Abstract:
A connector includes a cube, a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The cube includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces. The cube includes a first bore therein, the first bore having a first longitudinal axis. The first cylinder extends from the first face; the first cylinder includes a first hole therein, the first hole having a second longitudinal axis. The second cylinder extends from the second face; the second cylinder includes a second hole therein, the second hole having a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes are parallel to each other. In another aspect, a vent element includes a first piece and a second piece that is a mirror image of the first piece, each of the pieces having upper, middle and lower portions. In yet another aspect, a system is configured for removable attachment of an elongated tube to a surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/324,729 filed Apr. 19, 2016, which is fully incorporated hereby by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In a livestock building, individual stalls are commonly constructed to house a single animal or a small group of animals including, for example, a mother and her offspring. Such construction is usually an extensive undertaking, requiring a livestock manager to obtain materials, draw up plans, and hire a contractor to manage workers for a construction project. Commonly used construction methods require high levels of skill and coordination to build animal stalls from raw materials. Moreover, obtaining the needed materials from a variety of sources is often a complicated and time-consuming endeavor. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one aspect, this disclosure describes a connector including a cube, a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The cube includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces. The cube includes a first bore therein, the first bore having a first longitudinal axis. The first cylinder extends from the first face; the first cylinder includes a first hole therein, the first hole having a second longitudinal axis. The second cylinder extends from the second face; the second cylinder includes a second hole therein, the second hole having a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes are parallel to each other. 
         [0004]    In another aspect, a vent element includes a first piece and a second piece that is a mirror image of the first piece. The first piece has a first upper portion, a first middle portion and a first lower portion. The second piece has a second upper portion, a second middle portion and a second lower portion. The first and second pieces are joined together at their respective first and second middle portions. Each of the first and second middle portions includes a plurality of apertures therethrough. The first and second upper portions form a first channel and the first and second lower portions form a second channel. 
         [0005]    In yet another aspect, a system is configured for removable attachment of an elongated tube to a surface. The elongated tube has a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the surface. The tube has first and second opposed ends. The tube further includes, at the first end, opposed first and second notches defining corresponding first and second tabs and first and second slots. The surface includes first and second apertures configured to allow passage of respective first and second tabs. 
         [0006]    This disclosure, in its various combinations, either in apparatus or method form, may also be characterized by the following listing of items: 
         [0000]    1. A connector including:
   a cube including first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces; the cube including a first bore therein, the first bore having a first longitudinal axis;   a first cylinder extending from the first face, the first cylinder including a first hole therein, the first hole having a second longitudinal axis; and   a second cylinder extending from the second face, the second cylinder including a second hole therein, the second hole having a third longitudinal axis;   wherein the first, second and third longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.
 
2. The connector of item 1 wherein the first and second faces are parallel to each other.
 
3. The connector of any of items 1-2 wherein the first and second faces are orthogonal to each other.
 
4. The connector of any of items 1-3 wherein the first bore extends through the cube.
 
5. The connector of any of items 1-4 wherein:
   the first hole extends through the first cylinder; and   the first hole extends through the first cylinder.
 
6. The connector of any of items 1-5, wherein the first bore is located on a third face of the cube.
 
7. The connector of item 6, further including a second first bore is located on a fourth face of the cube.
 
8. The connector of any of items 1-7, further including:
   a third cylinder extending from the third face, the third cylinder including a third hole therein, the third hole having a fourth longitudinal axis;   wherein the first, second, third and fourth longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.
 
9. A vent element including:
   a first piece having a first upper portion, a first middle portion and a first lower portion; and   a second piece that is a mirror image of the first piece, the second piece having a second upper portion, a second middle portion and a second lower portion;   wherein the first and second pieces are joined together at their respective first and second middle portions, wherein each of the first and second middle portions includes a plurality of apertures therethrough;   wherein the first and second upper portions form a first channel; and   wherein the first and second lower portions form a second channel.
 
10. The vent element of item 9 further including a hook located on each of the first and second middle portions.
 
11. The vent element of any of items 9-10 further including a wall attached to the first and second lower portions at an end of the second channel.
 
12. The vent element of item 11 wherein the wall includes a hole therethrough.
 
13. The vent element of any of items 9-12 wherein at least a part of the first lower portion extends at an angle from the first middle portion.
 
14. The vent element of any of items 9-13 wherein a combined area of the plurality of apertures includes at least about 25% of an area of the first middle portion.
 
 15 . A system configured for removable attachment of an elongated tube to a surface, the system including:
   the elongated tube having a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the surface, the tube having first and second opposed ends, the tube further including, at the first end, opposed first and second notches defining corresponding first and second tabs and first and second slots; and   the surface including first and second apertures configured to allow passage of respective first and second tabs.
 
16. The system of item  15  wherein:
   the tube has a substantially circular cross sectional shape; and   each of the first and second apertures has a substantially semicircular shape.
 
17. The system of any of items 15-16 wherein the surface is located on a member having a thickness dimension, and wherein each of the first and second slots has a height substantially equal to the thickness dimension.
 
