Patent Publication Number: US-8528282-B1

Title: Structural tube

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Example embodiments relate to a structure having a structural tube, at least one cross member, and an end plate. Example embodiments also relate to a method of fabricating the structure. Example embodiments also relate to a system having the structure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the conventional art, plates are often secured to an end of a structural tube in order to attach the structural tube to another structural member or to anchor the tube to the ground.  FIG. 1 , for example, illustrates an example of a base plate  10  attached to an end of a structural tube steel member  15 . In the conventional art, the structural tube steel member  15  is attached to the base plate  10  by welding. For example, an all around fillet weld, a stitch weld, a two-sided fillet weld, three-sided fillet weld, or a four-sided fillet weld applied at the interface between the structural tube steel member  15  and the base plate  10  may be provided to secure the structural tube steel member  15  to the base plate  10 . 
     In general, a base plate may include a plurality of holes through which connecting members, for example, bolts, may pass. For example, in  FIG. 1  the base plate  10  includes four holes  20  (three of which are illustrated) arranged near corners of the base plate  10 .  FIG. 2  is an example of the conventional base plate  10  secured to a concrete foundation  30  via a plurality of anchor bolts  25 . Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , the anchor bolts  25  could be substantially L-shaped or J-shaped or could include a flared end to ensure the bolts are not easily removed from the foundation  30 . 
     In the conventional art, stiffeners may be employed to stiffen the base of tube steel members.  FIG. 3 , for example, illustrates a plurality of stiffeners  40  welded to the structural tube steel member  15  and the base plate  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 3 , for example, four stiffeners  40  (only three of which are shown) are welded to outside faces of the structural tube steel member  15 . In the conventional art, the stiffeners  40  could induce relatively high local stresses in the structural tube steel member  15  in the event a relatively large bending moment is applied to the structural tube steel member  15 . Thus, in the conventional art, plates are often provided between the stiffeners and the member to which they attach for stress reduction. 
     In  FIGS. 1-3 , the structural tube steel member  15  is shown as having a single base plate  10  at one end only, however, as one skilled in the art would understand, conventional tube steel members are often constructed with plates arranged at both ends of the structural tube steel member. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a structural tube steel member  50  may have a first base plate  55  arranged at a first end of the structural tube steel member  50  and a second base plate  60  arranged at a second end of the structural tube steel member  60 . As in the previous example, the first and second base plates  55  and  60  may be welded to the tube steel member  50 . The structural tube steel member  50  of  FIG. 4  may be substantially the same as the structural tube steel member  15  as shown in  FIG. 3  and the first and second base plates  55  and  60  may be substantially the same as the base plate  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Furthermore, while not shown in  FIG. 4 , the stiffeners  40  illustrated in  FIG. 3  may be attached at the interfaces between the structural tube steel member  50  and the first and second base plates  55  and  60  in the same manner as they are attached to the structural tube steel member  15  and the base plate  10  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  represents a conventional frame having a first column  70  and a second column  75  connected by bracing  80 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first and second vertical columns  70  and  80  may be constructed by attaching, end-to-end, structural tube steel members that have base plates provided at both ends. In this conventional example, the end-to-end structural tube steel members may be substantially the same as the structural tube steel member  50  with end plates  55  and  60  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each of the structural tube steel members may be secured to each other via a plurality of bolts  85 . The bracing  80  may be steel members such as angle iron, and the bracing  80  may be attached to the columns  70  and  80  by a series of tabs  90  which are welded to outside surfaces of the structural tube steel members. In the conventional art, the tabs  90  are offset from the base plates and resemble a plate with a hole to allow the bracing to be pinned thereto. 
     In the conventional art, welding plates (for example, stiffener plates and base plates) to structural tubing members is relatively expensive. Furthermore, directly welding a stiffener plate and tabs to an outside surface of a structural tube member renders the structural tube member vulnerable to relatively high stresses. 
     SUMMARY 
     Example embodiments relate to a structure having a structural tube, at least one cross member, and an end plate. Example embodiments also relate to a method of fabricating the structure. Example embodiments also relate to a system having the structure. 
     In accordance with example embodiments, a structure may include a structural tube having at least one slot extending from an end thereof, an end plate attached to the end of the structural tube, and at least one cross member extending through the at least one slot, the at least one cross member including a first region outside of the structural tube and a second region inside the structural tube. 
     In accordance with example embodiments, a structure may include a structural tube, a first cross member, a second cross member, and an end plate. In example embodiments, the structural tube may have a rectangular cross-section. The structural tube may have a first stepped slot on a first side of the structural tube, a second stepped slot on a second side of the structural tube, a third stepped slot on third side of the structural tube, and a fourth stepped slot on a fourth side of the structural tube. In example embodiments each of the first, second, third and fourth slots extend from an end of the structural tube. The first cross member may have a first region configured to act as a gusset plate, a second region spanning a width of the structural tube, and a third region configured to act as a stiffener plate. In example embodiments the first cross member may include a first surface and a second surface facing the first side of the structural tube and the third side of the structural tube. In example embodiments the first cross member may penetrate the first and third slots. In example embodiments the second cross member may have a fourth region configured to act as a gusset plate, a fifth region spanning a width of the structural tube, and a sixth region configured to act as a stiffener plate. In example embodiments, the second cross member may include a third surface and a fourth surface facing the second side of the structural tube and the fourth side of the structural tube. In example embodiments, the second cross member may penetrate the second and fourth slots. In example embodiments the end plate may have a first tab in the first slot, a second tab in the second slot, a third tab in the third slot, and a fourth tab in the fourth slot. 
