A clip (2) for fitting between a first component (6) and a second component (4) in a building structure, the clip including a first member (8), a second member (10) and a connecting portion (12) connecting the first member (8) to the second member (10); the first member (8), the second member (10) and the connecting portion (12) forming a space (38) in which a portion of a leg (18) of the second component (4) is adapted to reside; the first member (8) and the second member (10) adapted for engagement with the portion of the leg (18) of the second component (4).

This invention provides connector assemblies comprising at least two connector elements pivotally joined to each other, wherein each connector element is configured for attachment to a natural tree pole such as bamboo. Useful connector elements include members configured to conform the surface of a natural tree pole. Useful connector elements include terminal connector elements configured for attachment to the terminal end of a natural tree pole and side connector elements configured for attachment to the side of a natural tree pole.

A mechanism for connecting two beams comprises a left beam and a right beam. The left beam is formed by an upper cross bar, a lower cross bar, and a vertical plate, the vertical plate has a width greater than a width of the upper cross bar and a width of the lower cross bar, the vertical plate has two edges protruding laterally away from the upper cross bar and the lower cross bar; the right beam has a vertical socket for receiving the vertical plate, the vertical socket is connected to the upper cross bar and to the lower cross bar, the vertical socket has two opposing curled lateral edges protruding laterally away from the upper cross bar and the lower cross bar, the two protruding edges of the vertical plate are inserted between the two opposite curled edges of the vertical socket.

Examples of first node elements, second node elements, and kits are disclosed. Also, methods for assembling a lattice structure are disclosed. A first node element has a coupling side, the coupling side further having one or more hollow insertion channels, each channel being configured to receive one of the elongated bars, and each channel having a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis of each channel being tilted at an angle with respect to a plane defined by the coupling side. Moreover, the first node element has a contact side, the contact side having an opening, the opening communicating with each of the hollow insertion channels forming a corresponding through-hole such that to form the lattice structure the elongated bars are inserted into the hollow channels from the contact side to the coupling side and traversing the corresponding through-hole.

A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.

A hybrid truss assembly with a truss bay centrally deployed, and with half-bays deployed on either side. The configuration provides four panels (such as solar panels), with two chords connected by four transverse members. The half-bays are locked in a rigid position using a barrel lock hinge assembly. The half-bays fold compactly beside the folded center bay assembly when retracted. The truss assembly may be pivotally mounted on a mobile cart, and may then be manually or automatically tilted or rotated to a desired angle.

A strut channel support system including a first brace, a second brace, and a fastening mechanism connects at least two channel struts in a multi-orientable fashion. The first brace and the second brace both possess a U-shaped channel, a base, a fastener-engagement point, and a strut-engagement point. The base is terminally connected to the U-shaped channel, the fastener-engagement point is centrally integrated into the base, and the strut-attachment feature is integrated into the U-shaped channel. This permits the base to retain the rear portion of a strut channel. The U-shaped channel perimetrically braces the lateral sides of the strut channel. The first brace and the second brace attach to each other via the fastener-engagement point. The fastener-engagement point of the first brace and the fastener-engagement point of the second brace are mechanically coupled to each other. This enables a user to adjust the orientation between at least two strut channels.

An architectural structure for constructing a variety of goods in a variety of configurations is provided. The architectural structure includes a plurality of paired slat-like members and a spine configured to hold the plurality of paired slat-like members in an expanded state. Each paired slat-like members includes joined upper ends, joined lower ends and an expandable central region joined to an adjacent paired slat-like members.

A lifting tool assembly is disclosed, including a crossbar having a long axis spanning between first and second end portions. A first hook member is pivotably suspended from the first end portion and a second hook member is pivotably suspended from the second end portion. The end portions are symmetrically angled relative to the long axis and each hook member includes first and second finger structures.