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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/368,315 entitled I NTERNAL  P OST AND  B EAM  C ONNECTION  A SSEMBLY,  filed on Jul. 28, 2010, by James Karczewski, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a concealed, centerline load-bearing and adjustable connector which connects a plurality of structural members together on the same or multiple varying axes in a joint configuration suitable for construction applications. 
         [0003]    Mortise-and-tenon joints are known in the art to connect timbers to one another for various construction and framing applications. The mortise-and-tenon joints of the past are very time consuming and require a considerable amount of skill and industry knowledge to form a proper joint that can withstand such things as timber shrinkage and the twisting of the timbers once in place. Standard mortise-and-tenon system connectors are not adjustable and often required laborious modification or complete reconstruction of the joint if changes have to be made. Standard mortise-and-tenon systems are also not amenable to site installations and adjustment, such that these systems require that joints be formed and complete before installation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to a concealed, centered and adjustable connector assembly which binds a plurality of structural members, such as timbers, together to create a joint which is sturdy for construction applications and the like, as well as configured to withstand the variables associated with timber materials, such as shrinkage and timber twisting, which can occur after the joint is in place. In this way, the present invention provides a concealed, centered and multi-axes connector assembly that is easier to install, can be assembled on or offsite, provides a secure joint which is as good or better than the mortise-and-tenon joints of the past, and is adjustable once in place. 
         [0005]    One aspect of the present invention is a connector assembly for connecting two or more structural members at joining surfaces. Each structural member to be joined includes a first hole or bored out cavity extending into the structural member in a generally perpendicular manner relative to the joining surface of the structural member. The term joining surface is used to describe the surface of the structural member which will abut an adjacent structural member to be joined thereto. The structural members further include a second hole or bored out cavity which extends through the structural member which intersects the first hole in a generally perpendicular manner. The connector assembly includes a plurality of structural member engagement assemblies wherein each structural member engagement assembly is adapted to be received in the first hole of a structural member that is to be joined to another structural member. Each structural member engagement assembly includes wedged apertures that are disposed on a body portion of the structural member engagement assembly. The wedged apertures are designed to align with the second hole extending through the structural member for engagement of the structural member engagement assembly with a cinching assembly as described below. At least one adjustable coupling assembly is adapted to couple adjacent structural member engagement assemblies. In this way, adjacent structural members to be joined will have structural member engagement assemblies disposed in the respective first holes of the structural member and the coupling device will then connect those two structural member engagement assemblies together in an adjustable manner such that the structural member engagement assemblies can move laterally within the structural members to ensure that the wedged apertures of the structural member engagement assemblies are properly aligned with the second holes of the structural member. The connector assembly further includes a plurality of cinching assemblies wherein each cinching assembly is operably coupled to a structural member engagement assembly and further wherein each cinching assembly is adapted to be received in the second hole of a structural member. In this way, the cinching assembly is perpendicular to the structural member engagement assembly after coupling. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention is a connector assembly for connecting two or more structural members at joining surfaces, wherein each structural member includes first and second holes as described above. The connector assembly includes a plurality of structural member engagement assemblies configured to be received in the first holes of the structural members to be joined. The structural member engagement assemblies have apertures disposed thereon for receiving cinching assemblies as noted below. The connector assembly further includes at least one adjustable coupling assembly adapted to couple adjacent structural member engagement assemblies. The connector assembly further includes at least one cinching assembly operably coupled to any one of the plurality of structural member engagement assemblies and adapted to be received in the second holes of the structural members. The cinching assemblies include a pair of wedge connectors adapted to engage the apertures of the structural member engagement assemblies. The cinching assemblies further include a drive mechanism operably coupled to the wedge connectors for driving the wedge connectors laterally along an associated cinching assembly. 
