Abstract:
A multi-tubular connector apparatus comprising a connector body having a shoulder portion substantially matching the outer profile of a tubular member and an open fastener shaft through the body. Connecting slots within the shoulder portion have open ends within the top of the shoulder and apertures through the side of the shoulder. Deflectable legs are radially spaced about the open fastener shaft. A wedge member having an open fastener shaft coacts with the inner face of the deflectable legs. A connector cap having a fastener aperture covers the connecting slots. An elongated fastener fits through the connector cap, open fastener shaft of the connector body, open fastener shaft of the wedge member to provide means for tensioning the wedge member against the deflectable leg, outwardly deflecting the deflectable leg against inner walls of a tubular member frictionally connecting the apparatus to the tubular member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention generally relates to tubular frame structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved connector for tubular frame structures.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    The versatility of using multiple hollow tubes to create structures for many different purposes make the use of hollow tubes to build such structures extremely attractive. Several different types of apparatus and systems have been devised over the years to connect multiple tubes in a multi-tubular structure. Several of these systems and other relevant modular connecting systems are disclosed here.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,180 issued to Nehma discloses a tube connector system adapted to convenient and removable assembling of square, round or other shaped hollow tubes. It finds use in construction of temporary and permanent store displays, furniture, shelves, and the like. The connector comprises a joining member having a plurality of insertion members each of which is closely but slidably fitted to the aperture in the end of a hollow tube. Each insertion member has a plurality of recesses on the side thereof. Each recess is provided with a resilient spring member permitting forceable entry of the insertion member and retaining it removably in place in the tube.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,250 issued to Buzzella discloses an insulating panel system having I-shaped and T-shaped panel connectors. The C-shaped end portions of the insulating panels slide within the I-shaped channel to connect two insulating panels together.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,508 issued to Deimen discloses a modular wireway which is adapted to be utilized with easily mountable, demountable and remountable attachments. FIGS.  10  discloses an I shaped and a T shaped connection for connecting attachments.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,155 issued to Huang discloses an expanding sleeve anchor structure includes a nail base tube cooperating with a tapered spreading member. The nail base tube has an upper section provided with a plurality of separating lines each having an elongated transverse hollow slot substantially centered thereon on which is used for reducing the stress concentration of the upper section of the nail base tube when the upper section of the nail base tube is forced to expand outward resulting in complete expansion.  
           [0009]    The previously issued United States Patents disclose systems that have been previously devised to create modular structures. However, there is still a need for a tubular connector that has improved strength and assembly characteristics. Accordingly, the claimed invention provides an improved connector apparatus and system for connecting multiple tubes in a multi-tubular structure.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The primary object of the claimed invention is to provide an improved connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure.  
           [0011]    Another object of the claimed invention is to provide a connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure that is easier to disassemble after use.  
           [0012]    A further object of the claimed invention is to provide a connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure that provides increased frictional connecting strength between a connector apparatus and a tubular member.  
           [0013]    An even further object of the claimed invention is to provide a connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure that allows tubes to be connected at a plurality of angularities with respect to one another.  
           [0014]    A yet further object of the claimed invention is to provide a connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure that has a square or round profile.  
           [0015]    A still further object of the claimed invention is to provide a connector system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure that is capable of connecting tubes at variable angles.  
           [0016]    To achieve the foregoing objectives as well as others that will become apparent after a reading of the specification, claims and drawings, a connector apparatus and system for connecting multiple tubes of a multi-tubular structure is provided.  
           [0017]    The connector system generally comprises a connector body, a connector end, a wedge member, a connector cap, a connector blank, a connector leveler, an angular connector end and an angular adapter. The parts that make up the connector system are preferably made of synthetic injection molded plastic and use elongated metallic fasteners to connect the parts of the connector apparatus and system together.  
           [0018]    The connector body has a plurality of radially spaced connector slots to receive connector tabs of other parts of the system. Radially spaced deflectable legs are spaced about fastener shaft and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces of the connector body so that the side surfaces of the connector body will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable legs are inserted within an open end of a tubular member. Each deflectable leg has a smoothly sloped inner face that interacts with the sloped outer faces of the wedge member.  
