CN110997092A - Block type component block system - Google Patents

Abstract

A block (100) has a first half block (H1) and a second half block (H2), the first half block (H1) having a first connector configuration comprising a post (110) near an apex (V1) of each of three surfaces (a, B, C), the second half block (H2) having a first second connector configuration comprising a channel (105) near an apex (V2) of each of three surfaces (D, E, F). The connector configuration includes an array of connectors (105,110), which may include an odd number of connectors (105, 110). The channels (105) are flush and the pillars (110) have the same cross-sectional shape from the free ends to the corresponding planar surfaces (a, B, C, D, E, F). The channel (105) has a polygonal cross-section. The block (100) is hollow and is formed by folding the surfaces (a, B, C, D, E, F) along edges that are pivotally interconnected and by slidably interconnecting the remaining surfaces (a, B, C, D, E, F).

Description

Block type component block system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to component block systems and, more particularly, to interconnectable component blocks.

Background

Modular blocks for combining structures larger or more complex than the original blocks are found throughout real buildings and as play toys, rectangular blocks, such as bricks or cinder blocks, are stacked and cemented to form homes and buildings. The landscape tiles are stacked (typically without adhesive) to form fixed walls and other structures. Toy bricks can be assembled into structures of an unlimited number of different sizes and complexities for education or entertainment.

U.S. patent No. 3,005,282 issued to cleistiansen on 10/24/1961 describes the basic building blocks of the most commercially successful and productive toy building block system known today. Indeed, despite the age of this patent, the described interconnected combinations are the basis for the vast majority of their LEGO (trademark) component blocks (and many competitors). This common combination provides an alternative connection even for blocks of different sizes and shapes. Generally, a rectangular parallelepiped frame with smooth side walls encloses a flat surface having a pattern of cylindrical protrusions (columns) extending to the outside of the frame. On the opposite side, a larger cylindrical projection housed inside the frame establishes a uniform space between the frame inner side wall and the projection. The post of one block is received in the space of the other block to establish a tight fit to locate the post. The modular nature of this combination and the consistency of the columns and spaces not only allow for the connection and stacking of identical component blocks, but also blocks of different sizes, shapes and thicknesses to be stacked and interconnected. In other words, perhaps the size and shape of the rack will vary, and the column and space patterns will be consistent between blocks, creating an assembly system.

One limitation of all of the above-described modular blocks is that they are generally limited to assembly and construction in one orientation; i.e. vertically stacked when the assembly is the primary use. For example, mortar is not structurally sound when used for side-to-side bonding of vertically unsupported blocks. In the case of toy bricks, which can be connected only in a single direction, i.e. the top of one block is connected only to the bottom of another block, it is not possible to connect a flat side wall of one block directly to a flat side wall of another block; nor is it possible to have one block top connected to another block top. In fact, there are 36 possible face-to-face interfaces between two rectangular blocks, only 2 of which would create an interlocking connection. Constructing more complex combinations requires bridging adjacent blocks with other blocks spanning the top and/or bottom of the adjacent blocks. Alternatively, there may be special pieces to allow for changes in the connection, for example an L-shaped member may be used to change the orientation of the subsequent pieces to be connected. Other connectors are made with holes in one side wall to accommodate the pins and allow other similar blocks to be connected. This is just one alternative to bridging with a special body. Thus, there is a need for a wide variety and complex assembly system to allow for reasonably limited multidirectional interconnectivity, which naturally increases manufacturing costs and complexity.

Component block systems come in other types and configurations, however they all have similar limitations, generally permitting unidirectional and/or azimuthal connection; one or more different components are required to connect two similar components; alternatively, the connections formed are insufficient, i.e. adjacent blocks need to be offset in order to be connected.

There is therefore a need for a modular block system with improved connectivity between components that overcomes one or more of the current disadvantages described above.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment includes an assembly block system having a first block body having a first set of three surfaces, each surface of the first set including a first connector configuration. The first block also has a second set of three surfaces, each surface of the second set including a second connector configuration. The first connector configuration is different from the second connector configuration and is configured to interconnect with the second connector configuration.

In an embodiment, the first and second sets of three surfaces comprise three edges, the three edges being interconnected at first and second vertices diagonally opposite to each other. The first connector configuration includes at least one post located on each of the first set of three surfaces adjacent the first apex. The second connector configuration includes at least one channel located on each of the three surfaces of the second set adjacent the second vertex. The at least one post is configured to slidably interconnect within the at least one channel. In a further aspect, the first and second connector arrangements comprise an array defined by at least two (possibly odd) rows and at least two (possibly odd) columns of connectors, the connectors of each row and each column of the first connector arrangement comprising alternating posts and channels. In another aspect, the connectors in each row and each column of the second connector arrangement of two of the three surfaces of the second set comprise alternating channels and columns, and the connectors in each row and each column of the second connector arrangement of one of the three surfaces of the second set are channels.

In one embodiment, the posts have an outer diameter with circular cross-sections of the same shape, and each channel has an inner diameter with polygonal cross-sections, the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter and selected such that a post having a dimension equal to the outer diameter should fit tightly when inserted into the channel. In another embodiment, each post includes a bore axially aligned with the post.

