Patent Publication Number: US-11639602-B2

Title: Connector and method of use of same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to modular structure construction, and specifically to connectors used during the construction of said modular structures. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, the availability of affordable housing has become an issue for many communities around the country and throughout the world. Certain segments of the population, such as the poor or elderly, may be especially susceptible to the increased cost and decreased availability of housing. As a result, many people are either living in substandard housing or are forced to commute long distances to work at their jobs. 
     One of the issues exacerbating this housing crisis is the amount of time and resources that are necessary to construct a single family home or a multi-unit dwelling. Such constructions times can take anywhere from several weeks to several months or more, and may require teams of workers and contractors to construct a home or dwelling at a construction site. 
     In addition to time constraints, current building practices rely upon a division of labor and responsibilities to incorporate technology into the home or dwelling unit. As such, a primary contractor may be responsible for erecting the structural components that are used to modify walls or other structural components to incorporate various types of technologies and capabilities, including networking, communications, and sensing capabilities, into the structure. 
     Modular structures may be used to decrease construction time for various types of dwelling units. At least portions of such modular units may pre-fabricated at a facility located away from the construction site, and shipped to the construction site to be quickly and efficiently incorporated into the modular structure. Because such portions may be pre-fabricated to be included within multiple types of modular structures, the cost of such fabrication may be kept relatively low. One example of a known modular structure is described in PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/030465, filed May 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a known modular structure  100  may have a length  106 , a width  108 , and a height  110 . In some implementations, the modular structure  100  may also include a frame  112  and a floor  114 . The frame  112  may be comprised of metal (e.g., steel), a composite material (e.g., oriented strand board, fiber reinforced polymers), or other materials. The frame  112  may extend through one or more of the length  106 , the width  108 , and/or the height  110  of the modular structure  100 , and may delineate an interior portion  122  of the modular structure  100  from an exterior  124  of the modular structure  100 . All or substantially all of the materials employed in the modular structure  100  may be fireproof or fire resistant (e.g., glass fiber reinforced sheetrock, steel, mineral wool) and/or may have a fire retardant coating or covering thereon. 
     The frame  112  may include one or more structural frame members  118 . Each of the structural members of the frame  112  may extend along one or more of the length  106 , width  108 , and/or height  110  of the modular structure  100 . The structural members may be used to outline a shape for the modular structure  100 . For example, the structural members may include a set of vertical structural frame members  118   a , a set of lower horizontal structural frame members  118   b , and a set of upper horizontal structural frame members  118   c  that may be used to outline a three dimensional shape, such as a cuboid. As such, the set of lower horizontal structural frame members  118   b  may include a first pair of opposing lower horizontal structural frame members  118   b  that extend along the length  106  of the modular structure  100 , and a second pair of opposing lower horizontal structural frame members  118   b  that extend along the width  108  of the modular structure  100 . 
     The set of upper horizontal structural frame members  118   c  in such an implementation may include a first pair of opposing upper horizontal structural frame members  118   c  that extend along the length  106  of the modular structure  100 , and a second pair of opposing upper horizontal structural frame members  118   c  that extend along the width  108  of the modular structure  100 . The vertical structural frame members  118   a  in such an implementation may extend between the lower horizontal structure frame members  118   b  and the upper horizontal structural frame members  118   c . In such an implementation, the set of lower horizontal members  118   b  may form a perimeter  120  of the modular structure  100 . In some implementations, the structural members may be used to outline other types of shapes for the modular structure  100 . 
     The dimensions of the modular structure  100  (e.g., the length  106 , the width  108 , and/or the height  110 ) may be based upon one or more criteria. Such criteria may reflect the environment and/or usage of the modular structure  100 . For example, the dimensions of the modular structure  100  may be the same or substantially similar to the dimensions of one or more types of intermodal container (e.g., 20-foot containers or 40-foot containers) to facilitate transport via various modes of transportation (e.g., ships, trains, trucks) to a location. In such an implementation, the modular structure  100  may include other features or components that reflect the environment and/or usage of the modular structure  100 . For example, in implementations in which the modular structure  100  has the same or substantially similar dimensions to a type of intermodal container, the modular structure  100  may include one or more couplers (e.g., twist lock fittings) at appropriate locations such that the modular structure  100  may be selectively, releaseably, physically coupled and secured to other intermodal containers for transport. 
     In some implementations, the modular structure  100  may include a floor  114  that extends across some or all of the length  106  and/or the width  108  of the modular structure  100  proximate a bottom portion  128  of the modular structure  100 . The floor may be physically coupled to the frame  112  using one or more physical couplers (e.g., bolts, screws, nails, staples, adhesives). The floor  114  may include an upper surface  130  that faces toward the interior portion  122  of the modular structure  100  and an opposing lower surface  132  that faces toward the exterior  124  of the modular structure. The upper surface  130  may be separated from the opposing lower surface  132  by a thickness  134  of the floor  114  in which one or both of the upper surface  130  and the lower surface  132  may be substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. As such, the upper surface  130  may be used to support items located within the interior portion  122  of the modular structure. 