     In accordance with example embodiments, a structure may include a column like member having a first end and a second end. In example embodiments the column like member may have a first slot on a first side of the column like member and a second slot on a second side of the column like member and the first slot and the second slot may be arranged between the first end and the second end. In example embodiments, the structure may further include a first cross member having a first portion extending through the first slot and a second cross member having a second portion extending through the second slot. In example embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be locked together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of a conventional tube steel member attached to a conventional base plate; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the conventional tube steel member and the conventional base plate secured to a concrete foundation; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the conventional tube steel member and conventional base plate with stiffeners attached thereto; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of a conventional tube steel member having base plates attached at two ends; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of a conventional frame that includes the conventional tube steel member having the base plates attached at two ends; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of the structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom perspective view of the structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an end of a tube member in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIGS. 8B-8E  are elevation views of the tube member in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIGS. 9A-9E  are elevation views of cross members in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 9F  is a perspective view of an end of a tube member in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of a base plate in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-section of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-section of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  is a close up view of a the system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-section of the system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  is a partially exploded view of the system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  are views of a middle plate in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 26  is a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  is a view of a view of a system in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 28A  a top perspective view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 28B  is a bottom view of the structure in accordance with example embodiments; 
         FIG. 29A  a top perspective view of a structure in accordance with example embodiments; and 
         FIG. 29B  is a bottom view of the structure in accordance with example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are not intended to limit the invention since the invention may be embodied in different forms. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     In this application, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “attached to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly on, directly attached to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or may be on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to any intervening elements that may be present. However, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly attached to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements present. In this application, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     In this application, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements and components. However, these terms are only used to distinguish one element and/or component from another element and/or component. Thus, a first element or component, as discussed below, could be termed a second element or component. 
     In this application, terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” are used to spatially describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. However, in this application, it is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure. For example, if the structure in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” is meant to encompass both an orientation of above and below. The structure may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Example Embodiments are illustrated by way of ideal schematic views. However, example embodiments are not intended to be limited by the ideal schematic views since example embodiments may be modified in accordance with manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. 
     The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, example embodiments of the invention relate to a structure that includes a structural tube, at least one cross member, and a base plate. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a structure  100  in accordance with example embodiments.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are top and bottom perspective views of the assembled structure  100 . In accordance with example embodiments, the structure  100  may include a structural tube  110 , a first plate  120  (an example of a cross member), a second plate  130  (another example of a cross member), and an end plate  170 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the structure  100  includes slotted and tabbed members to form a relatively strong and compact structure which may be relatively easy to assemble. Various elements of the structure  100  will be explained below. In this application, the term “cross member” means a member that is arranged to penetrate a substantially closed structural member (for example, a tube) such that a portion of the member is inside the substantially closed structural member and a portion of the member is outside the substantially closed structural member. In example embodiments the cross member may be, for example, a plate, however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the cross member may be another structure such as an angle or a structural “T”. 
     In example embodiments, the structural tube  110  may be a tube steel member. In the alternative, the structural tube  110  may be made from aluminum, though example embodiments are not limited to either steel or aluminum.  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of one end of the structural tube  110  according to example embodiments and  FIGS. 8B-8E  are elevation views of the various sides S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , and S 4  associated with the end of the structural tube  110 . Although the instant example embodiment is illustrated as having a structural tube  110  with a substantially square cross-section, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the structural tube  110  may have other cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-section may, instead of being square, be rectangular, circular, octagonal, or elliptical. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 28A and 28B , the cross-section of the structural tube  110  may be substantially rectangular shaped (noting that  FIG. 28A  shows a top perspective view of the structural tube  110  having a rectangular cross-section and  FIG. 28B  shows a bottom perspective view of the structural tube  110  having the rectangular cross-section). Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 29A and 29B , the cross-section of the structural tube  110  may be substantially circular shaped (noting that  FIG. 29A  shows a top perspective view of the structural tube  110  having a circular cross-section and  FIG. 29B  shows a bottom perspective view of the structural tube  110  having the circular cross-section). It should be pointed out that the aforementioned cross-sections of the structural tube are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     In the case where the cross-section of the structural tube  110  is circular, a side of the structural tube  110  may correspond to an arc length which forms the perimeter of the circle. For example, in example embodiments, when a structural tube having a circular cross-section is described as having four (4) sides, each side would correspond to a quarter of the perimeter. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8E , the end of the structural tube  110 , according to example embodiments, may have various slots. For example, the end of the structural tube  110  may have a first slot S 1 - 112  running along a length of the first side S 1 , a second slot S 2 - 112  running along a length of the second side S 2 , a third slot S 3 - 112  running along the third side S 3 , and a fourth slot S 4 - 112  running along the fourth side S 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8B , the first slot S 1 - 112  may extend from an end of the structural tube  110  towards a middle of the structural tube  110 . In example embodiments, the first slot S 1 - 112  may have different regions with different widths. For example, the first slot S 1 - 112  may include a first region S 1 - 112 A and a second region S 1 - 112 B which may have different widths. For example, the first region S 1 - 112 A may have a first width S 1 W 1  and the second region S 1 - 112 B may have a second width S 1 W 2 . In example embodiments, the first width S 1 W 1  may be about equal to or larger than the second width S 1 W 2 . In addition to having different widths, each region may have different heights. For example, the first region S 1 - 112 A may have a first height S 1 H 1  and the second region S 1 - 112 B may have a second height S 1 H 2 . In example embodiments, the second height S 1 H 2  may be larger than the first height S 1 H 1 , however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the first and second heights S 1 H 1  and S 1 H 2  may be substantially the same or the first height S 1 H 1  may be larger than the second height S 1 H 2 . 
     In example embodiments, the first region S 1 - 112 A of the first slot S 1 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a tab of the end plate  170 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7B , the first region S 1 - 112 A of the first slot S 1 - 112  may accommodate a first tab  176  of the end plate  170 . Thus, the first width S 1 W 1  of the first region S 1 - 112 A of the first slot S 1 - 112  should be wide enough to accommodate the first tab  176  of the end plate  170 . The second region S 1 - 112 B of the first slot S 1 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a thickness of the first plate  120 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the first plate  120  may be inserted into the second region S 1 - 112 B of the first slot S 1 - 112 . Thus, a width S 1 W 2  of the second region S 1 - 112 B of the first slot S 1 - 112  may be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, a thickness of the first plate  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8C , the second slot S 2 - 112  may also extend from the end of the structural tube  110 . In example embodiments, the second slot S 2 - 112  may also have different regions with different widths. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8C , the second slot S 2 - 112  may include a first region S 2 - 112 A and a second region S 2 - 112 B which may have different widths. For example, the first region S 2 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  may have a first width S 2 W 1  and the second region S 2 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112  may have a second width S 2 W 2 . In example embodiments, the first width S 2 W 1  of the first region S 2 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  may be about equal to or larger than the second width S 2 W 2  the second region  52 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112 . In addition to having different widths, each region may have different heights. For example, the first region S 2 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  may have a first height S 2 H 1  and the second region  52 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112  may have a second height S 2 H 2 . In example embodiments, the second height S 2 H 2  may be larger than the first height S 2 H 1 , however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the first and second heights S 2 H 1  and S 2 H 2  may be substantially the same or the first height S 2 H 1  may be larger than the second height S 2 H 2 . 