For one embodiment, the first set of three surfaces includes first, second and third surfaces, the first set of three edges includes first, second and third edges, the first and second surfaces are pivotally connected by the first edge, the second and third surfaces are connected to each other by the second edge, the first and second edges are perpendicular to each other, the first and third surfaces are connected to each other by the third edge, the first surface includes a fourth edge opposite the first edge and a fifth edge opposite the second edge, the second surface has a sixth edge opposite the first edge and a seventh edge opposite the second edge, and the third surface has an eighth edge opposite the second edge and a ninth edge opposite the third edge. Furthermore, the third set of three surfaces comprises a fourth, a fifth and a sixth surface, the fourth surface being interconnected with the second surface by a sixth edge and with the third surface by a ninth edge, the third edges of the second set comprising a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth edge, the fifth surface being interconnected with the fourth surface by a tenth edge, the third and fifth surfaces being interconnected by an eighth edge, the first and fifth surfaces being interconnected by a fourth edge, the second and sixth surfaces being interconnected by a seventh edge, the first and sixth surfaces being interconnected at said fifth edge, the fourth and sixth surfaces being interconnected by an eleventh edge, the fifth and sixth surfaces being interconnected by a twelfth edge. Five of the first through twelfth edges are formed by a pivotal interconnection and seven of the first through twelfth edges are formed by a slidable interconnection. In a particular aspect, each slidable interconnection includes a lip that extends outwardly below a corresponding edge of one of the surfaces to be interconnected and is slidably received within a groove formed in a corresponding edge of the other of the surfaces to be interconnected. In addition, the lip of one of the slidably interconnected lips includes a tab extending outwardly beyond the lip and slidably received within a keyway extending from the groove of the corresponding edge. Further, the channel includes a first flange extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected at the corresponding edge of the other of the surfaces to be interconnected and a second flange extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected beyond the corresponding edge and spaced inwardly from the first flange by a spacing to slidably receive the lip. The lip includes corresponding cutouts located adjacent the corresponding edges.

In another embodiment, the system further includes a second block identical to the first block, and any surface of the first block can be bonded to any surface of the second block in two orientations, with the edges of the surfaces bonded in alignment.

In one embodiment, when a first block is joined to a second block by patterning first and second connector configurations, the exposed adjacent surfaces form a damascene pattern.

In another embodiment, a component block system also includes second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth blocks identical to the first block. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth dice may be connected together to form a dice combination, each face of the dice combination having a tessellation pattern established by an alternating pattern of first and second connector configurations. In one embodiment, the tiles are assembled into a three-dimensional mosaic.

In one embodiment, any surface of any tile can be connected to any surface of any other tile in two orientations.

In another embodiment, any surface of any block having the first connector configuration may be connected to any surface of any other block having the second connector configuration.

One embodiment includes a modular block system having a first block with six faces, each face including a connector configuration having an odd number of first connector modules and an even number of second connector modules. In addition, the connector configuration forms a checkerboard pattern on each surface, and similar connecting members mate along each edge of the first square.

One embodiment includes a component block system having a first block with six surfaces. A first half block has a first set of three surfaces that abut along a first set of three edges, each of the first set of three surfaces including a first connector configuration having an odd number of first connector elements and an even number of second connector elements. The connector configuration forms a checkerboard pattern on each of the three surfaces. The block also has a second half block having a second set of three surfaces that abut along a second set of three edges, each of the second set of three surfaces including a second connector structure having an even number of first connector elements and an odd number of second connector elements. Similar connecting members are paired along each of the first and second sets of three edges, and opposing connecting members are paired along the edges of the first and second half squares.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blank for forming a block.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a block.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a blank for forming a square.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a block.

Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of a block, partially broken away.

Fig. 6 is a series of plan views of the block in different orientations.

FIGS. 7A,7B,7C,7D,7E,7F,7G and 7H are a series of plan views of the dice in different orientations.

FIG. 8 is a plan exploded view of basic blocks positioned for connection and having an axis passing through a row of basic blocks.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a basic block assembly with two axes.

Fig. 10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F,10G, and 10H are plan views of a 3x3 square in 8 orientations.

11A,11B,11C,11D,11E,11F,11G and 11H are plan views of 3x3 dice pairs.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of 8 basic blocks combined into one 2x2 block.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a single 2x2 square.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a 2 × 2 square blank.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a 3 × 3 square blank.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of 64 basic blocks combined into one 4x4 block.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of four 3x3 squares.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of a 5x5 square.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a 5x5 square.

Fig. 20 is a plan view of a 5 × 5 square blank.

Fig. 21 is a partial perspective view, partially broken away, of a surface of a 3x3 cube.

Fig. 22A is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a surface of a 3x3 cube.

Figure 22B is a partially exploded side view of a 3x3 square with slidably interconnected edges.

Fig. 23 is a plan view of a 4x4 square.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a block assembly.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments provide block-type component blocks configured such that one exposed face of a given block can be connected to at least three surfaces of another identical block or scale. The scale-changing member may be a square block or a rectangular block (which may be geometrically formed from a basic block) of different sizes. When identical blocks are joined, complete edge-to-edge alignment is allowed.

A cube 100 has faces A, B and C, a first vertex V1 being the corner formed by the intersection of edges E1, E2 and E3, the term "half cube" as used herein referring to three complete faces of a cube having shared edges that intersect at a given vertex. Thus, half dice H1 have vertex V1, edges E1, E2 and E3, and surfaces A, B, and C. For any given square, there are 8 vertices, so there are 8 potential half squares. As used herein, the term "opposing half square" refers to a half square having a vertex diagonally opposite the vertex defining the first half square.

Surface F is opposite to surface a; surface E is opposite to surface C; and surface D is opposite surface B. Thus, half dice H2 are defined by vertex V2 to include surfaces D, E, and F and edges E4, E5, and E6. Since vertex V2 is diagonally opposite vertex V1, half square H2 is opposite half square H1.

