A method for erecting or assembling a frame includes the steps of: forming a joint with at least two frame members placed at an angle to one another, each frame members is a metal tube, no coping nor fittings are used to form the joint; wrapping the joint with a saddle, the saddle is a bent flat metal member with at least one hole overlaying each frame member; and plug welding the saddle to each frame member by filling each hole with weld metal. A frame includes: a joint formed by at least two frame members set at an angle to one another, each frame member is a metal tube; a saddle is wrapped over the joint, the saddle is a flat metal member with at least one hole overlaying each frame member; and a plug weld joining the saddle to each frame member, via weld metal filling the hole.

A building system comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of connection nodes comprising tubular sections for connection to the tubes, wherein the tubes are arranged to connect between the connection nodes to form a frame for a building, wherein at least one continuous cavity is formed through at least a portion of the nodes and tubes when the nodes and tubes are connected, the building system further comprising fluid tight seals between the tubes and connection nodes to enable fluid to flow through the at least one continuous cavity.

A method for erecting or assembling a frame includes the steps of: forming a joint with at least two frame members placed at an angle to one another, each frame members is a metal tube, no coping nor fittings are used to form the joint; wrapping the joint with a saddle, the saddle is a bent flat metal member with at least one hole overlaying each frame member; and plug welding the saddle to each frame member by filling each hole with weld metal. A frame includes: a joint formed by at least two frame members set at an angle to one another, each frame member is a metal tube; a saddle is wrapped over the joint, the saddle is a flat metal member with at least one hole overlaying each frame member; and a plug weld joining the saddle to each frame member, via weld metal filling the hole.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

A strut connector for use with a hollow strut having at least one a pair of opposed openings formed in the strut. A pair of identical connector portions are rotatably coupled together, with one of the connector portions inverted. Each connector portion is a flat blade having a body portion and an arm portion extending from the body portion. The body portion has a first hole and a second hole. The arm portion has at least one tab extending from the arm portion at an angle. The arm portions are coupled together via the first hole, then rotated to engage respective openings on the strut with the tabs. The second holes are aligned and a fastener secured through the second holes.

A strut connector for use with a hollow strut having at least one a pair of opposed openings formed in the strut. A pair of identical connector portions are rotatably coupled together, with one of the connector portions inverted. Each connector portion is a flat blade having a body portion and an arm portion extending from the body portion. The body portion has a first hole and a second hole. The arm portion has at least one tab extending from the arm portion at an angle. The arm portions are coupled together via the first hole, then rotated to engage respective openings on the strut with the tabs. The second holes are aligned and a fastener secured through the second holes.

A building system comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of connection nodes comprising tubular sections for connection to the tubes, wherein the tubes are arranged to connect between the connection nodes to form a frame for a building, wherein at least one continuous cavity is formed through at least a portion of the nodes and tubes when the nodes and tubes are connected, the building system further comprising fluid tight seals between the tubes and connection nodes to enable fluid to flow through the at least one continuous cavity.

A system for providing an angled construction or bent beam construction. Such system may include a first beam comprising a first elongated beam segment having a first interlocking joint portion at one end, and a second beam comprising a second elongated beam segment having a second interlocking joint at one end, wherein the first interlocking joint portion is configured to rotatably couple to the second interlocking joint to form a rotatable joint such that the angle between the first beam and the second beam is adjustable.

A system for providing an angled construction or bent beam construction. Such system may include a first beam comprising a first elongated beam segment having a first interlocking joint portion at one end, and a second beam comprising a second elongated beam segment having a second interlocking joint at one end, wherein the first interlocking joint portion is configured to rotatably couple to the second interlocking joint to form a rotatable joint such that the angle between the first beam and the second beam is adjustable.