Patent Publication Number: US-11022251-B1

Title: Modular rigging system using hexagonal support pieces

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/792,647, filed on Jan. 15, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,462, filed on Dec. 14, 2017, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/434,801, filed on Dec. 15, 2016, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/675,062, filed on Dec. 28, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/589,668, filed on Jan. 4, 2017, and also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,462, filed on Dec. 14, 2017, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/434,801, filed on Dec. 15, 2016, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/589,668, filed on Jan. 4, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to rigging systems using hexagonal support pieces, and, in particular, modular rigging systems that can be used to construct and support various structures. In embodiments, the hexagonal support pieces may be connected by rods and/or bolts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rigging, also referred to as staging or scaffolding, is frequently used in the construction of temporary structures. Such structures can be used on buildings during construction to support workmen and equipment both on the interior and exterior of the building. Similar temporary structures are also commonly used for rigging audio and video equipment on stages and for use in art displays. 
     Temporary structures are most commonly erected using “tubes” and “clamps.” Specifically, in such systems, vertical tubes are connected to horizontal tubes using right angle clamps. 
     Conventional rigging systems consist of metal pieces that can be constructed to provide support to various structures. Conventional rigging systems use right angle joints that can be oriented in limited directions. 
     Furthermore, conventional systems have limited options for securing the rigging system together. These limitations further limit construction options. 
     However, such conventional rigging systems have many disadvantages. They are labor-intensive to construct. In addition, connections between vertical and horizontal tubes are generally limited to being made only at right angles. This limits the configurations available and the locations in which prior art rigging can be used. 
     Accordingly, a new type of rigging system is needed to overcome these and other problems and provide a modular, versatile and safe temporary structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a front view of a hexagonal support piece according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a side view of a hexagonal support piece according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1C  shows an isometric view of a hexagonal support piece according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A . shows a front view of a rod piece  202 . 
         FIG. 2B . shows an isometric view of three rod pieces  202 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of a set screw  112 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view of a connection bolt  402 . 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front view of a rigging apparatus  502 . 
         FIG. 5B  shows a side view of a rigging apparatus  502 . 
         FIG. 5C  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  502 . 
         FIG. 6A  shows a front view of a rigging apparatus  602 . 
         FIG. 6B  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  602 . 
         FIG. 7  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  702 . 
         FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  802 . 
         FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  902 . 
         FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  1002 . 
         FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  1102 . 
         FIG. 12  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  1202 . 
         FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  1302 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a hexagonal support piece according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a rear view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a right side view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a left side view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the hexagonal support piece of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 21A  is a cross sectional view of a rod clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21B  shows an isometric view of a rod clamp holding a rod piece in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21C  shows an isometric view of a rear hole in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22A  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2202  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22B  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2203  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2302  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2402  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  shows a top plan view of a rigging apparatus  2502  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2602  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2702  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2802  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2902  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3002  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3102  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3202  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3302  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3402  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3502  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3602  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an improved modular rigging system using hexagonal support pieces and rods. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to a rigging system comprising a plurality of members including a first hexagonal support piece comprising six side members, at least one rod hole, at least one side hole, and at least one set screw hole; a first rod piece that has a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within the cross-section of the rod holes; a first set screw that has a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within the cross-section of the set screw hole; a first connection bolt that that has a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within the cross-section of the side hole; with the plurality of members having a plurality of configurations providing structural support. 
     In embodiments, the side members are joined at equiangular configurations. 
     In embodiments, the set screws are threaded and the set screw holes are tapped to fit a threaded bolt. 
     In embodiments, the connection bolts are threaded. 
     In embodiments, the side holes are tapped to fit a threaded bolt. 
     In embodiments, the rod holes are at the corners of the hexagonal support pieces. 
     In embodiments, there are six rod holes in a hexagonal support piece. 
     In embodiments, there are side holes at the midpoints of each side of the hexagonal support piece. 
     In embodiments, the rod pieces have a cylindrical cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the rod pieces have a hexagonal cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the rod pieces have a rectangular cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the rod pieces are threaded so as to fit a nut. 
