GB2528155A

GB2528155A - Building system

Info

Publication number: GB2528155A
Application number: GB1506626.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Robert Alfred Wybrow; Philip Daniel Roberts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-09
Filing date: 2015-04-18
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-18
Also published as: GB201412208D0; GB2528155B; GB201506626D0; GB2528090A

Abstract

A mortar or cement free construction system uses a series of interlocked blocks or bricks 50 55 inclusive which may have shaped profiles at the ends to aid engagement of the blocks, see 21-24 figure 3. Each block has a plurality of through holes passing vertically through each block and spaced laterally to engage with another block on the course above and/or below. Each through hole has a countersunk portion to accept the head of a locking bolt 25. The through hole has the same thread form as the locking bolt. The locking bolt has a female thread in the head. The locking bolts are screwed through the block and the male thread of one bolt engages with the female thread of the bolt located in the lower course of blocks. The bolts are tightened until a shoulder of the bolt head contacts the bottom of the countersunk hole. As an alternative to the use of threaded bolts, a similar threaded stud and nut system can be used instead, see figure 22.

Description

I

BUILDING SYSTEM

This invention relates to a system which provides methods and apparatus for building a very wide range of structures, each having varied applications.

The invention is based upon the use of a range of basic building blocks which incorporate means for securely, and removably, attaching the blocks to one another; wherein the means of attachment utilises a design of locking bolt which has, as part of its construction, matching, internal, and external, threads, which are formed on the inside face of a countersunk region at the top of a specially designed section at the top of the bolt, referred to as the head part, and all along the remainder of the bolt, on the outside of the bottom, shank region of the bolt. The blocks have internal threads which match those on the shank region of each bolt, so that blocks are held together by screwing a bolt into a block until a lower section of the bolt screws into the countersunk threaded region of the head part of a bolt that has already been screwed into a block on which the said block rests. The lowest block of a set of blocks has the lower section of the bolt which has been screwed into it, screwed into the corresponding female thread of an especially designed foundation block.

Other designs of locking bolt system comprise a separate stud, having external threads at its top and bottom regions, which screw into separate nuts, wherein a top nut, screws onto the top of the bolt, and a lower nut, has the bolt screwed into it.

In all cases involving threads, the threads in a particular system can be left handed or right banded, provided that one type of thread system is maintained throughout a vertical line of blocks. The incorporation of left handed threads can represent a method for limiting the illegal removal of a top layer of blocks, and although the use of covering layers for the top layer of blocks, such as fascia blocks, or even cement or mortar, can represent another method, specially designed sockets which can only drive the top bolts of a vertical line of blocks.

A key feature, and aim, of the invention, is that it provides for a range of self-buildable structures which each have particular characteristics, and so, allow the system to cater for a wide range of building applications, on any desired scale.

The system utilises a number of similar, basic building blocks, which are removably held together by means of the said bolts, or the said studs and nuts, wherein, in one variant, the said head part containing the female threaded countersunk region, engages with the male threaded, shank part, after being screwed into the thread inside a block, thereby holding the blocks together.

Each block, of one variant of the blocks of the system, has two countersunk holes formed in it, which each allow the head of one of two locking bolts to be located in them, and this arrangement thus allows for the threaded shank of each one of the two locking bolts, to be first screwed into each one of two threaded holes formed in the block, so that another block, which is to be laid on top of the first block, can be locked in place by means of two other locking bolts, which are each screwed into the respective thread of one of the two holes in the upper bock, and then into the threads of the countersunk regions of the lower bolts residing on the lower block.

In a typical built-structure, for example, a wall, each one of the lowest set of blocks forming the base region of the wall, wherein the lowest blocks are referred to as foundation blocks, has bolts which have threaded shanks which are shorter than the shanks of the bolts in the next layer above, by an amount equal to the depth of the threaded countersunk holes.

Alternatively, each one, of the said, lowest set of blocks, which are referred to as foundation blocks, can be constructed so that they are taller than those in the layer immediately above them, so that they have longer threaded holes which take the shank of each one of the standard, threaded bolts. The same types of bolts which are used for holding together, upper blocks, can then also be used for the lowest blocks, which thus necessitates the use of only one type of bolt.

