Abstract:
Structure and method for assembling a structural frame for use in erecting temporary or permanent structures, which structural frame has a first component having at least one auxiliary elongated web section with an elongated entrance channel opening for allowing insertion into the hollow interior of a coupler component to which is attached a second component. The channel opening defines a wider gap portion through which a coupler component is inserted, and a narrower gap portion that secures the coupler therein attaching the coupler component to an end of the second component. The first and second components are firmly, yet removable, secured together by first inserting the first wider section of the coupler through the wider gap section of the entrance channel opening of the first component, and then sliding the coupler along the hollow interior of the first component until the wider section is located at and within the narrower gap section of the entrance channel opening of the first component.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to structural frame systems, especially those consisting of extruded-aluminum rails or rail-elements and post or post-elements connected together to form a structure, such as a booth, shelving, display, and the like.  
         [0002]     Hitherto-known structural frame systems have consisted of particular types of frame members, such as posts and rails, which are joinable together by various means including clips, screws, or joiners to create frames for supporting other members, such as panels. A first such prior-art method has been used for supporting shelf panels, and comprises posts and rails where the posts may contain a series of relatively large holes or slots along their face by which rails containing protruding tabs at their ends are attached. In this method, a shelf-frame is constructed by joining the rails to the posts via the tabs being downwardly receivable within the holes or slots. This method is limited to the use of thin-wall materials, since the tabs, holes or slots are formed by processes such as stamping. Structural components compatible with these processes are typically thin-walled angle-sections, which are, structurally, less efficient than sections such as rectangular hollow sections. The assembled frame components are relatively limited in load-carrying capacity, and lack relative strength and stability. In addition, the completed frame is unsightly due to the exposed joining elements as well as vacant holes.  
         [0003]     A second prior-art method employs posts and rails of hollow rectangular cross-section that are structurally stronger and more stable than the above-mentioned first prior-art method. This second prior-art method is limited in that the posts and rails may be joinable only by utilizing connectors which can be slid inside the ends of both sections. Consequently, a rail may not easily be joined into or removed from an already constructed frame. This method also lacks versatility and is cumbersome.  
         [0004]     A third prior-art method employs rails and posts also of hollow rectangular cross-section and which have a continuous outside void or opening along the length of a side of the component. This void has a pair of continuous internal lips along the full length of the component. In this prior-art method, a multipart joiner is slid into the end of a rail, whereby a protruding part of the joiner or connector is slid into the void in the rail. This method relies upon the multipart joiner having shafts, housings, springs, screws and a single protruding bolt with a transversely-elongated head, with the rail and bolt assembly being rotated about the longitudinal axis of the rail after the bolt head has located in the void in the rail. A screw in the rail is hand tightened using a tool so that the shoulder of the bolt head can subsequently grip the lips of the void. This method is cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble, and the position of the rail along the post may need to be determined at each and every connection. This method also has unsightly exposed screws and requires special tools to assemble. In addition, owing to the use of a single bolt, the rail often lacks resistance to high torsion, and, since the end of the rail forcibly abuts against the face of the post surface to create a friction grip, marring may occur. Also, a rail may not be easily added or removed from a completed frame, since rails have depth in the longitudinal direction of posts.  
         [0005]     A fourth prior-art method is similar to the above-mentioned third prior-art method, except that the joiner or connector has a reverse vise-arrangement at its exposed end within the rail, so that tightening of a grub-screw in the rail causes the reverse vise to open and thereby grip the lip inside the void in the post, so as to simultaneously grip the post and clamp the rail to the post via further tightening of the grub-screw with the tightening tool. This method may be equally cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble. In addition, the position of the rail along the post must be determined at each and every joinder. This method also employs exposed unsightly grub-screws, and requires tools to assemble. Also, since the end of the rail forcibly abuts against the face of the post to create a friction grip surface, marring of the post surface is possible, and, also, a rail is not easily added or removed from a completed frame since rails have depth in the longitudinal direction of posts.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is the primary objective to provide a structural frame system that has frame members and joining couplers which are quickly and releasably joinable to each other.  
         [0007]     It is another primary objective of the present invention to provide a structural frame system that includes posts or post-components, and rails or rail-components, and joining couplers whereby the rails are simply and rapidly slidably connectable to the posts, and whereby the couplers are concealed.  
         [0008]     It is yet another primary objective of the present invention to provide a structural frame system that is capable of resisting large torques, and where rectangular hollow cross-sectional components are provided with the post components having pre-determined rail-mounting positions, whereby the coupling components of the system of the invention do not rely upon friction mounting of the components parts.  