     In addition, the present invention also relates to a rigging system comprising a plurality of members including: a first hexagonal support piece comprising: six side members, six rod clamps, each one of the rod clamps being configured to receive and hold a rod piece and positioned between and connecting two neighboring ones of the side members, the each one of the rod clamps comprising: a gap open to outward from a center of the first hexagonal support piece, a latch configured to close the gap at least in part to hold the rod piece within the gap, a set screw hole configured for a set screw to be inserted to tighten the latch, and a rear hole configured for a screw or a bolt to be inserted toward the center of the first hexagonal support piece, and at least one side hole; a first set screw having a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within a cross-section of the set screw hole; and a first connection bolt having a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within a cross-section of the at least one side hole, wherein the plurality of members have a plurality of configurations of structural support. 
     In embodiments, the side members are connected together to form an equiangular configuration. 
     In embodiments, the system further comprises a first rod piece having a cross-section of size and shape configured to fit closely within a cross-section of the gap closed by the latch. 
     In embodiments, the first set screw is threaded. 
     In embodiments, the first connection bolt is threaded. 
     In embodiments, the at least one side hole is tapped to fit a threaded bolt. 
     In embodiments, the each one of the rod clamps further comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical surface surrounding the gap. 
     In embodiments, the at least one side hole is positioned at a midpoint of one of the side members. 
     In embodiments, the first rod piece has a cylindrical cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the first rod piece has a hexagonal cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the first rod piece has a rectangular cross-section. 
     In embodiments, the first rod piece is threaded so as to fit a nut. 
     In embodiments, the at least one rod clamp further comprises a hole configured for a screw or a bolt to be inserted toward the center of the first hexagonal support piece. 
     In embodiments, each side member includes a planar outer surface. 
     In embodiments, each side member includes a planar inner surface. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to modular rigging systems comprising hexagonal support pieces. The advantage of making this invention modular is that the rigging system is easily constructed and deconstructed in various orientations using interchangeable pieces. 
     In embodiments, a rigging system may be used to temporarily support workmen and equipment during construction. In embodiments, a rigging system may be used to support audio and video equipment on and around stages during musical and theatrical performance. Furthermore, in embodiments, a rigging system may be used in the construction and support of sets. 
     The inventive modular rigging systems will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-13 . 
       FIGS. 1A-C  show different views of a hexagonal support piece  102  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  shows a front view,  FIG. 1B  shows a side view, and  FIG. 1C  shows an isometric view of the hexagonal support piece  102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-C , hexagonal support piece  102  has six side members  104  to form a hexagonal top and bottom surface  114  and  116 . In each corner, a through hole  106  is included, which is configured to receive and hold rod pieces  202 . Set screw holes  110  may be further provided for set screws to hold rod pieces in place. One or more side holes  108  are included in one or more sides. The hexagonal support piece  102 , can be made in a plurality of sizes to accommodate construction in different settings. 
     In embodiments, the hexagonal support piece  102  can be made of supportive material, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rigid plastics, iron, carbon fiber, and titanium. 
     In embodiments, each rod hole  106  is a substantially circular shape, so as to be configured to fit rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, the rod hole  106  may be partially open or fully closed. Leaving the rod holes  106  partially open has a number of benefits. One such benefit is that it enables an alternate system of securing the rods which comprises a piece pushes and fixes the rods in place from the center of the hexagon. A second such benefit is that it provides an aesthetically pleasing ornamental design. 
     In embodiments, the rod holes  106  are located at the joints of the side members  104 . They can also be located at a plurality of locations through the side member  104 . Furthermore, there can be as few as one rod hole or a plurality of rod holes. 
     In embodiments, each side member  104  contains a side hole  108  situated substantially centrally and a set screw hole  110  situated such that it is both perpendicular to the side member  104  and collinear with the center for rod hole  106 . In embodiments, the side hole  108  is located off center on each side member  104 . In embodiments, the side hole  108  has a diameter of size configured to closely fit the connection bolt  402 . 
     The placement of connection bolts  402 , enable the hexagon support pieces  102 , to be oriented or rotated in a more than one direction. This structure makes the rigging modular and adds a wide assortment of orientations and uses for the rigging system. In embodiments, the side hole  108  and the set screw hole  110  may be threaded so as to connect to a screw. The threading adds additional security in fixing the pieces together, but leaving the hole unthreaded will enable the apparatus to fit with more parts. 
       FIG. 2A . shows a front view of a rod piece  202 .  FIG. 2B . shows an isometric view of three rod pieces  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A-B , the rod pieces  202 , are long cylindrical shaped pieces that fit closely into the rod holes  106  of the hexagonal support pieces  102 . The rod pieces  202  are shown have a circular cross section, but can have cross sections of many shapes including but not limited to triangles, squares, and hexagons. A circular cross section enables the rigging to be oriented in infinite directions, but an angled shape aids in locking the rod pieces  202  into the hexagonal supports pieces  102 . In embodiments, the rod pieces can have additional holes cut in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod that a set screw  112  can lock into. The rod piece  202 , can be made in a plurality of sizes to accommodate construction in different settings. 
