SYSTEM OF TUBULAR CONNECTIONS

Abstract

Described herein is a System of Tubular Connections (STC) for a building method for constructing and fastening together any elongated symmetrical frameworks such as awning or fences, eliminating the need for other fastening methods such as welding. The STC consists of four (4) basic physical elements. Element 1 is any elongated symmetrical shape, for example tubing or 24 wooden boards. Element 2 is any threaded product. Element 3 is a tubing fastener used when Element 1 is symmetrical hollow tubing. Element 4 is the building block that the elongated symmetrical shape is screwed into or through.

Claims

1. A building element for forming structures comprising: at least one semi-spherical body; wherein the semi-spherical body comprises at least two holes separated from one another defined into an upper surface of the at least one semi-spherical body; wherein the at least two holes project at an angle into an axial center of the at least one semi-spherical body; the at least one semi-spherical body including at least one flat surface on a bottom surface of the semi-spherical body; and the at least one flat surface having at least one groove formed on the at least one flat surface by at least two raised projections extending from the at least one flat surface.

2. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least one semi spherical body comprises a hemisphere.

3. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least one semi spherical body comprises one-half of a hemisphere.

4. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least one semi spherical body comprises one quarter of a hemisphere.

5. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein at least one barrier is placed within the at least one groove formed on the at least one flat surface.

6. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least two holes form a repeating 60/30 degree of angle patterns across the upper surface of the semi-spherical body.

7. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least two holes form a repeating 90/45 degree of angle patterns across the upper surface of the semi-spherical body.

8. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein at least one spacer is formed on the at least one flat surface to divide or alter an angle of penetration of the at least one groove on the at least one flat surface.

9. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein at least one shaped cavity is formed into the at least one flat surface on the bottom surface of the semi-spherical body.

10. The building element for forming structures of claim 1, wherein the at least one shaped cavity is formed by forming a recess into a surface of the at least one flat surface on the bottom surface of the semi-spherical body.

11. A method for forming a building element comprising: forming at least one semi-spherical body; forming the semi-spherical body to comprise at least two holes separated from one another with the at least two holes defined into an upper surface of the at least one semi-spherical body; forming the at least two holes to project at an angle into an axial center of the at least one semi-spherical body; forming the at least one semi-spherical body to include at least one flat surface on a bottom surface of the semi-spherical body; and defining at last one flat surface with at least one groove formed on the at the at least one flat surface by forming at least two raised projections extending from the at least one flat surface.

12. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming the at least one semi spherical body to define a hemisphere.

13. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming the at least one semi spherical body to define one-half of a hemisphere.

14. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising the at least one semi spherical body to define one-quarter of a hemisphere.

15. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming at least one barrier within the at least one groove formed on the at least one flat surface.

16. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming the at least two holes to define a repeating 60/30 degree of angle patterns across the upper surface of the semi-spherical body.

17. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming the at least two holes to define a repeating 90/45 degree of angle patterns across the upper surface of the semi-spherical body.

18. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming at least one spacer on the at least one flat surface to alter an angle of direction of the at least one groove on the at least one flat surface.

19. The method for forming a building element of claim 11, further comprising forming wherein at least one shaped cavity is formed into the at least one flat surface on the bottom surface of the semi-spherical body.

20. The method for forming a building element of claim 19, further comprising forming the at least one shaped cavity by defining a recess into a surface of the at least one flat surface on the bottom surface of the semi-spherical body.

Description

[0046] The figures herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0048] Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0049] Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0050] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

[0051] All publications and patents cited in this specification are cited to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All such publications and patents are herein incorporated by references as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Such incorporation by reference is expressly limited to the methods and/or materials described in the cited publications and patents and does not extend to any lexicographical definitions from the cited publications and patents. Any lexicographical definition in the publications and patents cited that is not also expressly repeated in the instant application should not be treated as such and should not be read as defining any terms appearing in the accompanying claims. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.

[0052] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.

[0053] Where a range is expressed, a further embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. For example, where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g. the phrase x to y includes the range from x to y as well as the range greater than x and less than y. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit, e.g. about x, y, z, or less and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of about x, about y, and about z as well as the ranges of less than x, less than y, and less than z. Likewise, the phrase about x, y, z, or greater should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of about x, about y, and about z as well as the ranges of greater than x, greater than y, and greater than z. In addition, the phrase about x to y, where x and y are numerical values, includes about x to about y.

[0054] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as about that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value 10 is disclosed, then about 10 is also disclosed. Ranges can be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. For example, if the value about 10 is disclosed, then 10 is also disclosed.

[0055] It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of about 0.1% to 5% should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, but also include individual values (e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, and about 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., about 0.5% to about 1.1%; about 5% to about 2.4%; about 0.5% to about 3.2%, and about 0.5% to about 4.4%, and other possible sub-ranges) within the indicated range.

[0056] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0057] As used herein, about, approximately, substantially, and the like, when used in connection with a measurable variable such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, are meant to encompass variations of and from the specified value including those within experimental error (which can be determined by e.g. given data set, art accepted standard, and/or with e.g. a given confidence interval (e.g. 90%, 95%, or more confidence interval from the mean), such as variations of +/10% or less, +/5% or less, +/1% or less, and +/0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure. As used herein, the terms about, approximate, at or about, and substantially can mean that the amount or value in question can be the exact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results or effects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that provides equivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is about, approximate, or at or about whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where about, approximate, or at or about is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0058] The term optional or optionally means that the subsequent described event, circumstance or substituent may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0059] As used herein, tangible medium of expression refers to a medium that is physically tangible or accessible and is not a mere abstract thought or an unrecorded spoken word. Tangible medium of expression includes, but is not limited to, words on a cellulosic or plastic material, or data stored in a suitable computer readable memory form. The data can be stored on a unit device, such as a flash memory or CD-ROM or on a server that can be accessed by a user via, e.g. a web interface.

