Patent Publication Number: US-2007107986-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for making blinds and platforms

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/734,163, filed Nov. 7, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates in general to the field of fasteners and fastening methods for used in conjunction with structural material, and more particularly, to fasteners and fastening methods for making hunting blinds and platforms.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with blinds and platforms, as an example. Hunters, scientists and naturalists commonly use camouflaged blinds and platforms to allow access to prey. The camouflaged blinds and platforms allow close proximity without the fear of being seen, thus allowing time to shoot the prey or observe the activities of the prey. For example, hunting blinds are often placed near areas which are frequented by the prey, e.g., fields, paths, water and so forth.  
      Generally, a hunting blind has one or more walls formed from natural materials (e.g., sticks, grass, and foliage) or from camouflage material (e.g., blankets, tarps, prints or burlap). The blind may be as simple as one wall positioned between the hunter and the prey or as elaborate as shingled roofs, doors, sliding or hinged windows, chairs and benches. The blind may be portable, permanent or seasonal.  
      To allow better visibility and safety, tree stands and platforms are commonly constructed in trees near areas which are frequented by the prey. These are generally small and portable metal or plastic grating or mesh that is mounted in trees with room for a single standing or sitting hunter. Often hunters must use safety belts and/or harnesses to protect in cases of falls and accidents from using guns, bows or observation equipment.  
      One such portable vertically mounted hunting blind is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,440 issued to Varnado, which teaches a blind which has two plates and straps forming a fastener. The fastener is attached to a tree trunk at any desired height by wrapping the straps around the tree trunk and connecting the straps under tension with a connecting means which maintains the tension. The plates have receptacles for the insertion of a holder, with the holder extending away from the tree trunk. A blind cover is attached to the holder and provides camouflage.  
      Another approach is to attach the blind directly to the tree in a tree-house type building. These are usually expensive, heavy and cumbersome, and if designed to be taken down at the end of a season require significant labor and transport. The materials must be transported to the location often by foot along with all the necessary tools and fasteners. The materials must be hauled vertically up and down the side of the tree trunk to be placed in the desired position. Additionally, the building must be constructed using conventional techniques.  
      In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,707 issued to Berry, which teaches a combination tree stand, blind and equipment carrier. The carrier includes a platform to support a user thereon within a user enclosure, a top frame member defining an upward opening of the enclosure, and first and second hinge assemblies connecting the top frame to the platform to allow it to be moved between a collapsed position and a fully erect position. The first and second hinge assemblies are positioned to extend between rearward and forward portions of the platform and the top frame. The hinge assemblies fold inward toward each other to collapse the enclosure for carrying or use as an equipment carrier when wheels are added. A seat is pivotally connected to the first hinge assembly, which also serves as a back for the seat. A shelf and a splash panel are pivotally connected to the second hinge assembly. The platform has an access opening for the user to enter the user enclosure and an access door. A telescoping ladder is pivotally attachable to the platform at a position below the platform and adjacent to the access opening. Adjacent pairs of ladder sections have side rails of one positioned inward of the side rails of the other and slidably retained together. Lock members lock adjacent pairs of ladder sections together when in the fully extended position upon actuation of lock actuators. A lock clip uses lock actuator screws in one embodiment, and another a cam and lever arrangement to move the lock members of adjacent rails into the locked position.  
      tree-mounted hunting blind is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,065 issued to Price, which teaches an enclosed tree-mounted hunting blind supported in cantilever fashion off the side of a tree. The blind is a rigid, walled structure that is easily put up and taken down from the tree using its own cantilever support, and is light enough to transport to and from the tree at the beginning and end of hunting season with minimal effort.  
      The foregoing problems have been recognized for many years and while numerous solutions have been proposed, none of them adequately address all of the problems in a single device.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present inventor recognized a need for a hunting and observation blind and platform that is supportive and easy to transport and construct, while reducing the construction noise, time and activity at the location.  
      More particularly, the present invention includes a fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction. The fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a structural member and a shank. The structural member is supported by the fastener. The shank extending from the head to support the structural member and the structural member forms a joist, rafter or truss. In some embodiments the shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.  