For purposes of illustration, any surface of any block 100 may be connected to any surface of another block 100 in any orientation, provided that contact between any two surfaces of different blocks causes them to adhere. The resulting shape will always be the same regardless of the selected surface and orientation (assuming perfect face-to-face alignment; i.e., the squares are not offset from each other). For example, two connected blocks 100 will form a rectangular parallelepiped. Aligning 8 dice 100 together will form a larger dice and each surface of the dice will have 4 equal shaped dice, and this extension can occur indefinitely to form a larger cuboid or dice.

From a geometric perspective, any block can be divided into several blocks, for a component block system, there will be an original unit; i.e., the smallest block that can be used in the system, the primitive units will be referred to herein as the basic blocks.

The combination of blocks 100 forms a larger block arranged such that tessellation occurs in two and three dimensions, i.e., a given surface B of the larger block will be combined from the exposed surfaces B of each individual block 100. Thus, regardless of the size of the block being synthesized, each surface being synthesized will have a perfectly replicated tile pattern (two-dimensional tessellation) that fills the area uniformly. However, this pattern also replicates three-dimensionally; the combined tiles 100 fill the entire volume of the synthesized larger tile uniformly and completely (three-dimensional tessellation), and each surface of the synthesized larger tile comprises a two-dimensional tessellation. The exposed surfaces a combine to form a resultant surface a, and the exposed surfaces C combine to form a resultant surface C.

Once the larger square is formed into a structure, it can be considered as an assembly of itself, and thus, a plurality of larger squares can be combined in the same manner as a plurality of squares 100.

As noted, any surface of any cube 100 can be joined to any surface of another cube 100 in any orientation to form a composite cuboid and cube; however, other more complex shapes and configurations may be formed. A structure is formed by connecting a plurality of blocks 100. Also shown is a rectangular block which is part of the structure and which is included solely to illustrate the concept that block-type assembly blocks are not limited to blocks which are individual composite members. The resulting block has the same size and shape as those formed by connecting 5 blocks 100.

In one embodiment, channel 105 is sized to receive and frictionally engage a post 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 105 is a through-hole that passes entirely through a given surface of the block 100 and into the hollow interior of the block 100. The channel 105 is flush with the surfaces a, B, C, D, E, F and has a polygonal (in particular octagonal) cross-section parallel to the surfaces a, B, C, D, E, F. Alternatively, the channel 105 may be deep enough to accommodate the post 110 without extending through the surface. In another embodiment, the block 100 may be solid with no hollow interior.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder 110 has a circular cross-section of constant size extending parallel to and from the free ends of the surfaces a, B, C, D, E, F to the surfaces a, B, C, D, E, F. The cylinder 110 includes a bore 112 into the hollow interior of the block 100, the free end of which includes a chamfer extending at 45 ° between the bore 112 and the outer periphery of the cylinder 110. Each post 110 and channel 105 is marked with a letter representing a particular surface. Thus, the pillars of surface F are 110F, the channels of surface a are 105A, and so on.

According to one embodiment, the surfaces of half block H1 must be identical, i.e., the surfaces of half block H1 must have identical connectors, in this embodiment channels 105, and the surfaces of half block H2 must have identical connectors, in this embodiment posts 110. The connectors on half block H1 must be the reverse or upside down of the connectors on half block H2.

Surfaces A, B and C form half dice H1, while surfaces D, E and F form half dice H2. When the web is "folded" to form a square, the bottom (as viewed in the drawing) edge of surface B will join the top (as viewed in the drawing) edge of surface E. When so formed, surfaces B, C, D and E form primarily a circle and define a pattern, i.e., spaced edges join surfaces having similar connectors and intermediate edges join surfaces having opposite connectors. As will be appreciated in more detail in other embodiments, this pattern is true for blocks having an odd number of connections per surface. In this embodiment, there is one connector (post 110 or channel 105) per surface.

Surfaces A and B are pivotally connected by edge E1, surfaces B and C are pivotally connected by edge E2, and edges E1 and E2 are perpendicular to each other. Surfaces a and C are slidably interconnected by edge E3, surface a includes an edge E04 opposite edge E1 and an edge E05 opposite edge E3, surface B includes an edge E06 opposite edge E1 and an edge E07 opposite edge E2, surface C includes an edge E08 opposite edge E2 and an edge E09 opposite edge E3, surface D is pivotally interconnected with surface B by edge E06 and interconnected with surface C by edge E09. Surface E is pivotally interconnected to surface D by edge E4, and surfaces C and E are interconnected by edge E08. Surfaces A and E are interconnected by edge E04, and surfaces B and F are pivotally interconnected by edge E07. Surfaces a and F are slidably interconnected by edge E05, surfaces D and F are slidably interconnected by edge E5, and surfaces E and F are slidably interconnected by edge E6.

Each slidable interconnection comprises a lip L which extends beyond a corresponding edge of one of the surfaces (a, C-F) to be interconnected and is slidably received within a groove T formed in a corresponding edge of the other of the surfaces (a, C-F) to be interconnected. Lip L of edge E4 includes a tab M that extends outwardly beyond lip L and is slidably received in a keyway K extending from groove T in edge E4. The channel T includes a first flange F1 and a second flange F2, the first flange F1 extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected at the respective edges of the other of the surfaces to be interconnected, and the second flange F2 extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected and spaced inwardly from the first flange F1 to slidably receive the lip L. The lip L comprises a cut-out N corresponding to the channel 105 located near the corresponding edge.