           [0019]    The connector end has a front face shaped to fit flushly against the side surfaces of the connector body and a connector tab extending from the front face that is sized and shaped to be retained by a connector slot of the connector body. A vertical shaft is centrally located within the connector end. A plurality of radially positioned deflectable prongs are spaced about the second open end of the open fastener shaft and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces of the connector body so that the side surfaces of the connector body will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable prongs are inserted within an open end of a tubular member. Each deflectable prong has a smoothly sloped inner face.  
           [0020]    The wedge member is sized and shaped to fit among the deflectable legs of the connector body and has a threaded fastener shaft to engage threads of the elongated fastener that holds the parts of the apparatus and system together. The outer faces of the wedge member are sloped to interact with the inner sloped surfaces deflectable legs and deflectable prongs. The wedge member also fits among the deflectable prongs of the connector end.  
           [0021]    The connector cap covers the connector slots of the connector body to hold the connector tabs of the connector ends in place during use. The connector cap has a fastener aperture to receive the elongated fastener during use.  
           [0022]    The blank is used to fill connector slots of the connector body that are not used in the construction of a multi-tubular structure using the apparatus and system of the claimed invention. The blank has a connector tab similar to the connector tab of the connector end and has a spacer panel with a thickness roughly equal to the thickness of the front face of the connector end to present a uniform appearance about the connector body.  
           [0023]    The leveler body has a connector tab similar to that of the connector end for placement within the connector slots of the connector body when the connector system is used to construct a multi-tubular structure. The improved connector system may also include a plurality of feet of this type to level a multi-tubular structure.  
           [0024]    When the elongated fastener is screwed into the threads of the fastener shaft of the wedge member, the outer sloped faces of the wedge member move against the sloped inner surfaces of the deflectable legs, coacting to deflect the deflectable legs outwardly. The deflectable legs radially deflect toward the inner walls of a tubular member, frictionally connecting the connector apparatus to the tubular member.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a multi-tubular structure using the square connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a multi-tubular structure in the form of office cubicle walls using the square connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a multi-tubular structure in the form of a building front awning using the square connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector body.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the connector body.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector end.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the square embodiment of the connector end.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the wedge member of the connector system.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the wedge member of the connector system.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector cap showing the detail of the bottom face.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the connector cap.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector system blank.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows a side view of the square embodiment of the connector system blank.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector system leveler body.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the connector system leveler.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 16. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the connector apparatus.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a disengaged connector apparatus inserted into an end of a square tubular member.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a connector apparatus engaged within an end of a square tubular member.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a plurality of connector ends adjacent a top view of the square embodiment of the connector body.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows a multi-tubular structure using the round connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 21. FIG. 21 shows a multi-tubular structure in the form of office cubicle walls using the round connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 22. FIG. 22 shows a multi-tubular structure in the form of a building front awning using the round connector system embodiment of the claimed invention.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector body.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 24. FIG. 24 shows a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector body.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 25. FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector end.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 26. FIG. 26 shows a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector end.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 27. FIG. 27 shows a top view of the round embodiment of the connector cap.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 28. FIG. 28 shows a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector cap.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 29. FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector system leveler body.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 30. FIG. 30 shows a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector system leveler body.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 31. FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector apparatus.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 32. FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector system blank.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 33. FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 34. FIG. 34 shows another perspective view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 35. FIG. 35 shows a bottom view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 36. FIG. 36 shows a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 37. FIG. 37 shows a side view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 38. FIG. 38 shows another side view of the square embodiment of the male angular tubular connector end.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 39. FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 40. FIG. 40 shows another perspective view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 41. FIG. 41 shows a bottom view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 42. FIG. 42 shows a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 43. FIG. 43 shows a side view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 44. FIG. 44 shows another side view of the square embodiment of the female angular tubular connector end.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 45. FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of the angular adapter of the connector system.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 46. FIG. 46 shows another perspective view of the angular adapter of the connector system.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 47. FIG. 47 shows an end view of the angular adapter of the connector system.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 48. FIG. 48 shows a side view of the angular adapter of the connector system.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 49. FIG. 49 shows another side view of the angular adapter of the connector system.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0074]    Turning now to the drawings, FIGS.  1 - 3  show three different examples of a multi-tubular structure  10  having an improved tubular connector system embodying the claimed invention connecting the multiple tubes of the multi-tubular structures. FIG. 1 shows a multi-tubular structure using the square connector system embodiment of the claimed invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the square embodiment of the connector system being used to form office cubicle walls  20  and a building front awning  30 .  
