leg pieces making contact with the back of the frame piece. The screw slits extend through the leg pieces at a slight angle so that they are inclined toward the corner portion of the corner metal fitting at an angle .beta..

Abstract: An exercise assembly with parallel and spaced upright posts, a grip rod spanning the posts and having the opposite end portions movably connected to the posts by means of hollow joints each having a vertical lower pipe section movably receiving the associated end portion of the grip rod and a horizontal pipe section, said opposite end portions of the grip rod having bulges provided with slanted elliptical holes, operation cylinders disposed within said horizontal pipe sections and receiving the opposite end portions of the grip rod, first connector rods received in said operation cylinders and slanted elliptical holes and second connector rods connecting said operation cylinders to said horizontal pipe sections of the joints.

Abstract: A modular decorative waterbed frame including a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls of uniform cross-sectional configuration. The uniformity of cross-section of the walls enables the walls to be produced by high volume production methods, and thence cut into different lengths for later assembly into frames of various sizes. The cross-section of the walls is in the shape of an I-beam. The upper and lower cross pieces of the I have opposing lips which form a support channel for decorative panels. The decorative panels, which may be configured to be compatible with any style or period of furniture, are fixed to the vertical portion of the I beam by any readily releasable fastener means. The side walls and end walls are interconnected by uniform corner members which also have decorative panels fixed thereto.

Abstract: An angle-shaped support member consists of a unitary element formed into a pair of legs extending normally to one another and interconnected at their adjacent ends by an outwardly extending rectangularly shaped box section. The opposite ends of the legs from the box section each have an outwardly directed flange. The flanges and walls of the box section have axially aligned openings through which bars can be fitted. The openings in the flanges and walls are offset laterally relative to one another to avoid any interference between the bars which extend through them.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-sigmoid connector from a pair of arcuate elbows comprising the steps of: forming an outlet in a portion of the outer periphery of each of the elbows, said outlet having an annular wall extending outwardly of the outer periphery of each elbow, and welding the outlet walls together.

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: Waterproof joint for field assembly consisting of two waterstops each having a planar face and a U-shaped junction member fastened to the faces of the water stops.

Abstract: In a connector, as used to interconnect structural members in a trusswork, an elbow and a pipe, which may be another elbow, are provided with suitable slots receiving a plate, and the elbow, pipe, and plate are welded together.

Abstract: A double-sigmoid connector is used to interconnect structural members in a trusswork and comprises a pair of arcuate elbows joined to each other at their outer peripheral midsections. Coaxial outlets are formed in the elbows at their inner peripheral midsections.

Abstract: In a double-sigmoid connector, as used to interconnect structural members in a trusswork and comprises a pair of arcuate elbows joined to each other at their outer peripheral midsections, coaxial outlets are formed in the elbows at their inner peripheral midsections. Accordingly, lateral interconnections may be made.

Abstract: A trench duct system of the type embedded in concrete floors or the like is provided for use in the distribution of electrical power, service and/or communication cables and wiring throughout a building. The system includes a plurality of trench duct sections which are interconnected to form a predetermined distribution layout. Each section of duct includes a cover plate which is removably supported by a pair of vertically adjustable side rails. The length of the cover plate and the length of each supporting side rail may or may not be the same and will depend upon the particular layout. The exposed surface of the cover plate is flush with the plane of the finished floor. Adjoining side rails, when in angular relation to one another, are interconnected by coupling members or connectors which maintain the continuity and stability of the system.

Abstract: The door frame includes an upper frame member, a pair of Z-configuration side frame members secured to the upper frame member, a lower frame member, and a pair of Z-configuration corner fittings interconnecting the lower the frame member with the side frame members. Each corner fitting comprises a first wall section having an intermediate wall portion and first and second end flange portions, and a second wall section joined to the first wall section and having an intermediate wall portion and a first end flange portion. The first end flange portions have secured therebetween the adjacent end of one of the side frame members, while the second end flange portion is secured to the adjacent end of the lower frame member.

Abstract: Exercising apparatus having a frame made of detachably, telescopically coupled tubular members. Connected to the top most cross member of the frame is a substantially rigid spring member that extends between and removably connects the frame with a door. The substantially rigid spring member includes two parallel spaced arms. At the opposite end of the member are two longitudinally spaced elements that engage respectively the front surface of a door, the top of the door and the upper back surface of a door. With the substantially rigid spring member in place for use by an exerciser the frame will be spaced from the top of the door.

Abstract: A corner structure for use in shelves, cabinets, boxes, and similar box shaped objects is described, wherein rectangular and/or polygonal panels are assembled by means of a rod-shaped junction of substantially hourglass cross-section. The junction is provided with or may be used in combination with separate uniting members having projections designed to be attached to the panels by means of screws or in other suitable manner.

Abstract: An improvement in a corner connector for a waterbed pedestal for rigidly joining the ends of the pedestal board members, the connector being of the type including first and second generally L-shaped plates, each having first and second sides interconnected to define first and second open-ended channels for receipt of the ends of the board members, the improvement being that the adjacent sides of the plates are non-parallel, the spacing between the adjacent sides at the bases of the channels being approximately equal to the thickness of the board members and the spacing between the adjacent sides at the entrances of the channels being slightly less than the thickness of the board members and that the channels have enlarged openings at the entrances thereof which are slightly greater than the thickness of the board members whereby the ends of the board members may be forced into the channels and the sides of the plates frictionally engage and retain the sides of the board members.