     In embodiments, the rod piece  202  can be made of supportive materials, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rigid plastics, iron, carbon fiber, and titanium. 
       FIG. 3  shows a front view of a set screw piece  112 . The set screw piece can fit into the set screw hole  110  and secures the rod piece  202  into the rod holes  106  via friction. In embodiments, the set screw piece  112  can be made of supportive materials, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rigid plastics, iron, carbon fiber, and titanium. In embodiments, the set screw piece  112  has a diameter of size configured to closely fit the diameter of the set screw hole  110  in a hexagonal support piece  102 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a front view of a connection bolt  402 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connection bolt fits closely into the side hole  108  in the hexagonal support piece  102 . The connection bolt  402  is able to secure together two hexagonal support pieces  102 . In embodiments, the side holes  108  are threaded and the connection bolt  402  can screw into them. In embodiments, the connection bolt  402  extends beyond the side holes  108  and can be fixed with a nut or other object to hold a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  102  together. In embodiments, the connection bolt  402  can be made of supportive material, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rigid plastics, iron, carbon fiber, and titanium. The connection bolt  402 , can be made in a plurality of sizes to accommodate construction in different settings. 
     In embodiments, the connection bolt  402  has a diameter of size configured to fit closely in the diameter of the side hole  108  in a hexagonal support piece  102 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows a front view of an apparatus  502 , comprised of a hexagon support piece  102  and a rod  202  held in place with set screw  112 .  FIG. 5B  shows a side view and  FIG. 5C  shows an isometric view of the apparatus  502 . Apparatus  502  comprises a hexagonal support piece  102  with a rod piece  202  through a rod hole  106 . A set screw  112  is in place in the set screw hole  110 , holding the rod  202  in place. There is also a connection bolt  402  in place in the side hole  108 . Apparatus  502  shows one piece of a larger configuration of the invention that can be used as a supporting structure. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a front view of an apparatus  602 .  FIG. 6B  shows an isometric view of an apparatus  602 . The apparatus  602  comprises two hexagonal support pieces  102  connected with a connection bolt  402  in place in the side holes  108  of both hexagonal support pieces  102 . This combination of a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  102  can be called a cluster. Clusters of hexagonal support pieces  102  comprise a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  102  connected while in contact. They can be oriented in a plurality of directions. The hexagonal support pieces  102 , in apparatus  602 , can each be turned in a full circumference, enabling the rigging to be oriented in an infinite number of directions. This adds to the possibilities of configurations and to the modular nature of the invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows an isometric view of apparatus  702  of  10  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 6 rod pieces  202 . This is one of a plurality of orientations and constructions that can be created using the invention. Apparatus  702  demonstrates the versatility of the invention in that in embodiments, clusters can be formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  102  in the same use and also that hexagonal support pieces  102  can stand alone without a cluster. The connection bolts  402  are not shown in this figure. 
       FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of apparatus  802  of  5  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 5 rod pieces  202  and  5  connection pieces  402 . This is one of a plurality of orientations and constructions that can be created using the invention. Apparatus  802  demonstrates the versatility of the invention in that it provides many configurations. Cluster  804  shows that in embodiments, four hexagonal support pieces  102  can be joined to form a cluster, whereas cluster  806  shows in embodiments, only two hexagonal support pieces need be joined to form a cluster. This variety enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of apparatus  902  of  8  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 5 rod pieces  202  and  3  connection pieces  402 . Connections  904  and  906  exemplify two different angles the hexagonal support pieces  102  can be connected at. This variety of available angles enables the invention to be oriented in a plurality of directions and enables it to be used in more locations. 
       FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of apparatus  1002  of  4  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 5 rod pieces  202  and  3  connection pieces  402 . Connection  1004  between two hexagonal support pieces  102  exemplifies an angle at which the hexagonal support pieces can be oriented. Furthermore, the angles of rods  202   a  and  202   b  with the ground exemplify that the this rigging system is not limited to orthogonal angles, which increases the possible uses and orientations it may have. 