[0060] As used herein, the terms weight percent, wt %, and wt. %, which can be used interchangeably, indicate the percent by weight of a given component based on the total weight of a composition of which it is a component, unless otherwise specified. That is, unless otherwise specified, all wt % values are based on the total weight of the composition. It should be understood that the sum of wt % values for all components in a disclosed composition or formulation are equal to 100. Alternatively, if the wt % value is based on the total weight of a subset of components in a composition, it should be understood that the sum of wt % values the specified components in the disclosed composition or formulation are equal to 100.

[0061] Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, or an example embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0062] All patents, patent applications, published applications, and publications, databases, websites and other published materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as though each individual publication, published patent document, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

Kits

[0063] Any of the System of Tubular Connections described herein can be presented as a combination kit. As used herein, the terms combination kit or kit of parts refers to the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components that are used to package, sell, market, deliver, and/or provide the combination of elements or a single element, such as the System of Tubular Connections described herein. Such additional components include, but are not limited to, packaging, blister packages, and the like. When one or more of the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof (e.g., a System of Tubular Connections provided alone or a System of Tubular Connections provided with constituent parts/pieces for installation) contained in the kit are provided simultaneously, the combination kit can contain the System of Tubular Connections alone or the System of Tubular Connections provided with other accoutrements for installation, modification, and/or upkeep. When the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof and/or kit components are not provided simultaneously, the combination kit can contain the System of Tubular Connections and constituent parts in separate pharmaceutical combinations. The separate kit components can be contained in a single package or in separate packages within the kit.

[0064] In some embodiments, the combination kit also includes instructions printed on or otherwise contained in a tangible medium of expression. The instructions can provide information regarding the System of Tubular Connections, installation/upkeep/maintenance information, information regarding use, etc. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide directions and protocols for installing a System of Tubular Connections or providing maintenance to same. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide one or more embodiments of the methods for making System of Tubular Connections of the current disclosure as any of the methods described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0065] The inventor conceived of the idea for the STC as an alternative process for constructing canvas awning frames. He began recording and documenting his ideas and illustrations to depict this concept. Over time, the inventor refined his ideas into a new process to construct awning frameworks for which a patent is desired. Additionally, the inventor believes the STC may have much broader applications for joining framework structures beyond awnings.

[0066] The initial concept he developed uses two separate connecting round tubes, the smaller sliding into the larger to form an interior sleeve. Later, he combined the tubes with threaded components to securely fasten them together so they can be attached and through other materials. This combination of components that affixes the Tubing Fastener into and through a solid material allows a electric metallic tube (EMT) conduit pipe to slide around the fastener; this prototype is referred to as Connector Piece Number One(FIG. 4).

[0067] The connection process described in the paragraph above led to the concept of Tubing Fasteners which can be used to connect any symmetrically shaped tubing regardless of size. Tubing Fastenerswhich is Element 3 of the invention is illustrated in the Figures.

[0068] The System of Tubular Connections (STC) is a building method for constructing and fastening together any elongated symmetrical frameworks such as awning or fences, eliminating the need for other fastening methods such as welding. The STC consists of 4 basic physical elements. Element 1 is any elongated symmetrical shape, for example tubing or 24 wooden boards. Element 2 is any threaded product. Element 3 is a tubing fastener used when Element 1 is symmetrical hollow tubing. Element 4 is the building block that the elongated symmetrical shape is screwed into or through.

[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates the four elements of the STC process with examples showing how they connect sequentially and maintain parallel juxtaposition to the line projected through their parallel center of symmetry. Element 1 is any solid or hollow elongated symmetrical shape, in FIG. 13 this is represented by hollow round tubing (100). Element 2 (104) is a corresponding threaded component that screws into or through the tubing. Element 3 (20) is a Tubing Fastener, which can be designed to join any size symmetrically shaped tubing to a desired surface. Element 4 (200) is comprised of Building Blocks, which can be any solid or hollow shape and is screwed into or through a parallel axial line projected from its center of symmetry.

[0070] Element 1 of the design process is any elongated symmetrically shaped material, hollow or solid, intended for use in the construction of structural frameworks such as awnings. The materials used to create Element 1 can be composed of, but not limited to: wood, metal, or plastic tubing depending on the desired structural strength. If Element 1 is a solid material, then Element 3 is not needed. FIG 1a shows several examples of elongated symmetrical shapes that have a geometrically defined axial center. Figure lb shows two round tubes, the smaller of which slides snugly into the larger.

[0071] Element 2 is any threaded product intended to fasten Element 1 into and through other materials to connect the tubing or solid symmetrical components together or to connect into and through other materials to secure the framework. A variety of sizes for the threaded product can be used such as threaded rods of various sizes, 5/16 to 1-inch screws and bolts and their corresponding fastener applications such as lag shield and anchors.

[0072] A unique concept for a threaded product that would be suitable for several applications within the STC is the Pivoting Axial Screw (10). The Pivoting Axial Screw (10) has a unique shape akin to a flat washer with an attached threaded screw shaft (12). The flat screw head (11) can be laid flat against any desired surface and affixed by inserting a large headed nail or screwing an appropriate screw through the center hole of the screw head (11) into the desired surface until tight. The flat screw head (11) allows the Pivoting Axial Screw (10) to pivot the shaft from side to side anywhere along the screw head's (11) plane of rotation before it runs into the edges of the surface it is being attached to. The screw head (11) must be smaller than the surface it is attached to; it should not protrude past the edge of the surface. The threaded shaft (12) can be screwed into or through a Tubing Fastener or any appropriate female threaded opening.

