CA3188063C - Interconnecting block system amd assembly - Google Patents

Interconnecting block system amd assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
CA3188063C
CA3188063C CA3188063A CA3188063A CA3188063C CA 3188063 C CA3188063 C CA 3188063C CA 3188063 A CA3188063 A CA 3188063A CA 3188063 A CA3188063 A CA 3188063A CA 3188063 C CA3188063 C CA 3188063C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
block
blocks
connector
connecting member
connectors
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Active
Application number
CA3188063A
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French (fr)
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CA3188063A1 (en
Inventor
Anthony Charles O'CONNOR
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toco Blox Pty Ltd
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Toco Blox Pty Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2020902835A external-priority patent/AU2020902835A0/en
Application filed by Toco Blox Pty Ltd filed Critical Toco Blox Pty Ltd
Publication of CA3188063A1 publication Critical patent/CA3188063A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA3188063C publication Critical patent/CA3188063C/en
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/08Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
    • A63H33/082Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails with dovetails
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
    • A63H33/101Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with clip or snap mechanism
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/062Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements with clip or snap mechanisms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/067Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements with rotation or translation, e.g. of keyhole or bayonet type
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/08Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
    • A63H33/084Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails with grooves
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/08Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
    • A63H33/088Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails with holes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
    • A63H33/105Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with grooves, e.g. dovetails
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
    • A63H33/106Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with rotation, e.g. of bayonet type
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
    • A63H33/108Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with holes

Abstract

A system comprising a plurality of blocks is disclosed. Each block (10) has a cuboid body and a connecting member (14) extending away from each corner of the cuboid body, such that for each connecting member there is a first opposed connecting member, a second opposed connecting member and a third opposed connecting member, and a connector engagement arrangement is defined between a connecting member and each of the first, second and third opposed connecting members. The system also comprises a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body with a first connection end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block and a second connection end for engagement with a connection engagement arrangement of a second block so as to connect the first block to the second block.

Description

INTERCONNECTING BLOCK SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a system of connecting blocks, a method of forming an interconnected block assembly and a block for use therein.
BACKGROUND
Interconnecting blocks have many applications. Interconnecting blocks are generally configured to have male and female connecting parts for removable connection.
Articles formed from such blocks have an inherent instability and can fall apart when knocked over.
Still further, the articles that may be constructed therefrom are limited as the blocks are configured to have only two connecting faces.
One well known application of interconnecting blocks is for children's toys such as those sold under the LEGO trademark.
Interconnecting blocks have other structural applications such as shelving, walls, temporary barriers and the like.
It would be desirable therefore to provide an alternative connecting lock system that may allow for more stable structures to be formed and allowing for greater versatility in design.
In particular, it would be desirable to be able to provide a system that may be scaled for any suitable use such as a modular construction method including modular walls, office partitions, or external structures.
DEFINITION
In the present specification and claims, the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including' and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other Integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a plurality of blocks, each block having a cuboid body and a connecting member extending away from each corner of the cuboid body, such that for each connecting member there is a first opposed connecting member, a second opposed connecting member and a third opposed connecting member, and a connector engagement arrangement is defined between a connecting member and each of the first, second and third opposed connecting members; and a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body with a filet end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of 5 blocks and a second end for engagement with a connection engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block.
The blocks are cuboid and may be a rectangular prism, a square prism or a cube.
The term cuboid as used in the specification and claims includes a solid shape; a hollow cuboid that is cuboid contained by six open sides, or a partially hollow cuboid, that is a three dimensional shape contained by one or more open sides. The cuboid may be open ended, that is opposed open ends and four closed side faces.
A preferred block is a cube.
The blocks have a connecting member extending from each corner. Thus, there are eight connecting members in total.