This general building process can then be repeated for other types of building block, having varied designs, by utilising locking bolts, and blocks, accordingly, so that, by these means, various structures can be built.

Each basic building block is of rectangular prismoidal shape, and has the said two, threaded holes, formed at locations in the basic building block, such that the centres of the said holes are each equidistant from the flat vertical face of each shorter side-face of the block, and are also equidistant from the longer, front and rear faces of the block.

One side-lace of the block has two, similarly shaped columnar protrusions, formed on one of the shorter side-faces of the block, whilst the side-face which is opposite this face, has two similarly shaped columnar cut-outs, or sockets, formed so that the columnar protrusions of another similar sized and shaped building block, can be slid into these columnar cut-outs, thereby forming a two-block structure. By these means, therefore, a wall can be quickly constructed by use of the basic building blocks and bolts of the system.

Corner blocks cater for construction of the "built" structure, wherein the bolts already described are used to hold the structure together by connection with walls along directions at right angles with respect to the ends of front, and rear, walls, and wherein internal walls which are at right angles with respect to front and rear walls, utilise blocks which turn the block work so as to be at right angles with respect to these front and rear walls, and with respect to other, internal walls. Various designs of end is block, and crossover block, enable complex structures to be assembled and disassembled.

Applications of the Building System, include: 1. Flood Prevention -via the use of impervious materials such as non-porous plastics or other materials, wherein the base blocks of the structure are such that they can be filled with water, or other fluids or liquids, or with other materials, such as sand, in order to hold the built structure, down.

2. Limitation of the effects of Earthquakes -via the use of flexible and durable materials.

3. Fire Prevention and Limitation -via the use of non-flammable, and fire retardant, materials.

4. Temporary Housing -via the versatility of the building system, utilising light-weight materials, which are strong, and able to pTovide insulation, and which can be easily assembled and disassembled.

The construction system thus provides the facility for constructing new types of buildings via the use of new designs of building block, in a wide variety of applications The building system requires limited skills, and, in contrast with existing building systems, obviates the need for mortar, concrete or cement. Consequently, it saves on manpower, and materials, and reduces the time taken for building particular structures, and for dismantling them.

The building system is thus based upon the use of a wide range of different designs of building block which function as replacements for existing building bricks, or blocks, and as replacements for existing building structures, whilst maintaining the use of conventional functional parts such as load-bearing joists and beams, which traditionally support floors, ceilings, and roofs.

is The joists and beams are cut to size and have pre-drilled holes to accommodate bolts and large screws, and the blocks are secured by large construction bolts, wherein the construction block system can be made hollow and be provided with mliii material such as fluids, and liquids, for example, water, and with recycled products, with sand, and with other mixtures of materials, such as fire retardants, and similar materials, including those having resistance to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive, and/or hazardous materials, and wherein other materials can be used to allow built structures to withstand high and low temperatures.

The system can be purchased as a range of standalone, already constructed units, or as a range of self-build units, thus making it more affordable, arid therefore reducing and eliminating the need for a loan or mortgage for the purchase of a home, or other structures that are too expensive to buy at once.

Other structures, such as furniture for outdoor use, as well as for use in the home or office, can be provided. The blocks are versatile, and can be varied when there is a need to create storage, display areas, seating, and display counters. In addition to use as furniture, the blocks can be used to construct steps, raised platforms, and temporary structures for use in emergency situations, for instance a Medical Room, a Communications Base, and a facility for the storage of emergency supplies. The blocks are simple and easy to erect and can also be made from flexible materials for application in earthquake and flood affected areas, to reduce damage to properties.

The building system can be used to treate structures which range in size, from quite small, to quite large.

Thus, at the smaller end of the range, it can be used for the building of models, for example, 1) for use for architectural design purposes, wherein structures can be built without the need for adhesive, and wherein the ability to disassemble a structure easily and quickly, enables the same basic units to be used over and over, and ii) for use in construction sets, for example in childrens' model building construction sets.

Structures in the medium sized range, are, i) childrens' Play Houses, and generally, buildings to be used in children? play areas, ii) those involving storage, for example, garden sheds, and iii) those involving small ponds or water features, sand pits, dog kennels, and the like.

