A modular support assembly for hanging exercising and training apparatus includes a pair of vertical elements and a horizontal element. The horizontal element is configured to selectively engage upper ends of the vertical elements so that the two vertical elements extend perpendicularly and codirectionally from opposed ends of the horizontal element to a surface. Exercising or training apparatus can be hung from the horizontal element. The vertical elements are two of a plurality of vertical elements and the horizontal element is one of a plurality of horizontal elements. Each vertical element can selectively engage respective opposed ends of two horizontal elements so that the two horizontal elements extend perpendicularly from the upper end of the vertical element. The set of horizontal elements and the set of vertical elements thus are selectively positionable in a variety of rectangular configurations.

A node element for a furniture system having a three-dimensional load-bearing tubular structure comprises a plurality of connection points for the mechanical fastening of two or more tubes. It further comprises two regions which are electrically insulated from each other and which are arranged such that two electrical polarities can be coaxially tapped at the connection points for the tubes.

A support-framework (1) supports a surface (2), or supported elements, at a designed variable spacing from a support surface (3), using elongate supports (4) of rod-from or tubular-form that act as ties or struts. Each support (4) is anchored at one of its ends to the supported surface (2) or element and, at the other end, to the support surface (3). The anchoring at each end is via a node N that involves an individual domed-member (5) which is secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element, and which has a part-spherical surface (6) to which the elongate supports (4) are anchored to extend radially by a coupling (12). The domed-members (5) are metallic or plastics, and may each be hemispherical having an outwardly directed equatorial flange (7) by which they are secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element.

Woven structures must be made of materials that are sufficiently flexible that they can be woven together. This often results in a finished structure that is also flexible. Thus weaving has long been considered inadequate for the production of buildings and other objects requiring high levels of stiffness. The present invention relates to increasing the stiffness of triaxial-weave woven structural manifolds. The present invention provides for a new type of triaxial weave that allows for structural members of greater diameter and stiffness that are still flexible enough to accommodate the geometry of the weave. The result is structures having approximately eight times the structural stiffness of conventional triaxial-weave woven structures.

Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

A spatial structure that enables the assembly and disassembly of architectural elements quickly and easily, ensuring the necessary structural robustness and which basically comprises a node (1) with a plurality of sockets (2), a bar (3) intended for insertion at either of the two ends thereof in said sockets (2), a perforated screw (5) whose inner surface (6) allows the insertion of the end of the bar (3) and whose outer surface is coupled to the sockets (2), and a portion of flexible washer (8) suitable for insertion into the socket (2) of the node (1) and closing by compression as a result of the thrust exerted by the perforated screw (5) to adopt the shape of a substantially closed washer such that said bar (3) is locked inside the perforated screw (5), preventing the disassembly of the structure but not the rotation of the bar (3) inside the socket (2).

A modular unit for forming a multiple member joint includes: an elongate body; a bracket attached adjacent an end of the elongate body, the bracket located around a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; a plurality of connectors associated with the bracket with a position retention mechanism, the plurality of connectors extending from the end of the elongate body parallel to a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; and one or more connector joints attached at a distal end of the plurality of connectors, wherein the one or more connector joints are adapted to join with one or more connector joints of connectors extending from connectors of an adjoining modular unit.

A modular unit for forming a multiple member joint includes: an elongate body; a bracket attached adjacent an end of the elongate body, the bracket located around a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; a plurality of connectors associated with the bracket with a position retention mechanism, the plurality of connectors extending from the end of the elongate body parallel to a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; and one or more connector joints attached at a distal end of the plurality of connectors, wherein the one or more connector joints are adapted to join with one or more connector joints of connectors extending from connectors of an adjoining modular unit.

A joint attachment system for a reconfigurable truss includes a first joint attachment having a first pivot axis and a second joint attachment having a second pivot axis. The first joint attachment and second joint attachment form a concentric spherical joint linkage when attached to a first body member and a second body member, respectively. The first pivot axis of the first joint attachment intersects the second pivot axis of the second joint attachment at a single point X which defines a center of the concentric spherical joint linkage. The concentric spherical joint linkage is configured to allow the addition of one or more joint attachments and body members to the truss node. In addition, the concentric spherical joint linkage is configured to allow the removal of one or more joint attachments and body members from the truss node.

A connection apparatus may be used to connect truss sections or other objects. A connection segment is mounted on each truss to be connected. Each of a first and second connection segment has an opening, in alignment with each other to receive a fastener. The opening of the first connection segment allows the fastener to pivot. The second connection segment has a side opening which allows the fastener to pivot inside and outside the body of the second connection segment. The fastener has a threaded end and a locking end. The locking end may be secured against an outer surface of the second connection segment. In the locked position the locking end of the fastener engages the outer surface of one the second connection segment and the fastener is prevented from rotational or axial movement. The connection segments are thus fixed relative to each other as are the truss sections on which the connection sections may be mounted.