Method of forming joints of non-cylindrical tubing

Abstract

Structures built from metal tubing and a method for their construction wherein cast curved sections of tubing are welded to substantially straight sections of metal tubing according to the design requirements of the structures. The cast curved components are stronger and lighter than equivalent components made by bending. In addition, the cast components can be manufactured in a much wider range of configurations, sizes and dimensions (e.g. cast curves can have a greater degree of curve and a much smaller radius of curve than bent components).

1 . A structure comprising at least two substantially straight sections of square or rectangular metal tubing and at least one cast curved section of square or rectangular metal tubing, wherein an end of a first one of said substantially straight sections is welded to a first end of said curved section and an end of a second one of said substantially straight sections is welded to a second end of said curved section.  
   
   
       2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said structure is one of a handrail, a fence, a brush-guard, a rollover protection system and a falling object protection system.  
   
   
       3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said ends of said substantially straight sections are butt welded to said first and second ends of said curved section.  
   
   
       4 . A structure comprising a plurality of sections of square or rectangular metal tubing welded together, wherein an end of at least one substantially straight section of square or rectangular metal tubing is welded to an end of at least one section of cast curved square or rectangular metal tubing.  
   
   
       5 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein said structure is one of a handrail, a fence, a brush-guard, a rollover protection system and a falling object protection system.  
   
   
       6 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein an end of said substantially straight section is butt welded to an end of said cast curved section of metal tubing.  
   
   
       7 . A method of constructing a structure from metal tubing, comprising the following steps: 
 a) providing a plurality of substantially straight sections of square or rectangular metal tubing;    b) providing at least one section of cast square or rectangular curved metal tubing; and    c) welding an end of one of said substantially straight sections of metal tubing to an end of said section of cast curved metal tubing.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said welding step comprises butt welding.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said structure is one of a handrail, a fence, a brush-guard, a rollover protection system and a falling object protection system.