Abstract: Modular sectional structure, particularly suitable for creating furniture pieces, furniture complements or the like, for example tables, small tables, shelvings, expositors, and the like, or for the creation of open or closed areas, for example stands, boxes for fairs, exhibitions, and the like, or for the creation of partition walls, and the like, characterized in that it comprises vertical uprights, each of which is provided in at least one position of at least one lateral fitting for the preferably removable connection of at least one horizontal transversal member, by which it can be connected with at least another vertical upright.

Abstract: A metal unitary structural member for structural support. The member includes a plurality of web portions extending radially from each other and extending with each other in an axial direction, and a plurality of radially outer portions extending in an axial direction with the web portions and between the web portions in cross-section. The plurality of outer portions defines an outer surface of the member. The web portions may extend from a substantially central portion. The plurality of web portions may include perforations.

Abstract: A structural interconnection device for attachment of an elongate member to a rigid frame includes at least one flange portion adapted for attachment to the rigid frame and a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a locking mechanism for selectively releasably securing thereto an end portion of an elongate member. The flange portion has a location surface for bearing against the rigid frame. The location surface lies, in use, in a plane which is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of an end portion of an elongate member secured to the receiving portion. The plane of the location surface lies, in use, in a plane displaced from the longitudinal axis of the end portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: A metal structural member having an elongate web member having a first side and a second side, a pair of flanges extending laterally from the first side of the web member, each of the flanges having an outer wall member and an end wall member, the end wall member being substantially parallel to the web member wherein one of the flanges further includes an inner wall member in spaced-apart relationship with the outer wall member and extending from the end wall member toward the web and terminating with a lip member formed parallel to and juxtaposed with the web.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube and opposing sets of elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces, each slot of each set of elongated slots separated longitudinally along the length of the tube from each adjacent slot by a bridge element of tube material. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube and opposing sets of elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces, each slot of each set of elongated slots separated longitudinally along the length of the tube from each adjacent slot by a bridge element of tube material. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: AN OVERALL, STRUCTURAL, MAINLY STEEL SYSTEM DEVELOPED FOR AN EXTERIOR BUILDING LAYOUT. THIS OVERALL STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IS COMPRISED OF VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF INTERIOR CONFIGURATIONS AND CORRESPONDING SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEMS. EACH SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEM CONSIST OF STANDARDIZED STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS. FOR EACH SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEM, THE VARIOUS SHAPES OF THESE STANDARDIZED ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS ARE SIMILAR TO ALL OTHER VARIOUS SHAPES OF ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS UTILIZED IN THE OVERALL, STRUCTURAL SYSTEM. THE ASSEMBLAGE COULD BE ERECTED IN A MULTI-STORY FASHION. THROUGH BEAMS ARE UTILIZED EXTENDING THROUGH THE WEBS OF THE ASSEMBLAGE GIRDERS.

Abstract: A tubular main frame (2) for an aeroplane, bridge, or pressure vessel, for example, comprises a honeycomb structure with cells (4) thereof distributed round the periphery of the frame and along the frame, the cells each being at least pentagonal, preferably largely hexagonal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably suspending and positioning eight post anchors at a time for an octagonal structure regardless of a shape and size of a floor form. The apparatus includes eight trapezoid template panels to form an octagonal template, sixteen “wing” post anchor holders attached to along the anti-parallel sides of said trapezoid template panels, and screws to firmly assemble eight template panels. For a large structure, the apparatus may also include braces which diagonally hold and stabilize each of the template panels to prevent them from shifting. The device facilitates placements of post anchors in octagonal position and the process of permanently securing the post anchors by pouring cement. The device can be easily removed after concrete has hardened, this speeds the construction process of finishing an entire floor.

Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube, and a plurality of opposing elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section formed from aluminum or sheet steel stock adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.

