Connector means for hollow rectangular tubing

Claim 1

In a structure employing hollow rectangular tubing as structural members, in combination: a. a first hollow rigid tube of rectangular cross section and having an end to be abutted to an end of another tube of similar construction, said end including in one sidewall of said tube adjacent the end edge thereof a centrally positioned, semi-circular notch adapted to loosely receive the shaft portion of a screw member; b. a second hollow rigid tube of the same said rectangular cross section and having an end to be abutted and joined to said first tube end and having a said notch similarly positioned and sized to mate with the notch of said first tube; c. a solid rigid rectangular bar member having equal rounded end portions adapted to be loosely inserted within the respective said tube ends, said bar meMber having a threaded hole located midway of its length and width and extending perpendicularly of the sidewalls thereof; d. a screw member having a threaded shaft and a screw head for turning, said screw member shaft being adapted to being loosely received by said notches and to being threadably mounted in said threaded hole; and e. a dish-shaped resilient washer fitted on said shaft and being adapted when said tube ends are firmly abutted and said screw head is fully turned to flatten and press against the exterior of the respective notched sidewalls of the said tubes and cause said bar member to press against the interior of said respective notched sidewalls to permanently secure and align such tubes.