18. The system of any of items 15-17 wherein at least one of the first and second tabs further includes a detent.
 
19. The system of any of items 15-18 wherein the tube further includes a ring surrounding the second end of the tube.
   
 
         [0024]    This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary kit of the present disclosure for constructing a livestock stall or portion thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a plurality of connected modular livestock stalls. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two exemplary constructed livestock stalls of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary vent element. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is an enlarged view of the encircled end portion “A” of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is an enlarged view of the encircled end portion “B” of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an upright support and a lower vent element positioned for mutual connection. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rear support tube and vent element of  FIG. 5  in a connected configuration, and with a side wall channel positioned for connection to the rear support tube. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the components of  FIG. 6  in a connected configuration, and with a top side wall tube positioned for connection to the rear support tube. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the components of  FIG. 7  in a connected configuration, and with a grill tube inserted through the side wall channel and positioned for connection to the top side wall tube. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a bottom portion of an exemplary grill tube as the grill tube is inserted into the side wall channel. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the top portion of the grill tube of  FIGS. 8-9 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the top portion of the grill tube. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view wherein the top side wall tube is shown as transparent to illustrate the connection of the top portion of the grill tube to apertures in a bottom surface of the top side wall tube. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  shows the use of a four-way connector with the vent element. 
           [0045]      FIG. 13A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary four-way connector. 
           [0047]      FIG. 14A  is a side elevation view of the four-way connector of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view of the four-way connector, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0049]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing two front floor tubes and front upright support tube connected to the four-way connector of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 15A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing a side wall with a privacy wall feature. 
           [0052]      FIG. 17A  is an exploded view showing components for installation of the privacy wall feature of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 17B  shows a subsequent step in the privacy wall installation procedure. 
           [0054]      FIG. 18  shows the use of a three-way connector with the vent element and a front floor tube. 
           [0055]      FIG. 18A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary three-way connector. 
           [0057]      FIG. 19A  is a side elevation view of the three-way connector of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view of the three-way connector, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 19A . 
           [0059]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing front upright support tubes connected to respective top side wall tubes by three-way and four-way connectors. 
           [0060]      FIG. 20A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “A” of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 20B  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “B” of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing front upright support tubes connected to front channels by boss and bracket assemblies. 
           [0063]      FIG. 21A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary boss configured for insertion into an exemplary support tube. 
           [0065]      FIG. 22A  is a side elevation view of the boss of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary front channel with bracket. 
           [0067]      FIG. 23A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 24  is a front perspective view showing installation of a door jamb to the first front wall portion. 
           [0069]      FIG. 24A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing installation of a door latch to the first front wall portion. 
           [0071]      FIG. 25A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view showing an assembly of the door track and the front top tube. 
           [0073]      FIG. 26A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 27  shows insertion of a trolley of a door top frame into the door track. 
           [0075]      FIG. 27A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 27B  shows the trolley removed from the door track. 
           [0077]      FIG. 28A  is a partial perspective view showing installation of a door guide into the front floor tube. 
           [0078]      FIG. 28B  is a partial perspective view showing the installed door guide from the inside of the stall. 
           [0079]      FIG. 29A  is a partial perspective view showing installation of a door stop on the front floor tube. 
           [0080]      FIG. 29B  is a partial perspective view showing the installed door stop from the inside of the stall. 
           [0081]      FIG. 30A  is a partial perspective view of a door bumper aligned for insertion into a three-way connector attached to a front floor tube and front upright support. 
           [0082]      FIG. 30B  is a partial perspective view showing the installed door bumper. 
           [0083]      FIG. 31  is an exploded perspective view of a gate top element. 
           [0084]      FIG. 32  shows boards connected to the gate top element. 
           [0085]      FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of a gate middle element. 
           [0086]      FIG. 34  shows the gate middle element connected to the boards of  FIG. 32 . 
           [0087]      FIG. 35  shows the gate middle element positioned for connection to a gate side frame tube. 
           [0088]      FIG. 35A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0089]      FIG. 36  shows additional boards connected to the gate middle element. 
           [0090]      FIG. 37  shows a gate bottom frame tube positioned for connection to the additional boards and the gate side frame tube. 
           [0091]      FIG. 38  shows a second gate side frame tube positioned for connection. 
           [0092]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a door jamb configured for use with the gate of  FIGS. 31-38 . 
           [0093]      FIG. 39A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “A” of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0094]      FIG. 39B  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “B” of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0095]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view showing one completed livestock stall and the first steps for construction of an adjacent second stall. Additionally,  FIG. 40  shows a grilled window cover that can be custom fit to an existing window opening. 
           [0096]      FIG. 41A  is a top perspective view of a connector element that is formed in an intermediate step for manufacture of the four-way connector of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0097]      FIG. 41B  is a bottom perspective view of the connector element of  FIG. 41A . 
       
    
    