         [0009]     The structural frame system according to the present invention comprises first elongated, rectangular cross-sectioned components or post elements, and second elongated, rectangular cross-sectioned components or rail elements that are releasably joined or connected to the first components. The first and second elongated components are capable of supporting other members, such as panels, and the like. The first and second components are releasably connected together by means of separate joining means or couplers being capable of securely and releasably joining at least one first elongated component and at least one second elongated component.  
         [0010]     The releasable coupling means or coupling element of the invention consists of a first connector element of a first elongated post component that slidably receives therein a second connector element mounted to an end of a second elongated rail component. Each first post component is provided with at least one elongated connector-receiving section that extends substantially along one surface face of the post component. This elongated connector-receiving section is provided with an exterior-facing groove or slot extending at least most of the length thereof. The elongated connector-receiving component has a plurality of spaced-apart teeth, projections or protuberances that periodically protrude into the gap formed by the groove or slot, whereby alternative narrower and wider entrance-openings or gaps are formed along the length of the groove or slot, whereby a connector mounted at an end of a second rail-component may enter into the elongated connector-receiving component of the post component via one of the wider entrance-openings or gaps and slid along the interior of the elongated connector-receiving component until located at one of the narrower entrance-openings or gaps, where it is retained in place. In a modification, instead of the spaced-apart teeth, projections or protuberances being formed in the elongated connector-receiving section, one or more separate mounting sleeve elements are fixedly mounted within the hollow interior of the elongated connector-receiving section, which sleeve element defines a gap having a width less than the width of the gap of the elongated connector-receiving section. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The present invention will better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a first elongated post-component of the invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  at a position where the gap thereof is narrow;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the cradle region of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is an end view of a second elongated rail component or element according to the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is an end view of a modification of the second elongated rail component of  FIG. 4  showing the end-surface thereof formed with ledges for mounting a panel, or the like;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the second elongated rail component on of  FIG. 4  and shows a connector or coupler of  FIG. 4  mounted to an end thereof,  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a partially cut-away side elevational view of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the coupler of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the coupler  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 9  showing a modification thereof,  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the modification of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 12  but showing another modification of the coupler;  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the resilient retaining mounting member used in mounting the coupler of  FIG. 3  attached to the end of a rail-component within a post component of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a partially cut-away side elevational view similar to  FIG. 7  and showing the resilient retaining mounting member of  FIG. 14  in use;  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a similar view to  FIG. 3  and showing the resilient retaining mounting member of  FIG. 14  seated in place passing the through and an end resting on a cradle thereat;  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a view similar to  FIGS. 1, 14  and  15  and shows the resilient retaining mounting member of  FIG. 14  in place;  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the release member of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is a front elevational view similar to  FIGS. 1, 14  and  15  but showing a pair of second elongated rail components of  FIG. 5  joined perpendicularly to a first elongated post component of  FIG. 1 , via couplers of  FIG. 9 , one rail component being joined at an angle to the first elongated post component;  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the first elongated post component and having an angled side with one elongated connector-receiving section therefor;  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of another modification of the first elongated post component and having a convex-shape side with two elongated connector-receiving sections therefor;  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 1  but showing two rail-components of  FIG. 4  connected to the post component via couplers shown in  FIG. 9 , in the manner of  FIG. 19 , where each coupler is mounted between two differently radially-located projections or protuberances of a respective connector-elongated receiving section;  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  but showing a rail component having only one set of outer projections or protuberances for each elongated connector-receiving section with two rail-components mounted thereto;  
         [0035]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are views similar to  FIG. 1  but show a second embodiment of the post component whereby the protuberances or projections defining the gap of the elongated connector-receiving section of a post component are provided by separate slide members;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 25A and 25B  are views similar to  FIG. 2  and show a separate slide member of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 , with the addition of screw-holes in the ends of the post component for receiving a coupler thereto so that the post component can be utilised as a rail component;  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is a view similar to  FIG. 25  but with the absence of the separate slide member but with the addition of screw-holes in the ends of the post component for receiving a coupler thereto so that the post component can be utilised as a rail component;  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is a view similar to  FIGS. 25 and 26  but showing the use of self-retaining flattenable bridge;  