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of apparatus  1102  of  7  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 6 rod pieces  202  and  4  connection pieces  402 . Connections  1104  and  1106  exemplify two different angles the hexagonal support pieces  102  can be connected at. Furthermore, being able to orient the hexagonal support pieces  102  in this variety of directions enables the rod pieces  202  to also be oriented in a plurality of directions. Apparatus  1102  exemplifies the rods pieces  202  being oriented in both vertical and horizontal directions. This variety of available angles enables the invention to be oriented in a plurality of directions and enables it to be used in more locations. Cluster  1106  shows that in embodiments, three hexagonal support pieces  102  can be joined to form a cluster. This variety enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIG. 12  shows an isometric view of apparatus  1202  of  6  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 7 rod pieces  202  and  4  connection pieces  402 . This is one of a plurality of orientations and constructions that can be created using the invention. Apparatus  1202  demonstrates the versatility of the invention in that in embodiments, clusters can be formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  102  in the same use. 
       FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of apparatus  1202  of  6  hexagonal support pieces  102 , connected by 6 rod pieces  202  and  4  connection pieces  402 . Connections  1304  and  1306  exemplify two different angles the hexagonal support pieces  102  can be connected at. Furthermore, being able to orient the hexagonal support pieces  102  in this variety of directions enables the rod pieces  202  to also be oriented in a plurality of directions. Apparatus  1302  exemplifies the rods pieces  202  being oriented in both vertical and horizontal directions. This variety of available angles enables the invention to be oriented in a plurality of directions and enables it to be used in more locations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-22 , there are depicted exemplary embodiments of the inventive modular rigging systems. 
       FIGS. 14-20  show different views of a hexagonal support piece  1402  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 14  shows a perspective view,  FIGS. 15-18  respectively show front, rear, right side and left side views, and  FIGS. 19-20  respectively show top and bottom plan views of the hexagonal support piece  1402 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-20 , hexagonal support piece  1402  has six side members  1404  to form a hexagonal top and bottom surface  1414  and  1416 . At least one rod clamp  1407  may be positioned between and connecting two neighboring side members  1404 . In embodiments, the hexagonal support piece  1402  may have six rod clamps  1407  as shown in  FIGS. 14-20 . The rod clamp  1407  is configured to receive and hold a rod piece  202 . In embodiments, the rod clamp  1407  may comprise a gap  1406  and a surface  1411  surrounding the gap that have a cross-section of size and shape configured to accommodate and hold a rod piece  202 . For example, the surface  1411  surrounding the gap  1406  may comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical surface as shown in  FIG. 14  to accommodate a cylindrical rod piece  202 . In embodiments, the gap  1406  may be open toward the exterior of the hexagonal support piece  1402  (e.g., outward from the center of the hexagonal support piece  1402 ) in order to facilitate insertion of rod pieces  202  into the rod clamp  1407 . 
       FIGS. 21A-21C  show various views of a rod clamp  1407  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , in embodiments, the rod clamp  1407  may further comprise a latch  1405  configured to close the gap at least in part to hold the rod piece  202  within the gap  1406  of the rod clamp  1407 . In embodiments, the rod clamp  1407  may further comprise a set screw hole  1410 .  FIG. 21A  shows a cross-sectional view of the rod clamp  1407  comprising the gap  1406 , latch  1405  and set screw hole  1410  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A set screw, such as the set screw  112  in  FIG. 3 , may be placed into and through the set screw hole  1410  to be in contact with a portion of the latch  1405  and tighten the latch  1405  against the rod piece  202  held by the rod clamp  1407 . 
     In embodiments, the hexagonal support piece  1402  may comprise one or more side holes  1408  in one or more side members  1404 , respectively. The hexagonal support piece  1402  may be made in a plurality of sizes to accommodate construction in different settings. 
     In embodiments, the hexagonal support piece  1402  may be made of supportive material, including but not limited to aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rigid plastics, iron, carbon fiber, and titanium. 
     In embodiments, the rod clamps  1407  may be located at the joints of the side members  1404 . The rod clamps  1407  may be located at a plurality of locations throughout the side member  1404 . Furthermore, there may be as few as one rod clamp or a plurality of rod clamps. In embodiments, a hexagonal support piece  1402  may include a combination of one or more rod clamps  1407  such as that illustrated in  FIG. 14  and one or more rod holes  106  such as those illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
     In embodiments, each side member  1404  may contain a side hole  1408  situated substantially centrally. In embodiments, a side hole  1408  may be located off center on each side member  1404 . In embodiments, the side hole  1408  in a hexagonal support piece  1402  has a diameter of size configured to closely fit the connection bolt  402  shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. 