       [0098]    While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. 
         [0099]    The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0100]    The present disclosure describes modular components that can be assembled from various construction kits to allow for easy and quick construction of livestock stalls. The described elements are measured and machined to fit precisely together, thereby eliminating many labor-intensive steps in a stall construction process. Moreover, essential materials for the construction process are provided, thereby simplifying a materials procurement process for stall construction. The completed stall assemblies are durable enough to withstand many years of use with large animals. However, each of the elements for construction is designed to have a light enough weight (e.g., under about 60 pounds) and compact enough form that it can be comfortably handled by just one or two people. As shown in the attached drawing figures, the construction process can be accomplished easily by two people, or by one person with the aid of a support element such as a scaffold or stand as shown in  FIG. 8 , for example. 
         [0101]    The present disclosure describes a kit including elements for the modular construction of livestock stall assemblies. As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary kit  60  can be arranged on a pallet  62  for ease of transportation and storage. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of kits  60  can be used to construct an arrangement  64  of individual livestock stalls  66 . In an exemplary embodiment, an individual stall is about 12 feet wide, about 12 feet deep, and about 7 feet high. However, other sizes are also suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, arrangement  64  includes six individual stalls  66   a  through  66   f.  In the illustrated arrangement  64 , three stalls  66   a  through  66   c  face in a first direction (i.e., their doors  70  are all on the same side of arrangement  64 ) and are adjacent back-to-back to three stalls  66   d  through  66   f  that face a second direction. Thus, the arrangement  64  can be installed in a central area of a livestock building. In the illustrated arrangement  64 , each of the stalls  66   a  through  66   f  includes a front wall  68  having door  70 . Some side walls  72   b,    72   c  are shared between two stalls  66 , while other side walls  72   a  are not shared between stalls  66 . Some of the side walls  72   c  may have a privacy wall feature  74 , while other side walls  72   a,    72   b  do not. Such a privacy wall feature  74  is especially useful in stalls for housing animals that feed better when they are not in view of animals in neighboring stalls. In an exemplary construction of arrangement  64 , such a privacy wall feature  74  would be located at a corner of a stall  66  in which a feed bucket or other feed station is positioned. 
         [0102]    In the illustrated embodiment, side walls  72   a  are substantially solid. In contrast, side walls  72   b,  which can be placed between neighboring stalls  66 , in some embodiments have a substantially open top portion that allows for the passage of light and air. Yet other side walls  72   c,  which can be positioned between neighboring stalls, have a top portion that is generally open, as well as a privacy wall feature  74 . It is contemplated that any type of side wall  72  may be located on any side of any stall  66  in any desired arrangement of stalls. Moreover, stall walls and doors having other combinations of features that are not explicitly shown may also be used. Many other combinations of disclosed elements can be devised following the teachings of this disclosure. 
         [0103]    In an exemplary embodiment, each of front walls  68 , including door  70 , also has a substantially open top portion. In an exemplary arrangement  64 , two stalls that face in opposite directions share a back wall  76  that also includes a substantially open top portion in an exemplary embodiment and can be constructed similarly to side wall  72   b.  However, it is contemplated that back wall  76  can be substantially solid, similar to the illustrated walls  72   a,  or partially solid, as with walls  72   c.    
         [0104]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an assembly of two exemplary stalls  66   a  and  66   b.  Stalls  66  need not be installed in a freestanding arrangement, as shown in arrangement  64  of  FIG. 2 . Rather, side walls  72  and front wall  68  can be installed against an existing wall of a building (such as wall  104  shown in  FIG. 40 ), which then serves as the back wall of the stall  66 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stalls  66   a  and  66   b  are configured to abut an existing wall of the building, so that no modular back wall  76  is required. The two stalls  66   a  and  66   b  show some variations illustrating the modularity and customization available using the described components. It is to be understood that the described components can also be combined in other ways to meet the needs of a particular user and building. For example, in stall  66   a,  wall  72   a  is substantially solid; front wall  68  includes a swinging gate  70   a;  and wall  72   b,  shared with stall  66   b,  has a substantially open top section. For stall  66   b,  front wall  68  includes a sliding door  70   b  and side wall  72   c  includes privacy wall  74  on a portion of the top section. Stall  66   b  is larger than stall  66   a;  in the illustrated embodiment,  66   b  uses two wider front wall sections  68   b,  while stall  66   a  uses one wider front wall section  68   b  and one narrower front wall section  68   a.    
         [0105]    In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of front wall  68 , gate or door  70 , and side walls  72  is substantially solid and is constructed from a plurality of boards  78 . In contrast, the generally open top portions of front wall  68 , gate or door  70 , and side walls  72  includes grill tubes  80 . In an exemplary embodiment, each of boards  78  includes a tongue on one side edge and a groove on the opposite side edge, so that adjacent boards fit together in a known manner. Privacy wall feature  74  may also include such boards  78 . Moreover, while grill tubes  80  are described as having a substantially cylindrical tubular shape in one embodiment, it is contemplated that the substantially open top portions of the walls of a livestock stall may include other elements that are not tubes. For example, other generally open structures may include a grid, screen or mesh configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, some or all of front wall  68 , side wall  72  and back wall  76  may include a vent element  82  on a lower portion of the respective wall. 