         [0039]      FIGS. 28 and 29  are views similar to  FIG. 25  but where multiple radially spaced screw-holes are shown;  
         [0040]      FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of a coupler similar to the coupler of  FIG. 9  but showing the coupler having a spacing member;  
         [0041]      FIG. 31A  is a similar view to  FIG. 30  except that double connection means is shown;  
         [0042]      FIGS. 31B-31D  are detailed views of the stages of entry of the lower guiding hook portion a coupler component into a mounting sleeve of  FIG. 25A ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 32  is an enlarged isometric view of the separate slide member of  FIG. 25A ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 33  is an end view of the separate slide member of  FIG. 32  but with a flattenable bridge housed in the separate slide member being shown;  
         [0045]      FIG. 34  is a front plan view of  FIG. 33  and shows a hole in the flattenable bridge for removing the flattenable bridge;  
         [0046]      FIG. 35  is an isometric view showing a modification of the resilient retaining mounting member represented by a flat spring for use with the separate slide member of  FIG. 32 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 36  is a view showing an enlarged section through the separate member to define the location of the resilient retaining mounting member;  
         [0048]      FIG. 37  is a view similar to  FIG. 23  showing a rail component using separate slide members with one rail-component mounted thereto;  
         [0049]      FIG. 38  is a view with a coupler component attached to the end of a first elongated post component rather than the end of a second elongated rail component;  
         [0050]      FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view showing two parallel elongated post components connected together by a double connector component of  FIG. 31A  which contains a thicker spacer member;  
         [0051]      FIG. 40A  is an exploded assembly view showing the mounting of couplers to the ends of a rail component along with a spacer member and anti-rotation protrusions extending from the face of the spacer member;  
         [0052]      FIG. 40B  is an exploded assembly view showing the attachment of a coupler component to an end of the rail component;  
         [0053]      FIG. 40C  is an exploded assembly view showing the mounting of a slide member via a U-shaped clip;  
         [0054]      FIGS. 41A-41C  are end views of a first elongated post component containing the separate slide member showing the stages of the insertion of a mounting sleeve within a hollow interior of a post component with camming members for causing the squeezing of the jaws of the mounting sleeve and the use of an actuating pin member for maintaining the jaw of the mounting sleeve squeezed;  
         [0055]      FIGS. 42A and 42B  are plan views of two versions of the actuating or locking pins used in  FIG. 41C  for maintaining the mounting sleeve in its locked, actuated position;  
         [0056]      FIG. 42C  is an end view showing the locking pins of  FIGS. 42A and 42B  mounted in place;  
         [0057]      FIG. 43  is end view showing a modification of the shape of a rail component, which in this modification is circular in cross section;  
         [0058]      FIG. 44  is a view similar to  FIG. 37  showing the round rail component of  FIG. 43  mounted to a post component and  
         [0059]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view showing an example of a structure that ma be built using the component parts of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0060]     The structural frame system of the invention consists of elongated, hollow post components  10  as seen in  FIGS. 1-3  and  19 , elongated, hollow rail components  24  as seen in  FIGS. 9-13  and  19 , and coupler components  18  as seen in  FIGS. 4-8  and  19 . The elongated post and rail components may be made of any suitable material, such as extruded aluminum, while the coupler components may also be made of aluminum, or, suitable plastic or spring steel.  
         [0061]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , each post component  10  is made of a hollow, elongated rectangular cross-sectioned main section  12  defining four surface-faces. In the preferred embodiment, extending from two perpendicularly adjoining walls  12 ′,  12 ″ are projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections  14 ,  16 , each substantially having the same width and length as the main section  12 . Each of the projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections  14 ,  16  defines an entrance opening or gap  14 ′,  16 ′, respectively, through which protrudes a coupler element  18 , as described in detail hereinbelow. Each projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections  14 ,  16  also has one or more interiorly-projecting tabs or detents  18 ,  18 ′, and  20 ,  20 ′, respectively, with each set of tabs  18 ,  18 ′ or  20 ,  20 ′ lying in opposite juxtaposition to each other, and extending from opposite interior surfaces of the respective web section, as clearly shown in  FIGS. 2 . The degree to which each tab projects into the hollow interior of the respective web section may vary depending upon various factors. In the preferred embodiment, there are provided two pairs of longitudinally spaced-apart tabs  20 ,  20 ′, as seen in  FIG. 1 , and two pairs of longitudinally spaced-apart tabs  18 ,  18 ′, so as to define a narrow opening or gap section between opposing tabs  18 ,  18 ′ or opposing tabs  20 ,  20 ′, and a wider opening or gap section between the two pairs of longitudinally spaced-apart tabs  18 ,  18 ′, or  20 ,  20 ′. This wider opening or gap section  17  allows entry of a coupler component  18  into the hollow interior of the respective web section  14 ,  16  , upon which the coupler component is slid in one direction or the other in order to locate it at a narrower gap section  16 ″ between one of the pairs of opposing tabs or detents  20 ,  20 ″, or  18 ,  18 ′ of the respective web section, with the detents serving to help releasably mount and lock in place the respective coupler component thereat, as described in detail hereinbelow. Each post component  10  is also provided with a longitudinally-extending slot or guide-groove  22  extending substantially along the length of the exterior surface-face of each wall  12 ′,  12 ″, as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as well as interiorly-projecting semicircular-shaped protuberances or ears  22 ′ through each of which is formed a through-hole  22 ″. As described in detail hereinbelow, each side surface or wall of the post component  10  has a guide-groove  22  used for guiding a coupler-retainer element  40  as discussed hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 14-17 .  