         [0075]    The connector system shown in FIGS.  4 - 16  and  33 - 49  generally comprises a connector body  40 , a connector end  50 , a wedge member  60 , a connector cap  70 , a connector blank  80 , a connector leveler  90 , an angular connector end  100  and an angular adapter  110 . The parts that make up the connector system are preferably made of synthetic injection molded plastic and use metal machine screws to connect the parts of the connector apparatus and system together. The connector system parts illustrated in FIGS.  4 - 16  are described in the context of a connector system sized and shaped to be used with 1 inch square tubing. However, the connector system and apparatus can be sized and shaped to be used with a plurality of different sizes and shapes.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIGS. 4 and 5 show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the connector body  40  sized and shaped to connect square tubing having a 1 inch cross section. The connector body  40  has a plurality of 0.25 inch by 0.375 inch radially spaced connector slots  120  with an open end within a top face  125  of the connector body  40 . Each connector slot  120  has an open ended 0.187 inch wide aperture through a side surface of the connector body  40 . A vertically oriented 0.187 inch open fastener shaft  130  is centrally located within the connector body  40 . The open fastener shaft  130  has a first open end  132  within the top face  125  of the connector body  40  and a second open end  134  within the bottom of the connector body  40 . A plurality of 0.875 inch long radially spaced deflectable legs  140  are spaced about the second open end  134  of the open fastener shaft  130  and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces  150  of the connector body  40  so that the side surfaces  150  of the connector body  40  will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable legs  140  are inserted within an open end of a tubular member. The 0.125 inch offset of the deflectable legs creates a shoulder portion  160  to overlie the thickness of the walls of a square tubular member when the deflectable legs  140  are inserted within an open end of a square tubular member. Each deflectable leg  140  has a smoothly sloped inner face  170  that interacts with the sloped outer faces of the wedge member  60  when the wedge member  60  is tightened against the deflectable legs  140 .  
         [0077]    [0077]FIGS. 6 and 7 show a perspective view and a bottom view of the square embodiment of the connector end  50  sized and shaped to be used with 1 inch square tubing. The connector end  50  has a 1 inch square front face  180  shaped to fit flushly against the side surfaces  150  of the connector body  40  and a 0.375 inch by 0.75 inch connector tab  185  extending 0.250 inch from the front face  180  that is sized and shaped to be retained by a connector slot  120  of the connector body  40 . A vertically oriented 0.188 inch open fastener shaft  190  is centrally located within the connector end  50 . The open fastener shaft  190  has a first open end  192  within the connector tab and a second open end  194  within the bottom of the connector end  50 . A plurality of 0.875 inch radially positioned deflectable prongs  200  are spaced about the second open end  194  of the open fastener shaft  190  and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces  150  of the connector body  40  so that the side surfaces  150  of the connector body  40  will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable prongs  200  are inserted within an open end of a tubular member. Each deflectable prong  200  has a smoothly sloped inner face  210  that interacts with the sloped outer faces of the wedge member  60  when the wedge member  60  is tightened against the deflectable prongs  200 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIGS. 8 and 9 show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the wedge or expansion member  60  sized and shaped to be used with a 1 inch connector body  40  and connector end  50 . The wedge member  60  is sized and shaped to fit among the deflectable legs  140  of the connector body  40  and connector end  50  having a 0.65 inch square bottom end  220  and a 0.435 inch square top end  230 . A 0.188 inch open fastener shaft  240  is positioned within the wedge member  60  to be axially aligned with the open fastener shaft  130  of the connector body  40  when the wedge member  60  is placed among the deflectable legs  140 . The open fastener shaft  240  is threaded to engage threads of the elongated fastener  310  that holds the parts of the apparatus and system together. The outer faces  250  of the wedge member  60  are sloped to interact with the inner sloped surfaces  170  deflectable legs  140  and deflectable prongs  200  of the connector end  50 .  