[0073] The concept that led to the discovery of tubing fasteners is Connector Piece Number One (20) shown in FIG. 4. Connector Piece Number One consists of several components screwed together to snugly fit into a symmetrically shaped tube to securely fasten a smaller tube to a larger, that can be joined into and through other materials such as Building Blocks (Element 4). FIG. 4 demonstrates an example of Connector Piece Number One (20) connecting to a piece of electrical tubing (25). More precisely, the example electrical tubing (25) has an approximate inside diameter of 13/16 and approximate outside diameter of 15/16. The second piece of tubing (24) is a inch pipe with an outside diameter of 0.85 inches with a 15 gauge wall thickness. Element 2 (21) in FIG. 4 is a coarse threaded rod. Pieces numbered 22 are coarse threaded hex-head serrated flange nuts. Piece number 23 is a standard coarse threaded hex-head nut.

[0074] Element 3 is a connection concept called Tubing Fasteners. A Tubing Fastener securely joins Element 1 and Element 2 together in a way that lines them up in a parallel sequence to the line projected through their axial center. The Tubing Fasteners'design is based on the interior shape of the tubing used in the structure frame.

[0075] The exterior dimension of the tubing fasteners is dependent upon the size and shape of the interior of the symmetrical tubing. The outer diameter is slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the tubing (Element 1). This allows for the fastener tubing to fit snugly inside the symmetrical tubing.

[0076] The shape of the Tubing Fastener's interior opening is determined based on the size of Element 2, and it can be either smooth or threaded. Element 2 will screw through the axial center of the tubing fastener and into or through any desired surface. Tubing fasteners can be secured to their corresponding tubing by being glued in, riveted, or screwed into. Tubing fasteners are illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b; these examples illustrate tubing fasteners for round tubing. FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate that a Tubing Fastener's (90) interior opening can be either threaded or smooth.

[0077] Tubing Fastener A (26) is illustrated in FIG. 6. Tubing Fastener A (26) has a hole that runs through its axial center. One side of the hole has a concave recessed funnel-shaped opening (27) that precisely accommodates the angle of slope of a corresponding screw's head and then a subsequent cylindrical portion that corresponds to the width of the screw's shaft and can be smooth or threaded. The function of the funnel-shaped opening (27) is to create a stop for the screw (101) to be securely fastened. In addition, this would enable the surface of the screw's (101) head to be flush with the surface of the fastener (26). This funnel and cylinder-shaped hole is called the Screw Stop (27). The fastener (26) is screwed through its axial center to be affixed to the desired surface. The tubing (100) then slides snugly over the fastener (26) to directly touch the desired surface. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the Screw Stop's (27) funnel area is sloped at an angle of 82 degrees to accommodate the corresponding fastening screw (101), which in this example is a flat head machine screw.

[0078] Tubing Fasteners B1 (28) and B2 (30) resemble Tubing Fastener A (26), except that they have an attached lip (29). The lip (29) extends beyond the exterior side of the Tubing Fastener. The lip (29) is sized so that it will not fit inside the tubing used for Element 1. Tubing Fastener B1 (28) is illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b. Tubing Fastener B2 (30) is illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b.

[0079] Tubing Fastener B1 (28), has a Screw Stop (27) on the end opposite to the side with the lip (29). Tubing Fastener B2 (30) can be threaded or non-threaded. When threaded. Tubing Fastener B2 (30), simply has a threaded cylindrical shaped hole running through its center. The tubing slides snugly over the fastener until the lip (29) acts as a stop abutting the end of the tubing. The lip's (29) diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the tubing.

[0080] To render Tubing Fastener B1 (28) ready for affixing to a surface, the affixing screw (101) is screwed through the fastener's Screw Stop (27) side until the screw's head stops. The tubing (100) can then slide over the Screw Stop (27) side of the fastener (28) until it stops at the fastener's lip (29). A significant portion of the screw's (101) threaded shaft will protrude through the fastener's lip side, ready to be secured to a desired surface.

[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, Tubing Fastener B2 (30) is inserted into the desired tubing (100) until it stops at the lip (29). Then the female portion of the combined fastener/tubing can be screwed into by a corresponding threaded male component to affix it to any desired surface. Tubing Fastener B2 can be screwed into and through from either end.

[0082] Element 4 is referred to as Building Blocks and are used to join and secure the other three Elements into and through one another and into other structures. Building Blocks can be any solid or hollow shape that forms an intersection between the elements from which the structure can support angles to create the desired shape of the framework. Examples of Element 4 (200, 205) are illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Building Blocks will vary in size and material depending on the desired size, strength, and composition of the structure.

[0083] When using Building Blocks, the four elements are always screwed into or through the parallel axial center of symmetry, projecting and connecting only one straight or any curved parallel elongated symmetrical shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 14a through 14c. The four elements are always screwed together parallel to the line projected through the axial center. Only one parallel axial line is drawn through the center of all elongated symmetrical shapes. Building Blocks used with the other three Elements represent a three-dimensional model of Euclid's main postulate (only one line may be drawn through a given point parallel to a given line). All points within a given Building Block can be the projected center of symmetry as illustrated in FIGS. 14a through 14 c and FIG. 15.

[0084] The Screw Stop concept can also be used within Building Blocks to form a secure fastening with other surfaces as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The Screw Stop in Building Blocks (200, 205) consists of a hole that runs through its projected axial center that has larger opening leading to a smaller opening. The larger portion (203, 207) of the hole and the stop are smooth, while the smaller portion (201, 206) of the hole can be smooth or threaded. The diameter of the larger portion of the hole (203, 207) accommodates the diameter of the affixing screw's head, and the smaller portion of the hole (201, 206) accommodates the diameter of the screw's shaft. The screw (101, 102) is inserted into the larger hole (203, 207) and either screws or slides through the smaller portion (201, 206) of the hole until the transition between the larger and smaller sections prevents the screw's head from going further. It is desired that the threaded portion of the screw's (101, 102) shaft protrudes beyond the Building Block (200, 205) to fasten into or through another Element such as a Tubing Fastener (30).