         [0062]     Referring now  FIGS. 4-8  and  19 , there is shown a second component part used in the structural frame system of the invention, a rail component  24 . Each rail component  24  consists of a main rectangularly cross-sectioned section  26  defining four walls. Interiorly of the rail component, there is provided a pair of longitudinally extending cross-webs  28 ′,  28 ″, spanning the interior width of the rail component. The upper cross-web  28 ′ defines a lower surface from which extends a downwardly-projecting receptacle or partial enclosure  30 ′, while the lower cross-web  28 ″ defines an upper surface from which extends an upwardly-projecting receptacle or partial enclosure  30 ″. Each receptacle is used for receiving and mounting a mounting screw associated with a coupler element  18 , as described hereinbelow in detail. Each cross-web  28 ′,  28 ″ with associated receptacle  30 ′,  30 ″, respectively, may extend the entire length of the interior of the rail component, so that there are provided at each end of the rail component means for fastening mounting screws of a coupler component to an end or to both ends of the rail component. Alternatively, there may be provided single upper and lower cross-webs  28 ′,  28 ″ in the interior of the rail component at each end thereof. The upper and lower wall-surfaces of the rail component are preferably provided with an upper groove and a lower groove or cutout  34 ,  36 , respectively, through which is mounted an edge-surface of a panel of a structure to be built, such as table, book case, booth, store house, and the like. In order to retain a panel in place, retaining tabs or detents  40 ,  40 ′, which tabs or detents may be similar to the upper interiorly-projecting tabs or detents  18 ,  18 ′ of the rail component of  FIG. 1-3 . In addition, exteriorly-extending detents  41 ,  41 ′ may also be provided on the upper portion of the rail component for use in spacing the component. A rail component may also be provided with two projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections similar to the two projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections  14 ,  16  of the post component in order to join rail components perpendicular to each other. Each rail component may also have a panel support ledge  29 .  
         [0063]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-13 , there is shown the coupler component  19 . The coupler  19  consists of two sections: A wider plate section  19 ′ and a narrower plate section  19 ″. Each section  19 ′,  19 ″ is provided with a pair of vertically spaced-apart holes that pass mounting screws for mounting the coupler to an end of a rail component, and also to a post component provided that has been fitted with cross-webs similar to the cross-webs  28 ′,  28 ″ of a rail component described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 4-8 , and as described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 27-31 . The wider section  19 ′ has a width less than that of the wider gap section  17 , whereby the coupler, after being first mounted to an end of a rail element, may then be inserted into the gap or slot  16 ′ of post component  10  via the wider gap section  17  thereof, and then slid in a first or second direction to bring the coupler  19  into the narrower gap section  16 ″ of the post component. The wider plate section  19 ′ of the coupler component  19  is provided with a perpendicular lip  21  that serves as a stop that limits or terminates longitudinal sliding entry of the coupler component within the narrower gap section  16 ″ of the post component, with the lip  21  limiting further insertion by its contact against the end-edge of a tab or detent  20 ,  20 ′, or  18 ,  18 ′, depending upon which longitudinal direction the coupler and attached rail element are slid during attachment for location at a chosen narrower gap section  16 ″. The wider section  19 ′ is wider than the gap-entrance of the narrower gap section  16 ″, but the narrower section  19 ″ is substantially equal to or less narrow than the gap-entrance of the narrower gap-section section  16 ″, thereby allowing the end of the rail section to project perpendicularly from face of the post element, or, in the case where a rail element has also been provided with one or more projecting or protruding hollow elongated web sections similar two projecting or protruding hollow, elongated web sections  14 ,  16  of a post component  10 , allowing the end to project from a rail component. In the case where the narrower section  19 ″ of the coupler element is substantially equal to the gap-entrance, a force-fit connection is established between the coupler component  19  and the narrower-gap section  16 ″, whereby, for inserting a coupler component  19  which has been mounted to an end of rail component, one simply pounds or bangs it in using a rubber mallet, or the like. Similarly, when one wants to disassemble the joined parts, one simply pounds or bangs an end of the attached rail component to force the coupler component out of the narrower-gap section using a rubber mallet, or the like.  