      For example, the present invention also includes a platform constructed using fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The platform includes two or more fasteners inserted into two or more objects. The two or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support and a shank. The shank extends from the head and includes a threaded portion that terminates at a point for attachment by boring into an object. The platform also includes a first floor support that extends from the first fastener and a second floor support that extends from a second fastener. One or more floor materials that extends from the first floor support to the second floor support.  
      The present invention also includes a method of constructing a platform using a fastener for attachment to an object to provide support for the platform. The platform is constructed by securing at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener to one or more objects. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture and a shank extending from the head. The aperture is adapted to fit a floor support that is supported by the fastener. The shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into the object. The platform is constructed by securing a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and securing a second floor support extending from the third fastener and the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials may then be attached to from the first floor support to the second floor support, whereby a platform is formed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:  
       FIG. 1  is side view of one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is side view of one embodiment of the present invention installed into a tree;  
       FIG. 6  is a frontal view of the present invention in operation;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in operation;  
       FIG. 8  is top view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 9   a - 9   e  illustrate different embodiments of the expander plates of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  illustrate different embodiments of the expander plates of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  illustrates the fastener used in conjunction with the expander plate of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  illustrates an expander plate that is used to connect structural members and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener; and  
       FIG. 13  illustrates an expander plate used to connect  2  pieces of structural members and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener  10 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The terminology used and specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.  
      To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.  
      Generally, the present invention provides a device for the construction of housings, enclosures, blinds and platforms. The present invention allows construction using minimal tools and reduces the materials that must be transported to the site, thus, allowing construction at remote locations. The present invention also reduces the disturbance to the environment (e.g., noise, scraps, destroyed plants, tracks, smells and so forth), which reduces the chance of alerting the prey.  
      For example, the present invention includes a fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction. The fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit a structural member. The shank is designed to be inserted into the object to support the fastener and form a joist, rafter or truss. One embodiment includes a shank that extends from the head and includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.  
      The object may be a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a joist, a rafter, a truss, a wall or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the structural member may be a wooden 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8 or a 8×8 and the head may be adapted to fit the structural member. The structural member may be of any length desired and necessary for construction. When using long structural members or heavy weights are involved it may be necessary to add additional fasteners.  
      The present invention also includes a platform constructed using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The platform includes at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener inserted into one or more objects. The one or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall joist, rafter, truss or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support. In some instances, the aperture accommodated a 2×4, 4×4 or a 2×6. The shank extends from the head including a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object. The platform also includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support. The first floor support, the second floor support and the one or more floor materials individually include a wooden or metal 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8, a 8×8 or a log, bamboo, thatch, plywood, steel, metal or particle board.  
      A kit for constructing a platform is also provided for attachment to an object for providing support for a platform. The platform includes two or more fasteners inserted into one or more objects. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a structural member. The structural member is supported by a shank extending from the head of the fastener. The shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point to bore into an object.  
      Optionally, the kit contains two or more floor supports and one or more floor materials. The two or more floor supports attach to the two or more fasteners, whereby a floor support is created. The two or more floor supports may be a 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8 or a 8×8. The one or more floor materials include steel, log, bamboo, thatch, plywood or particle board and extend between the one or more floor supports, whereby a platform is created.  
      Another embodiment of the present invention includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a third fastener and the fourth fastener. The platform includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support to form a platform.  
      The present invention also includes a method of constructing a platform. The platform is constructed by securing at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener to one or more objects. The one or more objects may be a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a floor support and a shank extending from the head. The floor support is supported by the fastener. The shank extends from the head and has a threaded portion that terminates in a point for attachment by boring into the object. The platform is constructed by securing a first floor support that extends from the first fastener to the second fastener and securing a second floor support that extends from the third fastener to the fourth fastener.  
      The present invention also includes a hunting blind constructed using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The hunting blind includes at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener inserted into one or more objects. The one or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall joist, rafter, truss or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support. In some instances the aperture accommodated a 2×4, 4×4 or a 2×6. The shank extends from the head including a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object. The hunting blind also includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support to form a hunting blind.  
