Abstract:
A system and method of selectively coupling structural elements via at least one of: frictional engagement, chemical bonding, structural attachment techniques and/or other known and/or convenient coupling mechanism and/or methods. In some embodiments, wrapping elements can be introduced to standardize the dimensions of the ends of naturally occurring structural members, such as bamboo, to aid in construction.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of priority to prior-filed provisional application Ser. No. 61/758,170, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of construction, specifically a bamboo member connection system and method. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Bamboo framing and scaffolding is used frequently in construction. Bamboo is prized for its strength, durability, and sustainability by builders and consumers throughout the world. However, current methods of connecting bamboo members to each other and to other surfaces or devices result in structures of inferior quality. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a presently known system for connecting bamboo elements. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , a first bamboo member  102  can be coupled with a second bamboo member  104 . In the embodiment shown, a distal end  106  of the first bamboo member  102  can be overlapped with a distal end  108  of the second bamboo member  104 , and the two members  102   104  can be lashed together with a binding element  110  that can frictionally engage the exterior of the ends  106   108  of bamboo members  102   104 . The binding of bamboo members  102   104  in an overlapped configuration does not provide superior stability to the connection. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a bamboo member connection system and method of forming connections between two or more bamboo members and between bamboo members and surfaces with superior strength, stability, and durability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art embodiment of a bamboo member connection. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2A  depicts one embodiment of a bamboo member connection system and method. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2B  depicts one embodiment of a coupling device having two apertures. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2C  depicts an alternate embodiment of a coupling device having multiple apertures. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2D  depicts yet another embodiment of a coupling device having a bracket configuration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2E  depicts an alternate embodiment of a coupling device having a bracket configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  depicts one embodiment of a bamboo member connection system and method. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  depicts an alternate embodiment of the bamboo member connection system and method depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  depicts one embodiment of the end of a bamboo member. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a connection point along a linear portion of a bamboo member connection system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  depicts a close up view of one embodiment of the connection from  FIG. 4  in a disconnected configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  depicts an alternate embodiment of the connection depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5C  depicts yet another embodiment of the connection depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of a surface-to-bamboo member connection system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 2A  depicts one embodiment of bamboo member connection system and method. In the embodiment depicted, a system comprises a first bamboo member  102  having a distal end  106 , a second bamboo member  104  having a distal end  108 , a coupling mechanism  202 , and a coupling device  204 . First and/or second bamboo members  102   104  can be elongated tubular members. In some embodiments, a first bamboo member  102  and/or a second bamboo member  104  can be at least partially filled with strengthening material  206  to further enhance the strength and durability of the bamboo members  102   104 . Strengthening material  206  can be cement, epoxy, polymer, and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, strengthening material  206  can be applied to one or more of bamboo members  102   104  in a liquid form and allowed to solidify. In other embodiments, strengthening material  206  can be solid when applied to bamboo members  102   104 . In some embodiments, strengthening material  206  can have expansive properties such that during a curing process the distal ends  106   108  of one or more bamboo members  102   104  can dimensionally increase to better engage a coupling device  204 . 
         [0021]    A coupling device  204  can be substantially tubular and formed at a substantially right angle, as shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 2A . In some embodiments, a coupling device  204  can have two apertures  208  adapted to accept two bamboo members  102   104  ( FIG. 2B ). In other embodiments, a coupling device  204  can have more than two apertures  208  adapted to accept a plurality of bamboo members ( FIG. 2C ). As depicted in  FIG. 2C , in some embodiments a coupling device  204  can have a T-shaped configuration, however in other embodiments a coupling device  204  can have any other known and/or convenient shape or geometry. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, a coupling device  204  can have any desired number of apertures  208  of any size or geometry, and the apertures  208  of a coupling device  204  can have differing diameters, geometries, and/or sizes from each other. In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the opening diameters of apertures  208  are slightly larger than the outer diameters of the distal ends  106   108  of first and second bamboo members  102   104  to enable proper engagement upon mating. In alternate embodiments, apertures  208  can be configured at any angle relative to each other and such configuration can be dependent on the specific construction need of the project at hand. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 2D-2E , in some embodiments a coupling device  204  can have a bracket configuration. The embodiments depicted show outer ( FIG. 2D ) and inner ( FIG. 2E ) curved bracket coupling devices  204  adapted to couple with two bamboo members  102   104  in a right angle configuration. The outer and inner curved brackets  204  can be molded or constructed to conform to the surfaces of the distal ends  106   108  of bamboo members  102   104 . In other embodiments, at least one coupling device  204  can be a bracket configured to couple two or more bamboo members at any other known and/or convenient angle or in a linear manner. 