Fig. 7A-7H show a series of views of the block 100 rotated about an imaginary horizontal line, each rotation representing the next adjacent surface. Thus, in position 1 shown in FIG. 7A, surface A can be seen, surface D on the left, surface B on the right, surface C on the bottom, and surface E on the top. Surfaces D and B remain at the sides with each rotation. After one rotation, to position 2 shown in fig. 7B, surface E faces forward, and the next rotation causes the other positions. Fig. 7B-7H present a similar series of rotations, but with different starting orientations. That is, in position 5 of FIG. 7E, surface A is forward, surface C is to the left, surface E is to the right, surface D is above, and surface B is below. Each potential plan view of the block 100 is shown between fig. 7A-7H, even though each combination of specific surfaces is not shown; in other words, different orientations should present the same visual appearance, but labeled with different surface numbers. In the following description of the orientation of the block 100, the reference positions 1-8 refer to the positions shown with reference to fig. 7A-7H.

In order to assemble the blocks 100 into a mosaic, each block 100 must be fixed in orientation in a given manner with respect to an adjacent block 100. Fig. 8 shows 16 blocks 100 interconnected to form a 4x4 combination 160, the combination 160 having a two-dimensional tessellated tile pattern, the tessellation pattern being formed by the front surfaces (as shown) of the blocks 100. Fig. 9 shows the combination 160 with the individual blocks 100 separated but oriented correctly since this forms a grid, each row of blocks 100 is labeled R1-R4, each column is labeled C1-C4, and a particular block 100 is labeled first with the number of its row followed by the number of its column. Thus, the first block 100 on the upper left of the grid is block 100(1,1), while the block 100 on the lower right is block 100(4, 4).

The initial block 100(1,1) orientation is at position 1, the initial starting orientation may be any possible position, however, once selected, it will determine how the adjoining blocks 100 must be connected to form the tessellation. To form a tessellation, the surfaces of each block 100 must be properly aligned so that the resulting (larger) surface of combination 160 forms the correct pattern. Since the block 100(1,1) includes a channel 105 and a post 110 on the upper surface, the next block 100(1,2) must be inverted. Thus, the block 100(1,2) has a channel 105 on the top surface and a post 110 on the front surface 126. The blocks 100(1,2) may be oriented in either position 3 or position 7 to meet these requirements. Since the surface 125 of the block 100(1,1) facing to the right (as shown) has a channel (not visible), the block 100(1,2) must have a post 110 facing to its left (as shown) to engage the channel and interlock. Thus, the block 100(1,2) is oriented in position 3. The block 100(1,3) is in position 1 and the block 100(1,4) is in position 3. This pattern can be replicated indefinitely to form a combination 160 with any number of columns.

In the second row, block 100(2,1) is in position 6, so that its front surface presents a column 110, its left surface presents a channel (not visible), and column 110 protrudes from its upper surface. Again, these conditions result in the blocks 100(1,1) being oriented in an opposite or inverted orientation, except for the top and bottom surfaces. The blocks 100(2,2) are at position 8 and this pattern repeats throughout the remainder of row 2. Row 3 is the same as row 1 and row 4 is the same as row 2. This pattern can be replicated indefinitely to form a combination 160 with any number of rows. It should be understood that the combination 160, or any combination described herein, may be formed from a plurality of blocks 100, or may be manufactured as a single component.

Fig. 6 shows the starting block 100(1,1) of a row at position 8, and to follow this pattern, the adjacent block 100(1,2) is oriented at position 6, and so on. Block 100(1,4) azimuth position 6. The mass 100(1,5) is oriented in position 5, which does not follow this pattern. The front surface 140 of the blocks 100(1,4) comprises the columns 110 and the front surface 142 of the blocks 100(1,5) comprises the channels 105; thus, the two components are in the correct order. The top surface 144 of the blocks 100(1,4) includes one column 110, and the top surface 146 of the blocks 100(1,5) also includes one column 110. Thus, a post adjacent to a post (on the common surface) does not follow this pattern, nor does it allow tessellation. However, the right surface 148 of the blocks 100(1,4) includes a post 110 that is adapted to receive a channel present in the left surface 150 of the blocks 100(1, 5). Thus, they may be mechanically joined together in nature, and in use, the manufacturer may choose to combine the blocks 100 into any desired look.

Fig. 7A,7B,7C,7D,7E,7F,7G, and 7H show combinations 160 that are 1 combination of 4x4 oriented to interconnect with one combination and useful for forming a mosaic. Rows 1 and 3 correspond to the pattern described above with reference to fig. 6, with the block 100(1,1) oriented at position 8, then position 6, and repeated. Row 2 begins with block 100(2,1) at position 3, with an adjacent block 100(2,2) at position 1, and repeats. When assembly 160 is completed and mounted over assembly 120 (fig. 8), all of posts 110 and channels 105 on the back side (not shown) of assembly 160 and on the front side of assembly 120 are properly aligned and the assemblies are bonded to each other. The pattern of the front surface of the resulting combination 160 (when the blocks 100 are connected as shown) is the same as the front surface of the combination 120. The pattern of pillars/channels on the top, bottom, right and left surfaces of combination 160 is the inverse of the pattern of pillars/channels on the top, bottom, right and left surfaces of combination 120. It should be appreciated that assembly 120 may be placed above assembly 160 while the pattern remains correct. To form a tile mosaic, two combinations 120 are combined with two combinations 160 in alternating order to form a 4x4x4 tile.

Fig. 8 shows the same set of blocks 100 oriented to form a grouping 160 (when the blocks 100 are connected). Further, a shaft 200 is shown passing through block 100 in row 4, row 4 starting from block 100(4,1) to block 100(4, 4). In one embodiment, each block 100 has a hollow interior, and the channels 105 and 112 of the columns 110 form perforations to the interior of the block 100. Each feature 110 and each channel 105 are centered on a respective surface of the body 100, with all the through-holes being axially aligned. The shaft 200 may be in the form of a rod, wire, tube or other linear member.

