| 摘要 |
Components of and method for making a tube and fitting framework having panel recesses accepting structural panels in a plane tangent to the tubes. The tubes and fittings allow easy assembly of large structures. The panels secured within the panel recesses bear loads imposed on the structure and minimize torque at the fittings. The finished structure is streamlined, with flush junctions of all components. Alternative embodiments include panel recesses in angular or channeled shapes which act to secure the panels to the framework, and other panel securing means which are externally invisible on the completed structure. Panel securing means include screws, bolts, studs, pins, adhesives, welding and equivalents. Fittings are secured to tubes by connectors which may engage the interior of the tube in known ways, or by means of O-rings or rubber flanges. Tubes, fittings and panels may be made of any of a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, plastics, rubbers, wood, and composites. The panel recesses may engage the entire periphery of the panels, by traversing from tube to fitting around the entire periphery of the panel.
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