         [0023]    In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2E , a coupling device  204  can be comprised of polyvinyl chloride material. However, in alternate embodiments, a coupling device  204  can be comprised of plastic, metal, polymer, bamboo, and/or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a coupling device  204  can be comprised of a semi-flexible material for initial assembly of a bamboo member connection system, but the material can then be cured, set, or otherwise hardened in a desired configuration. In further embodiments, the material with which a coupling device  204  is constructed can shrink or constrict post-mating with a bamboo member  102  or  104 , either by air exposure, heat exposure, or by any other known and/or convenient mechanism. In some embodiments, the interior surface of a coupling device  204  can be textured or roughened to enable enhanced grip with or frictional engagement of a bamboo member  102  or  104 . 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIGS. 2D-2E , in some embodiments a coupling device  204  can further comprise one or more attachment points  210  for securing to bamboo members  102   104 . In the embodiments shown, attachment points  210  can be holes adapted for using with traditional screws, anchor screws, nails, and/or any other desired type of hardware. In other embodiments, attachment points  210  can be areas of pre-applied adhesive or any other desired method for coupling a bamboo member  102  or  104  with a coupling device  204 . 
         [0025]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3A , a coupling mechanism  202  can be applied to the distal end  106  of a first bamboo member  102  and/or the distal end  108  of a second bamboo member  104  prior to mating with a coupling device  204 . A coupling mechanism  202  can enable a bamboo member  102  or  104  to fixedly or selectively engage with a coupling device  204 , either by friction, adhesive, structural bonding, or any other manner of coupling. A coupling mechanism  202  can allow bamboo members of naturally-occurring geometries, sizes, and diameters to couple with a standardized coupling device  204 . A coupling mechanism  202  can comprise at least one piece of material that can be wrapped fully around the surface of a bamboo member  102  and/or  104 . In other embodiments, a coupling mechanism  202  can comprise a piece of material covering only a portion of the surface of a bamboo member  102  and/or  104 . In some embodiments, a coupling mechanism  202  can be a helical wrap (see  FIG. 3B ) or a wrap applied in any other desired manner or configuration. A coupling mechanism  202  can be comprised of cast tape, polymer mesh, wire mesh, fiberglass, cloth and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the wrap material can have expansive properties such that it can be applied to the distal end  106   108  of a bamboo member  102   104  and when heat or water are applied, or when the material is exposed to the atmosphere, the wrap material can expand in a desired and/or prescribed manner. In still further embodiments, the material of a coupling mechanism  202  can include an adhesive, bonding agent, or other desired substance, and/or an additional adhesive, bonding agent, expansive material and/or other desired substance can be applied over a coupling mechanism  202 . 
         [0026]    In additional embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 3C , a coupling mechanism  202  can be a threaded portion on the distal end  106   108  of a first and/or second bamboo member  102   104 . The threaded portion  202  can be adapted to mate in a screw-like manner with a threaded inner surface of a coupling device  204 . In further embodiments, the exterior surface of a bamboo member  102   104  and the interior surface of a coupling device  204  can be configured to complementarily mate with each other, such as by way of complementary longitudinal grooves and ridges, roughened textures, or any other desired surface characteristics that can enable a bamboo member  102   104  to selectively couple with a coupling device  204 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3B , in some embodiments a bamboo connection system can further comprise introducing a reinforcement material  302  into the space formed between bamboo members  102   104  and a coupling device  204 . In the embodiment depicted, reinforcement material  302  can be introduced in a liquid or semi-solid state into the chamber of a coupling device  204  via a fill hole  304 . The reinforcement material  302  can then harden by way of air-exposure, heat, or any other desired method. In other embodiments, reinforcement material  302  can be introduced prior to mating bamboo members  102   104  with a coupling device  204 . In some embodiments, a coupling device  204  chamber can be pre-loaded with mesh, foam, or other matrix material, such that post-mating with bamboo members  102   104 , a coupling device  204  chamber can be filled with reinforcement material  302  and interact with the matrix material to form a material of desired strength. Reinforcement material  302  can be cement, epoxy, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials with any desired chemical and structural properties. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-3C , in operation a coupling mechanism  202 , such as a piece of wrap material, can be applied to the distal end  106  of a first bamboo member  102 . Similarly, a coupling mechanism  202  can be applied to the distal end  108  of a second bamboo member  104 . Reinforcement material  302  can be introduced into the chamber of a coupling device  204 . Distal ends  106   108  of bamboo member  102   104  can then be inserted into apertures  208  of a coupling device  204 . Appropriate pressure and/or heat can be applied to solidify, cure, or harden a coupling mechanism  202  and/or reinforcement material  302  or otherwise cause desired coupling of bamboo members  102   104  with a coupling device  204 . Proximal ends of bamboo members  102   104  can then be coupled with other coupling devices  204  in a similar manner, or with other bamboo members or surfaces as described below. The preceding describes just one potential in-operation embodiment for the portion of a bamboo connection system portrayed in  FIGS. 2A-3C  and described herein. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  represents an embodiment of a connection  402  point along a linear portion of a bamboo member connection system. In other embodiments, the connection  402  can be located on a curvilinear or angular portion of a connection system. The distal end of a third bamboo member  404  can be selectively coupled with the proximal end of a first bamboo member  102 . In other embodiments, a third bamboo member  404  can be coupled with any other desired bamboo member, a coupling device  204 , and/or any convenient element having any chemical, structural, and/or geometric properties. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5A  depicts a close-up view of the connection  402  from  FIG. 4  in a disconnected embodiment prior to mating. A third bamboo member  404  can be selected and/or trimmed such that it has an outside diameter  504  less than the inside diameter  512  of a first bamboo member  102 . In some embodiments, a coupling mechanism  508  can be applied to the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404  prior to mating with a first bamboo member  102  or any other desired element. A coupling mechanism  508  can enable a third bamboo member  404  to fixedly engage with a first bamboo member  102  or any other desired element, either by friction, adhesive, pressure-fit, or any other manner of coupling. A coupling mechanism  508  can comprise at least one piece of material that can be wrapped fully around the surface of a bamboo member  404 . In other embodiments, a coupling mechanism  508  can comprise a piece of material covering only a portion of the surface of a bamboo member  404 . In some embodiments, a coupling mechanism  508  can be a helical wrap (see  FIG. 5B ) or a wrap applied in any other desired manner or configuration. A coupling mechanism  508  can be comprised of cast tape, polymer mesh, wire mesh, fiberglass, cloth and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the wrap material can have expansive properties such that it can be applied to the distal end  502  of a bamboo member  404  and when heat or water are applied, or when the material is exposed to the atmosphere, the wrap material can expand in a desired and/or prescribed manner. In still further embodiments, the material of a coupling mechanism  508  can include an adhesive, bonding agent, or other desired substance, and/or an additional adhesive, bonding agent, expansive material and/or other desired substance can be applied over a coupling mechanism  508 . 
         [0031]    In additional embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 5C , a coupling mechanism  508  can be a threaded portion on the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404 . The threaded portion  508  can be adapted to mate in a screw-like manner with a threaded inner surface  516  of a first bamboo member  102 . In further embodiments, the exterior surface of a third bamboo member  404  and the interior surface of a first bamboo member  102  can be configured to complementarily mate with each other, such as by way of complementary longitudinal grooves and ridges, roughened textures, or any other desired surface characteristics that can enable bamboo members  102   404  to selectively couple with each other. In further embodiments, only the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404  can be whittled, shaved, sanded, or otherwise made smaller from its natural state, such that the outer diameter  504  can be less than the inner diameter  512  of a first bamboo member  102 , while the remainder of a third bamboo member  404  can remain larger in size than its distal end  502 . In some embodiments, this method can result in a connection  402  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is inconspicuous, with the outer diameters of bamboo members  102   404  appearing to be substantially similar. 
         [0032]    In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the interior chamber  506  of a third bamboo member  404  and/or the interior chamber  514  of a first bamboo member  102  can be at least partially filled with strengthening material  516  to further enhance the strength and durability of the bamboo members  102   404 . Strengthening material  516  can be cement, epoxy, polymer, and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, strengthening material  516  can be applied to one or more of bamboo members  102  and/or  404  in a liquid form and allowed to solidify. In other embodiments, strengthening material  516  can be solid when applied to bamboo members  102  and/or  404 . In some embodiments, strengthening material  516  can have expansive properties such that during a curing process the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404  can dimensionally increase to better engage a first bamboo member  102 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-5C , in operation the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404  can be altered or configured such that its outer diameter  504  is less than the inner diameter  512  of a first bamboo member  102 . A coupling mechanism  508  can then be applied to the distal end  502  of a third bamboo member  404 , followed by application of strengthening material  516  to the interior chambers  506   514  of bamboo members  404   102 . Bamboo member  404  can then be inserted into bamboo member  102  and appropriate pressure, heat or movement can be applied to fixedly couple bamboo members  404   102 . The preceding describes just one potential in-operation embodiment for the portion of a bamboo connection system portrayed in  FIGS. 4-5C  and described herein. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a bamboo member connection system can further comprise a surface-to-bamboo member attachment mechanism  606 . In some embodiments, an attachment mechanism  606  can comprise a surface attachment member  608  and one or more receptacles  610 . A surface attachment member  608  can be a substantially planar member and can be coupled with a linear surface  602  in a selective manner during the construction process, allowing for precise and proper placement of an attachment mechanism  606  on a surface  602 . In other embodiments, a surface attachment member  608  can be adapted to mate with a curvilinear or angular surface  602 . One or more receptacles  610  can be fixedly and/or selectively coupled with a surface attachment member  608 , and receptacles  610  can be configured to selectively couple with one or more bamboo members  102 . In the embodiment depicted, a receptacle attachment mechanism  604  can be employed to fixedly or selectively couple a receptacle  610  to a surface attachment member  608 . A receptacle attachment mechanism  604  can be chemical or heat bonding, adhesive or other bonding agent, brackets, screws, or other physical attachment device, and/or any other desired method of attaching a receptacle  610  to a surface attachment member  608 . 
