Patent Publication Number: US-2017362811-A1

Title: Modular Construction System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to modular construction systems, where the different components may be assembled into various structures. 
     2. Background 
     Modular construction systems are used for many different fields including furniture, commercial and residential structures, and the toy industry. There is a need for a modular construction system that is economical, practical, easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, easily transported and lightweight yet strong. Preferably, the components of a modular construction system should require a minimal amount of labor to assemble and disassemble structures without the requirement of the use of tools. Furthermore, the assembled structures should be capable either being utilized temporarily or permanently. 
     The present invention advantageously is dimensionally scalable to accommodate different applications, does not require tools for assembly, is quickly assembled and disassembled, is easy to change configurations, is lightweight yet strong, and is highly transportable. The components of the present invention may be fabricated from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to, plastics, metals, wood, fiberglass, glass, fabrics, composites, ceramics, and combinations thereof. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a modular construction system is provided, the modular construction system comprising: a main connector having a body and an integrally formed rod, the rod having a rod tubular body, a rod insertion end, and a rod hollow chamber traversing the rod from the rod tubular body through the rod insertion end, and wherein the rod is radially disposed about the body; a plurality of main bars, each of the main bars having a first receiving end, a main bar tubular body, a second receiving end, a main bar hollow chamber traversing the main bar from the first receiving end through the main bar tubular body to the second receiving end, at least three main bar longitudinal sides, a plurality of apertures on the main bar longitudinal sides, and at least three main bar grooves between adjacent main bar longitudinal sides, and the main bar grooves being parallel with the main bar tubular body and the main bar hollow chamber; and, wherein the rod insertion end being adapted to be fitted into the receiving ends. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a modular construction system is provided, the modular construction system comprising: a main connector having a body and a hole, wherein the hole is radially disposed about the body; a rod having a rod main connector end, a rod tubular body, a rod insertion end, and a rod hollow chamber traversing the rod from the rod main connector end through the rod tubular body and through the rod insertion end, and wherein the rod main connector end is releasably engaged to the hole; and, a plurality of main bars, each of the main bars having a first receiving end, a main bar tubular body, a second receiving end, a main bar hollow chamber traversing the main bar from the first receiving end through the main bar tubular body to the second receiving end, at least three main bar longitudinal sides, a plurality of apertures on the main bar longitudinal sides, and at least three main bar grooves between adjacent main bar longitudinal sides, and the main bar grooves being parallel with the main bar tubular body and the main bar hollow chamber; and, wherein the rod insertion end being adapted to be fitted into the receiving ends. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIGS. 1A-1H  are perspective views of embodiments of the main connector and the rod.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the main connector integrally formed with rods.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the main connector.  FIG. 1C  is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the main connector with one rod assembled.  FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of the rod.  FIG. 1E  is a top view and a cross-section of the rod.  FIG. 1F  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the main connector assembled with the rod.  FIG. 1G  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the main connector.  FIG. 1H  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the rod. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are perspective views of embodiments of the main bar.  FIG. 2B  are perspective and end views of an embodiment of the main bar.  FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the main bar assembled with rods and the main connector. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the main connector block, rod, reinforcement rod, and main bar. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  are perspective views of embodiments of the inside bar hanger connector.  FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inside bar hanger connector assembled with main connectors, rods and main bars. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  are perspective views of embodiments of the main bar splice.  FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the main bar splice assembled with the main bar. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ball and socket connector. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible angle corner connector. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  are perspective views of embodiments of the outside angle bar hanger connector.  FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the outside angle bar hanger connector assembled with main connectors, rods, and main bars. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  are perspective views of embodiments of the angled low profile bar.  FIG. 9B  is a partially exploded perspective view of the angled low profile bar assembled with main connectors and rods. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  are perspective views of embodiments of the flat low profile bar.  FIG. 10B  is a partially exploded perspective view of the flat low profile bar assembled with main connectors and rods. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  are perspective views of embodiments of the cross bar and the cross bar connector.  FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the cross bar.  FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the cross bar connector.  FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the cross bar assembled with the cross bar connector.  FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of the cross bar assembled with cross bar connectors, main bars, main connectors, and rods. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the panel. 
         FIGS. 13A-13D  are perspective views of embodiments of the inside snap spline.  FIGS. 13C and 13D  are perspective views of the inside snap spline assembled with main bars and panels. 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  are perspective views of embodiments of the outside snap spline.  FIG. 14  B is a perspective view of the outside snap spline assembled with main bars and panels. 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  are perspective views of embodiments of the outside snap spline.  FIG. 14  B is a perspective view of the outside snap spline assembled with main bars and panels. 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  are perspective views of embodiments of the corner brace bar.  FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the corner brace bar assembled with main bars, rods, and the main connector. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of an embodiment of the main connector  100  and the rod  101 . The main connector  100  comprises a body  102  and a hole  103  on a face  106 . The hole  103  is radially disposed about the body  102 . 