Other structures include, those intended for use as i) steps, ii) segregational walls for animals or livestock, iii) other outbuildings such as barns, sheds, decking areas, raised patios and stables, and iv) as large storage units.

Where the system is used in architectural design, there is a range of architectural finishing features such as end caps, tiles, fascias arid fixings, which can be made available for a wide range of structures.

All of the above mentioned structures can be made available in a wide range of finishes and textures.

The basic building block is 20 inches long, 10 inches high, and 10 inches deep, and can be made either solid, or hollow, to take infill such as fluids, sand and recycled materials (organic or non-organic). However, these are not limiting dimensions.

Blocks can also be made so as to be fire-retardant, and, by using a range of plastics for construction, blocks can also withstand acidic or corrosive elements. The blocks are provided in a large range of finishes so that there is a range of internal styles of finish on the inward facing surface of each block, and a range of external styles on the opposite, outer facing surfaces.

Additional blocks have been designed, having slots which can accommodate joists, and beams, which are used in common building construction. The joists are pre-cut to allow fitting to the system of the invention so that no specials skills or measurements are required. The blocks can be manufactured in several ways, for example, by means of injection moulding, rotational moulding, heat forming, and liquid-to-solid set-moulding. Other materials can be added to the mould in order to change its structural properties, for instance, the blocks can be made to be fire-retardant. The system lends itself to the use of composite materials for construction, and engineering plastics such as Nylon and Metal, can be used for construction of the blocks. Blocks can also be made to be elastomeric, for use in earthquake prone regions.

The blocks can be used by Councils, Schools and Colleges, for play areas, local Fairs and Festivals, and for recreational use, such as for indoor or outdoor furniture such as large and small seating areas that can be erected quickly. Other applications include use for constructing display stands, or stalls, for outdoor covered areas, and for indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

The blocks of the system can be used for the construction of interior furniture such as beds, sofas, corner stands/units, tables/desks, chairs, shower units, bath housings and wardrobes. In outdoor applications, the blocks can be used for constructing stairs, swimming pools, with the use of waterproof lining materials, and for constructing landscaping structures.

According to the present invention, a building system comprises a range of basic building blocks which can be assembled to form a variety of different structures which are easily disassembleable, wherein the said blocks incorporate means for securely, and removably, attaching the blocks to one another, and wherein the means of attachment utilises a design of locking bolt, 13 (Figure 2) which has matching, internal, IT (not shown in Figure 2; but identified by location only) and external, ET (not shown in Figure 2; but identified by location only) threads, wherein one set of threads, IT, is formed on the inside thce of a countersunk region at the top of the bolt, referred to as the head part, and wherein the other set of threads, ET, is formed on the outside face of lower, shank part of the bolt, which is of smaller cross-sectional diameter than that of the head part, so that, by means of the bolts, a number of similar, basic building blocks, 10, 11, and 12 (Figure 2) are removably fixable together, wherein the said head part of a bolt, which contains the internally threaded countersunk region, engages with the thread formed on the outer surface of the shank part, of another, similar bolt, thereby holding the blocks together, wherein the thread of the shank part of a bolt also engages with an internal female thread formed all of the way through each hole in a block.

In order to describe the invention in more detail, reference will now be made to the accompanying diagrams in which: Figure 1 shows, in three-dimensional form, a two-hole, building block based upon the principles of the invention.

Figure 2 shows, in three-dimensional form, three two hole, building blocks and associated fixing bolts.

Figure 3 shows, in three-dimensional form, a two-hole, building block, and a fixing bolt, together with tool parts for driving a bolt into a lower bolt.

Figure 4 shows, in three-dimensional form, five two-hole, building blocks, and associated fixing bolts, forming a section of a wall.

Figure 5 shows, in three-dimensional form, an arrangement of building blocks and bolts forming a section of a wall.

Figure 6 shows, in three-dimensional form, an arrangement of building blocks and bolts, forming a section of a wall.

Figure 7 shows, in three-dimensional form, an arrangement of building blocks and bolts forming a section of a wall, and one bolt screwed into a lower bolt.