         [0106]    In an exemplary embodiment of stall  66   a,  gate  70   a  is a swinging door that is pivotally attached by hinges to a door jamb  218  (shown in more detail in  FIGS. 24, 24A and 39-39B ). In an exemplary embodiment of stall  66   b,  door  70   b  is a sliding door that is slidably received within door track  84  to hang therefrom. Accordingly, very little clearance space is required on an interior or exterior side of door  70   b  for its operation. It is contemplated that any style of door  70   a  may be used for any particular stall  66 . Moreover, in some cases, it may be desirable to omit a door and merely leave an open door wall between front wall sections  68   a,    68   b.  Moreover, decorative elements such as finials  86  (shown in  FIG. 26 ) may be provided on stall  66 . 
         [0107]    In an exemplary embodiment, each of side walls  72  is connected to rear upright support  90  and front upright support  92 . Spanning a distance between rear upright support  90  and front upright support  92  are vent element  82 , side channels  94 ,  134  and side top tube  96 . Spanning a distance between the two front upright supports  92  are front floor tube  98  and front top tube  100 . While frame members of an exemplary stall  66  are described generally as tubes, it is contemplated that other elongated structural members can be used, such as rods, channels, and angle iron pieces, for example. 
         [0108]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , in an exemplary kit  60 , elements are included for the construction of front wall  68 , gate/door  70 , and just a single side wall  72 . These components are sufficient for installation of a stall  66  in a corner of an existing building. Additionally, only these components would be required to build a second adjacent stall, in a case where a first stall has already been completed, and wherein the first and second stalls would share a common side wall  72 . Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, kit  60  does not include boards  78 , which are readily obtainable through sources such as lumberyards. Such a configuration of kit  60  allows the weight of kit  60  to be about 625 pounds and allows kit  60  to have a compact form. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to fit about sixty-four kits  60  in a semi-trailer container that is about 50 feet long. It is contemplated that other kits can be designed to provide the elements required for construction of entire stalls  66  or portions thereof, including variations on the type of side wall, back wall, front wall, or door/gate. Optional accessory kits can also be provided including parts such as finials  86 , for example. Moreover, a stall construction kit can be customized for a particular customer, in accordance with the customer&#39;s specific request. 
         [0109]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary vent element  82 .  FIG. 4A  is an enlarged view of the encircled end portion “A” of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4B  is an enlarged view of the encircled end portion “B” of  FIG. 4 . In an exemplary embodiment, vent element  82  is formed from two bent and stamped sheet pieces  110   a  and  110   b  that are formed, such as from stainless steel, as mirror images of each other. Each of pieces  110   a,    110   b  includes upper portion  111 , middle portion  112 , and lower portion  113 . Pieces  110   a,    110   b  are secured together at middle portion  112 . Each sheet metal piece  110   a,    110   b  includes apertures  114  through middle portion  112  to allow for air flow through vent element  82 . While apertures  114  are illustrated as elongated slots in an exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that an arrangement of apertures  114  can have another configuration, such as substantially square apertures in a grid formation, for example. Moreover, the slots may be arranged vertically rather than horizontally. Many other configurations for allowing air flow through a middle portion  112  of vent element  82  are also suitable including, for example, apertures having circular, semicircular, elliptical shapes and specialty shapes, such as the outlines of horses or leaves for example. In an exemplary embodiment, a combined area of the plurality of apertures  114  includes at least about 25% of an area of the middle portion  112 , up to about 50% of an area of the middle portion  112 . It is contemplated that other ranges are also possible, taking into consideration strength properties of the materials and construction of vent element  82 . 
         [0110]    In an exemplary embodiment, the two sheet metal pieces  110   a,    110   b  are attached together at middle portion  112  by lamination, including the use of adhesive and pressure. It is contemplated that other attachment methods can also or alternatively be used, such as the use of mechanical fasteners and welding, for example. An exemplary vent element  82  includes an open upper channel  116  formed by upper portions  111  of pieces  110   a,    100   b  and an open lower channel  118  formed by lower portions  113  of pieces  110   a,    100   b.  Upper channel  116  is configured to accept boards  78 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 . Lower portions  113  of lower channel  118  include angled side walls  294  (i.e., angled from middle portions  112 ) to allow fluid and debris to flow or fall off by gravity. In an exemplary embodiment, one end of lower channel  118  is closed by end wall  120  (shown in  FIG. 18A ), which is welded into channel  118  and includes an aperture  122 . As shown in  FIG. 18A , aperture  122  of end wall  120  is provided to accept a fastener for connection to a connector, which is also attached to front upright support  92 . Especially when installing vent element  82  on a floor that may be uneven, such as a dirt floor, for example, channel  118  can be substantially filled by a wooden beam (not shown), for example, to provide additional structural support to keep vent element  82  level on an uneven floor surface. Such a beam would also prevent warping and bending of the fins of lower portions  113 . In an exemplary embodiment, such a beam can be formed by ripping down a  2  x  4  piece of treated lumber to fit into channel  118 . 
         [0111]      FIGS. 5 and 5A  shown rear upright support  90  and lower vent element  82  positioned for mutual connection. Rear upright support  90  has tabs  102  for connection to an existing wall (such as wall  104  shown in  FIG. 40 ) of a livestock building. In a case where a livestock stall  66  does not have its own back wall  76  but rather is attached to an existing wall of a livestock building, rear upright support  90  can be attached to the wall by securing fasteners through tabs  102  of rear upright support  90  and into the wall. Known suitable fasteners include bolts, screws, nails and others. In an exemplary embodiment, tabs  102  are welded to rear upright support  90  at discreet intervals. In an exemplary embodiment, a bottom portion of rear upright support  90  includes slots  106  for the receipt of hooks  108  provided on one end of vent element  82 . While tabs  102  are shown as being fixed to support  90 , it is also contemplated that similar tabs may be provided on a bracket that removably wraps around support  90 . 
