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STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

  • US 3,834,549 A
  • Filed: 09/25/1972
  • Issued: 09/10/1974
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1972
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A structure comprising a plurality of vertically arranged struts and horizontally arranged stringers disposed in spaced apart three-dimensional intersection array and defining a framework, each strut and stringer being received in the region of its intersection with another strut and stringer in a connector comprising two separable complementary connector parts interfitted forming a block-shaped body having a hollow interior and six outer faces, a first opposed pair of said faces wherein at least one of said faces receives one of said struts, the remaining faces of which are adapted to receive said stringers, each of said remaining outer faces having an opening therein and a corresponding passage extending inwardly from said opening communicating with said hollow interior therewith defining a socket for receiving a tip end of one of said stringers, retainer means comprised of at least one socket passage retainer element integral with one of said connector parts and at least one companion retainer element on said tip end of said stringer, said socket passage retainer element and its connector part defining a one-piece element, said retainer element of said retainer means cooperating to prevent withdrawal of said stringer from said socket passage, each face of said first opposed pair of faces having an opening therein and a corresponding passage extending inwardly from said opening communicating with said hollow interior and defining a fastener passage extending through said connector parts, each fastener passage having a strut-engaging abutment stop therein for limiting strut entry into said fastener passage, and fastener means anchoring said separable complementary connector parts together, said fastener passages associated with said first opposed pair of faces being in axial alignment providing through access therebetween within said connector and receiving said fastener means therethrough, said fastener means being connected to the tip end of at least one of said struts received through at least one of said first opposed pairs of faces, said fastener means serving to both anchor said connector parts to one another and to retain at least one of said struts in the assembled connector.

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