         [0079]    [0079]FIGS. 10 and 11 show a perspective view and cross sectional view of the square embodiment of the connector cap  70  to be used with the 1 inch square connector body  40 . The connector cap  70  is 1 inch square to cover the connector slots  120  of the connector body  40  and to hold the connector tabs  185  of the connector ends  50  in place during use. The connector cap  70  has a countersunk fastener aperture  260  to receive a #6 machine screw that is positioned to be axially aligned with the open fastener shaft  130  of the connector body  40  when the connector cap  70  is placed adjacent the top face  125  of the connector body  40 .  
         [0080]    [0080]FIGS. 12 and 13 show a perspective view and a side view of the 1 inch square embodiment of the connector system blank  80 . The blank  80  is used to fill connector slots  120  of the connector body  40  that are not used in the construction of a multi-tubular structure using the apparatus and system of the claimed invention. The blank  80  has a connector tab  270  similar to the connector tab  185  of the connector end  50  and has a 0.63 inch thick spacer panel  280 . The thickness of the spacer panel  280  is roughly equal to the thickness of the front face  180  of the connector end  50  to present a uniform appearance about the connector body  40 .  
         [0081]    [0081]FIGS. 14 and 15 show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the 1 inch square embodiment of the connector system leveler body  90 . The leveler body  90  has a connector tab  290  similar to that of the connector end  50  for placement within the connector slots  120  of the connector body  40  when the connector system is used to construct a multi-tubular structure. The leveler body  90  has a ¼×20 threaded insert  300  for receiving a foot (not shown) with a threaded stud to be variably engaged with the threads of the threaded insert  300 . The improved connector system may also include a plurality of feet of this type to level a multi-tubular structure such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the 1 inch square embodiment of the connector apparatus. The elongated fastener  310 , preferably a 6-32 machine screw, is placed through the fastener aperture  260  of the connector cap  70  and through the open fastener shaft  130  of the connector body  40  and is threaded into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 . FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a disengaged connector apparatus inserted into an end of a 1 inch square tubular member  320 . When the elongated fastener  310  is screwed into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 , the outer sloped faces  250  of the wedge member  60  move against the sloped inner surfaces  210  of the deflectable legs  140 , coacting to deflect the deflectable legs  140  outwardly. FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a connector apparatus engaged within an end of a square tubular member  320 . The deflectable legs  140  radially deflect toward the inner walls of the tubular member  320 , frictionally connecting the connector apparatus to the tubular member  320 .  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a plurality of connector ends  50  adjacent a top view of the square embodiment of the connector body  40 . Each of the connector ends  50  have deflectable prongs  200  inserted within an open end of a tubular member  320 . Wedge members  60  are held among the deflectable prongs  200  by the elongated fastener  310  placed through the open fastener shaft  190 . When the elongated fastener  310  is tightened into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 , the sloped outer faces  250  of the wedge member  60  interact with the sloped inner faces  210  of the deflectable prongs  200 , deflecting the prongs  200  against the inner walls of the tubular member  320 . The connector tabs  185  of the connector ends  50  can then be placed in the connector slots  120  of the connector body  40 . The connector cap  70  can then be placed over the top face  125  of the connector body  40  to hold the connector tabs  185  of the connector ends  50  within the connector slots  120 . The connector cap  70  is held in place by the head of the elongated fastener  310  as the threads of the elongated fastener  310  are tightened into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 .  