         [0112]      FIGS. 6 and 6A  show rear support tube  90  and vent element  82  of  FIGS. 5 and 5A  with a side wall channel  134  positioned for connection thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, an end of side wall channel  134  includes tabs  128  configured for insertion in apertures  126  of rear support tube  90 . Similarly,  FIGS. 7 and 7A  show top side wall tube  96  positioned for connection to rear support tube  90 . In an exemplary embodiment, an end of top side wall tube  96  includes tabs  128  configured for insertion in apertures  126  of rear support tube  90 . 
         [0113]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , a front end of side wall channel  134  can be supported by a board  78  inserted between channel  116  of vent element  82  and side wall channel  134 . Moreover, a front end of top side wall tube  96  can be supported on a structure such as a scaffold or stand  158 .  FIGS. 8 and 8A  additionally illustrates the insertion of a grill tube  80  upward through an aperture  162  of side wall channel  134 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, grill tube  80  includes a bottom ring  180  surrounding bottom portion  182 , which prevents bottom portion  182  of grill tube  80  from passing entirely through apertures  162  in side wall channel  134 . In an exemplary embodiment, bottom surface  288  of grill tube  80  is formed or provided with an undulating configuration to accommodate solder so that grill tube  80  and ring  180  can be welded together on an interior of ring  180 . In an exemplary embodiment of the described modular stall system, some grill tubes  80  are provided with ring  180 , while other grill tubes  80  do not have ring  180 . In practice, it has been found advantageous to use grill tubes  80  having rings  180  especially near a longitudinal center point of the wall, where side channel tube  134  is not attached to rear upright support  90  or front upright support  92  (see  FIG. 3 ). In an exemplary embodiment, among the plurality of grill tubes  80  used in the top section of side wall  72   b  or  72   c,  it is suitable to use three centrally placed grill tubes  80  having bottom rings  180  near a central portion of side wall  72   b,    72   c.    
         [0114]      FIGS. 10-12  illustrate exemplary features for a system of attachment of a top portion  160  of elongated grill tube  80  to a bottom surface  168  of top side wall tube  96 . Grill tube  80  has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and has a longitudinal axis  167  that is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to bottom surface  168 .  FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of top portion  160  of grill tube  80 .  FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of top portion  160  of grill tube  80 . Each grill tube  80  has an upper portion  160  having features that allow the grill tube  80  to be connected into place on top side wall tube  96  without tools and also allow a user to reverse the attachment operation to remove the grill tube  80  from top side wall tube  96  if desired. Grill tube  80  has first and second opposed end portions: top portion  160  (labeled in  FIGS. 8A and 10-12 ) and bottom portion  182  (labeled in  FIGS. 8A and 9 ). 
         [0115]    In exemplary embodiment of top side wall tube  96 , a plurality of sets  164  of apertures  166  are provided at discreet, preferably evenly-spaced intervals on a bottom surface  168 . In an exemplary embodiment, each aperture  166  is configured as a substantially semicircular hole. However, other configurations for cooperating structures of top side wall tube  96  and top portion  160  of grill tube  80  are also possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the two semicircular apertures  166  of a set  164  are separated by bridge  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, two opposed notches  172  are provided in top portion  160  of grill tube  80 , the notches defining tabs  176  and slots  177 . This structure allows parts of top portion  160  to be inserted into apertures  166  past bridge  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, two notches  172  are provided  180  degrees apart on a circular top portion  160 . However, it is contemplated that other configurations of top portion  160  may also be suitable, including fewer or more notches, of similar or different shapes, positioned evenly or unevenly, thereon. It is to be understood that changes in the configuration of top portion  160  may also necessitate corresponding changes in aperture sets  164  to provide for mutual attachment. 
         [0116]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view wherein top side wall tube  96  is shown as transparent to illustrate the connection of top portion  160  of grill tube  80  to apertures  166  in bottom surface  168 . Grill tube  80   a  is illustrated as positioned for insertion of tabs  176  through apertures  166 . Grill tubes  80   b  and  80   c  are shown during and after passage of top portion  160 , including tabs  176 , through apertures  166  and above bottom surface  168  of top side wall tube  96 . Grill tube  80   c  is rotated in direction  174  to lock tabs  176  above bridge  170 , resulting in the configuration of grill tube  80   d.  As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, each tab  176  includes detent  178  which in an exemplary embodiment is configured as a protrusion downward from slot surface  181  of slot  177 . As grill tube  80  is turned in direction  174 , tab  176  resiliently deforms due to a rotational force exerted by the user, thereby allowing detent  178  to pass over bridge  170 . In an exemplary embodiment, a height of the slot  177  below tab  176  has substantially the same dimension as a thickness of the lower wall of top side wall tube  96  at bottom surface  168  for a secure fit. At the end of the connection process, detent  178  is moved past bridge  170  so that slot surface  181  rests upon bridge  170  and detent  178  falls into place in aperture  166 . Grill tube  80  is thereby securely attached to top side wall tube  96 . For removal of grill tube  80 , a sufficient force in a rotational direction opposite connection direction  174  is supplied to again resiliently deform tabs  176  to allow for movement of the detent  178  over and past bridge  170 . Thus, while grill tube  80  can be removed from top side wall tube  96  by a user intent on doing so, it is unlikely that these parts will separate inadvertently due to jostling by animals or otherwise during routine use. 
         [0117]    As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 13 , after insertion of grill tubes  80 , the wall boards  78  that are to be positioned between upper channel  116  of vent element  82  and side wall channel  134  can be inserted under the installed grill tubes  80 . In an exemplary embodiment, wall boards  78  are made of wood having tongue-and-groove elements on longitudinal side edges thereof, as is known in the art. Such wall boards  78  made of wood are preferably dried and varnished before installation. However, it is contemplated that wall boards  78  having other materials and construction are also suitable, such as boards made from wood and resin composite formulations, wood and cement composite formulations, and pressed fiberboard, for example.  FIG. 13  shows an exemplary side wall  72   b  after insertion of all of the wall boards  78  and grill tubes  80 . If the last wall board  78  protrudes past the front ends of vent element  82  and side wall channel  134 , the last wall board  78  can be marked and trimmed to be flush with the front ends of top side wall tube  96 , side wall channel  134  and vent element  82 . 