         [0007]    Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a connector assembly for connecting two or more structural members together, the structural members having first holes extending into the structural member, second holes extending through the structural member intersecting the first holes in a generally perpendicular manner, and third holes extending through the structural member intersecting the first holes in a generally perpendicular manner. In this way, the second and third holes are perpendicular to the first hole of a structural member. It is contemplated that the second and third holes can extend through the structural member in different planes of the structural member to produce multiple bearing points. The connector assembly comprises a plurality of structural member engagement assemblies configured to be received in the first holes of the structural members. The structural member engagement assemblies have a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. At least one adjustable coupling assembly is adapted to couple adjacent structural member engagement assemblies dispose within structural members to be joined. A plurality of cinching assemblies are included wherein any one cinching assembly of the plurality of cinching assemblies is adapted to be operably coupled to any one of the plurality of structural member engagement assemblies. The cinching assemblies are further adapted to be received in the second holes or the third holes of the structural members at the same or different planes of the structural member. Each cinching assembly includes a pair of wedge connectors adapted to engage the apertures of the structural member engagement assemblies. The cinching assemblies further include a drive mechanism operably coupled to the wedge connectors for driving the wedge connectors laterally along a cinching assembly. 
         [0008]    These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a timber connector embodying the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled structural member connector assembly; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a wedge connector; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a wedge connector; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a wedge connector; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a wedge connector; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention in assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of joined structural members; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of joined structural members; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of joined structural members; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11A  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the assembly as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of joined structural members; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12A  is a side elevational view of joined timbers as found in the prior art; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12B  is a side elevational view of joined structural members as joined by an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention joining structural members and structural insulated panels (SIP panels); 
           [0031]      FIG. 13A  is an exploded perspective view of joined structural members and SIP panels; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13B  is an exploded perspective view of joined structural members and SIP panels; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of joined structural members and SIP panels; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in assembly; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of joined structural members; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a wedge connector; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a wedge connector; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of a wedge connector; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of a wedge connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, the following disclosure discloses a structural member connector assembly wherein embodiments are exemplified using timber as the structural members to be connected. However, the following disclosure is in no way intended to limit the present invention to a device for connecting timber as the present assembly may also be used for metal structures, composite structures, polymeric structures, and the like. 
         [0041]    The reference numeral  2  ( FIG. 1 ) generally designates a timber connector assembly for use in connecting a plurality of structural members, such as timbers and the like, which includes first and second ends  4  and  6  which are respectively the ends of structural member engagement assemblies or, in this embodiment, tube-like structures  8  and  10 . Tube-like structures  8  and  10  have hollow cavities  9  and  11  and tube-like structures  8  and  10  are interconnected using a connector or coupling  12 . The connector  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is a threaded connector which connects tube-like structures  8  and  10  using the threaded ends of tube-like structures  8  and  10  (which can be seen in  FIG. 11 , where the tube-like structures  208  have threaded ends  208 ′ that thread into connectors  214  which are similar to connectors  12  in  FIG. 1 ). The connection between tube-like structures  8  and  10  with connector  12  can either be a threaded connection or otherwise adjustable connection securing the tube-like structures  8  and  10  in a linear arrangement with one another. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the structural member engagement assemblies are cylindrical in configuration, however, other configurations known in the art will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The connection of the tube-like structures  8  and  10  via the threaded connector  12  allows for tube-like structures  8  and  10  to be adjusted laterally relative to each other which can help accommodate for timber shrinkage and other such assembly variables once the connector assembly  2  is assembled. The tube-like structures  8  and  10  further comprise wedged apertures, such as  14  and  14 ′ (not shown) for tube-like structure  8  and wedged apertures  16  and  16 ′ (not shown) for tube-like structure  10 . The wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′ pass through the hollow cavities  9  and  11  of the tube-like structures  8  and  10  to allow for connector cinching assemblies  17  to pass through the hollow cavities  9  and  11  in assembly. The wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′ comprise beveled edges  15 , which cooperate with connector cinching assemblies  17  to pull timbers together as further described below. 
         [0042]    Cinching assemblies  17  comprise wedge connectors  18  and  20 , which have beveled domes  19  and  21  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A ) that wedgingly mate with the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′, respectively. In this way the connector cinching assemblies  17  impart force on the timbers to be connected by drawing them toward one another. The beveled domes  19  and  21  are designed to maintain full contact with the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′, even if the timbers twist in settlement. The wedge connectors  18  and  20  thread into threaded wedge connector couplings  22 , or the wedge connectors can be fashioned as a unitary structure. The wedge connector assemblies  17  further comprise fasteners or bolts  24  which are used to connect wedge connectors  18  and  20  through the hollow cavities  9  and  11  of the tube-like structures  8  and  10 . The connector assembly  2  further comprises a structural member connector guide or split ring  26  which, in assembly, is circumscribed about the centerline of the timbers which are to, be connected via the timber connector assembly  2 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connector assembly  2  is fully assembled, such that the bolts  24  (not shown) of the connector cinching assemblies  17  are disposed within the connector cinching assemblies  17  and are accessible within the threaded wedge connector couplings  22 . In this arrangement, the bolts  24  pass through the non-threaded wedge connector  20  to the threaded wedge connector  18  to hold the connector cinching assembly  17  in place. As the bolt  24  is tightened, the wedge connector couplings  22  internally act on timber pieces to draw the timber pieces toward one another as further described below. 