Fig. 9 shows another combination 210 of blocks 100 that forms a generally U-shaped structure. An axis 212 passes through the block 100 of row 2 and an axis 214 passes through the block 100 of row 4.

Fig. 13 shows a 2x2 square 300 formed by combining 8 individual blocks 100. Block 302 is oriented in position 2, block 304 is in position 4, block 306 is in position 5, block 308 is in position 7, block 310 is in position 7, block 312 is oriented in position 5, and block 314 is in position 4. Since this is a perspective view, surface B is labeled front surface 320 for defining the location.

As previously mentioned, each block 100 is formed by two half blocks H1, H2. Geometrically, any vertex and the three surfaces associated with the edge associated with said vertex form a half square; however, as used herein, a half block of the basic block 100 refers to a geometric half block in which three surfaces are identical (structurally, not necessarily in orientation, as will be explained later). Thus, with block 100, block half H1 includes three surfaces with a channel 105, and block half H2 includes three surfaces with a post 110.

The block 300 can be seen in several defined modes, each block 100 being oriented so that a complete half block (H1 or H2) is exposed. Block 302 exposes its full half block H2 (i.e., all three surfaces of post 110 are exposed and form part of the outer surface of block 300), while block 304 exposes its full half block H1. In a 2x2 block 300, the spaced blocks represent one half block H1 or H2, and all diagonally opposite corners (i.e., the diagonal lines passing through the center of the block 300) have the opposite half block exposed. In the basic block 100, the surface in the half block H1 is different from the opposite surface of the half block H1. In a 2x2 square 300, the resulting surface has the same pattern, in this embodiment a 2x2 checkerboard. When the combined block becomes larger, this will be a common mode; these have an even number of elementary blocks 100 which end up having the same resulting surface. The difference of the larger squares with an odd number of elementary blocks 100, which, in short, result in a different pattern for each of the two half-squares (H1, H2) of the resultant square, will be further explained below.

Another feature is a pattern called edge-to-edge mating, where the top surface a and the front surface B are joined at 90 degrees to each other along edge E1. For block 302, there is a post 110 on each side of edge E1, and for block 304, there is a channel 305 on each side of edge E1; this will be referred to as pillar to pillar and channel to channel. Regardless of the number of basic blocks 100 forming a larger square, there will be a uniform column-to-column and channel-to-channel pairing along each edge of the square for each basic block 100, as long as the number is even. Stated another way, each surface of the block 300 is the same 2x2 checkerboard, however each surface is oriented such that there is a mating of connectors along each edge.

Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of a 2x2 block 350, where the block 350 is constructed the same as the block 300, the block 350 being a single block, and the block 300 being a combination of smaller blocks 100. Block 350 may be constructed in different ways, and may be generally solid in construction or may have a hollow interior. When the block 350 is not formed of individual blocks 100, it has the same construction and scalability as it was formed. That is, each surface has a 2x2 checkerboard arrangement of alternating connections 352 of posts 110 and channels 105 with post-to-post and channel-to-channel alignment between the surfaces along the edges. The connector 352 generally indicates that a given connector portion should correspond to a surface of a basic block 100, and includes either portion. That is, the connecting member 352 may be a post 110 or a channel 105 in the embodiments described so far. Alternative connectors will be described next for other embodiments. The alignment of the connectors 352 along a given edge will be referred to as being the same (e.g., post to post) or opposite (e.g., post to channel).

FIG. 14 shows a 2X2 square 350 blank whose surfaces A-F are shown in two dimensions. Vertices V1 and V2 are identified as half squares H1 and H2. As previously described, for an even number of connectors 352 on each face, each face is identical, albeit in a different orientation. The mesh of block 350 clearly shows the same connectors aligned for each edge. For example, along edge E1, channel 105 aligns with channel 105 and post 110 aligns with post 110.

Fig. 17 shows a 3x3 block 500, shown as a single component in this embodiment, it being understood that the same configuration can be achieved by combining 27 basic blocks 100. There are 9 connector positions for each surface B, C, F, which have two potential modes of construction. The first configuration is 5 posts 516 and 4 channels 514 and the second configuration is 5 channels 514 and 4 posts 516. Surface F shows the first configuration, while surfaces B and C show the second configuration. As the other figures preferably show, each half-block has surfaces of the same configuration. Thus, surfaces B and C are part of half cube H1, while surface F is part of half cube H2. While surfaces of the same configuration can be mechanically bonded, they cannot form a proper connection, i.e., they may have a row offset in order to mechanically connect surfaces of the same configuration; thus interrupting the tessellation.

As the block 500 is rotated about a given axis, the edge-to-edge connector pattern will alternate. When surfaces with the same configuration pattern meet at an edge, the same connectors will align. The connectors will be opposed along the edges when the edges are joined to construct a different surface. Surface F abuts surface B along edge E3, surface F having a first configuration, and surface B having a second configuration. The posts 516 are adjacent to the channel 514; channel 514 is adjacent to post 516; and the post 516 is adjacent to the channel 514.

Surface B abuts surface C along edge E1, channel 514 being adjacent channel 514; post 516 is adjacent post 516; and channel 504 is adjacent to channel 514. That is, since surfaces B and C are both of the second configuration, their respective connections along one edge are identical.

Fig. 17 shows a block 500 adjacent to a similarly oriented 3x3 block 530, where if both blocks 500,530 move together in the direction of the arrows, surface 500B (second configuration) should mechanically engage surface 530 (first configuration). This is not a proper combination because it should bring surfaces 500C and 530C together (both in the second configuration), and channel 514 should be adjacent channel 536; the post 516 should be adjacent the post 534 and the channel 520 should be adjacent the channel 532. Thus, when the surfaces formed by 500F and 530B should have the correct pattern, the surface formed by the combination of 500C and 530C should not have the correct pattern.