Abstract: A prefabricated structural system uses wall panels having a combination of cold rolled light gauge sheet metal and hot rolled tubular steel. Panels are stacked one on top of each other to form vertical wall assemblies and may be welded directly with their top and bottom members or include intermediate shear connectors. Shear resistance or resistance to lateral forces is provided by a single continuous metal sheet either flat or corrugated (a deck-type sheet) fastened to the steel studs or alternatively diagonal or V-shaped bracing. Connectors between the wall panels provide a gap for a continuous concrete floor. Vertical wall assemblies can be constructed with individual wall panels either on-site or off-site and then tilted up to form a completed building. The vertical assemblies are then connected together by connector beams or ladder frames.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of prefabricated structural members and three prefabricated spacer plates which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The spacer plates are used to construct steep pitch building frames. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame.

Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The shell panels may be made of metal or concrete or combinations thereof, or of other rigid materials having the required physical properties. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of nine pre-fabricated structural members and two prefabricated connectors which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as columns. The connectors are right angle connectors; each employing a configuration of holes and slots for securing structural members to create a rigid attachment of rafters to columns. The same connectors can be employed to establish a shallow pitch or a steep pitch roof pitch through selection of the holes and slot positions used to bolt the structural frame together. Eave struts, purlins and girts are attached to mainframes and used to attach sheathing to the structural frame. Alternatively, a “V” shaped stiffener can be employed with the columns.

Abstract: A structural joint assembly is provided and comprises a pair of quadrilateral elongated hollow elements with one end of one of the elements being swaged, the swaged end of one element and the unswaged end of the other element being disposed in a telescoping relation, and the two elements being interconnected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A structure includes a framework including frame members interconnected by hub members. The framework includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Cladding material is attached to the inner surface of the framework to form an enclosure or shell within the framework and maintain the framework exterior of the cladding material. This arrangement limits the collection of dust on the structural space frame elements due to the absence of the framework from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the slot's teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: A frame for forming a housing of a group of air-handling units mainly includes a plurality of extruded plastic angle columns and a plurality of integrally injection molded plastic three-way unions. The plastic angle columns and three-way unions eliminate the problem of condensate on the surfaces of the housing and allow the air-handling units to operate with reduced energy consumption, because the plastic columns and unions have low coefficient of thermal conduction and would not easily have a surface temperature lower than a dew point temperature of ambient air outside the housing. Meanwhile, the extruded plastic angle columns and the injection molded plastic three-way unions can have standardized dimensions and be efficiently produced through mass production, the frame for the housing of the air-handling units can therefore be formed at reduced labor and time.

Abstract: A connector for readily fabricating trusses or scaffolding for use in temporary, demountable construction which cooperate with elongated support members to fabricate modular box trusses.

Abstract: A space frame including at least two elongate structural frame elements arranged side by side and being interconnected by a plurality of elongate struts spaced along the length of the elements, each structural frame element comprising an elongate hollow body having one or more strut connection nodes located along its length at predetermined positions, each connection node being in the form of a socket extending internally of the element, the socket comprising a socket wall depending from one side wall of the hollow body, the socket wall defining a socket recess and being formed by hydro-forming from said one side wall of the hollow body, each opposite end of each strut being in the form of a plug received within the socket defined by a co-operating respective connection node. The hydro-forming process may include the use of any type of pressurised hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lightweight steel frame system having end nailed connections where lightweight steel structural members frame into support members. The end nailed connection is made by driving fasteners through the support member and directly into the connection end of a lightweight steel structural member without the need for using additional connection hardware. Where the lightweight steel structural member is a roof or floor truss, the support member may include a leveling member to facilitate positioning each roof truss at an elevation set point to produce a level roofline along the finished structure.

Abstract: A framed structure includes a plurality of base units each formed of three elongate compression members disposed so as to cross one another. Tension members are arranged to be interconnected with respective compression members forming a triangular planar units. The triangular planar units being arranged to form a self-supporting structure or base unit. A plurality of base units being interconnected in a continuous fashion such that one of the compression members in one of the base units serves as one of the compression members in an adjacent base unit.

Abstract: A panel frame member defines an inner surface and has a sidewall with a row of slots therethrough for receiving support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The panel frame member includes a flexible light seal having a base portion fixed to the inner surface adjacent at least one of the slots. The light seal includes a flap connected to the base portion and extending over the slot to block light passage through the slot. The flap flexes inwardly upon insertion of a support hook to permit installation of a hang-on accessory unit.