Modular facility system

Abstract

A kit of parts for removably constructing various structural components. A kit may include a plurality of cylindrical structural members configured for engagement with various types of male connector members along a side of the cylindrical structural member or at an end of the cylindrical structural member, there is provided for detachable engagement of the female end socket component at the end of the other cylindrical structural component. The kit may additionally include components for one or more roller carriage assemblies and / or one or more sliding carriage assemblies configured for rolling or sliding movement along the guide rail assembly, the guide rail assembly comprises a plurality of cylindrical, square, rectangular or octagonal rail components. The guide rail assembly may be supported by a base that includes a cylindrical structural member and other members, such as a counterweight member, as well as a threaded foot member or a threaded caster member on which the guide rail assembly may be adjusted and leveled.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 811,785, filed on July 11, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 16 / 138,422, filed on September 21, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of utility equipment, and in particular to modular components for detachably joining into assemblies of various configurations for the joining and / or supporting and / or operating and / or transport of equipment for multifunctional purposes. Background Art

[0004] Various forms of utility equipment are essential to every industry and can range greatly in size and complexity to meet the specific needs of a chosen industry. Regardless of the industry, most utility equipment is designed to perform a single function. Therefore, a variety of utility equipment is required to meet the diverse needs of a chosen industry.

[0005] The filmmaking industry is an example of an industry that requires a wide variety of specialized equipment. Cinematic techniques in filmmaking, videography, and photography have increased in scale and complexity. This cinematic technology relies on a wide range of equipment, particularly camera support equipment, which provides filmmakers with the technical means to create the camera lenses needed for scenes or cinematic effects. Furthermore, the necessary portability of film sets and many types of property requires a variety of carts, wheelbarrows, stands, and other equipment to efficiently move them around the work location.

[0006] Various types of camera and motion support equipment are available and widely used by filmmakers and photographers. Some commonly used equipment includes, for example, jibs or cranes to provide the ability to add vertical and lateral motion to the shot, depending on the size of the jib, and the ability to achieve high-angle shots. Various types of dollies similarly range in size from very large systems to compact systems to provide smooth rolling camera motion, which can add horizontal motion to the shot. Handheld and body-supported stabilizers and gimbals allow the operator to shoot smooth shots while walking, while maintaining the ability to control the pan and tilt motion of the camera. As another example, a slider is essentially a compact, mountable version of a dolly on a supported track, and provides smooth motion along a straight path.

[0007] Each type of camera support equipment is designed to achieve certain camera angles or dynamic movements. Thus, given the challenges presented by a particular shooting location, each type of camera support equipment is designed to provide specific functionality to enable a specific type of shot. Consequently, the functionality and usability of each type of camera support equipment is limited, often resulting in the need to employ multiple types of camera support equipment for a given project. The limited versatility of camera support equipment means that each type is typically used alone or, sometimes, in various combinations to provide filmmakers with a number of options for achieving a scene or effect. However, these options can be difficult to coordinate, often due to location constraints, the typically large and bulky size of the equipment, and the cumbersome nature of transporting and setting up the equipment, requiring time, money, and effort.

[0008] While current systems attempt to address the portability and setup / downtime challenges of camera support equipment, a need remains for a system that is easy to transport and assemble and yet provides versatility and functionality for supporting creative camera angles and movements, rather than necessarily requiring multiple types of support equipment.

[0009] The limitations of camera support equipment are common in facilities and equipment in other industries, such as construction, performance, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to modular facility system assemblies for engaging, supporting, manipulating, and operating tools, equipment, instruments, and other types of loads. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a rugged and durable facility system assembly for temporary use at a work site or location, wherein the assembly can be constructed and quickly assembled by interconnecting and securely engaging a plurality of modular structural support members and a selection of modules, including: modules designed for mounting (and optionally also for operating) tools, equipment, or instruments, modules with rolling members (such as wheels, casters, etc.), end cap modules, and other types of modules that may be useful in constructing such modular facility system assemblies. After the need for the modular facility system assembly has been met and assembly at the work site or location is no longer required, the assembly can be quickly and easily disassembled into individual modular elements that can be collected together for transport or storage.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to three types of elongated structural support members, wherein a first type has a pair of opposing male ends, a second type has a male end and an opposing female end, and a third type has a pair of opposing female ends, wherein the male ends are configured to removably engage with the female ends. Each male end includes a cylindrical body having one or more linear groups of two spaced apart prongs on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. Each female end has a cylindrical receptacle having one or more linear channels for receiving the cylindrical body and at least one linear group of prongs therein. The female end is provided with a locking assembly for releasably engaging the male end.

[0012] According to one aspect, the cylindrical body of the male end can have two or more linear groups of two or more spaced-apart prongs, wherein the linear groups are equally spaced around the circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. According to another aspect, the cylindrical receptacle of the female end can have two or more equally spaced linear channels to receive the cylindrical body having the two or more linear groups of prongs therein.

[0013] According to one aspect, the male end of the first and / or second type of elongated structural support member can rotate within the female cylindrical receptacle of the second and / or third type of elongated structural support member. According to another aspect, the male end of the first and / or second type of elongated structural support member can be fixedly and securely engaged within the female cylindrical receptacle of the second and / or third type of elongated structural support member such that the male end cannot rotate within the female receptacle.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the three types of elongated structural support members can have an elongated structural element between two opposing ends of the elongated structural support member. According to one aspect, the elongated structural element can be tubular or rod-shaped. According to another aspect, the elongated structural element can have a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a trapezoidal cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, an octagonal cross-section, a decagonal cross-section, or an I-shaped cross-section.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to modules that are constructed for detachable engagement with imaging devices and / or sound recording devices and / or sound reproducing devices and / or lighting devices and / or light guides. Some modules may be provided with wheels or casters or rollers or the like. Some modules may be provided with seats or caps or weight components. Some modules may be provided with handles or fixed feet or adjustable feet, end caps or the like. Some modules may have a telescopic mechanism whereby one end may be controllably extended out of the module and then controllably retracted into the module. Some modules may include two mating components that may be used to clamp onto a cylindrical component.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a mounting block to which one or more male ends configured as disclosed herein may be engaged. According to some aspects, the mounting block may be elbow-shaped, cubic-shaped, triangular-shaped, pyramidal-shaped, hexagonal-shaped, octagonal-shaped, or the like.

[0017] Other embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to kits of parts that include various types of male connector components having a concave base configured to removably engage along the side of a cylindrical structural component or other component including a rounded surface, wherein the male connector components and compatible female-end receptacle components include generally square and octagonal male connector components, as well as generally square male connector components with tapered sides configured to lockably removably engage with the generally square receptacle of the female-end receptacle component. The kit of parts may additionally include generally cylindrical male connector components and generally square male connector components with rounded corners configured to rotationally and / or lockably removably engage with the generally cylindrical female-end receptacle component. The kit of parts may further comprise one or more similarly constructed male connector components having a flat base whereby they may be secured to the end of a cylindrical structural component, the male connector component being arranged for releasable engagement with a compatible female end socket component at the end of another cylindrical structural component.

[0018] Other embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to roller carriage assemblies and sliding carriage assemblies and guide rail assemblies that are configured to move along the guide rail assembly and intermittently secure while removably engaging and supporting one or more devices (such as cameras, lights, screens, monitors, microphones, speakers, sensors, scanners, tools, power tools, etc.). The carriage assembly enables the engaged device, tool, or other load to be moved horizontally, raised, and lowered, and optionally fixedly retained on one or more track members of the guide rail assembly. Optionally, one or more clamping mechanisms can apply adjustable pressure of friction pads to the track members to slow the movement of the carriage assembly along the guide rail assembly or to stop the carriage assembly.

[0019] Various embodiments of roller carriage assemblies or carriage assemblies are configured for engagement along a cylindrical rail assembly, a square rail assembly, a rectangular rail assembly, or an octagonal rail assembly, wherein the rail assembly may include a single or parallel pair of elongated rail members of a single type, or a single series or two parallel series of elongated rail members of a single type assembled end-to-end where the rail assembly requires extended travel. The rail assembly may be supported by a base comprising a plurality of cylindrical structural members and other components, such as a weight and threaded foot members or caster members on which the rail assembly can be adjustably leveled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a male / receptacle closed tube rotator module is shown, wherein a male component extends longitudinally from a closed tube end, wherein Figure 1 A is a perspective view with the male component extending forward with the tension adjustment screw knob shown on the left. Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the rear portion of the male / receptacle closed tube rotator module showing the tension adjustment screw knob on the right side;

[0022] Figure 2 It is from Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the male / receptacle closure tube rotator module shown in FIG;

[0023] Figure 3 A bi-directional closed tube rotator hub assembly is shown ( Figure 3 A) is a perspective view of an example, and Figure 3 B shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 a male / receptacle closure tube rotator module configured as a six-way hub assembly wherein four male member side mounting assemblies removably engage side walls of the rotator closure tube housing;

[0024] Figure 4 Is a dual-receptacle extension tube rotator module ( Figure 4 A) side view of an example, Figure 4 B is a cross-sectional end view thereof, showing an example of a stop lock included therein;

[0025] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A perspective view of a dual receptacle extension tube rotator module shown in FIG, configured as a four-way hub assembly having two male member side mount assemblies that removably engage the side walls of the extension tube housing, wherein Figure 5 A is the overall view, Figure 5 B is a partial exploded view;

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view of a closed pipe adapter hub assembly is shown, wherein Figure 6 A shows a three-way hub assembly having an adapter receptacle, linearly aligned male components, and a male member side mounting assembly that removably engages the side wall of the adapter closure tube housing. Figure 6 B shows a five-way hub assembly having a receptacle, linearly aligned male components, and three male member side mounting assemblies;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the five-way hub assembly shown in B;

[0028] Figure 8 An example of a male / receptacle side opening adapter module is shown having a side opening receptacle and linearly aligned male member extension tube end assemblies, wherein Figure 8 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 8 B is an exploded perspective view;

[0029] Figure 9 An example of a dual male adapter module is shown, wherein Figure 9 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 9 B is an exploded perspective view;

[0030] Figure 10 An example of a dual male extension pipe adapter module is shown having a male member extension pipe end assembly at each end, wherein Figure 10 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 10 B is an exploded perspective view;

[0031] Figure 11 Shown Figure 10 The double male expansion pipe adapter module in the embodiment of the present invention is reconfigured into a six-way hub assembly, wherein: Figure 11 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 11 B is a partial exploded perspective view;

[0032] Figure 12 An example of a dual male adapter adapter module is shown, wherein Figure 12 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 12 B is an exploded perspective view;

[0033] Figure 13 An example of a variation of the side-mounted bracket module is shown, wherein Figure 13 A is an exploded perspective view of a 30° side mounting bracket module with a 30° angle male component mounting bracket and an optional clamp bracket. Figure 13B is an exploded perspective view of a multi-angle side mounting bracket module having two multi-angle male member mounting brackets that are detachably engaged with four bracket screws. Figure 13 C is a perspective view of an example of a 90° offset side mounting bracket module. Figure 13 D is a perspective view of an example of a 45° offset side mounting bracket module;

[0034] Figure 14 An example of a variation of the male component mounting block module is shown, wherein: Figure 14 A shows a 90° elbow male component installation block module. Figure 14 B shows a cubic male component mounting block module, Figure 14 C shows a triangular male component mounting block module, Figure 14 D shows a tapered male component mounting block module. Figure 14 E shows a hexagonal male component mounting block module, Figure 14 F shows an octagonal male component mounting block module;

[0035] Figure 15 An example of a 5° incrementally adjustable male member mounting module is shown, wherein: Figure 15 A is the overall perspective view of the module, Figure 15 B is an exploded perspective view of the module;

[0036] Figure 16 An example of a floor module in an assembly having two mounting brackets and three male member plate assemblies is shown, wherein: Figure 16 A is the overall perspective view of the module, Figure 16 B is an exploded perspective view of the module;

[0037] Figure 17 Another example of a base plate assembly is shown, wherein Figure 17 A is the overall perspective view of the component, Figure 17 B is an exploded perspective view of an assembly constructed with one first example dual receptacle extension tube adapter module and two first example male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules;

[0038] Figure 18 A perspective view of an example of a tray assembly is shown, wherein: Figure 18 A is the overall view, Figure 18 B is a partially exploded view of an assembly constructed with four second example dual receptacle extension tube adapter modules;

[0039] Figure 19 A perspective view of an example of a table assembly is shown, wherein Figure 19 A is the overall view, Figure 19B is a partially exploded view showing some details of an assembly constructed with two dual receptacle side open adapter modules of the first example and four dual receptacle side open adapter modules of the second example;

[0040] Figure 20 Shown are perspective views of two examples of lighting installation modules, wherein: Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B is the overall view and partial exploded view of the 5 / 8" socket lighting installation module. Figure 20 C and Figure 20 D are the overall view and exploded view of the socket adapter lighting mounting module respectively;

[0041] Figure 21 Shows the rail rolling module ( Figure 21 A) is a perspective view of an example, Figure 21 B is a perspective view of an example of a guide rail surrounding a rolling module;

[0042] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of the guide rail rolling module shown in FIG;

[0043] Figure 23 Two perspective views of examples of wheel modules are shown, wherein Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B are an overall view and a partially exploded view, respectively, of a wheel module assembly having a standard wheel attached to the axle / receptacle side open adapter module by axle bolts, and Figure 23 C and Figure 23 D are the overall view and exploded view of the caster module assembly respectively;

[0044] Figure 24 Shows an example of a leveling foot module in overall and exploded perspective views (respectively Figure 24 A. Figure 24 B), and Figure 24 C is an exploded perspective view of an example of a base plate module;

[0045] Figure 25 A partially exploded perspective view and an overall perspective view (respectively) showing an example of a pivotable support module Figure 25 A. Figure 25 B), which is detachably engaged with the cushion member, and Figure 25 C is an overall view of an example of a pivotable support module detachably engaged with a suction cup member;

[0046] Figure 26 A perspective view of an example of a weight module assembly is shown, wherein: Figure 26 A is the overall view, Figure 26Assembly B is a partially exploded view, constructed with a second dual-receptacle extension tube rotator module;

[0047] Figure 27 An example of a telescoping expansion module is shown, wherein: Figure 27 A is the overall perspective view, Figure 27 B is an exploded perspective view. Figure 27 C is a cross-sectional view showing the threaded rod and retaining member contained therein;

[0048] Figure 28 An example of a gripping end cap module is shown, wherein Figure 28 A is a perspective view showing the outer sleeve of the module in the locked position, Figure 28 B is an exploded perspective view. Figure 28 C is an exploded perspective view showing the outer sleeve in the locked position, Figure 28 D is a top view showing the outer sleeve in the unlocked position, Figure 28 E is a top view showing the outer sleeve in the locked position;

[0049] Figure 29 A perspective view showing an example of a housing end cap module mounted to a first male / receptacle extension tube rotator module, wherein: Figure 29 A is the overall view, Figure 29 B is a partial exploded view;

[0050] Figure 30 Shows the installation to Figure 29 1 and 2 (a) and a perspective view of an example of a female dome-type liner end cap module on an exemplary shell end cap module shown in FIG. Figure 30 A. Figure 30 B), and Figure 30 C and Figure 30 D is an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an example of a male dome-type liner end cap module equipped with a male component face mounting assembly;

[0051] Figure 31 An overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view (respectively) showing an example of a seat module equipped with a male member plate assembly Figure 31 A. Figure 31 B);

[0052] Figure 32 An overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view (respectively) of an example of a buffer end cap module are shown. Figure 32 A. Figure 32 B);

[0053] Figure 33 Shows the overall perspective view and exploded perspective view of the soft end cap component (respectively Figure 33 A. Figure 33 B), Figure 33 C is a perspective view of the soft end cap component installed into the closed tube rotator hub assembly, Figure 33 D is a perspective view of the hard end cover component, Figure 33 E is a perspective view of the hard end cap component installed into the closed tube rotator hub assembly, Figure 33 F is an exploded perspective view of the flat end cap component shown together with the extension tube housing;

[0054] Figure 34 is a perspective view of an example of a crab steering trolley system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0055] Figure 35 is a perspective view of an example of a vertical rail tracking trolley system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0056] Figure 36 is a perspective view of an example of a side-mounted rail tracking trolley system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0057] Figure 37 is a perspective view of an example of a rolling boom system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0058] Figure 38 is a perspective view of an example of a low-angle floor support system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0059] Figure 39 is a perspective view of an example of a lateral ground rail tracking trolley system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0060] Figure 40 is a perspective view of an example of a double floor A-frame dolly system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0061] Figure 41 is a perspective view of an example of a four-wheeled floor dolly system on casters assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0062] Figure 42 is a perspective view of an example of a handheld camera stabilizer assembly assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0063] Figure 43 is a perspective view of an example of a vertical rail tracking gantry assembly assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0064] Figure 44is a perspective view of an example of a lighting support pipe rack system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0065] Figure 45 is a perspective view of an example of an A-frame wire wrap cart system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0066] Figure 46 is a perspective view of an example of a cart system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0067] Figure 47 is a perspective view of an example of a cart system assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0068] Figure 48 is a perspective view of an example of a modular workstation assembled with some of the modular components disclosed herein;

[0069] Figure 49 is an overall perspective view of a double-sided opening receptacle module showing two female base male components aligned for removable engagement with the module;

[0070] Figure 50 is an exploded perspective view of a female end at the end of a cylindrical structural member;

[0071] Figure 51 Shows an exploded perspective view of the male end including a flat base male assembly ( Figure 51 A. Figure 51 B), Figure 51 C is the overall perspective view of the male end;

[0072] Figure 52 is an overall perspective view of an example of a track assembly including a four-sided gripping roller carriage assembly configured for rolling motion on a vertical single track assembly;

[0073] Figure 53 yes Figure 52 A partially exploded perspective view of a four-sided clamping roller carriage assembly shown in , which includes four carriage body components with roller mounts or gusset mounts and four mating columnar structural component modules and vertical columnar track components;

[0074] Figure 54 is a partially exploded perspective view of a roller carriage assembly having an adjustable clamping mechanism aligned for engagement with a cylindrical track member;

[0075] Figure 55 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a track base assembly configured as a vertical single track base assembly having a weight component;

[0076] Figure 56 Shows an overall perspective view of a single-sided roller carriage assembly with a channel-guided adjustable clamping mechanism ( Figure 56 A), Figure 56 B. Figure 56 C and Figure 56 D is a partial exploded perspective view of the single-sided roller bracket assembly and the channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism;

[0077] Figure 57 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a sliding bracket assembly that is slidably engaged with a columnar structural member (respectively Figure 57 A. Figure 57 B);

[0078] Figure 58 is an overall perspective view of a rail trolley assembly comprising four single-sided roller carriage assemblies mounted to two cylindrical structural members via four multi-directional member mounts with a device mounting plate spanning between the two cylindrical structural members, the rail trolley assembly being capable of rolling on a standard steel tubular track assembly;

[0079] Figure 59 yes Figure 58 A partially exploded perspective view of the rail trolley assembly shown in FIG.

[0080] Figure 60 Shows an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a parallel arrangement of multi-directional component mountings (respectively Figure 60 A. Figure 60 B), Figure 60 C and Figure 60 D are the overall perspective view and exploded perspective view of the multi-directional component mounting assembly set at 45 degrees;

[0081] Figure 61 is an overall perspective view of a four-sided clamping square rail roller carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement with a square track member also shown;

[0082] Figure 62 yes Figure 61 A partially exploded perspective view of the square track roller bracket assembly and square track components shown in FIG;

[0083] Figure 63 Shown are bottom and top perspective views (respectively) of a single-sided square track roller carriage assembly with a square track channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism. Figure 63 A. Figure 63 B), Figure 63 C and Figure 63 D is an overall perspective view of a three-sided square track roller carriage assembly having two square track channel guide adjustable clamping mechanisms;

[0084] Figure 64 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of a four-sided sliding bracket assembly with two square track channels guiding an adjustable clamping mechanism (respectively Figure 64 A. Figure 64 B);

[0085] Figure 65 An overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view (respectively) of a second four-sided square track roller carriage assembly having a second configuration of roller mounts are shown. Figure 65 A. Figure 65 B);

[0086] Figure 66 is an overall perspective view of a four-sided octagonal track clamping roller bracket assembly configured for rolling engagement with an octagonal track member;

[0087] Figure 67 yes Figure 66 A partially exploded perspective view of the octagonal track roller carriage assembly shown in FIG;

[0088] Figure 68 is an overall perspective view of a four-sided pivoting roller carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement with a curved track member;

[0089] Figure 69 yes Figure 68 A partially exploded perspective view of the four-sided pivoting roller carriage assembly and the curved track component shown in FIG;

[0090] Figure 70 is an overall perspective view of a 360-degree translation dolly assembly, which includes four single-sided pivoting roller carriage assemblies mounted via four multi-directional component mountings and configured for rolling motion on a circular track assembly;

[0091] Figure 71 yes Figure 70 A partially exploded perspective view of the 360-degree translation trolley assembly and the circular track assembly shown in FIG;

[0092] Figure 72 is an overall perspective view of a track trolley assembly comprising four single-sided roller carriage assemblies mounted to two cylindrical structural members via four multi-directional member mounts with a device mounting plate spanning between the two cylindrical structural members, the trolley assembly being capable of rolling on an adjustable horizontal track assembly;

[0093] Figure 73 yes Figure 72 a partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of the adjustable horizontal track support assembly shown in FIG;

[0094] Figure 74is an overall perspective view of a low-angle track dolly assembly comprising four double-sided roller carriage assemblies mounted in pairs to two cylindrical structural members with a device mounting plate spanning between the two cylindrical structural members, the low-angle track dolly assembly being capable of rolling on an adjustable horizontal track assembly;

[0095] Figure 75 yes Figure 74 A partially exploded perspective view of a section of the low angle rail dolly assembly and the adjustable horizontal rail support assembly shown in FIG;

[0096] Figure 76 yes Figure 74 and Figure 75 A partially exploded perspective view of the device mounting plate, threaded extension rod, and bowl / ball mounting assembly of the low-angle rail dolly assembly shown in FIG.

[0097] Figure 77 is an overall perspective view of a height-adjustable dual-rail track trolley assembly comprising two parallel rails with a three-sided roller carriage assembly engaged on each rail, the three-sided roller carriage assembly having two side mounting brackets and a device mounting plate spanning therebetween;

[0098] Figure 78 yes Figure 77 A partially exploded perspective view of a section of two three-sided roller carriage assemblies and two parallel guide rails shown in FIG;

[0099] Figure 79 yes Figure 77 A partially cutaway perspective view of one of the two trolley base assemblies of the height-adjustable dual-rail track trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0100] Figure 80 is an overall perspective view of a second height-adjustable dual-rail track trolley assembly having two three-sided roller carriage assemblies capable of rolling in tandem on two rails, the three-sided roller carriage assemblies being attached by two bridge plates fastened to two side mounting brackets, respectively;

[0101] Figure 81 yes Figure 80 A partial cutaway perspective view of the guide rail and roller carriage assembly of the height adjustable dual guide rail track trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0102] Figure 82 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of the roller bracket assembly (respectively Figure 82 A. Figure 82 B) having two stud mounting members for removably engaging the lighting device;

[0103] Figure 83is an overall perspective view of a dual vertical cylindrical guide rail trolley assembly, which includes two three-sided roller bracket assemblies and a device mounting plate assembly, wherein the device mounting plate assembly can roll vertically on two guide rail modules supported by the trolley base assembly;

[0104] Figure 84 yes Figure 83 A partially exploded perspective view of the trolley base assembly of the dual vertical column guide rail trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0105] Figure 85 yes Figure 83 A partially exploded perspective view of the guide rail and roller carriage assembly of the dual vertical column guide rail trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0106] Figure 86 is an overall perspective view of a dual vertical square rail trolley assembly comprising two three-sided square track roller carriage assemblies engaged on a dual square rail assembly supported by a trolley base assembly;

[0107] Figure 87 yes Figure 86 A partially exploded perspective view of the dual vertical square rail trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0108] Figure 88 is an overall perspective view of a dual-plate track dolly assembly having two component mounting plates and a bowl / ball mounting assembly, the dolly assembly being capable of rolling on an adjustable horizontal track assembly;

[0109] Figure 89 yes Figure 88 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the double-plate track trolley assembly and the adjustable horizontal track assembly shown in FIG;

[0110] Figure 90 yes Figure 88 A partial cutaway perspective view of the component mounting plate and bowl / ball mounting assembly of the dual plate track trolley assembly shown in FIG;

[0111] Figure 91 Shown are overall and partially exploded perspective views of a component mounting plate dolly assembly on four casters with bowl / ball mounting assemblies (respectively Figure 91 A. Figure 91 B), the trolley assembly is located on four casters;

[0112] Figure 92 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of the second component mounting plate trolley assembly (respectively Figure 92 A. Figure 92 B) having weight members located on four casters having threaded extension stems and bowl / ball mounting assemblies;

[0113] Figure 93 It is a four-channel cylindrical structural component module ( Figure 93 A) overall perspective view, and Figure 93 B and Figure 93 C are an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view, respectively, of a four-channel cylindrical structural component module having a compatible component that is detachably engaged with the nut channel of the four-channel cylindrical structural component;

[0114] Figure 94 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of two columnar structural components (respectively Figure 94 A. Figure 94 B), one end of which has a rectangular through-hole male end and the other end is connected by four channel supports;

[0115] Figure 95 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a rectangular through-hole male end / male end module with five male side mounts (respectively Figure 95 A. Figure 95 B), the male side mounting member is detachably engaged on the circumference of the four-channel cylindrical structural member;

[0116] Figure 96 Is a fixed square socket / rectangular through-hole male end module ( Figure 96 A) overall perspective view, and Figure 96 B and Figure 96 C are Figure 96 A is an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of the fixed square socket / rectangular through-hole male end module shown in FIG. 1 , which is detachably engaged with the fixed square socket / end cap module via the rectangular through-hole male end;

[0117] Figure 97 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of two double-fixed square socket modules (respectively Figure 97 A. Figure 97 B) which is removably engaged by a rectangular through-hole male side mount;

[0118] Figure 98 Shown with Figure 97 The overall perspective view and partially exploded perspective view of the rectangular threaded hole male end and the rectangular threaded hole male side mounting member of the double-fixed square socket module shown in FIG. Figure 98 A. Figure 98 B);

[0119] Figure 99 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a tapered square through-hole male end and a tapered square through-hole male side mount that cooperate with a dual-fixed square socket module (respectively Figure 99 A. Figure 99 B);

[0120] Figure 100 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a tapered square threaded hole male end and a tapered square threaded hole male side mount that cooperate with a double-fixed square socket module (respectively Figure 100 A. Figure 100 B);

[0121] Figure 101 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of an octagonal through-hole male end and an octagonal through-hole male side mounting member that cooperate with a double-sided side opening socket module (respectively Figure 101 A. Figure 101 B), the square side opening socket module includes square side opening socket components located at both ends of the cylindrical structural component;

[0122] Figure 102 Shown with Figure 101 The overall perspective view of the octagonal threaded hole male end and the octagonal threaded hole male side mounting member matched with the double square side opening socket module shown in ( Figure 102 A) and exploded perspective view ( Figure 102 B. Figure 102 C);

[0123] Figure 103 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a dual rotatable cylindrical socket module (respectively Figure 103 A. Figure 103 B) comprising a rotatable cylindrical socket component cooperating at an end with a cylindrical through-hole male end and a cylindrical through-hole male side mounting member;

[0124] Figure 104 Shown with Figure 103 The overall perspective view and partially exploded perspective view (respectively) of the cylindrical threaded hole male end and cylindrical threaded hole male side mounting member of the dual rotatable cylindrical socket module shown in Figure 104 A. Figure 104 B);

[0125] Figure 105 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of the double-rounded side opening socket module (respectively Figure 105 A. Figure 105 B), which comprises a socket component with rounded side openings at both ends, one end of which cooperates with the male side mounting member of the cylindrical threaded hole and the other end of which cooperates with the male end of the cylindrical through hole;

[0126] Figure 106 Shown with Figure 103 The overall perspective view and partially exploded perspective view of the rounded square through-hole male end and the rounded square through-hole male side mounting member of the double rotatable cylindrical socket module shown in FIG. Figure 106 A. Figure 106 B);

[0127] Figure 107 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a rounded square threaded hole male end and a rounded square threaded hole male side mount that cooperate with a dual rotatable cylindrical socket module (respectively Figure 107 A. Figure 107 B);

[0128] Figure 108 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a rounded square indexing male end and a rounded square indexing male side mount that mates with a dual rotatable cylindrical socket module (respectively Figure 108 A. Figure 108 B);

[0129] Figure 109 The overall perspective view and partially exploded perspective view (respectively) of the rounded square indexing male end and the rounded square indexing male side mounting member that cooperate with the double-fixed square socket module of the second example are shown. Figure 109 A. Figure 109 B);

[0130] Figure 110 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view (respectively) of a rounded square indexing male side mount that cooperates with an indexing fixture socket component at the end of a cylindrical structural component. Figure 110 A. Figure 110 B);

[0131] Figure 111 Shown Figure 110 Additional exploded views of the indexing fixture socket components and the rounded square indexing male side mount shown in ( Figure 111 A. Figure 111 B);

[0132] Figure 112 Shown are overall and exploded perspective views (respectively) of a cylindrical tilt neck graduated male side mount configured for detachable engagement with a tilt fixture socket component. Figure 112 A. Figure 112 B), Figure 112 C and Figure 112 D are an overall perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of a cylindrical tilt neck portion graduated male end configured for detachable engagement with a tilt fixture socket component;

[0133] Figure 113 An overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view (respectively) showing a cylindrical angled neck graded male side mount that cooperates with an angled clamp socket component at the end of a cylindrical structural component. Figure 113 A. Figure 113 B);

[0134] Figure 114 yes Figure 113 A further exploded top view of the tilt fixture socket component and the cylindrical tilt neck graded male side mount shown in FIG;

[0135] Figure 115 yes Figure 113 and Figure 114 A further exploded bottom view of the tilt fixture socket assembly and the cylindrical tilt neck graded male side mount shown in FIG;

[0136] Figure 116 Shows an overall perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view of a cylindrical tilted neck rotating male end and a cylindrical tilted neck rotating male side mounting member that cooperate with a dual rotatable cylindrical socket module (respectively Figure 116 A. Figure 116 B);

[0137] Figure 117 Shows the overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of the channel-free columnar structural component module (respectively Figure 117 A. Figure 117 B) comprising a channel-free cylindrical structural member having at both ends thereof a second example of a tilt fixture socket member, the tilt fixture socket members each mating with a cylindrical tilt neck graded male side mount;

[0138] Figure 118 The overall perspective view and partial exploded perspective view of the eight-channel columnar structural component module are shown (respectively Figure 118 A. Figure 118 B) comprising an eight-channel cylindrical structural member having an eight-channel rotatable cylindrical socket member at one end and an eight-channel rounded square threaded hole male end at the opposite end;

[0139] Figure 119 Shown is a one-way male side mounting collar ( Figure 119 A. Figure 119 B) is an exploded perspective view, and Figure 119 C is an overall perspective view of two one-way male side mounting collars that are removably engaged with a fixed square socket / rectangular through-hole male end module;

[0140] Figure 120 A partially exploded perspective view of a four-way male side mounting collar with a cylindrical angled neck connector component is shown ( Figure 120 A), and Figure 120 B is an overall perspective view of a four-way male side mounting collar and four cylindrical angled neck connector components detachably engaged with a fixed square socket / rectangular through-hole male end module;

[0141] Figure 121Shown are exploded and overall perspective views of a dual-directional male mount engagement module having two tapered square through-hole connector components (respectively Figure 121 A. Figure 121 B), Figure 121 C is an exploded perspective view of a three-way male mount indexing T-junction module having a tapered square through-hole connector component, and Figure 121 D is an overall perspective view of a three-way male-mount indexed T-junction module having three tapered square through-hole connector components;

[0142] Figure 122 An exploded perspective view of a three-way male mounting angle junction module with a tapered square through-hole connector component is shown ( Figure 122 A), and Figure 122 B is an overall perspective view of a three-way male mounting angle junction module having three tapered square through-hole connector components. Figure 122 C is an exploded perspective view of a three-way male mount Y-junction module having one tapered square through-hole connector component, and Figure 122 D is an overall perspective view of a three-way male-mount Y-junction module having three tapered square through-hole connector components;

[0143] Figure 123 is an exploded perspective view of a four-way male mounting tapered coupling module having a tapered square through-hole connector component ( Figure 123 A), Figure 123 B is an overall perspective view of a four-way male mounting tapered coupling module having four tapered square through-hole connector components. Figure 123 C is an exploded perspective view of a six-way male mounting cube-shaped bonding module having a tapered square through-hole connector component, and Figure 123 D is an overall perspective view of a six-way male mounting cube-shaped bonding module having six tapered square through-hole connector components;

[0144] Figure 124 The overall perspective view and partially exploded perspective view (respectively) show the detachable engagement of the three-way male mounting T-shaped coupling module with the two handle modules and the socket module. Figure 124 A. Figure 124 B);

[0145] Figure 125 The overall perspective view and the partially exploded perspective view of the handle module are shown respectively ( Figure 125 A. Figure 125 B) which is removably engaged to the cylindrical structural member of the socket module by means of a male side mount;

[0146] Figure 126is an overall perspective view of a second example of a dual vertical column guideway trolley assembly, which includes a four-channel column structure component module and a channel-free column structure component module and two component mounting plates;

[0147] Figure 127 yes Figure 126 A partially exploded perspective view of the dual vertical column guideway trolley assembly shown in FIG.