     The rod  101  comprises a rod tubular body  110 , a rod insertion end  113 , and a rod hollow chamber  112  traversing the rod  101  from the rod tubular body  110  through the rod insertion end  113 . The rod  101  is radially disposed about the body  102 . The rod  101  may be integrally formed as one unit with the body  102 , as shown in structure  150 . Alternatively, the rod  101  and main connector  100  may be fabricated as separate structures, as shown in structures  170  and  160 , respectively. 
     When the rod  101  is formed as a separate structure  170 , the rod  101  comprises a rod main connector end  111 , a rod tubular body  110 , a rod insertion end  113 , and a rod hollow chamber  112  traversing the rod  101  from the rod main connector end  111  through the rod tubular body  110  and through the rod insertion end  111 , and the rod main connector end  111  is adapted to be releasably engaged to the hole  103 . 
     In an embodiment of the rod  101  formed as a separate structure  170  or as an integrally formed as one unit with the body  102 , as shown in structure  150 , the rod insertion end  113  comprises a rod resilient locking pin  114 , which adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the main bar pin locking openings  208 , which are further described below. 
     Similarly, in an embodiment of rod  101  formed as a separate structure  170 , the rod main connector end  111  comprises a rod resilient locking pin  114 , which is adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the holes  103 . To releasably engage the rod resilient locking pin  114 , each of the holes  103  comprises a pin aperture  107 . The rod main connector end  111  may be alternatively engaged to the hole  103  by threads, twist locks, snapping joints, combinations thereof, or combinations with rod resilient locking pin  114 . Preferably, the main connector end  111  comprises two rod resilient locking pins  114  and each of the holes  103  comprises two pin apertures  107 . The two rod resilient locking pins  114  are adapted to be mated to the two pin apertures  107 . 
     The rod resilient locking pin  114  comprises a chamfered rod insertion side  114   a , a chamfered rod left side  114   b , a chamfered rod right side  114   c , and a non-chamfered rod side  114   d . The rod  101  also comprises rod channels  114   e  parallel to the rod tubular body  110 . The rod resilient locking pin  114  is situated between the rod channels  114   e  on the rod main connector end  111 . With the rod channels  114   e  and the rod resilient locking pin  114  being chamfered on three sides, the rod  101  may be easily engaged to and disengaged from the main connector  100 . The non-chamfered rod side  114   d  provides a strong connection when the rod  101  is engaged with the main connector  100 . The non-chamfered rod side  114   d  also prevents the rod  101  from inadvertent disengagement from the main connector  100 . For engagement, the rod main connector end  111  is inserted into the hole  103 . The rod channels  114   e  allow the rod resilient locking pin  114  to radially deflect inward. If the rod resilient locking pin  114  does not engage the pin aperture  107 , then the rod  101  is twisted until the rod resilient locking pin  114  engages the pin aperture  107 . When engaged, the non-chamfered rod side  114   d  prevents disengagement when the rod  101  is attempted to be directly pulled out of the main connector  100 . The rod  101  must first be twisted, which the chamfered rod left side  114   b  and the chamfered rod right side  114   c  allow. When the rod  101  is twisted, the rod resilient locking pin  114  radially deflects inward. Then the rod  101  may be pulled out of the main connector  100  for complete disengagement. 
     The body  102  comprises a notch  104  on a vertex  105 , as shown in structure  180 . The notch  104  is adapted to fit panels  1200 , which are described in further detail below. Although  FIG. 1  shows only a few embodiments, the invention may be practiced where the main connector  100  may be integrally formed with one or more rods  101  and may comprise one or more holes  103 . For example, structure  180  depicts one possible embodiment of the present invention having one integrally formed rod  101  on one face  106 , a hole  103  on another face  106  that may receive another rod  101  that is fabricated separately from the main connector  100 , and another face  106  that does not have an integrally formed rod  101  nor a hole  103 . Different embodiments of main connectors  100  with integrally formed rods  101  include six-way (structure  150 ), five-way, four-way, three-way, two-way, and one-way (structure  180 ) crosses. Similarly, the main connector  100  may have any combination of rods  101 , as integrally formed or as a separate structure, holes  103 , notches  104 , vertices  105 , and faces  106 . Furthermore, the notches  104  may be fabricated differently, as shown in structures  150  and  160 , depending upon the different applications and panels  1200  that are to be utilized, utilizations which are described in further detail below. 