connector engagement arrangement is defined between each opposing pair of connecting members.
Each face of the cuboid therefore has four connector engagement arrangements.
Each connecting member may have a base located on a corner of the cuboid and at least three walls extending away from the base. A passage may be defined between opposed walls of each pair of opposed connecting members, the passage configured to receive the longitudinal body of a connector in a snap or friction fit.
Each connecting member may have six walls, each tapering upwardly and away from the base and the outer ends of each wall may define a hexagon.
Each connector engagement arrangements are suitably configured such that, when connected to a connector, the body of the connector extends at about 900 from the block body.
The connector engagement arrangement suitably comprises a passage into which the connector body may be inserted.
The connector body and connector engagement arrangement are suitably configured such 30 that the connector body may engage with the connector engagement arrangement by a compression or friction fit that resists removal of the connector.
Suitably the connector body has a circular cross section that may be solid or tubular.
2 The ends of the connector may have an enlarged head part that abuts parts of (or otherwise interacts with) the connecting members so as to resist the connector from being withdrawn from the passage along the longitudinal axis of the passage.
5 Suitably the respective ends of the connector may have a tapered part tapering from the enlarged head towards the body that may interact with the connection members so as to = resist the connector from being disconnected by applying force in the longitudinal direction of the connector body and also optimise the contact surface area so as to resist relative movement in use.
Suitably the connector further comprises a spacer intermediate the two ends, suitably centrally between. The spacer spaces adjacently connecting blocks.
The system thereby allows a connector to connect to any one or more, and even all six, faces (solid or open) of the cuboid body for connection to another block. A
user is not limited by the confines of the block configuration as in conventional interlocking block systems.
15 In one aspect, when a first block is connected to a second block with a single connector along a first axis or with a first and a second connector that are parallel to each other along the first axis, a through hole is defined in a space between the blocks to allow at least one further connector to engage the first and/or second block at an angle transverse to the first and/or second connector (i.e. transverse to the first axis).
20 The system may further comprise one or more faceplates for mounting onto one or all six faces of the block.
The or each faceplate may comprise an outer surface that in use extends outwardly away from the block and an inner surface that in use faces towards the block.
The faceplate may be dimensioned so as to extend past outer edges of connecting 25 members of a block with a clearance.
At lead one faceplate may have thickness for spacing apart adjacently connected blocks, and the clearance of the faceplate may be half the thickness of the spacer.
The faceplate may be half the thickness of the spacer.
Suitably a faceplate has four mounts on one face thereof for mounting onto all four 30 connecting members on one face of the block. This allows the faceplate to be accurately aligned with respect to the block.
The mounts and/or connecting members may have projections and/or recesses for holding the faceplate onto the block.
3 The system may be dimensioned and constructed for any suitable use.
One exemplary use is as an interlocking block toy. In this case the blocks may be constructed of a compression moulded thermoplastic. The blocks will be dimensioned to allow for manual handling. The blocks may be connected together in any desired arrangement.
The connectors may be similarly formed and dimensioned. Suitably the connecting ends of the connecting member have a finger grip part.
When used in a toy configuration, the front face of the faceplate may be configured and/or coloured for interaction with another toy or block system.
In one example, the faceplate may be configured for engagement with a block of a different system or to receive the base of toy figure or other suitable toy object. The toy figure may be an animal or other suitable character. The toy object may be any suitable figurine as known in the toy arts such as vegetation/trees, cars, planes, human figures, super-hero figures, furniture for dolls houses and the like.
Any suitable means of engagement may be used. One means of engagement comprises at least one projection on one of the faceplate of toy object and at least one complimentary recess on the other of the toy object or faceplate.
In another arrangement, the faceplate may be textured or include a textured cover so as to provide an appearance of a surface such as turf or grass.
In another arrangement the faceplate may be covered with a hook and loop type fastener for interacting with a complimentary fastener on a toy object.
In another aspect the faceplate may be configured for the display of any other display items.
In another aspect, the faceplate may have a peripheral lip for securely holding a wheeled article such as model cars or-other wheeled toys.
In another aspect, the system may be configured for use as a modular wall, office divider, shelving or any other suitable use. The outer surface of the faceplates may be configured for use as a vertical wall configuration with colours, logos, or other surface ornamentation.
When used as part of a horizontal shelf configuration, the faceplates may be configured for display purposes. The connection channels may also provide a space for LED
conduits.
The blocks are light weight and the system is almost infinitely configurable as compared to conventional modular wall systems. Still further, as a result of the six way interlocking ability, a system structure may have improved dimensional stability and structural integrity.
4 In yet a further aspect, the system may be used for construction. In this case, the blocks may be made of more robust components and the connectors may be fixed using fasteners such as bolts, screws, or the like.
In another aspect there is disclosed a block for use for use in constructing an assembly of interlocking blocks, the block comprising a cuboid body and a plurality of connecting members each extending away from a respective comer of the cuboid body, such that for each connecting member of said plurality of connecting members there is a first opposed connecting member, a second opposed connecting member and a third opposed connecting member, and a connector engagement arrangement is defined between a respective connecting member and each Of the first, second and third opposed connecting members, and each connecting member has a base located on a respective corner of the cuboid body, at least three walls extending away from the base, and a passage is defined between one wall of said at least three walls on each connecting member and one wall of said at least three walls on one of the opposed connecting members, the passage configured to receive a longitudinal body of a connector in a snap or friction fit.