         [0044]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , wedge connector  18  is shown having an externally threaded section  28  which is used to thread the wedge connector  18  into the threaded wedge connector coupling  22  (not shown). The wedge connector  18  can be threaded into the wedge connector coupling  22  to varying degrees depending on the size of the tube-like structures  8  or  10  (not shown) in order to obtain a snug fit of the connector cinching assembly  17  (not shown). The wedge connector  18  further comprises a top surface  29  which has a beveled dome  19  disposed thereon. The beveled dome  19  wedgingly mates with the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′ of the tube-like structures  8 ,  10  in assembly ( FIG. 1 ). The beveled dome  19  of wedge connector  18  is truncated at an aperture  32  which leads to a threaded channel  34 . The threaded channel  34  engages the bolt  24  in assembly which allows the connector cinching assemblies  17  to cinch timbers together by the interaction between the beveled dome  19  and the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3A  depicts wedge connector  20  which has an external threaded section  36  for engaging a threaded wedge connector coupling  22  ( FIG. 1 ) to varying degrees along the threaded wedge connector coupling  22 . Wedge connector  20 , as compared to wedge connector  18 , similarly has a top surface  37  with a beveled dome  21  which is truncated at an aperture  14  leading to a channel  42 . The channel  42  of wedge connector  20  is not a threaded channel, such that the bolt  24  can pass through the wedge connector  20  and then pass through the tube-like structures  8 ,  10  ( FIG. 1 ) of the connector assembly  2  to then engage threaded channel  34  of wedge connector  18  in assembly. In this way, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the beveled domes  19  and  21  of the wedge connectors  18  and  20  act against the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′ to cinch the timbers together as explained in more detail below. It is also contemplated that wedge connector  20  can be slightly undersized as compared to wedge connector  18 , thereby requiring a smaller wedge connector coupling  22  to facilitate ease of assembly of the connector cinching assemblies  17 . In this way, the undersized wedge connector  20  can account for unforeseen variables in the assembly of the connector assembly  2  and in the structural members to be connected. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the wedge connector  18  has a channel  34  which is at least partially threaded.  FIG. 4A  is a cross section of wedge connector  20  which shows channel  42 , which is non-threaded. It is contemplated that the externally threaded sections  28  and  36  of wedge connectors  18  and  20  can be three-quarter inch pipe thread, however, varying sizes of the wedge connectors  18  and  20  and threaded wedge connector couplings  22  are contemplated to join structural members of varying sizes. 
