Patent Application
20200191326
The present disclosure relates generally to building blocks having a plurality of elements hinged together, where the building blocks can releasably connect to each other at multiple edges and at multiple angles to form connecting elements between others of the blocks, to form support bases for a structure composed of the blocks, and to form clamps for clamping an item such as a board between respective pairs of the hinged elements.
A building block generally refers to a standardized component of a construction set. When used together with other building blocks of the same construction set, a wide variety of models, structures, or other physical objects can be created. Building blocks associated with the same construction set typically have standard features that enable the building blocks to be easily connected and/or disconnected from each other. Additionally, the standard features of the building blocks of a construction set can reduce the cost of manufacturing the construction set. Standard features of a construction set of building blocks can include, for example, struts, panels, and/or connection nodes.
An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a building block, the building block including a plurality of panel elements, each panel element being rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panel elements; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects each one of the plurality of panel elements to each other; and a plurality of connectors that are each rotatably attached to a respective one of the panel elements. In an example embodiment, each one of the panel elements includes at least one locking feature configured to fix a rotational position of adjacent ones of the panel elements relative to each other.
In an example embodiment, each connector of a first building block includes at least one connecting projection and/or connecting notch configured to mechanically connect the first building block to a second building block, e.g., that is structured like the first building block. For example, in an example embodiment, the at least one connecting projection is positioned orthogonally to the at least one connecting notch.
In an example embodiment, the locking features of adjacent panel elements are configured as a first detent, the first detent allowing rotation of the adjacent panel elements at discrete positions with respect to each other.
According to an example embodiment, the building block includes a first panel element, a second panel element, a third panel element, and a fourth panel element. For example, the first panel element includes a first locking feature; the second panel element includes a first locking feature and a second locking feature; the third panel element includes a first locking feature; and the fourth panel element includes a first locking feature and a second locking feature. For example, the first locking feature of the first panel element contacts the first locking feature of the fourth panel element; the second locking feature of the fourth panel element contacts the first locking feature of the second panel element; and the second locking element of the second panel contacts the first locking feature of the third panel element.
In an example embodiment, each connector includes a connector body, a top projection, and a bottom projection, where the top projection and the bottom projection are configured to rotatably connect the connector to a respective panel element. In an example embodiment, the top projection and the bottom projection each includes a first projection element, a second projection element, and a third projection element, wherein the first, second, and third projection elements project outwardly from the connector body.
In an example embodiment, each panel element includes a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder, where the top shoulder and bottom shoulder of each panel element are configured to connect the panel element to a respective connector.
In an example embodiment, the top shoulder and bottom shoulder of each panel element includes a respective top connector socket and bottom connector socket, where the top connector socket and the bottom connector socket include a plurality of ridges.
In an example embodiment, the first, second, and third projection elements and the plurality of ridges of the top connector socket or the bottom connector socket are configured as a second detent, the second detent allowing rotation of the connector at discrete positions with respect to a respective panel element. For example, the at least one locking feature is formed as a series of ridges and valleys on the at least one panel element.
For example, each panel element includes a top pin socket and a bottom pin socket, the top pin socket and the bottom pin socket configured to receive the connecting pin.
According to an example embodiment, the building block further includes a connecting nut that is releasably attachable to the connecting pin, wherein the connecting nut is configured to secure the plurality of panel elements into fixed positions by tightening the locking features of the panels against each other while they are arranged around the connecting pin.
In an example embodiment, each one of the plurality of panel elements include a top connecting notch and a bottom connecting notch, the top and bottom connecting notches configured to mechanically connect the building block with a further building block.
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of using a plurality of building blocks, the method comprising positioning a first building block adjacent to a second building block; and applying a force to the first building block to mechanically connect the first building block to the second building block. For example, each building block includes a plurality of panel elements, each panel element being rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panel elements; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects each one of the plurality of panel elements to each other; and a plurality of connectors, each connector rotatably attached to a respective panel element, where each one of the panel elements includes at least one locking feature configured to create a fixed connection between adjacent panel elements.