ò
The block body may be a cube.
Each connecting member may have a base located on a corner of the cuboid, at least three walls extending away from the base, and a passage may be defined between a wall on each connecting member and a wall on one of the opposed connecting members, the passage configured to receive a longitudinal body of a connector in a snap or friction fit.
- The base of the connecting member may be an equilateral triangle with six walls extending upwardly therefrom and the periphery of the end walls defines a hexagon.
The block may be formed from two separate parts joined together.
Also disclosed is a method of assembly of an Interconnecting block assembly comprising:
providing a plurality of the blocks as defined above; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector of said plurality of connectors having said longitudinal body with a first end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of blocks and a second end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block;
engaging the first end of a connector of said plurality of connectors with the first block;
engaging the second end of the said connector of said plurality of connectors with the
5 second block so as to connect the first and second two blocks; and repeating the steps with one or more further blocks of said plurality of blocks.
The method may further comprise providing at least one faceplate and mounting the or each faceplate onto a face or several faces of at least one block.
Also disclosed is a kit for constructing an interlocking block assembly comprising plurality of the blocks as defined above; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector of said plurality of connectors having said longitudinal body with a first end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of blocks and a ID second end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a block that is part of a system of an aspect as disclosed herein;
Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a connecting member, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting blocks together;
Figure 4 shows a block and connector before connection;
Figure 5 shows the block and connector shown in Figure 4 after connection;
Figure 6 shows the block shown in Figure 4 with four connectors connected thereon;
Figure 7 shows two blocks about to be connected;
Figure 8 shows the two blocks after connection with two connectors;
Figure 9 shows the connected blocks of Figure 8 with four connectors;
Figure 10 shows a length of three blocks connected end to end;
Figures 1110 14 show steps in joining a fourth block to the intermediate block in the length of blocks shown in Figure10;
Figure 15 is an example of a number of blocks connected together;
Figure 16 is another example of a number of blocks connected together;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a faceplate for use with the disclosed system;
6 Figure 18 is a perspective view of an alternate faceplate;
Figure 19 is a perspective view of a block with four faceplates mounted thereon;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a first block segment;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of a second block segment for connection to the first block segment as shown in Figure 2010 form a block; and =
Figure 22 shows an alternative connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows a budding block 10. The block has a cubIc body 12 with six faces 34 and eight corners. A connecting member 14 extends at a 450 angle from each corner such that there are eight connecting members 14 in total.
Each connecting member 14 has a base 16 that is attached or connected to the respective corner. The base 16 is in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
Each connecting member 14 has six walls, 20,22,24,26,28,30, each tapering upwardly and away from the base 16. The end outer ends of each wall define a hexagon shape (this is more clearly shown in Figure 2).
Each connecting member 14 has a rectangular recess 13 in three of the walls 20,22, 24.
The purpose of the recesses 13 will be discussed below.
Figure 2 schematically shows the geometrical relationships of connecting member 14. The hexagonal periphery has six corners 1-6. There are six lines extending between alternate corners; 1-5, 1-3, 2-6, 2-4, 3-5 and 4-6. Each line overlaps with two other lines. Further lines may be drawn between connecting points so as to define three rectangular walls 20, 22, 24 alternating with three triangular walls 28, 28, 30.
Each connecting member 14 is spaced equally apart from an adjacent connecting member 14. The peripheral parts of adjacent triangular walls on respective opposed pairs of connecting members 14 define connection channels 32 therebetween. Each face 34 of the block 10 therefore has four connection channels or passages 32, each of square (or parallel-sided) cross section.
Figure 3 shows a connector 40 for connecting two blocks 10 together.
The connector 40 has a cylindrical body 42. The connector 40 has a centre spacer tab 46 extending to one side thereof. The centre spacer tab 46 divides the body 42 into a first connector body part 41 for connecting to a first block and a second connector body part 43 for connecting to a second block.
7 A flange 44 extends from each end of the body 42. The flange 44 has a rectangular head 48 with opposed tapered walls 50 that taper towards the body at an angle of 120 . The rectangular head 48 has a finger grip projection 52.
Figure 4 shows how a connector 40 is connected to a block 10. Figures 5 and 6 show the 5 block with one connector and four connectors respectively.
In use, a connector body part 43 is inserted into connection channel 32 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body 42 as shown by arrow C in Figure 4.
Each connector body part 41,43 is dimensioned to be snugly received within a connection channel 32 so as to be held therein by a friction or compression fit. That is, the diameter of 10 the tubular body is substantially the same as the width of (or the distance between the opposed walls of) the square connector channel 32.