     In another embodiment, the main connector  100  comprises a body  102  having four faces  106  and four vertices  105 . This embodiment  190  of the main connector  100  is pyramidal in shape. The present invention may be practiced using main connector  100  in many shapes and forms. As shown in embodiment  190 , each face  106  may comprise more than one hole  103 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in structure  195 , main connector  100  comprises holes  103 , each hole  103  having at least one receiving slot  196  and at least one locking slot  197 . For the main connector  100  as depicted in structure  195 , rod  101  is adapted to be fitted to main connector  100 , wherein the rod  101  comprises a rod main connector end  111 . The rod main connector end  111  comprises at least one nub  199 . The main connector  100  and the rod  101  are fabricated to allow the rod main connector end  111  and the at least one nubs  199  to be mated to the hole  103  and the at least one receiving slot  196 . To attach rod  101  to the main connector  100 , the at least one nub  199  is aligned with the at least one receiving slot  196 , then the rod  101  is pushed into the main connector  100 . The rod  101  is then twisted whereby the at least one nub  199  is fitted into the at least one locking slot  197 . Preferably, the rod main connector end  111  comprises four nubs  199  and the hole  103  comprises four receiving slots  196  and four locking slots  197 . 
     When the rod  101  is integrally formed as one unit with the body  102 , as shown in structure  150 , the rod  101  comprises a rod tubular body  110 , a rod insertion end  113 , and a rod hollow chamber  112  traversing the rod  101  from the rod tubular body  110  through the rod insertion end  111 . 
     Fabricating rods  101  as separate structures from the main connector  100  allows for high volume and low cost manufacture, decreased assembly costs and reduce part count for the system. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the main bar  200 . The main bar  200  comprises a first receiving end  201 , a main bar tubular body  202 , a second receiving end  203 , a main bar hollow chamber  204  traversing the main bar  200  from the first receiving end  201  through the main bar tubular body  202  to the second receiving end  203 , at least three main bar longitudinal sides  205 , a plurality of apertures  207  on the main bar longitudinal sides  205 , and at least three main bar grooves  206  between adjacent main bar longitudinal sides  205 , and the main bar grooves  206  being parallel with the main bar tubular body  202  and the main bar hollow chamber  204 . The rod insertion end  111  is adapted to be fitted into the receiving ends  201 ,  203 . The receiving ends  201 ,  203  comprise a plurality of main bar pin locking openings  208 . The main bar pin locking openings  208  and apertures  207  begin on the main bar longitudinal sides  205  and continue through to the main bar hollow chamber  204 . 
     In another embodiment of the main bar  200 , each of the main bar longitudinal sides  205  has a T-shaped cross section, as shown from an end view of the main bar  200 . The main bar longitudinal sides  205  may be solid or hollow. Although the main bar  200  is shown with three and four main bar longitudinal sides  205  and three and four main bar grooves  206  in structures  260  and  250 , respectively. The scope of the present invention is not limited to only three or four main bar longitudinal sides  205  and three or four main bar grooves  206 . Fabricating the main bar longitudinal sides  205  as hollow is advantageous as it reduces the weight of the main bar  200  and reduces the cost by decreasing the amount of manufacturing materials. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  270 , where a main bar  200  is releasably engaged with a rod  101 , and the rod  101  is then joined with the main connector  100 . As shown by structure  270 , rod  101  is hidden and not seen when the main connector  100 , the rod  101  and the main bar  200  are assembled. Structure  270  also depicts a second rod  101  that is joined to main connector  100 , but this second rod  101  is not hidden and can be seen because this second rod  101  is not releasably engaged with a second main bar  200 . The two rods  101  may be either integrally formed with or fabricated as a separate structure from the main connector  100 . 
     Like with main connector  100 , the rod  101  may be easily engaged to and disengaged from the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered rod side  114   d  provides a strong connection when the rod  101  is engaged with the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered rod side  114   d  also prevents the rod  101  from inadvertent disengagement from the main bar  200 . For engagement, the rod insertion end  113  is inserted into the main bar  200 . The rod channels  114   e  allow the rod resilient locking pin  114  to radially deflect inward. If the rod resilient locking pin  114  does not engage the main bar pin locking opening  208 , then the rod  101  is twisted until the rod resilient locking pin  114  engages the main bar pin locking openings  208 . When engaged, the non-chamfered rod side  114   d  prevents disengagement when the rod  101  is attempted to be directly pulled out of the main bar  200 . The rod  101  must first be twisted, which the chamfered rod left side  114   b  and the chamfered rod right side  114   c  allow. When the rod  101  is twisted, the rod resilient locking pin  114  radially deflects inward. Then the rod  101  may be pulled out of the main bar  200  for complete disengagement. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the main connector block  100 , rod  101 , reinforcement rod  300 , and main bar  200 . The reinforcement rod  300  is adapted to be fitted within the main bar hollow chamber  204  and is adapted to be fitted within the rod hollow chamber  112 . The reinforcement rod  300 , which may be hollow or solid, provides additional support and additional strength to an assembled structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inside bar hanger connector  400 . The inside bar hanger connector  400  comprises a first inside bar hanger section  410 , a inside bar hanger joint  420 , and a second inside bar hanger section  430 . The first inside bar hanger section  410  comprises a first inside bar hanger end  411 , a first inside bar hanger tubular body  412 , a first inside bar hanger hollow chamber  413  traversing the first inside bar hanger end  411  through the first inside bar hanger tubular body  412 , at least three first inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 , and at least three first inside bar hanger grooves  415  between adjacent first inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 , the first inside bar hanger grooves  415  being parallel with the first inside bar hanger tubular body  412  and the first inside bar hanger hollow chamber  413 . The first inside bar hanger end  411  comprises a plurality of first inside bar hanger pin locking openings  416 . Each of the first inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414  has a T-shaped cross section. The first inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414  may be solid or hollow. 