         [0084]    FIGS.  20 - 22  show three different examples of a multi-tubular structure using the 1 inch round connector system embodiment of the claimed invention. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the round embodiment of the claimed invention being used to form office cubicle walls  330  and a building front awning  340 .  
         [0085]    [0085]FIGS. 23 and 24 show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector body  350  sized and shaped for use with 1 inch round tubing having a diameter of 1.165 inches. The dimensions of the different features of the 1 inch round connector body  350  are similar to those of the 1 inch square embodiment of the claimed invention. The connector body  350  has a plurality of radially spaced connector slots  360  with an open end within a top face of the connector body  350 . Each connector slot  360  has an open ended aperture  370  through a side surface  380  of the round connector body  350 . A vertically oriented open fastener shaft  390  is centrally located within the round connector body  350 . The open fastener shaft  390  has a first open end  392  within the top face of the connector body  350  and a second open end  394  within the bottom of the round connector body  350 . A plurality of radially spaced deflectable legs  400  are spaced about the second open end  394  of the open fastener shaft  390  and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces of the round connector body  350  so that the side surfaces  380  of the round connector body  350  will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable legs  400  are inserted within an open end of a round tubular member. The offset of the deflectable legs  400  creates a round shoulder portion  410  to overlie the thickness of the walls of a round tubular member when the deflectable legs  410  are inserted within an open end of a round tubular member. Each deflectable leg  400  has a smoothly sloped inner face  420  that interacts with the sloped outer faces  150  of the wedge member  60  when the wedge member  60  is tightened against the deflectable legs  400 .  
         [0086]    [0086]FIGS. 25 and 26 show a perspective and a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector end  430 . The connector end  430  has an arcuately shaped front face  440  to fit flushly against the round side surfaces  380  of the round connector body  350  and a connector tab  450  extending from the arcuately shaped front face  440  that is sized and shaped to be retained by a connector slot  360  of the round connector body  350 . A vertically oriented open fastener shaft  460  is centrally located within the round connector end  430 . The open fastener shaft  460  has a first open end  462  within the connector tab and a second open end  464  within the bottom of the connector end  430 . A plurality of radially positioned deflectable prongs  470  are spaced about the second open end  464  of the open fastener shaft  460  and are offset with regard to the outer side surfaces  380  of the connector body  350  so that the side surfaces  380  of the connector body  350  will be substantially flush with the side surfaces of a tubular member when the deflectable prongs  470  are inserted within an open end of a tubular member. Each deflectable prong  470  has a smoothly sloped inner face  480  that interacts with the sloped outer faces  150  of the wedge member  60  when the wedge member  60  is tightened against the deflectable prongs  470 .  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector system blank  490 . The blank  490  is used to fill connector slots  360  of the round connector body  350  that are not used in the construction of a multi-tubular structure using the apparatus and system of the claimed invention. The blank  490  has a connector tab  500  similar to the connector tab  450  of the connector end  430  and has a rounded spacer panel  510  with a thickness roughly equal to the thickness of the rounded front face  440  of the round connector end  430  to present a uniform appearance about the round connector body  350 .  
         [0088]    [0088]FIGS. 27 and 28 shows a top and cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector cap  520 . The round connector cap has a 1.165 inch diameter to cover the connector slots of the round connector body  350  to hold the connector tabs  450  of the round connector ends  430  in place during use. The round connector cap  520  has a fastener aperture  530  that positioned to be axially aligned with the open fastener shaft  390  of the round connector body  350  when the round connector cap  520  is placed adjacent the top face of the round connector body  350 .  