Rotation of the connector body 42 within the channel 32 is prevented by abutment of the rectangular head 48 against the respective face 34 of the block 10 (more dearly seen in Figure 6).
15 Figure 6 also shows how the tapered walls 50 of the connector 40 wedge against the rear face 15 of the rectangular walls (20 or 22 0r24) of adjacent connecting members 14. These adjacent walls are at an angle of 1200 such that the tapered walls 50 of the head 48 are complimentarily received within the passage 32 defined between the walls. This prevents inadvertent removal of the connector 40 outwardly along the longitudinal axis shown by 20 arrow A.
The centre spacer tab 46 abuts the outer side edge 17 of the walls (e.g. well 22 in Figure 6) of the respective connecting members 14 and prevents longitudinal movement in the opposite direction to arrow B.
The spacer tab 46 thus further serves as a locater when placing the connector 40 on the 25 block as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
= Figures 7, 8 and 9 show how two blocks 10a, 10b may be connected by two connectors 40.
The two connectors 40 are placed into respective connection channels 32 at the top and bottom of the blocks 10a, 10b. This securely holds the blocks together in the longitudinal direction.
30 The connection may be secured in the lateral direction by inserting another connector in =
one or both, preferably both, side connection channels 32 to either side of the joined blocks as shown in figure 9.
8 =
The same procedure may be repeated to add further blocks in an end-to-end manner.
Figure 10 shows three blocks 10a, 10b, lfla connected together.
In the above connection method, the connecting members are placed on an outer edge of a block to be connected to another for connecting in an "end to end" manner.
The system is also configured to allow for connecting a further block or blocks to an intermediate block in a series of end-to-end connected blocks. It will be appreciated that an intermediate block will not have a free face to allow a connecting member to be connected thereto in the manner as described above.
Figure 10 shows a "keyhole" space 60 defined between opposed connecting channels 32 of adjacent connected blocks that are connected at the top and bottom but not at the sides, as per Figure 8. Of course, if a user wanted to modify the arrangement of Figure 9, then the side connectors may be easily removed.
The keyhole space 60 is rectangular in cross-section and dimensioned to receive the rectangular end 48 of a connector 40 with clearance in a predefined orientation.
The connector 40 may only be inserted until tab is blocked by the outer part of the connecting members 14, see Figure 11. However, because of the clearance between the connector body 42 and the perimeter of the key space 60 the connectors may be rotated 90 (Figure 11) so as to allow the connecting channels 32 to receive the tubular body of the connector 40. The tubular nature of the connector body 42 does not have any edges that may interfere with rotation.
The connectors 40 are then moved apart as shown in Figure 1280 as to be received within connecting channels 32.
With reference to Figures 13 and 14, a block 10d is placed above the centre block 10b and the connectors 40 are moved inwardly as per Figure 14 so as to connect block 10d to block 10b.
Figures 15 and 16 show further examples of structures that may be constructed using the disclosed system.
The system further includes a faceplate 100 as shown in Figure 17. The faceplates are mountable to any one or more of the six faces of a block 10 as shown in Figure 19.
The faceplate 100 as shown in Figure 17 is square to conform to the square shape of the side faces of the block 10 such that six faceplates may form a closed cube.
The faceplate plate 100 has opposed faces that in use form an outer face 102 and an inner face 104. The inner face 104 has four connecting tugs 106 for connecting to the connecting
9 members 14. The lugs 106 are right angular triangular prisms located towards each corner of the plate. The lugs 106 have a ramped rear or outwardly facing surface 110 and a perpendicular front face 112 with a recess 114 formed therein.
The edges 108 are chamfered to facilitate smooth edge corners.
The width of the faceplate 100 is wider than the width of the block so that when mounted the edges of the faceplate extend over the block with a dearance. The clearance is 14 the width of the spacer tab 46. This allows for faceplates 100 on linearly adjacent blocks to closely meet or abut, facilitated by the bevelled edges.
The faceplates 100 have a thickness that is also % the width of the spacer tab 46. This allows faceplates on transverse adjacent blocks to meet.
The perpendicular rectangular face 112 has a width and a height. The width and height are complimentary to that of the rectangular inner walls 20, 22, 24 of the hexagonal connecting members. Each lug 106 may be slidingly received on a rectangular wall 20, 22, 24 of the connecting members. As there are three rectangular walls of the connecting member 14, the plate 100 may be mounted in three orientations in relation to each connecting member 14.
The recess is configured so as to provide a snap fit connection with the complimentary projection 113 on the connecting member 14.
Figure 18 shows an alternate faceplate 120. The faceplate is similar to that shown in Figure 17 but the connecting parts have a different configuration in that the lugs 122 have an open top and do not have a recess on the front face. A second lug 124 is spaced form the front face of the lug 122 to define a passage 126. The passages 126 are dimensioned to securely receive the edge of a connecting member so as to provide a friction or compression fit with opposed walls of the passage 126.
Figure 19 shows a block 10 with four faceplates 100 mounted thereon.
Figures 20 and 21 show two halves 150, 151 of a block that are separately moulded for fitting together to form a completed block. Two part construction simplifies production of the blocks.
Each half 150, 151 has an open top and base such that the completed block is an open cube. The open faced construction as opposed to closed upper and lower faces further facilitates assembly and reduces amount of material required (and cost).