      Refer now to  FIG. 1  there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener  10  includes a shank  12  extending between a head  14  and a tapered tip  16 . The head  14  has a diameter  18  to provide strength.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The threaded portion  20  may be a continuous member or a helical member having segmented areas (not shown). In addition, the tapered tip  16  may be sharp or sharpened to allow better penetration into the tree. The pitch  28  and the spacing of the threads of the threaded portion  20  may be varied to allow for easier insertion into the tree and/or better adhesion to the tree. Additionally, length  24  and the diameter  26  of the threaded portion  20  may be adjusted for different applications, e.g., the length may be 3.5 inches in some embodiments but may range from about 0.5 inches to about 12 inches and the diameter may be 0.75 inches, but may range from 0.25 inches to 4 inches depending on the specific application. For example, a fastener having a length  24  of about 3.5 inches and a diameter  26  of about 0.5 inches has shear strength of about 72,000 pounds and can support 36,000 pounds.  
      The head  14  has the general shape to accommodate structural members and form an aperture  30  for the building material. The aperture  30  partially encloses the building material in  FIG. 1 . The aperture  30  has a height  32  and a width  34  that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture  30  may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan. Generally, the aperture  30  is constructed from a single piece of material that is bent and formed to the desired shape with the height  32  and the width  34 ; however, the aperture  30  may be formed from individual segments that are affixed (e.g., bonded, welded, screwed or similarly attached) to formed the desired shape with the height  32  and the width  34 .  
      Refer now to  FIG. 2  there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener  10  includes a shank  12  extending between a head  14  and a tapered tip  16 . The head  14  has a diameter  18  to provide strength.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head  14  has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. The aperture  30  is designed to enclose partially a conventional 2×4 in  FIG. 2 . The aperture  30  has a height  32  and a width  34  that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture  30  may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan.  
      Refer now to  FIG. 3  there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener  10  includes a shank  12  extending between a head  14  and a tapered tip  16 . The head  14  has a diameter  18  to provide strength.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head  14  has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. The aperture  30  is designed to enclose partially a conventional 2×4 in  FIG. 3 . The aperture  30  has a height  32  and a width  34  that accept the corresponding building material. The head  14  has a first securing aperture  36 , which extends through the head  14  into the aperture  30  and a corresponding second securing aperture  38  extending through the head  14  to align with the a first securing aperture  36 . An aperture securing fastener  40  is used to further secure the structural member in the fastener  10 . The aperture securing fastener  40  may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, or similar securing device known to the skilled artisan.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head  14  has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. The aperture  30  is designed to enclose partially a conventional 4×4 in  FIG. 4 . The aperture  30  has a height  32  and a width  34  that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture  30  may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates the fastener  10  in use and installed in a tree. The fastener  10  includes a shank  12  extending between a head  14  and a tapered tip  16 . The head  14  has a diameter  18  to provide strength. The shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The fastener  10  is inserted into the tree  42  by pressing the tapered tip  16  into the tree surface  44  and applying a rotational force to the fastener  10 . As the fastener  10  is rotated, the threaded portion  20  penetrates the tree surface  44  and into the interior of the tree  46 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The rotational force may be applied to the fastener  10  until the length  24  of the threaded portion  20  is to the desired depth in the tree  42 . A board may be inserted into the aperture  30  and used as leverage to apply the rotational force to the fastener  10 .  
      The head  14  is positioned adjacent to the tree surface  44  and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. The aperture  30  is designed to enclose partially a conventional 4×4 in  FIG. 4 . The aperture  30  has a height  32  and a width  34  that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture  30  may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates the fastener  10  in use. Fasteners  10   a,    10   b  and  10   c  are secured in to trees  42   a  and  42   b.  The fastener  10  is inserted into the tree  42  by pressing the tapered tip (not shown) into the tree surface (not shown) and applying a rotational force to the fastener  10 . As the fastener  10  is rotated, the threaded portion (not shown) penetrates the tree surface (not shown) and into the interior of the tree (not shown). The rotational force may be applied to the fastener  10  until the length of the threaded portion (not shown) is to the desired depth in the tree  42 . The head  14  is positioned adjacent to the tree surface  44  and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. A board  48  is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   a  and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   b  and forms the basic support for the platform. The board  48  may be a 2″×4″ or 4″×4″ or other material as known by the skilled artisan. Additionally, a fastener  10   c  may be inserted into the tree  42   a  with a board  48  inserted into the aperture (not shown) and secured to the fastener  10   c  with an aperture securing fastener  40  to form a ladder or other device for accessing the platform (not shown).  