[0085] In FIG. 11, the Building Block (200)'s center hole (201-203) has a funnel shaped area (202) linking the smaller (201) and larger (203) holes. The funnel-shaped section (202) is sloped at an angle that corresponds to the angle of the screw's (101) head.

[0086] Another connection method for Building Blocks is the Tube Slide. The Tube Slide is a design concept that simplifies and strengthens the connection between tubing and Building Blocks. Tube Slides are male appendages that are part of the Building Block's body and enable tubing to slide over and be attached, eliminating the need for Tubing Fasteners. In fact, a Tube Slide can be used anywhere Tubing would slide over an appendage or Tubing Fastener; the functional difference is that screws can be fastened into or through Building Blocks using Tubing Fasteners, but not Tube Slides. Tube Slides protrude from their Building Block at angles according to the desired shape of the structure. Corresponding tubing slides over these appendages much like it does for Tubing Fasteners, the tubing sliding snugly over the slightly smaller Tube Slide until the tubing abuts the main part of the Building Block. This reduces the number of components needed to form connections between Building Blocks and tubing. FIGS. 18 through 20 illustrate Building Blocks (220, 230, 240) with Tube Slide sections (221, 231, 241).

[0087] An example embodiment of the STC is the Truss in a Box. The Truss in a Box includes a series of STC components that connect together to form a strong truss structure (FIG. 21). The example embodiment shows a truss using 1 square tubing.

[0088] One portion of the truss, the Corner Cube is illustrated in FIG. 16. The Corner Cube utilizes all 4 Elements. Element 1 is two square tubes (110). Element 2 is two hex-headed screws (102). Element 3 is two square Tubing Fasteners (51), where the Tubing Fasteners are sized to fit snugly inside the square tubes (110). The Building Block (205) of Element 4 has two threaded female openings on adjacent sides of the block to form a 90-degree angle connection.

[0089] An alternative Corner Cube is illustrated in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the Building Block (230) is equipped with Tube Slides (231) which are inserted into the ends of square tubing (110).

[0090] The Center Cube portion of the Truss in A Box is illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17b. The Center Cube consists of a long Building Block (210) of Element 4, five Tubing Fasteners (20, 51) for Element 3, five sections of tubing (100, 110) for Element 1 and various screws (Element 2) for securing the components. The three Tubing Fasteners (20) and tubes (100) that are affixed to the central portion of the cube in this example are round and form the inner lattice of the truss structure.

[0091] The Building Block (210) of the Center Cube is shaped to best accommodate the desired angles of the tubing in the truss structure. It has a single threaded hole on 5 (210a-210e) of its 8 sides. The long narrow side (210f) has three threaded openings; the middle opening is a vertical threaded opening with a flat-surfaced Screw Stop. The two openings on either side of the middle opening are 45-degree angle threaded openings with funnel-shaped Screw Stops. An alternative version of this Building Block (210) would replace the flat ends and holes (210a and 210e) with Tube Slides.

[0092] The Truss Corner component of Truss in a Box is illustrated in FIG. 18. The Truss Corner consists of a Building Block (220) of Element 4, a Tubing Fastener (30) for Element 3, three sections of tubing (100, 110) for Element 1, and a screw (102) for Element 2. The Building Block (220) has a hole (220c) that extends from side 220a to side 220b. This hole (220c) is for insertion of the screw (102) through the Building Block (220) into the Tubing Fastener (30) to secure the round tube (100) to the Building Block (220). The angle of the hole (220c) in the Building Block (220) can differ according to the needs of the desired structure. The Building Block (220) used in this example also has two Tube Slides (221) for connection of the Building Block (220) to the square tubing (110).

[0093] The Cube End component of Truss in a Box is illustrated in FIG. 20. The Cube End consists of a Building Block (240) for Element 4, three sections of tubing (100, 110) for Element 1, a Tubing Fastener for Element 3 and a screw for Element 2. The Building Block (240) has a hole (240c) that extends through the Building Block for insertion of a screw (102) into the Tubing Fastener (30) and tubing (100). In this example, the Building Block (240) has two tube slides (241) for connection of the Building Block (240) to the square tubing (110).

[0094] The overall shape of Truss in a Box is illustrated in FIG. 21, showing how the Corner Cube (301), Center Cube (302), Truss Corner (303), and Cube End (304) fit together.

[0095] FIG. 22 illustrates the use of the Pivoting Axial Screw (10) to connect a Building Block (260) to tubing (100) via a tubing fastener (20). The head of the Pivoting Axial Screw (10) is connected to the Building Block (260) via screw (103) which further connects tubing (100) to the head of the Pivoting Axial Screw (10). The threaded shaft of the Pivoting Axial Screw (10) can then be inserted into other tubing fasteners (20) and tubing (100). The Pivoting Axial Screw can be used with tubing to create a truss with the corners of said truss using the Corner Cube connections discussed previously.

[0096] Elements 1 through 4 can be manufactured from a variety of materials such as plastic, steel, wood or other metal alloys. Any time multiple pieces are fastened together with a single screw in an STC framework, washers and nuts can be used as appropriate to further tighten them. Element 3 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to accommodate differing sizes of pipe, tubing and screws.