Part 150 is the base that receives upper part 151. Base part 150 has a projection 154 on opposed corners and a recess on opposed corners. The projections and recesses are complimentary to similar recess and projections on the upper part 151 (not shown).
Upper part 151 has a tab part 160 with a projection like 154 thereon. Base part 150 has a recess 156 located such that when the parts are connected, there is a snap fit connection between recess 160 and projection 154.
Figure 22 shows an alternate connector 240. The connector is essentially the same as connector 40 as described above except for the shape of spacer 246 that is curved. The spacer is functionally the same as the previous spaced. However, the curved part allows for simpler moulding and reduces the amount of material.
It will be appreciated that the disclosed system allows for connection of a block in all six directions.
It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention as described and claimed herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (19)

1. A system comprising a plurality of blocks, each block having a cuboid body and a connecting member extending away from each corner of the cuboid body, such that for each connecting member there is a first opposed connecting member, a second opposed connecting member and a third opposed connecting member, and a connector engagement arrangement is defined between each connecting member and each of the first, second and third opposed connecting members; and a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body with a first end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of blocks and a second end for engagement with a connection engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the body of each connector is longitudinal bedy, each connecting member has a base located on a corner of the cuboid body of each block and at least three walls extending away from the base, and a passage is defined between opposed walls of each pair of opposed connecting members, the passage being configured to receive the longitudinal body of each connector in a snap or friction fit.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein each connecting member has six walls, each tapering upwardly and away from the base and the end outer edges of the walls define a hexagon.
4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein on each of the first and second ends of each connector there is an enlarged head part that interacts with a pair of opposed connecting members so as to resist the connector from being withdrawn from the passage along a longitudinal axis of the passage.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector engagement arrangements are configured such that, when connected to a block of said plurality of blocks, the body of each connector extends at 900 from the cuboid body of the block.
6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when a first block of said plurality of blocks is connected along a first axis to a second block of said plurality of blocks with a single connector of said plurality of connectors or with a first and a second connector of said plurality of connectors that are parallel to each other along the first axis, a through hole is defined in a space between the first and second blocks of said plurality of blocks to allow at least one further connector of said plurality of connectors to engage the first and/or second block of said plurality of blocks at an angle transverse to the first axis.
7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising one or more faceplates for mounting onto and covering one or more faces of a respective block of said plurality of blocks.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the or each faceplate comprises an outer surface that in use extends outward away from the respective block and an inner surface that faces towards the respective block and the outer surface has a profile configured to engage an object.
9. The system of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the or each faceplate comprises at least one mounting arrangement on an inner surface of the or each faceplate for mounting the or each faceplate onto a respective block of said plurality of blocks.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the or each mounting arrangement engages at least one connecting member of the respective block of said plurality of blocks.