As shown in fig. 17, block 500 has been rotated 90 degrees about axis 540 while block 530 maintains the same orientation as shown in fig. 17. As shown, surface 530F is now the top surface, and 530E can be seen. Surface 530B is positioned in the same manner as in FIG. 17, since rotating a given surface about an axis perpendicular to the surface will result in the same configuration; that is, the connector pattern (in both configurations) is symmetrical. Now when the block 500 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow, the surface 500F (first configuration) abuts the surface 530C (second configuration) and the resulting combined surface continues this pattern.

Fig. 10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F,10G and 10H are front views of the block 500 through a series of rotations in the direction of the arrows. In position 1, surface B is in front, surface A is to the left, surface F is to the right, surface E is on the top, and surface C is on the bottom. Position 2 is formed by one 90 degree rotation, surface E is in front; surface D is in front at position 3; in position 4, surface C is in front. Another rotation in the same direction will return to position 1. Position 5 is initially surface B to the left, but the block is also rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (compared to position 1) about an axis perpendicular to the page. Surface F is forward in position 6; surface D is forward at position 7; surface a is forward in position 8. Fig. 10A-10H show all possible orientations. With any given surface location facing forward, the block 500 may be positioned to achieve any of the illustrated locations. For example, surface B is shown facing forward in position 5, the same general orientation may be achieved, while surface C is facing forward. If the square shown in the position of fig. 4 (surface C facing forward) is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise about an axis perpendicular to the page, it becomes position 1.

In order to have a full-face mechanical bond, a surface having a first configuration must be bonded to a surface having a second configuration. On a square with an even number of connectors, any surface can be correctly connected to any other surface of two of its four potential orientations. On a block with an odd number of connectors, any surface of one structure can be correctly connected to any surface of the opposite configuration, but only one orientation of the block for that surface is correct. 11A,11B,11C,11D,11E,11F,11G and 11H show the correct position pairing, which can be noted as being feasible in either direction. For example, the first pair of squares with position 1 is to the left of the square with position 3. There should be a correct pair to invert them and let the square at position 1 to the right of the square at position 3. This pattern should be repeated indefinitely to correctly integrate as many blocks as needed. 11A-11H illustrate left and right pairings; however, the top and bottom pairs are similarly positioned. For example, the combination with the bottom of the square (as shown) showing position 1 should be the same as the left and right combination of position 5. In other words, the left side of the square shown in position 7 should correctly engage the bottom of the square shown in position 1. Thus, FIGS. 11A-11H show top-to-bottom pairing throughout a 90 degree rotation.

Fig. 23 shows a 4x4 block 610 variation, where a surface B of the variation 610 has no pillars; and thus only the channel 105. This allows mechanical bonding with any surface of any other block having posts (although not all connections are correct). Other block variations may be provided having more than one (up to 6) surface without pillars and only channels 105. The size of the columns and/or channels and their spacing is chosen to correspond to other component block systems, such as LEGO (trade mark), which will allow mechanical connection of the blocks between different systems. In some embodiments, the interconnection of blocks of different systems may be achieved solely by using blocks (which have no posts on one surface). That is, the pattern formed by only the channels 150 of surface B (for example) would accommodate the cylinder configuration of an alternate modular block system, but the blocks in the system would not accommodate the other blocks of cylinders 110. Alternatively, the dimensions and spacing of posts 110 and channels 105 allow for complete interconnectivity of the blocks of another system.

Fig. 18 and 19 show a 5x5 square 620, and fig. 20 is the blank of square 620. The pattern follows the rules previously described for a square with an odd number of connections 352. Surfaces a, B and C have a first configuration with 12 pillars 110 on each surface, and surfaces D, E and F have a second configuration with 13 pillars 110 on each surface. The modes in both configurations are symmetrical. The edges connecting surfaces a, B and C (defining vertex 1) have similar connectors, as do the edges connecting surfaces D, E and F (defining vertex 2). Surfaces A, B and C form half dice H1, while surfaces D, E and F form half dice H2. Any edge between the different half squares H1, H2 will have an opposite connection (e.g., the edge between surfaces C and D in fig. 19). Any surface having the first configuration may properly engage any surface of the second configuration of the block 620 in an orientation. Only half dice H1 are visible in fig. 18, while only half dice H2 are visible in fig. 19.

FIG. 24 shows an expansion of blocks, a basic block 100 showing a half block H2 being placed above another basic block 100 showing a half block H1, according to an embodiment of the invention. A 2x2 dice 350 is above a 3x3 dice 350, a 3x3 dice 350 is above a 4x4 dice 600, a 4x4 dice 600 is above a 5x5 dice 620, and dice 350,500,600 and 620 are joined together to form a dice stack 622. With respect to blocks 350,500 and 600, surfaces C of dice stack 622 are aligned in a common plane and along a common left edge 630. As the tile sizes shrink, there is one line offset per iteration in B-surface alignment. From a plan view, all surfaces of the square stack 622 will have the correct checkerboard pattern for blocks 350,500 and 600. That is, when the tile stack 622 is not a complete tile tessellation, each surface area with connectors has a checkerboard pattern of these connectors. Surface E of block 620 is shown facing forward and surface F is properly aligned with surface C of the other block, however, surface E is not properly aligned with surface 600B. The blocks 620 may be rotated for proper alignment, but the orientation shown is a contrast that shows improper positioning.