     The placement of connection bolts  402  may be configured to enable the hexagon support pieces  1402  to be oriented or rotated in more than one direction. This structure makes the rigging modular and adds a wide assortment of orientations and uses for the rigging system. In embodiments, the side hole  1408  and/or set screw hole  1410  may be threaded so as to connect to a screw. The threading adds additional security in fixing the pieces together. In embodiments, the side hole  1408  and/or set screw hole  1410  may be unthreaded to enable the apparatus to fit with more parts. 
       FIG. 22A  shows an isometric view of an apparatus  2202  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  2202  includes at least four hexagonal support pieces  1402  connected with at least three connection bolts  402  in place in the side holes  1408  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402 . The apparatus  2202  may also comprise a plurality of rod pieces  202  held by the hexagonal support pieces  1402  (e.g., four rod pieces as shown in  FIG. 22A ). This combination of a plurality of interconnected hexagonal support pieces  1402  may be referred to as a cluster. Clusters of hexagonal support pieces  1402  include a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  1402  connected while in contact with one another. 
     The hexagonal support pieces  1402  may be oriented in a plurality of directions. The hexagonal support pieces  1402  in apparatus  2202  may each be rotated a full 360 degrees, enabling the rigging to be oriented in an infinite number of directions. This contributes to the possibilities of configurations and to the modular nature of the invention. In embodiments, as can be seen in seen in  FIGS. 22A and 14 , for example, an outer surface of each of side member  1404  is planar. In embodiments, the outer surface of a side member  1404  on one hexagonal support member  1402  will lay flat against the outer surface of an adjacent side member of another hexagonal support member  1402  when the hexagonal support members are provided in a cluster to allow for easy and secure attachment between the two hexagonal support members. In embodiments, the inner surface of each a side member  1404  may also be planar in shape. The planar inner surface of each of the side members  1404  helps to maximize internal open space within the hexagonal support member. 
       FIG. 22B  shows an isometric view of an apparatus  2203 , comprising a cluster of at least two hexagonal support pieces  1402  connected with a connection bolt  402  in place in a side hole  1408  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 22B  shows that the abutting and connected side members  1404  of the two hexagonal support pieces  1402  are substantially orthogonal in direction such that they form a cross shape. The apparatus  2203  may also comprise a plurality of rod pieces  202  held by the hexagonal support pieces  1402  (e.g., two rod pieces  202  respectively held by the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the cluster as shown in  FIG. 22A ). 
       FIG. 23  shows an isometric view of apparatus  2302  including two hexagonal support pieces  1402 , connected by three rod pieces  202 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  2302  shows one of a plurality of orientations and constructions that may be created using the invention.  FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of apparatus  2402  including two clusters of hexagonal support pieces  1402 , connected by six rod pieces  202 , wherein each cluster comprises six hexagonal support pieces  1402 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 24 , at least two wheels  2450  may be attached to the ground facing side members  1404  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in each cluster to make the rigging apparatus  2402  mobile. Apparatus  2302  in  FIG. 23  and apparatus  2402  in  FIG. 24  demonstrate the versatility of the invention in that in embodiments, clusters may be formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  and also that hexagonal support pieces  1402  may stand alone without other surrounding support pieces in a cluster. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
     In embodiments, one or more rod clamps  1407  in a hexagonal support piece  1402  may further comprise a rear hole  1420  configured to allow insertion of a screw or a bolt in the direction toward, for example, the center of the hexagonal support piece. For example,  FIGS. 14 and 21C  show that the exterior surface of each rod clamp  1407  facing toward the center of the hexagonal support piece has a rear hole  1420  through which a screw or a bolt may be inserted in the direction toward the center of the hexagonal support piece. This feature may allow equipment or a device having a cross-sectional size smaller than the empty interior space within a hexagonal support piece  1402  be attached or connected to, and placed within, the hexagonal support piece, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 25 and 26 .  FIGS. 25 and 26 , respectively, show a bottom plan view and an isometric view of a hexagonal support piece  1402  and a device  2510  held within the hexagonal support piece  1402  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the device  2510  may be held within the hexagonal support piece  1402  by a clamp formed by three support elements  2515  that are attached to the hexagonal support piece by, for example, screws or bolts inserted through rear holes  1420  in three rod clamps  1407 . 