[0148] Figure 128 Shows an overall perspective view and a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a stackable tray assembly (respectively Figure 128 A. Figure 128 B);

[0149] Figure 129 is a partially exploded perspective view of a dolly assembly having four casters including three stackable tray assemblies;

[0150] Figure 130 is an overall perspective view of a table subassembly comprising a platform member removably engaged to four double-fixed square socket modules via a collar;

[0151] Figure 131 yes Figure 130 A partially exploded perspective view of the table assembly is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0152] definition

[0153] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0154] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a variation of approximately + / - 10% relative to a given value. It should be understood that such variations are always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not specifically mentioned.

[0155] As used herein, the term “perspective view” refers to a three-dimensional view of a component or module or assembly disclosed herein, depicting the height, width, and depth of the component or module or assembly for more realistic images and representations.

[0156] As used herein, the term "top view" refers to an illustration of a component, module, or assembly looking directly downward on its top surface.

[0157] As used herein, the term "rear view" refers to an illustration of a component or module or assembly looking horizontally and straight on at the rear of the component or module or assembly.

[0158] As used herein, the term "front view" refers to an illustration of a component or module or assembly looking horizontally and squarely at the front of the component or module or assembly.

[0159] As used herein, the term "side view" refers to an illustration of a component, module, or assembly viewed horizontally and squarely on the side of the component, module, or assembly.

[0160] As used herein, the term "bottom view" refers to an illustration of a component, module, or assembly looking directly upward on its bottom surface.

[0161] As used herein, the term "rotator module" or "rotator assembly" refers to a component or assembly that is constructed to removably engage with another module or assembly with a controlled rotation function, thereby providing a structurally strong and stable connection between the two modules or assemblies. The rotator module may include: (i) a rotator receptacle and opposing male ends; (ii) two opposing rotator receptacles; or (iii) a rotator receptacle and opposing adapter receptacles, separated by cylindrical tubes or rods, or square tubes or rods, or rectangular tubes or rods, or trapezoidal tubes or rods, or triangular tubes or rods, or hexagonal tubes or rods, or octagonal tubes or rods, or decagonal tubes or rods, or I-shaped tubes or rods, wherein the tubes or rods can have different lengths to provide different lengths of extension between the receptacles, or between the receptacles and the male ends. A specific rotator module, defined as a "hub module" or "hub assembly", can be constructed to provide pivotable and lockable angular interconnection points for multiple modules within a component system.

[0162] As used herein, the term "adapter module" or "adapter assembly" refers to a component that is configured to provide a detachable structural connection and extension between selected modules. The adapter module may include: (i) an adapter receptacle and opposing male ends; (ii) two opposing adapter receptacles; or (iii) two male ends separated by a cylindrical tube or rod, or a square tube or rod, or a rectangular tube or rod, or a trapezoidal tube or rod, or a triangular tube or rod, or a hexagonal tube or rod, or an octagonal tube or rod, or a decagonal tube or rod, or an I-shaped tube or rod, wherein the tubes or rods can have different lengths to provide extensions of different lengths between the adapter receptacles, or between the adapter receptacle and the male ends, or between the male ends. A specific adapter module, defined as a "hub module" or "hub assembly", can be configured to provide pivotable and lockable angular interconnection points for multiple modules within a component system.

[0163] As used herein, the term "hub module" or "hub assembly" refers to a component or assembly that is configured to provide structural angular interconnection points between selected modules. The hub module or assembly can include multiple male members and / or receptacles of different numbers and orientations to provide a variety of structural construction options. According to some embodiments, the hub module and hub assembly can be defined as a set of modular components, wherein each module or assembly is configured for different structural requirements having different numbers and orientations of male members and / or receptacles. According to some embodiments, the hub module and hub assembly can be defined as a modular construction, which includes a detachable assembly of one or more male members with other modules (such as, for example, a connector module or a rotator module) to provide specific functions to the hub module or hub assembly, and whereby a direct structural detachable connection can be made by the added male members.

[0164] As used herein, the term "male component mounting module" refers to a class of modules that include male component side mounting bracket modules and male component mounting block modules that have a detachable engagement mechanism for fixedly or pivotally coupling into an assembly, thereby allowing a hub assembly with special functions.

[0165] As used herein, the terms "tool support module" and "load support module" refer to a class of modules having a removable engagement mechanism for fixedly or pivotally incorporating into an assembly, wherein the tool support module or load support module directly interfaces with a selected tool or load. The tool support assembly and load support assembly can be configured by the user for pivotally or fixedly attaching a selected tool or load to the assembly.

[0166] As used herein, the terms "backplane module" and "backplane assembly" refer to a module or assembly configured for stable and secure removable engagement with a camera, microphone, or other tool or supported load.

[0167] As used herein, the term "pallet module" or "pallet assembly" refers to a component configured to provide pivotable or fixed case support functions or pallet support functions for transporting equipment, property, materials, supplies, etc. around a work site or other location. Alternatively, the pallet module or pallet assembly can be used as a shelving system, or a table, or a performance platform.

[0168] As used herein, the term "stage module" or "stage assembly" or "table module" or "table assembly" or "shelf module" or "shelf assembly" refers to a component or modular assembly that provides a stage or workstation or shelving structure, or alternatively can be used as a performance platform.

[0169] As used herein, the term "lighting mounting module" refers to a component or modular assembly that can be incorporated into an assembly to provide a lighting mounting socket or other attachment means for removably engaging a standard lighting fixture or other similar load.

[0170] As used herein, the term "base module" refers to a class of modules having a detachably engageable mechanism for fixedly or pivotally attaching to an assembly to provide a roller module, or a wheel module, or a counterweight / base weight module, or a foot module, or an expandable support module for the assembly.

[0171] As used herein, the term "guideway rolling module" refers to a modular assembly configured with two pairs of in-line wheel assemblies to provide rolling or sliding functionality on a guideway track assembly.

[0172] As used herein, the term "rail wrap rolling module" refers to a modular assembly constructed with two opposing sets of two pairs of in-line wheel assemblies configured to provide rolling or sliding functionality on a rail track assembly.

[0173] As used herein, the term "guideway track assembly" refers to a modular assembly that is configured to receive and support a guideway rolling module thereon, or alternatively receive and support a guideway around a rolling module to provide a desired path for transporting the support assembly along the module. The guideway track assembly may be straight or curved and may optionally have a flexible length to enable assembly of desired curved and curvilinear configurations.

[0174] As used herein, the term "wheel module" refers to a modular assembly having fixed or alternatively pivotable wheels for removably engaging a support assembly to provide rolling functionality to the support assembly. The wheels may be pneumatic, solid rubber, plastic, or foam.

[0175] As used herein, the terms "weight module" and "weight assembly" refer to components or modular assemblies that provide the functionality of an operational counterweight, base weight, or weighted foot module within a support assembly. Weight modules and weight assemblies can be configured in a variety of sizes, weights, and modules to provide a variety of support options.

[0176] As used herein, the term "telescopic expansion module" refers to a component that provides a bi-directional structural extension with a length adjustment mechanism to enable the linear length of the module to be extended and retracted.

[0177] As used herein, the term "leveling foot module" refers to a component for an assembly requiring a foot component with a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate positioning of the assembly's construction on uneven surfaces or terrain.

[0178] As used herein, the term "end cap module" refers to a class of modules having a detachable connection mechanism to provide an end point and gripping function or handle function or foot function or padding function or buffer function or cap function that can be incorporated into a structural support assembly.

[0179] As used herein, the term "seat module" refers to a modular assembly having a seat component that is intended to be incorporated into a structural support assembly where an on-board operator is required, such as in a ride-on trolley assembly, or alternatively, as a component of a stool, bench, or workstation assembly.

[0180] As used herein, the term "unit size" refers to a scalable unit of measure in which the relative proportions of the configurable modular components of a system can be universally configured to allow cross-compatibility of the modules, and any values ​​described are used to inform cross-compatibility and are not intended to limit the size or relative proportions of the systems of the present disclosure. The unit of measure can be a size unit of a system format, a metric format, or an imperial format.

[0181] As used herein, the term "system format" refers to the shared design characteristics of proportions and removably engageable features of a set of modules disclosed herein, wherein each module includes similar or compatible mechanisms to facilitate removable engagement with each other module and may optionally share a system-wide unit size.

[0182] The modular facilities and support assemblies disclosed herein include a plurality of modules that can be removably joined into a variety of combinations to form assemblies that can be used for a variety of fixed and mobile load-bearing equipment and material support capabilities. The modularity of the system allows it to be disassembled into individual modular components and / or parts for easy transportation and storage. Likewise, the modularity of the systems disclosed herein enables versatility because the individual modules can be easily constructed into one type of assembly, then quickly and easily disassembled for transportation and / or storage, and then removably joined into a new configuration of a different type of assembly having a different type of functionality.

[0183] The modular components disclosed herein generally include a detachable connection mechanism that allows the modules to be quickly, easily, stably, and securely connected to each other and locked in place. In this way, the modules can be quickly and securely connected to each other to various useful facility components for detachably engaging, supporting, and manipulating various types of tools, equipment, instruments, etc. Alternatively, the modules can be quickly and securely connected to each other to various useful facility components for containing and transporting loads around a site (such as a work site or a recreational site), and once the facility assembly is completed on the site, it can be quickly and easily dismantled by detaching and disassembling the individual modules for removal and transportation to a storage facility, or alternatively, removal and transportation to another site for construction of other types of facility assemblies.

[0184] There is no limitation on the types of facility systems that can be constructed and assembled by removable coupling of modular components disclosed herein. Most facility assembly configurations will typically include a plurality of rotator modules, a plurality of adapter modules, a plurality of hub modules and / or hub assemblies, a plurality of male member mounting modules, a plurality of tool / load support modules, a plurality of base modules, and a plurality of end cap modules, wherein the plurality of modules are interconnected in various arrangements to form various facility systems or support systems.

[0185] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to three types of portable modular components that can be used to removably engage with each other to construct various structural assemblies. A first type of portable modular component includes an elongated structural support member having a pair of opposing male ends. A second type of portable modular component includes an elongated structural support member having a pair of opposing ends, wherein the first end is a male end and the second end is a female end. A third type of portable modular component includes an elongated structural support member having a pair of opposing female ends. The male ends of the first and second types of portable modular components are configured for removable engagement with the female ends of the second and third types of portable modular components.

[0186] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first type of elongated structural support member and / or the second type of elongated structural support member and / or the third type of elongated structural support member can have an elongated structural element between the pair of opposite ends. According to one aspect, the elongated structural element can be a tube. According to another aspect, the elongated structural element can be a rod.

[0187] According to one aspect, each male end can include a cylindrical body having at least one linear group of prongs, or more than one spaced-apart group of prongs, on its circumferential surface, wherein each group of prongs has two or more spaced-apart prongs. According to some aspects, some male ends can have two linear groups of prongs spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical body, or alternatively, groups of between three and twelve prongs spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical body. According to some aspects, each group of prongs can have from one to eight spaced-apart prongs. According to some aspects, some male ends can have no prongs.

[0188] According to another aspect, each female end can have a cylindrical receptacle for receiving therein a male cylindrical body disclosed herein. The female receptacle can have at least one linear channel for slidingly receiving therein a prong of the male end. According to some aspects, some female ends can have a receptacle having two linear channels spaced about its circumference for receiving therein a male cylindrical body having two linear sets of prongs spaced about its circumference. Alternatively, some female ends can have a receptacle having three to twelve linear channels spaced about its circumference for slidingly receiving therein a male cylindrical body having between three and twelve linear sets of prongs spaced about its circumference. According to another aspect, each linear channel in the receptacle of the female end of the second or third type of elongated structural support member or element can have one or more side channels extending from the linear channel completely or partially around the cylindrical receptacle to rotatably and removably engage with spaced prongs on the male cylindrical body. According to another aspect, the female end may be free of a linear channel, wherein the male cylindrical body that removably engages the male end is free of a prong. According to another aspect, some female ends may be provided with a locking assembly for releasably engaging it with a male end.

[0189] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more male ends of a first or second type of elongated structural support member or element may be rotated about a longitudinal axis of a second or third type of elongated structural support member or element.

[0190] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more female ends of the second or third type of elongated structural support members or elements may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the first or second type of elongated structural support members or elements.

[0191] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the first type of elongated structural support member or element, and / or the second type of elongated structural support member or element, and / or the third type of elongated structural support member or element may have a male end extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the male end comprises a cylindrical body having at least one linear group of prongs, or more than one spaced-apart groups of prongs, on a circumferential surface thereof, wherein the male end is configured for rotationally and removably engaging with the female end. According to one aspect, there may be two or more male ends extending radially outward from the first type of elongated structural support member or element, and / or the second type of elongated structural support member or element, and / or the third type of elongated structural support member or element in the same plane or in different planes, wherein each of the male ends comprises a cylindrical body having at least one linear group of prongs, or more than one spaced-apart groups of prongs, on a circumferential surface thereof, wherein the male end is configured for rotationally and removably engaging with the female end.

[0192] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an end cap module having a male end member for removably engaging with a female end of a second type of elongated structural support member or element, or a female end of a third type of elongated structural support member or element. Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an end cap module having a female end member for removably engaging with a male end of a first type of elongated structural support member or element, or a male end of a second type of elongated structural support member or element.

[0193] The modularity of the components and assemblies disclosed herein enables and facilitates customization of facility assemblies. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a customizable kit is provided that includes a plurality of various modular components that can be assembled into a selected type or specific type of desired facility assembly and / or support assembly. In this way, the modular components, assemblies, and systems of the present disclosure provide for on-site versatility and ease of use. For purposes of illustrating the versatility and ease of use and construction of the present modules, the following non-limiting description will relate to examples of facility assemblies that can be used to removably engage with cameras, sound equipment, lighting equipment, props, and other types of equipment used in filmmaking, videography, and photography applications, as well as some general-purpose cart applications and some general-purpose workstation applications.

[0194] refer to Figures 1 to 33Some examples of embodiments of the modular components and modular assemblies of the present disclosure described show various types of removably engageable modules that can be securely and stably interconnected and assembled into many different configurations for engaging, supporting and transporting various types of facility equipment and / or tools and / or devices and / or components, and / or parts and / or materials and / or supplies in and around a film set or production studio or photography studio or performance venue or sports venue, or other locations typically used for filming movies, videos, television programs, sports, news, documentaries, music videos, time-lapse photography, and still photography. Those skilled in the art will understand how to securely and stably removably engage the modules and modular assemblies disclosed herein for use in assemblies that can be used in other types of venues such as construction, landscaping, agriculture, industry, healthcare, retail, warehouses, etc., or alternatively for use in assemblies in some home and entertainment applications. The number and type of modules that can be incorporated into a particular assembly will vary depending on the intended end use of the facility or support system. However, the assembled system will generally include: Figures 1 to 5 One or more of a set of rotator modules exemplified in; Figures 6 to 12 One or more of a set of adapter modules exemplified in; Figures 13 to 15 One or more of a set of male component mounting modules exemplified in; Figure 3 、 Figures 5 to 7 、 Figure 11 and Figures 13 to 15 One or more of a set of hub modules and hub assemblies exemplified in; Figures 16 to 20 One or more of a set of tool / load support modules exemplified in; Figures 21 to 27 One or more of the set of base modules exemplified in , and Figures 28 to 33 One or more of a set of end cap modules illustrated in .

[0195] These modules can be used to assemble various facility systems and support structures, such as dollies, carts, rails, stands, tables, workstations, seats, shelving, bed frames, railings, stages, partitions, etc. Figures 34 to 48 Shown are examples of various types of facility assemblies and support assemblies that may be constructed from combinations of modular components and modular assemblies disclosed herein.

[0196] It should be noted that all modules disclosed herein provide general interconnectivity for various facility system components to provide a wide range of functions, or alternatively, to provide specialized functions. After the needs for the components are fulfilled, they are easily disassembled into individual modular components for transportation and / or storage. For example, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17The base module and components illustrated in the example can be used to secure a camera, microphone or such equipment or tools thereto. According to other embodiments, one or more tray modules and one or more table / desk modules ( Figure 18 and Figure 19 ) can be configured to transport equipment, materials, supplies, etc. around a location and can be configured as a mobile workstation or a fixed workstation. One or more lighting mounting modules ( Figure 20 ) can be incorporated into a facility system assembly for removably attaching lighting or sound or other similar equipment. According to other embodiments, the wheel module ( Figure 23 ) can be constructed to provide rolling functionality for system components, or can include a foot module ( Figure 24 and Figure 25 ) for fixed setting. According to other embodiments, the system components may include one or more guide rail rolling modules ( Figure 21 and Figure 22 ) on which the system can travel or by extending the length or a series of guide rail track assemblies ( Figure 34 、 Figure 35 、 Figure 36 、 Figure 39 and Figure 43 ). In addition, the weight module ( Figure 26 ) can be included in the system for structural balancing and base stability options when needed. Additionally, the system components may include one or more telescopic expansion modules ( Figure 27 ). A set of end cap modules ( Figures 28 to 33 ) including handles, feet, padding, seats, bumpers and cap components and modules may also be provided within the system to achieve the functions required by various end uses.

[0197] Removable joint mechanism

[0198] Key features of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms that enable and facilitate quick, stable, and secure removable engagement of one module with another, such that the modules are securely and stably locked together. Some modules disclosed herein are configured with one or both ends to provide a functional pivot point that allows 360° rotational movement at one or both ends.

[0199] Figures 1 to 33A series of exemplary interconnected modules are depicted that generally embody the structural components and framework of the exemplary facility systems and support structures disclosed herein. Each of these modules includes all or a portion of a reversible engagement mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure and is referenced for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that varying embodiments of all or a portion of the reversible engagement mechanism can be made as part of any module to allow interconnection into a larger system in accordance with embodiments described herein. The reversible engagement mechanism can include a receptacle in one module, such as shown in units 11, 211, 252, that is configured to receive and engage a male member having a male component 70 on another module.

[0200] The male component 70 generally comprises a cylindrical body having a first collar 87a (i.e., distal collar) having a chamfered leading edge 86 that serves as a catch chamfer, and a neck 88 that separates the first collar 87a from the second collar 87b (i.e., proximal collar). Four prongs 82 extend radially outward from each of the collars 87a, 87b. The prongs 82 are configured for sliding engagement, for example, with a collar disposed in the adapter receptacle 211 ( Figure 6 ) of the tip retaining slot 223, or with the tip retaining slot 262 provided for it in the side opening adapter receptacle 252, or with the tip retaining slot 262 provided for it in the gripping end cap module 625 ( Figure 28 ) of the prongs to maintain the slot 630 in sliding engagement. Alternatively, the prongs 82 may be positioned within the rotator receptacle 11 ( Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 ) is unobstructed to allow a full 360° rotation of the male component 70 within the receptacle 11. The male component may have two to eight spaced-apart collars, each collar having two to twelve spaced-apart prongs 82 extending outwardly therefrom for slidably engaging a receptacle configured to receive and engage the male component.

[0201] Some modules disclosed herein may have a receptacle 11 in a housing 15 provided with a reversible engagement mechanism including a pivot lock 60 for releasably engaging with the male end of another module. According to one aspect, the module housing may have two or more spaced-apart pivot locks 60 positioned around its circumference. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, some modules may have a pivot lock 60 having a pivot lock indexing pin 62 that reversibly locks a module against a second module, whereby the indexing pin 62 extends into the pivot lock sprockets 74, 112, 216, 272, 284, 362, 396, 423, 506 (respectively). Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 20 ). The pivot sprocket may have, for example, sixteen slots around its outer edge that provide sixteen locking positions in 22.5° increments.

[0202] Rotator module

[0203] Figures 1 to 5 、 Figure 26 and Figure 29 The exemplary rotator module shown in includes a reversible engagement mechanism disclosed herein, thereby allowing the module to be reversibly interconnected with other modules of the system. The rotator module is configured to provide rotation functionality for each pivotable connection point between selected modules in the entire assembly. According to some embodiments, the rotator module can provide translation and / or tilt functionality for the tool support module or load support module or tool support assembly or load support assembly and the device mounted thereon (such as a camera or other load). Moreover, the rotator module can provide other functional pivot points within the assembly, for example, such as the direction and / or drive rotation of the wheel module.

[0204] According to some embodiments, a tool support assembly or a payload support assembly can include one or more of a set of closed tube rotator modules having different lengths, which can be sized with reference to the unit sizes of a range of system formats to help promote cross-compatibility of modules of the system. For example, a closed tube rotator module can have a 2 unit length and a 2 unit diameter, where one unit is 30 mm.

[0205] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a 2 unit length / 2 unit diameter closed tube rotator module 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 B, which is shown as a six-way closed tube rotator hub assembly 101 reconfigured into 2 unit length / 2 unit diameter. These closed tube rotator modules include a rotator receptacle 11 configured for secure and removable engagement with a second module, wherein the male end of the second module can be rotated 360 degrees within the receptacle 11. The closed tube rotator modules 10, 100, 101 can include a closed tube housing 15, which in this example provides a modular length of 2 units, at which point the rotator receptacle assembly 20 ( Figure 5) is secured within the closure tube housing 15 at four threaded tube end screw slots 18 by four screws 23. The exemplary rotator receptacle assembly 20 includes a lock spring rotator half-receptacle 21 and a lock release rotator half-receptacle 22 that together define: (i) an outer bushing passage 24 for an outer bushing 26; (ii) an inner bushing passage 28 for an inner bushing 30; (iii) a pivot lock passage 32 for the inner bushing 30; and (iv) a square nut slot 34 for securing a square nut 36 within the closure tube housing 15 for alignment with the retaining lock 50 or the side mounting hole 38.

[0206] In these examples, square nut slot 34 is configured to receive square nut 36 therein, which can threadably secure a block lock set screw 40, which enters through block lock set screw hole 42 in closure tube housing 15 and passes through nut 36 into rotator receptacle assembly 20, where, depending on the position of the set screw, block lock set screw 40 engages a block lock 50. Block lock 50 includes a block lock half having a spring receptacle 52 and a block lock half having a release button 54. A spring 56 engages spring receptacle 52 within the block lock half and abuts against the interior of the lock spring rotator receptacle half 21, thereby pressing the block lock half having spring receptacle 52 toward the center of the receptacle and against the block lock half having release button 54. By using tension adjustment screw knob 58 or another screwdriver, block lock set screw 40 can be firmly pushed against block lock half 52, thereby limiting the distance the block lock half can move outward from the center of the receptacle against spring 56. An operator can move the latch 50 by manually depressing a latch release button 55 on a half latch having a release button 54 that extends through a release button aperture 44 in the closure tube housing 15. When the set screw 40 is fully engaged, the latch 50 can no longer be disengaged, thereby preventing removal of the mating male component 70, until the latch set screw 40 is loosened, as described in further detail below.

[0207] Any one of a set of male components 70 located on a mating module of the system may be removably secured and pivotably engaged within the rotator receptacle 11 of the rotator module 10, 151, 605, 640. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the closed tube rotator module 10 may include a male component 70, a closed tube housing 15, a pivot sprocket 74, and a wide pivot section 78 that rotationally mates with the outer bushing 26 in the rotator receptacle 11 of another module.

[0208] The proximal end of the male part 70 has an octagonal recess 81, whereby it can be engaged by means of an octagonal boss 79 on the end face of the wide pivot section 78 (first at Figure 3 A) to a larger assembly, or to an exemplary male member side mounting assembly 110 (first in Figure 3 A. Figure 3 B), where the octagonal boss 118 is shown located on the wide pivot member 116. The octagonal connection point allows the male member 70 to be reversibly attached in two orientations relative to the support module.

[0209] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the male part 70 may include eight prongs 82 in four linear groups of two prongs 82, wherein the prongs of each group are equally spaced at 90° intervals around the circumference of the male part 70, whereby the male part 70 can be aligned with the receptacles 11, 211, 252 (respectively Figure 1 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 A) Removably engageable.

[0210] When removably engaged with the rotator receptacle 11, the outer cylindrical portion of the male component 70 (i.e., the narrow pivot section 84 (e.g., Figure 2 The male part 70 has a defined neck 88 ( Figure 2 ) of the two collars (distal side 87a, proximal side 87b). The front edge 86 of the distal collar 87a is chamfered (86 is hereinafter referred to as the lock chamfer) and presses back the half lock with the spring receptacle 52 to allow the male part 70 to enter the receptacle 11, or alternatively, the receptacle 211 ( Figure 6 The half-lock with spring receptacle 52 remains pressed back until the distal collar 87a and the outer four prongs 82 on the male component 70 pass through it, after which the half-lock 52 is aligned with and engaged within the neck 88, whereby the tension of the spring 56 cooperating with the half-lock 52 holds the male component 70 in the receptacle 11. The operator can manually disengage the lock 50 by pressing the release button 55 through the release button hole 44 in the closure tube housing 15, thereby moving the half-lock with release button 54 inwardly, thereby pressing the half-lock with spring receptacle 52 outwardly against the spring 56, thereby disengaging the lock 50 from the neck 88 of the mating male component 70, thereby allowing separation of the mating modules.

[0211] The lock set screw 40 can be used to adjust the tension applied by the half lock 52 against the neck 88 of the male part 70 using the spring 56. Figure 152 is inserted through the retaining lock set screw hole 42 provided therefor in the closure tube housing 15, the position of the set screw 40 against the retaining lock half 52 being adjustable and secured within the square nut 36 which is received within the square nut slot 34 provided therefor in the lock spring rotator half socket 21. The retaining lock set screw 40 is adjustable between a retracted position and an engaged position to provide a range of friction in the pivotable contact between the neck 88 and the retaining lock half 52, or alternatively, when fully engaged, to stop rotation of the male component 70 and also prevent movement of the retaining lock 50, thereby preventing removal of the male component 70, until the set screw 40 is retracted and the retaining lock half 52 can be pressed back against the spring 56 again to enable removal of the male component 70 from the receptacle 11.

[0212] The neck 88 of the male component 70 may optionally include one or more spaced apart threaded holes 89 to enable, for example, side connector screws 265 to engage with the male / receptacle side opening adapter module 251, as shown. Figure 8 In order to Figure 8 As used in the example shown in , the neck 88 has four equally spaced threaded holes 89 , thereby providing four positions in which the male component 70 can be secured in place within the side opening adapter receptacle 252 .

[0213] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the male component 70 may be engaged with the closure tube housing 15 by a connector screw 90 that threadably engages a threaded hole at the center of the wide pivot section 78, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in . The assembly of the male component 70 engaged with the wide pivot section 78 is hereinafter referred to as the male component closed pipe end assembly 71. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the male component 70 can be engaged with the wide pivot section 116 and the pivot sprocket 112 to form a male member side mounting assembly 110. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the male member side mounting assembly 110 can be removably engaged with the closed tube housing 15 by means of bolts 120 extending through side mounting holes 38 in the housing 15, or in other modules, the bolts threadably engage square nuts 36 secured within square nut slots 34 in either the rotator half-socket 21 or half-socket 22 (in this example at four of the seven side mounting hole 38 locations). Figure 2 and Figure 3 )).

[0214] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the narrow pivot section 84 of the male component 70 can be rotationally engaged with the inner bushing 30 of the receiving rotator receptacle 11 ( Figure 2). In addition, the cylindrical surface of the wide pivot section 78 or the wide pivot member 116 can be rotationally engaged with the outer bushing 26 fixed in the receptacle 11 ( Figure 2 ).

[0215] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 5 、 Figure 26 and Figure 29 As shown in FIG, the rotator module 10, 151, 605, 640 may include a pivot lock 60 having a pivot lock indexing pin 62 disposed within a pivot lock button 64 for removably engaging the rotator module 10, 151, 605, 640 with another module. The pivot lock 60 may be engaged or disengaged by pressing the pivot lock button 64 downward and lowering its lock retaining tab 65 into or out of a recess in the pivot lock channel 32. Then, once the operator manually slides the pivot lock button 64 to the locked or unlocked position and releases the manually applied downward deflection thereto, the lock retaining tab 65 returns upward, where it holds the pivot lock 60 in place within the lock opening, or alternatively moves downward into a recess in the pivot lock channel 32. In this example, two side teeth on the base of the pivot lock button 64 help hold the pivot lock 60 in place, where they project into two pairs of corresponding notches in the sides of the pivot lock channel 32 and flex inwardly with a sliding force applied by the operator to allow the pivot lock button 64 to move between these positions.

