Abstract: A connector hub made in a single integrally cast unit for connecting the ends of the stringer frame members of a geodesic dome structure, said hub being characterized by a plurality of pairs of spaced apart flange elements defining stringer receiving slots arranged in generally radially extending relation around the central axis of the hub unit with stiffening web elements disposed between adjacent slots, to provide an extremely strong and rigid connector hub for the stringers which is also specifically designed to abut the ends of the stringer elements to provide additional rigidity for the stringer connection.

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 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: This invention relates to a connector for the elongated frame elements of a structural space frame and to a space frame employing the connectors. The connectors consist of three elements which are stacked one on the other on a common axis with the face of each element which abuts that of another including recessed formations which between the opposite element faces define sockets for trapping the headed ends of space frame members with the axes of the sockets between a first pair of element faces lying in a common plane and those between the second pair of faces being inclined relatively to and on the same side of the plane containing the axes of the sockets between the first pair of element faces and means for clamping the elements in the direction of their common axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a six-way joint for connecting tubular elements and supporting the edges of panels and walls, formed of two, separable, complementary, shell-shaped members, each having a central base; channels extending from the base along a first plane such as to form, when the members are assembled by their base, four sockets for accommodating the ends of the tubular elements; an opening in the base along a second plane perpendicular to the first; a peg in the opening for receiving the ends of two other tubular elements; seats extending outwardly from the base parallel to the channels; horizontal gussets coplanar with the base between the seats and removable fastening means passing through the peg.

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 space frame has nodes which are made up of juxtaposed plates with the ends of the frame chords sandwiched between them. The chord ends are equipped with collars that have projecting diametrically opposed nibs that fit into corresponding apertures in the plates. The collars may be cruciform in shape, with shoulders between the nibs against which the plates bear to prevent direct clamping of the chords. A second pair of plates to receive the ends of diagonal chords may be bolted to the first pair by a single bolt passed through registering central holes in the plates.

Abstract: A clamp having a body characterized by a pair of laterally open, V-shape seats extending along axes disposed in spaced apart, right angular relation. Opposite the seats are threaded openings which receive threaded screws lying along axes intersecting the apices of the V-shape seats, respectively, to engage a pair of structural elements resting upon the seats. Various sizes of rods and tubes can be secured together by the clamp in spaced apart, right angular relation. One version of the clamp provides a third seat for mounting of three structural elements by the clamp.

Abstract: A mount for a holding structure of a free-cutting device having two clamping members which respectively include a depression for receiving a mount member of the holding structure, while at least one of the clamping members is provided with a receiving surface extending transverse to the depression for receiving a supporting tube of the free-cutting device. The at least one of the clamping members is provided with screw bolts guided in passages of the two clamping members by means of which the mount portion for the holding structure is clamped fast between the two clamping members. The receiving part for the supporting tube and the depressions for the mounting part for the supporting tube are located at different heights. The depressions confine at least partly a passage which extends over the entire length of the two clamping parts for the bearing part.

Abstract: A joint for use with a space frame for connecting a plurality of struts together. The joint permits dome fabrication and erection with essentially no field bolting required. A central hub is included in the joint for resisting forces transmitted to the joint by dome struts.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling together a plurality of elongate members, particularly members of a planar framework structure, which coupling includes a separate coupling element welded to each one of the members to be coupled together and a locking ring which is received within a groove in each of the coupling elements. A frusto-pyramidal expansion member is received within a space between the coupling elements within the locking ring and when urged further into said space forces the coupling elements radially outwardly thus frictionally securing the locking ring against the inner walls of the grooves. Further members of the framework structure may also be coupled to the coupling by clamping an end of such members between the locking ring and the inner wall of the grooves.

Abstract: A universal hub for interconnecting the structural members of a geodesic type building consists of a pair of identical hub members, having inner and outer faces, which are positioned in superimposed relation to each other to define a slot therebetween which receives the ends of the geodesic dome's supporting struts. Connecting means secure the two hub members or discs together to clamp the ends of the struts therebetween and hold them in a relatively fixed position.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly comprising a wheel rim and a tubular member for use as at least a part of a steering column. The tubular member has its longitudinal axis aligned with the center of the wheel rim. A plurality of spokes each has a first portion extending from the rim transversely of the tubular member axis to a location adjacent the axis and a second portion extending parallel to the axis. The second portions are secured within the tubular members. The effect is that the upper steering shaft or tubular member is permanently fixed to the steering wheel resulting in reduced manufacturing cost and reduced assembly time.

Abstract: This invention is a connector that gains versatility by virtue of its specific shape and proportions. The connector will interface two rods at right angles. Versatility is displayed by forming closely packed clusters.

Abstract: A fabricated corner structure having a single piece outer member and two piece inner member construction for receiving tubular members generally perpendicular to each other encompassed by the inner and outer members with a vertical support member perpendicular to the tubular members welded to the outer member. The three tubular members form the corner of a ROPS structure.

Abstract: A hub is employed in forming an ornamental sunburst from a plurality of spokes. The hub includes an annular base plate and an outer hub having a tubular rim and an outer wall. Radially spaced wedge members on the interior surface of the outer wall define spaces for the spokes, and the base plate is engaged over the spokes and wedge members.

Abstract: A bar jointing member to secure together two or three bars comprising a one piece housing with a plurality of bores extending therethrough and an aperture in the housing receiving a single tapered clamping bolt, said aperture communicating with each of said bores such that portions of said tapered clamping bolt engage respective ones of said bars to clamp them securely in the bores. The tapered clamping bolt may have said portions formed as flat or knife edges to ensure a good clamping action. The wall of one of said bores may have a further screw threaded aperture therein to receive a screw to secure the jointing member on a bar engaged in that bore to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A tent frame assembly characterized by a two-part corner member or casting secured together by an independent nut and bolt arrangement, where the nut is dimensioned so as to permit ready grasping and tightening during the assembly procedure. The invention further includes a pre-positioned rotatable sleeve forming part of a corner brace assembly to expedite installation and to achieve a stabilized frame.

Abstract: A plurality of rods are connected together so as to lie in respective relatively orthogonal planes by means of a joint that has three parts held together by a fastener. This joint is formed with three pairs of holes, each pair of holes lying on a respective axis perpendicular to the axes of the other pairs and each hole of each pair opening in a direction opposite the other hole of the pair. Each hole is formed by a recess in one of the joint parts and a matching recess in another joint part, so that two of the joint parts each have three such recesses and the third joint part has six. The fastener can be a bolt engageable through all three parts.

Abstract: A joint for firmly holding three legs together along a longitudinally intermediate portions thereof; the joint consisting of two spider-like members each of which is generally hemispherical in shape and includes three radial arms and three notches therebetween for receiving the three legs, the two spider-like members being clamped together by a single central screw, and clamping the three legs therebetween, each notch and the inner side of each arm being shaped so that a leg rests therein at an angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer joint for rigid frames comprising a solid joint member, the interior of which is made of hardened grout and has three or more bars joined to it with a non-positive and/or positive connection.

Abstract: Shelving apparatus including vertical shelving elements and horizontal shelving elements that are releasably interconnected by connectors formed of stiff material. The shape of the connectors depends upon the shelving arrangement to be erected, and there are connectors of L formation, of T formation, and + formation. Each connector comprises a body having arms extending outwardly from a mid portion thereof and substantially normal to each other, a slot in each of said arms extending from near the mid portion and opening outwardly from outer ends of the arms and from sides thereof to receive the shelving elements. The body of each connector is shaped between the arm slots to reinforce the arms.