     In some implementations, the floor  114  may be supported by one or more support members that may extend across length  106  and/or the width  108  of the modular structure. For example, in some implementations, one or more metal beams may extend across the width  108  of the modular structure  100  along the bottom portion  128  of the modular structure  100 . The lower surface  132  of the floor  114  may thereby rest on top of such support members. 
     A number of structural frame members  118  may be physically coupled together using a connector  150 , as shown in the call out in  FIG.  1   . Each connector  150  may include a first leg  152  and a second leg  154  in which the first leg  152  and the second leg  154  are arranged at an angle to each other. The angle formed by the first leg  152  and the second leg  154  may be based, at least in part, on the shape of the modular structure  100 . In implementations in which the modular structure  100  forms a cuboid, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the first leg  152  and the second leg  154  may be arranged at a ninety degree angle with respect to each other. 
     Each of the first leg  152  and the second leg  154  may have a respective cavity  156  (one shown) with an opening  158  that faces away from the connector  150 . The opening  158  and/or the cavity  156  may be shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the structural frame members  118  in the modular structure  100 . In some implementations, the opening  158  and/or cavity  156  may have dimensions that are only slightly larger than the outside dimensions of the structural frame member  118 . As such the structural frame member  118  may form a close fitting or tight physical coupling with the opening  158  and/or cavity  156 . In some implementations, one or more of the structural frame members  118  and the connector  150  may include a hollow cavity. In such implementations, such hollow cavities may be used to run one or more wires, cables, and/or optical fibers, as discussed below. 
     In some implementations, the connector  150  may have corresponding sidewall apertures  160  on opposing sidewalls of either or both of the first leg  152  and/or the second leg  154  (one shown in  FIG.  1   ). Each pair of opposing sidewall apertures  160  may align with a corresponding frame member aperture  162  when the structural frame member  118  is inserted into the cavity  156 . The frame member aperture  162  may extend through the structural frame member  118  such that the structural frame member  118  may be selectively, releasably, physically secured to the connector  150  by, for example, inserting a pin  164  through the opposing sidewall apertures  160  and the frame member aperture  162 . 
     The connector  150  may include a post  166  that may be oriented in a vertical direction to be physically coupled to one of the vertical structural frame members  118   a . In some implementations, the post  166  may be sized to be securely inserted into an opening  168  in the vertical structural frame member  118   a . In some implementations, the vertical structural frame member  118   a  may include opposing sidewall apertures  162 , and the post  166  may include a corresponding post aperture  170  that extends through the post  166 . As such, the post  166  and the vertical structure frame member  118   a  may be selectively, releasably physically secured to the connector  150  via the post  166 . 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A connector that connects structural members within a structural block, and that also connects adjacent structural blocks may result in a more stable modular structure, as well as reduced costs due to a reduction in parts and labor used in the production of such modular structures. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a connector includes a first body, a second body, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first body has a base portion and a protrusion, the protrusion extends away from the base portion along a first direction, and the first body has a first cavity that extends into the protrusion and towards the base portion along the first direction. The second body has a second cavity, which is shaped to receive the protrusion such that rotation of the first body relative to the second body is blocked. 
     The first fastener has a third cavity, and the first fastener is securable within the first cavity such that translation of the first fastener relative to the first body is blocked. The second fastener has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the distal portion is securable within the third cavity such that translation of the first fastener relative to the second fastener is blocked. The connector has an assembled configuration in which translation of the second body relative to the first body in the first direction is blocked, and rotation of the second body relative to the first body about the first direction is blocked. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of constructing a modular structure includes inserting a first fastener into a first cavity, the first cavity defined by a first body having a base portion and a protrusion that extends away from the base portion along a first direction. The method further includes inserting the protrusion into a second cavity defined by a second body, and the second cavity is shaped to receive the protrusion such that rotation of the first body relative to the second body is blocked. The method further includes inserting a distal portion of a second fastener into a third cavity defined by the first fastener, thereby capturing the second body between the distal portion and a proximal portion of the second fastener. The distal portion is opposite the proximal portion with respect to the first direction 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling a connector includes inserting a first fastener into a first cavity, which is defined by a first body having a base portion and a protrusion that extends away from the base portion along a first direction. The method further includes inserting the protrusion into a second cavity defined by a second body, and the second cavity is shaped to receive the protrusion such that rotation of the first body relative to the second body is blocked. The method further includes inserting a distal portion of a second fastener into a third cavity defined by the first fastener, thereby capturing the second body between the distal portion and a proximal portion of the second fastener. The distal portion is opposite the proximal portion with respect to the first direction. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure a moment frame includes a first vertical structural member including a first inner column elongate along a first direction and a first outer column elongate along the first direction, the first inner column spaced from the first outer column by a first gap with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The moment frame further includes a second vertical structural member including a second inner column elongate along the first direction and a second outer column elongate along the first direction, the second inner column spaced from the second outer column by a second gap with respect to the second direction. The moment frame further includes a horizontal structural member rigidly connected to both the first vertical structural member and the second vertical structural member such that the horizontal structural member is elongate along the second direction. 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure a method of assembling a modular structure includes rigidly connecting a first pair of vertical structural members to a first pair of the horizontal structural members thereby forming a first moment frame. The method further includes rigidly connecting a second pair of vertical structural members to a second pair of horizontal structural members thereby forming a second moment frame. The method further includes connecting the first moment frame to the second moment frame such that the first pair of horizontal structural members are perpendicular to the second pair of horizontal structural members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a front, perspective view of a known modular structure. 