In an example embodiment, each of the connectors includes at least one connecting projection, and at least one connecting notch, where the at least one connecting notch is configured to mechanically connect the first building block with at least one connecting projection of the second building block.
For example, each one of the plurality of panel elements includes a top connecting notch and a bottom connecting notch, the top and bottom connecting notches configured to mechanically connect the first building block to other building blocks.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a first connector assembly, that is connectable to a second connector assembly structured like the first connector assembly, includes a main body, a first rotatable connector, and a second rotatable connector. The main body includes a center section, a first arm section, and a second arm section. The center section has a width that extends, from a first exterior side edge of the center section to a second exterior side edge of the center section, in a first direction and a length that extends, from a first end of the center section to a second end of the center section, in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first arm section is connected to the center section at the first end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from a center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a first arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a second arm. The second arm section is connected to the center section at the second end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a third arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a fourth arm. The first rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main body around a central longitudinal axis of the first rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the first rotatable connector to a second end of the first rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the first arm and the second end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the third arm. The second rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main body around a central longitudinal axis of the second rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the second rotatable connector to a second end of the second rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the second arm and the second end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the fourth arm. Each of the first and second rotatable connectors includes: a respective protrusion that is connectable by friction fit into a notch of the second connector assembly; and/or a respective notch into which a protrusion of the second connector assembly is connectable by friction fit.
In an example, each of at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors includes both the respective protrusion and the respective notch. In an example, for the each of the at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors: the respective protrusion of the respective rotatable connector extends from an exterior surface of the respective rotatable connector in a first extension direction that extends away from the exterior surface of the respective rotatable connector and that is perpendicular to the respective central longitudinal axis of the respective rotatable connector; and the respective notch of the respective rotatable connector forms an opening in the exterior surface of the respective rotatable connector and extends from the opening in a second extension direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the respective rotatable connector, the second extension direction being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the respective rotatable connector. In an example, the first and second extension directions are perpendicular to each other.
In an example, each of at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors includes the respective notch. In an example, the respective notch of the each of the at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors extends entirely through the respective rotatable connector, thereby forming a respective opening at each of two opposite sides of an exterior surface of the respective rotatable connector.
In an example, each of at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors includes the respective protrusion. In an example, each of at least one of the first and second arm sections includes a respective notch: that forms an opening in an exterior surface of the respective arm section; that extends from the respective opening towards the center section of the main body; and into which a protrusion of one of the rotatable connectors of the second connector assembly is connectable by friction fit, so that the first and second connector assemblies are thereby connected to each other in a manner by which the first and second connector assemblies can swivel relative to each other. In an example, each of the first and second arm sections includes the notch. In an example, the first arm section includes the notch, and the second arm section includes a protrusion structured like the protrusion of the each of at least one of the first and second rotatable connectors.
In an example, the first rotatable connector includes the projection and not the notch and the second rotatable connector includes the notch and not the protrusion.
In an example, each of the first and second rotatable connectors includes a respective first body connecting protrusion at the first end of the respective rotatable connector that is rotatable within a respective socket of a respective one of the arms and a respective second body connecting protrusion at the second end of the respective rotatable connector that is rotatable within a respective socket of another respective one of the arms.
In an example, each of the first and second rotatable connectors includes a respective first body connecting socket at the first end of the respective rotatable connector within which a respective protrusion of a respective one of the arms is rotatable and a respective second body connecting socket at the second end of the respective rotatable connector within which a respective protrusion of another respective one of the arms is rotatable.
In an example, each of at least one of first and second rotatable connectors includes a cylindrical main body.