     The second inside bar hanger section  430  comprises a second inside bar hanger end  431 , a second inside bar hanger tubular body  432 , a second inside bar hanger hollow chamber  433  traversing the second inside bar hanger end  431  through the second inside bar hanger tubular body  432 , at least three second inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  434 , and at least three second inside bar hanger grooves  435  between adjacent second inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  434 , the second inside bar hanger grooves  435  being parallel with the second inside bar hanger tubular body  432  and the second inside bar hanger hollow chamber  433 . The second inside bar hanger end  431  comprises a plurality of second inside bar hanger pin locking openings  436 . Each of the second inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  434  has a T-shaped cross section. The second inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  434  may be solid or hollow. Like the main bar pin locking openings  208  and apertures  207 , the inside bar hanger pin openings  416 ,  436  begin on the inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  and continue through to the inside bar hanger hollow chambers  413 ,  433 . Fabrication of the inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  as hollow is advantageous as it reduces the weight of the inside bar hanger connector  400  and reduces the cost by decreasing the amount of manufacturing materials. 
     The rod resilient locking pins  114  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the inside bar hanger pin openings  416 ,  436 . The inside bar hanger joint  420  is adapted to allow the first inside bar hanger section  410  to flex in relation to the second inside bar hanger section  430 . The reinforcement rod  300  is adapted to be fitted within the inside bar hanger hollow chambers  413 ,  433 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  450 , where a main bar  200  is releasably engaged with a rod  101 , the rod  101  is then joined with the main connector  100 , the main connector  100  is then joined with a second rod  101 , the second rod  101  is releasably engaged with the first inside bar hanger section  410  of the inside bar hanger connector  400 . Then the second inside bar hanger section  430  of the inside bar hanger connector  400  is releasably engaged with a third rod  101 , the third rod  101  is then connected with a second main connector  100 , the second main connector  100  is then connected with a fourth rod  101 , the fourth rod is releasably engaged with a second main bar  200 . As shown by structure  450 , the four rods  101  are hidden and not seen when the main connectors  100 , the rods  101 , the inside bar hanger connector  400  and the main bars  200  are assembled. Structure  450  also depicts a fifth and sixth rod  101  that are joined to the main connectors  100 , but the fifth and sixth rods  101  are not hidden and can be seen because these rods  101  are not releasably engaged with a third and fourth main bar  200 . The present invention allows various configurations where more rods  101  and main bars  200  may be added to structure  450 . The six rods  101  may be either integrally formed with or fabricated as a separate structure from the main connectors  100 . 