         [0118]    As shown in  FIG. 13A , four-way connector  124  is attached to vent element  82  by fastener  194 , which passes through bore  188  of connector  124  and aperture  122  of plate  120  of vent element  82  (visible in  FIG. 18A ). As shown in  FIGS. 14-14B , an exemplary embodiment of four-way connector  124  includes a substantially cube-shaped portion  184  with six faces  284 . As in a cube, the six faces  284  include three sets of parallel faces, and any two non-parallel faces meet at a right angle (i.e., the non-parallel faces are orthogonal to each other). Three substantially cylindrical portions  186  extend from three faces  284  of cube portion  184 . Cube portion  184  includes bore  188  therethrough having longitudinal axis  296 . Each cylindrical portion includes a hole or bore  190  therethrough having longitudinal axis  298 . In an exemplary embodiment, all of the axes  296 ,  298  are substantially parallel to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, some or all of bores  188 ,  190  are internally threaded to mate with fasteners that are correspondingly externally threaded. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of bore  188  is wider to accommodate a recessed head of fastener  194 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a front upright support tube  92  connected to four-way connector  124  and two front floor tubes  98  positioned for attachment to connector  124 .  FIG. 15A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 15 . A top cylindrical portion  186  of four-way connector  124  is inserted into a bottom end of front upright support  92 . Four-way connector  124  is secured to the bottom end of front upright support  92  by fastener  192 , such as a knurled pin, inserted in an aperture of front upright support  92  and bore  190  of cylindrical portion  186 . Another fastener  194  (shown in  FIG. 13A ) is inserted into bore  188  of cube portion  184  to attach four-way connector  124  to end wall  120  via aperture  122 . Simultaneously, the front edge of middle portion  112  of vent element  82  is inserted into a slot on a rear surface of front upright support  92 . In this way, vent element  82  and front upright support  92  are connected together. Each of front floor tubes  98  is attached to connector  124  by inserting one of the lateral cylindrical portions  186  of connector  124  into one of front floor tubes  98 . Fasteners such as fasteners  192  can be used in a similar manner for front floor tubes  98 , as explained above with front upright support  92 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing a side wall  72   c  with a privacy wall feature  74 .  FIG. 17A  is an exploded partial view showing components for installation of the privacy wall feature  74 .  FIG. 17B  shows a subsequent step in the privacy wall installation procedure. As shown in  FIG. 17A , wall channels  204  at attached to bottom surface  168  top side wall tube  96  and a top surface of side wall channel  134 , such as by fasteners  208 . In an exemplary embodiment, top side wall tube  96  and side wall channel  134  will be prepared with apertures  212  to accept the fasteners  208 , rather than the apertures  66 ,  162  on the open grill tube portions of the upper section of wall  72   c.  After wall channels  204  are fastened to top side wall tube  96  and side wall channel  134 , a plurality of boards  78  are slid therebetween. Privacy wall upright  206  is attached to and end of the privacy wall feature  74  thereby formed. This attachment is achieved by the insertion, in an exemplary embodiment, of button head socket screw  208  into aperture  210  of privacy wall upright  206  and an aligned bore  142  of boss  136 . While particular fasteners are described herein, it is contemplated that other known fasteners or bond agents, whether mechanical or chemical, for example, can also be used. The boards  78 , wall channels  204  and privacy wall upright  206  can be secured together, such as with fasteners  196  such as wood screws. As shown in  FIG. 18 , a solid wall  72   a  can be formed using full length wall channels  204 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 18  shows the use of a three-way connector  198  with the vent element  82  and a front floor tube  98 .  FIG. 18A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 18 . Three-way connector  198  is used with the components of the disclosed modular stall system in a similar manner as four-way connector  124 . However, in an arrangement of stalls  66  in which another front floor tube  98  will not be connected to the right of three-way connector  198 , use of the three-way connector  198  rather than four-way connector  124  eliminates the projection of an unused cylindrical portion  186 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary three-way connector  198 .  FIG. 19A  is a side elevation view of the three-way connector  198 .  FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view of the three-way connector  198 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 19A . Such a three-way connector  198  is similar to the four-way connector  124  shown in  FIG. 14  but eliminates one of the cylindrical portions  186 . Accordingly, descriptions pertaining to four-way connector  124  also apply to three-way connector  198 . 
         [0123]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing front upright support tubes  92  connected to respective top side wall tubes  96  by three-way connector  198  and four-way connector  124 .  FIG. 20A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “A” of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 20B  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “B” of  FIG. 20 . Front top tubes  100  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) can be attached to the connectors  198 ,  124  in a similarly manner as the attachment of front floor tubes  98  thereto. 
         [0124]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , front floor tube  98   a  is shorter than front floor tube  98   b.  Moreover, wall channels  204   a  are shorter than wall channels  204   b.  Additionally, the placement of wall channels  204  of desired size at any location on front floor tubes  98  allows a user to place a door opening toward a left, right, or central location on a stall  66 . Similarly, many of the described components of the disclosed modular livestock stall system can be provided in different lengths to facilitate the installation of stalls of customizable sizes and element positions. 
