Connecting element

In a structural framework of the type comprising a plurality of separate, elongated frame members which are disposed in end to end relation to one another and which are oriented respectively in horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions to define different sections of said framework, the adjacent ends of said frame members being interconnected to one another by connecting elements at a plurality of junction points that are located respectively at the adjacent ends of groups of said frame members, said junction points and their associated connecting elements being disposed in spaced relation to one another throughout said framework, the improvement wherein the connecting elements provided at said junctions throughout said framework all have the same structural shape and configuration, each of said connecting elements consisting of first and second elongated, hollow sleeves which are interconnected to one another adjacent corresponding ends thereof, said first and second sleeves being open at the respective ends thereof remote from their interconnected ends for respectively receiving the ends of two of said frame members, said first and second sleeves being oriented at an angle of substantially 120.degree. to one another and having a pair of outer faces which are coplanar with one another, and a third elongated, hollow sleeve located between the interconnected ends of said first and second sleeves and integral therewith for interconnecting said first and second sleeves to one another, said third sleeve being open at both ends thereof whereby said third sleeve is adapted to receive a further pair of said frame members at opposite ends of said third sleeve respectively, said elongated third sleeve being oriented at substantially 90.degree. to said coplanar outer faces of said first and second sleeves, one of the open ends of said third sleeve being substantially flush with said coplanar outer faces of said first and second sleeves, and said elongated third sleeve extending in one direction only away from said coplanar faces of said first and second sleeves with the other open end of said third sleeve being positioned remote from said coplanar faces whereby said connecting element exhibits an asymmetrical configuration wherein said first and second sleeves are attached to and located adjacent one end of said elongated third sleeve.