         [0047]    It is further contemplated that the wedge connectors  18  and  20  can be one-piece wedge connectors wherein the wedge connector coupling  22  and the wedge connectors  18  and  20  are unitary whole members which do not have a threaded connection with a wedge connector coupling. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 15A , wedge connectors  18   a  and  20   a  are unitary wedge connectors having beveled domes  19  and  21 , respectively, as well as coupling portions  22 . Wedge connector  18   a  has a threaded hole  34  disposed at the top of beveled dome  19  and wedge connector  20   a  has a threadless hole  42  disposed on the top of beveled dome  21 . In operation, wedge connectors  18   a  and  20   a  function similarly to the wedge connectors  18  and  20 , as described above. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 15A , the wedge connectors  18   a  and  20   a  are one-piece unitary units that have been machined to have a coupling area  22  and beveled domes  19  and  21 , respectively. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 16 and 16A  show cross sectional views of the wedge connectors  18   a  and  20   a,  respectively. The wedge connectors  18   a,    20   a  have threaded cavities  23  which are disposed within the coupling portion  22  of the wedge connectors  18   a,    20   a  for connecting the wedge connectors to structural member engagement assemblies as described below. The wedge connectors  18   a,    20   a  further comprise inset sections  25  for housing a bolt used to connect the wedge connectors as further described below. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , two pieces of timber  50  and  52  are connected using a timber connection assembly  2  similar to the connector assembly  2  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Timber  50  has upper and lower abutting end surfaces  54  and  56  and timber  52  has upper and lower abutting end surfaces  58  and  60 . The two pieces of timber  50  and  52  are joined at abutting end surfaces  56  and  58 . Timbers  50  and  52  have bored-out sections or cavities  62 ,  64 , respectively, which create tube-like channels within the timbers  50  and  52  which are disposed on the centerlines of the abutting end surfaces  56  and  58  of the respective timbers. With the bored-out sections or cavities  62 ,  64  located on the centerlines of the timbers  50  and  52 , the centerlines of the timbers  50  and  52  become the bearing locations for the connected timbers. With the centerlines as the bearing points for the timbers to be connected, the present invention allows for ease of fabrication as all timbers to be connected can have flat-faced cuts on which the centerline is determined for boring-out sections, such as bored-out sections  62  and  64 . With the present invention, the timbers do not need to actually have sections of the timbers insert into an adjacent timber (as shown in  FIG. 12A ), where generally the bottom surface of a connecting timber would serve as the bearing location for the joined timbers. With the present invention, the bearing location is always on the centerline of a connected structural member, which is the most secure location for a bearing point. This is true even when multiple structural members are connected at different angles, as further described below. 
         [0051]    Bored-out cross channels  66  and  68  are disposed in a perpendicular fashion to channels  62  and  64 . Circular cutout sections  70  and  72  (best shown in  FIG. 11B ) are disposed on the abutting end surfaces  56  and  58  of the timbers  50  and  52  for inserting the split ring  26  into both timbers  50  and  52 . The split rings  26  allow for a quick friction fit of timbers before they are cinched into place. Tube-like structures  8  and  10  are inserted into the bored-out cavities  62  and  64  and connector cinching assemblies  17  are installed in bored-out cross sections or cavities  66  and  68 . It is contemplated that the threaded wedge connector couplings  22  of the connector cinching assemblies  17  have a diameter which matches the diameter of the bored-out cavities  66  and  68  thereby allowing for maximum contact between the threaded wedge connector couplings  22  and the bored-out cavities  66  and  68  for maximum bearing capacity. It is further contemplated that the wedge connectors  20  can be undersized wedge connectors that easily drop into place of the bored-out cavities  66  and  68 , while the wedge connectors  18  are of a specific diameter which correlates with the bored-out cavities  66  and  68 , such that wedge connectors  18  can be frictionally fit into the bored-out cavities  66  and  68  and thereby held in place on their own for ease of installation when the user of the connector assembly  2  is adjusting the connector cinching assemblies  17  from the side of the timber that allows access to the head of bolt  24 . 
         [0052]    The tube-like structures  8  and  10  are connected using threaded connector  12  allowing for lateral adjustment of the tube-like structures  8  and  10  in assembly. As the connector cinching assemblies  17  are tightened using bolts  24  ( FIG. 1 ), the timbers  50  and  52  are cinched together by the interaction of the beveled domes  19  and  21  of the wedge connectors  18  and  20  acting on the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′ of the tube-like structures  8  and  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Specifically, the timbers  50  and  52  are drawn together by the wedge connectors  18  and  20  acting or prying against the beveled edges  15  of the wedged apertures in such a manner that the wedge connectors  18  and  20  pry against a distal edge of a wedged aperture relative to the abutting end surfaces  56  and  58  of the timbers  50  and  52 . In this way, the connector cinching assemblies  17  bear down on the timbers  50  and  52  at bored-out cavities  66  and  68  and draw them together as the beveled domes  19  and  21  engage the distal edges of the wedged apertures  14 ,  14 ′ and  16 ,  16 ′. This action pulls the tube-like structures further into the timbers in which they reside, thereby drawing two timbers together to form a tight connection. When fully tightened, the connector cinching assemblies  17  tightly join the timbers  50  and  52  into place for use in a construction assembly. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , the timbers  50  and  52  are connected by the internal timber connection assembly  2 . Bored-out cavities  66  and  68  are capped with plugs  74  for an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance to the joined timbers  50  and  52 , which resembles the desired mortise-and-tenon look. Plugs  74  can also be flush with the timber surfaces. In this way, the present invention marries the traditional look of mortise-and-tenon joining with adjustable engineered componentry. 