[0097] The present invention described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures is visualized as one embodiment of the invention. It is envisioned that this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0098] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0099] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[0100] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being on, attached to, connected to, coupled with, contacting, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, directly on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled with or directly contacting another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a stricture or feature that is disposed adjacent another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0101] A system for the construction of elongated symmetrical frameworks such as awnings, fences, and like structures comprised of 4 Elements; where Element 1 is an elongated symmetrical shaped construction member, such as pipe, tubing or wooden boards; Element 2 is a threaded product, such as a screw or threaded rod; Element 3 is a component designed to fasten hollow tubing of Element 1 to other pieces, and Element 4 are specially designed building blocks that the elongated symmetrical shaped construction member (Element 1) is fastened onto or through.

[0102] In further embodiments, the disclosure may provide Element 2 is a Pivoting Axial Screw which a flat screw head perpendicular to the threaded screw shaft, the flat screw head can be laid flat against any desired surface and affixed to the desired surface via a nail or screw through hole through the center of the Pivoting Axial Screw's flat screw head. Further, Element 3 Tubing Fastener has a hole that runs through its axial center; one side of said hole is a concave recessed funnel-shaped portion sized to accommodate the angle of slope of a particular screw's head and then a subsequent cylindrical portion that corresponds to the width of the screw's shaft, where said cylindrical portion of the hole can have smooth wall or be threaded. Still further, Element 3 Tubing Fastener has a protruding edge on one end of the Tubing Fastener where said protruding edge is sized so that it will not fit inside the tubing or pipe used for Element 1. Again, Element 4 Building Block has a hole that runs through its projected axial center through the Building Block where said hole has a larger section and a smaller section, where said larger section of the hole has smooth walls and where said smaller section of the hole can have smooth or threaded walls; the diameter of said larger section of the hole is sized to accommodate the diameter of a screw's head, and said smaller section of the hole is sized to accommodate the diameter of a screw's shaft. Moreover, the transition between the larger section of the hole through the Building Block to the smaller section of said hole has sloped walls such that it is funnel shaped, where funnel-shaped area is sloped at an angle to correspond with a selected screw's head. Even further, Element 4 Building Block has one or more protrusions shaped and sized to fit into the tubing or pipe of Element 1.

[0103] The disclosure may also provide a system for the construction of elongated symmetrical frameworks for example awnings, fences, and like structures, where said system is comprised of four elements; where the first element is an elongated symmetrical shaped solid or hollow construction member, the second element is pivoting axial screw which consists of a flat screw head perpendicular to the threaded screw shaft, the flat screw head can be laid flat against any desired surface and affixed to the desired surface via a nail or screw through hole through the center of a flat screw head of the pivoting axial screw, the third element is a component designed to fasten the first element to other pieces where the third element has a hole that runs through its axial center; one side of said hole is a concave recessed funnel-shaped portion sized to accommodate the angle of slope of a particular screw's head and a cylindrical portion that corresponds to the width of the screw's shaft, where said cylindrical portion of the hole can have smooth wall or be threaded, and the fourth element are building blocks that the first element is fastened onto or through.

[0104] Additionally, the disclosure may provide a system for the construction of elongated symmetrical frameworks for example awnings, fences, and like structures, where said system is comprised of four elements; where the first element is an elongated symmetrical shaped solid or hollow construction member; the second element is a pivoting axial screw which consists of a flat screw head perpendicular to the threaded screw shaft, where said flat screw head can be laid flat against any desired surface and affixed to the desired surface via a nail or screw through hole through the center of a said flat screw head of the pivoting axial screw, the third element is a component designed to fasten the first element to other pieces where the third element has a hole that runs through the axial center of said third element; where one side of said hole of said third element is a concave recessed funnel-shaped portion sized to accommodate the angle of slope of a particular head said flat screw head of said second element and a cylindrical portion that corresponds to the width of the screw shaft said threaded screw shaft of said second element. where said cylindrical portion of the hole can have smooth wall or be threaded, and the fourth element are building blocks that the first element is fastened onto or through.

[0105] The System of Tubular Connections (STC) disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/683,735, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, is a system for building consisting of four (4) Elements. Element 1 is any elongated symmetrical shape; Element 2 is a threaded component that screws into or through Element 1 to affix it to a surface; Element 3 is a component called Tubing Fasteners (patent pending), which can be designed to join any size symmetrically shaped tubing to a desired surface; and Element 4 is Building Blocks, which can be any solid or hollow shape used as connector pieces which Element 1 is screwed into or through.

[0106] The current disclosure, EB, expands on STC Element 4, the Building Blocks. There are eleven separate EB articles: EB main piece, EB Side, EB corner, EB lite, EB lite side, EB lite corner, EB center sphere, EB disc, EB disc side, EB disc corner, and EB post. Also included is a variation of the pivoting axial screw (Element 2 from application Ser. No. 17/683,735).

[0107] EB is an abbreviation for Euclidean Buckyball, since Euclid and Buckminster Fuller were the two who inspired its conception. Euclid is the Father of Geometry, and Fuller is the visionary architect who designed the geodesic dome. Using the EB system, one can easily construct any size structure framework on site anywhere. First, one must decide the size of the structure. If posts are to be used for support from the ground level, support posts can be installed level and square in the ground for EB Post pieces to be used. Before the EB pieces are installed on top of posts, they need to be joined with Element 1 pieces (tubing) using socket head screws. These socket head screws have the smallest diameter head and are tightened with an Allen wrench, leaving the holes as small as possible, maximizing the EB's strength. Construction can then begin from either the middle of the frame or the outer sides or corners by simply screwing the 90/45 EB pieces together, lining them up in a straight line and following a geometric sequence of repeating, mirroring-angled patterns. The counterbore holes in the EBs were designed to screw together using standard thread socket head screws. These can be easily dropped through the counterbore hole till they make contact with the screw stop near the outer edge of the EB's dome side, protruding through with adequate thread length to securely fasten a corresponding tubing fastener attached to the symmetrical tubing of choice. Once all the 90/45 EBs are connected together with corresponding Element 1 pieces (tubing), extra strength can be added to the structure by utilizing the 53.13-degree angled holes available in the pieces. This adds a series of diagonal rows of Element 1 (paired with Element 2 & 3) pieces to the truss between the EB pieces. Once the desired inner structure of the truss has been connected, the outer truss framework can be added by inserting products such as 24 (or 26, 28, etc.) boards into the grooves on the flat side of the EB pieces. The grooves are designed so that the 2 side fits snugly into the groove and can be glued, screwed, or nailed into the top of EBs'flat sides. The machine screws used herein have the smallest commercially available head that accommodates an Allen wrench, but other sizes are herein considered disclosed and described.