         [0125]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing front upright support tubes  92  connected to front channels  214  by boss and bracket assemblies.  FIG. 21A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 21 . Front upright support  92  includes boss  136  inserted into an aperture  138 . In an exemplary embodiment, boss  136  is fixedly attached to front upright support  92 , such as by welding, for example. As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 22A , an exemplary embodiment of boss  136  includes bores  140  and  142  passing therethrough in substantially orthogonal directions. One or more of bores  140 ,  142  can be internally threaded to threadably attach to a lag screw or bolt  144 , for example. In a completed joint, fastener  144  is countersunk or otherwise contained in boss  136  and front upright support  92  so that it does not protrude therefrom. This advantageously prevents animal contact with the fasteners. 
         [0126]    In an exemplary embodiment, front wall channel  214  includes a bracket  150  fixed to a top surface thereof, and having bore  152  for the insertion of bolt  144 . In an exemplary method for attaching front wall channel  214  to front upright support  92 , bolt  144  is inserted into bore  152  of bracket  150  and threadably engaged through a corresponding hole in front upright support  92  with bore  142  of boss  136 . At the same time, tab  128  is received in a corresponding slot of front upright support  92 . The two points of connection of front wall channel  214  to front upright support  92  at tab  128  and bolt  144  securely retain the front wall channel  214  and front upright support  92  in the desired positions by preventing relative rotational and other displacement between front wall channel  214  and front upright support  92 . In many respects, front wall channel  214  is similar to side wall channel  134  except in length. As shown in  FIG. 24 , front wall portions  68   a,    68   b  are formed thereafter in a manner similar to that described with respect to side walls  72 . 
         [0127]      FIG. 24  is a front perspective view showing installation of a door jamb  218  to a front wall portion  68   b.    FIG. 24A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 24 . A bottom portion of door jamb  218  includes plug  220  with a semi-hemispherical bottom portion  222 . This structure allows a user to tilt door jamb  218  into position, such as shown in  FIG. 24 , wherein the downwardly projecting bottom portion  222  retains door jamb  218  within aperture  200  of front floor tube  98 , yet allows extensive freedom of movement for alignment purposes. Door jamb  218  has a boss  136  like that of front upright support  92  to allow door jamb  218  to be secured to front wall channel  214  at a joint including bracket  150 , similar to the joint described with reference to  FIGS. 21-23A .  FIG. 24  shows a second door jamb  218  similarly installed on the other side portion of front wall  68 . 
         [0128]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing installation of a door latch  88  to front wall channel  214 .  FIG. 25A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 25 . In an exemplary embodiment, latch  88  is attached to front channel  214  via torque screws  216 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view showing an assembly of the door track  84  and the front top tube  100 .  FIG. 26A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 26 . In an exemplary embodiment, door track  84  is a substantially tubular member  230  with a longitudinal slot  232  in a bottom portion thereof. Flanges  234  are attached to or otherwise provided on an upper or other portion of tubular member  230 . Flanges  234  are configured for insertion into receiving slots  236  of clamp block  238  affixed to front top tube  100 . 
         [0130]      FIG. 27  shows insertion of trollies  240  of a door top frame  228  into the door track  84 .  FIG. 27A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27B  shows the trollies  240  removed from the door track  84 . As shown in  FIG. 27B , trollies  240  are attached to door top frame  228 , such as by the use of nuts, washers and bushings. Accordingly, top door frame  228 , and thus door  70   b,  are suspended from trollies  240 , which, as shown in  FIG. 27A , are received within tubular member  230  of door track  84 . Referring to  FIG. 26A , in an exemplary embodiment, a bolt can be installed in cross holes  242  at both ends of door track  84  to retain trollies  240  within tubular member  230  of door track  84 . Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 40 , it can be seen that sliding door  70   b  may be formed in a manner similar to that described with respect to walls  72 ,  68 , using similar components. In a completed stall  66 , grill tubes  80  and boards  78  have been installed on door  70  in a similar manner as described with reference to the side walls  72  and front wall  63 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, a door side frame  248  includes lock  250  for cooperation with latch  88 .  FIG. 3  shows that door side frames  248  are attached to door bottom frame  252 . The attachment of these frame members to each other may be accomplished using similar components as described below with reference to gate door  70   a.    
         [0131]    Please refer to  FIG. 3  for illustrations of door guide  258 , door stop  260  and door bumper  262 .  FIG. 28A  shows alignment of door guide  258  with front floor tube  98  for attachment thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, door guide  258  includes rod  264  for insertion into aperture  266  of floor front tube  98  and tabs  268  for insertion into apertures  270  of front floor tube  98 . A nut  248  secures the end of rod  264 .  FIG. 28B  shows the assembled door guide  258  from an interior of the stall  66 . 
         [0132]      FIG. 29A  is a partial perspective view showing installation of a door stop  260  on the front floor tube  98 .  FIG. 29B  is a partial perspective view showing the installed door stop  260  from the inside of the stall  66 . Tab  264  is provided on a structural rib plate  246 . Door stop  260  is attached to front floor tube  98  in a manner similar to the attachment of door guide  258  to front floor tube  98 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 30A  is a partial perspective view of a door bumper  262  aligned for insertion into a three-way connector  198  attached to a front floor tube  98  and front upright support  92 .  FIG. 30B  is a partial perspective view showing the installed door bumper  262 . Door stop  262  is attached to bore  188  of either four-way connector  124 , three-way connector  198 , or an analogous connector. In an exemplary embodiment, shaft  272  of door bumper  262  is threaded into bore  188 . 