         FIG.  2    is a front elevation view of a modular structure according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a side elevation view of the modular structure illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is an isometric view of the modular structure illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the modular structure including a connector, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is an isometric view of a first body of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a top plan view of the first body illustrated in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the first body illustrated in  FIG.  6   , along line A-A. 
         FIG.  8    is a front, elevation view, with partial cross-section of the first body illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a front, elevation view of a first body of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a top, plan view of the first body illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the first body illustrated in  FIG.  11   , along line B-B. 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of a second body of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a top, plan view of the second body illustrated in  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second body illustrated in  FIG.  14   , along line B-B. 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the second body illustrated in  FIG.  14   , along line C-C. 
         FIG.  17    is a front, elevation view, with partial cross-section of a first fastener of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a top, plan view of the first fastener illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of a first fastener of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  20    is a top, plan view of the first fastener illustrated in  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  21    is a top, plan view of a second fastener of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  22    is a front, elevation view of the second fastener illustrated in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  23    is a top, plan view of a third body of the connector illustrated in  FIG.  4   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  24    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the modular structure illustrated in  FIG.  4   , including the connector, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  25    is a front, elevation view of a moment frame of a modular structure according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  26    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the moment frame illustrated in  FIG.  25   , along line D-D. 
         FIG.  27    is a top plan view of a modular structure according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with connectors used in the construction of modular structures have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “an aspect of the disclosure” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is as meaning “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Reference herein to two elements “facing” or “facing toward” each other indicates that a straight line can be drawn from one of the elements to the other of the elements without contacting an intervening solid structure. Reference herein to two elements being “directly coupled” indicates that the two elements physically touch with no intervening structure between. Reference herein to a direction includes both vectors that make up said direction. For example a vertical direction includes both an “up” vector and a “down” vector, which is opposite the “up” vector. Reference to an element extending along a direction means the element extends along one or both of the vectors that make up the direction. 
     The term “aligned” as used herein in reference to two elements along a direction means a straight line that passes through one of the elements and that is parallel to the direction will also pass through the other of the two elements. The term “between” as used herein in reference to a first element being between a second element and a third element with respect to a direction means that the first element is closer to the second element as measured along the direction than the third element is to the second element as measured along the direction. The term “between” includes, but does not require that the first, second, and third elements be aligned along the direction. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range including the stated ends of the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. 
     Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, unless specified otherwise. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. The terms “a portion” and “at least a portion” of a structure include the entirety of the structure. 
     The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  4   , a modular structure  10  may include one or more structural blocks  12 . Each of the structural blocks  12  may define an outer perimeter for at least a portion of the modular structure  10 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the structural blocks  12  may define a three dimensional shape, for example a rectangular prism, a cube, or a cuboid. The structural block  12  includes a plurality of structural members  14 . The plurality of structural members  14  may include vertical structural members  16  and horizontal structural members  18 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, at least some of the plurality of structural members  14  may be tubular members. 
     The vertical structural members  16  may be arranged such that the vertical structural members  16  are elongate along a first direction D 1 , for example a vertical direction. The horizontal structural members  18  may include lateral structural members  20  and longitudinal structural members  22 . The lateral structural members  20  are elongate along a second direction D 2 . As shown the second direction D 2  may be perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . The longitudinal structural members  22  are elongate along a third direction D 3 . As shown the third direction D 2  may be perpendicular to at least one of, for example both, the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 . 