         [0064]     Referring also to  FIGS. 14-17 , in order to fixedly retain the coupler component  19  in place within the narrower-gap section  16 ″, there is provided a spring-steel retainer element  40  consisting of a main elongated portion  42 , an upper bent portion  44 , and a lower bent portion  46 . The upper bent portion  44  is mounted in one of the through-holes  22 ″ of an elongated web sections  14  or  16 , with each through-hole  22 ″ being located in closely juxtapositioned at an end of one of the narrower-gap sections  16 ″, which end is opposite to that against which the stop member or lip  21  of the wider coupler section  19 ′ abuts during assembly. Thus, sliding movement of the coupler within the narrower-gap section  16 ″ is prevented in one direction by contact between the lip  21  and the juxtapositioned end-edge of the respective detents  20 ,  20 ′ or  18 ′,  18 ′. As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , the bent end  46  is received in a groove  21 ′ extending along the width of the rear face of the wider section  19 ′ of the coupler  19  ( FIG. 7 ). If it is desired to release the retainer element  40  in order to disconnect or disassemble the component parts, a release tool  50  ( FIG. 18 ) is provided, which release tool is a right-angle member defining legs  52  and  54 . By inserting the tool  50  first through a wider gap section  17 , one then slides it toward the coupler to be released such that one of the legs  52 ,  54  strikes against the main section  42  of the retainer element, which forces the lower bent section  46  out of its retaining groove  21 ′ of the wider section  19 ′ of the coupler to thereby release the connection.  
         [0065]     The post component may also be provided in different shapes to suit a particular structure desired to be built. For example, instead of having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, a post component  60  may be triangular in cross section, as shown in  FIG. 20 , or may be a post component  62  that has a cross section that is three-sided with one side having a convex shape, as shown in  FIG. 21 . In either modification, one or more protruding hollow, elongated web sections similar to the protruding hollow elongated web sections  14 ,  16  of the post component  10  of  FIG. 1 , are provided, which extend from the straight side walls. It is, also, noted that the cross-sectional shapes shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  may also be used for one or more rail components  24 .  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIGS. 22-23 , there are shown various ways of coupling two rail components to a post component, where the rail components are mounted perpendicular to each other and the post component. In  FIG. 22 , each rail component  24  is connected to one hollow elongated web sections  14 ,  16  by being located between the outer detents  18 ,  18 ′ and inner detents  19 ′,  19 ″, with the depth of the coupler component  19  being such as to allow a flush engagement of the end of the rail component against the wall-surface of the post component to which the rail component is attached. In  FIG. 23 , only detents  18 ,  18 ′ or  20 ,  20 ′ are provided, with the thickness of the wider plate section  21  of the coupler element substantially filling the void.  
         [0067]     Referring now  FIGS. 24A-39 , there is shown the structural frame system of the present invention according to a second embodiment thereof. In this embodiment, the rail components are identical to the rail components  24  of the first embodiment. This second embodiment uses a post component  100  ( FIGS. 24A-29 ) that is similar to the post component  10  of the first embodiment, and is made of a hollow elongated rectangular cross-sectioned main section  112  defining four surface-faces or walls. In the preferred embodiment, extending from two perpendicularly adjoining walls  112 ′,  112 ″ are protruding hollow elongated web sections  114 ,  116 , each substantially having the same width and length as the main section  112 . Each of the projecting or protruding hollow elongated web sections  114 ,  116  defines an entrance opening or gap  114 ′,  116 ′, respectively, through which protrudes a coupler element  118 , as described in detail hereinbelow. In this embodiment, each projecting or protruding hollow elongated web sections  114 ,  116  is provided with a pair of interiorly-projecting entrances-lips or tabs  118 ,  118 ′, and  120 ,  120 ′, respectively, with each set of tabs  118 ,  118 ′ or  120 ,  120 ′ lying in opposite juxtaposition to each, and extending from opposite interior surfaces of the respective web section. The degree to which each lip or detent projects into the entrance of the respective web section may vary depending upon various factors. Slidably receivable in each elongated web sections  114 ,  116 , is a coupler-receiving, flexible mounting sleeve  126  having a substantially elongated oval or rectilinear cross-sectional shape, which sleeve  126  defines an exit or mouth  126 ′ through which projects a portion of a coupler component attached to the end of rail component, as described in detail hereinbelow. This sleeve  126  is best seen in  FIG. 32 , and is preferably made of spring steel, and defines a slot or groove  130  for mounting a resilient spring member  136  ( FIGS. 35, 36 ), used for securing a coupler element in the sleeve  126 , which spring member  136  has an upper bent or hook portion  136 ′ that retains the spring member  136  to the sleeve  126 . The sleeve  126  is mounted in place within the hollow interior of an auxiliary section by means of screws.  