11. The system of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the or each faceplate is dimensioned so as to extend past outer edges of connecting members of the respective block of said plurality of blocks with a clearance.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each connector comprises a spacer intermediate the first and second ends, the spacer having a thickness for spacing apart adjacently connected blocks of said plurality of blocks.
13. An assembly constructed using the system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising said plurality of blocks connected together by said plurality of connectors.
14. A block for use in constructing an assembly of interlocking blocks, the block comprising a cubold body and a plurality of connecting members each extending away from a respective comer of the cuboid body, such that for each connecting member of said plurality of connecting members there is a first opposed connecting member, a second opposed connecting member and a third opposed connecting member, and a connector engagernent arrangement is defined between a respective connecting member and each of the first, second and third opposed connecting members, and each connecting member has a base located on a respective comer of the cuboid body, at least three walls extending away from the base, and a passage is defined between one wall of said at least three walls on each connecting member and one wall of said at least three walls on one of the opposed connecting members, the passage configured to receive a longitudinal body of a connector in a snap or friction fit.
15. The block of claim 14, wherein the base is an equilateral triangle with six walls extending upwardly therefrom and outer edges of the six walls define a hexagon.
16. The block of claim 14 or 15, wherein the block is formed from two separate parts joined together.
17. A method of assembly of an interconnecting block assembly comprising:
providing a plurality of the blocks as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector of said plurality of connectors having said longitudinal body with a first end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of blocks and a second end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block; engaging the first end of a connector of said plurality of connectors with the first block; engaging the second end of the said connector of said plurality of connectors with the second block so as to connect the first and second blocks; and repeating the steps with one or more further blocks of said plurality of blocks.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing at least one faceplate and mounting the or each faceplate onto a face of at least one block of said plurality of blocks.
19. A kit for constructing an interlocking block assembly comprising a plurality of the blocks as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector of said plurality of connectors having said longitudinal body with a first end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a first block of said plurality of blocks and a second end for engagement with a connector engagement arrangement of a second block of said plurality of blocks so as to connect the first block to the second block.
CA3188063A 2020-08-11 2021-08-11 Interconnecting block system amd assembly Active CA3188063C (en)

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AU2020902835 2020-08-11
AU2020902835A AU2020902835A0 (en) 2020-08-11 System for connecting blocks
PCT/AU2021/050885 WO2022032343A1 (en) 2020-08-11 2021-08-11 Interconnecting block system amd assembly

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AU (1) AU2021326003B2 (en)
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BE754451A (en) * 1969-08-08 1971-02-05 Dart Ind Inc BLOCK-SHAPED CONSTRUCTION SET
WO2016015470A1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2016-02-04 厦门吉信德宠物用品有限公司 Building block and building block unit
US10195538B2 (en) * 2014-10-08 2019-02-05 DXTR Tactile IvS Interactive learning blocks

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WO2022032343A1 (en) 2022-02-17
CA3188063A1 (en) 2022-02-17
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EP4196240A1 (en) 2023-06-21
US20230321559A1 (en) 2023-10-12

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