     The modular structure  10  may include the plurality of structural members  14  with different lengths. For example, the length of the vertical structural members  16  as measured along the first direction D 1  may be different than the length of one or both of the lateral structural members  20  as measured along the second direction D 2  and the longitudinal structural members  22  as measured along the third direction D 3 . According to another embodiment, the length of the vertical structural members  16  as measured along the first direction D 1  may be the same as the length of one or both of the lateral structural members  20  as measured along the second direction D 2  and the longitudinal structural members  22  as measured along the third direction D 3 . 
     The structural blocks  12  may be described as including a number, for example 2 or more, moment frames  24 . Each of the moment frames  24  may include two or more moment connections. According to one embodiment, a moment connection is a joint that allows the transfer of bending moment forces between two members, such as a column and a beam. Members of the moment frame  24  are rigidly connected, for example by welding, so as to resist bending moments and shear forces applied to the modular structure  10 . 
     The moment frames  24 , as shown, may include two of the vertical structural members  16  each coupled to two of the horizontal structural members  18  by a moment connection. Thus, according to one embodiment, the moment frame  24  may include four moment connections. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the moment frame  24  may include other numbers of members and moment connections. For example, the moment frame  24  may be in the form of a goalpost having two of the vertical structural members  16  and one of the horizontal structural members  18  and two moment connections joining the horizontal structural member  18  to both of the vertical structural members  16 . 
     According to one embodiment, the structural block  12  may include a series of moment frames  24  that each include a pair of the vertical structural members  16  and a pair of the lateral structural members  20  connecting the pair of the vertical structural members  16 . Adjacent ones of the series of moment frames  24  may be connected by a plurality, for example four, of the longitudinal structural members  22 . According to one embodiment, the longitudinal structural members  22  connecting adjacent ones of the moment frames  24  may be non-rigidly connected, for example by friction fit or protrusion and recess, to the adjacent moment frames  24 . 
     As shown, the moment frame  24  may be in the form of a closed shape, such as a square tube  26 , that includes two vertical structural members  16 , and two horizontal structural members  18 , for example two lateral structural members  20 , each coupled to both of the two vertical structural members  16 . According to one embodiment the modular structure  10  may include a plurality of the moment frames  24 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the plurality of moment frames  24  may include a first moment frame  24   a , a second moment frame  24   b , and a third moment frame  24   c . The first moment frame  24   a  may be positioned adjacent the second moment frame  24   b  with respect to the first direction D 1 , and the first moment frame  24   a  may be positioned adjacent the third moment frame  24   c  with respect to the second direction D 2 . 
     The modular structure  10  may include a connector  30  to attach and secure a plurality of the structural blocks  12  to one another. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connector  30  may attach one of the vertical structural members  16  of the first moment frame  24   a  to one of the vertical structural members  16  of the second moment frame  24   b . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connector  30  may attach one of the vertical structural members  16  of the first moment frame  24   a  to one of the vertical structural members of the third moment frame  24   c . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connector  30  may attach one of the vertical structural members  16  of the first moment frame  24   a  to both one of the vertical structural members of the second moment frame  24   b  and one of the vertical structural members  16  of the third moment frame  24   c.    
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connector  30  may attach vertical structural members from adjacent ones of the structural blocks  12 . According to another aspect of the disclosure, the connector  30  may attach any two adjacent members that may not form a portion of the modular structure  10 . For example, the connector  30  may be used to couple two adjacent tubular members that are part of a vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  to  9   , the connector  30  may include a first body  32  having a base portion  34  and a protrusion  36 . The protrusion  36  extends away from the base portion  34  along a direction, for example along the first direction D 1 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  36  may extend away from the base portion  34  in a first vector D 1   a  of the first direction D 1 . 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure the first direction D 1  may include two vectors, the first vector D 1   a  and a second vector D 1   b  opposite one another. As shown, the first direction D 1  may include a vertical direction (perpendicular to the ground), the first vector D 1   a  is “up,” and the second vector D 1   b  is “down.” According to one aspect of the disclosure the second direction D 2  may include two vectors, a first vector D 2   a  and a second vector D 2   b  opposite one another. According to one aspect of the disclosure the third direction D 3  may include two vectors, a first vector D 3   a  and a second vector D 3   b  opposite one another. 
     The first body  32  may define a first cavity  38  that extends into the protrusion  36  and towards the base portion  34  along the first direction D 1 , for example in the second vector of the first direction D 1   b . As shown, the protrusion  36  include a distal tip  40  positioned such that the protrusion  36  extends away from the base portion  34  and terminates at the distal tip  40 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first cavity  38  may extend through an entirety of the first body  32  with respect to the first direction D 1 . According to another embodiment, the first cavity  38  may terminate within the first body  32 , for example within the protrusion  36  or within the base portion  34 . The threads  244  may be located within the protrusion  236 , the base portion  234 , or both the protrusion  236  and the base portion  234 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first body  32  may include an inner surface  42  that at least partially has the first cavity  38 . At least a portion of the inner surface  42  may define threads  44 . 