     In example embodiments, the first region  52 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a tab of the end plate  170 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7B , the first region  52 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  may accommodate a second tab  177  of the end plate  170 . Thus, a width S 2 W 1  of the first region S 2 - 112 A of the second slot S 2 - 112  should be wide enough to accommodate the second tab  177  of the end plate  170 . The second region S 2 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a thickness of the second plate  130 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the second plate  130  may be inserted into the second region S 2 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112 . Thus, a width S 2 W 2  of the second region S 2 - 1128  of the second slot S 2 - 112  may be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, a thickness of the second plate  130 . 
       FIG. 8D  shows the third side S 3  of the structural tube  110  according to example embodiments. In  FIG. 8D , the third side S 3  may include the third slot S 3 - 112  which may extend from an end of the structural tube  110 . In example embodiments, the third slot S 3 - 112  may also have different regions with different widths. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8D , the third slot S 3 - 112  may include a first region S 3 - 112 A and a second region S 3 - 112 B which have different widths. For example, the first region S 3 - 112 A of the third slot S 3 - 112  may have a first width S 3 W 1  and the second region S 3 - 112 B of the third slot S 3 - 112  may have a second width S 3 W 2 . In example embodiments, the first width S 3 W 1  may be about equal to or larger than the second width S 3 W 2 . In addition to having different widths, each region may have different heights. For example, the first region S 3 - 112 A of the third slot S 3 - 112  may have a first height S 3 H 1  and the second region S 3 - 112 B of the third slot S 3 - 112  may have a second height S 3 H 2 . In example embodiments, the second height S 3 H 2  may be larger than the first height S 3 H 1 , however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the first and second heights S 3 H 1  and S 3 H 2  may be substantially the same or the first height S 3 H 1  may be larger than the second height S 3 H 2 . 
     In example embodiments, the first region S 3 - 112 A of the third slot S 3 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a tab of the end plate  170 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7B , the first region S 3 - 112 A of the third slot S 3 - 112  may accommodate a third tab  178  of the end plate  170 . Thus, the width S 3 W 1  of the first region S 3 - 112 A of the third slot S 3 - 112  should be wide enough to accommodate the third tab  178 . The second region S 3 - 112 B of the third slot S 3 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a thickness of the first plate  120 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A and  7 B, the first plate  120  may be inserted into the second region S 3 - 112 B of the third slot S 3 - 112 . Thus, the width S 3 W 2  of the second region S 3 - 112 B of the third slot S 3 - 112  may be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, a thickness of the first plate  120 . 
       FIG. 8E  shows a fourth side S 4  of the structural tube  110  according to example embodiments. In  FIG. 8E , the fourth side S 4  may include the fourth slot S 4 - 112  which may extend from an end of the structural tube  110 . In example embodiments, the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may also have different regions with different widths. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8E , the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may include a first region S 4 - 112 A and a second region S 4 - 112 B which may have different widths. For example, the first region S 4 - 112 A of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may have a first width S 4 W 1  and the second region S 4 - 112 B of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may have a second width S 4 W 2 . In example embodiments, the first width S 4 W 1  may be about equal to or larger than the second width S 4 W 2 . In addition to having different widths, each region may have different heights. 
     For example, the first region S 4 - 112 A of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may have a first height S 4 H 1  and the second region S 4 - 112 B of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may have a second height S 4 H 2 . In example embodiments, the second height S 4 H 2  may be larger than the first height S 4 H 1 , however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the first and second heights S 4 H 1  and S 4 H 2  may be substantially the same or the first height S 4 H 1  may be larger than the second height S 4 H 2 . 
     In example embodiments, the first region S 4 - 112 A of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a tab of the end plate  170 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7B , the first region S 4 - 112 A of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may accommodate a fourth tab  179  of the end plate  170 . Thus, a width S 4 W 1  of the first region S 4 - 112 A of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  should be wide enough to accommodate the fourth tab  179 . The second region  54 - 112 B of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may be configured to accommodate a thickness of the second plate  130 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A and  7 B, the second plate  130  may be inserted into the second region S 4 - 112 B of the fourth slot S 4 - 112 . Thus, a width S 4 W 2  of the second region S 4 - 112 B of the fourth slot S 4 - 112  may be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, a thickness of the second plate  130 . 
     As alluded to earlier, a cross-section of the structural tube  110  may be substantially square-shaped. Thus, widths W 1 , W 2 , W 3 , and W 4  of the structural tube  110  may be substantially the same. However, in the event the structural tube  110  is rectangular in shape, then widths W 1  and W 3  of the first and third sides S 1  and S 3  may be substantially the same and widths W 2  and W 4  of the second and fourth sides S 2  and S 4  may be substantially the same but different than the widths W 1  and W 3  of the first and third sides S 1  and S 3 . 
     With regard to the first slot S 1 - 112 , the second slot S 2 - 112 , the third slot S 3 - 112 , and the fourth slot S 4 - 112 , it is noted that, in example embodiments, each may have the same configuration. For example, each of the first to fourth slots S 1 - 112 , S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112  may have an identical configuration regarding the number of regions and the heights and widths of each region. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the height S 1 H 3  of the first slot S 1 - 112  may be larger than the height S 2 H 3  of the second slot S 2 - 112 , the height S 3 H 3  of third slot S 3 - 112 , or the height S 4 H 4  of fourth slot S 4 - 112 . As another example, the width S 1 W 1  of the first slot S 1 - 112  may be larger than any of the widths S 2 W 1 , S 3 W 1  or S 4 W 1  of the second, third, and fourth slots S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112 . Furthermore, pairs of slots may have identical configurations. For example, the first and third slots S 1 - 112  and S 3 - 112  may have an identical configuration and the second and fourth slots S 2 - 112  and S 4 - 112  may likewise have an identical configuration. In addition, although each of the first through fourth slots S 1 - 112 , S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112  are shown as comprising two regions, example embodiments are not limited thereto as there could be more or less than two regions associated with each slot. For example, any one of (or all of) the first through fourth slots S 1 - 112 , S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112  could have a third region extending from one of their respective second regions S 1 - 112 B, S 2 - 112 B, S 3 - 112 B, and S 4 - 112 B. In the alternative, rather than having slots with multiple regions, each of the first through fourth slots S 1 - 112 , S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112  could have only a single region extending from the end of the structural tube  110 . 