In an example, the center section, first arm section, and second arm section are formed integrally with one another as a one-piece component. However, these sections can instead be provided as separate components that are joined and connected together.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a build set includes a building block and a connector assembly that is connectable to the building block. The building block includes a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels being rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panels; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects all of the plurality of panels to one another; and a plurality of rotatable connectors, each of the plurality of rotatable connectors being rotatably attached to a respective one of the plurality of panel. The connector assembly includes a main body, a first rotatable connector, and a second rotatable connector. The main body includes a center section, a first arm section, and a second arm section. The center section has a width that extends, from a first exterior side edge of the center section to a second exterior side edge of the center section, in a first direction and a length that extends, from a first end of the center section to a second end of the center section, in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first arm section is connected to the center section at the first end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from a center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a first arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a second arm. The second arm section is connected to the center section at the second end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a third arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a fourth arm. The first rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main body around a central longitudinal axis of the first rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the first rotatable connector to a second end of the first rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the first arm and the second end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the third arm. The second rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main body around a central longitudinal axis of the second rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the second rotatable connector to a second end of the second rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the second arm and the second end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the fourth arm. Each of the first and second rotatable connectors includes: a respective protrusion that is connectable by friction fit into a notch of any of one or more of the plurality of panels; and/or a respective notch into which a protrusion of the any of one or more of the plurality of panels is connectable by friction fit. In an example, the center section, first arm section, and second arm section are formed integrally with one another as a one-piece component. However, these sections can instead be provided as separate components that are joined and connected together.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a build set includes a building block and a connector assembly that is connectable to the building block. The building block includes (a) a plurality of panels, and (b) a connecting pin that passes through respective through holes in each one of the plurality of panels, and that thereby rotatably connects the plurality of panels to one another, so that the plurality of panels are rotatable relative to one another. Each of the plurality of panels includes: a main panel body that forms a planar surface that extends radially outward from the connecting pin; and at least one panel arm that (a) connects the main panel body of the respective panel to at least one of the through holes that is part of the respective panel, and (b) spirals radially outward in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, forming an oblique angle to a direction of radial extension of the main panel body of the respective panel. The connector assembly includes a main connector assembly body, a first rotatable connector, and a second rotatable connector. The main connector assembly body includes a center section, a first arm section, and a second arm section. The center section has a width that extends, from a first exterior side edge of the center section to a second exterior side edge of the center section, in a first direction and a length that extends, from a first end of the center section to a second end of the center section, in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first arm section is connected to the center section at the first end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from a center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a first connector arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a second connector arm. The second arm section is connected to the center section at the second end of the center section and extends longitudinally in the first direction from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the first exterior side edge of the center section, thereby forming a third connector arm, and from the center longitudinal axis of the main section to beyond the second exterior side edge of the center region, thereby forming a fourth connector arm. The first rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main connector assembly body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main connector assembly body around a central longitudinal axis of the first rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the first rotatable connector to a second end of the first rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the first connector arm and the second end of the first rotatable connector is connected to the third connector arm. The second rotatable connector is rotatably connected to the main connector assembly body such that the rotatable connector can be rotated relative to the main connector assembly body around a central longitudinal axis of the second rotatable connector that extends from a first end of the second rotatable connector to a second end of the second rotatable connector, wherein the first end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the second connector arm and the second end of the second rotatable connector is connected to the fourth connector arm. Each of the first and second rotatable connectors includes: a respective protrusion that is connectable by friction fit into a notch of any of one or more of the plurality of panels; and/or a respective notch into which a protrusion of the any of one or more of the plurality of panels is connectable by friction fit. In an example, the center section, first arm section, and second arm section are formed integrally with one another as a one-piece component. However, these sections can instead be provided as separate components that are joined and connected together.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly includes an I-shaped main body forming a center section and two pairs of arms, a first rotatable connector, and a second rotatable connector. A first of the two pairs of arms extends away from the center section in a first direction and a second of the two pairs of arms extends away from the center section in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The first rotatable connector is arranged between and connected to the first pair of arms. The first rotatable connector is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the first rotatable connector that extends perpendicularly to the first and second directions. The second rotatable connector is arranged between and connected to the second pair of arms. The second rotatable connector is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the second rotatable connector that extends perpendicularly to the first and second directions. In an example, center section and two pairs of arms are formed integrally with one another as a one-piece component. However, these sections can instead be provided as separate components that are joined and connected together.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a first barrel connector, that is connectable to a second barrel connector structured like the first barrel connector, includes: a main body, a first protrusion and a notch. The main body has a length from a first end of the main body to a second end of the main body and an exterior surface that extends circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the main body. The first protrusion is connectable by friction fit into a notch of the second barrel connector and that extends from the exterior surface perpendicularly to s central longitudinal axis of the main body. The notch forms an opening in the exterior surface into which a protrusion of the second barrel connector is connectable by friction fit, and that extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the main body from the opening towards a center of the main body. The first barrel connector further includes at each of the first and second ends of the main body: a respective second protrusion that extends from the main body in a direction of the central longitudinal axis of the main body; or a respective socket formed by a concavity into the main body in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the main body.