     The protrusion  36  may include an outer surface  46 , which has a non-circular cross-sectional shape within a plane normal to the first direction D 1 . As shown, the protrusion  36  may include one or more tabs  48  that extend radially outward away from a central axis  50  of the first cavity  38 . 
     The base portion  34  may be attachable to one or more of the plurality of structural members  14 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  34  may be directly coupleable to one of the vertical structural members  16 . The base portion  34  may be directly coupleable to the vertical structural member  16  by welding, press fit (for example by inserting a portion of the vertical structural member  16  into a portion of the first cavity  38 ), adhesive, thermal expansion, mechanical fastener, or any other known attachment method or mechanism. 
     One or more horizontal structural members  18 , for example one or more lateral structural members  20  and one or more longitudinal structural members  22 , may be coupled directly to the vertical structural member. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  9  to  12   , the connector  30  may include an alternative embodiment of a first member  232 . The first member  232  is similar to the first body  32  such that any description or the structure and use of the first body  32  is also applicable to the first member  232 , and vice versa, except where indicated to the contrary herein. Like elements of the first body  32  are increased by  200  in reference to the member  232 , and description of an element of the first body  32  is applicable to the like element of the first member  232 . Likewise, the first member  232  and its like elements can be substituted for the first body  32  and the corresponding like elements within this disclosure. 
     The first body  232  includes a base portion  234  and a protrusion  236 . The protrusion  236  extends away from the base portion  234  along a direction, for example along the first direction D 1 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  236  may extend away from the base portion  234  in a first vector D 1   a  of the first direction D 1 . 
     The first body  232  may define a first cavity  238  that extends into a protrusion  236  and towards a base portion  234  along the first direction D 1 , for example in the second vector of the first direction D 1   b . As shown, the protrusion  236  may include a distal tip  240  positioned such that the protrusion  236  extends away from the base portion  234  and terminates at the distal tip  240 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first cavity  238  may extend through an entirety of the first body  232  with respect to the first direction D 1 . According to another embodiment, the first cavity  238  may terminate within the first body  232 , for example within the protrusion  236  or within the base portion  234 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first body  232  may include an inner surface  242  that at least partially establishes a boundary of the first cavity  238 . At least a portion of the inner surface  242  may define threads  244 . The threads  244  may be located within the protrusion  236 , the base portion  234 , or both the protrusion  236  and the base portion  234 . 
     The protrusion  236  may include an outer surface  246 , which has a non-circular cross-sectional shape within a plane normal to the first direction D 1 . As shown, the protrusion  236  may include one or more tabs  248  that extend radially outward away from a central axis  250  of the first cavity  238 . 
     The base portion  234  may be attachable to one or more of the plurality of structural members  14 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  234  may be directly coupleable to one of the vertical structural members  16 . The base portion  234  may be directly coupleable to the vertical structural member  16  by welding, press fit (for example by inserting a portion of the vertical structural member  16  into a portion of the first cavity  238 ), adhesive, thermal expansion, mechanical fastener, or any other known attachment method or mechanism. To accommodate insertion of the vertical structural member  16  into the first cavity  238 , a cross-sectional dimension, measured perpendicular to the first direction D 1 , of the first cavity  238  in the base portion  234  may be larger than a cross-sectional dimension, measured perpendicular to the first direction D 1 , of the first cavity in the protrusion  236 . 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, the base portion  34 ,  234  may be adjustably coupleable to the vertical structural member  16 . For example, the base portion  34 ,  234  may be coupleable to the vertical structural member  16  in a plurality of relative positions along the first direction D 1 , the second direction D 2 , the third direction D 3 , or any combination thereof. Thus, according to one embodiment, the first body  32 ,  232  is coupleable to the vertical structural member  16  such that the central axis  50 ,  250  of the first body  32 ,  232  is collinear with a central axis  15  of the vertical structural member  16  (as shown in  FIG.  9   ). According to one embodiment, the first body  32 ,  232  is coupleable to the vertical structural member  16  such that the central axis  50 ,  250  of the first body  32 ,  232  is offset with respect to the central axis  15  in the second direction D 2 , the third direction D 3 , or both the second direction D 2  and the third direction D 3 . 
     The adjustability may result in a more efficient assembly process, as errors in the alignment of the plurality of structural members  14  may be compensated by adjusting the relative position of the first body  32 ,  232  and the vertical structural member  16  to which the base portion  34 ,  234  is secured. According to one embodiment, the base portion  34 ,  234  may define an oversized hole that is larger than the vertical structural member  16 . Washers, shims, fasteners, welding, etc. may be used to adjust the relative position of the vertical structural member  16  within the oversized hole and secure the vertical structural member  16  within the oversized hole at the desired position. 