     Like main bar  200 , although the inside bar hanger connector  400  is shown with four inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  and four inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435  in structure  450 , the scope of the present invention is not limited to only four inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  or four inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the main bar splice  500 . The main bar splice  500  comprises a first splice end  501 , a splice tubular body  502 , a second splice end  503 , and a splice hollow chamber  504  traversing the main bar splice  500  from the first splice end  501  through the splice tubular body  502  to the second splice end  503 . The splice ends  501 ,  503  comprise a plurality of splice resilient locking pins  505 . Each of the splice resilient locking pins  505  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the main bar pin locking openings  208 . Each of the splice resilient locking pins  505  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the inside bar hanger pin locking openings  416 ,  436 . The reinforcement rod  300  is adapted to be fitted within the splice hollow chamber  504 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  550 , where a main bar  200  is releasably engaged with a main bar splice  500 . Like the rod resilient locking pin  114 , the splice resilient locking pin  505  comprises a chamfered splice insertion side  505   a , a chamfered splice left side  505   b , a chamfered splice right side  505   c , and a non-chamfered splice side  505   d . The main bar splice  500  also comprises splice channels  505   e  parallel to the splice tubular body  502 . The splice resilient locking pin  505  is situated between the splice channels  505   e  on the splice ends  501 ,  503 . With the splice channels  505   e  and the splice resilient locking pin  505  being chamfered on three sides, the main bar splice  500  may be easily engaged to and disengaged from the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered splice side  505   d  provides a strong connection when the main bar splice  500  is engaged with the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered splice side  505   d  also prevents the main bar splice  500  from inadvertent disengagement from the main bar  200 . For engagement, the splice end  501 ,  503  is inserted into the main bar  200 . The splice channels  505   e  allow the splice resilient locking pin  505  to radially deflect inward. If the splice resilient locking pin  505  does not engage the main bar pin locking opening  208 , then the main bar splice  500  is twisted until the splice resilient locking pin  505  engages the main bar pin locking opening  208 . When engaged, the non-chamfered splice side  505   d  prevents disengagement when the main bar splice  500  is attempted to be directly pulled out of the main bar  200 . The main bar splice  500  must first be twisted, which the chamfered splice left side  505   b  and the chamfered splice right side  505   c  allow. When the main bar splice  500  is twisted, the splice resilient locking pin  505  radially deflects inward. Then the main bar splice  500  may be pulled out of the main bar  200  for complete disengagement. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ball and socket connector  600 . The ball and socket connector  600  comprises a first ball and socket section  610 , a ball and socket joint  620 , and a second ball and socket section  630 . 
     The first ball and socket section  610  comprises first ball and socket end  611 , a first ball and socket tubular body  612 , and a first ball and socket hollow chamber  613  traversing the first ball and socket end  611  through the first ball and socket tubular body  612 . The second ball and socket section  630  comprises a second ball and socket end  631 , a second ball and socket tubular body  632 , and a second ball and socket hollow chamber  633  traversing the second ball and socket end  631  through the second ball and socket tubular body  632 . 
     The socket joint  620  comprises a socket portion  621  and a ball portion  622 . The socket portion  621  comprises a ball slot  623 . The ball portion comprises a ball body  624  and a ball arm  625 . The ball arm  625  extends from the ball portion  622 . The ball body  624  extends from the ball arm  625 . The ball slot  623  is adapted to allow the ball arm  625  to move into the socket portion  621 , whereby the ball and socket joint  620  allows the first ball and socket section  610  to move up to ninety degrees in relation to the second ball and socket section  630 . The first ball and socket section  610  is adapted to spin while the socket portion  621  is stationary, whereby the first ball and socket section  610  may spin up to three hundred sixty degrees. Similarly, the second ball and socket section  630  is adapted to spin while the socket portion  621  is stationary, whereby the second ball and socket section  630  may spin up to three hundred sixty degrees. 
     The ball and socket ends  611 ,  631  comprise a plurality of ball and socket resilient locking pins  614 . Each of the ball and socket resilient locking pins  614  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the main bar pin locking openings  208 . Each of the ball and socket resilient locking pins  614  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the inside bar hanger pin locking openings  416 ,  436 . The ball and socket joint  620  is adapted to allow the first ball and socket section  610  to rotate in relation to the second ball and socket section  630 . The reinforcement rod  300  is adapted to be fitted within the ball and socket hollow chambers  613 ,  633 . 
     Like the rod resilient locking pin  114 , the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  comprises a chamfered ball and socket insertion side  614   a , a chamfered ball and socket left side  614   b , a chamfered ball and socket right side  614   c , and a non-chamfered ball and socket side  614   d . The ball and socket connector  600  also comprises ball and socket channels  614   e  parallel to the ball and socket tubular body  612 ,  632 . The ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  is situated between the ball and socket channels  614   e  on the ball and socket ends  611 ,  631 . With the ball and socket channels  614   e  and the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  being chamfered on three sides, the ball and socket connector  600  may be easily engaged to and disengaged from the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered ball and socket side  614   d  provides a strong connection when the ball and socket connector  600  is engaged with the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered ball and socket side  614   d  also prevents the ball and socket connector  600  from inadvertent disengagement from the main bar  200 . For engagement, the ball and socket end  611 ,  631  is inserted into the main bar  200 . The ball and socket channels  614   e  allow the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  to radially deflect inward. If the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  does not engage the main bar pin locking opening  208 , then the ball and socket connector  600  is twisted until the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  engages the main bar pin locking opening  208 . When engaged, the non-chamfered ball and socket side  614   d  prevents disengagement when the ball and socket connector  600  is attempted to be directly pulled out of the main bar  200 . The ball and socket connector  600  must first be twisted, which the chamfered ball and socket left side  614   b  and the chamfered ball and socket right side  614   c  allow. When the ball and socket connector  600  is twisted, the ball and socket resilient locking pin  614  radially deflects inward. Then the ball and socket connector  600  may be pulled out of the main bar  200  for complete disengagement. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible angle corner connector  700 . The flexible angle corner connector  700  comprises a first flexible angle corner section  710 , a flexible angle corner joint  720 , and a second flexible angle corner section  730 . 
