Abstract: A support structure such as, for example, a door jamb and a window jamb. In one embodiment, the jamb is formed from a first stud that has a web and two first flanges and a second stud with a second web and second flanges. The first stud has at least one first hole through the first web and the second stud has at least one second hole through the second web. The first and second studs are oriented such that at least one first hole is aligned with at least one second hole and a stud engager is inserted through the aligned holes to retain the studs in abutting contact to form the jamb.

Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches has opposing notch sides which are oriented such that when a portion of a web is received therein, one of the notch sides contacts the web at a first portion of the web and the other notch side contacts the web at a second portion of the web such that the first portion of the web and the second portion of the web are not located on a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting sections of a drilling rig substructure is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique structural connector in which sections of a drilling rig substructure can be connected together without the use of pins or pin-type connectors. The structural connector of the present invention utilizes specially-shaped fixed members connected to, and extending through, support plates that are attached to sections of a drilling rig substructure that mate with specially-shaped mating lugs that are mounted on mating lug plates that are attached to separate sections of the drilling rig substructure. When the sections of the drilling rig substructure to be connected are positioned together, the specially-shaped mating lugs engage the specially-shaped fixed members and form a high strength structural connection between the sections of the drilling rig substructure.

Abstract: A hinged plate is provided for pivotally attaching a pair of lumber members together in a double-hinged manner. A building truss incorporating the double-hinged plate is provided which can be assembled and erected in a facilitated manner.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.

Abstract: An interface for connecting supporting members of an audience seating system including an end plate secured to the first end of a horizontal member. The end plate includes a downwardly extending tongue and outwardly extending tabs and a hook member extending outwardly and downwardly. The upper end of the vertical member has a recess dimensioned to receive the hook member and a hanger bracket defining a space for receiving the tongue and openings for receiving the tabs. The horizontal member may be engaged to the vertical member by lowering the hook member into the recess, the tongue into the space and the tabs into the openings to create a substantially rigid engagement secured by gravity.

Abstract: A display system and structure is disclosed generally comprising a vertical post assembly and a horizontal beam assembly coupled thereto, wherein the beam assembly includes a beam, a housing, and a plate assembly extractable from the housing, which plate assembly has at least two plates, which, when separated, secure the beam assembly to the post assembly. In some embodiments, the plates have ridges that fit into a channel in the post assembly. In some embodiments, the post assembly includes a spline with a slot, and the plates have tongues which fit into the slot.

Abstract: A foot assembly includes two first legs each having a first ring provided with a first limiting recess defined in an inner face of the first ring and a first finger extending from the inner face of the first ring, two second legs each having a second ring and a second limiting recess defined in an inner face of the second ring to movably receive therein the first finger of the first ring and two joints each having a third ring, a tube and a tubular extension formed on a bottom rim of the third ring to extend into the first ring and the second ring. The joint has a second finger to be movably received in the first limiting recess such that the first leg is able to align with the second leg for storage.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that secures frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric connector block for interconnecting a plurality of elongate tubular members into a structure has five-sided front and back sides with an orthogonal pattern of three parallel through-apertures therethrough. A fourth through-aperture passes from the left side to the right side, intersecting two of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A non-through aperture passes from the top side and intersects the other of the parallel through-apertures at 90°. A sixth aperture extends into the block at an intermediate angle such as 45°. There are no apertures in the bottom side. Tubular members are insertable into the apertures and lockable therein by lockscrews. Tubular members may comprise tubing, pipe, electrical conduit and the like, and may include non-tubular materials such as solid rods. A wide range of structures may be created.

Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least one clamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing members or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls, and similarly configured framing tracks having a recessed channel along the sidewalls thereof. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip and base flange are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing members and tracks performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the member or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

Abstract: The connection system is for connecting structural elements of pieces of furniture, which structural elements include a plurality of support posts and a plurality of bars which are fastened to corresponding posts in accordance with predetermined geometrical configurations, to build a support structure for the above mentioned pieces of furniture. The connection system includes, for each post, a tube fastened to an end of the post, a plurality of connection annular elements for each connection between the bars and the posts, each one of the annular elements delimiting a hollow space provided for the coaxial coupling with a corresponding tube; and fasteners for fastening each bar to at least one connection annular element. The fasteners, in particular, include a side protrusion, for instance shaped like a dovetail, and a couple of mobile fastening clamps situated at the ends of the bar and designed for clamping the side protrusion for making a stable connection between the bar and the post.