     The first body  232  may include one or more sleeves  235  that extend out and away from the base portion  234 . The one or more sleeves  235  may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . According to one embodiment, the sleeve  235  may define an enclosed shape, for example a shape that corresponds to a shape of the horizontal structural members  18 . According to one embodiment, the sleeve  235  may define an open shape, for example the sleeve  235  may include a top plate and a bottom plate spaced along the first direction D 1  by a gap sized to receive one of the horizontal structural members  18 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first body  232  may include at least one sleeve  235  that extends in the second direction D 2 , and at least one sleeve  235  that extends in the third direction D 3 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first body  232  may include one sleeve  235  that extends away from the base portion  234  along the second direction D 2 , and two sleeves  235  that extend away from the base portion  234 , and away from each other, along opposite vectors of the third direction D 3 . 
     According to one embodiment, a kit may include the connector  30  including one or more of the first body  32 , one or more of the first body  232 , or both. The kit may include one of the first body  232  with a number of the sleeves  235  (for example two), and one of the first body  232  with a different number of sleeves  235  (for example three). According to one embodiment, a kit may include a plurality of the connectors  30  including one or more of the connectors  30  with the first body  32 , one or more of the first body  232 , or both. The kit may include one of the first body  232  with a number of the sleeves  235  (for example two), and one of the first body  232  with a different number of sleeves  235  (for example three). 
     The sleeves  235  may each define a respective cavity  237  that corresponds to the horizontal structural members  18  such that the first body  232  is directly coupleable to one or more of the horizontal structural members  18 , for example one or more lateral structural members  20  and one or more longitudinal structural members  22 . The first body  232  may be directly coupleable to the one or more horizontal structural members  18  by welding, press fit, adhesive, thermal expansion, mechanical fastener, or any other known attachment method or mechanism. 
     According to another embodiment, the first body  232  may include one or more protrusions in place of one or more of the sleeves  235 , such that the protrusions are receivable within an inner cavity of the one or more horizontal structural members  18  to directly couple the first body  232  and the one or more horizontal structural members  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  13  to  16   , the connector  30  may include a second body  52 . As shown, the second body  52  may be separate and discrete from the first body  32 . The second body  52  may define a second cavity  54  that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the protrusion  36 . The second body  52  may include an inner surface  56 , which establishes a boundary of the second cavity  54 . The inner surface  56  may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape within a plane normal to the first direction D 1  enabling the second cavity to receive the protrusion  36  such that rotation of the first body  32  relative to the second body  52  is blocked, for example limited or prevented. 
     According to one embodiment, the second cavity  54  may include recesses  58  that align with the tabs  48  of the protrusion  36  such that rotation of one of the first body  32  and the second body  52  relative to the other about the first direction D 1  is blocked by interference of the tabs  48  and the recess  58 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  17  to  20   , the connector  30  may include a first fastener  62 . The first fastener  62  may include an outer surface  64  and an inner surface  66 . The inner surface  66 , as shown, may define a third cavity  68 . The first fastener  62  may be sized and shaped to be receivable within the first cavity  38 . The outer surface  64  may include threads  70  that correspond to (threadedly mate with), the threads  44  of the first body  32 . At least a portion of the inner surface  66  may include threads  72 . The threads  72  may be a different pitch than the threads  70 . Alternatively, the threads  72  may be the same pitch as the threads  70 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  17  and  18   , the first fastener  62  may be securable within the first cavity  38  such that translation of the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32  along the first direction D 1  is blocked, for example by interference of the threads  44  and the threads  70 . The first fastener  62  may include a drive input  74  that receives an input, for example a torque, which rotates the first fastener  62  about a central axis  76  of the first fastener  62 , thereby engaging the threads  44  and the threads  70  and securing the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32 . According to one embodiment, the drive input  74  may include a portion of the third cavity  68  with a non-circular shape. As shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the first fastener  62  may include one or more protrusions  71  that correspond to recesses within the first body  32 , or vice versa, that engage to secure the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  17  to  22   , the connector  30  may include a second fastener  82 . The second fastener  82 , as shown, may include a distal portion  84  and a proximal portion  86 . The second fastener  82  may include an outer surface  88 , which includes threads  90  that correspond to the threads  72  of the inner surface  66  of the first fastener. The second fastener  82  may be securable within the third cavity  68  such that translation of the second fastener  82  relative to the first fastener  62  along the first direction D 1  is blocked, for example by interference of the threads  90  and the threads  72 . 