The present invention includes a block-type assembly block embodiment, the construction of which allows for three-dimensional tessellation. Whether provided as a basic block 100, the basic blocks 100 are combined into larger groups, or larger single components having a pattern defined by the rules set forth in the specification, the modular block system is unique in that it allows any desired surface of a given block to be combined with any other block in the system, and further unique in that any given surface can correctly combine at least half of the surfaces of any other identical block. That is, in a block with an odd number of connectors, any given surface can correctly engage three surfaces of one and the same block, and in a block with an even number of connectors, any given surface can correctly engage any surface of one and the same block.

Any method of manufacturing the blocks described herein may be used, they may be formed of any desired material, and may be formed as a solid object, stamped, molded or printed. Injection molding is expected to be the most economical process.

Other connector configurations may be used when the connector has a post 110 with a channel 112 as already described, wherein the post 110 engages the channel 105 of the opposing surface. In one variation, the cylinder 110 is solid; that is, they do not include channel 112. The connecting piece can be a cross-shaped channel and a corresponding cross-shaped column.

In use, a modular block system from a basic block 110 to a block or different sized rectangular blocks should be provided, and the user can create any desired configuration or can be instructed to create a particular configuration. In addition, the squares can be regarded as puzzles; they are combined through a series of correct connections to form a mosaic.

By producing blocks and blocks having posts 110 and channels 105 of a particular size and spacing, they can be used and connected to other commercially available toy building block systems. These commercially available products should not have the same benefits and features of the present invention and have a full range of interconnectivity, mechanical compatibility extending to the total number of components available.

While any desired components may be placed in any appropriately sized block, it is advantageous to use blocks having an odd number of connectors. That is, for a given face-to-face connection, there is only one correct orientation. Therefore, electronic or mechanical components within a block require a specific block for block combination, and the use of a block having an odd number of connecting members helps to avoid incorrect connection.

The words "including" and "comprising" as used in this specification and in the appended claims are open-ended words and should be read as "including, but not limited to," these words covering the more restrictive words "consisting essentially of …" and "consisting of …".

It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, the terms "a", "an" or "more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. It is also noted that the terms "comprising," "including," "characterized by," and "having" are used interchangeably herein.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications and patents specifically mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including descriptions and disclosures of chemicals, implements, statistical analyses and methodologies that may be relevant to the present invention in the publication report. All references mentioned in this specification are to be understood as indicating the state of the art, and nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that all references, including those in the background, mentioned throughout the specification are to be incorporated herein in their entirety. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein, which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. A component block system, comprising: a block having a first set of three surfaces and a second set of three surfaces, the first and second sets being diagonally opposed to each other, the first and second sets each including one of a first connector configuration and a second connector configuration, wherein the first connector configuration is different from the second connector configuration and is configured to interconnect with the second connector configuration, wherein the three surfaces of the first and second sets include three edges that are interconnected at first and second vertices diagonally opposed to each other, the first and second connector configurations including an array defined by at least two rows and at least two columns of connectors, the connectors of each row and each column of the first connector configuration including alternating posts and channels, the posts being configured to slidably interconnect within the channels, wherein the at least two rows comprise odd rows and the at least two columns comprise odd columns, wherein each pillar has a circular cross-section, wherein each channel has a polygonal cross-section, wherein the first and second sets of three surfaces are three flat surfaces extending between the three edges, wherein each channel is flush with a corresponding flat surface, wherein each pillar has a free end spaced from a corresponding flat surface and has a cross-section parallel to the corresponding flat surface in the same shape from the free end to the corresponding flat surface, wherein the three surfaces of the first set comprise a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, the three edges of the first set comprise a first edge, a second edge and a third edge, the first and second surfaces are pivoted by the first edge, the second and third surfaces are interconnected by the second edge, the first and second edges are perpendicular to each other, the first and third surfaces are interconnected by the third edge, the first surface includes a fourth edge opposite the first edge and a fifth edge opposite the second edge, the second surface has a sixth edge opposite the first edge and a seventh edge opposite the second edge, the third surface has an eighth edge opposite the second edge and a ninth edge opposite the third edge, wherein the three surfaces of the second group include a fourth surface, a fifth surface and a sixth surface, the fourth surface is interconnected with the second surface by the sixth edge and is interconnected with the third surface by the ninth edge, the three edges of the second group include a tenth edge, An eleventh edge and a twelfth edge, the fifth surface interconnected with the fourth surface by the tenth edge, said third and fifth surfaces being interconnected by said eighth edge, said first and fifth surfaces being interconnected by said fourth edge, said second and sixth surfaces being interconnected by said seventh edge, said first and sixth surfaces being interconnected at said fifth edge, the fourth and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the eleventh edge, the fifth and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the twelfth edge, and wherein five of said first through twelfth edges are formed by a pivotal interconnection, and seven of the first through twelfth edges are formed by one slidable interconnection.

2. A component block system, comprising: a block having a first set of three surfaces and a second set of three surfaces, the first and second sets being diagonally opposite one another, the first and second sets each including one of a first connector configuration and a second connector configuration, wherein the first connector configuration is different from the second connector configuration and is configured to interconnect with the second connector configuration, wherein the three surfaces of the first and second sets include three edges that are interconnected at first and second vertices diagonally opposite one another, the first connector configuration includes at least one post that includes at least one channel within which the second connector configuration includes at least one channel, the at least one post being configured to slidably interconnect within the at least one channel, wherein the three surfaces of the first and second sets are three flat surfaces extending between the three edges, wherein each channel is flush with one corresponding flat surface, and wherein each post has one free end spaced from a corresponding flat surface and has a same-shaped cross-section parallel to the corresponding flat surface from the free end to the corresponding flat surface.