         [0068]     The sleeve  126  is loosely mounted within one of the elongated web sections  114 ,  116  by means of cams or wedge-elements  122  located in the interior portion of the web section in close juxtaposition to the associated surface-face or wall of the elongated main section  112  from which the respective web section  114  or  116  projects, as seen in FIGS.  25 A- 27 . The lateral distance between the two cams  122  is such as to loosely retain the sleeve member  126  and cause compression of the sleeve member  126  as it is slid in the web section  114  or  116  and reaches the cam members  122 . It is noted that sleeve member  126  is inserted into a web section  114  or  116  at one of the free ends of the web section, and then slid toward the pair of cam members. The free edge-surfaces  128  may be squeezed toward each other by the camming members  122 . In any case, the free edge-surfaces  128  are to provide the equivalent of the narrower-gap section  16 ″ of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 , whereby these free ends are clearly visible, as seen in  FIG. 24A . If additional structural mounting of the sleeve member within a web section  114  or  116  is required or desirable, such may be attained by using a flexible and deformable bridge member  140  as seen in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . The bridge member  140  consists of two angle-members or legs  142 ,  144  that form a V-shape before insertion, and define serrated ends  142 ′,  144 ′. The bridge member  140  is first inserted into a sleeve member  126  such that the ends  142 ′,  144 ′ thereof protrude outwardly from the sleeve member via rear cutout  126 ′, as shown in  FIG. 34 . The width of the bridge member  140  is greater than the width, or height when viewing  FIG. 32 , of the cutout  126 ′ so as to be retained in place in the sleeve member, with the serrated ends  142 ′,  144 ′ projecting laterally outwardly through the cutout  126 ′. After the bridge member  140  has been inserted into the sleeve member, as shown in  FIG. 33 , it is then pressed to extend the legs  142 ,  144  thereof, until the serrated ends  142 ′,  144 ′ are forced under the camming members  122  and are wedged thereunder, as shown in  FIG. 27 . The bridge element  140  may also have a central hole  148  by which it may be fastened to the exterior surface-face or wall of the elongated main section  112  from which the respective web section  114  or  116  extends. When the bridge member is mounted, it is located between the surface-face or wall of the elongated main section  112  from which the respective web section  114  or  116  extends and the respective camming members  122 , as clearly shown in  FIG. 27 .  
         [0069]     The sleeve  126  may also be further constrained within the web section by means of a pair of projections  115  that are part of the entrances lips or tabs  118 ,  118 ′, and  120 ,  120 ′, and face interiorly inwardly, as shown in  FIGS. 24B and 25B . These projections or tabs prevent longitudinal movement of the sleeve when mounted in place, when a rail component with attached coupler is attached. During connection of the rail component to the post component via the sleeve, the sleeve is pulled outwardly thereby, with these tabs or projections preventing removal of the sleeve. In this modification, a gap  117  is provided between the rear surface of the sleeve and the juxtapositioned wall or surface face of the elongated main section, which gap allows the sleeve to clear past the projections  115  in order to locate the sleeve at a different longitudinal location in the web section where a different pair of tabs  115 ′ identical to the tabs  115  are located. This gap  117  is of greater width than the width of the tabs  115  or  115 ′ in order to allow such clearance during installation of sleeves  126  in rail components before connection of the rail components to a post component.  