[0108] The System of Tubular Connections (STC) disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 17/683,735 is a building method for constructing and fastening together any elongated symmetrical frameworks such as awning or fences, eliminating the need for other fastening methods such as welding. The STC consists of four (4) basic physical elements. Element 1 is any elongated symmetrical shape, for example tubing or 24 wooden boards. Element 2 is any threaded product. Element 3 is a Tubing Fastener used when Element 1 is symmetrical hollow tubing. Element 4 is the building block that the elongated symmetrical shape is screwed into or through.

[0109] This application discloses a series of Building Blocks, Element 4, that are designed to facilitate the STC to make it accessible to builders of all experience levels, easily transportable, easily constructable, incredibly strong, and offer a wide variety of structural design options. This series is called the EB series which consists of several pieces, which can be made from a wide variety of materials, designed to be fastened into or through by any symmetrical hollow or solid shape (called Element 1 pieces). The EB series is based on the sphere shape; this creates connections between Element 1 pieces that form symmetrical repeating patterns in the strongest, simplest way possible. EB series pieces include full and partial-sphere shapes.

[0110] EB's central principle is that Element 1 pieces are fastened to EB pieces in such a way that the imaginary line projected through the axial center of Element 1 pieces runs straight through the axial center of the EB sphere intersecting at various angles with other Element 1 pieces as befits the needs of a given structure. For EB pieces that are not a complete sphere, this would mean fastening Element 1 pieces to them as though those EB pieces were part of a complete sphere, and the imaginary line through the axial center of the Element 1 pieces runs through the center of those spheres. The EB series utilizes two geometric configurations, in 90/45 and 60/30 degrees, to form patterns that repeatedly mirror themselves.

[0111] The EB truss concept was derived from the desire to develop the strongest possible truss work possible using a system consisting of parts and pieces which uses the fewest parts possible to be used with current available building products, where anyone can construct on site the strongest framework possible. The trusses can then be easily assembled and disassembled on site. In addition, since EB trusses require no welding, they can be constructed in places where welding is prohibited, such as space. EBs are uniquely fastened into and through the connector pieces, allowing the user to screw the product together from either side of the connection from two or more EBs. 90/45 and 60/30 angles were chosen for EB because these are widely accepted in engineering as the strongest angles for trusses that create a balance of vertical and horizontal stress. The 90/45 angle design is also further fortified through the use of 53.13 angles that run diagonally across the entire structure. One of the advantages of using the 60/30 design is that all the top pieces that are inserted into the grooves can be cut to the same size. These two distinct patterns, 90/45 and 60/30, provide maximum strength while using the fewest pieces possible. The length of Element 1 pieces that join the EBs together internally are cut to the same length according to their respective angles, making the building process quicker and much more accurate. If all the connector pieces are cut to the same length and installed properly, the box truss will be completely square and level. By projecting and connecting EBs only from their axial centers, the only 2 variables are angle of direction and length between EBs. This also makes it very simple for non-expert builders to design their own structures on home computers using CAD software and other design platforms.

[0112] These configurations offer varying levels of strength and design flexibility based on which connection points on each piece are utilized to form a structure. These two geometric configurations enable structures to be easily conceived and designed three-dimensionally using a variety of computer software suites. In addition, EB pieces and other corresponding parts can be packaged together in a special kit that can be mass produced called Truss in a Box.

[0113] FIG. 23A shows the spherical side of EB Main 2300, which has nine holes 2302 projected through the axial center 2301 of the piece, which is featured in FIG. 23A. The EB has either countersunk or counterbore holes 2304 that screws are inserted into through the center hole in the flat side, see FIG. 24C until the screw head rests against a surface close to the spherical side. The screw shaft then protrudes out the spherical side enough to securely fasten tubing fasteners and corresponding tubing, as shown in the picture of EB Main (Elements 1,2,3,4).

[0114] FIG. 23B shows the EB Main 90/45 2305 with (Elements 1,2,3,4) shows an EB Main piece that has threaded inserts 2306 rather than counterbore or countersunk holes. Threaded inserts 2306 maintain the same angle as the holes shown in FIG. 23A.

[0115] The main piece in the EB 90/45 series is shaped like a semi-sphere 2400, see FIG. 24A, that can be either a solid or hollow object, can be any size, and features grooves 2402 and holes on its flat side 2404 that facilitate connection with other surfaces and Element 1 components according to the shape of the desired structure. All EB's angles are projected from the axial center of the EB. Nine holes 2302 run through the EB Main 2300 from the center of the flat side and terminate on the dome side at different angles. By semi-sphere, the current disclosure encompasses sphere shapes up to and including a complete sphere, such as a quarter sphere, half or hemisphere, one-eight of a sphere, etc., including ranges above, below, and between these descriptions such as a 1/16 sphere, sphere, etc.