       FIG. 27  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2702 , comprising a cluster of at least nine hexagonal support pieces  1402 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 27  and unlike device  2510  in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a device  2710  may be held within a hexagonal support piece  1402  by a clamp formed by three support elements  2715  respectively abutting the exterior surfaces of the three rod clamps  1407  facing and curving toward the center of the hexagonal support piece. Such embodiments may have no need for support elements  2515  attached to the hexagonal support piece by screws or bolts inserted through rear holes  1420  in three rod clamps  1407  as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 27  and unlike the connected hexagonal support pieces  1402  in  FIGS. 22A and 22B , the hexagonal support pieces  1402  of the cluster may not be connected with connection bolts  402  in place in side holes  1408  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402 . Instead, for example, a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  1402  may form a stable cluster by physically interconnecting the devices  2710  respectively held within the hexagonal support pieces (not shown in  FIG. 27 ). 
       FIG. 28  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  2802  for supporting lighting devices and a screen, including three clusters  2820 ,  2830 ,  2840 , each comprising eight connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 ,  1402 ′, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the three clusters  2820 ,  2830 ,  2840  may be connected together by, for example, seven parallel rod pieces  202  having substantially the same length. For example, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the first cluster  2820  may be positioned at one end of these rod pieces  202 ; the second cluster  2830  may be positioned substantially at the middle of these rod pieces  202 ; and the third cluster  2840  may be positioned at the opposite end of these rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, each cluster may have at least two hexagonal support pieces  1402  oriented substantially in the same direction ( FIG. 28  shows that seven hexagonal support pieces  1402  in each cluster are oriented in substantially the same direction) and at least one hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the orientation of the at least two hexagonal support pieces oriented in the same direction. In embodiments, this hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ in each cluster may be configured to hold one or more rod pieces  202 ′ that are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the parallel rod pieces  202  that connect the clusters  2820 ,  2830 ,  2840 .  FIG. 28  shows that the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ in the first cluster  2820  and the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ in the third cluster  2840  together hold at least two parallel rod pieces  202 ′ that are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the seven parallel rod pieces  202  that connect the three clusters  2820 ,  2830 ,  2840 . In embodiments, the rod piece  202 ′ may be held by the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ at an angle between 0° and 90° with respect to the ground. For example, the rod piece  202 ′ may be held by the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ at 30° or 60° with respect to the ground, depending on how the hexagonal support piece  1402  and the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ are connected.  FIG. 28  shows that one of the side members  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ abuts and is attached, orthogonal in direction, to a side member  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402  that is at 60° with respect to the ground. As such, the rod piece  202 ′ held by the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′ is likewise at 60° with respect to the ground. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 28  and like the mobile rigging apparatus  2402  in  FIG. 24 , at least two wheels  2850  may be attached to the ground facing side members  1404  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in each of the clusters  2820 ,  2830 ,  2840  to make the rigging apparatus  2802  mobile. The rigging apparatus  2802  in  FIG. 28  demonstrates versatile uses of clusters formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  in various configurations and orientations. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  show isometric views of similar rigging apparatus  2902 ,  3002  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 29  shows the rigging apparatus  2902  comprising at least one hexagonal support piece  1402 ″, placed horizontally with respect to the ground and holding three rod pieces  202  that are all perpendicular to the ground, while  FIG. 30  shows the rigging apparatus  3002  comprising two hexagonal support pieces  1402 ′″, both placed horizontally with respect to the ground and holding six rod pieces  202  that are all perpendicular to the ground. In  FIG. 29 , at least five clusters of connected hexagonal support pieces  1402  are attached to the corresponding number of side members  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402 ″. Each cluster may comprise at least four connected hexagonal support pieces  1402  and a side member  1404  of one of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the cluster abuts and is attached to, orthogonal in direction, to a side member  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402 ″. In  FIG. 30 , at least six clusters of connected hexagonal support pieces  1402  are attached to the corresponding number of side members  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402 ′″. Each cluster may comprise at least four connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 30 , side members  1404  of two of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in each cluster abut and are attached to, orthogonal in direction, to corresponding side members  1404  of the two hexagonal support pieces  1402 ′″, respectively. The rigging apparatus  2902  and  3002  in  FIGS. 29 and 30  demonstrate versatile uses of clusters formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  in various configurations and orientations that are connected by one or more hexagonal support pieces. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIG. 31  shows an isometric view of an apparatus  3102  including two horizontally parallel clusters  3120 ,  3130  of hexagonal support pieces  1402 , which both hold, and are connected by, five parallel vertically placed rod pieces  202 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 31 , each cluster comprises five connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the bottom cluster  3130  of hexagonal support pieces may support at least three wheels  3150  to make the rigging apparatus  3102  mobile. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the wheels  3150  may be respectively attached to side panels  1404  of different hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the bottom cluster  3130 . In alternative embodiments, wheels may be respectively attached to the bottom ends of the rod pieces  202  held within rod clamps  1407  of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the bottom cluster  3130 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the top cluster  3120  of hexagonal support pieces may be covered with a planar surface  3110  so that, for example, the apparatus  3102  may be used as a mobile table or desk. 