Figure 8 shows, in three-dimensional form, a range of building blocks based upon the principles of the invention.

Figure 9 shows, in three-dimensional form, a range of building blocks, and a locking bolt, based upon the principles of the invention.

Figure 10 shows, in three-dimensional form, a range of building blocks based upon the principles of the invention.

Figure 11 shows, in three-dimensional form, a building created using the building blocks of invention.

Figure 12 shows, in three-dimensional form, a foundation building block based upon the principles of the invention.

Figure 13 shows, in three-dimensional form, a building created using the building blocks of invention.

Figure 14 shows, in three-dimensional form, a set of steps, and a barbecue, created using the building blocks of invention.

Figure 15 shows, in three-dimensional form, an enclosure created using the building blocks of invention.

Figure 16 shows, in three-dimensional form, a swimming pooi, created using the building blocks of the invention.

Figure 17 shows, in three-dimensional form, a number of structures, constructed using the building blocks of the invention.

Figure 18 shows, in three-dimensional form, a number of structures, constructed using the building blocks of the invention.

Figure 19 shows, in three-dimensional form, a garden seat, and a bed, constructed using the building blocks of the invention.

Figure 20 shows, in three-dimensional form, an embodiment of the invention involving a modified locking system, in use.

Figure 21 shows, in three-dimensional form, an embodiment of the invention involving a modified locking system, with the locking system in various orientations.

Figure 22 shows, in three-dimensional form, an embodiment of the invention involving a modified locking system, with the locking system in various orientations.

With reference to Figure 1, which represents a three-dimensional view, a basic building block, 1, has protrusions, P1, and P2, formed on one of the shorter side-faces, 2, of the block, and two sockets, SI, and S2, formed on the side-face, 3, which is opposite side-face, 2. The dimensions and shapes of the protrusions and side-faces, are such that the protrusions, P, fit into the sockets, S. Two sets of holes are fonned in the block, 1, wherein each has an upper, countersunk part, and a lower part, of smaller diameter, which is concentric with the upper, countersunk part, wherein the holes nearer to the protrusions, P1, and P2, comprise parts, Hl, and Cl, and the holes nearer to the sockets, Si, and S2, comprise parts, 112, andC2.

The centres of the holes, 111, Cl, and H2, C2, respectively, are equi-distant from their adjacent, parallel side-faces, 2, and 3, respectively, and are equi-distant from the two, parallel, longer side-faces, 4, and 5, of the block, 1. The holes are formed so that the centre line of each hole is parallel with that of the other hole, and with the vertical axis of each of the protrusions, P1, and P2, and the vertical axis of each of the sockets, SI, ands2.

Typical, but not limiting, dimensions for a two-hole block, 1, are: length, 20 inches, depth, 10 inches, and height, 10 inches, and the diameters of holes, 111, and 112, are such that the head of a bolt will fit smoothly, and wherein the outer diameter of the threads formed in holes, Cl, and C2, is 2.2 inches, and wherein the outer diameters of holes, Hl, and 112, are such that the head of a bolt will fit smoothly into a hole. This is described in more detail later, with reference to Figure 3.

The diameter of the circle, of which the cross-section of each protrusion, P. is part, is 2.5 inches, and similarly, the diameter of the circle, of which the cross-section of each socket, S, is part, is also 2.5 inches.

The centre of each hole in a block, is 5 inches from its nearest shorter side-face, and 5 inches from each of the two longer side faces of the block, so that, because each basic building block is 20 inches long, there is always a 10 inch gap between the centre of one hole and the centre of an adjacent hole in a block, and there is also a 10 inch gap between the outermost hole in a block, and the nearest hole in an adjacent block. This ensures that staggering of bocks can occur, so that there are no vertical limes along which forces can break up a structure. The separation between holes in other blocks is thus such that this 10 inch gap between holes, is maintained throughout a built structure.