[0116] Holes 2302 facilitate connection with Element 1 pieces, such as tubing, to form the inner framework of the structure. EB's holes 2302 can have countersunk or counterbore openings and the screw shafts protrude enough to securely fasten tubing or other Element 1 components. While holes 2302 in EB pieces are designed to connect to Element 1 pieces in such a way to provide maximum structural strength, individual structural requirements dictate how many connections are needed and which holes should or should not be used. Dome portion 2406 of the EB is punctuated with small flat areas 2408 at the points through which screw shafts protrude to fasten into tubing or other Element 1 components, providing flush contact between the elements. EB's flat side has large grooves 2402 in it that facilitate connection with Element 1 pieces, such as wooden boards, to form the outer framework of the structure. Grooves 2402 are shaped to provide a snug fit for the intended Element 1 pieces, such as wooden 2 products (i.e., 24s, 22s, 26s); the width of each groove 2402 corresponds to the measurement of the boards'smaller side (e.g. approx. 1.5 for a 24), but can be sized to accommodate any commercial available or custom cut board. Boards can be secured by being glued, nailed, or screwed into the grooves. The grooves in the EB main 2300 piece, as well as all other EB series products, can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various structural requirements; positioning the grooves at 90/45 or 30/60-degree angles would perhaps yield the strongest structural configurations through the formation of repeating patterns that mirror each other throughout the structure. However, the current disclosure is not considered limited to just 90/45 and 30/60 configurations and may include other variations covering from 0 to 90 degrees, including 15/75, 10/80, 35/55, etc., as desired by the user.

[0117] The 90/45 main EB piece 2401 has the following holes in its dome portion: a center hole 2403 running at a 90-degree angle perpendicular to its flat side and eight other holes 2405 running at 45- and 2407 running at 53.13-degree angles from the central hole in the flat side. Its flat side features grooves that accommodate Element 1 products, such as 2 boards, to fasten to the outer framework of the structure. FIG. 24B shows holes 2405 positioned at 45 degrees, 90 degrees 2403, and 53.13 degrees 2407, see 2416. While these angles are disclosed, the current disclosure is not so limited and other angles from 0 to 90 are considered disclosed herein.

[0118] EB Side 2440 is similar to the EB main piece 2300 but is shaped like a quarter-sphere 2442 with two EB sides flat sides 2444 and 2446 to form a 90-degree angle in the structure. It has an EB side hole 2448 running through the center 2450 to attach a tube at a 45 degree angle from its EB side flat sides 2444 and 2446. EB Side 2440 has EB side grooves 2552 for boards to fit on both its flat sides, one length groove 2441 that runs along its length, and fan grooves 2443 that fan out from the center.

[0119] EB Corner 2470 is also like the main EB piece 2300 but is shaped like an eighth of a sphere 2472 with three EB Corner flat sides 2474, 2476, 2478 to construct corner 2480. It has EB corner grooves 2482 for boards along its edges from its center. All three of EB Corner flat sides 2474, 2476, 2478 have at least one EB Side channel groove 2484 that extends from the center between the grooves on the edges. FIGS. 25A and 25B show other possible angle configurations at a 60/30 formation including EB Main 60/30 2502, EB Side 60/30 2504, and EB Side 60/30 Two 2506 showing EB Spacer 2508 forming a distinct angle variant 2510 to allow for further configuration variations during assembly. The angles marked in the pictures represent the angles the boards will be configured according to the desired pattern and strength of the outer structure of the truss. The 90/45 has simpler, more straightforward angles because that design fits the geometric shape of squares/rectangles neatly. The 60/30 does not fit as neatly into square/rectangular structures when you reach the sides and corners. EB Spacer 2508 may vary in construction shape but is generally triangular in form. EB Spacer 2508 may also vary in width an and placement on the flat sides of the various EB constructs to define specially craft angles for stud placement and assembly. FIG. 25B shows various placements of EB Spacer 2508 for EB Side (60/30) Three 2512, EB Side (60/30) Four 2514, EB Corner 60/30 2516, and EB Corner 60/30 Two 2518. EB spacer 2508 may be formed to divert angles of the grooves across the flat surface, form an obstruction in the grooves, or serve to guide in other construction elements at desired angles through the grooves. These spacers divide and separate the grooves so that the correct angles can be achieved by the grooves to form the outer structure of the truss.

[0120] EB Lite 2602, like EB main 2300, is a semi-sphere-shaped building block 2604, but is used for smaller, lighter structures. For example, building interior structures like walls, awning frames, boat docks, gazebos, outbuildings, etc. EB Lite 2602 can also be used as the base of the Truss in a Box structure. Unlike EB Main 2300, it has no grooves for boards or other Element 1 pieces. EB Lite may be shaped like a semi-sphere and has holes running through it at angles. It has one EB Lite center hole 2606 running through its center at a 90-degree angle from EB Lite flat surface 2608. The surface through which each EB Lite screw shaft 2610 would protrude when inserted into EB Lite 2602 can have a small, EB Lite flat area 2612 that allows Element 1 pieces to fit flush against it. Like EB Main 2300, it can have additional EB Lite holes 2614 running through it to attach additional Element 1 pieces as befits the structure. Also like EB Main 2300, EB Lite 2602 includes EB Lite quarter-sphere side piece 2616 and EB Lite eighth-sphere corner piece 2618 to accommodate the various connections within the structure. Also like EB Main 2300, EB Lite 2602 can have multiple angle variants such as 90/45, 60/30, and other angle ranging from 0 to 90 and the current disclosure should not be limited to the variations shown in the figures. EB Lite 2602 series is similar to EB Main 2300 series, but smaller for lighter structures. Another big difference is that the outer framework for EB Lite 2602 may be tubing instead of boards, for lighter structures. EB Lite 2602 series also has more interior cut-out space 2620 to allow for easier access to screw Element 1 pieces into and through the pieces. All holes in this EB Lite are projected and connected through the same angles as the EB Main 90/45-degree series but can vary as described herein.