         [0035]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , a bamboo member  102  can have a coupling mechanism  202  at its distal end  106 . The coupling mechanism  202  can allow the bamboo member  102  to couple with a substantially tubular receptacle  610  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-3C ,  4 - 5 C, or any other desired manner of coupling. A coupling mechanism  202  can be a wrap material applied in any convenient configuration, complimentary threaded surfaces on a bamboo member  102  and a receptacle  610 , or any other method of coupling. In some embodiments, an adhesive, bonding agent, or expansive material can be applied as a component of or in addition to a coupling mechanism  202 . In further embodiments, an adhesive, bonding agent, epoxy, cement, or any other desired reinforcement material  302  can be applied to the interior of a receptacle  610  such that when a bamboo member  102  is inserted, the material  302  can provide additional reinforcement, strength, and/or adhesion. In some embodiments, the interior surface of a receptacle  610  can be textured or roughened to enable enhanced grip with or frictional engagement of a bamboo member  102 . 
         [0036]    A surface attachment member  608  can be selectively coupled with a surface  602  via at least one surface attachment mechanism  612 . In the embodiment depicted, surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be nuts and bolts that can join a surface  602  with a surface attachment member  608 . In other embodiments, a surface attachment mechanism  612  can be chemical or heat bonding, adhesive or other bonding agent, brackets, screws, or other physical attachment device, and/or any other desired device and/or method for fixedly and/or selectively attaching a surface attachment member  608  to a surface  602 . 
         [0037]    Although the receptacle  610  depicted in the embodiment in  FIG. 6  is tubular and orthogonal to a surface attachment member  608 , in other embodiments a receptacle  610  can have any other desired geometry and can be angled or can otherwise have any other desired spatial configuration with respect to a surface attachment member  608 . In some embodiments, a receptacle  610  can be molded or formed specifically to fit a particular bamboo member  102 . In other embodiments, a receptacle  610  can be adapted to accept bamboo members of a wide variety of sizes and geometries. In some embodiments, a surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be separate from each other and then individually coupled with each other as needed. In other embodiments, a surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be coupled with each other as one unit prior to use in construction. 
         [0038]    A surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be comprised of polyvinyl chloride material. However, in alternate embodiments, a surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be comprised of plastic, metal, polymer, bamboo, and/or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  can be comprised of a semi-flexible material for initial assembly of a bamboo member connection system, but the material can then be cured, set, or otherwise hardened in a desired configuration. In further embodiments, the material with which a surface attachment member  608 , one or more receptacles  610 , and/or one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612  is constructed can shrink or constrict post-mating with a bamboo member  102 , either by air exposure, heat exposure, or by any other known and/or convenient mechanism. 
         [0039]    In operation, a receptacle  610  can be secured to a surface attachment member  608  via a receptacle attachment mechanism  604 . A surface attachment member  608  can then be secured to a surface  602  via one or more surface attachment mechanisms  612 . A coupling mechanism  202  can then be applied to a bamboo member  102 , and reinforcement material  302  can be applied to the interior of a receptacle  610 . A bamboo member  102  can then be inserted into a receptacle  610  such that the two can be fixedly coupled together. If required, a heat source can be applied to cure and harden a coupling mechanism  202  and/or reinforcement material  302 . The proximal end of a bamboo member  102  can then be coupled with a coupling device  204  (see one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 ), another bamboo member  104  or  404  (see embodiments depicted in  FIG. 4 ,  5 A- 5 C), or another surface-to-bamboo member attachment mechanism  606 . The preceding describes just one potential in-operation embodiment for the portion of a bamboo connection system portrayed in  FIG. 6  and described herein. 
         [0040]    Although the method has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the method as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.