       FIG. 7  illustrates the fastener  10  in use to construct a blind  50 . Fasteners  10   a,    10   b,    10   c  and  10   d  are secured in to trees  42   a,    42   b,    42   c  and  42   d.  The fastener  10  is inserted into the tree  42  by pressing the tapered tip (not shown) into the tree surface (not shown) and applying a rotational force to the fastener  10 . As the fastener  10  is rotated, the threaded portion (not shown) penetrates the tree surface and into the interior of the tree. The rotational force may be applied to the fastener  10  until the length of the threaded portion (not shown) is to the desired depth in the tree  42 . The head  14  is positioned adjacent to the tree surface and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material.  
      A board  48   a  is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   a  and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   b.  Similarly, a board  48   b  is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   c  and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener  10   d  and forms the basic support for the platform. The board  48  may be a 2″×4″ or 4″×4″ or other material as known by the skilled artisan. Additionally, an aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the board  48  to the fastener  10 . A floor board  52  may be placed between the board  48   a  and the board  48   b  to create a floor for the platform. The number of floor board  52  will depend on the size of the platform and the size of the floor board  52 . Additionally, walls and a roof may be constructed on the platform using conventional construction methods known to the skilled artisan.  
      Refer now to  FIG. 8 a  fastener with a head designed to accommodate 2 pieces of structural member. The fastener  10  includes a shank  12  extending between a head  14  and a tapered tip  16 . The head  14  has a diameter  18  to provide strength. The shank  12  of the fastener  10  has a threaded portion  20  having right-hand threads  22 . The threaded portion  20  has a length  24 , a diameter  26  and a pitch  28  that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The threaded portion  20  may be a continuous member or a helical member having segmented areas (not shown). In addition, the tapered tip  16  may be sharp or sharpened to allow better penetration into the tree. The pitch and the spacing of the threads of the threaded portion  20  may be varied to allow for easier insertion into the tree and/or better adhesion to the tree.  
      The head  14  has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture  30  for the building material. The head  14  includes a first aperture member  54  and a second aperture member  56  joined and forming an angle between about 0 and 90 degrees relative to each other. The first aperture member  54  and the second aperture member  56 , each have an aperture  30   a  and an aperture  30   b  respectively that enclose partially a building material as in  FIG. 1 . The apertures  30   a  and  30   b  have a height (not shown) and a width (not shown) that accept the corresponding building material. The apertures  30   a  and  30   b  may also accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally, the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches; 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan. The apertures  30   a  and  30   b  are formed from individual segments that are affixed (e.g., bonded, welded, screwed or similarly attached) to formed the desired shape with the height (not shown) and the width (not shown). In operation, a first board is inserted into one the apertures  30   a  and secured. Another board in then inserted into the apertures  30   b  and secured.  
       FIG. 9   a  illustrates an expander plate  58  that is used to connect 2 or more pieces of structural member together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate  58  includes a first side  60  and a second side  62  separated by a channel  64 . The first side  60  and the second side  62  may be of any length, width and thickness desired for a particular application. In addition, the first side  60  and the second side  62  may differ in length, width and/or thickness to accommodate similar or different materials and applications. The first side  60  and the second side  62  may have numerous apertures  66  that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures  66  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The apertures  66  position, number, size, location, diameter and so forth may be varied to accommodate similar or different materials and applications.  
       FIGS. 9   b - 9   e  are profile views that illustrate different embodiments of the expander plate  58  used to connect 2 pieces of structural member together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate  58  includes a first side  60  and a second side  62  separated by a channel  64 . The channel  64  may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the channel  64  may be an arc as in  FIG. 9   b  with any radius necessary for the application or the channel  64  may have a “U” shape of any dimensions necessary as in  FIG. 9   c.  The channel  64  may be an angled as in  FIG. 9   d  to form a rectangle or a triangle as in  FIG. 9   e.  Generally, the channel  64  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth.  