         [0054]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a timber connecting assembly  80  ( FIG. 6 ) is shown. The timber connecting assembly  80  has similar components to the connector assembly  2  shown in  FIG. 1 , but, in this embodiment, the timber connecting assembly  80  has the ability to join three pieces of timber in perpendicular orientations to one another. Specifically, timbers  82 ,  83 , and  84  are connected via a timber connector assembly  80  which comprises tube-like structures  86 , connector cinching assemblies  88 , and split rings  90 . The tube-like structures  86  are placed in bored-out cavities  92  and the connector cinching assemblies  88  are placed within bored-out cavities  94  within the timbers. For establishing a nonlinear connection between timbers, a coupling system is used to attach tube-like structures with adjacent cinching assemblies. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , timber  83  is connected to timber  82  at an approximate 90° angle, wherein a tube-like structure  86  is disposed within timber  83  and coupled to a connector cinching assembly  88  by way of adjustable coupling  96 . Similarly, timber  84  is connected to timber  82  in a perpendicular fashion, whereby the tube-like structure  86  disposed within timber  84  is connected to a tube-like structure  86 , which is disposed within timber  82 . The tube-like structures  86  disposed in timber  84  and timber  82  are connected to one another by a threaded coupling  98 , which is adjustable and acts in a similar fashion to coupling  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, as connector cinching assemblies  88  are tightened, timbers  84  and  83  are pulled toward timber  82  on the Y axis, the X axis, and the Z axis, as indicated in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the timbers  82 ,  83 , and  84  are joined with a timber connector assembly  80  (not shown) which is an internal assembly to the timbers  82 ,  83 , and  84 . Plugs  100  are used to cap bored-out cavities  94  to provide a finished look. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , a timber connector assembly  102  is shown connecting timbers  104 ,  105 , and  106 . The timber connector assembly  102  has tube-like structures  108 , connector cinching assemblies  110 , split rings  112 , and threaded tube couplings  118 . Timbers  104 ,  105  and  106  have bored-out cavities  114 ,  116  for housing the components of the connector assembly  102 . In this configuration, the timber connector assembly  102  is connecting timbers  105  and  106  along the Z axis with timber  104  disposed between timbers  105 ,  106  on the Y axis. As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10 , timber connector assemblies  120 ,  122 , and  124  can have various configurations to connect a multitude of timbers on various axes. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the timber connector assembly  124  can connect timbers that are pitched or inclined, such as timber  126 , thereby making the timber connecting assembly  124  customizable for various applications, such as roof rafters or truss components for providing support for a roof of a building structure. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , an exploded view of a timber connector assembly  200  is shown, much like the timber connecting assembly  120  shown in  FIG. 8 . The timber connecting assembly has tube-like structures  208  and intermediate tube-like structure  210 , which has threaded ends on either side of the structure. All the tube-like structures  208 ,  210  have wedged apertures  216  with beveled edges  217 . The tube-like structures  208 ,  210  have threaded ends  208 ′ and  210 ′, respectively. The threaded ends  208 ′ and  210 ′ fit into threaded couplings  214  which connect the tube-like structures  208 ,  210  to other tube-like structures and/or to connector cinching assemblies  218 . The connector cinching assemblies  218  comprise wedge connectors  220 , which are internally threaded as well as externally threaded, and wedge connectors  222 , which are externally threaded only. The wedge connectors  220  and  222  are threaded into threaded couplings  224  by the external threads on the wedge connectors  220  and  222  (not shown). The wedge connectors  220  and  222  have beveled domes  221  which cooperate with the wedged apertures  216  and beveled edges  217  of the wedged apertures  216  of the tube-like structures  208 ,  210 . The connector cinching assemblies  218  further comprise bolts  226  which pass through wedge connectors  222  and thread into wedge connectors  220 . As the bolts  226  tighten down the connector cinching assemblies  218 , the beveled domes  221  of the wedge connectors  220  and  222  cooperate with the beveled edges  217  of the wedged apertures  216  of the tube-like structures  208 ,  210  to effectively pull a timber (not shown) into a secure engagement with another timber (not shown). 