Abstract: A connection (10) of two streamlined-section struts (12, 14) running orthogonally to one another with an essentially rectangular base cross section (18) uses a connector (16). The lateral surface (18a) of one (14) of the streamlined-section struts has a mounting groove (18b), as well as an edge flange (18c), which projects substantially orthogonally from an edge of this lateral surface (18a) at a predetermined distance (b). The connector (16) can be attached to the lateral surface (18a) of the one streamlined-section strut having the mounting groove (18b) and to the front side of the other streamlined-section strut (12). The contour of the connector (16)is accommodated substantially completely within the base cross section (18) of the other streamlined-section strut (12). In addition, the depth of the connector (16) is essentially the same as the predetermined distance (b).

Abstract: Composite structures obtained by joining two or more structures of the type which presents pairs of joined tubular elements, whose extremity is hinged in universal joints and in which the universal joints are substantially parallelepiped in form and present four seats of hinging corresponding to the sides faces, in which the universal joints present grooves along the sides of the face, in which are scheduled the seats to hinge the extended elements, in proximity of the edges and parallel to the same edges, that cooperate with C-sectioned fixing elements to hold united two matched universal joints belonging to two structures from join.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of fabricating trusses. The improved trusses are made from elongated, tubular members forming the chords and/or webs. A metal connector plate is used to connect the chords and webs to form the truss. Further, modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of trusses into truss assemblies. Additionally, other modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of the trusses to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A multi-tubular connector apparatus comprising a connector body having a shoulder portion substantially matching the outer profile of a tubular member and an open fastener shaft through the body. Connecting slots within the shoulder portion have open ends within the top of the shoulder and apertures through the side of the shoulder. Deflectable legs are radially spaced about the open fastener shaft. A wedge member having an open fastener shaft coacts with the inner face of the deflectable legs. A connector cap having a fastener aperture covers the connecting slots. An elongated fastener fits through the connector cap, open fastener shaft of the connector body, open fastener shaft of the wedge member to provide means for tensioning the wedge member against the deflectable leg, outwardly deflecting the deflectable leg against inner walls of a tubular member frictionally connecting the apparatus to the tubular member.

Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to form an arch (16), and two series of cables (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.

Abstract: A connecting element for insertion into the ends of at least two hollow sections of different cross-section, in particular in the case of a middle node for an instrument panel transverse beam in automobile manufacture is such that a push-fit body is shape-formed—by way of extrusion of a light weight alloy, plastic or other extrudable material—on a frame with side walls extending in the direction of insertion, the push-fit body is of smaller cross-section than the frame and contains lengths of the frame walls. That frame preferably surrounds the push-fit body which in turn forms a corner of the frame. In addition, the frame may exhibit an integral frame bracket outside one frame side wall whereby the frame bracket walls are aligned with parallel frame walls.

Abstract: An unfoldable connected structure has a structural unit movable in a folded and an unfolded state. The structural unit includes five arm units, and each of the arm units include an inner arm member having first and second ends, an outer arm member having first and second ends, an elbow joint mechanism movably connecting the first end of the inner arm member to the first end of the outer arm member, a shoulder joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the inner arm member, and a wrist joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the outer arm member; and means for connecting the arm units radially through their respective shoulder joint mechanism to form a frame of a pentagonal pyramid configuration when the structural unit is in an unfolded state. The unfoldable connected structure forms no void at its outer surface when it is in an unfolded state, has improved structural strength, and allows smooth folding and unfolding action.

Abstract: A bracket for use in fabricating steel structural panels has a first passageway for accepting a connecting member secured to a diametrically opposed bracket to introduce tension between the opposing brackets in the panel. The brackets each have an additional second passageway to accept a connecting member for securing the brackets to a horizontal structural slab or other floor systems. By mating pairs of structural panels with a plurality of horizontal structural slabs or other floor systems, a building may be fabricated.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a fabric canopy or tent is formed from a number of elongate rigid cylindrical elements, tubes or rods, joined by a variety of special connectors. They form a frame of interconnected rigid trusses. Each truss has an upper chord and a spaced-apart lower chord connected by rigid members therebetween to form trusses with sufficient rigidity to span greater unsupported spans than conventional canopy frames. Each connector has a plurality of tubular receptacles for receiving the cylindrical elements and transverse threaded apertures for threaded locking fasteners for securing the cylindrical elements in place.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.

Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular frameworking system having various apparatuses and methods of attaching same. A framework built according to the present invention includes a plurality of hubs or nodes, each hub including a plurality of pairs of opposing flat faces. Each face can connect to at least one connector. The present invention includes primary “T” shaped connectors that attach directly to the hubs and secondary “L” shaped connectors that attach to the primary connectors and thus the hub. An adapter is provided and connects at one end to a leg of the connector and at the other end to a structural member, e.g., a straight or curved tube, angle or channel. The adapter and structural member are readily removable from the hub and the connector. The connector can be curved and alternatively includes a hinge so that the connector can rotate. The connectors can attach to each face of the hub and can be rotated in multiple directions on any given face of the hub.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for securing first and second members together includes a connector member that engages both the first and second members, and a fastener which interacts with the connector member to simultaneously fix the position of the first member relative to the connector member and to provide frictional engagement of the second member with the connector member. The connector member includes a head portion received within a recess in the first member, and a slidable engagement arrangement for providing slidable engagement of the connector member with the second member. The connector member includes a channel within which an expandable engagement wall of the second member is received. The expandable engagement wall defines a passage, and the fastener extends through aligned openings in the first member and the head portion of the connector member, into the passage defined by the expandable engagement wall of the second member.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window opening includes an elongated frame member made of roll-formed stock material having top and bottom edges, and a first wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The frame assembly includes a latch positioned adjacent the first wall and between the top and bottom edges of the frame member. The latch is slidable between extended and retracted positions. The first wall of the elongated frame member has a hole for accessing the latch. A lift inserted into the hole is engageable for selectively moving the frame assembly relative to a fixed window frame.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing, securing and stiffening a plurality of joists comprising a band extending across the top of a series of joists and connected to the joists and with a series of truss members attached to the underside of the band and extending between and abutting two adjacent joists.

Abstract: A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, such roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. Generally triangular shaped reinforcing wings provide strength and stability, allowing the roof tie to be manufactured from different weights of steel. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

Abstract: A nonrigid connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that nonrigidly secures the frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the nonrigid connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the nonrigid connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The nonrigid connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the nonrigid connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting plate for connecting I-beams together. The connecting plate contains at least two plates that each have a series of holes drilled in them. These series of holes are drilled offset from each other in each plate. The connecting plate can be in the form of a flat face, an L-shaped plate or a partially H-shaped plate. The offset holes on these plates allow the plates to be connected to a first I-beam first, and then connected to a second I-beam. This design allows a user to forgo coupling the first I-beam, the coupling plate and the second I-beam together all at the same time which improves the safety and efficiency of coupling I-beams together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joining system (1) for fixedly joining at least two elements (2, 3), in particular girders, comprising at least one first element (2) which is adjacent at one of its ends to the other element (3) on a contact surface (14) and is attached to this element with a joining means (11) and at least one connecting part (7), in particular a shear connector made of a high-strength material, preferably metal, which is connected to one of the elements (2), in particular by being integrated into it. To permit an improved possibility for fastening the two elements, it is provided according to this invention that the connecting part (7), in particular the shear connector, is provided with a continuous recess (9), in particular with a borehole, and the joining means (11) extends through the recess (9), whereby the element (2) receiving the connecting part (7) is designed as a wooden component.