     The first flexible angle corner section  710  comprises a first flexible angle corner end  711 , a first flexible angle corner tubular body  712 , and a first flexible angle corner hollow chamber  713  traversing the first flexible angle corner end  711  through the first flexible angle corner tubular body  712 . The second flexible angle corner section  730  comprises a second flexible angle corner end  731 , a second flexible angle corner tubular body  732 , and a second flexible angle corner hollow chamber  733  traversing the second flexible angle corner end  731  through the second flexible angle corner tubular body  732 . 
     The flexible angle corner ends  711 ,  731  comprise a plurality of flexible angle corner resilient locking pins  714 . Each of the flexible angle corner resilient locking pins  714  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the main bar pin locking openings  208 . Each of the flexible angle corner resilient locking pins  714  are adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the inside bar hanger pin locking openings  416 ,  436 . The flexible angle corner joint  720  is adapted to allow the first flexible angle corner section  710  to flex in relation to the second flexible angle corner section  730 , whereby the flexible angle corner joint  720  is adapted to allow the second flexible angle corner section  730  to flex up to one hundred eighty degrees. The angle between the first flexible angle corner section  710  and the second flexible corner section  730  ranges from ninety degrees to two hundred seventy degrees. The reinforcement rod  300  is adapted to be fitted within the flexible angle corner hollow chambers  713 ,  733 . 
     Like the rod resilient locking pin  114 , the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  comprises a chamfered flexible angle corner insertion side  714   a , a chamfered flexible angle corner left side  714   b , a chamfered flexible angle corner right side  714   c , and a non-chamfered flexible angle corner side  714   d . The flexible angle corner connector  700  also comprises flexible angle corner channels  714   e  parallel to the flexible angle corner tubular body  712 ,  732 . The flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  is situated between the flexible angle corner channels  714   e  on the flexible angle corner ends  711 ,  731 . With the flexible angle corner channels  714   e  and the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  being chamfered on three sides, the flexible angle corner connector  700  may be easily engaged to and disengaged from the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered flexible angle corner side  714   d  provides a strong connection when the flexible angle corner connector  700  is engaged with the main bar  200 . The non-chamfered flexible angle corner side  714   d  also prevents the flexible angle corner connector  700  from inadvertent disengagement from the main bar  200 . For engagement, the flexible angle corner end  711 ,  731  is inserted into the main bar  200 . The flexible angle corner channels  714   e  allow the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  to radially deflect inward. If the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  does not engage the main bar pin locking opening  208 , then the flexible angle corner connector  700  is twisted until the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  engages the main bar pin locking opening  208 . When engaged, the non-chamfered flexible angle corner side  714   d  prevents disengagement when the flexible angle corner connector  700  is attempted to be directly pulled out of the main bar  200 . The flexible angle corner connector  700  must first be twisted, which the chamfered flexible angle corner left side  714   b  and the chamfered flexible angle corner right side  714   c  allow. When the flexible angle corner connector  700  is twisted, the flexible angle corner resilient locking pin  714  radially deflects inward. Then the flexible angle corner connector  700  may be pulled out of the main bar  200  for complete disengagement. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outside angle bar hanger connector  800 . The outside angle bar hanger connector  800  comprises a plate  801  and a plurality of outside angle bar hanger insertion pins  802 . The outside angle bar hanger insertion pins  802  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the hole  103  of the main connector  100 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  850 , where a main bar  200  is releasably engaged with a rod  101 , the rod  101  is then joined with the main connector  100 , the main connector  100  is then releasably engaged to the outside angle bar hanger connector  800  by one outside angle bar hanger insertion pin  802 . A second outside angle bar hanger insertion pin  802  on the same outside angle bar hanger connector is releasably engaged to a second main connector  100 , the second main connector  100  is joined with a second rod  101 , and the second rod  101  is releasably engaged to a second main bar  200 . Each main connector  100  may be pivoted about the outside angle bar hanger insertion pin  802  to which the main connector  100  is connected. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the angled low profile bar  900 . The angled low profile bar  900  comprises an angled low profile bar body  901 , a plurality of upright extensions  902 , and a plurality of angled low profile bar insertion pins  903 . The angled low profile bar body  901  is adapted to have a predetermined angle to the upright extensions  903 . The predetermined angle is based upon the geometry of the main connector  100 . The angled low profile bar insertion pins  903  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the hole  103  of the main connector  100 . The angled low profile bar insertion pins  903  may be on the inside of the upright extensions  903  (not shown). 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  950 , where a angled low profile bar  900  is releasably engaged with a main connector  100 , where the angled low profile bar insertion pin  903  is releasably engaged to the hole  103  of the main connector  100 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flat low profile bar  1000 . The flat low profile bar  1000  comprises a flat low profile bar body  1001  and a plurality of flat low profile bar insertion pins  1002 . The flat low profile bar insertion pins  1002  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the hole  103  of the main connector  100 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  1050 , where a flat low profile bar  1000  is releasably engaged with a main connector  100 , where the flat low profile bar insertion pin  1002  is releasably engaged to the hole  103  of the main connector  100 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cross bar  1100  and the cross bar connector  1110 . The cross bar  1100  comprises a first cross bar opening  1101 , a first cross bar end  1102 , a cross bar body  1103 , a second cross bar end  1104 , and a second cross bar opening  1105 . The cross bar connector  1110  comprises a cross bar connector insertion pin  1111 , a flange  1112 , and cross bar insertion end  1113 . The cross bar insertion end  1113  is adapted to be releasably engaged to the cross bar openings  1101 ,  1104 . The cross bar connector insertion pin  1111  is adapted to be releasably engaged to each of the apertures  207  of the main bar  200 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  1150 , where a cross bar connector  1110  is releasably engaged with a cross bar  1100 . The flange  1112  aids in correctly positioning the cross bar connector  1110  in the cross bar  1100  by preventing the cross bar connector  1110  from being inserted too deep into the cross bar  1100 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  1160 , where a cross bar  1100  with two releasably engaged cross bar connectors  1110  is providing support to the structure  1160 . The two cross bar connector insertion pins  1111  are releasably engaged in two apertures  207  of the main bars  200 . Preferably, the cross bar connector insertion pins  1111  are spring loaded, which allows the insertion of the cross bar  1100  after the other components of structure  1160  are already assembled. Utilization of the cross bar  1100  and cross bar connectors  1110  serves to strengthen the structure  1160  and provide support for panels  1200 , which are further described below. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the panel  1200 . Panel  1200  may be fabricated in different sizes and thicknesses and from different materials depending upon the application. Panels  1200  may also have any number of various shaped holes cut in them to allow passage into or out of an assembled structure. The holes in panels  1200  may facilitate the installation of a door or window. Panel  1200  may be fabricated from different materials including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, wood, fiberglass, glass, fabrics, composites, ceramics, and combinations thereof. For example, panel  1200  may be fabricated with acrylic glass, which allows a view of the interior of an assembled structure. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inside snap spline  1300 . The inside snap spline  1300  comprises a first inside snap end  1301 , an inside snap body  1302 , a second inside snap end  1303 , and a plurality of integrally formed inside snap tabs  1304 . The inside snap tabs  1304  extend from the inside snap body  1302 . Each of the inside snap tabs  1304  comprises an inside snap ridge  1305 . The inside snap ridge  1305  extends from the inside snap tab  1304 . The inside snap ends  1303  are adapted to be fitted into the notch  104  of the main connector  100 . The inside snap tabs  1304  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the main bar grooves  206 . The inside snap tabs  1304  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . Preferably, the inside snap ridges  1305  alternate in orientation to allow the inside snap tabs  1304  to be more securely engaged to the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 .  FIG. 13  shows two inside snap splines  1300  with different inside snap bodies  1302  having different cross-section geometries. The inside snap spline  1300  may be fabricated to match different uses, such as for assembled structures with different number of panels  1200 , or to match different geometries and sizes of the notches  104  of the main connector  100 , the main bar longitudinal sides  205 , the inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  and panels  1200 . The inside snap spline  1300  may be fabricated to suit variety of aesthetic reasons. 