With reference to Figure 2, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a basic building block, 10, resting symmetrically on two blocks, 11, and 12, with threaded bolt, 13 (threads not shown in this diagram, but shown in other diagrams) ready to be inserted into the internally threaded countersunk hole, 1 1A, (threads not shown in the diagram, but shown in other diagrams) formed in block, 11, and with threaded bolt, 14, ready to be inserted into the countersunk hole, I 1B, in block, 11, but before block, 10, has been placed. A bevelled countersunk region, BC, serves to protect the thread (not shown) formed in the wall of the hole formed in the bolt, 13, and the bolt, 13, has an internal threaded hole, having thread, IT (not shown in the diagram) into which a similar bolt, having an external thread, ET (not shown in the diagram) which matches this internal thread, can be screwed. The bevelled countersunk regions, BC, arid the hole having the internal thread, IT, are formed in all of the other bolts that are of this type. It is pointed out that bolts, 14, and 15, respectively, are, of course, actually inserted into holes, 11 B, and 1 2A, respectively, before block, 10, is placed on blocks 11, and 12.

It is pointed out that the countersunk regions of holes, I IA, I lB. 12A, and 12B, respectively, are of a depth such that the upper, wider sections of each of the bolts, 13, 14, 15, and 16, respectively, which fit into the said countersunk holes, do so, so that the top face of each bolt is flush with the upper face of each of the said building blocks, 11, and 12. The same situation applies for two other bolts (not shown) which are to be inserted into holes bA, and lOB, whose upper surfaces will then be flush with the upper surface of block, 10.

Each of the bolts, 13, and 14, protrudes through the base of the block, 11, and can then be screwed into the threaded hole in the upper, cylindrically shaped part of a similar bolt (not shown in the diagram) held in a block which is similar to block, 11 (not shown in the diagram) which is below block, 11, and upon which block, 11, rests, thereby allowing a vertically extended wall to be formed, with blocks, 11, and 12, resting on such lower blocks. The lowest blocks in a wall will be of a different design because they will need to cater for the construction of so-called, footings; such blocks, called foundation blocks, are described later, with reference to Figure 12.

Similarly, bolt, 15, is shown ready to be inserted into the hole, 12A, formed in block, 12, whilst bolt, 16, is shown in place, in hole, 12B, of block, 12.

The upper part of each bolt, has a rectangular shaped depression, RD, formed in it, so that the socket of a socket-wrench tool (not shown in Figure 2) having a similarly is shaped rectangular protrusion formed on it, can be used to screw the bolt into the associated threaded hole formed in the upper part of a lower bolt. The action of the said tool, is similar to that of tool, 28, described next, with reference to Figure 3.

With reference to Figure 3, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a building block, 20, having protrusions, 21, 22, sockets, 23, 24, and holes, 20A, 20B, formed as already described with reference to Figure 2. With further reference to Figure 3, and in particular, to the encircled, enlarged diagram on the left of Figure 3, a bolt. 25, having an external thread, ET, and internal thread, IT, has equi-spaced holes, 26, formed on its upper flat surface, which engage with equi-spaccd protrusions, 27, formed on the lower flat surface of a driver tool, 28, which is itself driven by means of a socketed tool past, 29, having a female, star shaped socket formed in its lower circular face, which engages with a male, star shaped protrusion, 30, formed on the upper surface of driver tool, 28. For the purpose of screwing the bolt, 25, into the threaded socket of a lower bolt (not shown in Figure 3, but shown, together with other bolts of the same type, in later Figures) the square shaped driving part of a socket wrench (not shown in the diagram) engages with a square shaped hole, 31, formed in the upper surface of socket, 29. For clarity, the socket, 29, is shown inverted, on the right hand side of Figure 3. The external diameter of the male thread, ET, formed on the shank region of bolt, 25, is 2.2 inches, and this matches the external diameter of the female thread, IT, formed on the inside surface of the head part of bolt, 25. The external diameter of thc head part of bolt, 25, is 4 inches, and the diameter of each of the holes, 20A, and 20B, is slightly greater, than this, to allow the head part of a bolt to fit smoothly into a hole.