3. The modular block system of claim 2, wherein the first and second connector configurations comprise an array defined by at least two rows and at least two columns of connectors, the connectors of each row and each column of the first connector configuration comprising alternating posts and channels, the posts being configured to slidably interconnect within the channels.

4. The modular block system of claim 3 wherein the connectors in each row and each column of the second connector configuration of two of the three surfaces of the second set comprise alternating channels and columns, and wherein the connectors in each row and each column of the second connector configuration of one of the three surfaces of the second set are channels.

5. The component block system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least two rows comprise odd rows and the at least two columns comprise odd columns.

6. The component block system of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one post is located in a starting row of the at least two rows and a starting column of the at least two columns of each of the three surfaces of the first set, and the at least one channel is located in a starting row of the at least two rows and a starting column of the at least two columns of each of the three surfaces of the second set.

7. The modular block system of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein each cylinder has a circular cross-section, and wherein each channel has a polygonal cross-section.

8. The modular block system of claim 7, wherein said polygonal cross-section is an octagonal cross-section.

9. The component block system of any one of claims 3-8, wherein the three surfaces of the first set comprise a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the three edges of the first set comprise a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, the first and second surfaces are pivotally connected by the first edge, the second and third surfaces are interconnected by the second edge, the first and second edges are perpendicular to each other, the first and third surfaces are interconnected by the third edge, the first surface comprises a fourth edge opposite the first edge and a fifth edge opposite the second edge, the second surface has a sixth edge opposite the first edge and a seventh edge opposite the second edge, the third surface has an eighth edge opposite the second edge and an eighth edge opposite the third edge A ninth edge, wherein said three surfaces of said second set comprise a fourth surface, a fifth surface and a sixth surface, said fourth surface being interconnected to said second surface by said sixth edge and to said third surface by said ninth edge, said three edges of said second set comprise a tenth edge, an eleventh edge and a twelfth edge, said fifth surface being interconnected to said fourth surface by said tenth edge, said third revolutionary and fifth surfaces being interconnected by said eighth edge, said first and fifth surfaces being interconnected by said fourth edge, said second and sixth surfaces being interconnected by said seventh edge, said first and sixth surfaces being interconnected at said fifth edge, said fourth and sixth surfaces being interconnected by said eleventh edge, the fifth and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the twelfth edge, and wherein five of the first through twelfth edges are formed by one pivotally interconnected and seven of the first through twelfth edges are formed by one slidably interconnected.

10. The modular block system of claim 9 wherein each slidable interconnection comprises a lip extending outwardly below a corresponding edge of one of the surfaces to be interconnected and slidably received within a groove formed in a corresponding edge of the other of the surfaces to be interconnected.

11. The modular block system of claim 10, wherein the lip of one of the slidable interconnections includes a tab extending outwardly beyond the lip and slidably received within a keyway extending from the groove.

12. The modular block system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the channel comprises a first flange extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected at the corresponding edge of the other of the surfaces to be interconnected and a second flange extending inwardly from the other of the surfaces to be interconnected spaced inwardly from the first flange to slidably receive the lip.

13. The modular block system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the lip comprises a cut-out corresponding to the channel located near the corresponding edge.

14. A component block system, comprising: a block having a first set of three surfaces and a second set of three surfaces, the first and second sets being diagonally opposed to each other, at least one of the surfaces of each of the first and second sets comprising one of a first connector configuration and a second connector configuration, wherein the first connector configuration is different from the second connector configuration and is configured to interconnect with the second connector configuration, the first and second connector configurations comprising an array defined by odd rows and odd columns of connectors, the connectors of each row and each column of the first connector configuration comprising alternating posts and channels, the posts being configured to slidably interconnect within the channels.

15. A connector configuration for a modular block system, comprising: a cylinder having a circular cross-section, and a channel having a polygonal cross-section, said cylinder having an outer diameter, and said channel having an inner diameter, and said outer diameter of said cylinder being a close fit when embedded in said inner diameter of said channel.

16. A component block system, comprising: a block having a first set of three surfaces and a second set of three surfaces, the first and second sets being diagonally opposed to each other, at least one of the surfaces of each of the first and second sets comprising one of a first connector configuration and a second connector configuration, wherein the first connector configuration is different from the second connector configuration and is configured to interconnect with the second connector configuration, wherein the three surfaces of the first set comprise a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the three edges of the first set comprising a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, the first and second surfaces being pivotally connected by the first edge, the second and third surfaces being interconnected by the second edge, the first and second edges being perpendicular to each other, the first and third surfaces being interconnected by the third edge, said first surface including a fourth edge opposite said first edge and a fifth edge opposite said second edge, said second surface having a sixth edge opposite said first edge and a seventh edge opposite said second edge, said third surface having an eighth edge opposite said second edge and a ninth edge opposite said third edge, wherein said three surfaces of said second set include a fourth surface, a fifth surface and a sixth surface, said fourth surface being interconnected to said second surface by said sixth edge and to said third surface by said ninth edge, said three edges of said second set include a tenth edge, an eleventh edge and a twelfth edge, said fifth surface being interconnected to said fourth surface by said tenth edge, the third and fifth surfaces are interconnected by the eighth edge, the first and fifth surfaces are interconnected by the fourth edge, the second and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the seventh edge, the first and sixth surfaces are interconnected at the fifth edge, the fourth and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the eleventh edge, the fifth and sixth surfaces are interconnected by the twelfth edge, and wherein five of the first to twelfth edges are formed by a pivotal interconnection and seven of the first to twelfth edges are formed by a slidable interconnection.

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