       FIG. 9A  is an elevation view of the second plate  130  shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the second plate  130  may have three portions: A, B, and C. In example embodiments, the first portion A may resemble a gusset plate that includes a first hole  132  and a second hole  134 . The first hole  132 , for example, may be a circular hole and the second hole  134  may be a slotted semicircular hole with a center of curvature approximately coincident with the center of the first hole  132 . The first and second holes  132  and  134  may be configured to allow a bolt to pass therethrough to secure a structural member to the first portion A. The third portion C may resemble a stiffener plate and thus may have a substantially triangular shape. The substantially triangular shape, however, is not intended to limit the invention. For example, rather than having a triangular shape, the third portion C may have a polygonal shape (for example, trapezoidal shape or a rectangular shape), a semicircular shape, or an elliptical shape. The middle portion B, may be a substantially rectangular member having a width W 5  and a height  130 -H 1 . In example embodiments, the width W 5  of the middle portion B may be substantially the same as the width W 1  of the structural tube  110  and the height  130 -H 1  may be substantially the same as, or smaller than the length S 2 H 2  of the second slot S 2 - 112 . In example embodiments, the thickness of the second plate  130  may be about the same as, or slightly smaller than, the width S 2 W 2  of the second region S 2 - 112 B of the second slot S 2 - 112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second plate  130  may be inserted into the second and fourth slots S 2 - 112  and S 4 - 112  of the structural tube  110 . When inserted, a first face  136  of the second plate  130  may bear against, or be relatively close to, an outside surface of the structural tube  110  corresponding to the second side S 2  of the structural tube  110 . In addition, a second face  138  (see  FIG. 9A ) of the second plate  130  may bear against, or be relatively close to, another outside surface of the structural tube  110  corresponding to the fourth side S 4 . 
       FIG. 9B  is an elevation view of the first plate  120  shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B. As shown in  FIG. 9B , the first plate  120  may also have three portions: D, E, and F. In example embodiments, the first portion D may resemble a gusset plate that includes a first hole  122  and a second hole  124 . The first hole  122 , for example, may be a circular hole and the second hole  124  may be a slotted semicircular hole with a center of curvature approximately coincident with the center of the first hole  122 . The first and second holes  122  and  124  may be configured to allow a bolt to pass therethrough to secure a structural member to the first portion D. The third portion F may resemble a stiffener plate and thus may have a triangular shape. The triangular shape, however, is not intended to limit the invention. For example, rather than having a triangular shape, the third portion F may have a polygonal shape (for example, trapezoidal shape), a semicircular shape, or an elliptical shape. The middle portion E, may be a substantially rectangular member having a width W 6  and a height  120 -H 1 . In example embodiments, the width W 6  of the middle portion E may be substantially the same as the width W 2  of the structural tube  110  and the height  120 -H 1  may be substantially the same as, or smaller than the length S 1 H 2  of the first slot S 1 - 112 . In example embodiments, the thickness of the first plate  120  may be about the same as, or slightly smaller than, the width S 1 W 2  of the second region S 1 - 112 B of the first slot S 1 - 112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first plate  120  may be inserted into the first and third slots S 1 - 112  and S 3 - 112  of the structural tube  110 . When inserted, a first face  126  of the first plate  120  may bear against, or be relatively close to, an outside surface of the structural tube  110  corresponding to the first side S 1  of the structural tube  110 . In addition, a second face  128  of the first plate  120  may bear against, or be relatively close to, another outside surface of the structural tube  110  corresponding to the third side S 3 . 
     In addition to the aforementioned features, regions E and B of the first and second plates  120  and  130  may also include slots. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9A , region B of the second plate  130  may include a slot  130 S extending from a bottom thereof. The slot  130 S may have a height  130 -H 2  and a thickness  130 -t 1 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 9B , region E of the first plate  120  may include a slot  120 S. However, in  FIG. 9B , the slot  120 S extends from an upper surface of region E and extends downward a distance  120 -H 2 . In example embodiments, the slot  130 S may expose a surface  130 * which defines an end region of the slot  130 S and the slot  120 S may expose a surface  120 * which may define an end region of the slot  120 S. In example embodiments, the slots  130 S and  120 S may be arranged in regions B and E such when plates  120  and  130  are engaged with each other, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the slots  120 S and  130 S overlap. When properly joined the exposed surfaces  120 * and  130 * may face or contact one another. 
     In example embodiments, the length  130 -H 2  of the slot  130 S of the second plate  130  may be substantially equal to or longer than a length  120 -H 3  which extends from the exposed surface  120 * of the first plate  120  to a lower surface of region E of the first plate  120 . Additionally, a length  120 -H 2  of the slot  120 S of the first plate  120  may be substantially equal to or longer than a length  130 -H 3  which extends from the exposed surface  130 * of the second plate  130  to an upper surface of region B of the second plate  130 . Example, embodiments, however, are not limited to the aforementioned geometry in the lengths of the slots  1205  and  130 S may be longer or short than that just described. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  provide examples of plates which are usable with example embodiments. More specifically, the second plate  130  is described as having three portions (A, B, and C) wherein region A may serve as a gusset plate and region C may serve as a stiffener plate. Example embodiments, however, are not limited thereto. For example, region A may, instead of functioning as a gusset plate, simply function as another stiffener plate. Thus, in an alternate embodiment, the second plate  130  may resemble a flat slotted plate having two substantially triangular ends each configured to act as a stiffener plate. Similarly, region C may, in an alternate embodiment, be structured to serve as a gusset plate. Thus, rather than structuring region C to have a substantially triangular member, region C could be structured to resemble region A of  FIG. 9A . Thus, in an alternate embodiment, the second plate  130  may resemble a flat slotted plate having two ends that resemble the gusset plate of region A. Similar modifications may be made to the first plate  120 . 
     In addition, rather than providing two slotted plates as provided for in example embodiments, a single cross-shaped member may provided. The cross shaped member would resemble the slotted plates  120  and  130  when they are joined together (i.e. when their exposed faces  120 * and  130 * face or contact each other). 
       FIG. 9C  provides an example of a plate  140  having an alternative configuration. In example embodiments, the plate  140  is similar to the second plate  130  and may be used in lieu of second plate  130 . Due to the similarity, and for the sake of brevity, only differences between the alternate plate  140  and the second plate  130  will be emphasized. 
       FIG. 9C , like  FIG. 9A , illustrates a plate  140  which includes three regions: G, H, and I. Plate  140 , like the second plate  130 , includes a first hole  142  and a second hole  144 . Like the second plate  130 , the first hole  142  may be a circular hole and the second hole  144  may be a slotted semicircular hole with a center of curvature approximately coincident with the center of the first hole  142 . Holes  142  and  144  may allow for a secondary structure, for example, a truss element, to connect to region G of plate  140 . However, in addition to the first and second holes  142  and  144 , region G of plate  140  includes at least two additional holes  146  and  148 . Holes  146  and  148  may allow for an additional structure, for example, another truss element, to connect to region G of plate  140 , by a connecting member such as bolt. Example embodiments, however, are not limited by the instant examples since the plate  140  may be further modified to connect to additional secondary members by providing additional holes. In example embodiments, the first plate  120  may be similarly modified. 
       FIGS. 9D-9E  provide examples of cross members  160  and  150  having an alternative configuration. In example embodiments, the cross members  160  and  150  are similar to the second plate  130  and the first plate  120 , respectively, and may be used in lieu of second plate  130  and the first plate  120 . Due to the similarity, and for the sake of brevity, only differences between the alternate plates  160  and  150  and the second plate  130  and the first plate  120  will be emphasized. 
       FIG. 9D , like  FIG. 9A , illustrates a plate  160  which includes three regions: A*, B*, and C*. The first region A* and the third region C* are substantially the same as the first and third regions A and C of the second plate  130 , thus a detailed discussion of these regions is omitted for the sake of brevity. In the second plate  130 , region B is illustrated as being rectangular, however, in the alternate plate  160 , region B* is illustrated as having a stepped configuration. That is, region B* of plate  160  includes a step  162 . Although  FIG. 9D  illustrates the alternative plate  160  as having a single step  162 , example embodiments are not limited thereto as there could be more than one step in the second region B*. In addition, rather than having a stepped configuration, the top surface of region B* could be inclined or curved, and with, or without steps. In addition to having a step  162 , the alternate plate  160  also includes weep holes  166  arranged near a bottom thereof. The weep holes  166  may allow for condensate to flow therethrough. 
       FIG. 9E , like  FIG. 9B , illustrates a plate  150  which includes three regions: D*, E*, and F*. The first region D* and the third region F* are substantially the same as the first and third regions D and F of the first plate  120 , thus a detailed discussion of these regions is omitted for the sake of brevity. In the first plate  120 , region E is illustrated as being rectangular, however, in the alternate plate  150 , region E* is illustrated as having a stepped configuration. That is, region E* of plate  150  includes a step  152 . Although  FIG. 9E  illustrates the alternative plate  150  as having a single step  152 , example embodiments are not limited thereto as there could be more than one step in the second region E*. In addition, rather than having a stepped configuration, the top surface of region E* could be inclined or curved, and with, or without steps. In addition to having a step  152 , the alternate plate  150  also includes weep holes  156  arranged near a bottom thereof. The weep holes  156  may allow for condensate to flow therethrough. 
       FIG. 9F  illustrates an example of how alternate plates  150  and  160  may be employed as cross members at an end of a beam. Because this configuration is similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 , a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. Although the cross members illustrated in  FIGS. 9A through 9F  are illustrated as having holes, example embodiments are not limited to the number of holes shown or the arrangement thereof. For example, there could be more or less holes than as shown in the figures. In addition, holes are not critical to example embodiments. For example, although holes may be provided for a bolting type connection, example embodiments also allow for a weld type connection. Thus, it is not necessary that the cross members ( 120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 , and  160 ) illustrated in  FIGS. 9A through 9F  have holes since second members may be welded to these members rather than being bolted thereto. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of the end plate  170  in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the end plate  170  may have a substantially square outer perimeter, however, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the end plate  170  may have a rectangular, circular, elliptical or octagonal outer perimeter. As another example, the corners of the “square” perimeter may be chamfered thus producing an octagonal perimeter. In example embodiments, holes  174  may be formed near the perimeter of the base plate. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a pair of holes  174  may be provided near the corners of the substantially square perimeter. Although  FIG. 10  shows that the holes are provided in pairs, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, rather than providing a pair of holes  174  at the corners of the substantially square perimeter, only a single hole, or more than two holes may be provided. Furthermore, holes may be provided near mid-sides of the perimeter. Further yet, the end plate  170  may be formed without holes since the end plate may be welded, rather than bolted, to a connecting structure. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a hole  172  may be formed near a center of the end plate  170 . The hole  172 , for example, may have substantially the same shape as the structural tube  110  which attaches to the end plate  170 . For example, when the structural tube  110  is substantially square shaped, the hole  172  may be substantially square shaped. As another example, if the structural tube  110  has a circular cross-section, the hole  172  may be circular. As another example, if the structural tube  110  had a rectangular shape, the hole  172  may have a substantially rectangular shape. In example embodiments, the substantially square shaped hole  172  may have an area defined by the dimensions W 7  and W 8  wherein, the dimension W 7  is substantially the same as, or larger than a width W 1  of the first surface S 1  of the structural tube  110  (see  FIG. 8A ) and the dimension W 8  is substantially the same as or larger than the width S 2  of the second surface S 2  of the structural tube  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , tabs may be formed to protrude from a perimeter defining the hole  172 . For example,  FIG. 10  shows a first tab  176 , a second tab  177 , a third tab  178 , and a fourth tab  179  protruding into the hole  172 . The first through fourth tabs  176 ,  177 ,  178 , and  179  may respectively have widths W 176 , W 177 , W 178 , and W 179  which may or may not be the same. In example embodiments, the tabs associated with the end plate  170  are configured to interface with slots formed at the end of the structural tube  110 . For example, when assembled, the first tab  176  may be inserted in to the first slot S 1 - 112 , the second tab may be inserted into the second slot S 2 - 112 , the third tab  178  may be inserted into the third slot S 3 - 112 , and the fourth tab  179  may be inserted in to the fourth tab S 4 - 112 . 
     In order to ensure proper fit up, the widths of the slots in the structural tube  110  should be substantially the same as or larger than the widths of the tabs inserted into the slots. Thus, in example embodiments the widths S 1 W 1 , S 2 W 1 , S 3 W 1 , and S 4 W 1  should be substantially the same as, or larger than the widths W 176 , W 177 , W 178 , and W 179 , respectively. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , after the first and second plates  120  and  130  and the end plate  170  are inserted into the slots S 1 - 112 , S 2 - 112 , S 3 - 112 , and S 4 - 112  formed at the end of the structural tube  110 , the end plate  110  may be welded to the structural tube  110  to secure the structural tube  110  to the end plate  170 . Following this operation, the first and second plates  120  and  130  may be welded to both the structural tube  110  and to the end plate  170  to form the relatively strong and compact structure  100 . Although the welding operations provided above offer some sort of order, the order of welding is not critical to example embodiments. For example, rather than welding the end plate  170  to the structural tube  110  as an initial welding operation, one of the first and second plate  120  and  130  may be initially welded to one of the structural tube  110  and the end plate  170 . In addition, welding operations may also be performed simultaneously so that the end plate  170  and the first and second plates  120  and  130  may be welded to the structural tube  110  at the same time. As another example, the first and second plates  120  and  130  may be initially welded to each other and then inserted into the slots of the structural tube  110  where they are subsequently welded to the structural tube  110 . After the first and second plates  120  and  130  are welded to each other and then to the structural tube  110 , the end plate  170  may be welded to the end of the structural tube  110  and the first and second plates  120  and  130 . As yet another example the first and second plates  120  and  130  may be welded to each other and then welded to the end plate  170 , then the structure comprising the first and second plates  120  and  130  and the end plate  170  may be inserted into the end of the structural tube  110  where the first and second plates  120  and  130  and the end plate  170  may be welded to the structural tube  110 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a system  1000  according to example embodiments. In  FIG. 11 , the system includes a first column  500  and a second column  600  connected by a series of truss elements  800  (for example, angle iron, channel iron, or the like). Though the truss elements  800  are described as being made of iron, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the truss elements  800  may be comprised of other materials such as aluminum, steel, or a metal alloy. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the first column  500  includes a first end  510  and a second end  520 , each of which may be slotted in a manner similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8E . At the first end  510 , a structure  550  similar to structure  100  may be provided. For example, in example embodiments, the structure  550  may include a first plate  555 , a second plate  560 , and an end plate  565  which may be substantially identical to the first plate  120 , the second plate  130 , and the end plate  170 . At the second end  520 , a structure  570  similar to structure  100  may also be provided. For example, in example embodiments, the structure  570  may include a first plate  575 , a second plate  580 , and an end plate  585  which may be substantially identical to the first plate  120 , the plate  140 , and the end plate  170 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the second column  600  includes a first end  610  and a second end  620 , each of which may be slotted in a manner similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8E . At the first end  610 , a structure  650  similar to structure  100  may be provided. For example, in example embodiments, the structure  650  may include a first plate  655 , a second plate  660 , and an end plate  665  which may be substantially identical to the first plate  120 , the second plate  130 , and the end plate  170 . At the second end  620 , a structure  670  similar to structure  100  may also be provided. For example, in example embodiments, the structure  670  may include a first plate  675 , a second plate  680 , and an end plate  685  which may be substantially identical to the first plate  120 , the plate  140 , and the end plate  170 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , additional plates  700  may be provided along a length of the columns. The additional  700  plates may include protrusions which penetrate slots provided in the columns  500  and  600 . The additional plates  700  may be provided to secure additional truss elements  800  to the system  1000  for additional stability. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of a structure  3000  in accordance with example embodiments. The structure  3000  of  FIG. 12  is similar to that of structure  100 , thus, only the differences will be emphasized for the sake of brevity. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the structure  3000  comprises a structural tube  3100 , an L-shaped cross member  3200 , and an end plate  3300 . In the structure  100 , two cross members (members  120  and  130 ) are provided which span the width of the structural tube  100 . However, in  FIG. 12 , the cross member  3200  does not span an entire width of its corresponding structural tube  3100 . Rather, in  FIG. 12 , the cross member  3200  is formed to have an angle of about ninety degrees. Thus, in  FIG. 12 , the structure  3000  may be characterized in having a cross member  3200  attached to only two outside surfaces of the structural tube  3100  and the base plate  3300 . In  FIG. 12 , regions X 1  and X 2  represent generic regions which may be formed either as gusset plates similar to region A of  FIG. 9A  or region G of  FIG. 9C  or as stiffeners similar to region C of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 13  is a cross-section of  FIG. 12  showing that the cross member  3200  does not span the width of the structural tube  3100 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded view of a structure  4000  in accordance with example embodiments. The structure  4000  of  FIG. 14  is similar to that of structure  100 , thus, only the differences will be emphasized for the sake of brevity. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the structure  4000  comprises a structural tube  4100 , a first cross member  4200 , a second cross member  4300 , and an end plate  4400 . In the structure  100 , two cross members (members  120  and  130 ) are provided which span the width of the structural tube  100 . However, in  FIG. 14 , the cross members  4200  and  4300  do not span an entire width of its corresponding structural tube  4100 . Rather, in  FIG. 14 , the cross members  4200  and  4300  are connected to have an angle of about ninety degrees. Thus, in  FIG. 14 , the structure  4000  may be characterized in having cross members  4200  and  4300  attached to only two outside surfaces of the structural tube  4100  and the end plate  4400 . In  FIG. 14 , regions X 1  and X 2  represent generic regions which may be formed either as gusset plates similar to region A of  FIG. 9A  or region G of  FIG. 9C  or as stiffeners similar to region C of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 15  is a cross-section of  FIG. 14  showing that the cross members  4200  and  4300  do not span the width of the structural tube  4100 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a structure  5000  in accordance with example embodiments. The structure  5000  of  FIG. 16  is similar to that of structure  100 , thus, only the differences will be emphasized for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIG.  16 , the structure  5000  comprises a structural tube  5100 , a T-shaped cross member  5200 , and an end plate  5300 . In the structure  100 , two cross members (plates  120  and  130 ) are provided which span the width of the structural tube  100 . However, in  FIG. 16 , the cross member  5200  spans a width of its corresponding structural tube  5100  in only one direction. Thus, in  FIG. 16 , the structure  5000  may be characterized in having a cross member  5200  attached to only three outside surfaces of the structural tube  5100  and the end plate  5300 . In  FIG. 16 , regions X 1 , X 2 , and X 3  represent generic regions which may be formed either as gusset plates similar to region A of  FIG. 9A  or region G of  FIG. 9C  or as stiffeners similar to region C of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 17  is a cross-section of  FIG. 16  showing that the cross member  5200  spans the width of the structural tube  5100  in only one direction. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an example of a structure  6000  in accordance with example embodiments. The structure  6000  of  FIG. 18  is similar to that of structure  100 , thus, only the differences will be emphasized for the sake of brevity. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the structure  6000  comprises a structural tube  6100 , a first cross member  6200 , a second cross member  6300 , and an end plate  6400 . In the structure  100 , two cross members (plates  120  and  130 ) are provided which span the width of the structural tube  100 . However, in  FIG. 18 , only the cross member  6300  spans an entire width of its corresponding structural tube  6100 . Thus, in  FIG. 18 , the structure  6000  may be characterized in having plates attached to only three outside surfaces of the structural tube  6100 . In  FIG. 18 , regions X 1 , X 2 , and X 3  represent generic regions which may be formed either as gusset plates similar to region A of  FIG. 9A  or region G of  FIG. 9C  or as stiffeners similar to region C of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 19  is a cross-section of  FIG. 18  showing that the cross members  6200  does not span the width of the structural tube  6100 . 
       FIG. 20  is another example of a system  7000  in accordance with example embodiments. The system  7000  illustrated in  FIG. 20  may be similar to either the first column  500  or the second column  600  of the system  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . For example, the system  7000  may include a column-like member  7100  that has a first structure  7200  at a first end of the column-like member  7100  and a second structure  7300  at a second end of the column-like member  7100 . The column-like member  7100  may be constructed from tube steel having a square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section. In example embodiments, the first structure  7200  may be similar to the structure  570  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , thus, a detailed description of the first structure  7200  is not provided for the sake of brevity. Similarly, the second structure  7300  of the system  7000  may be similar to the structure  550  of system  1000 . Thus, a detailed description of the second structure  7300  is not provided for the sake of brevity. In example embodiments, while the first structure  7200  and the second structure  7300  may be similar to structures  550  and  570 , example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first and second structures  7200  and  7300  may be conventional structures, for example, that shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , which may be found on ends of conventional columns. 
     In example embodiments, a set of middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be provided along the column-like member  7100 . The middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be arranged anywhere along a length of the column-like member  7100  and may be used to attach a structure, for example, angle iron, to the column-like member  7100 . Thus, the middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may act as gusset plates. In example embodiments, the middle connecting members  7400  may be fabricated from a metal plate, however, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be made from a material other than metal. For example, the middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be made from wood, plastic, or a composite material. Furthermore, the middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  do not necessarily have to be constructed from a plate since the middle connecting members may be fabricated from another structure such as angle iron. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a close up view of the middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  that are attached to the column-like member  7100 . In  FIG. 21 , a portion of the column-like member  7100  is cut away to show the interaction between the first middle connecting member  7400  and the second middle connecting member  7500 . 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-section view of the column-like member  7100  showing the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  penetrating the column like member  7100 .  FIG. 22  shows a portion of the first middle connecting member  7400  overlaps a portion of the second middle connecting member  7500 . The overlap may be achieved through the use of slits provided in the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500 . 
       FIG. 23  is a partially exploded view of the system  7000  showing the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  separated from the column like member  7100 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the column like member  7100  includes a first slit  7150  that allows a portion  7420  of the first middle connecting member  7400  to pass therethrough. The portion  7420  of the first middle connection member  7400  includes a slit  7425  that may be usable for connecting the first middle connection member  7400  to the second middle connection member  7500 .  FIG. 23  also shows that the column like member  7100  includes a second slit  7155  that allows a portion  7520  of the second middle connection member  7500  to penetrate the column like member  7100 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the portion  7520  of the second connection member  7500  may include a slit  7525  that may be usable for connecting the second middle connection member  7500  to the first middle connecting member  7400 . 
     In example embodiments, the second middle connecting member  7500  may be inserted into the second slit  7155 . Subsequently, the first middle connecting member  7400  may be inserted into the first slit  7150  and moved towards the second middle middle connecting member  7500  so that the slots  7425  and the  7525  intersect each other allowing the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  to interlock with one another. After the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  are interlocked, the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be welded to the column like member  7100 . 
     Although the above method describes a particular order for attaching the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  to the column like member  7100 , example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in example embodiments, the second middle connecting member  7500  may be inserted into the second slit  7155  and then welded to the column like member  7100 . Subsequently, the first middle connecting member  7400  may be inserted into the first slit and moved towards the second middle connecting member  7500  so that the slots  7425  and the  7525  intersect each other allowing the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  to be interlocked with one another. Subsequently, the first middle connecting member  7400  may be welded to the column like member  7100 . As yet another example, the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be simultaneously inserted into the first and second slits  7150  and  7155  and then moved towards each other so that the slots  7525  and  7425  overlap one another thus locking the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  together. Subsequently, the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  are welded to the column like member  7100 . 