     Two different embodiments of the present invention are depicted as structures  1350  and  1360 , where inside snap splines  1300  are utilized to secure a panel  1200  to an assembled structure. Structure  1350  depicts the application of an inside snap spline  1300  with two panels  1200 , one vertical and one horizontal. Structure  1360  depicts the application of an inside snap spline  1300  with one panel  1200  that is horizontally oriented. Alternatively, the inside snap splice  1300  may be utilized without panels  1200  for aesthetic and functional reasons, for instance, to cover the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435  for a finished look and to prevent objects from entering the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . The two inside snap splines  1300  have different inside snap body  1302  geometries because each inside snap spline  1300  is fabricated to be fitted with different uses, in this case utilizing different number of panels  1200 . Although the two inside snap splines  1300  have different inside snap body  1302  geometries, the are assembled in the same manner: a panel  1200  is placed against a main bar longitudinal side  205 , then the inside snap spline  1300  is pressed into the main bar groove  206 , where the inside snap tabs  1304  are releasably engaged to the main bar groove  206 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outside snap spline  1400 . The outside snap spline  1400  comprises a first outside snap end  1401 , an outside snap body  1402 , a second outside snap end  1403 , and a plurality of integrally formed outside snap tabs  1404 . The outside snap tabs  1404  extend from the outside snap body  1402 . Each of the outside snap tabs  1404  comprises an outside snap ridge  1405 . The outside snap ridge  1405  extends from the outside snap tab  1404 . The outside snap ends  1403  are adapted to be fitted over the notch  104  of the main connector  100 . The outside snap tabs  1404  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the main bar grooves  206 . The outside snap tabs  1404  are adapted to be releasably engaged to the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . Preferably, the outside snap ridges  1405  alternate in orientation to allow the outside snap tabs  1404  to be more securely engaged to the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . The outside snap spline  1400  may be fabricated to match different uses, such as for assembled structures with different number of panels  1200 , or to cover different geometries and sizes of the notches  104  of the main connector  100 , the main bar longitudinal sides  205 , the inside bar hanger longitudinal sides  414 ,  434  and panels  1200 . The outside snap spline  1400  may be fabricated to suit variety of aesthetic reasons. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted as structure  1450 , where the outside snap spline  1400  is utilized to secure two panels  1200  to an assembled structure. The other two panels are secured by inside snap splines  1300 , which are not shown. Like the inside snap splines  1300  depicted in structures  1350  and  1360 , the outside snap spline  1400  is utilized in a similar manner: a panel  1200  is placed against a main bar longitudinal side  205 , then the outside snap spline  1400  is pressed into the main bar groove  206 , where the outside snap tabs  1404  are releasably engaged to the main bar groove  206 . Alternatively, the outside snap splice  1400  may be utilized without panels  1200  for aesthetic and functional reasons, for instance, to cover the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435  for a finished look and to prevent objects from entering the main bar grooves  206  and the inside bar hanger grooves  415 ,  435 . Structures that utilize inside snap splines  1300  and outside snap splines  1400  to secure a plurality of panels  1200 , for example structure  1450 , create a cavity  1451  between interior and exterior panels  1200 . The cavity  1451  may be utilized for holding insulation, electrical components, plumbing components or other materials. Furthermore, panels  1200  may have openings (not shown) to facilitate passage of the materials. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of corner bar brace  1500 . The corner bar brace  1500  comprises a first corner bar brace insertion pin  1501 , a first corner bar brace end  1502 , a corner bar brace body  1503 , a second corner bar brace end  1504 , and a second corner bar brace insertion pin  1505 , wherein the first corner bar brace insertion pin  1501  extends from the first corner bar brace end  1502  and the second corner bar brace insertion pin  1505  extends from the second corner bar brace end  1504 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention is depicted in structure  1550 , where a corner bar brace  1500  is providing support to structure  1550 . The corner bar brace insertion pins  1501 ,  1505  are releasably engaged in one aperture  207  of each of the main bars  200 . Preferably, the corner bar brace insertion pins  1501 ,  1505  are spring loaded, which allows the insertion of the corner bar brace  1500  after the other components of structure  1550  are already assembled. Utilization of the corner bar brace  1500  serves to strengthen the structure  1550 . The corner bar brace ends  1502 ,  1504  may be fabricated with different angles to adapted to various configurations. Structure  1550  depicts the two main bars  200  as having a ninety degree angle between the two main bars  200 . The angle may be different if the ball and socket connector  600  or the flexible angle corner connector  700  is utilized. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment present invention. Structure  1650  depicts a structure assembled with a plurality of main connectors  100 , rods  101 , and main bars  200 . As can be discerned from structure  1650 , in an assembled structure, if all rods  101  are utilized, then the rods  101  are not visible. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the body  102  comprises six faces  106 , eight vertices  105  and eight notches  104  on the eight vertices  105 , examples of which are found in structures  150  and  160 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the main bar  200  comprises four main bar longitudinal sides  205 , an example of which is found in structure  250 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the main connector  100  is made of material that includes Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the rod  101  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the main bar  200  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement rod  300  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the inside bar hanger connector  400  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the main bar splice  500  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the ball and socket connector  600  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible angle corner connector  700  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the outside angle bar hanger connector  800  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the angled low profile bar  900  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the flat low profile bar  1000  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the cross bar  1100  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the cross bar connector  1110  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the panel  1200  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the inside snap spline  1300  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the outside snap spline  1400  is made of material that includes ABS plastic. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the corner bar brace  1500  is made of material that includes ABS plastic.