[0216] By engaging the pivot lock 60 in this manner, the indexing pin 62 can extend into a pivot lock sprocket on the other module that is engaged with its module, which pivot lock sprocket has sixteen open side pivot lock slots around its outer edge, thereby providing sixteen locking positions in 22.5° increments around the male member 70, wherein the indexing pin 62 reversibly locks the pivotable movement of the male member 70 of the other module within the receptacle 11 of the rotator module. Example male member closed tube end assembly 71 (including features of closed tube housing 15) Figure 2 ) may include a pivot lock sprocket 74 having a pivot lock slot ( Figure 1 A). Similarly, Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1B , the male member side mounting assembly 110 may include a pivot lock sprocket 112 having a pivot lock slot around its outer edge and two small teeth within its open inner circumference, wherein the pivot lock sprocket 112 is secured downwardly against the cylindrical body of the module 101 by a wide pivot member 116 having two retaining slots in its concave bottom that correspond to two teeth in the pivot lock sprocket 112 that hold the components together as they are secured against the rounded side of the module 101 by a bolt 120 that threadably engages a square nut (not shown) within the closed tube housing 15.

[0217] According to some embodiments, the rotator modules disclosed herein may include seven side mounting holes 38 positioned at 45° increments around the circumference of the module, in addition to the location of the pivot lock 60. The positioning of the side mounting holes 38 allows for the construction of what is generally referred to herein as a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100, having different angular orientations and degrees of separation for one, two, three, or four attached male member side mounting assemblies 110, such as Figure 3 As shown in Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the side mounting holes 38 located opposite the pivot lock 60 are aligned with the seam between the two rotator socket halves 21, 22, which requires a threaded insert to be inserted into the wall of the closed tube housing 15. This is because the recess in the socket half here needs to be open to correspond to the location of the square nut passage 170 in the embodiment where the rotator receptacle assembly 20 is contained within the expansion tube housing 155, as shown. Figure 5 As shown in .

[0218] exist Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 26 Some examples of dual receptacle extension tube rotator modules 151, 152, 605 are shown in FIG, wherein all three modules have a rotator receptacle 11 at each end. The modules 151, 605 are shown without any installed male member side mounting assembly 110 ( Figure 4 ). Module 152 is shown engaged with two male member side mounting assemblies 110 ( Figure 5 ), and referred to herein as a four-way dual receptacle extension tube rotator hub assembly 152, which provides four points of interconnection with other modules of the system assembly.

[0219] The dual receptacle extension tube rotator module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rotator receptacle 11 formed by a rotator receptacle assembly 20 having the same components and functions as previously described, securely secured within each end of the extension tube housing 155 by four screws 23 inserted into four threaded tube end screw slots 168 within the interior wall of the extension tube housing 155 ( Figure 4 、 Figure 5 According to some embodiments, to match the two unit diameters of the aforementioned closed tube housing 15 and several other features, the extension tube housing 155 can have: two latch fixing screw holes 162 for adjusting the latch fixing screw 40 of each receptacle; two release button holes 164 for manually accessing the release button 55 of each latch; and a plurality of side mounting holes 160 (on Figure 4 、 Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in : two sets of six holes) for matching the number and position of square nuts 36 accommodated by the housing 155 and the receptacle assembly 20 for reconfigured attachment of up to four male member side mounting assemblies 110 around the extension tube housing 155.

[0220] According to other embodiments disclosed herein, the male member side mount assembly 110 may also be attached at intermediate points along the extension tube housing via a plurality of side mounting holes corresponding to an equal number of square nuts 36 securely held within the tube housing by an intermediate square nut retainer having a matching plurality of square nut slots that position each square nut aligned with one of the side mounting holes. Figure 5 The intermediate square nut retainer 180 can be positioned within the extension tube housing 155 during construction, located on the inward-facing edges of the housing's square nut channels 170, which are located within a like number of tube guide channels 182 on the sides of the intermediate square nut retainer 180, optionally by temporarily engaging threaded locating rods (not shown) at threaded holes 184 to retain and move the retainer 180 until it is aligned with the available set of six side mounting holes 160. To prevent unwanted movement of the intermediate square nut retainer 180 once in place, short locating set screws 186 can be inserted into the available side mounting holes 160 when not engaged with the side mounting assembly 110. The intermediate square nut retainer can also include crush ribs on its outer edge to prevent unwanted movement within the extension tube housing.

[0221] In addition to providing engagement with the tube guide channel 182, the square nut channel 170 provides openings at two locations around the circumference of the extension tube housing 155 into which one or more square nuts 36 can be inserted and can slide within and along the channel 170 and, thus, can be used for removable engagement of additional male member side mounting assemblies 110 with the bolt 120 at different locations along the extension tube housing 155, thereby allowing a range of unique hub assemblies.

[0222] It should be noted that the closed tube housing of the closed tube rotator module disclosed herein may include slender structural elements selected from the range of 2 cm to 240 cm, for example, 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, 140 cm, 150 cm, 160 cm, 170 cm, 180 cm, 190 cm, 200 cm, 210 cm, 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm, and values ​​therebetween. Examples of suitable elongated structural elements of the closed tube housing disclosed herein may be tubes having a circular cross section or an oval cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section or a trapezoidal cross section or a triangular cross section or a hexagonal cross section or an octagonal cross section or a decagonal cross section or an I-shaped cross section.

[0223] It should be noted that the extension tube housing of the dual receptacle rotator module disclosed herein can be selected from the range of 2 cm to 240 cm, for example, 2 cm to 240 cm, such as 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, 140 cm, 150 cm, 160 cm, 170 cm, 180 cm, 190 cm, 200 cm, 210 cm, 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm, and values ​​therebetween. Examples of suitable elongated structural elements of the expansion tube housing disclosed herein may be tubes having a circular cross section or an oval cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section or a trapezoidal cross section or a triangular cross section or a hexagonal cross section or an octagonal cross section or a decagonal cross section or an I-shaped cross section.

[0224] Closed tube housings are optionally provided in lengths ranging from 4 cm to 240 cm, with multiple equally spaced intermediate square nut retainers 180 aligned with additional side mounting holes 160 to enable additional options for constructing various options for removable engagement with multiple pivot male member side mounting assemblies.

[0225] Extension tube housings are optionally provided in lengths ranging from 4 cm to 240 cm, with multiple equally spaced intermediate square nut retainers 180 aligned with additional side mounting holes 160 to enable additional options for constructing various options for removable engagement with multiple pivot male member side mounting assemblies.

[0226] Adapter module

[0227] As disclosed herein, an adapter module is a component or modular assembly of a structural system that is configured for detachable assembly with a rotator module or other modules to assemble various tool support structures or load support structures, etc., which can be fixed in place and stationary, or alternatively, can be movable by engagement with rollers or wheels or casters. As disclosed herein, an adapter module can be detachably interconnected with one or more rotator modules, and / or one or more tool support modules, and / or one or more load support modules, and / or one or more base modules, and / or one or more end cap modules.

[0228] exist Figures 6 to 12 Examples of some embodiments of the adapter module of the present disclosure are shown in . Some embodiments relate to an adapter module comprising an adapter receptacle and an opposite male end. Some embodiments relate to an adapter module that further comprises an elongated structural element inserted between the adapter receptacle and the male end. Some embodiments relate to an adapter module comprising two opposite male ends. Some embodiments relate to an adapter module that further comprises an elongated structural element inserted between the two opposite male ends. Some embodiments relate to an adapter module comprising two opposite adapter receptacles. Some embodiments relate to an adapter module that further comprises an elongated structural element inserted between the two opposite adapter receptacles. An adapter module comprising an elongated structural element is optionally referred to as an expansion tube adapter module.

[0229] It should be noted that the elongated structural element of the adapter module can be a tube or rod with a circular cross section or an oval cross section or a square cross section or a rectangular cross section or a trapezoidal cross section or a triangular cross section or a hexagonal cross section or an octagonal cross section or a decagonal cross section or an I-shaped cross section. The length of the elongated structural element of the adapter module can be selected from the range of 2 cm to 240 cm, for example 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, 140 cm, 150 cm, 160 cm, 170 cm, 180 cm, 190 cm, 200 cm, 210 cm, 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm, and values ​​therebetween.

[0230] Some embodiments relate to adapter modules that additionally include one or more male member assemblies that are removably engaged with and radially extend from the elongated structural support member or element.Such adapter modules may be referred to as adapter hub modules or adapter hub assemblies.

[0231] Figure 6 An example of a closed tube adapter module shown in Figure A, which may also be referred to herein as a closed tube adapter hub assembly 201, includes an adapter receptacle 211 formed by an adapter receptacle assembly 220 housed within an adapter closed tube housing 215 having a pivot sprocket 216 and a male member 70 extending outwardly along the longitudinal axis of the connector closed tube housing 215. A male member side mounting assembly 110 is shown removably coupled to and extending radially from a side of the adapter closed tube housing 215. The adapter module 201 can provide a 90° elbow-shaped joint in a facility or structural support assembly, or alternatively, can provide a T-shaped joint in a facility or structural support assembly.

[0232] exist Figure 6 B and Figure 7 , an example of a five-way closed tube adapter hub assembly 210 is shown, which includes an adapter closed tube housing 215 having an adapter receptacle 211 at one end and a male component 70 at the other end, with three male component side mounting assemblies 110 extending radially outward from the adapter closed tube housing 215. The adapter receptacle 211 includes an adapter receptacle assembly 220 that is secured to four threaded tube end screw slots 218 in the adapter closed tube housing 215 by four screws 23. The adapter receptacle assembly 220 includes a lock spring adapter half socket 221 and a lock release adapter half socket 222 that together define: (i) an outer bushing passage 224 for the outer bushing 26; (ii) an inner bushing passage 228 for the inner bushing 30; and (iii) a square nut slot 234 for securing the square nut 36 within the adapter closed tube housing 215 for alignment with the retaining lock 50 or the side mounting hole 238.

[0233] It should be noted that Figure 6 B and Figure 7 The five-way closed tube connector hub assembly 210 shown in can have a 2-unit modular length that matches a 2-unit diameter of 60 mm, which is an exemplary system format size of 30 mm units, which are referred to herein as unit sizes, which are described for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the disclosure herein to these values ​​or ratios.

[0234] As disclosed herein, the male component 70 of another module of the system assembly can be removably engaged with the adapter receptacle 211 of the adapter module of the present invention by operating the latch halves 52, 54 contained within the adapter receptacle assembly 220. When the male component 70 of the other module (in this case, the second module) is inserted into the adapter receptacle 211 of the adapter module, the latch chamfer 86 on the distal collar 87a of the male component 70 presses back the half latch with the spring receptacle 52, thereby allowing the male component 70 to enter the adapter receptacle 211. The half latch 52 remains pressed back until the distal collar 87a and the outer four prongs 82 on the male component 70 pass through to a position where the half latch 52 is aligned with the neck 88 of the male component 70, and the tension of the spring 56 causes the half latch 52 to engage within the neck 88 and against the half latch with the release button 54. The operator can disengage the second module from the coupler module by pressing the release button 55 through the release button hole 244 in the coupler closure tube housing 215, thereby moving the half-block lock having the release button 54 inward, causing the half-block lock having the spring receptacle 52 to move outward against the spring 56 to a position where it disengages from the neck 88 of the second module, thereby allowing the second module to be removed from the coupler module.

[0235] The lock set screw 40 can be used to adjust the tension applied by the half lock 52 against the neck 88 of the male part 70 using the spring 56. Figure 1 ) or another type of screwdriver, through the retaining lock fixing screw hole (in the Figure 6 and Figure 7 52 is held in the lock spring rotator half receptacle 211. The lock set screw 40 is adjustable between a retracted position and an engaged position to provide a range of pressures in contact between the half lock 52 and the neck 88 of the second module. When fully engaged, the position of the set screw 40 prevents movement of the lock 50, thereby preventing the second module from disengaging, until the set screw 40 is retracted and the half lock 52 can be pressed back against the spring 56 again to enable removal of the male portion 70 of the second module from the adapter receptacle 211.

[0236] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 Unlike the rotator receptacle 11 shown in the figure, which provides a secure connection between the rotator module and the second module, whereby the male component assembly of the second module can be rotated 360° within the rotator receptacle 11, the adapter receptacle 211 of the adapter module provides a securely fixed and non-rotatable connection of the male component assembly of the second module installed therein. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The example of an adapter receptacle 211 shown in FIG includes an adapter receptacle assembly 220 having two half-receptacles 221, 222 that define a total of four prong retention slots 223 within which the eight prongs 82 of the male component 70 of the other module align and are securely retained when the male component 70 is inserted. The adapter receptacle assembly 220 further includes an outer bushing 26 and an inner bushing 30 that are received within bushing channels 224, 228, respectively, which cooperate with the prong retention slots 223 to securely engage the male member assembly via its wide pivot section / member and its narrow pivot section 84, respectively, when inserted into the adapter receptacle 211.

[0237] While providing five removable points of engagement with up to five other modular components, the five-way closed tube adapter hub assembly 210 includes an adapter receptacle 211 within an adapter closed tube housing 215, a male component 70 linearly aligned with the adapter receptacle 211, and three male member side mounting assemblies 110 extending radially outward from the adapter closed tube housing 215. The male component 70 linearly aligned with the receptacle is attached to the adapter closed tube housing 215 at its octagonal recess 81 by connector screws 90, located at an octagonal boss on the wide pivot section of the housing (the octagonal boss and the wide pivot section are aligned at Figure 6 B. Figure 7 Each of the three male member side mounting assemblies 110 engages with the adapter closure tube housing 215 using a bolt 120 which passes through the center of the male component 70, the wide pivot member 116, and the pivot sprocket 112, then through a side mounting hole 238 in the adapter closure tube housing 215 and threadedly engages a square nut 36 which is secured in one of the square nut slots 234 which surround the outside of the adapter receptacle halves 221, 222.

[0238] The adapter closed tube housing 215 may include eight side mounting holes 238 positioned at 45° intervals around the circumference of the housing. These holes 238 provide a variety of available angular orientations and degrees of separation for mounting up to four male member side mounting assemblies 110 thereon into various closed tube adapter hub assemblies. Six of the eight side mounting holes 238 correspond to the six square nuts 36 contained within the square nut slots 234. The remaining two side mounting holes 238 are located near the juncture of the two adapter half-sockets 221, 222 where threaded inserts are required to be inserted into the adapter closed tube housing 215, as the recesses in the half-sockets herein are used to extend the tube adapter module (e.g., Figure 17 In the configuration shown in FIG. 4A , the dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 or the male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 465 ) aligns with the square nut channel of the extension tube housing.

[0239] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more of a set of open-side adapter modules for use in constructing a facility or structural support system assembly that may require an open or closed side connection by which a male member assembly of a second module can be removably engaged from the side of the adapter module. Figure 8 A and Figure 8 An example of a male / receptacle side opening adapter module 251 is shown in B and has a side opening receptacle 252 into which the male component 70 / male member assembly of a second module may securely or releasably engage.

[0240] The male / receptacle side-opening adapter module 251 includes an extension tube housing 255 having a side-opening receptacle component 260 secured to one end with two screws 23 that threadingly engage tube end screw slots 257, and a male member extension tube end assembly 270 secured to the other end by four screws 23 passing through threaded holes 278 provided in a male member tube end plate 271 for the screws and threadingly engaging four tube end screw slots 257 in the extension tube housing 255. Tube guide channels in the insert portions of the side-opening receptacle component 260 and the male member tube end plate 271 allow each component to be secured between inwardly facing edges of opposing square nut channels 256 of the extension tube housing 255.

[0241] exist Figure 8 B (second module not shown) shows the male member side mounting assembly 110 for the second module aligned to be inserted into the side opening receptacle 252 for secure engagement therein. Prong retaining slots 262 are provided in the side opening receptacle component 260 that correspond to the shape and alignment of the prongs 82 on the male member 70 of the inserted male member assembly to facilitate insertion and removal of the male member assembly of the second module from the side opening receptacle component 260 and allow for secure engagement therein. To securely engage the mating module, side connector screws 265 can be inserted through holes provided therefor in the extension tube housing 255 and the side opening receptacle component 260 (these holes are in the Figure 8 B), can then be threadably engaged with one of the threaded holes 89 in the neck 88 of the male component 70. If desired, a side opening receptacle cover 268 can also be engaged with the receptacle component 260 to provide a protective closure for the engaged male member assembly. If it is necessary to separate the side opening adapter module and the second module during use and / or operation of the system assembly, the side connector screw 265 and the side opening receptacle cover 268 can be removed from the assembly so that the male member assembly of the second module can be temporarily held in place until it is lifted out of the receptacle or the open receptacle is pointed downward.

[0242] exist Figure 8 A and Figure 8 In this example, shown in Figure B, a male member extension tube end assembly 270 is provided at the opposite end of the male / receptacle side open adapter module 251 and includes a male component 70 mounted to a male member tube end plate 271 having a wide pivot section 274 and a pivot sprocket 272 for removably engaging with other modules of the system assembly. The male member tube end plate 271 is secured to the extension tube housing 255 by threaded engagement of four screws 23 passing through threaded holes 278 and screw slots 257 provided therein for the male member tube end plate 271.

[0243] The outward end face of the male member tube end plate 271 may include a narrow slot aligned with the square nut channel 256 of the extension tube housing 255, whereby, in the completed module, the square nut 36 may be inserted into the square nut channel through this end face of the tube end plate 271 for removable engagement with the male member side mounting assembly 110.

[0244] In this example, up to four male member side mount assemblies 110 can be radially attached from the extension tube housing 255 by bolting through one of the six side mount holes 258 in threaded engagement with a square nut 36, which is securely held within the tube housing by an intermediate square nut retainer 180 having six square nut slots that position each square nut 36 aligned with one of the side mount holes 258. Figure 8 B, the intermediate square nut retainer 180 is positioned within the extension tube housing 255 during construction of the module, resting on the inwardly facing guides of the housing's square nut channels 256 within the tube guide channels 182. In addition to providing inwardly facing guides, the square nut channels 256 also provide a passage within which one or more square nuts 36 can slide, and can provide a threadable engagement point for mounting the male member side mounting assembly 110 with bolts 120 at an operator-selected location along the extension tube housing 255, thereby allowing for the construction of a variety of unique hub assemblies.

[0245] In some aspects, the length of the extension tube housing 255 can be selected from a range of 2 cm to 240 cm, such as 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, 140 cm, 150 cm, 160 cm, 170 cm, 180 cm, 190 cm, 200 cm, 210 cm, 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm, and values ​​therebetween. In configurations of side-opening adapter modules having an extension tube housing of 4 cm or longer, it may be desirable to insert one or more intermediate square nut retainers 180 within the length of the extension tube housing 255. During construction of the longer side-opening adapter module, the intermediate square nut retainer 180 is optionally temporarily engaged with a threaded retaining rod at the threaded hole 184 to move and hold the intermediate square nut retainer 180 in place while it is aligned with and secured at a selected set of side mounting holes 258. To prevent unwanted movement of the intermediate square nut retainer 180 once in place, a short retaining screw 186 may be inserted into an available side mounting hole 258 when not engaged with the side mounting assembly 110. The intermediate square nut retainer may also include crush ribs on its outer edge to prevent unwanted movement within the expansion tube housing.

[0246] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a dual male adapter module having two male ends for removably engaging with receptacles of other modules of a facility or structural support system.

[0247] exist Figure 9 A and Figure 9 FIG. 2 shows an example of a dual male coupler module 281 for removably coupling two adjacently positioned receptacles of two modules of a facility or structural support system as needed. The dual male coupler module 281 includes a dual male component 282 having a pivot sprocket 284 on each side and a wide pivot section 286 having an outwardly facing octagonal boss 288 having a threaded hole therethrough. It should be noted that the proximal end of the male component 70 has an octagonal recess 81 that is configured to slidingly engage the octagonal boss 288. Each male component 70 is secured to the dual male component 282 by mounting onto the octagonal boss 288 and then inserting a connector screw 90 through the male component 70 to threadably engage the threaded hole provided in the octagonal boss.

[0248] Another embodiment relates to a dual male adapter module having an extension tube housing between two male end assemblies. Figure 10 A and Figure 10 An example of a dual male extension tube adapter module 291 is shown in B and includes an extension tube housing 295 that engages a male member extension tube end assembly 270 at each end.

[0249] The extension tube housing 295 has a pair of opposing longitudinal square nut channels 296 and four equally spaced longitudinal screw slots 297 extending between the ends of the extension tube housing 295. One or more intermediate square nut retainers 180 can be inserted into the interior of the extension tube housing 295, wherein the tube guide channel 182 of one intermediate square nut retainer 180 can slide along the inwardly facing surfaces of the pair of longitudinal square nut channels 296 of the extension tube housing 295. In this example, up to six square nuts 36 can be inserted into the same number of slots in the intermediate square nut retainer 180 for removable engagement with up to four male member side mounting assemblies 110 through the side mounting holes 298. A positioning set screw 186 can be used to maintain the position of the intermediate square nut retainer 180 when not engaged with the male member side mounting assembly 110. Also for this purpose, the intermediate square nut retainer 180 can include compression ribs around its outer edge to grip the inner surface of the extension tube housing 295. The male member side mount assembly 110 can also be mounted at various locations along the extension tube housing 295 within the square nut passage 296, thereby allowing for a range of unique hub assemblies.

[0250] The dual male extension tube adapter module has a male member extension tube end assembly 270 secured to each end of an extension tube housing 295 with a screw 23 that extends through a threaded hole 278 in the male member tube end plate 271 and threadedly engages a tube end screw slot 297 in the inner wall of the extension tube housing 295. An octagonal boss 275 slidably engages an octagonal recess at the proximal end of each male component 70, after which a connector screw 90 is inserted through the distal end of the male component 70 and threadedly engages a threaded hole in the octagonal boss 275 for which it is provided.

[0251] exist Figure 11 A. Figure 11 Another example of a multi-joint adapter hub assembly of the present disclosure is shown in B. A six-way expansion pipe adapter hub assembly 301 may include Figure 10 A. Figure 10The double male extension tube adapter module 291 shown in FIG. 2 has mounted thereon four male member side mounting assemblies 110 extending outwardly from the extension tube housing 295. Two opposing male member side mounting assemblies 110 are mounted to the extension tube housing 295 by threaded engagement of bolts 120 inserted therein with square nuts 36 that have been inserted into square nut passages 296. The other two opposing male member side mounting assemblies 110 are mounted to the extension tube housing 295 by threaded engagement of bolts 120 inserted therein and then through side mounting holes 298 into square nuts 36 that are received by intermediate square nut holders 180 positioned within the extension tube housing 295 (in FIG. Figure 11 A. Figure 11 Not visible in B).

[0252] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a cross-format dual male adapter coupler module that facilitates the coupling of modules having male components and receptacles of different sizes and, optionally, different system format features, such as the number of prongs on the male end, into a single facility or structural support assembly. Figure 12 A and Figure 12 An example of a dual male adapter adapter module 311 is shown in B.

[0253] The dual male adapter adapter assembly 311 includes: (i) a male member tube end plate 271 to which the male component 70 is mounted by a connector screw 90 inserted through the distal end of the male component 70 and threadedly engaged with a threaded hole provided in an octagonal boss 275 of the male member tube end plate 271; (ii) an adapter adapter assembly 312 having; and (iii) an alternative male member component 314 having a different diameter and length and number of prongs than the male component 70 for removably engaging a receptacle of a different system format. The male member tube end plate 271 is secured to the adapter adapter component 312 by inserting a screw 23 through the threaded hole 278 to threadably engage a screw slot 316 in the adapter adapter component 312.

[0254] Male component installation module

[0255] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to various male component mounting modules, which may include male component side mounting bracket modules and male component mounting block modules. Specifically, the male component side mounting bracket modules provide, among other functions, a unique hub assembly that can be included in the system assembly for removably securing or rotatably / slidably engaging the mounted male component assembly at a specific angle orientation on the elongated tubular support element, which allows for quick repositioning without removing the module mounted thereon. The male component mounting block modules themselves provide various fully male hub assemblies.

[0256] exist Figure 13 An example of a bi-directional 30° side mounting bracket module 320 is shown in A, which is removably engaged with an elongated tubular support element (such as an extension tube housing). The 30° side mounting bracket module 320 includes a 30° angle male component mounting bracket 322 and a clamp bracket 328, which are securely engaged to the elongated tubular support element (not shown) by placing the male component mounting bracket 322 and the clamp bracket 328 around the elongated tubular support element, inserting the clamp bracket screw 329 through a hole provided for it in the clamp bracket 328, and threadingly engaging the screw 329 with a hole provided for it in the 30° angle male component mounting bracket 322. It should be noted that the combination of the male component mounting bracket 322 and the clamp bracket 328 can be referred to as a "collar clamp". The 30° angle male component mounting bracket 322 is provided with a pair of threaded holes (in Figure 13 A) for engaging with up to two male member side mounting assemblies 110, each extending outwardly at a 30° angle from the center of the module, or extending outwardly at a 60° angle (326) between a pair of male member side mounting assemblies. The 30° angle male member mounting bracket 322 may be provided with one or more mounting screw holes 323 to enable the 30° side mounting bracket module 320 to be threadedly engaged to the elongated tubular support element using mounting screws 325, such as those threadedly engaged with square nuts contained in square nut channels or intermediate square nut holders 180 of the extension tube housing.

[0257] exist Figure 13 An example of a four-way multi-angle side mounting bracket module 330 is shown in FIG. B and includes a pair of opposed multi-angle male member mounting brackets 335 for wrapping around and clamping to an elongated tubular support element, such as an expansion tube housing, wherein each bracket 335 has a pair of opposed bracket screw holes 336 at each end of the bracket 335 for receiving therethrough and threadedly engaging with bracket screws 338 in corresponding holes in the opposing bracket. At least one mounting screw hole 331 is provided along the center point of the longitudinal axis of each bracket 335 (at Figure 13B shows three holes 331 for receiving mounting screws 332 therein, and washers 339 are provided on opposite sides for engaging the bracket 335 on the elongated tubular support element. Each multi-angle male component mounting bracket 335 has two opposing sets of three spaced-apart threaded holes 334 for threadedly engaging with bolts 120 to removably secure two outwardly extending male component side mounting assemblies 110 thereto. Each set of three spaced-apart threaded holes 334 allows the male component side mounting assembly 110 to be mounted at an angle of 30°, 45°, or 60° from the center of the module, or at an angle of 60°, 90°, or 120° between a pair of male component side mounting assemblies 110 mounted to the bracket 335. In this example, the two 45° holes 334 provide their mounting locations at a unit size extension of, for example, 30 mm from the inner mounting circumference of the bracket 335.

[0258] A single multi-angle male member mounting bracket 335 may be used alone if mounted to an extension tube housing using one or more mounting screws 332, or when used as a stand-alone special angle hub.

[0259] exist Figure 13 An example of a bi-directional 90° offset side mounting bracket module 340 is shown in FIG. C and includes a 90° offset male member mounting bracket 341 having a mounting screw hole 342 accessible through a screw access opening 346 by a mounting screw 325 and a screwdriver (not shown) to enable the mounting bracket 341 to be secured to an elongated tubular support member, such as an expansion tube housing (not shown), using the mounting screw 325. This example of a 90° offset side mounting bracket module 340 is installed with two opposing longitudinally extending male member side mounting assemblies 110 that are positioned parallel to the elongated tubular support member to which the side mounting bracket module 340 can be removably engaged. It should be noted that the combination of any of the male member mounting brackets 322, 341, 335, etc. with any of the clamp brackets 328, 335, etc., or with the plate wedge 445, etc., can be referred to as a "collar clamp."

[0260] exist Figure 13An example of a one-way 45° offset side mounting bracket module is shown in FIG. D and includes a cylindrical 45° offset male member mounting bracket 351 that removably engages an example of a male member face mount assembly that can be provided in a system assembly as disclosed herein to allow a male member to be removably engaged to a flat surface. The male member face mount assembly 361 includes a male member 70 (connected by bolts 120) that, as previously described, is mounted on another example of a wide pivot member 367 that, at its other end, engages another example of a pivot lock sprocket 362 for reversibly locking with a pivot lock 60 that interfaces with a flat surface, as will be described in further detail below.

[0261] A flat surface is provided at one end of the cylindrical mounting bracket 351, which has four pin holes 354 for positioning and engaging the pivot sprocket 362 via four pins 365 of the pivot sprocket. A wide pivot member 367 has four connector teeth 368 extending from one end which are inserted into slots 366 provided therefor in the pivot sprocket 362 (at Figure 14 A). The other end of the wide pivot member 367 has an octagonal boss 369 for extending into an octagonal recess provided therefor in the male member 70. The male assembly 361 is secured to the column mounting bracket 351 by bolts 120 which are inserted through holes provided therefor in the male member 70, the wide pivot member 367, and the pivot sprocket 362 (through the central hole 363), and then threadedly engage the central hole 353 provided therefor in the end face of the column mounting bracket 351. At the opposite end of the bracket 351 is an angled concave surface configured to matingly engage the outer surface of an elongated tubular support member (such as an extension tube housing, not shown). A mounting screw hole 352 is provided through the opposite side and away from the concave surface for receiving a washer 339 therein, and a mounting screw 332 is provided from the other side for removably engaging the bracket with an elongated tubular support element, such as an extension tube housing, having a square nut that is seated within the channel or is received therein by an intermediate square nut retainer. According to other embodiments, the columnar mounting bracket may have a concave surface at an angle other than 45° relative to the facing mounting surface. According to other embodiments, the columnar mounting bracket may have side mounting holes around its circumference that are configured for side mounting of a male member side mounting assembly.

[0262] exist Figure 14An example of an elbow-shaped male component mounting block module 355 is shown in Figure A and includes a bi-directional elbow-shaped male component mounting block 370 having two end faces, in this example, oriented 90° relative to each other, and a male component face mounting assembly 361 engaged with each end face. Each end face of the mounting block 370 has four pinholes 372 for positioning and engaging a pivot sprocket 362 of the male component face mounting assembly 361. The male component face mounting assembly 361 engages the end faces of the mounting block 370 using bolts 120, which are inserted through holes in the assembly 361 and threadedly engage central holes 371 provided for the bolts in the end faces of the mounting block 370. According to other embodiments, the bi-directional elbow-shaped male component mounting block may have an angle between the end faces other than 90°.

[0263] exist Figure 14 An example of a cubic male component mounting block module 356 is shown in FIG. B. The six-way cubic male component mounting block 373 has six symmetrical outwardly facing surfaces for engaging with up to six male component face mounting assemblies 361 (two male component face mounting assemblies 361 in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 14 B). Each outwardly facing surface of the mounting block 373 has four pin holes 375 for receiving and engaging therein the pins 365 of the pivot sprocket 362, and has a central threaded hole 374 for threadedly engaging the bolt 120 to securely mount the male component face mount assembly 361 thereto.

[0264] exist Figure 14 C shows an example of a triangular male component mounting block module 357, wherein a five-way triangular mounting block 376 has five faces for engaging with up to five male component face mounting assemblies 361 (two male component face mounting assemblies in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 14 C) are detachably engaged. Each face of the triangular mounting block 376 has four nail holes and a central threaded hole for receiving and engaging the male component face mounting assembly 361 therein.

[0265] exist Figure 14 An example of a tapered male member mounting block module 358 is shown in FIG. D and includes a four-way tapered mounting block 377 having four symmetrical outwardly facing surfaces, each configured for engagement with a plurality of symmetrical outwardly facing surfaces. Figure 14 The male component face mounting assembly 361 depicted in the cubic male component mounting block module 356 shown in B is removably engaged. Figure 14 D shows a tapered male component mounting block module 358 that mates with two male / receptacle side opening adapter modules 251 ( Figure 8) and is removably engaged with two additional male / receptacle side opening adapter modules 251, wherein two corresponding male component face mounting assemblies 361 are exploded and shown aligned for removable engagement.

[0266] exist Figure 14 An example of a hexagonal male component mounting block module 359 is shown in E, which includes an eight-way hexagonal mounting block 378 having six sides that are constructed to removably engage with up to six male component veneer mounting components 361, and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein each surface is constructed to removably engage with one male component veneer mounting component 361, wherein a bolt passes through a center hole of the component 361 and is threadedly engaged with a center hole in the mounting surface of the mounting block 378.

[0267] exist Figure 14 An example of an octagonal male component mounting block module 360 ​​is shown in F, which includes a ten-way octagonal mounting block 379 having eight sides that are constructed to removably engage with up to eight male component veneer mounting components 361, and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein each surface is constructed to removably engage with one male component veneer mounting component 361.

[0268] exist Figure 15 A. Figure 15 An example of a 5° incrementally adjustable male component mounting module 380 is shown in FIG. B, which includes a male mounting half housing 381 and a rotation adjustment half housing 386 to which the male component assembly is removably engaged. The inwardly facing end surfaces of the male mounting half housing 381 and the rotation adjustment half housing 386 are provided with engaging teeth 388, which enable the rotation adjustment half housing 386 to be repositioned relative to the male mounting half housing 381 in 5° increments, thereby allowing adjustment and setting in precise 5° increments. Figure 15 The angular spacing between the two lower male member face mount assemblies 361 shown in B are disassembled from the brackets 390a, 390b and mounted to the brackets at the nail holes 394 using connector bolts 120 threadedly engaged with the center holes 393. Prior to engaging the face mount assemblies 361, the brackets 390a, 390b are mounted to the male mounting half housing 381 and the rotation adjustment half housing 386, respectively, by screws 391 passing through their holes 392 to engage with the mounting holes 389 (at Figure 15B, only visible on the rotation adjustment half housing 386) are threadedly engaged. Each of their male member face mount assemblies 361 can then be installed. The adjustment screw 385 is then passed through the through hole 383 in the male mounting half housing 381 and threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 387 on the inwardly facing end of the rotation adjustment half housing 386. Optionally, the face mount assembly 361 is additionally mounted to the outer surface of the male mounting half housing 381 at the nail hole 384 and through hole 383, but this would require a longer form of adjustment screw 385 than when it was not included in the assembly. At this stage, the adjustable hub assembly has been formed and by loosening the adjustment screw 385, the teeth 388 of the housings 381, 386 can be disengaged, thereby allowing the relative position of the housings to be rotated, and then reengaged by re-tightening the adjustment screw 385 at one of the 5° increments. As described above, the angular spacing between the two male components 361 mounted on brackets 390a, 390b can be set in 5° increments from a maximum of 180° to a minimum of 60° where the two brackets will meet.

[0269] like Figure 15 As shown in , the optional male member face mounting assembly 361 can be mounted to the outer surface of the rotation adjustment half housing 386 using bolts 120 that threadably engage the outer recess of the center hole 387. Additionally, optionally, as disclosed herein, two other examples of male member side mounting assemblies are shown mounted to the side mounting holes 382 on the circumference of the male mounting half housing 381. According to an embodiment, the male member side mounting assembly 395 includes the aforementioned male member 70 mounted to the wide pivot member 367, which is mounted to another example of a pivot sprocket 396 having a wide pivot member slot 399 through which the member 367 can be engaged, at which point the assembly 395 can be removably engaged with the side mounting hole 382 or another module by means of a bolt 120 that passes through the outer member 70, 367 and through the center hole 397 in the pivot sprocket 396 to threadably engage the side mounting hole. As shown in FIG. Figure 15 As installed, the side mounting assembly 395 can provide various adjustable hub assemblies, however, it should be noted that in their use, they limit the extent to which the angle setting of the 5° incremental adjustable male member mounting module 380 can be adjusted, where the angle setting starts from the position where the bracket 390b on the rotational adjustment half shell 386 meets the bracket 390a to the position where the side mounting assembly meets the nearest male member side mounting assembly 395 on the male mounting half shell 381.

[0270] Tool support module and load support module:

[0271] Baseboard module

[0272] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a base plate assembly for incorporation into a facility support system to enable tools, such as cameras, microphones, or sound equipment, as well as other types of tools, to be removably coupled to the facility support system. For example, the base plate assembly disclosed herein can be used to mount a camera mounting plate and camera accessories, such as a matte box holder, a focus puller, etc., thereon. The base plate assembly can include screw mounts, clips, dovetail plates, boxes, trays, baskets, etc., for removably coupling various tools and loads.

[0273] exist Figure 16 A. Figure 16 B (perspective view, exploded perspective view, respectively) shows an example of a base plate assembly 400 suitable for removably engaging a film camera, high-definition camera, DSLR, other device, or an additional interface mounting plate or dovetail plate. This example of base plate module 400 includes a base plate body assembly 402 having a base plate top plate 402a secured to a base plate bottom plate 402b by base plate screws 406. One or more mounting screws 404 (sized as needed) are provided through slots in base plate body assembly 402 to threadably engage one or more mounting holes provided for it in the base of a camera or other device or mounted component.

[0274] In this example, the chassis top plate 402a and the chassis bottom plate 402b together define three mounting bracket slots 408 that allow one to three offset-fit mounting brackets 410 to be secured to the body assembly 402 at selected locations to engage and support cameras or other suitable loads of varying sizes therein. Each mounting bracket 410 includes: (i) a bracket arm 412 configured to slidably engage with the mounting bracket slot 408 in the chassis body assembly 402; (ii) a bracket side plate 415 engaged with and extending upwardly from the bracket arm 412; and (iii) a male member plate assembly 420 removably engaged with an outwardly facing surface of the bracket side plate 415.

[0275] The male member plate assembly 420 includes a male component 70 that engages a mounting plate 422 having an outwardly facing wide pivot section 424, an octagonal boss 425, a pivot sprocket 423, and a flat inwardly facing plate surface that can be removably engaged with the outwardly facing surface of the bracket side plate 415 at selected locations using screws 428 that are inserted through screw holes 426 in the mounting plate 422 and threadedly engaged with threaded holes 416 provided therefor in the bracket side plate 415.

[0276] An inwardly facing support plate 417, with support pads 418 secured thereto, is mounted to the inwardly facing surface of the bracket side plate 415 using screws 419. The support pads 418 can be positioned directly against a camera or other load, i.e., can be positioned as described in further detail below to secure the camera or other load, in addition to or in lieu of mounting screws 404.

[0277] The bracket arm 412 has a plurality of equally spaced threaded holes 413 therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the arm 412. The operator aligns selected threaded holes 413 to correspond with holes 405 in the base plate 402b for threaded engagement with base plate screws 406 inserted through the holes 405. The fixed outward extension distance of the bracket arm 412 can be adjusted by selecting the spaced threaded holes 413 for threaded engagement with base plate screws 406 inserted through the holes 405, in this example, to produce different sizes of system format unit widths across the overall width of the modular assembly 400 between the opposing male member plate assemblies 420.

[0278] It should be noted that the male member plate assembly 420 shown in this example is removably engaged with the receptacle component of the rotator module or rotator assembly disclosed herein, or removably engaged with the receptacle component of the adapter module or adapter assembly disclosed herein, or removably engaged with other assemblies having receptacle components disclosed herein. It should be noted that in this example, when adjacent mounting bracket slots 408, two opposing side panels 415 and the installed male member plate assembly 420 are used to provide a single axis between the opposing male member plate assemblies 420, the offset of the center of the bracket side panels 415 and the center of the bracket arm 412 can be aligned. As shown, the base plate assembly can also include a male member plate assembly 420 that is removably engaged with the underside of the base plate body assembly 402 to provide an additional axis for pivotable or fixed engagement of the base plate assembly 400 within the system assembly.

[0279] exist Figure 17 A. Figure 17 B (perspective view, exploded perspective view, respectively) shows another example of a base plate module suitable for removably engaging, for example, a camera. This example of a base plate assembly 430 includes a tool mounting plate 435 that engages a dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 sandwiched between two male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 465. A pair of multi-angle male component mounting brackets 335 (as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 13B) is assembled side-by-side against the lower longitudinal portion of the dual-receptacle expansion tube adapter module 460 and engaged with two pairs of plate wedges 445 using four bracket screws 338, which are inserted through holes 447 in the plate wedges 445 and then threadedly engage with holes provided for them in the multi-angle bracket 335. In the opposite direction, four bracket screws 338 can be inserted through holes 336 and threadedly engage with holes in the underside of the plate wedges 445. When the bracket screws 338 are loosened, the engagement with the adapter module 460 is slidable or pivotable over a given length of the adapter module 460. For a secure hold, the bracket screws 338 can be tightened. Alternatively, the multi-angle bracket 335 can be engaged directly with the adapter module or rotator module using one or more mounting screws 332, which threadedly engage with square nuts 36 that are slidably engaged within the square nut channels of the corresponding modules.

[0280] The tool mounting plate 435 is secured to the plate wedge 445 using screws 442, which are inserted through plate screw holes 440 and threadedly engaged with threaded holes 446 in the plate wedge 445. A tool or other device, such as a camera or a camera mounting plate (for auxiliary interfacing with a camera or camera accessory), can be secured to the tool mounting plate 435 using mounting screws 436, which are inserted into tool mounting slots 437 and then threadedly engaged with one or more mounting holes provided for the tool or device in the base.

[0281] The male component face mount assembly 361 engages the male mounting slide member 450, which is then clamped to the male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 465 via the multi-angle bracket 335 using bracket screws 338, which are inserted through holes 336 provided therefor in the multi-angle bracket 335 and then threadingly engage bracket screw holes 456 in the male mounting slide member 450, and threadingly engage through opposing holes 456 in the slide member 450 with a second pair of opposing holes 336 in the multi-angle bracket 335. The clamped-together slide member 450 and multi-angle bracket 335 can be repositioned on the adapter module 465 by loosening the bracket screws 338, selecting a new position, and then re-tightening the bracket screws 338.

[0282] The position of the male mounting slider assembly 450 and the multi-angle bracket 335, which are clamped together along the male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 465, can be additionally fixed and adjusted as follows. A pair of square nuts 36 are inserted into each of the opposing longitudinal passages 466. Two mounting screws 332 are inserted through mounting holes 331 provided therefor in the multi-angle bracket 335 and threadedly engage one of the multiple pairs of square nuts 36 (with a pair of washers 339 interposed between the inner surface of the multi-angle bracket 335 and the extension tube adapter module 465). Two mounting screws 453 are inserted through mounting holes 452 provided therefor in the male mounting slider assembly 450 and threadedly engage another pair of square nuts 36 (with a pair of washers 339 interposed between the inner surface of the male mounting slider assembly 450 and the extension tube adapter module 465). After loosening the mounting screws 453 and 332, the clamped-together male mounting slide assembly 450 and multi-angle bracket 335 can be slid along the male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 465 to a selected position, and then the screws 453 and 332 can be re-tightened. Alternatively, only one pair of screws 453, 332 can be used in conjunction with only one square nut channel 466.

[0283] It should be noted that the base plate assembly or other modular assembly can utilize the male mounting slide member 450 individually or in pairs clamped together in the same manner as described above in conjunction with the multi-angle bracket 335. It should also be noted that the male mounting slide member 450 can provide a unit-sized extension of its central male member mounting hole 454 outward from the circumference of the module to which it is mounted, such as 30 mm, through its width. In the example of the base plate assembly 430, this feature provides a unit-sized width on the module.

[0284] The male component face mount assembly 361, which extends from the male mounting slide member 450 toward the center of the base plate assembly 430, is removably engaged with the receptacles at opposite ends of the dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460, using the pin holes 455 for positioning and the bolts threadably engaged with the center holes 454 for securing. In an assembly in which the screws 332 and square nuts 36 are not engaged with the longitudinal channels in the underside of the adapter module 460, the supported tool mounting plate 435 can be rotated about the dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 to a desired position by slightly disengaging the bracket screw 338, which is inserted through the access opening 441 provided therefor in the tool mounting plate 435 and through the bracket screw hole 336 provided therefor in the multi-angle bracket 335, rotating the tool mounting plate 435 to the desired position, and then reengaging the bracket screw 338. Alternatively, to connect the tool mounting plate 435 to the external component in an open and intermittently lockable 360° pivotable manner, the adapter module 460 may be replaced with a dual receptacle rotator module, such as Figure 4 The previously referenced exemplary rotator module 151 is shown in .

[0285] The base plate assembly 430 can be securely coupled to a larger facility or structural support assembly via one or both of the receptacles of the two adapter modules 465, or via one or both of the male member extension pipe end assemblies 270 of the two adapter modules 465, or by adding a male member side mounting assembly 110, 395 (not shown) to the adapter module 465 or one of the multi-angle brackets 335.

[0286] Tray module

[0287] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to pallet modules that can be incorporated into facility system components. Figure 18 A. Figure 18 B (perspective view and partially exploded perspective view, respectively) shows an example of a tray module assembly 470, which includes a tray bottom 471 having an aperture 472 at each corner. It should be noted that the tray bottom can be rectangular or square or trapezoidal or triangular or pentagonal or hexagonal or heptagonal or octagonal in shape. An example of a square tray bottom 471 is shown, which has four apertures 472 at each corner for inserting and reversibly engaging expansion tube adapter modules or expansion tube rotator modules of different lengths, which can optionally serve as structural corner posts for the system assembly. Near each aperture 472, the tray bottom 471 further includes a collar hole 473, whereby a collar 474 is removably secured to the tray bottom 471 using a collar screw 476, which passes through the collar hole 473 and enters a threaded hole in the collar 474.

[0288] In this example of tray module 470, four second example dual receptacle expansion tube adapter modules 475 are provided (here more than previously in FIG. Figure 17474 and the tray bottom 471. The extension tube adapter module 475 can be removably secured within the center of each collar 474 by a collar screw 476 that passes through a side-facing hole in the collar and threadably engages a square nut 36 placed in a longitudinal square nut channel 477, or alternatively, the square nut is received by a receptacle assembly or intermediate square nut retainer within the module's extension tube housing. The collar 474 can additionally include a side-facing threaded hole to which a side panel 478 can be removably secured using side panel screws 479 that pass through a hole in the side panel 478 to threadably engage the collar 474. For added reinforcement, the top ends of the extension tube adapter module 475 and side panel 478 can optionally be secured to four additional collars 474, as shown. The assembly of the tray bottom 471 and side panels 478, wherein the collar 474 engages along the square nut channel 477 of the corner module, can be raised or lowered on its corner module by loosening the collar screw 476, selecting a new position, and then re-tightening the collar screw. It should be noted that the tray bottom and tray sides disclosed herein may also be referred to as "flat sheets."

[0289] Such a pallet module can be incorporated into a facility system assembly for holding and transporting equipment, tools, materials, supplies, etc. around a worksite or other location, or alternatively, for use in a shelving system or performance platform. The pallet module can be pivotally engaged with a facility system assembly mounted on a rotator module, thereby providing a load dumping function when needed. The pallet module can also be incorporated into a platform assembly, a table assembly, or a workstation assembly.

[0290] Table module

[0291] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to tables and desks and shelving module assemblies that can be assembled using some of the modules disclosed herein and can also be used to assemble performance platforms. Figure 19 An example of a table assembly 480 is shown in A and includes a tabletop 481 having an example of a dual receptacle side opening adapter module 488 engaged at each corner. It should be noted that the tabletop or countertop can be rectangular or square or trapezoidal or triangular or pentagonal or hexagonal or heptagonal or octagonal or circular or oval in shape. If desired, a shelf 482 can be provided, for example, to engage with a pair of second example dual receptacle side opening adapter modules 489 mounted on the tabletop 481. Figure 19 B shows an example of how the dual receptacle side opening adapter module 488 can be engaged with the table top 481. A recess is provided at each corner on the bottom surface of the table top 481. Figure 19B, but is identical to the recess 483 on the top surface of the table top 481. A mounting plate 484 having a central threaded hole 485 is inserted into the recess and securely mounted to the table top 481 using, for example, five screws 487 inserted through holes 486 provided therefor in the mounting plate 484. It should be noted that the mounting plate could be circular or oblong or triangular or square or rectangular or trapezoidal or hexagonal or octagonal in shape and provide a different number of screw holes 486.

[0292] The male component face mounting assembly 361 is mounted to the plate 484 using mounting bolts that threadedly engage the threaded holes 485. The male component face mounting assembly 361 is then inserted into the receptacle in the end of the dual receptacle side open adapter module 488 and is mounted as described with reference to FIG. Figure 8 B is fixed in place as described for the side opening adapter module 251. Alternatively, it may be provided for mounting one or more rotator modules, or one or more adapter modules as described above, for example, with reference to Figure 17 482. If a shelf 482 is to be added, a plate 484 is inserted into a recess 483 provided for it in the tabletop surface and secured in place using screws 487 inserted through holes 486. A male component face mount assembly 361 is mounted to the plate 484 using mounting bolts threadedly engaged with threaded holes 485, after which the male component face mount assembly 361 is inserted into a receptacle in the end of a dual receptacle side open adapter module 489, or alternatively, into a receptacle in another dual receptacle module. A pair of plates 484 and male component face mount assembly 361 are mounted to the bottom of the shelf 482 and secured to a receptacle in the other end of the dual receptacle side open adapter module 489 as shown.

[0293] Lighting installation module

[0294] exist Figure 20 A to Figure 20 Some embodiments of lighting mounting modules are shown in D, which provide attachment means for removably coupling lighting equipment or other similar types of equipment to some facility system components. Figure 20 A. Figure 20 An example of a lighting mounting module 490 is shown in FIG. B and includes an extension tube housing 492 having a male extension tube end assembly 270 fixed to one end. A socket 498 is threadedly engaged with a socket mounting plate 494 by a screw 497 inserted through a threaded hole 496 in the socket mounting plate 494. The socket assembly is then mounted to the other end of the extension tube housing 492 using a screw that threadably engages a screw hole provided therein.

[0295] exist Figure 20 C. Figure 20 Another example of a lighting mounting module 500 is shown in FIG. D and includes a socket adapter male member component 501 that includes a wide pivot section 507 at one end to which the male member 70 is secured using screws 90 that threadably engage holes in octagonal bosses of the wide pivot section 507. The socket adapter male member component 501 has a pivot sprocket 506 located about its midpoint and a socket receptacle 503 at its other end. The socket 502 is inserted into the socket receptacle 503 and secured in place using a set screw 504 that is inserted through a screw hole 505 and then tightened using a tension adjustment screw knob 58 or other screwdriver.

[0296] Base module:

[0297] Guide rail rolling module

[0298] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to guide rail rolling modules and assemblies configured to removably engage, for example, a motion picture camera that can be transported along a track rail system during film production or filming. Similar assemblies can be used to transport other devices, tools, equipment, materials, property, etc. around a work site or other location along a guide rail system. Figure 21 A. Figure 21 B and Figure 22 Some examples of guide rail rolling modules and components are shown in FIG.

[0299] An example of a guide rail rolling module 510 ( Figure 21 A. Figure 22) includes two pairs of spring-suspended roller assemblies 514 that engage with a carrier plate 512 and have an upwardly extending male member plate assembly 420. Each roller assembly 514 includes an axle block 516 having a downwardly extending end with a hole therethrough for receiving an axle bolt 520. A washer is placed on each axle bolt 520, followed by a roller 518, another washer, and then a lock nut, which rotationally secures the roller 518 to the axle block 516. One end of a spring block 522 is rotationally attached near one end of the axle block 516 using a suspension bolt 524. The other end of the spring block 522 has a recess for receiving therein a spring tension plate 528 and a spring 530 that are biased against the other end of the axle block 516. The tension of the spring can be adjusted by tightening or loosening a spring tension set screw 526 disposed therein. The pair of spring-suspended roller assemblies 514 are mounted to opposite ends of the carriage plate by screws (not shown), which pass through holes in the spring block 522 and into threaded holes provided for them in the top of the carriage plate 512. Near the center of the carriage plate, a spacer plate 532 is optionally mounted by screws (not shown), onto which the male member plate assembly 420, including the male component 70 that engages the mounting plate 422, is mounted to the top surface of the spacer plate 532, thereby completing the guide rail rolling module 510. Optionally, if desired, a friction pad plate 540 having rail-facing friction pads 542 is additionally attached to the guide rail-facing surface of the carriage plate 512 to adjust the speed of movement of the guide rail rolling module 510 along the guide rail track system. The friction pad plate 540 is attached to the carriage plate 512 by a pair of partially threaded tension adjustment knobs 544, which threadably engage holes provided for them in the carriage plate 512 at their upper portions. At the unthreaded lower portion of each knob 544 (which partially passes through the unthreaded hole in the friction pad plate 540), an upper retaining ring 548 is provided from top to bottom. The upper retaining ring is retained within the upper neck of the knob shaft (adjacent to the lower portion with the threaded portion), and a spring 546 is inserted between the ring and the plate 540. When the knob 544 is extended downward by rotation, the upper retaining ring 548 applies pressure against the plate 540 on the spring, thereby increasing the tension of the friction pad 542 against the guide rail (not shown). The remaining portion of the knob shaft passes through the plate 540, whereby a second lower retaining ring 548 retained within the lower neck of the shaft prevents the plate 540 from separating from the knob 544.

[0300] When spring-loaded suspension of the module on the rail is not desired, the rail rolling module may alternatively include two fixed roller assemblies 535 (described in further detail below) in place of the two spring-suspended roller assemblies 514 .

[0301] The guide rail surrounds the rolling module assembly 537 ( Figure 21 B. Figure 22) includes a second carriage plate 512 (engaged at each end with a fixed roller assembly 535) mounted to the rail rolling module 510 via at least one side plate 538 (and optionally two side plates 538). Each fixed roller assembly 535 includes an axle block 536 to which a pair of rollers 518 are fixed, as described for the spring-suspended roller assembly 514. The two axle blocks 536 are mounted to the second carriage plate 512 using screws (not shown), which in turn is mounted to one end of the side plate 538 using screws (not shown). The rail rolling module 510 engages the opposite end of the side plate 538 to form a rail wrap-around rolling module assembly 537. The rail wrap-around rolling module assembly 537 is particularly useful for safely and securely transporting camera equipment or other devices, tools, equipment, or supported loads along a rail track system that is not horizontal and flat, including vertical or inclined tracks, and one or more curved tracks. Optionally, the rail-wrap rolling module assembly 537 can be modified by mounting the male member plate assembly 420 to the second bulkhead 532 and / or to one or both of the side panels 538, for up to four outwardly extending male member assemblies, which are configured for interconnection of modular assemblies within the structural support system. Alternatively, if desired, one to four bulkheads 532 can be eliminated and the male member plate assembly 420 can be directly attached to the carrier plate 512 and the side panels 538, thereby resulting in a width variation between opposing male member plate assemblies 420, optionally allowing for modular unit size width or other overall width.

[0302] Additional rail-wrap rolling modules may alternatively include assemblies having four spring-suspended roller assemblies 514 or four fixed roller assemblies 535. Furthermore, additional rail-wrap rolling modules may alternatively include assemblies having one, two, or no friction pads 540 and 542. Additionally, rail-wrap rolling modules may be assembled in a reverse configuration of assembly 537, wherein the carriage plate 512 and roller assemblies 514 or 535 face outward, are centrally connected, and engage on two opposing rails via one of the dual receptacle modules, which removably engages the now inward-facing male member plate assembly 420.

[0303] Wheel module

[0304] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wheel modules that can provide transportation or mobility features within a facility system assembly. Various wheel modules and wheel module assemblies include steerable assemblies or open 360° pivotable caster assemblies or caster-type assemblies.

[0305] exist Figure 23 A. Figure 23An example of a wheel module assembly 550 is shown in Figure B and includes an axle / receptacle side split adapter module 555 to which a wheel 552 is rotationally coupled using an axle bolt 554. The side split adapter module 555 includes an extended tube housing 255 having opposing longitudinal square nut passages 256 and a central square nut retainer 180 housed therein, a side split receptacle component 260 having a side split receptacle cover 268, and an axle tube end component 551 that engages with a mounting screw. The axle tube end assembly 551 has a central threaded hole 551a and two offset threaded holes 551b. The axle bolt 554 can threadably engage the central threaded hole 551a or, alternatively, one of the two offset threaded holes 551b, wherein the offset threaded hole 551b allows the wheel module assembly to function as a caster.

[0306] Another example of a wheel module according to the present disclosure is Figure 23 C. Figure 23 The caster module assembly 560 shown in FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a caster module assembly 560 in which a pivoting or fixed caster 568 is threadedly engaged with a hole provided therefor in a mounting member 562. The male member face mounting assembly 361 is engaged with the mounting member 562 via a pin and bolt 120 of its pivot sprocket 362, the pin being positioned in a pin hole 566 and the bolt being threadedly engaged with a threaded hole 564.

[0307] Foot module

[0308] exist Figure 24 A and Figure 24 An example of a leveling foot module 580 is shown in FIG. 1B (perspective and exploded perspective views, respectively) and includes a male member face mounting assembly 361 that is coupled to a mounting member 562 in a manner similar to that of reference numerals 560 and 561. Figure 23 D engages in the same manner as described for caster assembly 560. An adjustable foot member 581 has a foot end 583 from which extends a threaded leveling rod 582, with a nut 584 threadedly engaged with the threaded leveling rod. Adjustable foot member 581 threadably engages a hole provided for it in mounting member 562 until nut 584 abuts the base of the member and can be tightened. The distance that foot end 583 steadily extends from mounting member 562 can be adjusted by threading nut 584 along threaded leveling rod 582 toward or away from foot end 583 before threaded leveling rod 582 threadably engages the hole in mounting member 562.

[0309] exist Figure 24An example of a base plate module 585 is shown in C and includes a base plate 586 having a threaded hole 587 around the center of the base plate 586, and the male member plate assembly 420 is mounted to the base plate by inserting a screw 428 through a hole in the mounting plate 422 and threadably engaging the hole 587.

[0310] Pivotable support modules

[0311] exist Figure 25 A to Figure 25 An example of a pivotable support module 590 is shown in FIG. C and includes a male member plate assembly 420 secured to a pivot bracket 592 using a mounting plate screw 428 that is inserted through holes provided therefor in the mounting plate 422 and the pivot bracket 592 and then threadedly engaged with a lock nut 593. A pivotable pad component 594 has an opposing threaded hole 595 and is inserted into the pivot bracket 592 and secured in a desired position by a knob 598 that threadedly engages the threaded hole 595 ( Figure 25 A. Figure 25 B) When it is desired to rotationally adjust the position of the backing member 594, a washer 599 can be slid onto the threaded portion of the knob 598 before the knob 598 is threadably engaged with the threaded hole 595 to facilitate loosening and tightening of the knob in and out of the backing member 594. The pivotable support module 590 is shown with Figure 25 The suction cup member 596 is rotatably engaged for removable engagement with glass or another smooth surface.

[0312] Weight Module

[0313] exist Figure 26 A. Figure 26 An example of a weight module assembly 600 is shown in FIG. B and includes a weight component 602 that is removably engaged with another example of a dual-receptacle extension tube rotator module 605 having an extension tube housing 606 having a pair of opposed longitudinal square nut channels 608 for slidably engaging a plurality of square nuts 36 therein, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5As described for the dual receptacle extension tube rotator modules 151 and 152. The inner surface of the first weight component 602 abuts the extension tube housing 606, and a bolt 604 is inserted into an outer hole 603a provided for it in the weight component 602, and then threadedly engages with a square nut 36 received in a square nut channel 608. A second bolt 604 is inserted into another outer hole 603a provided for it in the first weight component 602, and then threadedly engages with a second square nut 36 received in the square nut channel 608. The second weight component 602 abuts the extension tube housing 606 opposite the first weight component 602, and is threadedly engaged with the square nuts 36 received in the opposing square nut channels 608 using two bolts 604 inserted through the holes 603a in the second weight component 602. Alternatively, one or a pair of weight members 602 can be mounted through the center hole 603b using a bolt 604 that passes through the side mounting hole of the extension tube housing to threadably engage a square nut held by the module's receptacle assembly or intermediate square nut retainer. Optionally, if a heavier counterweight or base weight is required for the weight module assembly 600, one or more additional weight members 602 are similarly threadedly engaged to the extension tube housing 606.

[0314] Telescopic expansion module

[0315] exist Figure 27 A. Figure 27 B and Figure 27 An exemplary telescoping expansion module 610 is shown in Figures 6C (perspective, exploded perspective, and longitudinal cross-sectional views, respectively), and generally comprises an expansion tube housing 612 having a male member tube end plate 271 to which the male member 70 is mounted. The other end of the expansion tube housing 612 is fitted with a telescoping assembly comprising a rod retaining member 614 mounted to the other end of the expansion tube housing 612 using four screws 23. A rod retaining plate 616 (having a central aperture for receiving a threaded rod 620 therethrough) is mounted against the inwardly facing surface of the rod retaining member 614 and is mounted using screws 619 to the inwardly facing surface of an adjustment collar member 618, the interior of which extends through the center of the rod retaining member 614. The collar member 618 and plate 616 securely but rotationally clamp the rod retaining member 614, which is secured within the expansion tube housing using the screws. The adjustment collar member 618 has a threaded aperture therethrough that threadably engages the threaded rod 620. The distal end of the threaded rod 620 has a narrower diameter threaded portion 621 which is inserted through a hole provided therefor in a bulkhead 622 and secured to the bulkhead by threaded engagement with a washer and lock nut 624. Figure 16B and related reference descriptions) are mounted to the partition plate 622 by screws 428, which are inserted through holes provided therefor in the mounting plate 422 and threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor in the partition plate 622.

[0316] The operator can extend the male component plate assembly 420 away from the extension tube housing 612 by rotating the adjustment collar member 618 clockwise, which advances the threaded rod 620 and the installed male component plate assembly 420 outward until the desired outward extension of the male component plate assembly 420 is achieved. The operator can reversely retract the male component plate assembly 420 by rotating the adjustment collar member 618 in a counterclockwise direction. When an approximately desired length of rod extension is achieved, the male component plate assembly 420 and threaded rod 620 can be rotated a small amount in either direction to properly orient the installed male component 70 and corresponding receptacle module (not shown), as needed.

[0317] End cap module:

[0318] Figures 28 to 33 The following examples of end cap modules shown in provide various structural end member functions for the following uses, including as a grip or foot or bumper or landing pad or general protective closure for an exposed male component or receptacle component of a system component.

[0319] exist Figure 28 A to Figure 28 An example of a gripping end cap module 625 which may optionally be used as a grip or foot or buffer is shown in E and includes a gripping member 626 and an outer sleeve 631 which is rotatably engaged with the gripping member. The gripping member 626 includes a semicircular end cap portion 627 at one end, an intermediate elongated gripping portion 628, and an inner sleeve 629 at the other end. In this example, four prong retaining slots 630 are provided in the form of depressions within a cavity within the gripping portion 628 which may receive and secure a corresponding number of linear prong groups of the male member 70 (not shown) of the mating module. When in a position such as Figure 28 In the open position shown in D, the male component assembly of the mating module including the male component 70 can be inserted into the grip end cap module 625, after which the outer sleeve 631 can be rotated to Figure 28 E, whereby its retaining tab 632 overlaps the tine retaining slot 630, thereby closing the tine 82 (e.g., Figure 1 、 Figure 2 ) is fixed in the prong retaining slot 630 to secure the male component 70.

[0320] Another example of an end cap module is Figure 29 A. Figure 29B shows a housing end cap module 635 mounted on a male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640. The housing end cap module 635 comprises a pair of matching half shell caps 636 which are removably engaged with the male component 70 of the male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640 by means of screws 637 which are inserted through holes 638 provided therefor in the half shell caps and threadedly engage with threaded holes 89 in the neck of the male component 70.

[0321] exist Figure 30 A and Figure 30 An example of a female dome liner end cap module 641 is shown in B and includes a female dome liner 642 having a collapsible frame 643 having a central aperture 645. A female dome mounting plate 646 is mounted to the frame 643 using screws 648 which are inserted through holes 647 provided therefor in the mounting plate 646 and threadedly engage threaded channels or threaded inserts provided therefor in the frame 643. The female dome mounting plate 646 has an aperture 649 which aligns with the aperture 645 in the frame 643. The apertures 649, 645 are sized to slidingly but frictionally engage the housing end cap module 635 which is in contact with the male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640 (in FIG. Figure 29 ) or another module.

[0322] exist Figure 30 C. Figure 30 An example of a male dome liner end cap module 650 is shown in D and includes a male dome liner 652 having a collapsible frame 653. The male component face mounting assembly 361 is mounted to a male dome mounting plate 654 using bolts at threaded holes 656 and nail holes 657. The male dome mounting plate 654 is mounted to the frame 653 using screws 648, which are inserted through holes 658 in the mounting plate 654 and then threadedly engage threaded channels or threaded inserts provided therefor in the collapsible frame 653.

[0323] Some embodiments of the modules disclosed herein include a seat end cap module that can be incorporated into a facility system arrangement configured for a ride-on vehicle setup, or alternatively, configured into a stool or workbench assembly. Figure 31 A and Figure 31 An example of a seat module 660 is shown in FIG. B and includes a seat cushion 662 to which the male member plate assembly 420 is mounted by screws 428 which are inserted through holes provided therefor in the mounting plate 422 and then engage threaded holes provided therefor in the seat cushion 662 (in FIG. Figure 31 (not visible) are threaded together.

[0324] exist Figure 32A. Figure 32 An example of a buffer end cap module 670 is shown in B, mounted on a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 having a laterally extending male member side mounting assembly 110 (first at Figure 3 A). The bumper member 672 slides over the wide pivot section 78 of the rotator hub assembly 100 and is secured in place by a screw 674 which is inserted through an aperture provided therefor in the bumper member 672 and then threadingly engages a threaded hole in an octagonal boss 79 extending upwardly from the wide pivot section 78.

[0325] exist Figure 33 A to Figure 33 Various additional end cap components according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. Figure 33 A to Figure 33 An example of a soft end cap component 680 is shown in FIG. C and includes a soft hemispherical dome component 688 into which four inserts 686 having threaded holes are engaged. An elongated leg component 681 having an integral mounting plate 682 with four holes 683 therethrough is mounted to the dome component 688 using four screws 685 that are inserted through the four holes 683 and then threadably engaged with the four inserts 686 within the dome component 688. For example, the soft end cap component 680 may be engaged with a receptacle component of a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100, as shown. Figure 33 C. When used in a side opening receptacle, component 680 may be securely engaged by a screw threadingly engaging threaded hole 689.

[0326] exist Figure 33 D. Figure 33 An example of a hard end cap component 690 for covering and protecting any unused receptacle in a rotator module or adapter module incorporated into any facility system assembly according to the present disclosure is shown in E. This example of a hard end cap component 690 has a flat, outwardly facing surface 693 with a pull tab extending across surface 693 and an elongated, downwardly extending leg component 691 having a radial latch chamfer 692 that, when the hard end cap component 690 is inserted into a receptacle of the rotator receptacle assembly 20 or the adapter receptacle assembly 220, presses a mating half latch with a spring receptacle back until it passes through the half latch, thereby securing the hard end cap component 690 within the receptacle until the latch 50 is released. Figure 33 E shows the hard end cap component 690 engaged with the rotator receptacle assembly of the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 .

[0327] Figure 33A simple flat end cap component 695 shown in FIG. F can be secured to the open end of any type of extension tube housing disclosed herein. The flat end cap component 695 has four holes 696 around its periphery through which screws 23 can be inserted and threadedly engaged with threaded screw slots 698 provided at one end of an exemplary extension tube housing 697 that engages the male member extension tube end assembly 270 at its other end.

[0328] Unit size

[0329] The exemplary modules disclosed herein can be constructed with a variety of materials in a variety of sizes to facilitate assembly of facility systems and support structures for a variety of applications. For ease of use and system-wide modular interconnectivity and cross-compatibility, modular unit sizes can be used in all modules of the system format. In the construction of various embodiments, the unit sizes can have different sizes depending on the intended use of the modular system. The stated and illustrated dimensions and ratios are for descriptive purposes only, while informing the relative functionality and compatibility of the interconnected modules with respect to each other, and are not intended to limit any module of the present disclosure to these values ​​or ratios.

[0330] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a suitable system format has a tube module having a unit length standard of 2 units of diameter, where one unit can be equal to, for example, 30 mm. Although the receptacle 11, 211 and the complementary male member assembly 71, 110, 270, 361, 395, 420 can be longer than 2 units, the closed tube module 10 / 201 includes a closed tube housing 15 / 215 configured for a modular unit length of 2 units, thereby facilitating a hub assembly having a cubic modular unit length of 2 units by 2 units, wherein the receptacle assemblies 20, 220 overlap within the hollow center of the wide pivot section of the closed tube housing 15 / 215. In accordance with some embodiments, the exemplary guide rail rolling module 510 and guide rail surround rolling module assembly 537 can provide up to two-way or four-way unit size constructions, respectively, wherein the male member plate assemblies 420 attached to matching sized partitions 532 are combined to provide, for example, a modular width of 6 units between the male member plate assemblies 420 across the guide rail rolling modules 510, 537, thereby allowing parallel construction capabilities with other modules of the same system format.

[0331] By using unit sizes on modules in a system format, the calculation and construction of parts required to achieve the end-use assembly is facilitated. Moreover, in the case of a series of expansion tube modules, for example, providing the length that the guide roller modules 510, 537 can travel, the unit size length can provide a visual guide to the operator of the distance traveled, whether through connection points, or side mounting holes of the modules, which can be included along the length of their expansion tubes, and can also provide connection points for end cap modules, for example, to be positioned as stops, such as at the desired location along the expansion tube module guide rail assembly.

[0332] Kit

[0333] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a set of one or more modules of various types disclosed herein can be provided together in a kit for assembly into a specific type of modular facility system component or support structure for various functional requirements. Regardless of the type or number of end-use system components or modules, the kits disclosed herein can additionally include or be packaged with: instruments or tools to assist in assembly of the system; and / or hard copy or instructions based on instructions for assembling the system.

[0334] Customizable components

[0335] The modular units of the present disclosure can be interconnected to form a wide variety of facility system assemblies and support structure assemblies that can be designed for a variety of applications. In this way, a facility system or support structure can be customized for a specific application using a selected combination of interconnected modules of a given system format, or using adapter coupler modules 311 or other fasteners, modules of multiple system formats. The wide range of construction capabilities allows the system to be assembled in a variety of sizes and functional designs to meet a wide range of end-user needs. For example, it is contemplated that the modules of the present disclosure can be interconnected to form facility systems or support structures that include, but are not limited to, carts, dollies, tracks, cranes, lifts, stands, pipe racks, tables, workstations, seats, bed frames, shelving, storage, performances, railings, partitions, toy systems, etc. Optionally, the system components can be combined with third-party tools, mechanisms, and systems for changing end-use requirements.

[0336] Depending on the embodiment, the modules disclosed herein may be selected and interconnected to assemble a plurality of customized tool / load support assemblies that may be constructed for use, for example, in filmmaking and / or videography and / or still photography applications, including but not limited to camera, microphone, and lighting positioning and mobile support systems, and in other embodiments, as carts and stands for other equipment and property, for use in a variety of industrial or domestic applications.

[0337] To gain a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, the following examples of facility system components and support structure components are described.

[0338] Example

[0339] To further illustrate the versatility of the modules in assembling various facility system components and support assemblies, such as carts, dollies, tracks, cranes, lifts, stands, pipe racks, tables, workstations, seating, bed frames, shelving, storage, performance, railings, partitions, toy systems, etc., examples of assemblies are provided to demonstrate the various multifunctional aspects of the modular components described herein. Figures 34 to 43 The examples 1 to 10 shown in the drawings are configured for use with various types of cameras. However, the components shown may alternatively be used with other types of devices, such as microphones, lighting, telescopes, lasers, measurement and surveying tools, and the like. Figure 44 The example 11 shown in FIG. 1 is constructed for industrial lighting. Figures 45 to 47 The examples 12 to 14 shown in the drawings are configured to be used as various types of carts for transporting various types of materials, supplies, equipment, etc. The modules disclosed herein can also be configured to be used as furniture or components for storage, such as Figure 48 As shown in .

[0340] Example 1: Crab-like steering trolley system

[0341] Figure 34 A perspective view of an example of a crab steer dolly system 700 is shown, which is constructed with some of the modules and components disclosed herein and is designed to provide a trackless, operator-controlled crab steer assembly for transporting a camera or other device on a film set or other location. It should be noted that in this example, references to "rear" or "rearward" refer to the side of the assembly facing the figure on which the operator turns the dolly system to stand, and "front" or "forward" refers to the side of the assembly facing away from the figure. The crab steer dolly 700 includes two subassemblies, wherein the first subassembly is a pivotable and rotatable device support structure supported by a pair of guide rails surrounding a rolling module assembly 537, and the second subassembly is a steerable dolly frame provided with: (i) an elongated guide rail assembly on which the guide rails surrounding the rolling module 537 can travel; (ii) a pair of crab steer wheel modules 550 at each corner; and (iii) a steering assembly for pivotable control of the wheel modules.

[0342] The device support subassembly includes a base plate assembly 400 to which a camera or other screw-mounted device can be mounted. The right side of the base plate assembly 400 engages the pan / tilt / jib-operated handle assembly, which includes a 6-unit length dual-receptacle extended tube rotator module 151 and a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 capped with a hard end cap component 690 and a downwardly extending grip end cap module 625 to enable the operator to manually control the direction and position of the base plate. Extending from the left side of the base plate module 400 is a 4-unit length male / receptacle side opening adapter module 251, which attaches to the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 to provide an intermittently lockable, tension-adjustable 360° device tilt pivot point that can be controlled to the right side of the base plate via the handle assembly. The grip end cap module 625 engages with the left-facing male member of the hub assembly 100 for an additional handle. Extending downwardly from the rotator hub assembly 100 is a 10 unit dual receptacle extension tube rotator module 710 which can lock or provide an off-center 360° device translation pivot point at which it merges with another rotator hub assembly 100 having a 6 unit length dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 mounted thereto, followed by another closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 having a buffer member 672 engaged with its upward facing wide pivot section and merging below with a 3 unit male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 720 to provide an intermittently lockable, tension adjustable 360° device translation pivot point centered below the camera or other pointing device with the ability to adjust the pivot tension using the tension adjustment screw knob 58.

[0343] Below the adapter module 720, the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 is joined on either side by two additional identical closed tube rotator hub assemblies (each mounted with a gripping end cap module 625), from which two 12-unit length dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 475 extend downwardly from each rotator hub assembly 100 (wherein they provide inwardly the boom tilt pivot point for the assemblies above), which are centrally joined to a stack of two additional rotator hubs 100 (wherein they provide the boom translation pivot point for the assemblies above). Boom tilt and boom translation can be controlled using the gripping end cap modules 625 mounted to the ends of the 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 via zero-unit length dual-male adapter modules 281 (not visible). The adapter modules 730 also have counterweight module assemblies 600 mounted thereto.

[0344] Below the two stacked rotator hubs 100 mentioned above, the device support structure is mounted to the guide rail surround roller module assembly 537 via a 6 unit length dual receptacle extension tube coupler module, from which there is a closed tube rotator hub assembly on each side mounted on top of the guide rail surround roller module assembly 537, thereby allowing small tracking movements relative to the lower trolley assembly, in this example running along two parallel 36 unit dual receptacle extension tube coupler modules 740, which are centrally engaged at each end by a closed tube rotator hub assembly and a 6 unit dual receptacle extension tube coupler module 460, from which are downwardly mounted 4 unit male / receptacle extension tube coupler modules 750, followed by a closed tube rotator hub assembly, which connects the above device support structure and guide rail assembly to the steerable trolley sub-assembly.

[0345] The steerable trolley subassembly provides the chassis structure upon which the device support subassembly engages the rail assembly via the rail-wrap roller module assembly 537. The chassis assembly has a four-way closed-tube adapter hub assembly 201 at its center, from which extend four expansion adapter modules in all four directions. The longest is an 18-unit, dual-receptacle expansion adapter module 730 at the center to the rear of the assembly, where the four-way closed-tube rotator hub assembly 100 attaches upward to the rail assembly, and a 12-unit, dual-receptacle expansion adapter module 475 is attached to each side, leading to the two rear corners of the chassis. Extending forward from the center four-way closed-tube adapter hub assembly 201 are 12-unit adapter modules, followed by four-unit adapter modules that engage the rail assembly at the front. Extending from each side of the center adapter hub assembly 201 are two 12-unit adapter modules, leading to the two front corners of the chassis assembly.

[0346] At each corner of the chassis assembly is joined by a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100, with a six-unit male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640 engaged downwardly above each, providing a directional pivot point for the corresponding wheel module assembly 550. Engaged below each of these rotators 640 is a four-way closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 at the center of the pair of wheel modules 550. Extending from the rear of each of these hub assemblies is a six-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460, which merges with another rotator hub assembly 100, from which extends upwardly a six-unit dual-receptacle extension tube rotator module 151, providing the pivot point for the steering assembly.

[0347] Each upwardly extending rear rotator module 640 is serially attached with a rotator hub assembly 100, two dual-male adapter modules 291, and another rotator hub assembly 100. Each upwardly extending front rotator module 640 is attached with four dual-male extension pipe adapter modules 756 and a rotator hub assembly 100. On the left and right sides of the trolley, 18 dual-receptacle extension pipe adapter modules 730 interconnect the top rotator hub assemblies of the front and rear rotator modules of the steering assembly for the wheel modules 550, which are interconnected with the wheel modules 550. A pair of 12 dual-receptacle extension pipe adapter modules 475 extend inward from the lower rotator hub assembly 100 on top of the rear, upwardly extending rotator modules 640 and engage with another configuration of four-way closed pipe adapter hub assemblies. Extending rearward from this adapter hub assembly is the weight module assembly 600 on the six dual-receptacle adapter modules. Extending upward from the adapter hub assembly are 12 units of male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 754, which engage with 4 units of dual male extension tube adapter modules 756 having three gripping end cap modules 625. The subassemblies described in this paragraph include a steering assembly by which an operator can steer the crab steer dolly 700 when pushed or pulled by the gripping end cap modules 625. In this example, a steering radius of approximately 140° for the wheels can be achieved by the force applied by the operator to the steering assembly, where pushing the assembly forward and left will cause the wheel module 550 to point to the right, and vice versa, redirecting the wheel module forward and right will cause it to point to the left.

[0348] Example 2: Vertical rail tracking trolley system

[0349] exist Figure 35 An example of a vertical rail tracking dolly system 760 is shown in FIG. 1 and can be used to provide stable support for controllably moving a mounted device, such as a still camera or video or movie camera, in vertical upward and downward motion during motion or still image capture. Wheel modules enable an operator to push or pull the vertical rail tracking dolly system 760 as needed when operating the mounted device.

[0350] The vertical guide rail tracking trolley system 760 includes two sub-components, wherein the first sub-component is a trolley frame, which is provided with a pair of wheel modules 550 and a vertical slender guide rail structure at each corner, and the guide rail surrounds the rolling module component 537 and can travel on the vertical slender guide rail structure; the second sub-component is a pivotable and rotatable camera support structure, which has a pair of guide rail surrounds the rolling module component 537 for traveling up and down along the vertical slender guide rail structure provided for it on the trolley frame.

[0351] The trolley frame subassembly is constructed with a first pair of spaced-apart, 18-unit, dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 that are side-mounted at their ends to a second pair of spaced-apart, 18-unit, dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 that engage at their ends with a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 equipped with a hard socket cover component 690. Extending downwardly from each rotator hub assembly 100 is a 6-unit male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640, providing a directional pivot point for the trolley system's wheel modules 550, which are side-mounted on either side of the rotator hub assembly 100 at the base of each extension tube rotator module 640. In this example, wheels 552 are bolted to the axle / receptacle side open adapter modules 555 of the wheel modules 550 at corresponding axle-offset threaded holes 551b (not visible) so that these wheel module assemblies will act as large casters and naturally rotate into alignment with the direction of directional force applied to the trolley assembly by the operator. like Figure 35 As shown in , extending from a third side of the center of the spinner hub assembly, the wheel module assembly includes a weight module assembly 600 side mounted to an adapter module having a flat end cap member 695.

[0352] The vertically elongated rail structure comprises two rails, each of which comprises an 18-unit dual-receptacle extension pipe adapter module 730 at the lower end, which engages with an 18-unit male / receptacle extension pipe adapter module 765 at the upper end. The lower end of the rail structure is laterally mounted to the longitudinal square nut channels of the horizontally disposed first pair of adapter modules 730. A hard receptacle cover member 690 is inserted into the upper end of the rail structure to protectively enclose the two receptacles.

[0353] The second subassembly, the pivotable and rotatable camera support structure, includes a base plate assembly 400 to which the camera or other screw mounting device can be mounted. Figure 35) engages the pan / tilt / arm operating handle assembly, which includes a first dual receptacle extended tube rotator module 151 and a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100, which is capped with a hard socket cover component 690 and a downwardly extending grip end cap module 625 to allow the operator to manually control the direction and position of the base plate. Extending from the right side of the base plate assembly 400 is the male / receptacle side opening adapter module 251, which engages the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 to provide an intermittently lockable, tension-adjustable 360° tilt axis, whereby the base plate assembly 400 can be controlled to the left of the base plate assembly via the grip assembly. The grip end cap module 625 is mounted to the outward facing male component assembly of the rotator hub assembly 100 for additional gripping points. Extending downward from the rotator hub assembly 100 is a 10-unit dual-receptacle extension tube rotator module 710, which provides an eccentric translation axis and merges at its base with the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201. From this hub assembly, a first dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 is mounted sideways, which in turn engages a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 having a bumper member 672 engaged with its upwardly facing wide pivot section to protect a camera or other device from being inadvertently encountered by rotating the hub assembly about its 360° tilt axis. The rotator hub assembly 100 provides an intermittently lockable, tension-adjustable translation axis for the base plate assembly and merges with a 3-unit male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 720, which extends downward from the rotator hub assembly and is side-mounted to the second dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460. A pair of 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 are rotationally engaged with opposite ends of the second rotator module 151. A counterweight module assembly 600 is side-mounted near the bottom end of each of the pair of dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730. Another 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 730 is side-mounted at one end to the second rotatably coupled rotatable module 151 and at its other end to the third rotatable module 151. Another extension tube adapter module 730 is side-mounted at one end to the opposite side of the third rotatable module 151 and has a counterweight module assembly 600 mounted to its opposite end. A pair of rotatable hub assemblies 100 having hard end cap components 690 and outward grip end cap modules 625 engage receptacles in opposite ends of the third rotatable module 151, thereby allowing the upper portion of the support assembly to pivot upward and downward and, if desired, the extended vertical portion of the assembly to remain vertical by rotating about the second rotatable module 151. Below the pair of rotator hub assemblies 100 , a pair of dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 460 are engaged and then installed onto a pair of adapter hub assemblies 201 interconnected by another dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 .The guide rail surround rolling module assembly 537 is installed in the receptacle facing the guide rail of the adapter hub assembly 201.

[0354] The rail surround roller module assembly 537 slides around a vertical elongated rail structure constructed on the trolley frame subassembly and can be moved up and down the rail structure by an operator using gripping end cap modules 625 mounted for this purpose to the pair of rotator hub assemblies 100 engaged with the third rotator module 151 and mounted to the sides of the roller module assembly 537. A pair of female domed gasket end cap modules 641 can be mounted to the middle horizontal dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 of the second subassembly and the corresponding 18 unit extension tube adapter modules 730 of the first subassembly to cushion the camera motion as the rail surround roller module assembly 537 travels to the bottom of the vertical elongated rail structure.

[0355] Example 3: Laterally mounted rail tracking trolley system

[0356] exist Figure 36 An example of a side-mounted rail tracking trolley system 770 is shown in FIG. This type of assembly configuration can be used to provide a horizontal rail system that can be securely fixed between two opposing stable vertical supports (e.g., two walls) or alternatively, between two doors or windows of a vehicle, for example. The device support assembly engaged with one or more rail wrap-around roller module assemblies 537 (or alternatively, rail roller module 510) can be controllably moved back and forth along the horizontal rail system by an operator.

[0357] In this example, the horizontal rail system includes 36 units of dual-receptacle expansion tube adapter modules 740, one end of which is removably engaged with a pivotable support module 590 having a cushioning member 594 mounted therein. The other end of the adapter module 740 is engaged with a telescopic expansion module 610, which is mounted to the pivotable support module 590 and has a cushioning member 594 mounted therein. The horizontal rail system can be securely mounted in place between two vertical support surfaces by the extendable or retractable engagement of the telescopic expansion module 610 with the two surfaces. If desired, a similar alternative assembly (not shown) can be vertically engaged between the two horizontal support surfaces.

[0358] In this example, Figure 17 The bottom plate assembly 430 shown in FIG is side mounted to the 3-unit male / receptacle extension pipe adapter module 720 at the upper end of each 6-unit male / receptacle extension pipe adapter module 465. The downward facing wide pivot section of the male component pipe end assembly 270 of each adapter module 465 engages the bumper component 672 ( Figure 177. The male components 70 shown therein are excluded here.) The outer male ends of the three-unit adapter modules 720 are all engaged with the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100. The downwardly extending gripping end cap module 625 and the left-facing bumper component 672 engage with the rotator hub assembly 100 on the left side of the base plate assembly 430, while the rotator hub assembly 100 on the right side of the base plate assembly 430 engages with the right-facing bumper component 672 and engages with the downwardly extending assembly having the three-unit male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 720, which engage with the six-unit dual-receptacle rotator modules 151, which in turn engage with the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201. The respective ends of the six-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 460 engage with the side-mounted male component assembly extending from the adapter hub assembly 201, while the other ends of the adapter modules 460 engage with the rotator hub assembly 100 having a tension adjustment screw knob 58 for adjusting the intermittently lockable 360° translation axis pivot tension provided thereby by the rotator hub assembly 100, which is rotationally engaged with the male component plate assembly on top of the guide rail surrounding the rolling module assembly 537. A bumper member 672 engages with the upwardly facing wide pivot section of the translation axis rotator hub assembly 100 to protect a camera or other device from being inadvertently engaged with the hub assembly 100 by rotation of the base plate assembly 430 about its 360° tilt axis, wherein the right horizontal three-unit male / receptacle adapter modules 720 are rotationally engaged within respective rotator receptacles 11 of the hub assembly 100.

[0359] Example 4: Rolling Boom System

[0360] exist Figure 37 An example of a rolling arm system 780 is shown in FIG, and is configured to provide a compact and lightweight rolling stand system for supporting a load or device such as a camera or video camera or movie camera. Such an arm assembly can be configured to extend a microphone or lighting fixture, etc., for example.

[0361] In this example, a pair of 10-unit axle / receptacle side open adapter modules 800 are each side-mounted on opposite sides of a first closed-tube rotator hub assembly 100 at one end. At the other end, a wheel 552 rotatably engages the central aperture of each axle tube end member 551. An 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 730 engages at one end with a male member assembly extending outward from the first rotator hub assembly 100. The other end of the adapter module 730 is mounted with the male member assembly of a second closed-tube rotator hub assembly 100. The outward-extending receptacle of the second rotator hub assembly 100 engages with the weight module assembly 600 on a male adapter equipped with a flat end cap member 695. A downward-extending grip end cap module 625 is side-mounted to the second rotator hub assembly 100. A third rotator hub assembly 100 is side-mounted at a 90° spacing from the grip end cap module 625. An upwardly extending 36 unit dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 740 is side mounted to the third rotator hub assembly 100 .

[0362] In this example, the backplane assembly 400 is engaged with a first dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460, which extends to the right (at Figure 37, the fourth rotator hub assembly 100 is engaged with this module, which is equipped with three gripping end cap modules 625 spaced 90 degrees apart for manipulating the tilt and translation operations of the base plate assembly. A second dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 is mounted on the left side of the base plate assembly 400 at one end and is engaged at the other end to the fifth rotator hub assembly 100, which in turn is engaged with a downwardly extending 10-unit dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 790. A sixth rotator hub assembly 100 is engaged with the other end of adapter module 790. One end of the third dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 is side-mounted to the sixth rotator hub assembly 100. The other end of the third adapter module 460 is engaged with the dual male extension tube adapter module 291, which is engaged at its other end to the seventh rotator hub assembly 100, thereby providing the base plate assembly 400 above with its tilt axis. Adjacently below, the upward-facing rotator receptacle 11 of the eighth rotator hub assembly 100 provides a centered 360° translation axis for the upper base plate assembly 400, on which it rotationally engages with the male member side mounting assembly 110 or 395 extending downward from the seventh rotator hub assembly 100. The ninth rotator hub assembly 100 is laterally mounted to the eighth rotator hub assembly 100, and when high tension setting or intermittently lockable rotation is performed on the eighth rotator hub assembly 100 using the pivot lock 60, if the boom adapter module 740 engaged with the ninth rotator hub assembly 100 is moved upward or downward, the third rotator hub assembly 100 engaged with the lower end of the boom adapter module 740 rotationally engages with the second rotor hub assembly 100 from there, and the translation axis rotator hub assembly 100 and the upper module can be re-leveled.

[0363] A female dome-style cushion end cap module 641 is laterally mounted to the adapter module 730 to cushion the upper boom assembly in the event that the upper boom assembly needs to be lowered into position adjacent to the adapter module 730. Three grip end cap modules 625 are attached to the fourth rotator hub assembly 100 and are provided for an operator to manually control the tilt and translational rotation of the support assembly. By grasping the grip assembly, and optionally by grasping the boom arm (i.e., the adapter module 740), the operator can roll the rolling boom assembly 780 by raising the boom arm to raise the downwardly extending grip end cap module 625 and then pushing or pulling the rolling boom assembly 780.

[0364] Example 5: Low-angle baseplate support system

[0365] exist Figure 38An example of a low angle floor support system 810 is shown in FIG and is configured to provide a compact, low roll floor system in which driving and turning motion is performed by pushing or pulling by the operator grasping two handle attachments that extend upward from two subassemblies within reach of the operator when the operator is standing or walking. When the chassis steering rod assembly, which includes the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 (with two side mounted gripping end cap modules 625), is raised, the operator can roll the assembly, which hub assembly merges with the male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 465, followed by an 18-unit dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 730, which is side mounted in the middle of the 18-unit dual receptacle extension tube rotator module 830, which forms the rear of the chassis assembly, which when raised removes the two rear corner gripping end cap modules 625 from the ground, allowing the system assembly to be advanced.

[0366] Below the two rear corner rotator hub assemblies 100, the extended length of the gripping end cap module 625 is combined with each of the one-unit dual male extension tube adapter modules 840, which are generally aligned with the chassis assembly to lie horizontally relative to the radius of the two wheel modules 550. Extending forward from each of the two rear corner rotator hub assemblies 100 is a six-unit dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460, which merges with the two front rotator hub assemblies 100, each with a wheel module assembly 550 attached outwardly. Extending upward from the front two rotator hub assemblies 100 are two four-unit male / receptacle extension tube rotator modules 820, which have two rotator hub assemblies 100 engaged on top, with the rotator receptacles 11 of each rotator hub assembly facing inward, thereby providing the base plate assembly 400 with its tilt axis when engaged between the two male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 465, which are rotationally engaged within the rotator hub assemblies on each side. Mounted laterally from the left side adapter module 465 is a tilt axis steering rod assembly comprising the same modules as the lower chassis steering rod assembly with the horizontal gripping end cap module 625 in reverse direction and here constructed for operating the tilting movement of the base plate assembly 400 and for gripping for both steering and rolling advancement of the system.

[0367] Example 6: Lateral Ground Rail Tracking Trolley System

[0368] exist Figure 39 An example of a lateral ground rail tracking dolly system 850 is shown in FIG, and is configured to provide a fixed rail track system for rolling a camera or other device along it during film production or other end-use requirements of a similar nature.

[0369] This example includes three subassemblies, wherein the first subassembly is a fixed guide rail track system, the second subassembly is a pivotable and rotatable camera support structure, and the third subassembly is a support frame for the second subassembly, including two pairs of guide rail rolling modules 510.

[0370] The first subassembly includes a pair of guide rail tracks, wherein each guide rail track is constructed with two 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 740 interconnected with the rotator hub assembly 100 and having the rotator hub assembly 100 engaged with the outward-facing ends of the adapter modules 740. An 18-unit extension tube adapter module 730 is side-mounted to the rotator hub assembly 100 at each end of the guide rail tracks. Each of the six rotator hub assemblies in the first subassembly is side-mounted to one end of a downwardly extending dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460, which engages at its other end with a leveling foot module 580. The adapter modules 730 are side-mounted to the two middle downwardly extending adapter modules 460 to provide structural support for the guide rail track subassembly.

[0371] The second subassembly includes a base plate assembly 400 to which a camera or other screw mounting device can be mounted. Engaged on the right side of the base plate assembly 400 is the pan / tilt / arm operating handle assembly, which includes a six-unit length dual-receptacle extended tube rotator module 151 and a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 capped with a hard end cap component 690 and a downwardly extending grip end cap module 625 to enable the operator to manually control the direction and position of the base plate. Extending from the left side of the base plate module 400 is a four-unit length male / receptacle side opening adapter module 251, which attaches to the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 to provide an intermittently lockable, tension-adjustable 360° device tilt pivot point that can be controlled to the right side of the base plate via the handle assembly. The grip end cap module 625 engages with the left-facing male member of the hub assembly 100 for an additional handle. Extending downwardly from the rotator hub assembly 100 is a 10 unit dual receptacle extension tube rotator module 710 which can lock or provide an off-center 360° device translation pivot point at which it merges with another rotator hub assembly 100 having a 6 unit length dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 mounted thereon, followed by another closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 having a buffer member 672 engaged with its upward facing wide pivot section and merging below with a 3 unit male / receptacle extension tube module 720 to provide an intermittently lockable, tension adjustable 360° device translation pivot point centered below the center of a camera or other pointing device with the ability to adjust the pivot tension using the tension adjustment screw knob 58.

[0372] Below the adapter module 720, the closed tube rotator hub assembly 100 is joined on either side by two further identical assemblies (each mounted with a gripping end cap module 625). From there, two 12-unit length dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 475 extend downwardly from each rotator hub assembly 100 (therein providing an inwardly positioned boom tilt pivot point for the assembly above). This rotator hub assembly is centrally coupled to the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201. From this adapter hub assembly, a dual-receptacle rotator module 151 is mounted laterally, providing an boom translation pivot point for the assembly above, where it rotationally engages with the third subassembly. Boom tilt and boom translation can be controlled using gripping end cap modules 625 mounted to the ends of 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 via zero-unit length dual-male adapter modules 281 (not visible). The adapter modules 730 also have counterweight module assemblies 600 mounted thereto.

[0373] The third subassembly includes a rolling frame configured with an adapter module 730 that engages the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201 at each end. Extending laterally from each adapter module 201 is a dual receptacle adapter module 460. The outward-facing end of each adapter module 460 engages another closed tube adapter hub assembly 201. The upward-facing male member plate assembly 420 of the guide roller module 510 engages the receptacle of the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201. The upward-facing male end of the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201 is provided with a grip end cap module 625. As described in the previous paragraph, the dual receptacle extended tube rotator module 151 is laterally mounted to the adapter module 730 at one end and rotationally engaged with the closed tube adapter hub assembly 201 at the other end, interconnecting the lower pair of rotator hub assemblies 100 in the second subassembly.

[0374] Example 7: Double-base A-frame trolley system

[0375] exist Figure 40 An example of a double floor A-frame dolly system 860 is shown in FIG, and is configured for use in applications such as film production, which may require the combined motion of two cameras or other such devices in series. The example includes two subassemblies, wherein the first subassembly is a rolling A-frame dolly structure and the second subassembly is a rotating support structure for the two cameras or other such devices.

[0376] The first subassembly has an A-frame structure constructed with two A-frames, each A-frame being formed by connecting three 36-unit dual-receptacle expansion pipe adapter modules 740 with two dual-direction 30° side mounting bracket modules 320 (see FIG. Figure 13100 . The trolley assembly is constructed by interconnecting the two A-frames 740 and the 30° angled male member mounting brackets 322 at the top joint. The two A-frames are interconnected as follows: (i) slidably or securely clamped to two 36-unit dual receptacle expansion tube adapter modules 740 at the bottom, and (ii) interconnected at the top by an 18-unit expansion tube adapter module 730, to which the mounting brackets 322 are mounted using two mounting screws 325, each of which threadedly engages a square nut provided for it in an opposing longitudinal channel of the adapter module 730. The first subassembly has four sets of wheel assemblies, each set comprising a pair of wheel modules 550 mounted on opposite sides of the rotator hub assembly 100. In this example, each wheel 552 is bolted to a corresponding axle / receptacle side open adapter module 555 at a corresponding axle offset threaded hole 551b (not visible) so that they act as large casters and naturally rotate into alignment with the direction of directional force applied to the trolley assembly by the operator. Extending from a third side of the center of the rotator hub assembly 100, the assembly includes a weight module assembly 600 that is side-mounted to an adapter module having a flat end cap member 695. Rotatable 360° within the upward-facing rotator receptacle 11 of the rotator hub assembly 100, the upwardly extending male / receptacle extension tube rotator module 640 is rotationally engaged with the rotator hub assembly 100 via its male end, while the other end of the rotator module 640 is securely engaged within the corresponding outward-facing adapter receptacle 211 of its corresponding 36-unit dual receptacle adapter module 740 via the male member side mount assembly 110 or 395.

[0377] The second subassembly has two spaced apart baseplate modules 400, each having a separate 360° parallel axis pivot point, and which can also rotate together 360° at a central translation axis pivot point. Each baseplate module 400 has a pair of gripping end cap modules 625 mounted to the male member plate assembly 420 on the left and right sides of the module 400. One end of the dual receptacle extended tube rotator module 151 is mounted to the downwardly extending male member plate assembly 420 of the module 400, and the other end of the rotator module 151 is interconnected with the male end of the closed tube coupler hub assembly 201. The downwardly extending gripping end cap module 625 passes through the zero unit dual male coupler module 281 (not visible, see Figure 9) engages with each adapter receptacle 211. An adapter module 730 that engages with a male member side mounting assembly extending inwardly from each adapter hub assembly 201 is interconnected with the opposite side of the rotator hub assembly 100 providing a central 360° translation axis point. A housing end cap module 635 engages with the top of the rotator hub assembly 100 while the bottom female end of the rotator hub assembly 100 rotationally engages with the male end of a 4 unit male / receptacle adapter module 750. The female end of the adapter module 750 is side mounted to the adapter module 730 that interconnects the two A-frames. An adapter module 730 extends from a third side of the rotator hub assembly 100 and engages at its outboard end with a grip end cap module 625 mounted via a zero unit dual male adapter module 281 (not visible) while providing a central translation operating handle.

[0378] Example 8: Four-caster base trolley system

[0379] exist Figure 41 An example of a four-caster floor dolly system 870 is shown in FIG, and is constructed for use in applications such as film production where it is desirable to mount a camera or other such device on a rolling frame as close to the ground or platform or table as possible.

[0380] This example is constructed with two pairs of caster module assemblies 560, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 C and Figure 23 D. Each pair includes two 360° pivotable caster assemblies 560, each of which engages one end of a dual-receptacle expansion tube adapter module 460, which in turn engages at its other end with a closed tube rotator hub assembly 100. The two rotator hub assemblies 100 and the adapter modules 460 are interconnected. The male member plate assembly 420 on the right side of the base plate assembly 400 engages one end of the first dual-receptacle rotator module 151. The other end of the first dual-receptacle rotator module 151 is side-mounted to the right-side adapter module 460, which interconnects the corresponding pair of caster assemblies 560. The male member plate assembly 420 on the left side of the base plate assembly 400 engages one end of the second dual-receptacle rotator module 151. The other end of the second rotator module 151 is side-mounted to the left-side adapter module 460, which interconnects the other pair of caster assemblies 560. The two rotator modules 151 in combination provide a tilt axis point at which the base plate assembly 400 can be rotated 360°, depending on the length of the device being installed, or can be intermittently locked by one or both of the pivot locks 60 engaging with the pivot lock sprockets 423 (not visible) of the male member plate assembly 420.

[0381] Example 9: Handheld Camera Stabilizer Assembly

[0382] exist Figure 42 An example of a handheld stabilizer assembly 880 for camera support is shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a handheld stabilizer assembly 880 configured for mounting in a base plate assembly in applications where a tool or device, such as a camera, requires handheld support. In this example, the male member plate assembly 420 on the right side of the base plate assembly 400 engages one end of a dual-receptacle adapter module 460, the other end of which engages a first closed-tube rotator hub assembly 100. The female end of the downwardly extending 18-unit male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 765 engages the male end of the rotator hub assembly 100, while the male end of the adapter module 765 is provided with a grip end cap module 625. The male member plate assembly 420 on the left side of the base plate assembly 400 engages one end of a dual-receptacle rotator module 151. The other end of the rotator module 151 engages a second rotator hub assembly 100. One end of the laterally extending 18 unit male / receptacle extension tube adapter module 765 engages the second rotator hub assembly 100 , while the other end of the adapter module 765 engages the female dome liner end cap module 641 .

[0383] By placing the laterally extending adapter module 765 or the female dome-type liner end cap module 641 on the operator's shoulder, or by holding the adapter module 765 in the operator's left hand so that the female dome-type liner end cap module 641 is pressed against the operator's chest, and at the same time holding the downwardly extending grip end cap module 625 in the operator's right hand, the operator will be able to stably manipulate the camera mounted to the base plate module 400 so that the operator can tilt the angle of the camera up or down at the tilt axis point provided by the dual-receptacle rotator module 151.

[0384] Example 10: Vertical rail tracking stand assembly

[0385] exist Figure 43 An example of a vertical rail tracking stand assembly 900 is shown in FIG. 1 and is configured for use in applications where a tool or load, such as a camera, needs to be moved vertically up and down in a set standing position. The example includes two subassemblies, the first of which is a vertical rail stand and the second of which is a pivotable and rotatable rolling support for a camera or other type of device or tool.

[0386] The first subassembly is a vertical rail that includes 18 units of male / receptacle extension tube connector modules 765 interconnected with 36 units of dual receptacle extension tube connector modules 740, where the connector modules 740 are mounted to the male member plate assembly 420 on top of the weighted base plate 586 of the base plate module 585.

[0387] The second subassembly includes a pivotable and rotatable camera support structure that is mounted with rails around the roller module assembly 537. One end of the dual container rotator module 151 engages the male member plate assembly 420 on the left side of the base plate assembly 400 (e.g. Figure 43 ), while the other end of the rotator module 151 engages the male member plate assembly 420 extending outward from the rail-wrap roller module assembly 537, thereby providing an optional tilt axis point for the base assembly there. A weight component 602 can be provided on the rotator module 151, which is inserted between the base plate module 400 and the rail-wrap roller module assembly 537. One end of the dual-receptacle extension tube adapter module 460 engages the male member plate assembly 420 extending outward from the opposite side of the rail-wrap roller module assembly 537. The other end of the adapter module 460 engages the rotator hub assembly 100. The male dome-style liner end cap module 650 is installed in a downward-facing receptacle on the rotator hub assembly 100.

[0388] The second subassembly's guide rails slide around the rolling module assembly 537 on the first subassembly's vertical guide rails and can be moved up and down along the vertical guide rails as required by the operator. If the second subassembly reaches the bottom of the first subassembly's vertical guide rails, a male dome-type gasket end cap module 650 is provided to cushion tools or devices that may be installed in the base plate module 400.

[0389] Example 11: Lighting Support Pipe Rack System

[0390] exist Figure 44 An example of a lighting support pipe rack system 910 is shown in FIG, and can be constructed for applications using industrial lighting or gripping equipment, such as film production. These types of constructions can also be used to support other types of loads, such as audio equipment, video display equipment, etc.

[0391] In this example, extending vertically from a weighted, four-caster base assembly is a three-axis lighting support tube mount assembly. The base assembly includes four matching weighted caster leg assemblies, each with 18-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730. These extend in pairs from the sides of the lighting support tube mount assembly's bottom horizontal 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 740 on two multi-angle male member mounting brackets 335, which mount to 60° angled holes to create a 120° spacing angle between the two leg extensions. Attached to the outboard end of each of these leg extensions is another mounting bracket 335, which attaches at their 60° angled holes. This mounting bracket aligns the second 60° angled hole perpendicular to the ground. Six dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 460 and caster module assemblies 560, aligned vertically on the ground, complete each leg assembly. When it is necessary to balance the weight of the upward lighting support pipe rack assembly, a series of weight components 602 can be fixed to the side of the 18-unit dual-receptacle expansion pipe adapter module 730, such as Figure 44 As shown in .

[0392] Extending upward from the bottom horizontal 36 unit dual receptacle extension pipe adapter module 740 of the lighting support pipe rack assembly are three mounting shafts, each of which includes two 36 unit dual receptacle extension pipe rotator modules 920 connected by a zero unit dual male adapter module 281. On each rotator module 920 is a repositionable 90° offset side mounting bracket module 340, each of which is an L-shaped mounting arm assembly that includes a closed pipe adapter module hub assembly 201, followed by a 6 unit dual receptacle extension pipe adapter module 460 and another closed pipe adapter module hub assembly 201, to which are connected vertically aligned 5 / 8" socket lighting mounting modules 490 having plugs 498 on which a range of industrial lighting equipment can be supported. The vertical position of the mounted equipment can be adjusted by repositioning the 90° offset side mounting bracket module 340 along the square nut passages of the 36 unit dual receptacle extension pipe rotator module 920. The mounting brackets are adjusted by rotating the corresponding square nuts in the channel. If the equipment size or spacing permits, the mounted equipment can also be pivoted 360° in the horizontal plane by rotating the 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube rotator modules 920, with three of the rotator modules 920 connected to the top of the horizontal 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 740 and three connected to the top of the first three. For the structural integrity of these types of lighting support tube rack assemblies, additional horizontal 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 740 are connected to the ends of the upper three 36-unit dual-receptacle extension tube rotator modules 920, thereby completing the rectangular frame of the lighting mounting assembly.

[0393] Example 12: A-Frame Winding Cart System

[0394] exist Figure 45 An example of an A-frame cable wrapping cart system 930 is shown in FIG, and is configured for use in applications where a mobile cart can be used to collect and move various loads such as cables, wires, ropes, hoses, fabrics, etc. around a location.

[0395] In this example, spanning the width of the cart at the top of the A-frame is a spool bar assembly that can be rotated 360° by the operator on its six-unit dual-receptacle extension tube rotator modules 151 by gripping the assembly 930 at its gripping end cap modules 625, which extend outward from each side of the adapter box assembly. Each adapter box assembly includes three six-unit dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 460, one six-unit male / receptacle side opening adapter module 940, and three closed tube adapter hub assemblies 201 located at three corners. The fourth corner of the adapter box assembly is mounted to the crossbar of the spool assembly by two male member side mounting assemblies 110.

[0396] The A-frame rolling chassis consists of two A-frames connected by three 36-unit dual-receptacle expansion pipe adapter modules 740 with two dual-direction 30° side mounting bracket modules 320 at the lower two joints (see Figure 13 The A-frames are constructed by interconnecting two A-frames (i) at the bottom to two 36-unit dual-receptacle expansion tube adapter modules 740, and (ii) at the top to two rotator modules 151 located at the ends of the spool rod assemblies. Four closed tube adapter hub assemblies 201 are attached to the four corners of the A-frame rolling chassis (which are mounted to the ends of two of the four base 36-unit dual-receptacle expansion tube adapter modules 740). Extending downward from each adapter hub assembly 201 is a 6-unit male / receptacle expansion tube rotator module 640, providing a directional pivot point for the cart system's wheel modules 550, which are laterally mounted on either side of the rotator hub assembly 100 at the base of each expansion tube rotator module 640. In this example, wheels 552 are bolted to the axle / receptacle side opening adapter modules 555 of the wheel modules 550 at corresponding axle offset threaded holes 551b (not visible) so that these wheel module assemblies will act as casters and naturally rotate into alignment with the direction of directional forces applied to the dolly assembly by the operator. Extending from the center third side of the rotator hub assembly, the wheel module assembly includes a weight module assembly 600 that is side mounted to an adapter module having a flat end cap member 695.

[0397] Example 13: Pulling Cart Assembly

[0398] exist Figure 46 An example of a cart assembly 950 suitable for use with a golf bag is shown in FIG. Such an assembly can be configured to transport other types of tall vertical loads, such as pressurized gas canisters. In this example, the cart assembly 950 includes a vertical axle subassembly having a first floor module 400, a horizontal wheel assembly having a second floor module 400, and a leg support subassembly.

[0399] The vertical shaft subassembly includes 18 dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 730 interconnected with 10 dual-receptacle extension tube adapter modules 790 using zero dual-male adapter modules 281, which connect the two receptacles. The open ends of adapter modules 790 engage one side of the first rotator hub assembly 100, while the other side of the first rotator hub assembly 100 engages the other end of the three male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 720. The second rotator hub assembly 100 engages the other end of the adapter modules 720. The bumper end cap module 670 is mounted to the wide pivot sections of both rotator hub assemblies 100, and three gripper end cap modules 625 are mounted to the side of the second rotator hub assembly 100 at 90° intervals.

[0400] The horizontal wheel subassembly includes a third spinner hub assembly 100 to which a pair of 10 unit axle / receptacle side open adapter modules 800 are coupled at opposite sides of the hub assembly 100. A wheel 552 is bolted to the center hole of each axle module 800.

[0401] The leg support subassembly includes three downwardly extending dual male extension tube adapter modules 955, the bottom of which is engaged with the gripping end cap module 625. The fourth rotator hub assembly 100 is engaged with the top of the adapter module 955. Ten laterally extending dual receptacle extension tube rotator modules 710 are side-mounted to the fourth rotator hub assembly 100. The fifth rotator hub assembly 100 is side-mounted to the open end of the rotator module 710, while four male / receptacle extension tube adapter modules 750 are side-mounted to the other side of the fifth rotator hub assembly 100. The second base plate assembly 400 is mounted to the fifth rotator hub assembly 100. The open end of the adapter module 750 is mounted to the third rotator hub assembly 100 of the horizontal wheel assembly.

[0402] For example, the first base module 400 mounted to the first spinner hub assembly 100 can be adjusted to securely clamp the sides of the golf bag therein, and then readjusted to release the sides of the golf bag. The second base module 400 mounted to the fifth spinner hub assembly 100 can be adjusted to securely clamp the bottom of the golf bag therein, and then readjusted to release the bottom of the golf bag.

[0403] Example 14: Cart and Shelving Assembly

[0404] Figure 47 is a perspective view of an exemplary dolly assembly 960 including some of the exemplary modules disclosed herein. The system assembly as shown provides open tray and box tray carrier functionality for transporting equipment, property, materials, supplies, etc. around a work site or other location. Alternatively, in place of the wheel modules, a similar assembly can be constructed with foot modules 580, 585 or grip end cap modules 625 at its base for upright shelving and storage assemblies.

[0405] In this example, the dolly system 960 includes four pairs of 360° pivotable caster-type wheel module assemblies 550 having a similar construction to those described in Examples 2, 7, and 12, while utilizing the eccentric bores of the axle / receptacle side opening adapter modules 555 of the assembly. Attached upwardly from each of the corresponding rotator modules 640 of these wheel assemblies is (where engaged by a zero-unit dual male adapter module 281) a 36-unit dual receptacle extension tube adapter module 740, providing the base of the dolly frame. Secured from these corner post adapter modules 740 by tray collars 474 are the dolly's three tray module assemblies, each having a tray bottom 471 and three or four side panels 478 for accommodating a load (see reference 474). Figure 18 The gripping end cap module 625 is positioned on top of two of the adapter modules 740 where each adapter module is engaged by a zero unit dual male adapter module 281 for pushing or pulling the cart in any direction on the 360° pivotable wheel module assembly 550.

[0406] Example 15: Modular Workbench Assembly

[0407] exist Figure 48 An example of a modular workstation assembly 980 is shown in FIG.

[0408] This example includes a rectangular countertop 990, a shelf 482 positioned above the countertop 990, and a rotatable lower shelf 995 mounted below the countertop 990 adjacent the right side of the assembly.

[0409] The bottom surface of the table 990 is provided with four circular depressions located near each corner of the table 990 (see Figure 19 B). Each recess is configured to receive and accommodate a mounting plate 484 therein. The mounting plate 484, having a central threaded hole 485, is inserted into the recess and securely mounted to the tabletop 990, for example, using five screws 487 inserted through holes 486 provided in the mounting plate 484 for the screws. The male component face mounting assembly 361 is mounted to the mounting plate 484 using mounting bolts that threadably engage the threaded holes 485. The male component face mounting assembly 361 is then inserted into the receptacles in the ends of the 24-unit dual-receptacle side-opening adapter module 488 and secured in place, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 B is as described for the adapter module 251. All four modules 488 are mounted in this manner at the four corners of the table 990. At the base of the four adapter modules 488, footing components, such as the four soft end cap components 680 shown, may be provided.

[0410] In this example, a fifth recess is provided on the bottom surface of the countertop 990 for receiving and engaging therewith a fifth mounting plate 484 mounted to the male component face mount assembly 361. The top surface of the lower shelf 995, shown in this example, has a recess near the rear edge of the shelf 995 for receiving and engaging therewith a sixth mounting plate 484, which is mounted to the male component face mount assembly 361. The six-unit dual-receptacle expansion tube rotator modules 151 engage one end with the male component face mount assembly 361 extending downward from the fifth mounting plate 484, while the other end engages the male component face mount assembly 361 extending upward from the sixth mounting plate 484. Note that the right edge of the shelf 995 is contoured to matingly engage with the side of a corresponding module 488 when rotated outward toward the right front from below the countertop 990. One or more additional shelves 995 may be attached to the bottom of the countertop 990 in a similar manner.

[0411] This example also shows a shelf 482 disposed at the rear of the countertop 990 near the left edge. Two appropriately spaced recesses 483 are provided along the rear edge of the countertop 990 into which mounting plates 484 are inserted and mounted using screws 487, which mount to the male component face mounting assembly 361 (e.g., Figure 19B). A pair of complementary recesses are provided in the bottom surface of the shelf 482, into which a pair of mounting plates 484 are inserted, which are mounted to the male component facing mounting assembly 361. Six unit dual-receptacle side opening adapter modules 489 have one end engaged with the downwardly extending male component facing mounting assembly 361 from the mounting plates 484, which are mounted in the recesses in the bottom surface of the shelf 482, and the other end engaged with the upwardly extending male component facing mounting assembly 361 from the mounting plates 484, which are mounted to the top surface of the countertop 990.

[0412] It should be noted that the countertops may be square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, decagonal, circular, bean-shaped, wavy, and may have other forms of symmetrical and asymmetrical curved shapes. Although most commonly, the modular table assemblies disclosed herein are provided with four legs, three legs may optionally be provided for a triangular table top, and alternatively, two legs may be provided at the front edge of the table top that may be configured to fold down against a wall when not in use and fold open when needed. In this two-legged configuration, the legs may be folded up against the bottom surface of the table top when the table top is folded down, and folded back when the table top is unfolded for use. Additionally, optionally, a table configuration with one or two legs may be provided on a wide foot assembly, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 24 C describes an A-frame construction or baseboard module 585.

[0413] Additional Implementations

[0414] Other embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to additional modular components that can be constructed and sized to remain compatible with the modular system components disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 824,319, incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 678,951, incorporated herein by reference, as previously described in this application, or can be used without these previous components to construct modular support devices of various types and functions.

[0415] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cylindrical structural members and modules for removably coupling other elements thereto.

[0416] According to some embodiments, the modular components can be sized to be suitable for handling and use by youth during play and learning activities.

[0417] Some embodiments described in greater detail below include various forms of columnar structural components, male connector and female receptacle components, trolley assemblies, cart assemblies, roller carriage assemblies and clamping roller carriage assemblies, track assemblies, and device mounting assemblies.

[0418] According to certain embodiments, the present invention is referred to Figures 49 to 51 As described, the modules of the system may include male connector components for securely and removably coupling the mating module and supported device (such as a camera or industrial lighting device or audio / video equipment or power tool or sensor, etc.) to other components of the system, which have mating female ends. Two examples of male connectors 1000 include Figure 49 The concave base male component 1001 shown in Figure 51 、 Figure 51 A. Figure 51 The flat base male component 1005 shown in B, both are configured for use with any module having a female end 1008 (such as Figure 49 The double-sided opening socket module 1010 shown in is detachably engaged.

[0419] like Figure 49 and Figure 50 As shown in FIG, a side-opening receptacle module may include a cylindrical structural member 1015 of various lengths, having a side-opening receptacle member 1020 fixed at one or both ends, wherein the receptacle member includes a receptacle 1025 within which the concave base male component 1001 or the flat base male component 1005 can be removably engaged. The side-opening receptacle member 1020 can be fixed to one end of the cylindrical structural member 1015 by a screw 1027, the threaded portion of which passes through a hole 1028 in the receptacle member 1020 to threadably engage a screw channel 1029 on the inner profile of the cylindrical structural member 1015.

[0420] Both the female base male component 1001 and the flat base male component 1005 include a fork-shaped connector component 1030 having a plurality of prongs 1035 disposed about a circumferential surface of the connector component and a recessed portion 1040 at the base of the fork-shaped connector component. Figure 49 As shown in the figure, the concave base male component 1001 can further include a concave base part 1041 having a plurality of locating holes 1042, thereby utilizing a locating column 1043 located at the base of the fork connector part 1030, which is fixed to the concave base part at multiple angle orientations, thereby changing the orientation of the base and mating module of the male component 1001 relative to the socket part 1020 and the mating module to which it is detachably engaged.

[0421] Similarly, if Figure 51As shown in the figure, the flat base male component 1005 can include a flat base part 1044 having a plurality of positioning holes 1045, thereby utilizing a positioning column 1043 located at the base of the fork-shaped connector part 1030, which is fixed to the flat base part at multiple angle orientations, thereby changing the orientation of the base and mating module of the male component 1005 relative to the socket part 1020 and the mating module to which it is detachably engaged.

[0422] According to a preferred embodiment, the concave base component 1041 and / or the flat base component 1044 may include eight locating holes 1042 / 1045, wherein four locating posts 1043 provided at the base of the fork-shaped connector component 1030 may be secured in any of eight angular orientations. This optionally provides two regular, two perpendicular, and four 45-degree angular orientations at which the mating module may engage the connector component and its prongs 1035 within the receptacle 1025 of the receptacle component 1020. The side-opening receptacle 1025 may include a form-fitting male connector channel 1046 and a prong retention slot 1050 (both at Figure 50 ), which securely engages the outer contour of the inserted fork-shaped connector component 1030 of the concave base male component 1001 or the flat base male component 1005.

[0423] Once inserted, the male assembly 1001 / 1005 is removably engaged within the receptacle by a screw or bolt 1055, the threaded portion of which passes through a hole 1060 in the side of the cylindrical structural component 1015, a through hole 1070 in the socket component 1020, and a through hole 1075 in the fork connector component 1030 to threadably engage the side opening receptacle cover 1080 at a threaded hole or threaded insert 1085 centrally located proximally thereof, which locks the mating modules together until the screw / bolt 1055 is removed. The side opening receptacle cover 1080 may also include a prong retention slot 1090 (e.g., Figure 49 ), for matingly engaging a mating linear set of prongs 1035 of the secured male component 1001 / 1005.

[0424] like Figure 49, the side-opening receptacle component 1020 and the mating cylindrical structural component 1015 may include narrow ends 1095 for removably engaging the male components 1001 / 1005 aligned with the notches 1100 on either side of the female portion 1040 of the fork-shaped connector component 1030. The side-opening receptacle cover 1080 may also include notches 1102 for matingly engaging with the narrow ends 1095, which together thereby securely engage themselves, the inserted male components 1001 / 1005, and the receptacle component 1020 within the cylindrical structural component, wherein optionally, the screws 1027 are not installed within the screw channels 1029 as described above, and the screws / bolts 1055 alone lock the components together or, when removed, allow all three components to be removed from the cylindrical structural component.

[0425] Once assembled, the passage opening 1104 in the socket component 1020 (e.g. Figure 50 ) allows the nut 1110 (as shown in Figure 49 ) along the side of the cylindrical structural component into the nut channel 1111, whereby the female base male component 1001 or other modules of the system having a concave surface and configured to receive the screw can be removably engaged using screws or bolts 1120. For this same purpose, as Figure 51 , a threaded core member 1125 can be mounted within a cylindrical structural member 1015 / 1127, including a plurality of threaded holes, nuts, or threaded inserts 1130, whereby one or more female base male components 1001 or other modular components can be removably engaged by screws or bolts that pass through side mounting holes 1135 and threadedly engage the threaded core member 1125. The threaded core member 1125 can be securely held in place within the cylindrical structural member by using a polymer adhesive or brazing or by an interference fit provided by extruded ribs or the like.

[0426] According to a preferred embodiment, Figure 50 As shown in , the outer profile of the side opening socket component 1020 can include one or more threaded holes, nuts 1140 or threaded inserts 1142 to be secured adjacently within the side mounting hole 1145, whereby a screw or bolt can secure the male component 1001 or other component having a concave surface and configured to receive a screw.

[0427] As previously described, the side opening receptacle assembly 1020 can optionally receive a flat base male component 1005 for removably engaging the receptacle assembly module with another module of the system having a flat surface on which the flat base male component 1005 is removably engaged. Figure 51, the fork-shaped connector component 1030 of the flat base male assembly is secured against the flat base member 1044 in one of eight available angular orientations by means of a locating post 1043 within a locating hole 1045. The opposite side of the flat base member 1044 may include a locating post 1150 by which the male assembly 1005 can be secured to the flat end cap member 1155 at its locating hole 1156 when a screw or bolt 1160 inserted through the center of the male assembly threadably engages a threaded hole or insert 1165 located in the center of the flat end cap member 1155. The flat end cap member is secured to the end of the cylindrical structural member 1127 by means of a screw 1170, the threaded portion of which passes through a hole 1175 in the flat end cap member and threadably engages a screw channel 1180 on the inner profile of the cylindrical structural member, whereby the male assembly 1005 can be removably engaged with the flat end cap member 1155 to form one embodiment of a male end 1183.

[0428] A passage opening 1185 in the side of the flat end cap component 1155 enables the nut 1110 to enter the nut passage 1190 of the cylindrical structural component 1127, providing a secure attachment for an additional female base male component 1001 or other component having a concave surface and configured to receive a screw. For this same purpose, as previously described, a threaded core component 1125 can be mounted within the cylindrical structural component 1127, including a plurality of threaded holes, nuts, or threaded inserts 1130, whereby one or more female base male components 1001 or other modular components can be removably engaged by screws or bolts that pass through the side mounting holes 1135 and threadedly engage the threaded core component 1125.

[0429] A range of lengths of cylindrical structural components can be configured with different combinations of one or two female ends 1008 and / or one or two male ends 1183 and / or one or two flat end cap components 1155 at the ends of the cylindrical structural component to form various cylindrical structural component modules 1200, such as Figure 52 The side opening socket / end cover module 1201 shown in FIG, and the double side opening socket module 1010 as previously described. Various columnar structural component modules combined with each other, as well as other structural and functional components of the system, such as device mounting components, shelves and / or trays and / or table components, weight components, wheels and / or casters and / or foot components, guide rail rolling modules and / or roller bracket assemblies, and / or track assemblies, can be assembled to form other embodiments of structural support and facility devices as described below.

[0430] exist Figures 52 to 55, a first embodiment of a track assembly 1203 and a first embodiment of a roller carriage assembly 1205 are shown. The roller carriage assembly is configured as a four-sided clamping roller carriage assembly 1215 and is capable of moving upward and downward on a vertical single track assembly 1220 to which it is stably engaged. Removably engaged with the four-sided clamping roller carriage assembly 1215 are three side-opening receptacle / end cap modules 1201 and one end cap / end cap module 1225, which can support various devices, tools, or other loads and / or allow an operator to use one or more of the modules as handles to control the rolling of the roller carriage assembly on a cylindrical track member 1226. Optionally, a bumper member 1227 can be removably engaged with the outer ends of the modules 1201 and 1225 via screws 1228 that threadably engage threaded holes 1165 in the center of the mating flat end cap member 1155.

[0431] like Figure 53 As shown in , the four-sided clamping roller carriage assembly 1215 includes four carriage body components 1230. According to this embodiment and additional embodiments, as described in further detail below, the roller carriage assembly 1205 can include one to four carriage body components 1230, as well as a combination of roller mounts 1235 and / or gusset mounts 1237 to form the support body of the roller carriage assembly. Where the roller carriage assembly 1205 includes two, three, or four carriage body components 1230, each body component 1230 can be removably coupled to the next adjacent body component 1230 via a screw 1242 that threadably engages a threaded hole 1244.

[0432] Optionally, roller mounts 1235 or gusset mounts 1237 are removably engaged with the end of the bracket body member 1230 via one or more screws 1246 at one or more threaded holes 1247 in the end surface of the body member 1230. Where roller mounts 1235 are provided, two rollers 1250 can be removably engaged via shoulder screws 1251, which threadably engage threaded holes 1252. The angled shaft ends provided by roller mounts 1235 align the mounted rollers at an angle and spacing for circumferential mating contact and rolling engagement with the cylindrical track member 1226. According to another embodiment, the bracket body member and roller mounts and / or gusset mounts can be combined into a single component comprising the same functional elements.

[0433] The gussets 1255 can be secured by screws 1228 that threadably engage threaded holes 1257 in the outwardly facing surface of the roller mount 1235. The gussets 1255 are optionally structural reinforcements provided for a cylindrical structural component module for the female end 1008, whereby they are mounted to the male connector 1000, which is removably engaged by screws or bolts 1260 that threadably engage threaded holes 1261 in the outwardly facing surface of the body component 1230. In place of the roller mount 1235, gusset mounts 1237 can be provided where gussets 1255 are desired but rollers are not desired, and the gussets can be removably engaged by screws 1228 at threaded holes 1262 in the gusset mount.

[0434] Whether used in conjunction with roller mounts 1235 or gusset mounts 1237, according to some embodiments, an end cap / end cap module 1225 including a flat end cap member 1155 can be removably engaged with the roller carriage assembly at the proximal end of the module by only one or two gussets 1255. The gussets 1255 are removably engaged with the side of the cylindrical structural member module by screws 1265 that threadingly engage threaded core members 1125 positioned within the cylindrical structural member at side mounting holes 1266, or by nuts 1110 that are secured within nut channels 1268 in the side of the cylindrical structural member. Optionally, a stud mounting component 1270 or a dovetail plate mounting assembly 1275 is included in the assembly by either of the same attachment means, which is shown as being removably engaged with the three columnar structural component modules, whereby a camera, light, screen, monitor, microphone, sensor, tool, power tool or other device can be securely engaged.

[0435] According to some embodiments, the roller carriage assembly 1205 may include a channel guide member 1280, such as Figure 53 , which is fixed to the side of the bracket body member 1230 facing the track and is aligned with and inserted into the side channel 1282 in the side of the cylindrical track member 1226, which prevents the roller bracket assembly from deviating from a straight line when traveling along the track member when linear motion is required. According to other embodiments in which the cylindrical track member is horizontally oriented, the channel guide member can be used to maintain the upright position of the roller bracket assembly, as described in further detail below. The channel guide member 1280 may include a slidable guide element 1285, which is fixed to a guide mounting element 1287 by a screw 1286, and the guide mounting element is fastened to a threaded hole 1289 in the bracket body member 1230 by a screw 1288. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical track member 1226 is constructed as another example of a double-sided opening socket module 1290.

[0436] According to certain embodiments, the roller carriage assembly may include one or more adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be adjusted to apply varying degrees of clamping force to the track member for intermittent stopping of the assembly's motion or to limit its speed by applying localized pressure to the mechanism. The adjustable clamping mechanism can also be adjusted to completely disengage, allowing the roller carriage assembly to travel along the track member without resistance.

[0437] According to one embodiment, Figure 54 , an adjustable clamping mechanism 1295 is shown aligned for applying clamping pressure against the cylindrical track member 1226. The adjustable clamping mechanism 1295 may include two screw knobs 1297 that threadedly engage at either end of a threaded rod 1298 that passes through holes 1299 in either side of the bracket body member 1230. The screw knobs 1297 may be secured in place at the ends of the threaded rod 1298 by lock nuts 1300. Manual rotation of one or both knobs by an operator causes the threaded rod to rotate, which in turn causes axial translation of a threaded carrier 1302 that includes a threaded hole 1303 through its center. As the threaded carrier moves axially along the threaded rod, it translates this motion into motion of a concave friction pad 1305, perpendicular to the direction of the threaded carrier's movement and toward or away from the track member.

[0438] The concave friction pad 1305 is mounted to a friction pad mounting plate 1310 at its threaded hole or threaded insert 1307 by screws 1308. Two guide blocks 1314 are mounted on opposite sides of the friction pad mounting plate by screws 1311. Each guide block includes an angled slot 1315 that is configured for sliding engagement with angled protrusions 1316 on mating sides of the threaded carrier 1302. The friction pad mounting plate 1310 and the supported component are connected at threaded holes 1318 (such as the threaded hole 1318) by shoulder screws 1319 in through holes 1320. Figure 56 、 Figure 56 A. Figure 56 B. Figure 56 C. Figure 56 D) is secured to the interior of the bracket body member 1230, which allows the friction pad mounting plate to slide toward and away from the bracket body member, with the shoulder screw sliding freely within the through hole in the friction pad mounting plate.

[0439] As the threaded carrier moves axially along the threaded rod 1298, the angled protrusion 1316 slides within the angled slot 1315. Due to the angles of the protrusion and slot, and the fact that the guide block 1314 is attached to the friction pad mounting plate 1310, which is constrained within the carriage body 1230 from parallel movement along the direction of movement of the threaded carrier 1302, the resulting movement of the guide block 1314 and the mating friction pad mounting plate 1310 is perpendicular to the axial translation of the threaded carrier. This perpendicular movement causes the concave friction pad 1305 to move toward the cylindrical track member 1226 to engage it and apply resistance to the movement of the roller carriage assembly 1205, or to pull the concave friction pad away from the cylindrical track member to reduce or eliminate resistance to the movement of the roller carriage assembly.

[0440] According to some embodiments, Figure 55 As shown in FIG, the cylindrical track member 1226 of the track assembly 1203 can be stably supported on the ground by a track base assembly 1325. According to a preferred embodiment, the track base assembly can be configured as a vertical single track base assembly 1326. A four-sided pyramid-shaped male connector 1330 is provided with four removably engageable flat base male assemblies 1005, wherein three downwardly angled side-opening receptacle / end cover modules 1201 and one vertically oriented track double-side-opening receptacle module 1290 are removably engaged at their female ends 1008 by screws or bolts 1055 that threadably engage with the receptacle cover 1080. To further stabilize the base assembly, one or more weight members 1335 can be removably engaged with one or more modules 1201 by screws 1337 that pass through holes 1338 in the weight members and threadably engage with nuts 1110 that are securely held within nut channels 1339 of the modules 1201. Alternatively, the bumper member 1227 may be configured as a foot member that is detachably engaged with the outer end of the base module 1201 by a screw that threadably engages a threaded hole in the center of the mating flat end cap member 1155 .

[0441] According to other embodiments, where operation of the carriage assembly on the track assembly requires intermittent stopping of the movement of the carriage assembly or limiting its speed on the track member, as well as maintaining a vertical or horizontal orientation of the carriage assembly relative to the track member, the carriage assembly may include a channel-guided adjustable clamping mechanism, such as Figure 56As shown in . According to one embodiment, the single-sided roller carriage assembly 1340 may include a channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism 1345, wherein a subassembly having two screw knobs 1297, a threaded rod 1298, a threaded carrier 1302, a guide block 1314 and a friction pad mounting plate 1310 is constructed as in the adjustable clamping mechanism 1295 and is similarly movably engaged on a shoulder screw 1319, which is threadably engaged in a threaded hole 1318 in the carriage body component 1230, but wherein, instead of a concave friction pad 1305, the friction pad mounting plate 1310 is mounted with a cylindrical track channel guide friction pad 1347 in its threaded hole or threaded insert 1346 via a screw 1308, which includes a friction pad protrusion 1348 along its center for slidably engaging with the nut channel of the cylindrical structural component, or slidably engaging with the side channel 1282 more specifically defined in its use in the cylindrical track component 1226.

[0442] According to other embodiments, the modular arrangement of the system may include a sliding carriage assembly wherein the roller mounts and rollers are excluded from the carriage assembly and the alignment and movable position of the carriage assembly is maintained by two opposing channel-guided adjustable clamping mechanisms that slidably engage against the circumference of the cylindrical structural member and within the side channels thereof.

[0443] like Figure 57 、 Figure 57 A. Figure 57 As shown in FIG. 1B , the sliding bracket assembly 1350 includes four bracket body components 1230, each of which is removably coupled to the next adjacent body component by a screw 1242 threadedly engaged with a threaded hole 1244. Optionally, a gusset mount 1237 may be included at one or both ends of one or more bracket body components 1230 where removable engagement of a gusset may be desired. As shown in FIG. Figure 56 As depicted, channel-guide adjustable clamping mechanisms 1345 can be secured to the interior of two opposing bracket body components 1230 aligned with two side channels 1355 of a cylindrical structural component 1360. The sliding bracket assembly 1350 holds and can slide along the cylindrical structural component, with both clamping mechanisms 1345 adjusted to maintain at least a minimum amount of pressure against the circumference of the cylindrical structural component and the gasket protrusions 1348 slidably engaged within the side channels 1355.

[0444] According to other embodiments, the rail trolley assembly may include one or two pairs of roller carriage assemblies for rolling motion along the rail assembly. According to one embodiment, the roller carriage assemblies may be attached via multi-directional component mounts to one or two cylindrical structural members forming the structure of the rail trolley assembly, the rail trolley assembly being configured for rolling motion along a standard steel pipe conduit assembly or an adjustable horizontal rail assembly.

[0445] According to one embodiment, Figure 58 and Figure 59 , the track trolley assembly 1370 is shown to include four single-sided roller carriage assemblies 1375 attached via four multi-directional component mounts 1380 to two cylindrical structural member modules 1385 having end cap members 1155 at each end. Attached between the modules 1385 is a device mounting plate 1390 for mounting one or more of cameras, lights, screens, monitors, microphones, sensors, tools, power tools, or other devices on a bowl / ball mount assembly 1395, or for mounting other attachment devices such as the stud mount assembly 1270 or dovetail plate mount assembly 1275 as previously described directly to one of the cylindrical structural member modules 1385 for rolling motion of the device along the standard steel tubular track assembly 1400.

[0446] Alternatively, if resistance to the track assembly is not desired, the single-sided roller carriage assembly 1375 can eliminate the adjustable clamping mechanism 1295. The single-sided roller carriage assembly 1375 can include a carriage body 1230 having two roller mounts 1405 removably engaged with each end of the body via one or more screws 1410 at one or more threaded holes 1247 in the end faces of the carriage body 1230. Two rollers 1420 can be secured to each roller mount 1405 via shoulder screws 1425 threadedly engaged in the threaded holes 1430. Angled shaft ends provided on the roller mounts 1405 align with the mounted rollers at a predetermined angle and spacing for mating contact and rolling engagement with the circumference of the track of the standard steel tubular track assembly 1400. According to another embodiment, the carriage body and roller mounts can be combined into a single component comprising identical functional elements.

[0447] Each pair of single-sided roller carriage assemblies 1375 can be removably engaged with a cylindrical structural component module 1385 by two multi-directional component mounts 1380, which are secured by screws 1435 that threadingly engage threaded holes 1440 in the outwardly facing surface of each carriage body component 1230. Each cylindrical structural component module 1385 can be removably engaged with opposite ends of the two multi-directional component mounts 1380 by screws 1450 that threadingly engage nuts 1110 secured within nut channels 1455 along the sides of the cylindrical structural component modules or, according to other embodiments, directly with threaded side mounting holes 1460 provided along the length of the cylindrical structural component modules.

[0448] According to some embodiments, Figure 59 and Figure 60 、 Figure 60 A. Figure 60 B. Figure 60 C and Figure 60 D, the multi-directional component mount 1380 includes a female mating component 1465 including a female segment 1470 within which is a generally octagonal receptacle 1475, the female mating component being configured for removable engagement with a male mating component 1480 including a generally octagonal male segment 1485. When assembled, threaded portions of two screws or bolts 1490 pass through holes 1495 in one side of the female segment 1470 and through one of four sets of through holes 1500 in the male segment 1485 to threadably engage threaded holes 1505 on an opposite side of the male segment 1485.

[0449] Optionally, the male section 1485 is removably engageable within the female receptacle 1475 in four alignments, wherein the four pairs of sides of the octagon, the through hole 1500, and the threaded hole 1505 can be aligned with the interlocking profile and through hole 1495 of the octagonal receptacle, respectively. This allows four alignments of the two mating components 1465, 1480, and any two components mounted to the outer surface of the mating components by screws 1435 / 1450, the threaded portion of which passes through holes 1508 in the female mating component 1465 and holes 1510 in the male mating component 1480 to threadably engage threaded holes in the sides of the mating components or nuts 1110. The four settings of the multi-directional component mount 1380 provide for example Figure 58 and Figure 59 , or as shown in Figure 60 A and Figure 60 Parallel alignment as shown in B, or two diagonal alignments, one of which is diagonal alignment in Figure 60 C and Figure 60 Shown in D.

[0450] According to certain embodiments, Figure 58 and Figure 59 , the four corners of the device mounting plate 1390 can be removably engaged with the two upward-facing faces of the two cylindrical structural component modules 1385 via the four concave base components 1041. The threaded portions of the screws 1515 pass through the holes 1520 in the corners of the device mounting plate 1390 and the through holes 1525 in the concave base components 1041 to threadably engage with the nuts 1110 securely retained within the upward-facing nut channels 1455 along the cylindrical structural component modules 1385, as shown, or at the threaded side mounting holes 1460 provided along the cylindrical structural component modules according to other embodiments.

[0451] To interface with one or more cameras or other devices, the device mounting plate 1390 may have a bowl / ball mounting assembly 1395 removably engaged thereto by screws 1530, such as Figure 59 As shown in FIG. 1A , the screw passes through a hole in bowl mount 1532 to threadably engage a threaded hole 1535 in the device mounting plate. A ball adapter 1540 is retained within bowl mount 1532 by a screw or bolt 1544 that passes through the center of the ball adapter and a hole in the bowl mount, and that threadably engages a locking knob 1548 that secures against the bottom of the bowl mount. According to other embodiments, the device mounting plate can interface directly with a camera or other device via screws or other attachment means.

[0452] According to additional embodiments, the roller carriage assembly and / or the sliding carriage assembly may be configured to securely engage and roll along the square track member. Figure 61 and Figure 62As shown in FIG, a four-sided clamping square track roller carriage assembly 1550 is shown configured for engagement with one or a series of assembled square track components 1555. According to one embodiment, the four-sided clamping roller carriage assembly 1550 includes four carriage body components 1230, each of which is removably engaged to the next adjacent body component via screws 1242 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1244. Square roller mounts 1560 are removably engaged with both ends of each carriage body component 1230 via screws 1570 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1580. Two rollers 1590 are removably engaged via shoulder screws 1595 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1600. According to a preferred embodiment, washers 1605 can be inserted between the roller mounts 1560 and the bearings of the rollers 1590 to separate the rollers from the roller mounts, thereby better aligning the guide rail away from the roller mounts and mating with the surface of the square track component 1555. Alternatively, both sides of the roller mount may be provided with protruding sections, wherein the threaded holes are provided for threaded engagement with shoulder screws.According to another embodiment, the bracket body part and the square roller mount may be combined into a single component comprising the same functional elements.

[0453] Additionally, the gussets 1255 may be secured by screws threadably engaging threaded holes 1610 in the outwardly facing surface of the roller mount 1560. The gussets 1255 may optionally be provided therein for structural reinforcement of a cylindrical structural member module 1200 (not shown) provided with a female end 1008, whereby it is mounted to a male connector 1000 which may be removably engaged by screws threadably engaging threaded holes 1261 in the outwardly facing surface of the bracket body member 1230.

[0454] According to some embodiments, the square track roller carriage assembly may include one or more adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be adjusted to apply varying resistance to one or a series of assembled square track components, for intermittent stopping of assembly motion, or to limit its velocity by localized pressure applied by the mechanism. Figure 61 and Figure 62 As shown in , the four-sided clamping square track roller bracket assembly 1550 includes an adjustable clamping mechanism 1620 for the square track.

[0455] According to one embodiment, Figure 62, a square track adjustable clamping mechanism 1620 is shown aligned for applying clamping pressure against the square track member 1555. The adjustable clamping mechanism 1620 may include two screw knobs 1625 that threadedly engage at either end of a threaded rod 1630 that passes through holes 1635 in either side of the bracket body member 1230. The screw knobs 1625 may be secured in place at either end of the threaded rod 1630 by lock nuts 1640. Manual rotation of one or both knobs by an operator causes rotation of the threaded rod, which in turn causes axial translation of a thread carrier 1645 that includes a threaded hole 1650 through its center. As the thread carrier moves axially along the threaded rod, it translates this motion into motion of the flat friction pad 1655, perpendicular to the direction of the thread carrier's motion and toward or away from the square track member 1555.

[0456] The flat friction pad 1655 is mounted to a friction pad mounting plate 1670 at its threaded holes or threaded inserts 1660 by screws 1665, and two guide blocks 1680 are mounted to opposite sides of the friction pad mounting plate by screws 1675, each guide block including an angled slot 1685 configured for sliding engagement with angled protrusions 1690 on mating sides of the threaded carrier 1645. The friction pad mounting plate 1670 and supported components are secured to the interior of the bracket body component 1230 at threaded holes 1318 by shoulder screws 1319 in through holes 1695, which allow the friction pad mounting plate to slide toward and away from the bracket body component, with the shoulder screws sliding freely within through holes in the friction pad mounting plate.

[0457] As the threaded carrier 1645 moves axially along the threaded rod 1630, the angled protrusions 1690 slide within the angled slots 1685. Due to the angles of the protrusions and slots, and the fact that the guide block 1680 is attached to the friction pad mounting plate 1670, which is constrained within the carriage body 1230 from parallel movement in the direction of movement of the threaded carrier 1645, the resulting movement of the guide block 1680 and the mating friction pad mounting plate 1670 is perpendicular to the axial translation of the threaded carrier. This perpendicular movement causes the flat friction pad 1655 to move toward the square track member 1555 to engage it and apply resistance to the movement of the square track roller carriage assembly, or to pull the flat friction pad away from the square track member to reduce or eliminate resistance to movement of the roller carriage assembly.

[0458] According to other embodiments, where operation of the carriage assembly on the square track assembly requires intermittent stopping of the carriage assembly's movement or limiting its speed on the square track member, as well as maintaining vertical or horizontal alignment of the carriage assembly relative to the track member, the square track carriage assembly may include a square track channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism.

[0459] According to one embodiment, Figure 63 A and Figure 63 As shown in FIG. 1B , a single-sided square track roller carriage assembly 1700 may include two square roller mounts 1560 , wherein rollers 1590 are secured to both ends of the carriage body component 1230 , wherein a square track channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism 1705 is secured within the body component 1230 at threaded holes 1318 by shoulder screws 1319 , as shown in FIG. Figure 62 According to another embodiment, the carriage body component and the square roller mount of the roller carriage assembly 1700 can be combined into a single component including the same functional elements.

[0460] The subassembly having two screw knobs 1625, a threaded rod 1630, a threaded carrier 1645, guide blocks 1680 and a friction pad mounting plate 1670 is constructed as in the adjustable clamping mechanism 1620 and is likewise movably engaged on the shoulder screw 1319, but here, instead of a flat friction pad 1655, the friction pad mounting plate 1670 has a square track channel guide friction pad 1710 (e.g., a flat track channel guide friction pad 1710) mounted at its threaded hole or threaded insert 1715 by screws 1665. Figure 64 B). The square track channel guide friction pad 1710 includes a friction pad protrusion 1720 along its center for slidably engaging a nut channel or side channel 1725 of a square track component 1730. The square track component includes one or more side channels extending along the square track component for slidably engaging an adjustable clamping mechanism 1705, and one or more nuts for removably engaging other structural or functional components. When the adjustable clamping mechanism 1705 is engaged, a single-sided square track roller carriage assembly 1700, or multiple roller carriage assemblies assembled together in a track trolley assembly, will maintain directional alignment atop one or a series of assembled square track components.

[0461] according to Figure 63 C and Figure 63 In another embodiment shown in FIG. 1D , a three-sided square track roller carriage assembly 1735 may include three pairs of square roller mounts 1560, wherein rollers 1590 are secured to the ends of three carriage body components 1230, and wherein square track channel guide adjustable clamping mechanisms 1705 are secured within two outer body components 1230 at threaded holes 1318 by shoulder screws 1319. According to another embodiment, the carriage body components and the square roller mounts of the roller carriage assembly 1735 may be combined into a single component including the same functional elements.

[0462] When the adjustable clamping mechanism 1705 is engaged against two sides of one or a series of assembled square track members 1730 and the two pad protrusions 1720 are slidably engaged within the side channels 1725 along the mating sides of the square track members, a roller bracket assembly 1735 or a combination of roller bracket assemblies 1735 will maintain directional alignment and be slidably retained or stopped on the square track members 1730 in a horizontal or vertical direction. Similarly, as Figure 63 As shown in FIG. 1 , a roller bracket assembly 1735 or a component of a roller bracket assembly 1735 is compatible with and can be slidably retained or stopped on one or a series of assembled rectangular track members 1740 within two side channels 1742 along the sides of the track member, wherein the liner protrusions 1720 can be engaged and additional structural and functional components can be removably engaged.

[0463] According to other embodiments, the modular arrangement of the system may include a sliding carriage assembly wherein the roller mounts and rollers are excluded from the carriage assembly and the alignment and movable position of the carriage assembly is maintained by two opposing channel-guided adjustable clamping mechanisms that slidably engage against the sides of a square or rectangular track member and within the side channels thereof.

[0464] like Figure 64 As shown in FIG, a four-sided sliding bracket assembly 1745 can include four bracket body components 1230, wherein each body component is removably engaged to the next adjacent body component by a screw 1242 threadedly engaged with a threaded hole 1244. Optionally, a gusset mount 1237 can be included at one or both ends of one or more bracket body components 1230 where removable engagement of a gusset may be desired, not shown. Channel-guided adjustable clamping mechanisms 1705 are secured to the interior of two opposing bracket body components 1230 for retaining and slidably engaging and / or stopping the bracket assembly 1745 along one or a series of assembled square track components 1730 when both clamping mechanisms 1705 can be adjusted to maintain at least a minimum amount of pressure against the sides of the square track components, and wherein the gasket protrusions 1720 are slidably engaged within the side channels 1725.

[0465] According to other embodiments, where varying profiles or sizes of square track components may be a factor, the square track roller bracket assembly may include the second embodiment of the square roller mount in place of the square roller mount 1560 as previously described. Figure 65, a four-sided square track roller carriage assembly 1750 is shown configured for engagement with one or a series of assembled square track components 1755. Pairs of square roller mounts 1760 are removably engageable with the ends of four carriage body components 1230 by one or more screws 1765, wherein the threaded portions of the screws pass through holes 1770 in the roller mounts 1760 to threadably engage with threaded holes 1247 in the ends of the body components 1230.

[0466] The two rollers 1775 fit within two openings between three portions of a roller mount, which includes a shoulder screw head retaining portion 1780, a central through-hole portion 1785, and a threaded bore portion 1790. Each roller 1775 is sandwiched between two washers 1795, and the threaded portion and shoulder portion of a shoulder screw 1800 pass through portions 1780 and 1785, with the threaded portion threadably engaging threaded bore portion 1790.

[0467] Additionally, the gussets 1255 can be secured by screws threadedly engaging threaded holes 1810 in the outward-facing surface of roller mounts 1760 optionally provided therein, providing structural reinforcement for the cylindrical structural component module 1200 provided with the female end 1008, thereby being mounted to the male connector 1000, which can be removably engaged by screws threadedly engaging threaded holes 1261 in the outward-facing surface of the bracket body component 1230. According to another embodiment, the features and functional elements of the bracket body component and the square roller mounts 1760 can be combined into a single component. The four-sided square track roller bracket assembly 1750 can optionally include one or more adjustable clamping mechanisms 1620 having flat friction pads 1655 configured to slow or stop the movement of the bracket assembly along one or a series of assembled square track components 1755.

[0468] According to other embodiments, the roller carriage assembly may be configured for rolling engagement on one or a series of assembled octagonal track members. Figure 66 and Figure 67As shown in FIG, a four-sided octagonal track clamping roller carriage assembly 1820 is configured for rolling motion on one or a series of assembled octagonal track members 1825. According to one embodiment, the octagonal track roller carriage assembly 1820 may include four carriage body members 1230, which are removably coupled to the next adjacent body member by screws 1242 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1244, and wherein two octagonal roller mounts 1830 are removably coupled to the ends of the two carriage body members 1230 by screws 1835 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1247 in the ends of the body members 1230. Two rollers 1840 are secured by shoulder screws 1845 threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1850 in the inclined shaft ends of the roller mounts.

[0469] like Figure 67 As shown in , the octagonal track roller bracket assembly can include an octagonal track adjustable clamping mechanism 1855, wherein a subassembly of two screw knobs 1297, a threaded rod 1298, a threaded carrier 1302, a guide block 1314 and a friction pad mounting plate 1310 is constructed as in the adjustable clamping mechanism 1295 and is similarly movably engaged on a shoulder screw 1319, which is threadably engaged in a threaded hole 1318 in one or more bracket body components 1230, but wherein, instead of a concave friction pad 1305, the friction pad mounting plate 1310 is mounted with an octagonal track friction pad 1870 via a screw 1860 in a threaded hole or threaded insert 1865, which includes three octagonal contact surfaces 1872 that can be adjustably engaged with the mating outer contour of the octagonal track component 1825.

[0470] Additionally, the gussets 1255 may be secured by screws threadedly engaging threaded holes 1875 in the outward-facing surface of the octagonal roller mounts 1830 optionally provided therein, for structural reinforcement of the columnar structural component module 1200 provided with the female end 1008, whereby it is mounted to the male connector 1000, which may be removably engaged by screws threadedly engaging threaded holes 1261 in the outward-facing surface of the mating bracket body component 1230. According to another embodiment, the bracket body component and the pair of octagonal roller mounts may be combined into a single component providing the same functional elements.

[0471] According to other embodiments, the roller carriage assembly may be configured for rolling engagement on one or a series of assembled circular or curved track components. Figure 68 and Figure 69, a pivoting roller carriage assembly 1890 is configured for rolling motion on a curved track 1895. According to one embodiment, the four-sided pivoting roller carriage assembly 1890 may include four carriage body components 1230 that are detachably coupled to the next adjacent body component via screws 1242 threadably engaged with threaded holes 1244, and wherein two pivoting roller mounts 1900 are detachably coupled to the ends of the two carriage body components 1230 via two outer screws 1902 and one center screw 1904 that are threadably engaged with two outer threaded holes 1906 and one center threaded hole 1908 at the ends of the carriage body components 1230.

[0472] A pair of rollers 1910 are rotationally engaged by a shoulder screw 1915 which threadably engages a threaded hole 1920 in the inclined end of a pivot shaft member 1925 which is pivotally engaged with an axle mounting member 1928 by a pivot pin 1930 which is retained in an axle pin hole 1935 in the pivot shaft member 1925 and extends through into a mounting pin hole 1936 in the roller mounting member 1900 where it is locked in place by a center screw 1904 the threaded portion of which passes through a center through hole 1940 and a pin through hole 1945 in the pivot pin 1930 to threadably engage a center threaded hole 1908 in the end of the bracket body member 1230. According to a preferred embodiment, bushing 1950 fits within axle pin hole 1935 to stably hold pivot pin 1930 in pivot axle member 1925 and reduce friction at the interface of the axle member and axle mount 1928 to allow smooth pivoting movement of pivot roller mount 1900 and passage of pivot roller carriage assembly 1890 along curved track 1895. According to some embodiments, pivot roller carriage assembly 1890 may include an adjustable clamping mechanism 1620 having a flat friction pad 1655 that can be adjusted to apply pressure to the curved track, thereby slowing or stopping movement of the carriage assembly.

[0473] According to other embodiments, Figure 70 and Figure 71As shown in FIG, the track trolley assembly can be configured as a 360-degree translation trolley assembly 1960 configured for open rotation of the trolley assembly on a circular track assembly 1970. Four single-sided pivoting roller carriage assemblies 1980 are secured to four cylindrical structural component modules 1200 in a 45-degree alignment via four multi-directional component mounts 1380, thereby forming the outer frame of the base of the trolley assembly 1960. The four cylindrical structural component modules 1200 extend upwardly from the base of the trolley assembly, and the device mounting plate 1390 and bowl / ball mounting assembly 1395 are removably engaged thereto via a male connector 1000, which is fastened to the bottom of the plate 1390 at threaded holes 1985 by screws or bolts 1990 and removably engaged within the female end 1008 of the cylindrical structural component module 1200. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the circular track assembly 1970 includes a ring member 1995 supported by and leveled on a foot member 2000 threadably engaged with a curved foot mount 2005, which is removably engaged by a screw 2010 threadably engaged with a threaded hole in the underside of the ring member 1995.

[0474] According to other embodiments, Figure 72 and Figure 73 , the track trolley assembly 2015 can be configured to roll along the adjustable horizontal track assembly 2020. The track trolley assembly 2015 is shown as including four single-sided roller carriage assemblies 2025 attached to two columnar structural member modules 1385 via four multi-directional member mounts 1380, with end cap members 1155 at each end. Attached between the modules 1385 is a device mounting plate 1390 for mounting one or more of a camera, light, screen, monitor, microphone, sensor, tool, power tool, or other device on a bowl / ball mount assembly 1395, or for mounting other attachment devices such as stud mounts 1270 or dovetail plate mounts 1275 directly to one of the columnar structural member modules 1200 for rolling motion of the device along the adjustable horizontal track assembly 2020.

[0475] According to one embodiment, the adjustable horizontal track assembly 2020 includes a series of cylindrical structural components 2030, which are assembled by rail adapter components 2035 to form two horizontal rails on which the track trolley assembly 2015 traverses. The rail adapter components 2035 may include a middle portion 2040 having the same diameter as the cylindrical structural components 2030, wherein the track trolley assembly 2015 passes smoothly between the cylindrical structural components. The middle portion may include threaded holes 2042, thereby allowing the female base male component 1001 or other structural or functional components of the system to be removably engaged. Each end of the adapter component includes a mounting portion 2045 for mounting within the open ends of the two cylindrical structural components 2030 and matingly engaging therewith. A screw 2050 passing through a hole 2052 is threadedly engaged with a threaded hole 2055 in the outer side of each inserted mounting portion 2045 to secure the rail adapter component within the two mating cylindrical structural components. For greater stability, the outer profile of the rail adapter component may include extrusion ribs to provide a more secure interference fit.

[0476] The two rail assemblies can be attached via various other embodiments of a double-sided opening receptacle module 2060 that is removably engaged with the inside of the cylindrical structural member 2030 via a gooseneck assembly 2065 secured by screws 2070 threadedly engaging the threaded core member 1125 within the cylindrical structural member 2030 through side mounting holes 2075, or threadedly engaging mating inwardly facing threaded holes 2055 in the sides of each inserted mounting portion 2045 of the rail adapter member, or, according to another embodiment, threadedly engaging the nuts 1110 within the side nut channels of the cylindrical structural member. The gooseneck assembly 2065 includes a gooseneck mounting member 2080 having a narrow concave portion 2082 whereby the screws 2070 hold the member against the cylindrical rail and a narrow neck section 2085 whereby the connection remains accessible to the roller carriage assembly 2025. Outside the narrow neck portion is a board mounting surface 2090, to which a gooseneck mounting plate 2095 is fixed by screws, and on which a flat base male component 1005 is detachably engaged, which is detachably engaged with the female end 1008 of the mating double-sided opening socket module 2060.

[0477] The frame of the adjustable horizontal track assembly 2020 as described above can be supported and leveled on a threaded footing member 2100, which includes a threaded foot 2102 that is threadably engaged with a female mounting member 2105 that is removably engaged with a side nut channel of a mating cylindrical structural member 2030 via a screw 2108 and a nut 1110, or according to another embodiment, is threadably engaged with a threaded core member 1125 assembled within the cylindrical structural member.

[0478] According to other embodiments, Figure 74 、 Figure 75 and Figure 76 , a low-angle track dolly assembly 2110 is shown, which is configured to roll along an adjustable horizontal enclosed track assembly 2115. The low-angle track dolly assembly 2110 may include two pairs of double-sided roller carriage assemblies 2120 attached via double-sided open-ended receptacle modules 2060 and a device mounting plate 1390. The ends of the receptacle modules 2060 removably engage at their female ends 1008 with the female base male assembly 1001 at threaded holes 1261 in the lower carriage body 1230, and each connection is reinforced by a gusset 1255 removably engaged by screws at threaded holes 1262 in the gusset mount 1237. To narrow the width of the dolly assembly and, therefore, maximize its travel distance on the enclosed track assembly, the double-sided roller carriage assembly 2120 may include a single roller mount 1235 and pairs of rollers. The adjustable horizontal enclosed track assembly 2115 may include four cylindrical structural member modules 1200 that are removably coupled to each other via female base male components 1001 and angle braces 1255 at female ends 1008 and may be supported on threaded foot members 2100 and leveled.

[0479] The two sets of roller bracket assemblies 2120 and the double-sided opening receptacle module 2060 are attached by means of a device mounting plate 1390 which is removably engaged at its four corners on the concave base member 1041 as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 59 1390 and through the female base member 1041 to threadably engage a nut 1110 securely held within an upwardly facing nut channel of the module 2060. According to one embodiment, the device mounting plate may have a direct mount bowl / ball mounting assembly 2125 / 1395, or as Figure 74 、 Figure 75 and Figure 76 As shown in FIG, the bowl / ball mounting assembly is vertically supported by one or more sets of threaded extension rods 2130. The threaded screw ends 2135 of the three extension rods can be threadedly engaged with threaded holes 1535 in the device mounting plate, as shown in FIG. Figure 76. To interface with one or more cameras or other devices, a bowl / ball mount assembly 2125 can be secured thereto by screws 2137, the threaded portion of which passes through a hole in a bowl mount component 2138 and threadedly engages the threaded hole ends 2139 of the rods. Alternatively, two or more sets of rods 2130 can be threadedly engaged with each other by having their threaded screw ends 2135 threadedly engage the threaded hole ends 2139 of the next set. Bowl / ball mount assembly 2125 can include a ball adapter 2140 comprising a hemispherical component 2142 having a threaded post component 2144 secured to its underside by screws 2146. The hemispherical component is retained on bowl mount component 2138 by a locking knob 2150 threadedly engaged with the threaded post component 2144, the threaded portion of which passes through a central hole in the bowl mount component, thereby securing the locking knob 2150 against the bottom. Device mounting screws 2155 of various types and sizes may be provided in the center of the hemispherical member 2142, where they are secured by threaded post members 2144 tightened thereunder. For structural reinforcement of the multiple sets of threaded extension rods 2130, rod plates 2157 may be sandwiched between the multiple sets of rods, or, according to another embodiment, provided at the ends of one or more sets of extension rods 2130, secured thereto by screws 2137, and upon which devices may be secured directly to the rod plates at one or more holes 2158.

[0480] According to other embodiments, the track trolley assembly may be configured as a dual-rail track trolley assembly, on which two or more devices may be supported on two or more roller carriage assemblies for rolling motion along two parallel rails supported by one or more trolley base assemblies. According to one embodiment, as Figure 77 、 Figure 78 and Figure 79 As shown in , a height-adjustable dual-rail track trolley assembly 2160 may include a dual rail assembly 2162 having two parallel rails 2165, each of which may be supported on a three-sided roller carriage assembly 2170 configured to allow rolling motion of the device along the rails. According to one embodiment, the three-sided roller carriage assembly 2170 may include three carriage body components 1230, wherein each carriage body component is removably coupled to the next adjacent body component via a screw 1242 that threadably engages with a threaded hole 1244, as previously described. Roller mounts 1235 and rollers are removably coupled to the ends of two opposing side carriage body components via screws that threadably engage with threaded holes in the ends of the carriage body components. According to another embodiment, the assembly of the carriage body components and the roller mounts may be combined into a single component including the same functional elements.

[0481] According to one embodiment, as previously mentioned Figure 53 As described, the channel guide members 1280 are fixed to the rail-facing side of each of the intermediate bracket body members and are aligned with and slidingly engaged with the side channels 2175 along the sides of the columnar structural members 2180 of the dual track assembly 2162, wherein the channel guide members maintain the upright and downward orientation of the two roller bracket assemblies 2170. According to another embodiment, as previously described with reference to Figure 56 As described, a channel guide adjustable clamping mechanism 1345 is secured within the intermediate bracket body member and wherein a cylindrical track channel guide friction pad 1347 including a pad protrusion 1348 along its center is slidingly engaged with the side channel 2175 to maintain the upright and downward orientation of the two roller bracket assemblies 2170.

[0482] Each of the roller bracket assemblies 2170 may additionally include a device mounting plate 1390 configured for mounting one or more of a camera, light, screen, monitor, microphone, sensor, tool, power tool, or other device to the bowl / ball mounting assembly 1395 / 2125, or for removably engaging other attachment devices such as stud mounting components 1270 directly with threaded holes in the bracket body components 1230, roller mounts 1235, and / or gusset mounts 1237 of one or both roller bracket assemblies 2170, or removably engaging via the columnar structural component module 1200, as described below with reference to Figure 82 As further described in detail, with the device mounting plate 1390 supported, the roller carriage assembly 2170 can additionally include one or two side mounting brackets 2185 that are removably engaged with the sides of the carriage assembly by screws 2190 that threadably engage threaded holes 1257 in the roller mount 1237, with the threaded portions extending through holes 2195 in the brackets and through the concave base member 1041 secured between the brackets 2185 and the roller mount. The device mounting plate 1390 can then be supported on one or both brackets 2185, with screws 2200 threadably engaging threaded holes 2205 in the vertical faces 2210 of the br...

Claims

1. A carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement along a cylindrical rail assembly, the carriage assembly comprising: a first body member having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and Wherein, one or both of the front end and the rear end of the first main body component has an axial element with two inclined axial ends, wherein a threaded hole is provided in each inclined axial end for threaded engagement with a screw, thereby enabling the roller to be rotationally engaged.

2. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second body member having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and Thereby, the first side edge of the second body component is detachably engaged with the first side edge of the first body component by a pair of screws, the pair of screws passing through holes in the first body component and threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided in the second body component for the pair of screws; and Wherein, the outward-facing side surface of the second main body component has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors constructed for detachable engagement with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components constructed for detachable engagement with another component, and / or one or more bracket components constructed for detachable engagement with another component, and / or one or more plate components constructed for detachable engagement with another component, and / or one or more mounting components constructed for detachable engagement with another component.

3. The bracket assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: a third body member having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and Thereby, the first side edge of the third body component is detachably engaged with the second side edge of the second body component by a pair of screws, the pair of screws passing through holes in the second body component and threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided in the third body component for the pair of screws; and wherein the outwardly facing side surface of the third main body component has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadedly engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and Wherein, optionally, one or both of the front end and the rear end of the third main body component has an axial element with two inclined axial ends, wherein a threaded hole is provided in each inclined axial end for threaded engagement with a screw, thereby enabling the roller to be rotationally engaged.

4. The bracket assembly according to claim 3, further comprising: a fourth body member having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and Thereby, the first side edge of the fourth body component is detachably engaged with the second side edge of the third body component by a pair of screws, the pair of screws passing through holes in the third body component and threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided for the pair of screws in the fourth body component; and Thereby, the second side edge of the fourth body component is detachably engaged with the second side edge of the first body component by a pair of screws, the pair of screws passing through holes in the fourth body component and threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided in the first body component for the pair of screws; and In which, the outward-facing side surface of the fourth main body component has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadedly engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be removably engaged with one or more male connectors constructed for removable engagement with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more bracket components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more plate components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more mounting components constructed for removable engagement with another component.

5. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of any one of the first main body component, the second main body component, the third main body component and the fourth main body component facing the guide rail, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a concave friction pad configured for compressive engagement against a surface of the cylindrical rail assembly; and A threaded rod passes through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the concave friction pad toward or retracting away from the surface of the cylindrical rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

6. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of any one of the first main body component, the second main body component, the third main body component and the fourth main body component facing the guide rail, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a concave friction pad configured for compressive engagement against a surface of the cylindrical rail assembly, the concave friction pad including a protrusion slidably engageable within a channel along the cylindrical rail assembly to maintain alignment of the carriage assembly on the cylindrical rail assembly; and A threaded rod passes through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the concave friction pad toward or retracting away from the surface of the cylindrical rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

7. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A channel guide component is provided on the side of any one of the first main body component, the second main body component, the third main body component or the fourth main body component facing the guide rail, and the channel guide component includes: A slidable guide element is configured for slidably engaging within the channel along the cylindrical rail assembly, the slidable guide element being configured to maintain alignment of the carriage assembly on the cylindrical rail assembly.

8. A carriage assembly configured to slidably engage along a cylindrical rail assembly, the carriage assembly comprising: one to four body members, each having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein, when two, three or four main body parts are provided, adjacently positioned main body parts are detachably engaged at their first side edges and / or second side edges by a pair of screws, the pair of screws being threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and wherein any one of the side surfaces of the one or more body components facing the guide rail is provided with a clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism comprising a concave friction pad configured for pressing engagement against a surface of the cylindrical guide rail assembly, the concave friction pad comprising a protrusion that slidably engages within a channel along the cylindrical guide rail assembly to maintain alignment of the bracket assembly on the cylindrical guide rail assembly; and A threaded rod passes through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the concave friction pad toward or retracting away from the surface of the cylindrical rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

9. A carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement along a square rail assembly or a rectangular rail assembly, the carriage assembly comprising: one to four body members, each having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein, when two, three or four main body parts are provided, adjacently positioned main body parts are detachably engaged at their first side edges and / or second side edges by a pair of screws, the pair of screws being threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and Wherein, one or two of the front and / or rear ends of the one main body component, the two main body components, the three main body components or the four main body components have an axial element with two inclined axial ends, wherein a threaded hole is provided in each inclined axial end for threaded engagement with a screw, thereby enabling the roller to be rotationally engaged.

10. The bracket assembly according to claim 9, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of the guide rail facing any one of the one main body component, the two main body components, the three main body components or the four main body components, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a flat friction pad configured for press engagement against a surface of the square rail assembly or the rectangular rail assembly; A threaded rod extends through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the flat friction pad toward or retracting it away from the surface of the guide rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

11. The bracket assembly according to claim 9, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of the guide rail facing any one of the one main body component, the two main body components, the three main body components or the four main body components, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a flat friction pad configured for press engagement against a surface of the square rail assembly or the rectangular rail assembly, the flat friction pad including a protrusion slidably engageable within a channel along the rail assembly to maintain alignment of the carriage assembly on the rail assembly; A threaded rod extends through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the flat friction pad toward or retracting it away from the surface of the guide rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

12. A bracket assembly configured to slide along a square rail assembly or a rectangular rail assembly, the bracket assembly comprising: one to four body members, each having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein, when two, three or four main body parts are provided, adjacently positioned main body parts are detachably engaged at their first side edges and / or second side edges by a pair of screws, the pair of screws being threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and wherein any one of the side surfaces of the one or more body components facing the guide rail is provided with a clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism comprising a flat friction pad configured to be pressed against a surface of the guide rail assembly and engaging, the flat friction pad comprising a protrusion that is slidably engaged within a channel along the guide rail assembly to maintain alignment of the bracket assembly on the guide rail assembly; and A threaded rod extends through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the flat friction pad toward or retracting it away from the surface of the guide rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

13. A carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement along an octagonal rail assembly, the carriage assembly comprising: one to four body members, each having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein, when two, three or four main body parts are provided, adjacently positioned main body parts are detachably engaged at their first side edges and / or second side edges by a pair of screws, the pair of screws being threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and Wherein, one or two of the front and / or rear ends of the one main body component, the two main body components, the three main body components or the four main body components have an axial element with two inclined axial ends, wherein a threaded hole is provided in each inclined axial end for threaded engagement with a screw, thereby enabling the roller to be rotationally engaged.

14. The bracket assembly according to claim 13, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of any one of the first main body component, the second main body component, the third main body component and the fourth main body component facing the guide rail, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a friction pad including three distal contact surfaces configured for compressive engagement against three sides of the octagonal rail assembly; and A threaded rod extends through a hole in the body member and threadably engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the friction pad toward or retracting away from a surface of the guide rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

15. A carriage assembly configured for rolling engagement along a curved track assembly or a circular track assembly, the carriage assembly comprising: one to four body members, each having an outwardly facing side, a side facing the guide rail, a front end, a rear end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; and wherein, when two, three or four main body parts are provided, adjacently positioned main body parts are detachably engaged at their first side edges and / or second side edges by a pair of screws, the pair of screws being threadedly engaged with threaded holes provided therefor; and wherein the outwardly facing side has one or more threaded holes, which are configured to be threadably engaged with one or more screws, thereby being able to be detachably engaged with one or more male connectors configured to be detachably engaged with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more bracket components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more plate components configured to be detachably engaged with another component, and / or one or more mounting components configured to be detachably engaged with another component; and Therein, the front and rear ends of one body part or two opposing body parts have a pivotable shaft element with two inclined shaft ends, wherein a threaded hole is provided in each inclined shaft end for threaded engagement with a screw, thereby enabling the roller to be rotationally engaged.

16. The bracket assembly according to claim 15, wherein: A clamping mechanism is provided on the side of the guide rail facing any one of the one main body component, the two main body components, the three main body components or the four main body components, and the clamping mechanism comprises: a flat friction pad configured for press engagement against a surface of the curved track assembly or the circular track assembly; A threaded rod extends through a hole in the body member and threadedly engages a thread carrier provided therefor, thereby advancing the flat friction pad toward or retracting it away from the surface of the guide rail assembly when the threaded rod is rotated.

17. A multi-directional component mounting, comprising: a female mating component having an octagonal seat opposite a concave surface configured for engagement with a radiused side of the bracket assembly or a circumferential surface of a cylindrical structural component; as well as a male mating component having an octagonal male section opposed to a concave surface configured for engagement with a radiused side of the bracket assembly or a circumferential surface of a cylindrical structural component; wherein the female mating component is secured to the bracket assembly by threadingly engaging a pair of screws with two threaded holes in the bracket assembly, or is secured to the cylindrical structural component by threadingly engaging a pair of screws with two threaded holes in the circumferential surface or two nuts engaged in nut channels therealong; and wherein the male mating component is secured to the bracket assembly by threadingly engaging a pair of screws with two threaded holes in the bracket assembly, or is secured to the cylindrical structural component by threadingly engaging a pair of screws with two threaded holes in the circumferential surface or two nuts engaged in nut channels therealong; and Wherein, the female mating component and the male mating component can be removably engaged at any one of four angular orientations relative to each other, whereby the male segment is fixed by two screws passing through the holes in the female mating component and threadedly engaged with one pair of threaded holes in four pairs of threaded holes in the male segment.

18. A mounting plate, comprising: a plurality of threaded holes positioned about the central aperture whereby the device or component is removably engaged by a plurality of screws passing through holes in the device or component and threadingly engaging the threaded holes; and A plurality of threaded holes and / or through holes are arranged near the middle and outer edge of the mounting plate for reversible engagement with a plurality of screws, thereby enabling removable engagement with one or more male connectors constructed for removable engagement with the female end of another component, and / or one or more support components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more bracket components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more plate components constructed for removable engagement with another component, and / or one or more mounting components constructed for removable engagement with another component.

19. The mounting plate of claim 18, wherein: The component that can be removably engaged at the central aperture includes a bowl mounting component with a concave surface, wherein a spherical adapter component with a convex surface can be leveled and removably engaged by a locking handle component, and the locking handle component is removably engaged with the underside of the bowl mounting component by a screw, bolt or threaded rod, and the screw, bolt or threaded rod extends downward from the center of the spherical adapter component and passes through the hole in the center of the bowl mounting component to threadably engage with the threaded hole in the center of the locking handle component.

20. The bowl-shaped mounting member according to claim 19, wherein: A set of threaded extension rods are interposed between the bowl-shaped mounting component and the mounting plate, the threaded extension rods including a threaded screw end opposite a threaded hole end, whereby the threaded screw end and the threaded extension rods can be threadably engaged with the mounting plate at one end and removably engaged by a screw or bolt that passes through a hole in the bowl-shaped mounting component and threadably engages with the threaded hole end.

21. The bowl-shaped mounting member according to claim 20, wherein: A series of two or more sets of threaded extension rods are interposed between the bowl-shaped mounting member and the mounting plate, and wherein, optionally, a reinforcement plate is interposed between the one or more sets of threaded extension rods.

22. A cylindrical mounting component comprising a circumferential surface between flat surfaces at both ends, wherein: One or more threaded holes are provided for removable engagement of a threaded caster component or a threaded foot component or a gooseneck mounting component or a mounting plate.

23. The cylindrical mounting component according to claim 22, further comprising one or more threaded holes on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical mounting component, the one or more threaded holes being configured for removable engagement with one or more male connectors configured for removable engagement with a female end of another component, and / or with one or more support components configured for removable engagement with another component, and / or with one or more plate components configured for removable engagement with another component, and / or with one or more weight components.

24. A kit of parts for constructing a track assembly for rolling engagement of one or more carriage assemblies therealong, the track assembly comprising: one or more sets of parallel cylindrical structural support components having one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes disposed therealong for removably engaging another component via screws threadingly engaged with the threaded holes or nuts threadably engaged within the nut passages; Wherein, a plurality of threaded foot components or threaded caster components are detachably engaged with the threadably engageable nuts or the threaded holes arranged along the lower side of the one or more sets of parallel guide rails.

25. A guide rail connector component comprising an outer profile, which is constructed to be removably engaged at each end within the matching inner profiles of two cylindrical structural components provided for the outer profile to assemble a track assembly, the track assembly being configured for rolling engagement of one or more bracket assemblies along the track assembly, the guide rail connector being removably engaged by a plurality of screws, the plurality of screws passing through a plurality of holes in the cylindrical structural components to threadedly engage with threaded holes in the side surfaces of the guide rail connector component.

26. The track assembly of claim 25, further comprising a plurality of gooseneck mounting components, the plurality of gooseneck mounting components being removably engaged with the columnar structural component by threaded screws, whereby one or more vertical columnar structural components are removably engaged for structural support of the guide rail assembly, the gooseneck mounting components comprising a narrow portion at one end and a male connector at an opposite end, the narrow portion being configured for clearance for a bracket assembly, the male connector being configured for engagement with a female end of the vertical columnar structural component.

27. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: two or more cylindrical structural members including one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes along the cylindrical structural members; as well as one or more female connector parts including a female side opposite the flat side, a male element extending from the center of the flat side, the male element having a plurality of threaded holes or a plurality of through holes perpendicular to the flat side of the connector part; and wherein a through hole passes longitudinally through the connector component and is arranged for the passage of a threaded portion of a first screw or bolt, whereby the connector component can be removably engaged with one of the cylindrical structural components or with another component comprising a circular surface via a threaded nut or a threaded hole, wherein a threaded nut, a threaded insert and / or a threaded hole are provided, with which the screw or bolt can be threadably engaged, so that the connector component can be removably engaged with the mating component, and the connector component is arranged for removable engagement of a female end at the end of one of the cylindrical structural components; Wherein, the female end includes a receptacle, the male element is inserted into the receptacle, and the two threaded holes or through holes on opposite sides of the male element are aligned with the holes passing through the side of the female end, and the threaded portion of the second screw or bolt passes through the holes into the female end to threadably engage with one or a pair of aligned threaded holes, or passes through a pair of aligned through holes and threadably engages with a threaded nut or threaded insert in the opposite side of the female end, so that the female end can be detachably engaged with the connector component.

28. The kit of claim 27, wherein: The male element of the connector component is square in shape and is configured for removable engagement with one of the female ends, the female end including a square socket.

29. The kit of claim 27, wherein: The male element of the connector component is square in shape with tapered sides, configured for easy removable engagement with one of the female ends, which includes a square socket.

30. The kit of claim 27, wherein: The male element of the connector component is octagonal in shape and is configured for removable engagement with one of the female ends, the female end including a square socket.

31. The kit of claim 27, wherein: The male element of the connector component is cylindrical in shape and is configured for removable engagement with one of the female ends, the female end including a cylindrical seat.

32. The kit of claim 27, wherein: The male element of the connector component is square in shape with rounded corners and is configured for removable engagement with one of the female ends, which includes a cylindrical socket.

33. The kit of claim 27, wherein: One or more flat connector parts include: a first flat side, which is fastened to the end of one of the cylindrical structural parts; and a second flat side, opposite the first flat side, from the center of which the male element extends, the connector part is arranged for removably engaging one of the female ends at the end of the other cylindrical structural part.

34. The female end of claim 27, wherein: The female end includes a hatch for lateral insertion of the connector component, and wherein a socket cover having a threaded insert or nut is removably engaged by the threaded portion of the screw or bolt, the screw or bolt passing through the connector component to threadably engage with the threaded insert or nut to retain the socket cover and securely engage the connector component.

35. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: two or more first cylindrical structural members, including one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes along the cylindrical structural members, and a first female end at one or both ends; as well as one or more female connector parts including a female side opposite the flat side, a male element extending from the center of the flat side, the male element having a square shape with rounded corners and an angled neck, or a neck with a plurality of notches, or a neck with a plurality of threaded holes; and wherein a through hole passes longitudinally through the connector component and is arranged for the passage of a threaded portion of a first screw or bolt, whereby the connector component can be removably engaged with one of the first cylindrical structural components, or with another component comprising a circular surface, by means of a threaded nut or a threaded hole, wherein a threaded nut, a threaded insert and / or a threaded hole are provided, with which the screw or bolt can be threadably engaged, so that the connector component can be removably engaged with the mating component, the connector component being arranged for removable engagement of one of the first female ends at the end of one of the first cylindrical structural components; wherein the first female end includes a cylindrical receptacle and a threaded hole entering the receptacle, and a set screw is threadedly engaged through the threaded hole to protrude into the neck of the inserted male element of the connector part to retain the connector part in the receptacle while allowing continued rotation, or further advancement to apply pressure to the inclined neck or one of the recesses, or wherein the neck includes the threaded hole and the screw is threadedly engaged with one or a pair of aligned threaded holes to fixedly engage the connector part in the first female end.

36. The kit of claim 35, wherein: The one or more flat connector parts include: a first flat side, which is fastened to the end of one of the first cylindrical structural parts; and a second flat side, opposite the first flat side, from the center of which the male element extends, which is configured to detachably engage one of the first female ends at the end of the other cylindrical structural part.

37. The kit of claim 35 further comprising one or more second cylindrical structural members having a second female end at one or both ends, the second female end having a square receptacle and a threaded hole into the receptacle through which a set screw is threadably engaged to apply pressure to one of the angled neck or recess, or wherein, The neck includes a threaded hole, and the screw threadably engages one or a pair of aligned threaded holes to fixedly engage the connector component within the first female end.

38. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: two or more first cylindrical structural members including one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes along said first cylindrical structural members and female ends at one or both ends; as well as one or more female connector parts including a female side opposite the flat side, a male element extending from the center of the flat side, the male element having a cylindrical shape and an inclined neck, or a neck with a plurality of notches, or a neck with a plurality of threaded holes; and wherein a through hole passes longitudinally through the connector component and is arranged for the threaded portion of a first screw or bolt to pass therethrough, whereby the connector component can be removably engaged with one of the cylindrical structural components or with another component comprising a circular surface via a threaded nut or a threaded hole, wherein a threaded nut, a threaded insert and / or a threaded hole are provided, with which the screw or bolt can be threadably engaged, so that the connector component can be removably engaged with the mating component, the connector component being arranged for removable engagement of one of the female ends at the end of one of the cylindrical structural components; wherein the female end includes a cylindrical receptacle and a threaded hole entering the receptacle, and a set screw threadably engages through the receptacle to protrude into the neck of the inserted male element of the connector part to retain the connector part in the receptacle while allowing continued rotation, or further advancement to apply pressure to one of the inclined neck or recess, or wherein the neck includes the threaded hole and the screw threadably engages with one or a pair of aligned threaded holes to fixedly engage the connector part in the first female end.

39. The kit of claim 38, wherein: The one or more flat connector parts include: a first flat side, which is fastened to the end of one of the first cylindrical structural parts; and a second flat side, opposite the first flat side, from the center of which a male element extends, which is arranged to detachably engage one of the first female ends at the end of the other cylindrical structural part.

40. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: Two or more cylindrical structural members including one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes along the cylindrical structural members and female ends at one or both ends; as well as one or more female connector parts including a female side opposite the flat side, a male element extending from the center of the flat side, the male element having a cylindrical shape and a square shape with rounded corners and having a neck having a plurality of notches; and wherein a through hole passes longitudinally through the connector component and is arranged for the passage of a threaded portion of a first screw or bolt, whereby the connector component can be removably engaged with one of the cylindrical structural components or with another component comprising a circular surface via a threaded nut or a threaded hole, wherein a threaded nut, a threaded insert and / or a threaded hole are provided, with which the screw or bolt can be threadably engaged, so that the connector component can be removably engaged with the mating component, and the connector component is arranged for removable engagement of a female end at the end of one of the cylindrical structural components; Wherein, the female end includes a clamp component having a plurality of teeth, which is constructed to engage with a recess of the male element of the connector component, whereby a fixing screw threadedly engaged with a threaded hole in the side of the female end applies pressure to the clamp component when the teeth are aligned, and applies pressure to the recess, thereby removably engaging the connector component in the female end in one of a plurality of relative angle orientations.

41. The kit of claim 40, wherein: The one or more flat connector parts include: a first flat side, which is fastened to the end of one of the cylindrical structural parts; and a second flat side, opposite the first flat side, from the center of which a male element extends, which is arranged for removable engagement of one of the female ends at the end in the other cylindrical structural part.

42. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: Two or more cylindrical structural members including one or more nut passages and / or one or more threaded holes along the cylindrical structural members and female ends at one or both ends; as well as one or more female connector parts including a female side opposite a flat side, the flat side having circularly arranged teeth, a male element extending from the center of the flat side, the male element including an inclined neck and a cylindrical shape or a square shape with rounded corners; and wherein a through hole passes longitudinally through the connector component and is arranged for the passage of a threaded portion of a first screw or bolt, whereby the connector component can be removably engaged with one of the cylindrical structural components or with another component comprising a circular surface via a threaded nut or a threaded hole, wherein a threaded nut, a threaded insert and / or a threaded hole are provided, with which the screw or bolt can be threadably engaged, so that the connector component can be removably engaged with the mating component, and the connector component is arranged for removable engagement of a female end at the end of one of the cylindrical structural components; wherein the female end includes a receptacle and a circularly arranged groove on a front face of the female end, the circularly arranged groove being configured for mating engagement with a circularly arranged tooth surrounding a male element of the connector component, which is removably engaged within the receptacle; Wherein, the clamp component with an inclined middle portion is constructed to engage with the inclined neck of the male element to apply pressure to the inclined neck, whereby the fixing screw is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole in the side of the female end and enters the receptacle to apply pressure to the clamp component, thereby holding the male element in place in a fixed alignment and engaging the teeth and the grooves in one of a plurality of relative angular orientations.

43. The kit of claim 42, wherein: The one or more flat connector parts comprise: a first flat side, which is fastened to the end of one of the cylindrical structural parts; and a second flat side, opposite the first flat side, having a circular arrangement of teeth, from the center of which extends a male element, which is arranged for removable engagement of one of the female ends at the end in the other cylindrical structural part.

44. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: two or more cylindrical structural members including two or more nut passages along the cylindrical structural members; and Wherein, at least two of the columnar structural components are connected by connecting the ends of two or more channel support components, and the channel support component includes a plate element, which is constructed to be slidably and assembled in adjacently positioned nut channels of the columnar structural component, whereby two or more screws are threadedly engaged with two or more threaded holes in the channel support component and pass therethrough to press against the center of the nut channel to fix the channel support component in the nut channel and detachably engage the two columnar structural components.

45. A kit of parts for removably constructing a structural assembly, the kit comprising: two or more hollow cylindrical structural components including one or more holes along a circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical structural components; as well as One or more threaded core members are secured within the hollow center of each of the two or more cylindrical structural members, the threaded core members comprising four, six or eight threaded inserts whereby a support or another member is removably engaged with the peripheral surface by screws or bolts having threaded portions extending through holes in the peripheral surface to threadably engage the threaded inserts.

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