       FIG. 10   a  illustrates an expander plate  58  that is used to connect 2 pieces of structural member  48   a  and  48   b  together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate  58  includes a channel  64  that connects the first side  60  and the second side  62 . The first side  60  aligns with a first material  48   a  and the second side  62  aligns with a second material  48   b.  The first side  60  and the second side  62  may have numerous apertures  66  that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures  66  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel  64  is positioned to extend between the first side  60  and the second side  62  that support the 2 materials  48   a  and  48   b,  respectively. The fastener (not shown) may then be positioned under the channel  64  to support the weight. In another embodiment, the channel  64  may be positioned to extend away from the 2 materials  48   a  and  48   b  in contact with the first side  60  and the second side  62 , respectively, as seen in  FIG. 10   b.    
       FIG. 10   c  illustrates the use of multiple first expander plates. A first expander plate  58   a  and a second expander plate  58   b  may be used in combination. The first expander plate  58   a  includes a channel  64   a  that is positioned to extend between the first side  60   a  and the second side  62   a  that support the materials  48   a  and  48   b,  respectively. The second expander plate  58   b  also includes a channel  64   b  that is positioned to extend between the first side  60   b  and the second side  62   b  that support the materials  48   a  and  48   b,  respectively. The first expander plate  58   a  and a second expander plate  58   b  may include numerous apertures  66  that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures  66  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates the fastener  10  used in conjunction with the expander plate  58 . A fastener  10  is attached to a tree  46  at the desired location and height. An expander plate  58  having a channel  64  that connects a first side  60  and a second side  62  is placed into the fastener aperture  30  and positioned so that the channel  64  is in contact with the fastener  10 . In some instances, the contact will include a snug or friction fitting and the channel  64  may have a shape, curve or indention at the ends of the channel  64  to provide a secure fit. In addition, an aperture (not shown) may be placed in the channel  64  to secure it to the fastener  10 . A first and second structural member  48   a  and  48   b  are connected to the first side  60  and the second side  62  of the expander plate  58 . In some embodiments, the first and second structural member  48   a  and  48   b  are connected to the first side  60  and the second side  62  of the expander plate  58  before or prior to positioning the expander plate  58  into the fastener  10 . In other embodiments, the first structural member  48  is connected to the first side  60  of the expander plate  58  and positioned into the fastener  10  prior to the attachment of the second structural member  48   b.    
       FIG. 12  illustrates an expander plate  58  that is used to connect  2  structural members (not shown) together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate  58  includes a channel  64  that connects the first side  60  and two second side  62   a  and  62   b.  The first side  60  and the second sides  62   a  and  62   b  may have numerous apertures  66  that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures  66  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel  64  is positioned to extend between the first side  60  and the second sides  62   a  and  62   b  that support the 2 or more materials (not shown). The second sides  62   a  can be used to connect a structural member (not shown) to the expander plate  58  extending generally parallel to the second sides  62   a.  A second structural member (not shown) may be connected to the second sides  62   b  and connected to a second structural member (not shown) to the expander plate  58  extending generally parallel to the second sides  62   b  and generally perpendicular to second sides  62   a.  However, the angle between second sides  62   a  and  62   b  may be varied between 0-180 degrees depending on the application and the construction needs. Alternatively, the second sides  62   a  and  62   b  may be used to create a corner by placing a structural member (not shown) that extends across second sides  62   a  and  62   b.  The structural member (not shown) thus continues in a generally parallel direction in relation to the second sides  62   a  and  62   b  and generally perpendicular to the first side  60 .  
       FIG. 13  illustrates an expander plate  58  that is used to connect 2 pieces of structural member  48   a  and  48   b  together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener  10 . The expander plate  58  includes a channel  64  that connects the first side  60  and the second side  62 . The expander plate  58  includes side members  68   a  and  68   b  attached to or a part of the first side  60  and the second side  62 . The expander plate  58  provides both vertical and horizontal support for the first material  48   a  that is aligned with the first side  60  and the second material  48   b  aligns with the second side  62 . The first side  60 , the second side  62 , the side members  68   a  and  68   b  may have numerous apertures  66  that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures  66  may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel  64  is positioned to contact the fastener  10  to support the expander plate  58  and structural member  48   a  and  48   b.  The channel  64  may be a variety of shapes and configurations, for example, the channel  64  may be a friction or clip fitting that securely holds the fastener  10  to the expander plate  58 . The fastener  10  may be “clicked” into the channel  64  to by rotating the expander plate  58  about the fastener  10  to securely hold the to the expander plate  58 .  