         [0057]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , a threaded coupling  230  is shown which is used to attach the threaded coupling  224  of the middle connector cinching assembly  218  to the threaded coupling  214  which effectively connects tube-like structure  208  to the center connector cinching assembly  218  in a perpendicular relationship. The threaded coupling  230  is an externally threaded coupling which threads with the internal threads of threaded couplings  224  and  214  thereby allowing for lateral adjustment of tube-like structure  208  relative to the center connector cinching assembly  218  in assembly. In this way, the connector cinching assemblies  218  serve as a timber joining location for timbers to be joined in a perpendicular relationship to the tube-like structure  208  with which that particular connector cinching assembly is associated. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the timber connector assembly  200  further comprises split rings  228  which are disposed around threaded couplings  214  where two timbers will meet at abutting end surfaces in assembly. While the connections shown in  FIG. 11  are mainly threaded connections, other adjustable connection systems known in the art are contemplated. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 11A , timbers  232 ,  233 ,  234 , and  235  are to be joined using connector assembly  200  as described above. The timbers  233 - 235  have bored-out cavities  238  which extend inwardly into the timber along the centerline (CL) of the timber from the lateral face of the timber serving as the point at which the timber will be connected to another timber. Disposed around the bored-out cavities  238  and centered on the centerline of the timbers  233 - 235  are circular split ring insets  242 . The split ring insets  242  house the split rings  228 , such that approximately half of the split ring  228  is disposed within a first timber piece and the other half of the split ring  228  is disposed within a second timber piece to provide a quick friction fitting of timbers to be connected. Timber pieces  233 - 235  further comprise bored-out cavities  240 , which run perpendicular to bored-out cavities  238  and are used to house the connector cinching assemblies  218 . In this embodiment, timber  232  has two bored out cavity sections  240  which run directly through the timber  232 . The bored-out cavities  240  are used to access and adjust the connector cinching assemblies  218  of the timber connector  200  to ensure secure engagement of the timbers  232 - 235  to one another. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11B  shows timber connector  200  as assembled within the timbers ( FIG. 11C ).  FIG. 11C  shows timbers  232 - 235  connected to one another using the timber connector assembly  200  (not shown) wherein bored-out cavities  240  have been plugged with plugs  244 , giving the connected timbers a finished appearance. 
         [0060]    The connector assemblies as described above provided fully hidden, yet adjustable mechanical connections. The connector assemblies can be used to connect not only timbers, but any plurality of structural members that are capable of having bored-out cavities or apertures that can engage the cinching assemblies of the connector assembly. 
         [0061]    The present invention also allows for reduced fabrication time in preparing members to be connected. Simple “butt” connection at abutting end surfaces of structural members simplifies the fabrication of the individual timber components by employing only flush sawn cuts and simple drilling operations without the need for traditional mortising and tenoning. The use of centerline mounting for the joined members allows for quick and efficient “self-centering” boring fixtures and tools to be used in the fabrication of the members. 
         [0062]    Having connections in multiple axes that all center on centerline or neutral axes of members is another advantage of the present invention. This centerline joining ensures that stress points are located at low stress zones of the members to be joined. When dealing with connections made between multiple members, axes all center on the centerline or neutral axes of the members. In this way, the present invention takes away from an undesired off-setting or stacking effect of other timber joining systems that require varied load-bearing points both on and off the centerline of the joined members. By creating consistent centerline locations of connectors, neutral axes of joined members intersect at a common point for effective load transfer thereby minimizing the inducement of moments on the connection that can occur as the timbers twist, shrink, and settle over time. 
         [0063]    Further, the radial pattern of the connector assemblies and the split rings allow for natural beam twist, common to some softwoods, to occur at the centerline bearing locations and are readily adapted to minimize stress on the joint when this occurs. 