In an example, a center of a longitudinal extension of the first protrusion in a direction parallel to an extension of the central longitudinal axis of the main body and a center of a longitudinal extension of the notch of the first barrel connector in the direction parallel to the extension of the central longitudinal axis of the main body are at a same axial position of the main body between the first and second ends of the main body.
In an example, the extension of the notch from the opening towards the center of the main body is perpendicular to the extension of the first protrusion away from the exterior surface.
In an example, the first barrel connector includes the respective second protrusion at each of the first and second ends of the main body.
In an example, the first protrusion includes two opposite surfaces from each of which at least one friction bump protrudes.
In an example, the first barrel connector includes, at each of the first and second ends of the main body, the respective second protrusion that extends from the main body in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the main body, and the respective second protrusion each includes a plurality of concavities arranged at regular intervals circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a building block includes a panel and a barrel connector. One of the panel and the barrel connector includes a first receiving socket at its top end and a second receiving socket at its bottom end. The other of the panel and the barrel connector includes at its top end a first spherical projection that (a) is held within the first receiving socket, and (b) is rotatable around a rotation axis within and relative to the first receiving socket to transition between a plurality of rotational positions into which the first spherical projection is lockable. The other of the panel and barrel connector further includes at its bottom end a second spherical projection that (a) is held within the second receiving socket, and (b) is rotatable around the rotation axis within and relative to the second receiving socket to transition between a plurality of rotational positions into which the second spherical projection is lockable.
In an example, the first receiving socket includes one or more concavities and the first spherical projection includes a plurality of convexities that are arranged at regular intervals around the rotation axis and that are each structured for snapping into each of the one or more concavities of the first receiving socket to thereby lock the respective spherical projection into a respective one of its rotational positions; and the second receiving socket includes one or more concavities and the second spherical projection includes a plurality of convexities that are arranged at regular intervals around the rotation axis and that are each structured for snapping into each of the one or more concavities of the second receiving socket to thereby lock the second spherical projection into a respective one of its rotational positions.
In an alternative example, the first receiving socket includes one or more convexities and the first spherical projection includes a plurality of concavities that are arranged at regular intervals around the rotation axis and that are each structured for each of the one or more convexities of the first receiving socket to snap into the respective concavity to thereby lock the first spherical projection into a respective one of its rotational positions; and the second receiving socket includes one or more convexities and the second spherical projection includes a plurality of concavities that are arranged at regular intervals around the rotation axis and that are each structured for each of the one or more convexities of the second receiving socket to snap into the respective concavity to thereby lock the second spherical projection into a respective one of its rotational positions.
Any embodiment of any of the disclosed compositions and/or methods can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/contain/have—any of the described elements and/or features and/or steps. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.
The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment substantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.
The term “about” or “approximately” or “substantially unchanged” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.
The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”
As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
The drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures.
Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.
In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
As shown in
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As shown in
In an example embodiment, bottom projection 730 of connector 700 is configured in the same manner as top projection 720.