       FIGS. 32 and 33  show isometric views of rigging apparatus  3202  and  3302  having wheels  3250 ,  3350  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , at least one ground facing cluster  3230 ,  3330  of hexagonal support pieces in the rigging apparatus  3202 ,  3302  may support at least three wheels  3250 ,  3350  to make the rigging apparatus  3202 ,  3302  mobile. In embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , each of the wheels  3250 ,  3350  may be held by a latch  1405  in one of the rod clamps  1407  of the hexagonal support piece  1402  in the ground facing cluster  3230 ,  3330 . In embodiments, the top of each of some or all of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the ground facing cluster  3230 ,  3330  may be covered with a planar surface  3240 ,  3340 , except for the areas of its rod clamps  1407  to allow holding of rod pieces  202  within the rod clamps  1407 , as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 .  FIG. 32  shows four rod pieces  202  held vertically upward by two of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the ground facing cluster  3230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 33 , the ground facing cluster  3330  made of multiple hexagonal support pieces  1402  can be configured to support a complex structure. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , each of two hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the ground facing cluster  3330  holds the bottom portions of three rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , both sets of three rod pieces  202  may be held vertically upward. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the top and middle portions of the three rod pieces  202  are respectively held by two hexagonal support pieces  1402 , which are both oriented in parallel with the hexagonal support piece in the ground facing cluster  3330  holding the bottom portions of these three rod pieces. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , all three hexagonal support pieces respectively holding the bottom, middle and top portions of the three rod pieces  202  may be oriented horizontally with respect to the ground. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , at least one  1402   a  of the hexagonal support pieces in the ground facing cluster  3330  may be oriented at an angle (e.g., 10°, 30°, 45°, to name a few) that is not in parallel with respect to the ground. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , this inclined hexagonal support piece  1402   a  holds the bottom portions of two rod pieces  202 ″ within its rod clamps  1407 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , these two rod pieces  202 ″ are held at an angle that is not perpendicular to the ground (e.g., 90° minus the angle of the inclined hexagonal support piece  1402   a  with respect to the ground). In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the upper portions of the two rod pieces  202 ″ may also be held by a hexagonal support piece  1402   a , which is oriented in parallel with the inclined hexagonal support piece  1402   a  holding the bottom portions of the two rod pieces  202 ″. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , a side member  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402   a  holding the upper portions of the two rod pieces  202 ″ may abut and be attached to a side member  1404  of one of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  that holds the middle portions of the three vertically upright rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the opposing side member  1404  of the hexagonal support piece  1402   a  may likewise abut and be attached to a side member  1404  of the other one of the hexagonal support pieces  1402  that holds the middle portions of another set of three vertically upright rod pieces  202 . 
     In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the rigging apparatus  3302  may be configured to support a structure  3380  made of a plurality of hexagonal support pieces  1402   b  connected by one or more rod pieces  202 ′.  FIG. 33  shows an array of at least six hexagonal support pieces  1402   b  oriented in parallel and spaced apart by substantially the same distance. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , these hexagonal support pieces are connected together by six parallel rod pieces  202 ′ of, for example, substantially the same length. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , all six rod clamps  1407  of each of the hexagonal support pieces  1402   b  respectively hold certain portions of the six parallel rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the structure  3380  may be connected to the hexagonal support pieces  1402  that respectively hold the top portions of the two sets of three vertically upright rod pieces  202 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 33 , two opposing side members  1404  of one of the hexagonal support pieces  1402   b  in the structure  3380  may respectively abut and be attached to side members  1404  of the two hexagonal support pieces  1402  that respectively hold the top portions of the two sets of three vertically upright rod pieces  202 . The rigging apparatus  3302  demonstrates the versatility of the invention in that in embodiments, various structures and clusters may be formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  and rod pieces  202  in different configurations and orientations. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIG. 34  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3402  including two horizontally parallel clusters  3420 ,  3430  of hexagonal support pieces  1402 , which both hold, and are connected by, at least three parallel vertically placed rod pieces  202 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 34 , each cluster comprises four connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 . In embodiments, a pair of vertically opposite hexagonal support pieces  1402 , one from the top cluster  3420  and the other from the bottom cluster  3430 , may support a device, for example, a lighting device  3410 , as shown in  FIG. 34 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 34 , at least three wheels  3450  may be attached to the hexagonal support pieces  1402  in the bottom cluster  3430  to make the rigging apparatus  3402  mobile. 
       FIG. 35  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3502  for supporting a device (e.g., lighting devices  3550 ), including two clusters  3520 ,  3530 , each comprising three connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the two clusters  3520 ,  3530  may be connected together by at least two parallel rod pieces  202 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the first cluster  3520  may be positioned at the left end of these rod pieces  202  and the second cluster  3530  may be positioned at the right end of these rod pieces  202 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 35 , all three hexagonal support pieces  1402  in each cluster may be oriented substantially in the same direction (i.e., the connecting side members  1404  of the neighboring hexagonal support pieces  1402  abut and are attached to each other in parallel). In embodiments, at least one hexagonal support piece  1402  in the cluster may be oriented in a direction that is different from the orientation of the other hexagonal support pieces in the cluster. For example, the connecting side members  1404  of at least two neighboring hexagonal support pieces  1402  may abut and be attached to each other at an angle (e.g., 30°, 45°, 90°, to name a few), not in parallel. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 35 , at least one of the rod pieces  202  in the rigging apparatus  3502  may be used to hold and support devices, such as lighting devices  3550 , between the two parallel clusters  3520 ,  3530  of hexagonal support pieces  1402 . The rigging apparatus  3502  in  FIG. 35  demonstrates versatile uses of clusters formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  in various configurations and orientations. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIG. 36  shows an isometric view of a rigging apparatus  3602  including three clusters  3620 ,  3630 ,  3640 , each comprising 12 connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the three clusters  3620 ,  3630 ,  3640  may be connected together by four parallel rod pieces  202   a ,  202   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the first cluster  3620  may be positioned at one end of these rod pieces  202   a ,  202   b ; the second cluster  3630  may be positioned substantially at the middle of these rod pieces  202   a ,  202   b ; and the third cluster  3640  may be positioned at the opposite end of these rod pieces  202   a ,  202   b . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the rod pieces  202   a ,  202   b  may comprise two parallel rod pieces  202 ′ of substantially equal length and two parallel rod pieces  202 ″ of substantially equal length, wherein the length of the rod piece  202   a  and the length of the rod piece  202   b  may be different. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 36 , each cluster may include hexagonal support pieces that are connected to neighboring hexagonal support pieces at various angles. For example, as shown in  FIG. 36 , side members  1404  of two neighboring hexagonal support pieces  1402  may abut and be attached to each other in parallel or orthogonally (i.e., forming a cross shape).  FIG. 36  shows that within each cluster of 12 connected hexagonal support pieces  1402 , there are four parallel connections between side members  1404  of two neighboring hexagonal support pieces  1402  and eight orthogonal connections between side members  1404  of two neighboring hexagonal support pieces  1402 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 36 , a cluster includes at least one hexagonal support piece  1402  which is connected in parallel to at least one neighboring hexagonal support piece  1402  (i.e., their side members  1404  abut and are attached to each other in parallel) and at the same time is also connected orthogonally to at least one other neighboring hexagonal support piece  1402  (i.e., their side members  1404  abut and are attached to each other orthogonally, forming a cross shape). The rigging apparatus  3602  in  FIG. 36  demonstrates versatile uses of clusters formed of a different number of hexagonal support pieces  1402  in various configurations and orientations. This versatility enables the invention to be used in many different settings to support many different objects or people. 
       FIGS. 5-13 and 22A-36  show just some examples of how embodiments of the present invention may be configured. This wide variety of options exemplify part of the utility of this invention in that these structures may be built to fit in many locations and support many types of structures. Other configurations not shown may be compiled in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     The inventors have found that this invention has resulted in unexpected advantages. The ease with which the pieces are connected and disconnected makes for easy building. Furthermore, the shapes of the pieces enable many configurations which allow the user to support many different types of objects in many different space constraints. Further, the shapes of the pieces provide for significant supportive strength. 
     Now that embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and not limited by the foregoing specification.