Patent ID: 6321502
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: E04B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular support members, for use in constructing a free span building, the method comprising:constructing multiple slots in a connector hub, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis;providing a first slot tooth and a second slot tooth on each opposite side of the longitudinal axis;providing a tubular support member including a first and a second support tooth on each opposite side of an end of the support member for mating engagement with a respective slot tooth;providing a first tooth tolerance between each first slot tooth and each first support tooth;providing a second tooth tolerance between each second slot tooth and each second support tooth, the first tooth tolerance being less than the second tooth tolerance, whereby in tension, a first support tooth engages a first slot tooth prior to a second support tooth engaging a second slot tooth;providing a first throat width on the tubular support member adjacent the first support tooth; andproviding a second throat width on the tubular support member adjacent the open end, the first throat width being at least 75% of the second throat width.