         [0064]    Shrinkage is often a common occurrence in joined timbers. As timbers shrink, stress is transferred to the joints and joints often need to be adjusted. With the present connector assembly, 3 timbers joined in series (for example) are readily capable of handling any shrinkage that may occur as all timber to timber connections can be adjusted where the abutting end surfaces of the timbers are joined. The use of threaded components in the tube-like structures allows for lateral adjustability of the connector assembly during the assembly process. This adjustability is preserved and even made more variable as multiple wedge connector locations are introduced. As shrinkage occurs in the settlement of timbers, the shrinkage decreases the timber size toward the bearing point. For example, in a traditional mortise-and-tenon joint as shown in  FIG. 12A , the bearing location is disposed on the bottom surface of timber A as it connects with timber B. Therefore, as timber A shrinks in settlement, 100% of that shrinking effect occurs on the top surface of timber A toward the bearing location, as indicated by arrow C. With the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 12B , the shrinkage of timber A occurs from both the upper and lower surfaces of timber A toward the bearing location (the centerline of timber A), as indicated by arrows C and D. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the effect of structure settlement due to beam shrinkage by up to 50% by allowing shrinkage from multiple surfaces of the timber to move in concert toward the centerline of a bearing location as constructed in accordance with the present invention. The effect of shrinking timbers is compounded when multiple timbers are joined on multiple axes with other timber connecting systems which must be in a stacked relationship without a common centerline bearing locus. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , an exploded view of a connector assembly  300  is shown which is used to connect structural members  302  (vertical),  303  (horizontal), and  304  (lateral). The structural members  302 ,  303 , and  304  can be plastic materials, timber materials, or other composite materials suitable for construction applications. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-13C , the structural members  302 ,  303 , and  304  will be described as timbers, however, this designation is not intended to limit the use of the connector assembly  300  to timber connections only. As shown in  FIG. 13 , structural insulated panels (commonly referred to as SIP panels) are shown. Reference numeral  306  indicates vertical SIP panels and reference numeral  308  indicates horizontal SIP panels. The SIP panels are comprised of skins  310  and insulative materials  312  to which the skins  310  are generally adhered using adhesive or other known connection means. The SIP panel skins  310  have overhang portions  310 ′ which allow a group of connected timbers, which have a thickness that correlates to the insulative material  312  of the SIP panels, to slide in between the skins  310  of the SIP panels, such that a group of connected timbers surrounding a SIP panel can be fully concealed by the SIP panel skins  310  using the overhang portions  310 ′. 
         [0066]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the connector assembly  300  comprises tube-like structures  316  and intermediate or terminal tube-like structures  318  which are connected using connectors  320  which, in this embodiment, are internally threaded and can be threaded onto tube-like structure  316  or intermediate tube-like structure  318  at their threaded ends  316 ′ and  318 ′, respectively. The connectors  320  can also be threaded to an intermediate threaded connector  321  which will then connect to another connector  320 . As shown in  FIG. 13  on the vertical axis, the connector assembly  300  has a tube-like structure  316  with a threaded end  316 ′ which connects to a connector  320  which connects to a threaded connector  321  which connects to a connector  320  which connects with a terminal or intermediate tube-like structure  318  which further connects to another connector  320 . Where the tube-like structures  316  and intermediate or terminal tube-like structure  318  connect with a connector  320 , there is the ability of the user of the connector assembly  300  to adjust the connector assembly  300  at these locations. Further, the user of the connector assembly  300  can also adjust at the location of the threaded connector  321 . 
         [0067]    In this embodiment, the vertical section of the connector assembly  300  described above is used to connect timber  302  to timber  304 . A horizontal section of the connector assembly  300  is used to connect timber  303  to timber  304  and the horizontal section of the connector assembly  300  comprises a tube-like structure  316  having a threaded end  316 ′ which connects to connector  320  which then connects to a threaded connector  321  which then connects to wedge connector  322 . Adjustments for this section of the connector assembly  300  can be made at the connection between the wedge connector  322  and the threaded connector  321  as well as the connection between the threaded connector  321  and the connector  320  and further at the connection between the connector  320  and the tube-like structure  316 . 
         [0068]    Connector cinching assemblies  326  as found in this embodiment comprise wedge connectors  322  having beveled domes  322 ′ wherein the wedge connectors  322  are one-piece connectors which are internally threaded on its outer casing and are either threaded or non-threaded at the aperture disposed on the top of the beveled dome. The wedge connectors  322  have threaded apertures on the beveled domes  322 ′ if the wedge connector  322  is located on the opposite side of the timber where the pin or bolt is inserted. The wedge connectors  322  serve as connection points with threaded connectors  321  using the internal threads of the outer casing of the wedge connectors  322 . The tube-like structures  316  and the intermediate or terminal tube  318  have wedged apertures  328  which correspond to the beveled domes  322 ′ of the wedge connectors  322  in a similar fashion as the embodiments described above. Similarly, the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304  have bored-out sections  330  for the insertion of the connector assembly  300  similar to the embodiments described above. Also, the timber pieces have circular cutouts or insets  332  for the insertion of split rings  324  which hold the timbers together in a friction fit configuration as the connector assembly  300  is assembled. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 13A , the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304  are connected by the connector assembly  300  which is fully assembled internally within the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 13B , the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304  are connected using the connector assembly  300  which is concealed within the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304 , which are connected in a manner such that the load-bearing location of the timbers is on the centerline as indicated by CL in  FIG. 13B . Bored-out sections or cavities  330  are shown in timbers  302  and  303 , which provide access to the timber cinching assemblies  326  so that the user of the connector assembly  300  can adjust the bolts  324  which are concealed within the timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304  in  FIG. 13B . The vertical and horizontal SIP panels  306  and  308  have cutout sections  314  on their skins  310  which allow for the user of the connector assembly  300  to access the cavities  330  as found on timbers  302  and  303 , as well as timber  304  on the underside (not shown). 
         [0071]      FIG. 13C  shows the SIP panels  306  and  308  joined together on the connected timbers  302 ,  303 , and  304  where the cutout sections  314  of the skins  310  of the SIP panels  306  and  308  are shown to provide access to bored-out cavities  330  of the timbers  302  and  303  for the adjustment of the connector cinching assemblies  326  of the connector assembly  300 . 
         [0072]    In another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 14 , five structural members are connected using a structural member connection assembly  400 . In this embodiment, timbers V, W, X, Y, and Z are all connected using the structural connection assembly  400 . Specifically, timbers V, X, and Z are connected in a T-shaped formation using similar components as found in the connector assemblies described above. In a bored-out section of timbers V and Z, structural member engagement assemblies  402  are disposed. The structural member engagement assemblies  402 , as found in timbers V and Z, have two transverse holes which are used to house horizontal cinching assemblies  404  and vertical cinching assemblies  406 . In this way, the structural members V and Z are anchored at two points in perpendicular directions off the structural member engagement assemblies  402  using horizontal and vertical cinching assemblies  404 ,  406 . Structural member engagement assembly connectors  412  are disposed between the structural engagement assemblies  402  of timbers V and Z and further connect to a structural engagement assembly  410  as disposed in a bored-out cavity of timber X. The bored-out cavity of timber X also has a transverse hole housing a horizontal cinching assembly  404 A. At the abutting faces of the structural members V, X, and Z, split rings  326  are inserted into circular insets in a similar fashion as the split rings  26  are so positioned as discussed above. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , structural members W and Y are connected to the T-shaped configuration of structural members V, X, and Z at varied angles using structural member engagement assemblies  408  disposed in bored-out cavities within the structural members W and Y. In assembly, the structural member engagement assemblies  408  connect to threaded ends of the vertical cinching assemblies  406 , which are threaded cavities of the wedge connectors. The structural members W and Y further comprise transverse holes in which horizontal cinching assemblies  404 B are disposed, which engage with structural member engagement assembly  408 . Split rings  426  are also disposed between the abutting surfaces of structural members W and V, as well as structural members Y and Z. In this way, the structural member connector assembly  400  firmly connects the timbers V, W, X, Y, and Z at multiple angles for use, for example, in a tress assembly. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14A  shows the structural members V, W, X, Y, and Z connected using the concealed structural member connector assembly  400  wherein plugs  428  have been used to cover the transverse holes disposed on the structural members. 
         [0074]    The above description is considered of preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the disclosed connector assembly will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosed connector assembly. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Summary:
The present invention relates to a concealed, centerline load-bearing and adjustable connector which binds a plurality of structural members together on one or more axes to create a joint which is sturdy for construction applications and the like. The present invention is configured to withstand the variables associated with timber materials, and other like structural members, such as shrinkage and timber twisting, which can occur after the joint is in place. In this way, the present invention provides a concealed, centerline load-bearing and adjustable connector that is easier to install, can be assembled on or offsite, provides a secure joint which is as good or better than the mortise-and-tenon joints of the past, and is adjustable once in place.