Bolted structural connection systems

Abstract

A connector for securing rail members together to form an assembled structure. The connector having a plurality of connector sections, each with a formed area and a brace member extending from the formed area, configured to be tightened together about the rail members and inducing a hoop stress in the rail and thereby securing the rails within the connector.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A connector for joining a plurality of rail members, the connector comprising:
 a first connector section comprising a first formed area shaped to substantially match the peripheral shape of the plurality of rails and a first brace member extending radially outward from and along the first formed area, the first brace member having a first brace aperture therethrough;   a second connector section comprising a second formed area shaped to substantially match the peripheral shape of the plurality of rails and a second brace member extending radially outward from and along the second formed area, the second brace member having a second brace aperture therethrough;   the first brace aperture alignable with the second brace aperture;   the connector configured to receive a rail member movable within the first formed area and the second formed area, both rotationally and linearly; and   the first brace aperture and the second brace aperture configured to receive a fastener, whereby when the fastener is tightened a hoop stress is induced from the first and second formed areas about the plurality of rail members sufficient to resist movement of the plurality of rail members both linearly and rotationally.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a third connector section comprising a third formed area shaped to substantially match the peripheral shape of the plurality of rails and a third brace member extending radially outward from and along the third formed area, the third brace member having a third brace aperture therethrough;
 whereby the third brace aperture is alignable with at least one of the first brace aperture and the second brace aperture.   
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , further comprising a fourth connector section comprising a fourth formed area shaped to substantially match the peripheral shape of the plurality of rails and a fourth brace member extending radially outward from and along the fourth formed area, the fourth brace member having a fourth brace aperture therethrough;
 whereby the fourth brace aperture is alignable with at least one of the first brace aperture, the second brace aperture, and the third brace aperture.   
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein a first flange member extends substantially perpendicular from the first brace member. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein a second flange member extends substantially perpendicular from the second brace member. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein a third flange member extends substantially perpendicular from the third brace member. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 3 , wherein a fourth flange member extends substantially perpendicular from the fourth brace member.