         [0089]    [0089]FIGS. 29 and 30 show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the round embodiment of the connector system leveler body  540 . The round leveler body  540  has a connector tab  550  similar to that of the round connector end  430  for placement within the connector slots  360  of the round connector body  350  when the connector system is used to construct a multi-tubular structure. The round leveler body  540  has a ¼×20 threaded insert  560  for receiving a foot (not shown) with a threaded stud to be variably engaged with the threads of the threaded insert  560 . The connector system may also include a plurality of feet of this type to level a multi-tubular structure such as those shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector apparatus. The elongated fastener  310  is placed through the fastener aperture  530  of the round connector cap  520  and through the open fastener shaft  390  of the round connector body  350  and is threaded into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 . FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a disengaged connector apparatus inserted into an end of a round tubular member  570 . When the elongated fastener  310  is screwed into the threads of the open fastener shaft  240  of the wedge member  60 , the outer sloped faces  250  of the wedge member  60  move against the sloped inner surfaces  480  of the deflectable legs  400 , coacting to deflect the deflectable legs  400  outwardly. The round connector apparatus frictionally engages the inner walls of a round tubular member  570  in the same way that the square connector apparatus engages the inner walls of a square tubular member  570  as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the round embodiment of the connector system blank  572 . The round blank  572  is used to fill connector slots  360  of the connector body  350  that are not used in the construction of a multi-tubular structure using the apparatus and system of the claimed invention. The blank  572  has a connector tab  574  similar to the connector tab  185  of the connector tab  185  of the connector end  50  and has a rounded spacer panel  576 .  
         [0092]    FIGS.  33 - 38  show the male angular connector end  100  has a receiving face  580  with a plurality of angularly protruding ridges  590  spaced radially about an aperture  600  through the receiving face  580  and are sized and shaped to matingly engage the angularly protruding ridges of the angular adapter  110  during use. The angular connector end  100  is used in conjunction with other parts of the connector system to create multi-tubular structure having tubular ends that meet at a variety of different angles. The shoulder portion  610  has a front face  620  perpendicular to the receiving face  580  with a centrally located aperture  630 . A plurality of deflectable prongs  640  having a smoothly sloped inner faces  650  are spaced about the aperture of the shoulder portion  610 . A wedge or expansion member  60  as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be used to deflect the deflectable prongs  640  when a fastener  310  is used to tighten the wedge member  60  against the sloped inner faces  650  of the deflectable prongs  640  so that the angular connector end  100  may be frictionally connected to a tubular member  320  as shown in the FIGS. 18 and 19.  
         [0093]    FIGS.  39 - 44  show the female angular connector end  660  sized and shaped to be used with 1 inch square tubing. The female angular connector end  660  is used in conjunction with the angular connector end  100  and other parts of the connector system to create multi-tubular structure having tubular ends that meet at a variety of different angles. The female angular connector end  660  has a receiving face  670  with a plurality of angularly protruding ridges  680  spaced radially about an aperture  690  through the receiving face  670  and are sized and shaped to matingly engage the angularly protruding ridges  680  of the male angular connector end  100  during use. A ¼-{fraction (20)} threaded knurled insert within the aperture  690  of the receiving face  670  receives a ¼-{fraction (20)} threaded machine screw that connects the male angular connector end  100  to the female angular connector end  660  during use.  
         [0094]    The shoulder portion  700  has a front face  710  perpendicular to the receiving face  670  with a centrally located aperture  720 . A plurality of deflectable prongs  730  having a smoothly sloped inner faces  740  are spaced about the aperture  720  of the shoulder portion  700 . A wedge or expansion member  60  as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be used to deflect the deflectable prongs  730  when a fastener  310  is used to tighten the wedge member  60  against the sloped inner faces  740  of the deflectable prongs  730  so that the female angular connector end  660  may be frictionally connected to a tubular member  320  as shown in the FIGS. 18 and 19.  
         [0095]    FIGS.  45 - 49  show the angular adapter  110  of the connector system sized and shaped for use with 1 inch square tubing. The angular adapter  110  has a receiving face  750  with a plurality of angularly protruding ridges  760  spaced radially about an aperture  770  through the receiving face  750 . The protruding ridges  760  are sized and shaped to matingly engage the protruding ridges  680  of the connector end  660  and the protruding ridges  590  of the angular connector end  100 . A connector tab  780  sized and shaped to be removably retained within a connecting slot  120  of the connector body  40  extends perpendicularly from the receiving face  750 .  
         [0096]    Although the invention has been described by reference to some embodiments it is not intended that the novel device be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.