In an alternative example embodiment, instead of projection elements 721-723, projections 720 and 730 are formed as top and bottom balls that are rotatable in connector sockets 225, 235, 325, 335, 425, 435, 525, and 535, shaped as receiving domes, as shown for example in
In an example embodiment, each pair of contacting locking elements, i.e., 272/371; 372/471; and 472/571 is configured with a plurality of separate detents so that panel elements 200, 300, 400, and 500 can rotate at discrete steps with respect to each other when loosened. The detents are sloped allowing the mating locking elements to maintain contact with each other as the panel elements are rotated, allowing an easy rotation with just minimal loosening of nut 650.
Building block 910 can have connecting projection 913, which project from connectors 912, each connector 912 being rotatably connected to panel elements 914 and 915. Building block 930 can have connecting notches 916 formed in panel elements 917 and 918. As shown in
As shown in
Significantly, as shown in the figures, in an example embodiment, four panel elements are included in a building block 100, which allows for the panel elements to form two clamps and/or bases. In the illustrated example, if two of the panel elements are used to form a base of approximately 180°, then each of the panel elements used for the base also forms a part of a strong clamp with a respective one of the remaining two panel elements, but if the remaining two panel elements not forming the base are rotated away from the panel elements forming the base and towards each other to form a clamp, then the arms of the panel elements forming the clamp spiral outward away from each other. This, however, may be advantageous so that panel elements 200 and 400 can be rotated towards each other to a point where their radially exterior edges can abut against each other to form a clamp and so that panel elements 300 and 500 can be rotated towards each other to a point where their radially exterior edges can abut against each other to form a clamp, whereas if the arms of panel element 400 would rotate in the same direction as panel element 200, then body 410 would contact a radially interior edge of body 210 so that panel elements 200 and 400 could not be rotated towards each other as well, and similarly, if the arms of panel element 500 would rotate in the same direction as panel element 300, then body 310 would contact a radially interior edge of body 510 so that panel elements 500 and 300 could not be rotated towards each other as well. Additionally, this embodiment is advantageous because it allows for the building block 100 to be manipulated into a corner block as shown in
However, according to an alternative example embodiment (not shown), the arms of a first pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a clockwise direction and the arms of a second other pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a counter-clockwise direction, so that one of the panel elements of the first pair and an adjacent panel element that is of the second pair can form a base of approximately 180° and the remaining panel elements can form a strong clamp with their arms spiraling radially outwards towards each other, for example with reversal of the spiraling directions of panel elements 400 and 500. However, formation of corner structures may be difficult using a structure according to those embodiment.
According to a hybrid embodiment, different blocks 100 are provided that can connect to each other as discussed above, where the panel elements of one or more of the blocks 100 are arranged to spiral out from the center pin 600 in the manner shown, for example, in
In an example embodiment, as shown in the figures, each of the panel elements includes two pin sockets connected by arms to main bodies of the panel elements, with one of the pin sockets including one or two locking features, and the other not including a locking feature. For example, in an example embodiment the bottom ones of the pin sockets of all of the panel elements includes one or two locking features (the bottom-most of all of the pin sockets of all of the panel elements only locks to a pin socket of another panel element above, and therefore the bottom surface can be provided without a locking profile, while the top surface can be provided with a locking profile to lock to a locking profile of a bottom surface of a pin socket above, and similarly a top-most of the bottom pin socket of all of the panel elements only locks to a pin socket of another panel element below, and therefore the top surface can be provided without a locking profile, while the bottom surface can be provided with a locking profile to lock to a locking profile of a top surface of a pin socket below, while the bottom pin sockets of the remaining panel elements can including locking profiles on both the upper and lower surfaces of the respective pin sockets in order to lock to pin sockets above and below). On the other hand, according to this example embodiment, as shown in the figures, the top pin sockets of each of the panel elements does not include a locking profile. This can be advantageous because the provision of locking profiles on both pin sockets of the panel elements can make it difficult to maneuver the panel elements between different relative rotational positions and can make locking more difficult. Nevertheless, despite only the bottom pin sockets including the locking profiles, the top pin sockets are also provided for increased stability, reducing torsional forces of the panel elements in response to forces applied parallel to the extension of the pin. In an alternative example embodiment, the locking profiles are provided only on the top pin sockets and not the bottom pin sockets. In yet another example embodiment, the locking profile is provided on both the top and bottom pin sockets for a more secure lock, but, as noted, this can make maneuverability more difficult.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an extension connector 1600 is provided, for example as illustrated in
Specifically, in an example embodiment, the extension connector 1600 shown in
As described with respect to panel elements 200, 300, 400, and 500, the projections (whether provided on the connectors 700 or on the extension connector 1600) for connection between the connectors 700 and the extension connector 1600 can be in the form of projection elements 721-723 or in the form of balls as shown in
In an example, the extension connector 1600 includes a top connecting notch 1660 (that are structured and function like notches 260, 360, 460, and 560 of the panel elements 200, 300, 400, and 500) and a bottom connecting notch 1661 (that are structured and function like notches 261, 361, 461, and 561 of the panel elements 200, 300, 400, and 500).