With reference to Figure 4, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows five of the building blocks of the type which has already been described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and Figure 3, wherein the blocks, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44, have their associated bolts in place, such that the upper face of each bolt is flush with the upper surface of each block. It can be seen that the sets of equi-spaced holes, 26, described with reference to Figure 3, have now been replaced by rectangular shaped sockets, for example, socket, 45, formed on the upper surface of bolt, 46, which is associated with block, 42, wherein the encircled parts of Figure 4, show this, socket enlarged, with another, shown on block, 41. By analogy with the equi-spaced protrusions, 27, described with reference to Figure 3, a rectangular shaped protrusion formed on the lower flat surface of a of a driver tool similar to driver tool, 28, described with reference to Figure 3, is used to drive each bolt in place. Other designs of socket, formed on the upper surface of each bolt, can be formed, wherein corresponding protrusions which engage with these sockets, are formed on the driving tool.

With reference to Figure 5, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows eight building blocks, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57, of the type already described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in a, side-by-side, and one-above-the-other configuration, but with two other designs of end, building block, 58, and 59, respectively, shown at the extreme left and right ends, respectively, of the configuration shown. These end, blocks, allow staggering of the individual blocks of a particular structural configuration, so that there are no vertical lines along which forces can break up the structure. Blocks, of the type shown as 58, and 59, are referred to in other structures, later. The lower, threaded ends, of the bolts associated with blocks, 54, 55, 56, and 59, are shown extending below the lower surface of each block, ready to engage with the threaded upper part of a bolt in blocks immediately below them, with block, 57, shown with its bolts, 25, where they would be if this block was shown.

With reference to Figure 6, which represents a three-dimensional view, this is similar to Figure 5, but shows the various building blocks again, so that parts hidden by other parts, can be seen. Since the parts shown in Figure 6, have already been described with reference to Figure 5, and other Figures, for brevity, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 7, which represents a three-dimensional view, this is similar to Figures 5, and 6, but shows parts hidden by other parts, and also shows an enlarged view of one bolt, 25, screwed into another bolt, 25, thereby exemplifiing the bolting together, principle, utilised throughout one variant of the building system of the present invention. Since the parts shown in Figure 7, have already been described with reference to Figure 5, and Figure 6, and other Figures, for brevity, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 8, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows six of the wide variety of individual building blocks, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75, which are utilised in the building system of the present invention. As already described with reference to earlier Figures, each block has a number of the protrusions, P, and sockets, S, and countersunk holes, H, which allow the wider, head part, of each fixing bolt, to be accommodated by a building block. Each block also has a threaded hole (not is shown in the diagram) below the hole, H, which allows a fixing bolt to be screwed into the thread in each block.

With reference to Figure 9, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a further selection, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84, from the wide variety of individual building blocks which are utilised in the building system of the present invention. A bolt, 85, similar to the bolt, 25, already described with reference to Figure 3, is also shown.

Block, 83, is shown inverted, as block, 84, so that the threaded hole of smaller diameter (thread not shown) which passes though the base of the block, can be seen.

Reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7, shows the bolts which are similar to bolt, 85, protruding from the bases of blocks, 54, 55, 56, and 59, with two other bolts shown below block, 57.

With reference to Figure 10, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a yet Ilirther selection, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101, from the wide variety of individual building blocks which are utilised in the building system of the present invention. The joist support block, 90, is used for supporting floor joists (not shown in Figure 10, but shown in Figure 11). Other blocks have functions which will be described later, with reference to other Figures. It is pointed out that the window, 100, and the doorway, 101, do not have their bolt holes, shown.

With reference to Figure 11, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a four-walled building, having one doorway, 101, and three windows, 100. A joist support block, 90, is shown supporting a joist, Jl, at one end of the joist, at the top of a side wall of the building, and another joist supporting block, 90, is shown supporting one end of joist, J2, on an opposite wall of the building.

Two other joists, J3, and J4, are shown supported similarly, by other, similar, joist support blocks. Standard building block, 80, is shown connected to joist-support block, 90, whilst corner blocks, 58, and 59, are shown maintaining the staggering of building blocks at the front cOrners of, the building. Foundation blocks, 200, 201, 202, and 203 (203 not shown in Figure 11) of a particular design, are shown providing support for the building at each of its four corners.