         [0070]     The interior of each elongated main section  112  of each post component  100  is also provided with a plurality of interiorly-projecting screw-mounting receptacles  150  located at each end of the elongated main section  112  for fixedly receiving screws or fasteners for mounting a coupler component  118  thereto, whereby post components  100  may be mounted parallel to each other in the manner shown in  FIG. 39 . The number of screw-mounting receptacles  150  may vary, such as four as shown in  FIG. 25 , two as shown in  FIG. 26 , or a series of them arranged in a circle as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 .  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIGS. 30 , there is shown a coupler component  118  according to the second embodiment. The coupler component  118  is substantially the same as the coupler component  19  of  FIG. 4  of the first embodiment, and includes a wider section  162 , a narrower section  164 , and screws  166 ; however, the coupler component  118  also includes a spacer element  168  which is used in order to space the end of a rail component from the surface of the mating post component, in a manner shown in  FIG. 37 , such that the end-surface of the rail component lies flush with the surface-face of the mating post component, or, in the case where rail components are connected together, lies flush with the surface-face of the other mating rail component. The spacer element  168  is necessary in this second embodiment owing to the fact that the separate slide member  126  is used. The wider section  162  is provided with a projecting guiding or camming bent end  168 ′ which first enters into the interior of sleeve member  126  as the coupled component that has been attached to an end of a rail component, or alternatively to a post component, is forcibly slid therein during coupling, to provide ease and facility of connection. This camming bent end  168 ′, or what might be called an automatic tensioning ramp, strikes the sleeve during assembly to thus automatically force the rail end inserted into the sleeve toward the side of the post element housing the sleeve., in the manner best seen in  FIGS. 31B-31D .  
         [0072]     In a modification the coupler component  118  of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 31A , a double connector  118 ′ is provided by which the ends of two rail components may be coupled together, in the manner shown in  FIG. 39 . The double connector  118 ′ consists of two regular coupler components  118  arranged back-to-back such that the narrower sections  164  face toward each other and are separated by a central spacer element  170 , defining an upper and a lower cutout or recess  170 ′,  170 ″ in each of which is flush-mounted a bent end  172  of one of the wider sections  168 . This double connector  118 ′ is used for connecting together two post components parallel to each other, as shown on  FIG. 39 , with the parallel-arranged, or back-to-back, post components being oriented  180 m degrees opposite to each when mounted in such a back-to-back connection. For those rail components that are also provided with web-sections similar to web-sections  14  and  16  of the post component  10 , the double connectors  118 ′ may also be used to connect together two rail components parallel to each other.  
         [0073]     Referring now to  FIGS. 40A-40C , there is shown a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, a rail component  180 , like the other embodiments, is provided with a main elongated portion  180 ′ and may also have its own elongated web section  180 ″ as described hereinabove. The ends thereof are also provided with receptacles  182  for receiving mounting screws  184  for mounting a coupler component  190  at each end. In this modification, each rail component  180  is also provided with an upper an lower dovetail groove  182 ′,  182 ″ for receiving mating projections of the coupler component  190 , as described below. The coupler component  190  consists of a wide section plate  192  with holes for passing the screws  184 , and a lower camming bent end portion  192 ′ like the camming bent end  168 ′ of the embodiment of  FIG. 31A . In this modification, narrower section  194  is an approximate hour-glass shape defining camming surfaces  194 ′,  194 ″. The camming surface  194 ′ is used to force open the mounting sleeve  200  located in a web section of a post component to which the rail component is to be mounted, which sleeve  200  defines opposing camming surfaces opposing  202 ,  204  that cooperate with the camming surfaces  194 ′, 194 ″ as described below. The coupler component also includes a spacer element  196  from which project rearwardly a pair of guide elements  196 ′,  196 ″ that are received in the grooves  182 ′,  182 ″, so as to counteract rotational or torsional forces during installation and eccentric loading of the rail component after assembly. Each of the narrow section  194  and spacer element  196  are provided with holes through which the mounting screws  184  pass, whereby the three elements of the coupler component are fixedly mounted to an end of the rail component. There may also be provided in this modification a self-lubricating plastic bearing plate  210  that fits in an end of a rail component, which bearing plate may be used in order to prevent the rough surfaces of the end of a rail component from scratching or damaging the surface of the soft component during sliding installation procedure. This plastic bearing plate  210  is provided with holes for passing the mounting screws  184 , dove-tailed grooves  212 ,  214  similar to the grooves  182 ′,  182 ″, and coextensively aligned