In an example embodiment, the extension connector 1600 is I-shaped with a center body section 1602 that extends longitudinally in a first direction, a top body section 1604 that extends longitudinally perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the center body section 1602 and a bottom body section 1606 that extends longitudinally perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the center body section 1602.
The connecting notches 1660 and 1661 form openings on respective exterior surfaces of the top and bottom body sections 1604 and 1606 and extend, respectively, through at least part of the respective depths of the top and bottom body sections 1604 and 1606 in a direction towards the center body section 1602. In an example embodiment, the connecting notches 1660 and 1661 extend into part of the center body section 1602. For example,
Part (A) of
M an example embodiment, the extension connector 1600, including the two connectors 700 at its two opposite sides, can connect a plurality of building blocks 100 and/or other like-structured extension connectors 1600 to one another. For example, an example, up to six building blocks 100 can be connected directly to the extension connector 1600, as follows. A first building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the top connecting notch 1660. A second building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the bottom connecting notch 1661. A third building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the connecting projection 710 of a first of the connectors 700 that is provided at a first side of the extension connector 1600. A fourth building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the connecting notch 760 of the first of the connectors 700 that is provided at the first side of the extension connector 1600. A fifth building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the connecting projection 710 of a second of the connectors 700 that is provided at a second side of the extension connector 1600. A sixth building block 100 (or other extension connector 1600) can be connected to the connecting notch 760 of the second of the connectors 700 that is provided at the second side of the extension connector 1600. Thus, the extension connector 1600 can be used to form complex structures and/or shapes by connecting multiple building blocks 100 and/or other extension connectors 1600. Additionally, it is noted that a string of extensions connectors 1600 can be connected to one another.
In an example embodiment, the building blocks 100 and the extension connector 1600 are formed of a hard plastic, which provides rigidity for a stable build of complex components, but with enough flexibility to allow for the connectors 700 to be clicked into the connector sockets of the building blocks 100 and of the extension connectors 1600.
In an example embodiment, the same connectors 700 that are connectable to the sockets of the building blocks 100 are connectable to the sockets of the extension connectors 1600.
Although the connector 700 has been described as being cylindrical, in an alternative example embodiment, the connector 700 is formed with a plurality, e.g., three, four, or more, of flat exterior surfaces connected to one another around the central longitudinal axis of the connector 700.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the connecting projection 710 of the connector 700 includes one or more friction projections 1950 on each of one or more surfaces thereof, for example, as shown in
Similar to that discussed above, with respect to the embodiment shown in
extension connector 1600 and/or the panel elements 200, 300, 400, and 500 are each provided with locking concavities 2000 and the top and bottom projections 720/730 of the connectors 700 are each provided with
The described example embodiments are understood to be embodiments of the invention that are applicable to all aspects of the invention, including compositions and methods.
The above specification and examples provide a description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, elements can be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections can be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above can be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above can relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.
The claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.
The present application is a continuation-in-part, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/777,124, filed Jan. 30, 2020, which is divisional application, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/982,651, filed May 17, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/630,014, filed on Feb. 13, 2018, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62630014 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15982651 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 16803078 | US |