Abstract: A jointing device for joining elongate members in a building structure includes a first body section, a second body section, and a connection portion interconnecting the first and second body sections. Each body section has at least one flange portion for fixing to one elongate member. The body sections and the connection portion are formed from a single blank of sheet material with foldlines arranged for bending thereabout to form the at least one flange portion of each of the body sections and a further foldline forming the connection portion. The connection portion is arranged so that the body sections are positionable relative to each other for selectively adjusting angle therebetween to correspond to a roof pitch of the building structure, the roof pitch being within a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: Column, beam and cross-bracing frame structure and methodology. The column features an assembly of plural elongate angle-iron-like components held apart by spacers which establish laterally facing recesses between spaced, confronting legs for receiving the modified, inserted ends of the central webs in beams, and the ends of cross braces. Regions of end-to-end, vertically-stacked joinder between two columns take the forms of compact, friction-bound splices created through and with the inserted ends of beams' central webs. Columns in a frame can respond to severe loads with a certain amount of beneficial individual load-handling promoted and provided by the plural angle-iron-like components, and with modest, reversible frictionally resisted energy-dissipating longitudinal motions relative to one another. Such loading is also resisted by reversible, frictional relative motion in the splices between beams and columns. Similar friction connections are provided between cross-connected beams.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cube-shaped profile element provided with more than six identical side surfaces, wherein preferably eight slots are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to each other around an axis of symmetry of the side surface and wherein a central boring is provided. Through the slots behind the side surface, insertable closing elements can be inserted through the slots behind the side surface. The profile element is preferably hollow and is constructed from six identical plates that form side surfaces. All the plates are provided with eight-cornered edges, whereby the plates are connected via one edge and the other edges each form an opening at the corners of the cube-shaped profile elements. Very modular, stable construction systems are produced using these elements and cross-shaped profile strips having an acceptable appearance when connected with clamp profiles, wherein these elements each form an optically acceptable closure at the edges of the skeleton structure.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is comprised of three couplers for interconnecting three scaffolding members. The locking devices for the couplers may be of a bolt-and-nut configuration or, advantageously, of a wedge and arm, tapered circular wedge and arm or over-centre hand-lever.

Abstract: A two-part, upper and lower portion, connector system for coupling together grid-work forming runners and cross members for forming a suspended ceiling or raised floor.

Abstract: A roof framing system includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket attaches a first rafter and a second rafter to a ridge beam. The second bracket attaches a third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam. The first bracket and/or the second bracket includes one or more projections for interlocking with the other one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the second bracket can be moved between a fixed position and a released position by moving the second bracket relative to the first bracket to attach the third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: A unique structural system particularly suitable for space based satellite manufacturing is provided which comprises a lightweight truss system, for example, having at least a primary structural tube carrying a uniquely shaped bracket conforming to the periphery of the tube and bearing a flange and secondary strut elements which are connected to the bracket.

Abstract: A cage spacer for spacing reinforcing rods or welded fabric a specified distance from mold walls for poring concrete during construction projects. The cage spacer comprises two intersection bodies oriented perpendicular to each other and preferable with one body having a base higher than the other. A pair of pads on opposite ends of a first body base for stabilizing the body on the rebar. A pair of rebar engaging clips on opposite ends of the second body base for snapping onto and gripping a perpendicularly intersecting rebar such that the rebar is held securely in the clips. The cage spacer attaches over the intersection of a pair of rebars. At least one apex of the bodies engages a mold wall to keep the mold wall a specified distance from the rebars while concrete is being poured in the mold.

Abstract: A connection device for connection of building members, and a building comprising members thus connected, exhibiting innovative function and effect which have not been found in the prior art. The connection device for connection of vertical members and horizontal members which comprise a building consists of a base body on which second connection portions are provided to be connected to first connection portions provided on building members such as vertical members, horizontal members, the first connection and the second connection being connected to each other by a first fitted annular body to be fitted by groove contact onto edges of both the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a second fitted annular body adapted to be taper press fitted onto the first fitted annular body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular frameworking system having various apparatuses and methods of attaching same. A framework built according to the present invention includes a plurality of hubs or nodes, each hub including a plurality of pairs of opposing flat faces. Each face can connect to at least one connector. The present invention includes primary “T” shaped connectors that attach directly to the hubs and secondary “L” shaped connectors that attach to the primary connectors and thus the hub. An adapter is provided and connects at one end to a leg of the connector and at the other end to a structural member, e.g., a straight or curved tube, angle or channel. The adapter and structural member are readily removable from the hub and the connector. The connector can be curved and alternatively includes a hinge so that the connector can rotate. The connectors can attach to each face of the hub and can be rotated in multiple directions on any given face of the hub.

Abstract: A cage spacer for spacing reinforcing rods or welded fabric a specified distance from mold walls for poring concrete during construction projects. The cage spacer comprises two intersection bodies oriented perpendicular to each other and preferable with one body having a base higher than the other. A pair of pads on opposite ends of a first body base for stabilizing the body on the rebar. A pair of rebar engaging clips on opposite ends of the second body base for snapping onto and gripping a perpendicularly intersecting rebar such that the rebar is held securely in the clips. The cage spacer attaches over the intersection of a pair of rebars. At least one apex of the bodies engages a mold wall to keep the mold wall a specified distance from the rebars while concrete is being poured in the mold.