         [0134]      FIG. 31  is an exploded perspective view of a gate top assembly including top frame  300 , spindles  302 , wall channel  204  and fasteners  208 . While an arched configuration of top frame  300  is illustrated, other configurations are also possible.  FIG. 32  shows boards  78  and door side frame  248  connected to the gate top assembly.  FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of a gate middle assembly including wall channels  204  and spindles  302 .  FIG. 34  shows the gate middle element connected to the boards  78  of  FIG. 32 .  FIG. 35  is a bottom perspective view showing the wall channels  204  positioned for connection to a gate side frame  248 .  FIG. 35A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 35 , showing the alignment of tabs  128  for insertion into apertures or slots  126 .  FIG. 36  shows additional boards  78  connected to wall channel  204 .  FIG. 37  shows a gate or door bottom frame  252  positioned for connection to the additional boards  78  and the gate or door side frame  248 .  FIG. 38  shows a second gate side frame  248  positioned for connection to complete the gate  70   a.    FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a door jamb  218   a  configured for use with the gate of  FIGS. 31-38 .  FIG. 39A  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “A” of  FIG. 39 .  FIG. 39B  is an enlarged view of the encircled portion “B” of  FIG. 39 . Door jamb  218   a  and door side frame  248   a  feature cooperating hinge elements  304 . 
         [0135]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view showing one completed livestock stall  66   b  and the first steps for construction of an adjacent second stall  66 . Additionally,  FIG. 40  shows a grilled window cover  274  that can be custom fit to an existing window opening.  FIG. 40  shows installation steps for an adjacent stall, including attaching rear upright support  90  to wall  140  and vent element  82  to rear support  90 . A distance between adjacent rear supports  90  is the same as a length of front floor tube  98 . Proceeding as described above, any number and arrangement of stalls  66  can be constructed. 
         [0136]    Moreover, while particular configurations of the modular components is illustrated, it is contemplated that other configurations are possible. For example, door  70   b  is designed in the illustrated stall  66   b  to slide open to the left, when viewed from the front of the stall from the outside. However, the placement of latch  88 , lock  250 , door guide  258 , door stop  260  and door bumper  262  can be changed to allow door  70  to slide open to the right (some components omitted in  FIG. 40  but shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0137]      FIG. 40  shows an exemplary grilled window cover  274  that can be constructed to custom fit into an existing window opening  276 . Components of window cover  274  include a top tube  278  that is similar to top side wall tube  96 ; window channel  280  that is similar to side wall channel  134 ; and side frames  282  that are similar to door side frames  248 . In an exemplary embodiment, grill tubes  80  are inserted up through apertures (like apertures  162 ) of window channel  280  and secured to aperture sets (like aperture sets  164 ) in top tube  278  before window cover  274  is secured in place in window opening  276 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 41A  is a top perspective view of a connector element  290  that is formed in an intermediate step for manufacture of the four-way connector  124 .  FIG. 41B  is a bottom perspective view of connector element  290 . In an exemplary embodiment, connector element  290  is formed from a square bar, such as a bar made of steel for example, having an indeterminate length and a side dimension of about  1 . 75  inch. Using milling equipment such as a laser cutter or lathe, the square bar is cut off to the illustrated length. In an example, the square bar is turned on a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe and shaped to produce cube portion  184  having two cylindrical portions  186  on opposite faces  284  thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each cylindrical portion  186  has a diameter of about 1.50 inch. Aperture  292  is bored into cube portion  184  for the acceptance of a third cylindrical portion  186 , which is brazed into place (as shown in  FIGS. 14-14B ). Thereafter, bores  188 ,  190  and  286  are machined into connector  124 . It is to be understood that a similar process can be used to form three-way connector  198  of  FIGS. 19-19B . In that case, the square bar would be turned on a lathe to produce a connector element with cube portion  184  and only one extending cylindrical portion  186 . 
         [0139]    Connector element  290  can also be used as a two-way connector where appropriate. Such a two-way connector is similar in many respects to the four-way connector  124  shown in  FIG. 14  and the three-way connector  198  shown in  FIG. 19 . Accordingly, descriptions pertaining to those connectors also apply to such a two-way connector. 
         [0140]    In some embodiments, a bottom face  284   b  of cube portion  184  includes bore or aperture  286 , which in an exemplary embodiment is a tapped hole configured to accept a shaft of an element, such as finial  86  shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . While directional terms such as “bottom” are used for ease of reference with respect to the drawing figures, it is to be understood that the structures may be oriented otherwise. For example, it is evident in  FIGS. 26 and 27  that finial  86  is attached to an aperture  286  located on a face of a connector that is oriented to face upward. 
         [0141]    While the two cylindrical portions  186  of the illustrated three-way connector  196  are shown as being oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to each other, it is contemplated that other configurations for a connector based on the teachings of the illustrated three-way connector  198  and four-way connector  124  can be devised by having different numbers of cylindrical portions  186  at different orientations relative to cube portion  184 , as desired for a particular connection joint. Moreover, while projection portions  186  are illustrated as being cylindrical, they may have other shapes and configurations that allow for insertion into ends of the tubular frame members. 
         [0142]    Thus, while particular embodiments of connectors are illustrated, it is to be understood that many variations may be made in the number of projecting portions  186 , the shapes of the projecting portions (which need not be cylindrical), the placement and orientation of bores in the connectors, the orientations of the projecting portions relative to the cube portion, and the lengths of the projecting portions, for example. Moreover, the connectors may be used for the attachment of not only the described tubes and elements, but if any of a variety of other parts and accessories, including the described finials. Moreover, while the disclosure describes modular livestock stalls, the teachings herein can also be applied to other modular enclosures, such as cubicles and pens, for example. 
         [0143]    Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa.