BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Elongate elements are often used to construct barrier assemblies, shelters, items of furniture and the like.

In terms of a barrier assembly, such as a fence, one popular style of fence is a fence having elongate elements in the form of a post and a rail, such as a post and rail fence constructed from treated timber (such as permapine). In fences of this type, the rail is typically secured to the post using a connection that is formed using galvanisez metal strapping and fasteners, such as nails or screws.

Permapine fences are generally manufactured using simple connections which utilise imprecise components. Such componentry may result in the connections between the post and the rails being formed differently, leading to inconsistent structural performance and appearance. Thus, it is quite difficult to assemble a typical permapine fence so as to obtain a consistent result.

Another problem with fences of this type is the lack of stability of the rail member on the post member during assembly, particularly as the rail member is usually simply rested on the top of the post member during the assembly process. In this way, the rail must be supported by the assembler during the assembly process to prevent the rail member from falling off of the post.

Yet another problem with fences of this type is that the assembly of the fence on a changing grade may require each post to be adapted to match the"lie of the land"so as to enable the rail to be properly aligned with respect to the ground.

Finally, the connection between the post and the rail often has poor strength.

Accordingly, in a typical permapine fence, the connection between the post and the rail may fail when subject to the types of forces which are encountered in normal use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular connection system which overcomes at least one of the above-described deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE TISON The present invention provides a modular connection system for connecting elongate elements, the system including: (a) a first module having a socket formed on a face thereof ; (b) a connection member including a head and a body extending therefrom, the head being locatable in the socket of the first module ; (c) a second module for connecting to the first module so as to captively retain the head of the connection member in the socket of the first module; and (d) securing means for securably connecting the second module to the first module ; wherein when the head of the connection member is captively retained in the socket of the first module, the body projects externally to the first module and the second module.

In an embodiment, the socket of the first module is integrally formed on the face of the first module. In one embodiment, the socket has a generally part spherical section and is formed on a top face of the first module.

The first module may be a first elongate element such as a post. Alternatively, the first module may include a means for connecting the first module to an end of a first elongate element. The means for connecting the first module to an end of a first elongate element may be any suitable connection means.

In an embodiment, the means for connecting the first module to an end of a first elongate element is a shaft which is connectable to an end of the first elongate element by inserting the shaft into a correspondingly sized bore located on the end of the elongate element. Another suitable means for connecting the first module to an end of the first elongate element is a plate which is fittable to the end of the first elongate element using adhesive or fastening means. Yet another suitable means for connecting the first module to an end of the first elongate element is a cap that is fittable to, or over, an end of the first elongate element.

In an embodiment, the head of the connection member has a shape that corresponds to the shaped of the socket of the first module so that when the head is located in the socket of the first module a portion of the head makes contact with substantially the entirety of the socket. Thus, in one embodiment a contact area is formed between substantially the entire socket and a portion of the head of the connection member. Such an arrangement is particularly beneficial since, in use, the socket forms a load bearing surface having the load distributed over the contact area, and thus the entirety of the socket, as opposed to making point contact.

The body of the connection member may be a second elongate element such as a rail. Thus, according to this embodiment, the second elongate element extends from the head of the connection member. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the body of the connection member includes a

means for connecting the connection member to an end of the second elongate element.

Any suitable means for connecting the connection member to an end of the second elongate element may be used. One suitable means for connecting is a shaft. Here, the connection of the connection member to an end of the second elongate element includes fitting at least a portion of the shaft into a correspondingly sized bore of the second elongate element. Another suitable means for connecting the connection member to an end of the second elongate element is a plate which is fittable to the end of the second elongate element using adhesive or fastening means. Yet another suitable means for connecting the connection member to an end of the second elongate element is a cap that is fittable to, or over, an end of the second elongate element.

It is preferred that the second module also includes a socket. According to this embodiment, the second module's socket has a shape that corresponds to the shape of a portion of the head of the connection member which does not contact the first module's socket so that said portion makes contact with substantially the entirety of the second module's socket. Thus, according to this embodiment, both the socket of the first module and the socket of the second module form a respective contact area with a respective portion of the head of the connection member so as to captively retain the head of the connection member in the socket of both the first module and the second module.

The securing means may be any suitable means. Particularly suitable means include adhesive or fasteners.

It is preferred that captively retaining the head of the connection member in the socket of the first module permits positional adjustment of the body of the connection member relative to the first module and the second module. In an embodiment, the positional adjustment includes a rotational adjustment, such as a rotational adjustment about an axis of the body. In another embodiment, the positional adjustment includes adjusting the position of an axis of the body.

The present invention also provides a modular connection system for connecting elongate elements, the system including: (a) a first module having an integrally formed socket on a face thereof and a means for connecting the first module to an end of a first elongate element; (b) a connection member including a head and a body extending therefrom, the head being locatable in the socket of the first module, the body being connectable to an end of a second elongate element; (c) a second module for connecting to the first module so as to captively retain the head of the connection member in the socket of the first module ; and (d) securing means for securably connecting the second module to the first module ; wherein when the head of the connection member is captively retained in the socket of the first module the body projects externaiiy to the first and second module, and wherein the captive retaining of the head permits positional adjustment of the body relative to the first module and the second module.

The present invention also provides a modular connection system for connecting elongate elements, the system including : (a) a first module having a first face and a second face, the first and second faces being spaced apart and arranged so that one of the faces includes an integrally formed socket and the other face includes a means for connecting the first module to an end of a first elongate element ; (b) a connection member including a head and a body extending therefrom, the head being locatable in the socket of the first module, the body being connectable to an end of a second elongate element ;

(c) a second module for connecting to the first module so as to captively retain the head of the connection member in the socket of the first module; and (d) securing means for securably connecting the second module to the first module ; wherein when the head of the connection member is captively retained in the socket of the first module the body projects externally to the first and second module, and wherein the captive retaining of the head permits positional adjustment of the body relative to the first and second module.

The present invention also provides a structure constructed of elongate elements, the structure including: (a) a first elongate element for supporting a second elongate element, the first elongate element including a first receiving region formed on a face thereof (b) a second elongate element having a longitudinal axis and at least one end ; (c) a connection member locatable between the first receiving region and the end of the first elongate element, the connection member including a first portion which is locatable in the first receiving region and a second portion which is engageable with the end of the first elongate element ; wherein the engagement of the second portion with the end of the first elongate element and the locating of the first portion in the first receiving region restricts longitudinal movement of the first elongate element.

In an embodiment, the first receiving region is a socket that is shaped to receive the first portion of the connection member. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connection member is a head and the second portion of the connection member is a body that extends from the head.

In one embodiment, the first elongate element is a post and the second elongate element is a rail. According to this embodiment, the structure may be

a barrier assembly (such as a fence), an item of furniture, a shelter, a racking system (such as a wine rack), decking, scaffolding, a platform or the like.

The first elongate element may include a shaft and a head which extends from the shaft of the first elongate element. It is preferred that the first receiving region is located proximal to the head of the first elongate element. However, in an alternative embodiment, the first receiving region may be located on the shaft of the first elongate element.

In an embodiment, the first receiving region may be formed on a top surface of the head of the first elongate element. However, in another embodiment, the first receiving region may be located within the first elongate element so that the first receiving region projects inwardly from an opening in a wall of the first elongate element. The opening may provide a shoulder for retaining the first portion of the connection member within the first receiving region. It is preferred that the shoulder is arranged so as to act on the first portion of the connection member so as to thereby restrict longitudinal movement of the second elongate element.

In an embodiment, the engaging of the connection member with the first elongate element and the second elongate element provides a connection having a variable angle. In this way, a relative angle between the first elongate element and the second elongate element may be adjusted. Such an arrangement is particularly beneficial as it allows the structure to be assembled on a changing grade.

In an embodiment, the connection of the first elongate element to the second elongate element results in the ends of the first elongate element and the second elongate element that are connected using the connection member having a spaced apart relationship so that the second elongate element may be moved angularly over a range of movement. It is preferred that over the range of movement the end of the second elongate element does not collide with the end of the first elongate element. In yet another form of the invention, the end

of the second elongate element may be shaped to provide relief so that the second elongate element member may be moved angularly relative to the first elongate element so that the end of the second elongate element does not collide with the first elongate element.

The first elongate element may include a cap member which is attachable to the head of the first elongate element. One suitable cap member may include a second receiving region which is positionable over the head of the first elongate element so as to form a space between the first receiving region and the second receiving region.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first elongate element may further include a crown member which is attachable to the head of the first elongate element. In this form of the invention, the cap member may be locatable on the crown member to thereby form the space therebetween. In this form of the invention, since the space is formed using the cap member and an attachable crown member, the head of the first elongate element may be machined (for example,"cut to length") prior to attaching the crown member to the head.

The first portion of the connection member may have any shape which is suitable for engaging with the first receiving region, or both the first and second receiving regions. One suitable shape may be a truncated sphere.

The present invention also provides a barrier assembly, including : (a) a rail member having a longitudinal axis and at least one end; (b) a post member for supporting the rail member, the post member including a receiving region; and (c) a connection member locatable between the receiving region and the end of the rail member, the connection member including a first portion which is locatable in the first receiving region and a second portion which is engageable with the end of the first elongate element ;

wherein the engagement of the second portion with the end of the rail and the locating of the first portion in the receiving region restricts longitudinal movement of the rail member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in relation to various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it must be appreciated that the following description is not to limit the generality of the above description.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a modular connection system assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention ; Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the modular connection system of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 in an assembled form ; Fig. 3 is isometric exploded view of a modular connection system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention ; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the modular connection system of Fig. 3 in an assembled form; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of one form of a modular connection system according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is an isometric view of another form of a modular connection system according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is an isometric view of another form of a modular connection system according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a modular connection system to another preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 is an isometric exploded view of an alternative configuration of the modular connection system shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connection member, a crown member and a cap member suitable for use with the preferred embodiment of the modular connection system shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a first module having a single socket ; Fig. 12 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a first module having two sockets arranged oppositely ; Fig. 13 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a first module having two sockets arranged perpendicularly ; Fig. 14 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a first module having a three sockets ; Fig. 15 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a first module having four sockets; Fig. 16 is an isometric exploded view of a modular connection system in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 having two sockets arranged at 120 degrees with respect to each other; Fig. 17 is a side cross sectional view of a connection having a variable angle; Fig. 18 is a side cross sectional view of a barrier assembly constructed from a modular connection system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a side cross sectional view of a barrier assembly constructed from a modular connection system according to an embodiment of the invention, the barrier assembly having two rails and a post as installed ; Fig. 20 shows an example of a barrier assembly structure constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 21 shows an example of a first shelter structure constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 22 shows an example of a second shelter structure constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention ; Fig. 23 shows a platform constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 24 shows a table and chair constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention ; and Fig. 24 shows a third shelter constructed using a module connection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate an embodiment of a modular connection system 100 that is suitable for connecting first and second elongate elements 102,104 so as to form a structure.

The preferred embodiment of the modular connection system 100 will be described in relation to a barrier assembly (in the form of a fence). However,

although the preferred embodiment will be described in relation to a fence, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be so limited. Indeed, it is envisaged that the present invention will also be applicable for other structures which are constructed from elongate elements. By way of non-limiting examples, such other structures may include an item of furniture, a shelter, a racking system (such as a wine rack), decking, scaffolding, a platform or the like.

As is shown in Fig. 1, the modular connection system 100 shown here includes a first module 106 having a socket 108 formed on a face 110 of the first module 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first module 106 and the first elongate element 102 are of a unitary construction. As is shown, the socket 108 is integrally formed on a top face 112 of the first module 106 and thus the top face of the first elongate element 102. As a result, the socket 108 is"proximal"to the head 144 of the first elongate element 102. However, it is to be understood that other arrangements of this embodiment are possible in which the socket 108 may not be located on the top face 112 of the first elongate element 102 but still be"proximal"to the head 144 in accordance with the meaning of this term as used throughout this specification. That is to say, the head 144 is not to be construed as being limited to the top face 112 of the first elongate element 102.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in terms of the socket 108 being located proximal to the head 144 of the first elongate element 102, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention are possible whereby the socket 108 is not located proximal to the head 144 at all.

Indeed, in an alternative embodiment the socket 108 may be located elsewhere on the first elongate element 102. For example, in one embodiment the socket 108 may be located on a side face of the first elongate element 102.

The illustrated embodiment also includes a connection member 114, a second module 116 for connecting to the first module 106, and a securing means 118 for securably connecting the second module 116 to the first module 106 so as

to captively retain a head 120 of the connection member 114 in the socket 108 of the first module 106.

As described previously, in the present case the first module 106 and the first elongate element 102 (shown here as a post member 122) are of unitary construction. However, it will be appreciated that the first module 106 could equally be a module which is separate from, and connectable to, an elongate element using a suitable connection means. Such an embodiment will be described in more detail later.

In the embodiment illustrated, the connection member 114 includes the head 120 (shown here as a truncated sphere) and a body 124 (shown here as a shaft 126) that extends from the head 120. The head 120 is shown here has a truncated spherical shape which is locatable in the socket 108. A truncated spherical shape is particularly beneficial as it permits a substantially constant contact surface area to be maintained between the head 120 and the socket 108 over a range of movement of the body 124 of the connection member 114 when the head 120 is located in the socket 108. Although the head 120 is shown as having a truncated spherical shape, it will be appreciated that other shapes nay also be suitable. Such other shapes may have a regular form (for example, cubic) or irregular form.

The connection member 114 may be manufactured from any suitable material.

Moreover, the connection member 114 may be manufactured as a solid member, or a hollow member, or a combination thereof. As will be appreciated, a connection member 114 having a hollow, or part hollow, construction will be lighter than a solid, similarly shaped, connection member 114 manufactured from the same material.

Although the connection member 114 is shown here as being separate to the second elongate element 104, it is not essential that this be the case. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment, the connection member 114 may be formed integrally with the second elongate element 104. However, it is preferred that

the connection member 114 be a separate member so that in use the second elongate element 104 may be"cut to length"so that a structure having a desired size may be constructed.

The shaft 126 shown here provides a means for connecting the connection member 114 to an end 128 of the second elongate element 104. in the present case, the shaft 126 has a diameter which allows the shaft 126 to be fitted into a correspondingly sized bore in the end 128 of the second elongate element 104.

The fitting of the connection member 114 into the correspondingly sized bore in the end 128 of the second elongate element 104 may entail securing (for example, using an adhesive or a suitable fastener) shaft 126 within the bore.

Alternatively, shaft 126 of the connection member 114 may included a threaded section which is suitable for threadably engaging with a complementary tapped section of the bore.

The second module 116 is illustrated as a cap member 130 that is connectable <BR> <BR> to the first module 106 so as to captively retain the head 120 of the connection member 114 in the socket 108 of the first module 106. As is shown in Fig. 1, when the head 120 of the connection member 114 is captively retained in the socket 108 of the first module 106, the body 124 of the connection member 114 projects externally to the first module 106 and the second module 116.

The second module 116 may be secured to the first module 106 using any suitable securing means. In the present case, the securing means 118 includes a pin 132 which is insertable through a first bore 134 in the second module 116 and into a second bore 136 in the first module 106. However, it is to be understood that the second module 116 may be secured to the first module 106 using other suitable means. Indeed, it is envisaged that the second module 116 may be secured to the first module 106 using an adhesive, fasteners, or the like.

When the second module 116 is secured to the first module 106, the second module 116 captively retains the head 120 of the connection member 114 within

the socket 108 of the first module 106. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment the second module 116 also includes a socket 138 having a shape that corresponds to the shape of a portion of the head 120 of the connection member 114 which does not contact the first module's socket 108. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, both sockets 108, 138 form a respective contact area with a respective portion of the head 120 of the connection member 114 so as to captively retain the head 120 of the connection member 114 in the sockets 108,138 of both the first module 106 and the second module 116.

In the embodiment illustrated, the socket 138 of the cap member 130 has been formed by manufacturing the cap member 130 (such as by way of a moulding process) so that the socket 138 is integrally formed with the cap member 130 so as to thereby provide a"one-piece"cap member 130. However, the cap member 130 may be manufactured from more than one piece.

The head 120 of the connection member 114 may be secured (for example, using an adhesive) to one of, or both of, the sockets 108, 138 so as prevent the second elongate element 104 from rotating about its axis, or alternatively it may be arranged so as to allow for positional adjustment of the connection member 114.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap member 130 is arranged so that when it is secured to the first elongate element 102, the head 120 of the connection member 114 is effectively clamped between the sockets 108, 138. Here, the clamping of the head 120 between the between the sockets 108, 138 may be improved by including a frictional surface on either the head 120, or the sockets 108,138, or both the head 120 and the sockets 108, 138. By way of example, a suitable frictional surface may include a dimpled surface or a ribbed surface.

However, in another form of this embodiment of the invention, a grommet (not shown) may be located around the body of the connection member 114 so as to prevent, or restrict, the connection member 114 from rotating about its longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, the cap member 130 may have any external shape. In this way, and as is shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the appearance and style of the cap member 130, and thus the modular connection system 100, may be varied.

Figs. 3,4, 5,6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of a modular connection system 140. According to the second embodiment 140, the first module 106 is a crown member 142 which is attachable to a head 144 of a first elongate element 102. The crown member 142 shown here includes a shaft 146 which is insertable into a bore 148 in the first elongate element 102. As is shown, the second module 116, shown here as cap member 130, is attachable to the crown member 142 so as to captively retain the head 114 of the connection member in the socket 108 of the first module 106.

Figs. 8,9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of a modular connection system 150. Here, the connection member 114 has been arranged so as to be fitted around an external surface of the end of the second elongate element 104, and the crown member 142 is arranged so as to be fitted around the head 144 of the first elongate element 102. As is shown in Fig. 10, the connection member 114 and the crown member 142 each include a respective receptacle 152,154 that is mateable with a correspondingly shaped region of the first 102 and second 104 elongate elements (ref. Fig. 8) respectively. As is shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, according to this embodiment, the connection member 114 may have a cross section in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the connection member that is the same as the cross section of the second elongate element 104.

Figs. 11,12, 13,14 and 15 illustrate plan views of various geometric configurations of the connection member 114 and the first module 106. As is shown in Fig. 11, a first module 106 may include a single socket 108, or alternatively, as is shown in Figures 12,13, 14 and 15, a plurality of sockets 108 having various geometrical arrangements, each socket 108 for connecting to a head 120 of a respective connection member 114.

Turning now to Fig. 16 there is shown a first module 106 according to the second embodiment 140 as previously described with reference to Fig. 3, but including a pair of sockets 108. In this figure, the sockets 108 are arranged so that two connection members 114 (only one shown) are able to be connected to the first module 106 so that the connection members 114 are able to extend at approximately 120 degrees with respect to one another.

In any of the previously described embodiments, the connection between the connection member 114 and the first module 106 may be formed so as to captively retain the head 114 of the connection member 120 in such a way as to permits positional adjustment of the body 124 of the connection member relative to the first module 106 and the second module 116. That is, provide a connection having a variable angle. Thus, in an embodiment, the securing of the second module 116 to the first module 106 defines a space that captively retains the head 120 of the connection member 114 in the socket 108 in such a way as to allow the adjustment of the position of the body 124.

Indeed, turning to Fig. 17 there is illustrated a variable angle connection formed by locating the head 120 (shown here as a truncated sphere) of the connection member 114 within a correspondingly shaped socket 108. As is shown, the socket 108 projects inwardly relative to a wall 157 of the first module 106 so as to thereby provide a shoulder 156. Indeed, the shoulder 156 shown here defines an opening 158 having a larger diameter than the diameter 160 of the body 124 of the connection member 114. It is not essential that a shoulder 156 be provided. Nonetheless, it is preferred that the shoulder 156 be provided. In the present case, the shoulder 156 is formed at a junction between the socket 108 and a wall 157 of the first module 106.

The end 128 of the second elongate element 104 is shown with relief 162 which allows the position of the second elongate element 104 to be adjusted relative to the first elongate element (not shown) over a range of movement 163, over which range the end of the second elongate element 104 does not collide with the first module 106 or the second module 116.

As a result of the above described arrangement, the connection member 114 is able to move angularly relative to the first module 106 and the second module 116 whilst still being captively retained in the socket 108 and, thus retained longitudinally.

Advantageously, in a form of the invention which includes a connection which permits positional adjustment of the body 124 of the connection member 114, such as a connection of the type described with reference to Fig. 17, a structure (such as a barrier assembly) is able to be assembled on a changing grade since, when assembled, the second elongate element 104 is able to be moved angularly relative to the first elongate element 102.

Turning now to Fig. 18, there is illustrated a barrier assembly 164 including a modular connection system of the type described with reference to Fig. 3, shown here in an assembled form. As is shown, the illustrated barrier assembly 164 includes two post members 122, each shown here as installed into a respective sleeve 166 by way of a bayonet type coupling 168. Each sleeve 166 is located in a respective bore in the ground 169.

In Fig. 18, the sleeve 166 is shown as including a hollow region 170. The hollow region 170 is itself shown with a tapered section 172 which is disposed at an end of the sleeve 166 so as to provide an opening for receiving an end of a respective post member 122. In this way, an end of the post member 122 is insertable into the sleeve 166 so as to thereby secure the post member 122 to the sleeve 166 and thus the ground 169. Advantageously, each tapered section 172 allows a respective post member 122 to be located at a particular height with respect to a respective sleeve 166. Moreover, the tapered section 172 also acts against the end of a post member 122 which is received within the tapered section 172 of the sleeve 166 so as to form an interference type joint.

Turning now to Fig. 19. there is shown a barrier assembly 164 having a pair of second elongate elements 104 (shown here as rail members 174,176) each of

which is connected to a first elongate element 102, shown here as post member 122, using a respective connection member 114. As is shown, one of the rail members 174 is located proximal to the head 144 of the post member 122 whilst the other rail member 176 is located on the shaft 178 of the post member 122.

As is shown in Fig. 19, the connection of rail member 176 to post member 122 is formed using a first module 106 and a second module 116 that are arranged to captively retain the head 120 of the connection member 114, and are fixed to the shaft 178 of the post member 122. It is not essential that both these members be fixed to the shaft 122. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment either the first module 106 or the second member 116 may be fixed to the shaft 178, and the other member (that is, the member which is not fixed to the shaft 178) is fixed to the member which is fixed to the shaft 178.

Turning now to Figs. 20 to 22 there are shown examples of different applications for a modular connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As is shown in Fig. 20, the modular connection system may be used to construct a structure in the form of a barrier assembly 182.

Turning to Fig. 21 there is shown an example of a structure (in the form of a shelter 184) that has been assembled using a modular connection system in accordance with the modular connection system described in relation to Fig. 3.

On the other hand, Fig. 22 illustrates a structure 184 (again in the form of a shelter) that has been assembled using an embodiment of a modular connection according to the present invention in which the first module 106 is secured, or forms part of, the first elongate element 102. Here, the first module and the second module 116 are securably connected so as to captively retain the head of the connection member 114 in the socket 108 of the first member 106.

Fig. 23 to Fig. 25 show other examples of structures that may be assembled using a modular connection system according to the present invention. In

particular, Fig. 23 shows a raised platform 188, Fig. 24 shows a table and chair setting 190 and Fig. 25 shows an alterative configuration of a shelter 192. As will be appreciated, a modular connection system according to an embodiment of the invention may be used to construct a variety of different structures.

Finally, it will be understood that there may be other variations and modifications to the configurations described herein that are also within the scope of the present invention.