therewith after assembly, for passing the mating projections  196 ′,  196 ″ of the spacer element  196 . The plastic bearing plate  210  is also provided with several interiorly-protruding, corner-alignment ears  214  for aligning the bearing in the end of the rail component, as well enlarged cutout portion  216  for clearance. Also, in this modification, the mounting sleeve  200  is fixedly mounted within a web section of a post component by means of rear mounting tabs  220 ,  222  defining through-holes through which passes U-shaped mounting clip  224  defining a pair of leg portions  224 ′,  224 ″ that pass through the holes in the mounting tabs  220 ,  222  of the sleeve. Each leg portion  224 ′,  224 ″ has a sharp, pointed tip whereby the clip  224  may be hammered, or otherwise, inserted to the surface face of the adjoining, juxtapositioned wall of the elongated main section of the post component from which extends the web section that mounts the sleeve  200 , which adjoining, juxtapositioned wall is provided with holes for receiving the pointed tips  224 ′,  224 ″, such as holes  22 ″ of the interiorly-projecting semicircular-shaped protuberances or ears  22 ′ of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0074]     As described above, the narrow section  194  defines camming surfaces. The camming surface or wedge surface  194 ′ is used initially during installation of the coupler component with attached rail-component end in a mounting sleeve  200  by contacting the cooperating opposing camming surfaces  202 , to force apart the flexible mounting sleeve to allow entry of the coupler component, until the camming or wedge surface  194  has cleared the camming surfaces  204 , whereupon the sleeve returns to its original position, thereby clamping the coupler component therein. In order to force the wedge surface  194  through, a rubber mallet, or the like, is used to bang or hammer it through. When it is desired to disassemble the rail component from the post component, one hammers the rail component in the opposite direction, whereby the camming surfaces  194 ″ of the narrow section  194  of the coupler component cooperate with the cooperating canted surfaces  204  of the mounting sleeve to thereby force open mounting sleeve to allow removal of the rail end from the post component. It is noted that the length of the indented portion  230  of the narrow section  194  of the coupler component is greater than the length of the combined canted surfaces  202 ,  204  so that, after assembly, the canted surfaces  202 ,  204  may return to their normal positions, with the width of this indented portion  230  being less than the space or gap between the opposing tips of the canted surfaces  202 , and being less than the space or gap between the opposing tips of the canted surfaces  204 . It is also noted that the combined thickness of the wider section  192  and narrow section  194  is such that, after the coupler component has been inserted into a mounting sleeve of a post component by means of the lower camming bent end portion  192 ′ of the wider plate section  192 , the narrower section  194  is substantially located in the entrance of the mounting sleeve  200  defined between the free edge-surfaces thereof from which project the cooperating canted surfaces  202 ,  204 , in the same manner as the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 23 and 37 , for example.  
         [0075]     Referring now to  FIGS. 41A-41C , there are shown the manner by which the free ends  128 , or the jaw, of a mounting sleeve  126  may be closed or clamped to grip a male coupling component  19 .  FIGS. 41A and 41B  show how the mounting sleeve  126 , upon first insertion with the camming members  122 , cause the jaw ends  128  closed to accomplish clamping. To maintain this clamping state, there are provided activating pins  300  that when inserted through holes formed in the lips  120 ,  120 ′, force inwardly the ends  128  of the mounting sleeve to thus clamp, or dead-lock, in place the mating male coupler component  19  or  190 . The activating pins may be used instead of the camming surfaces  122  ( FIG. 25A ), or in addition thereto. Removal of the activating pins allow disassembly of the rail component from the post component.  
         [0076]      FIGS. 42A  shows a first modification of the activating pin. In  FIG. 42A , an actuating pin  300 ′ is attached to a slide plate  302 ′ that slides in one of the dove-tail grooves  314  formed in the rail component The length of pin  300 ′ is such as to clamp the jaws of the mounting sleeve closed in a dead-lock state. In  FIG. 42B , the length of the pin  300 ″ attached to a plate  302 ″ is shorter than the pin  300 ′ of  FIG. 42A , and is used to just dead-lock the connection but not to activate jaws of the mounting sleeve. Each plate  302 ′,  302 ″ is provided with a hole  304 ′,  304 ″, respectively, for receiving a screw or rivet for locking the pin in place so it cannot slide back out.  
         [0077]     It is, also, noted that there may be provided a rail component  24  or  180  that, rather than being rectilinear in cross section, is round, or even an oval shape may be used.  FIG. 43  shows a circular cross-sectioned rail component  324 , with  FIG. 44  showing the rail component  324  attached to a post component  100 .  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIG. 45 , there is shown an example of a structure that may be built using the component parts of the present invention, which, in this example, is a table  400 . Of course, numerous other structures may be constructed, whether permanent or temporary.  
         [0079]     While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.