       FIG. 24A  illustrates an example of the first middle connecting member  7400 . As shown in  FIG. 24A , the first middle connecting member  7400  may include a first part  7410  which may be configured to act as a gusset plate and a second part  7420  which may be configured to insert into a slit of the column like member  7100 . For example, the first part  7410  of the first middle connecting member  7400  may include various holes and slots to facilitate a connection between the first middle connecting member  7400  and a secondary member, for example, angle iron or tube steel, via bolting or riveting. Example embodiments, however, are not limited thereto as the first part  7410  may be formed without holes. In this latter embodiment, the first part  7410  may provide a surface to which a secondary member, for example angle iron or tube steel, may be welded. The second part  7420  may include a slot  7425  which may be configured to overlap with a slot  7525  of the second middle connecting member  7500 . In example embodiments, the slot  7425  may extend from a bottom surface of the second part  7420 . In example embodiments, the first middle connecting member  7400  may include a first surface  7415  and a second surface  7416  which may be welded to the column like member  7100  to secure the first middle connecting member  7400  to the column like member  7100 . 
       FIG. 24B  illustrates an example of the second middle connecting member  7500 . As shown in  FIG. 24B , the second middle connecting member  7500  may include a first part  7510  which may be configured to act as a gusset plate and a second part  7520  which may be configured to insert into a slit of the column like member  7100 . For example, the first part  7510  of the second middle connecting member  7500  may include various holes and slots to facilitate a connection between the second middle connecting member  7500  and a secondary member, for example, angle iron or tube steel, via bolting or riveting. Example embodiments, however, are not limited thereto as the first part  7510  may be formed without holes. In this latter embodiment, the first part  7510  may provide a surface to which a secondary member, for example angle iron or tube steel, may be welded. The second part  7520  may include a slot  7525  which may be configured to overlap with a slot of the first middle connecting member  7400 . In example embodiments, the slot  7525  may extend from a top surface of the second part  7520 . In example embodiments, the second middle connecting member  7500  may include a first surface  7515  and a second surface  7516  which may be welded to the column like member  7100  to secure the second middle connecting member  7500  in place. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 22  it is noted that the lengths of the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  do not extend completely through a width of the column like member  7100 . This, however, is not a limiting feature of example embodiments since the first and second middle connecting members  7400  and  7500  may be configured to extend the width of the column like member  7100  or even through a depth of the column like member  7100 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 6 , it is noted that example embodiments describe a structure  100  which includes a first cross member  120 , a second cross member  130 , and an end plate  170  which are generally provided at an end of a structural tube  100 . Example embodiments, however, are not limited thereto. For example, in  FIG. 25  a structure  8000  in accordance with example embodiments may not include an end plate. For example, in  FIG. 25 , the structure  8000  includes a first cross member  8400  and a second cross member  8500  configured to be inserted into slots provided at an end of a structural tube  8100 . In  FIG. 25  only two slots  8200  and  8300  are illustrated, however, additional slots may be provided similar to the slots illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8E . In example embodiments, however, the slots provided at the end of the structural tube  8100  do not require different regions with different widths since the slots are not required to interface with tabs of an end plate. In example embodiments, the first and second cross members  8400  and  8500  may be substantially the same as the first and second cross members  120  and  130  illustrated in  FIG. 7A , thus, a detailed description thereof will not be provided for the sake of brevity. 
       FIG. 26  provides an example of a system  9000  in which a first structural tube  9100  is connected to a second structural tube  9200 . In this example, the first structural tube  9100  may have a slotted end into which a first and second cross member  9300  and  9400  may be inserted. The first and second cross members  9300  and  9400  may be welded to the first structural tube  9100  after they are inserted into their corresponding slots. In example embodiments, the first and second cross members  9300  and  9400  may be similar to the previously described cross members  120  and  130 . Thus a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. In this example, the second structural tube  9200  may have a slotted end into which a third and fourth cross member  9500  and  9600  may be inserted. The third and fourth cross members  9500  and  9600  may be welded to the second structural tube  9200  after they are inserted into their corresponding slots. In example embodiments, the third and fourth cross members  9500  and  9600  may be similar to the previously described cross members  120  and  130 . Thus a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. 
     In example embodiments, a lower surface of the first cross member  9300  may be welded to an upper surface of the third cross member  9500 . Likewise, a lower surface of the second cross member  9400  may be attached to an upper surface of the fourth cross member  9600  by welding. Thus, example embodiments provide for a structure in which ends of different structural tubes may be attached without the use of an end plate. 
     Alternatively, a first attachment plate  9700  may be provided to connect the first cross member  9300  to the third cross member  9500 . The first attachment plate  9700 , for example, may be bolted, riveted, or welded to each of the first and third cross members  9300  and  9500 . The connection between the first cross member  9300  and the third cross member  9500  may be further strengthened by welding the first cross member  9300  to the third cross member  9500  as described above. In addition to providing the attachment plate  9700 , a second attachment plate  9800  may be provided to connect the second cross member  9400  to the fourth cross member  9600 . The second attachment plate  9800 , for example, may be bolted, riveted, or welded to each of the second and fourth cross members  9400  and  9600 . The connection between the second cross member  9400  and the fourth cross member  9600  may be further strengthened by welding the second cross member  9400  to the fourth cross member  9600 . Thus, example embodiments provide for a structure in which ends of different structural tubes may be attached without the use of an end plate. 
       FIG. 27  provides an example of a system  10000  in which a first structural tube  10100  is connected to a second structural tube  10200 . In this example, the first structural tube  10100  may have a slotted end into which a first and second cross member  10300  and  10400  may be inserted. The first and second cross members  10300  and  10400  may be welded to the first structural tube  10100  after they are inserted into their corresponding slots. In example embodiments, the first and second cross members  10300  and  10400  may be similar to the previously described cross members  120  and  130  and their connection to a plate  10500  may be similar to the system illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7B . Thus a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. In this example, the second structural tube  10200  may have a slotted end into which a third and fourth cross member  10600  and  10700  may be inserted. The third and fourth cross members  10600  and  10700  may be welded to the plate  10500  after they are inserted into their corresponding slots. In example embodiments, the third and fourth cross members  10600  and  10700  may be similar to the previously described cross members  120  and  130 . Thus a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. 
     Example embodiments of the invention have been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of example embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.