     The proximal portion  86  may include a drive input  92  that receives an input, for example a torque, which rotates the second fastener  82  about a central axis  94  of the second fastener  82 , thereby engaging the threads  90  and the threads  72  and securing the second fastener  82  relative to the first fastener  62 . According to one embodiment, the proximal portion  86  has a cross-sectional dimension greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion  84 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  to  9  and  23   , the connector  30  may include a third body  17 . The third body  17  may include a plurality of cavities  91  that each are sized and shaped to secure the third body  17  to respective ones of the first bodies  32  and/or the second bodies  52 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of cavities  91  may be in the form of through holes  93  each defined by an inner surface  96  of the third body  17 . 
     The through holes  93  may be sized and shaped to engage with corresponding features on one or both of the first body  32  and the second body  52 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, the through holes  93  may be sized and shaped to attach the third body  17  to the first body  32  and/or the second body  52  such that rotation of the third body  17  relative to the first body  32  and/or the second body  52  is blocked. The plurality of through holes may define an enclosed shape, for example an enclosed shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion  36 . For example, the through holes  93  may include recesses  98  that align with and receive the tabs  48  when the protrusion  36  is inserted into the through hole  93 . 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, each of the plurality of cavities  91  may be identical. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of cavities  91  may be different in size, shape, or orientation with respect to another of the plurality of cavities  91 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  24   , a method of constructing a modular structure  10  may include coupling the first body  32  to one of the plurality of vertical structural members  16 . The method may include inserting the first fastener  62  into the first cavity  38 . According to one embodiment, inserting the first fastener  62  into the first cavity  38  includes moving the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32  in the second vector of the first direction D 1   b.    
     The method may further include inserting the protrusion  36  into the second cavity  54  defined by the second body  52  such that rotation of the first body  32  relative to the second body  52  is blocked. The method may include inserting the distal portion  84  of the second fastener  82  into the third cavity  68  defined by the first fastener  62 , thereby capturing the second body  52  between the distal portion  84  and the proximal portion  86  of the second fastener  82 . 
     Moving the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32  in the second vector of the first direction D 1   b  may include rotating the first fastener  62  about the first fastener central axis  76 , which is parallel to the first direction D 1 , thereby engaging the first outer threads  70  defined by the outer surface  64  of the first fastener  62  with the corresponding first inner threads  44  defined by the inner surface  42  of the first body  32 . Inserting the distal portion  84  of the second fastener  82  into the third cavity  68  may include rotating the second fastener  82  about the second fastener central axis  94 , which may be parallel to the first direction D 1 , thereby engaging the second inner threads  72  with the corresponding second outer threads  90 . 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, capturing the second body  52  includes capturing at least a portion of the second body  52  between the base portion  34  of the first body  32  and the proximal portion  86  of the second fastener  82  with respect to the first direction D 1 . The connector  30  may include a collar  99  that the distal portion  84  passes through, such that the collar  99  is captured between the proximal portion  86  and the second body  52 . 
     The method may further include attaching the first body  32  to a first vertical structural member  16   a , attaching the second body  52  to a second vertical structural member  16   b , inserting a tool through an interior cavity  19  defined by the second vertical structural member  16   b  until the tool engages the proximal portion  86  of the second fastener  82 , and rotating the tool, thereby rotating the second fastener  82 , and thereby inserting the distal portion  84  of the second fastener  82  into the third cavity  68 . 
     The method may include attaching the first vertical structural member  16   a  to the second vertical structural member  16   b , which is aligned with the first vertical structural member  16   a  along the first direction D 1 . The method may include attaching the first vertical structural member  16   a  to the third vertical structural member  16   c , which is offset with the first vertical structural member  16   a  along the first direction D 1 . 
     The method may include attaching the first body  232  to a first horizontal structural member  18  by inserting a portion of the first horizontal structural member  18  into the cavity  237  defined by one of the sleeves  235 . The method may include inserting a second portion of the first horizontal structural member  18  into the cavity  237  defined by the first body  232  of another connector  30 . 
     The method may include attaching the first body  232  to a second horizontal structural member  18 . According to one aspect of the disclosure, attaching the first body  32  to the second horizontal structural member  18  may include inserting a portion of the second horizontal structural member  18  into the cavity  237  defined by the sleeve  235  of the first body  232 . 
     Prior to inserting the protrusion  36  into the second cavity  54 , the method may include inserting the protrusion  36  through one of the plurality of through holes  91  of the third body  17 . The method may include inserting the protrusion  36  of another of the plurality of first bodies  32  through another of the plurality of through holes  91  of the third body  17 , thereby fixing a position of the one of the plurality of first bodies  32  relative to the other of the plurality of first bodies  32 . 
     A method of assembling the connector  30  may include inserting the first fastener  62  into the first cavity  38 , inserting the protrusion  36  into the second cavity  54  defined by the second body  52 , inserting the distal portion  84  of the second fastener  82  into the third cavity  68  defined by the first fastener  62 , thereby capturing the second body  52  between the distal portion  84  and the proximal portion  86  of the second fastener  82 . 
     Inserting the first fastener  62  into the first cavity  38  may include moving the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32  in the second vector of the first direction D 1   b . Moving the first fastener  62  relative to the first body  32  may include rotating the first fastener  62  about the first fastener central axis  76 , thereby engaging the first outer threads  70  defined by the outer surface  64  of the first fastener  62  with the corresponding first inner threads  44  defined by the inner surface  38  of the first body  32 . 
     Inserting the distal portion  84  of the second fastener  82  into the third cavity  68  may include rotating the second fastener  82  about the second fastener central axis  94 , which is parallel to the first direction D 1 , thereby engaging the second inner threads  72  with the corresponding second outer threads  90 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  25  and  26   , the modular structure  10  may include vertical structural members  16  formed from multiple components. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular structure  10  may include an inner column  27  and an outer column  28  that both are rigidly connected to at least one horizontal structural member  18 . According to one embodiment, the inner column  27  and the outer column  28  may be separated by a gap with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . The modular structure  10  may include one or more plates  29  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG.  25   ) rigidly coupled to both the inner column  27  and the outer column  28 , thereby forming the vertical structural member  16 . 
     The outer column  28  may define a length measured along the first direction D 1  greater than a length of the inner column  27  measured along the first direction D 1 . The outer column  28  may define a cross-sectional dimension measured along a direction perpendicular to the first direction D 1  greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner column  27  measured along the same direction perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . As shown, the inner column  27  the outer column  28 , or both the inner column  27  and the outer column  28  may be a tubular member. 
     The vertical structural member  16  may be rigidly coupled to one or more of the horizontal structural members  18  to form one of the moment frames  24  of the modular structure  10 . According to one embodiment, the vertical structural member  16  may be rigidly coupled to the horizontal structural member  18  by (for example) welding: the inner column  27  to the horizontal structural member  18 ; the outer column  27  to the horizontal structural member  18 ; the plate  29  to the horizontal structural member  18 ; or any combination thereof. The vertical structural member  16  may be rigidly coupled to one or more of the horizontal structural members  18  to form the moment frame  24  such that a portion  31  of the outer column  28  extends beyond the horizontal structural member  18  with respect to the first direction D 1 , and that portion  31  is sized to receive a portion of the connector  30 , for example the first body  32  or the second body  52 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  27   , the modular structure  10  may include at least one, for example two, of the moment frames  24 ′ oriented such that the horizontal structural members  18  of the moment frames  24 ′ are elongate along the second direction D 2 , and the modular structure  10  may further include at least one for example two, of the moment frames  24 ″ oriented such that the horizontal structural members  18  of the moment frames  24 ″ are elongate along the third direction D 3 . Thus, the modular structure  10  may include moment frames  24  that are oriented perpendicular to one another. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the moment frames  24 ′ and the moment frames  24 ″ may be connected by one or more of the horizontal structural members  18  that do not form part of a moment frame. The modular structure  10  may include interior walls  21  extending away from one or more of the moment frames  24 ′,  24 ″. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  4  and  27   , a method of assembling the modular structure  10  may include rigidly connecting a first pair of the vertical structural members  16  to a first pair of the horizontal structural members  18  thereby forming a first moment frame  24 . The method may further include rigidly connecting a second pair of the vertical structural members  16  to a second pair of the horizontal structural members  18  thereby forming a second moment frame  24 . The method may include connecting the first moment frame  24  to the second moment frame  24  such that the first pair of horizontal structural members  18  are perpendicular to the second pair of horizontal structural members  18 . 
     The method may include rigidly connecting a third pair of the vertical structural members  16  to a third pair of the horizontal structural members  18  thereby forming a third moment frame  24 . The method may further include rigidly connecting a fourth pair of the vertical structural members  16  to a fourth pair of the horizontal structural members  18  thereby forming a fourth moment frame  24 . The method may include connecting the third moment frame  24  to the first moment frame  24  and the second moment frame  24  such that the third pair of horizontal structural members  18  are perpendicular to the first pair of horizontal structural members  18 . The method may include connecting the fourth moment frame  24  to the third moment frame  24  such that the fourth pair of horizontal structural members  18  are perpendicular to the third pair of horizontal structural members  18 . 
     The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. 
     Many of the methods described herein can be performed with variations. For example, many of the methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and/or perform acts in a different order than as illustrated or described. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/929,698, filed Nov. 1, 2019 and PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/030465, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
     These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.