[0121] EB Center Sphere 2702 is a fully spherical full spere 2704 piece that is used to connect tubing together in the middle portions of a structure. The full sphere 2704 of EB Center Sphere 2702 has EB Center Sphere holes 2706 in EB Center Sphere surface 2708 running towards the axial center of full sphere 2704 at angles commensurate with the desired shape of the structure. EB Center Sphere 2702 is an EB piece that is used in the center of the truss to connect with the EB Main 2300 pieces via Element 1, 2, and 3 pieces to support multi-tiered trusses. All the holes in the EB Center Sphere 2702 can be either smooth or threaded. EB Center Sphere holes 2710 are side holes to connect the other EB Center Spheres to each other at 90-degree angles.

[0122] EB Disc 2800, see FIG. 28A, is like EB Main 2300 but is shaped like a disc 2804 without the semi-spherical portion. EB Disc 2800 may be described as shaped like a hockey puck. EB Disc 2800 has EB Disc grooves 2806 and EB Disc single hole 2808 running vertically at a 90 degree angle through its center. It functions the same way EB Main 2300 does but without the sphere shape. EB Disc Side 2810 and EB Disc Corner 2812 are similar to EB Side 2440 and EB Corner 2470 respectively but are disc-shaped instead of spherical. EB Disc 2800 may feature a EB Disc raised center 2814, where EB Disc grooves 2806 stop at EB Disc barrier 2816 to allow inserted boards to abut the center portion before touching each other. The EB Disc raised center 2814 is ideal for EB Disc 2800 series pieces but can be used as an optional feature in any EB series piece. In one instance, EB Disc 2800 may be a flattened version of the EB main 2300, and still creates trusses. It can come in both 90/45 and 60/30 degree versions as well as the other angle variations disclosed herein.

[0123] FIG. 28B shows EB Disc Main 60/30 2860. EB Disc 60/30 has a more pronounced EB Disc 60/30 raised center 2862, which may be incorporated into all structures disclosed herein, or the structures may be configured as essentially flat. EB Disc EB Disc 60/30 raised center 2862 may act as a EB Disc 60/30 barrier 2864 at the end of EB Disc 60/30 grooves 2866 forming a geometric shape, here a hexagon but the current disclosure is not so limited and any other geometric or non-geometric, irregular shaped is herein disclosed, where the board's ends abut without touching one another. FIG. 28B also shows EB Disc Side 60/30 One 2868, EB Disc Side 60/30 Two 2870, and EB Disc Corner 60/30 2872.

[0124] EB Post 2902, see FIG. 29, is very similar to EB main 2300 but features a EB Post hole 2904 large enough for a post, not shown, running partway through EB post center 2906 at a 90-degree angle into EB Post flat surface 2908. EB Post hole 2904 in the EB post center 2906 of EB post is large enough to accommodate a post, not shown, such as a 44 inch or 46 inch, which is held in place by EB Post walls 2910 defined into EB Post flat surface 2912, such as by caring out a portion EB Post flat surface 2912 to form a shaped cavity 2914 or recess below the level of the EB Post flat surface. While shown as forming a square, EB Post Walls 2910 placement and shaped cavity 2914 are not so limited and may form any geometric shape to accommodate and correspond to the post being held withing EB Post 2902.

[0125] With respect to FIG. 30, CB 3002 is a threaded male product with a central portion 3004 shaped like a flat washer attached to one or more threaded screw shafts 3006 that protrude from the central portion 3004 at angles 3008. Angles 3008 may range from 0 to 90 degrees. The preferred angle for the screw shafts would be 45 degrees. This is the strongest angle that provides a balance of vertical and horizontal stress. CB 3002 is a variation of what is called the Pivoting Axial Screw disclosed in application Ser. No. 17/683,735. The Pivoting Axial Screw is a screw that is shaped like a flat washer with an attached threaded screw shaft. The washer portion can be laid flat against any desired surface and affixed by screwing an appropriate screw through the washer's center hole into the surface until tight. Like the Pivoting Axial Screw, CB 3002 also has a flat washer shaped central portion, but it is attached to one or more threaded screw shafts 3006, which protrude out from the central portion 3004 at angles 3008. This allows multiple tubes and/or other objects to be affixed to a surface at angles according to the desired shape of the structure. CB 3002 can rotate a full 360 degrees on the flat surface it is attached to. CB 3003 is a threaded product that has two or more threaded screw shafts 3006 that protrude from a center ring at various angles to accommodate fastening Element 1 and 3 pieces to Element 4 pieces. CB 3002 can be affixed to surfaces by being screwed into through the center ring.

[0126] All EB pieces are designed to connect together to form truss structures (1) that are simple, strong, and portable by inserting tubing and tubing fasteners to connect EBs together. EB pieces come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate the desired shape, size, and strength of the structure.

[0127] The EB Main series 90/45-degree truss system consists of three pieces: the EB Main (2), EB Side (3), and EB Corner (4). The main piece in the EB series is shaped like a semi-sphere that can be either a solid or hollow object, can be any size, and features grooves and holes on its flat side that facilitate connection with other surfaces and Element 1 components (tubes) according to the shape of the desired structure. The EB Side forms 90-degree angles for the truss structure at the ends where the sides meet. EB Corner forms the corners of the structure where three sides of the structure meet EB Truss using 90/45-degree EB main series (1). EB Main 60/30 pieces also create truss structures, but at repeating 60/30 degree angle patterns. This design requires more pieces than the 90/45 degree pattern truss to accommodate the more complex pattern.

[0128] Further embodiments are illustrated in the following Examples which are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0129] Various modifications and variations of the described methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Although the disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and that the disclosure as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the disclosure that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure come within known customary practice within the art to which the disclosure pertains and may be applied to the essential features herein before set forth.