      In any of the embodiments having a channel  64  the channel itself may be a flat straight segment indistinguishable from the first side  60  and the second side  62  or a groove that accommodates a fastener  10 . The channel  64  may be of any length, width and/or depth desired and may have a profile that is an arc, a smooth curve, a partial rectangle, a partial oval, a partial polygon and so forth.  
      The pieces of structural member, lumber, boards, materials, wood and other similar terms are used to denote general materials that may be used by the present invention and is not intended to limit the type of material used. For example, common materials include lumber of various grades and dimensions, e.g., 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan.  
      Additionally, the present invention may be used to construct enclosures and housings having different configurations. The present invention may be used to construct a variety of structures limited only by the inventiveness and creativity of the builder. The fastener of the present invention may be used in any application that a conventional fastener may be used. For example, the present invention may be used to provide the support for a roof system, walls, retaining walls, storage enclosures, shelters, sheds, lean-tos, racks, bunk beds, platforms, blinds, roofs, fences, buildings, decks, porches, steps, tie downs, and other structures apparent to the skilled artisan. Furthermore, the present invention may be used to create structures on or about the ground.  
      Combinations of materials may be used with the present invention to provide housings having different configurations. The present invention may be used in constructing decorative structures (e.g., tents, covers, art, awnings, etc.) or structural enclosures. For example, the present invention may be used to construct the floor and roof of an enclosure and a fabric or material used to create the walls of the housing. In addition to trees, the present invention may also inserted into other materials, e.g., brick, blocks marble, granite, stone, steel, concrete, cinderblocks, poles, light poles, telephone poles, utility poles and other objects known to the skilled artisan.  
      In addition to the screw-type configuration, the present invention also includes a bolt-type member. A hole may be drilled into the object and the present invention inserted with the proper washers and secured with one or more nuts. Alternatively, a securing nut may be added to the present invention when the fastener exits the object and washers and spaces may be used in some instances.  
      The components of the present invention may be constructed from any suitable similar singular or composite material, e.g., titanium, a titanium alloy, a metal, an alloy, a stainless steel, a steel, an iron, a composite, a polymer, a blend of polymers, a carbon fiber, a plastic, a thermoplastic, carbon nanotubes, a synthetic material or other material known to the skilled artisan, depending on the particular need or application. In addition, combinations and mixtures of material may be used, e.g., a polymer, a metal, a plastic, a fiber, a composite, metal, plastic, fiber, composite, and/or ceramic; a carbon nanotube-coated polymer, metal, plastic, fiber, and/or composite; a polymer-coated polymer, metal, plastic, fiber, and/or composite. The fastener may be made of a strong material (e.g., metal, magnamite graphite fiber, carbon reinforced plastic, titanium, a titanium alloy, a metal, steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, iron, copper, chromolly, an alloy, a stainless steel, a composite, a polymer, a blend of polymers, a carbon fiber, a plastic, a thermoplastic, synthetic materials or combination thereof) so as to prevent the fastener from being sheared off by the stress of the system. The materials used are not limited to the above noted and may also include other suitable solid materials that have the above-noted properties.  
      The fastener may be constructed using common techniques known in the art. One example includes a fastener  10  that is manufactured from a blank that may initially be uniform in diameter. The blank, which may be made form steel, iron, plastic, chromolly, alloys metals, brass, aluminum, or other material, is deformed by a thread rolling machine to achieve the threaded portion  20 . The blank may be rolled in a first direction to form the threaded portion  20 . The head  14  and aperture  30  can then be formed. During the process, the threads may receive forging properties that help increase the fatigue strength of the fastener and loading strength. Another method of forming the fastener includes casting, forging, machining, stamping and other processes known to the skilled artisan.  
      The present invention also includes fastener that may be inserted into an existing hole and expand so that it is secured, e.g., compression fitting, expandable fitting, etc. Furthermore, the fastener may have notches that when inserted into the hole cannot be removed.  
      It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.  
      All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations can be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.