With reference to Figure 12, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a foundation block, 300, having protrusions, P, sockets, S. and holes, H, as already described with reference to earlier Figures, wherein each feature functions as already described.

With reference to Figure 13, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a four-room building, constructed using the building blocks of the invention, with some key features identified. Thus, double-joist-support block, 400, supports joists, J5, and J6, whilst two other joist support blocks, 401, and 402, support these joists at their outer ends.

With further reference to Figure 13, left corner blocks, 58, and right corner blocks, 59, respectively (which have already been described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7, and Figure 11) are located at the left and right corners, respectively, of the front wall of the building. The blocks, of type 58, and 59, are located, similarly, at the corners of the rear wall of the building, and there are eight windows, 100, and a doorway, 101, which have already been described with reference to Figure 10.

It is pointed out that interconnecting doors, 101, can be placed in the internal walls of the building, and anywhere else, as also, are windows, 100.

With reference to the left side of Figure 14, this shows a three-dimensional view of a set of steps, 500, having left, 501, and right, 502, supporting blocks, which support horizontally inclined, cross-pieces, 503, with end blocks, 70 (see Figure 8) being located at the end of the upper end of the stack of steps.

s With reference to the right side of Figure 14, this shows a barbecue, 510, constructed from the building blocks of the invention, wherein, there is a food supporting grill, 511, which serves to keep food hot, and a barbecue grill, 512, located above the cavity containing the thel for the barbecue. Heat resisting files, 513, cover the upper surfaces of upper blocks, whilst ventilation holes, VU (not shown in Figure 14) serve to allow air to enter the barbecue.

With reference to Figure 15, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows an enclosure constructed using the building blocks of the invention, wherein each block, 601, interlocks with an adjacent block, 601, for inner parts of the structure, and wherein corner blocks, 602, 603, interlock, both with one-another, and with blocks, 601. The floor of the enclosure is shown as part, F. With reference to Figure 16, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a swimming pool, 700, having a base floor, FR, which has been constructed using the building blocks of the invention, with some of the blocks which have already been described with reference to earlier Figures, shown in position.

With reference to Figure 17, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a building, 800, constructed using the building blocks of the invention, including windows, 100, together with a swimming pool, 700, which has already been described with reference to Figure 16, and a barbecue, 510, which has already been described with reference to Figure 14. The three steps, 701, leading to the swimming pool, are constructed using building blocks, 80, and 75, and the enclosure, 600, which has already been described with reference to Figure 15, is now shown forming the boundary of a roof garden enclosure, constructed on the roof, RF, of the building, 800.

With reference to Figure 18, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows an alternative view of the building, 800, swimming pool, 700, and set of steps, 500, already described with reference to Figure 17, and so, for brevity, other parts are not described again. In addition to the windows, 100, there is a doorway, 101.

With reference to the left side of Figure 19, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a seating arrangement, 900, constructed using some of the building blocks of the invention which have already been described with reference to earlier Figures.

The seating arrangement, 900, has a seat region, 910, capping Tiles, T, and end blocks, 70 (see Figure 8).

With reference to the right side of Figure 19, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a bed, 950, constructed using the building blocks of the invention, wherein blocks, 951, 952, and 953, have curved, decorative features, and wherein bulbous parts, 954, serve similarly. A mattress, or other cover, not shown, is supported by base part, 955. Other blocks are as already described with reference to earlier Figures.

With reference to Figure 20, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a modified bolt system which involves a separate threaded nut, 1000, which is screwed onto a separate stud, 1001, having male threads, at each of its ends, wherein thread, 1001U (not shown in Figure 20, but shown in Figures 21, and 22) is at the upper end, and thread, bOlL, is at the lower end, and wherein the nuts, 1000, which screw onto the upper end of a stud, and the nuts into which the lower end of each stud is screwed, each have two separate, internal, upper and lower threaded sections, 1000U, and I 000L, respectively, with an unthreaded region between them, such that the lower female threaded section, 1 000L, of the nut, screws onto the upper male threaded section, 1001U, of the stud, 1001, and such that the lower threaded section, bOlL, of the bolt, 1001, screws into the upper, female threaded section, 1 000U, of the nut, 1000, wherein the unthreaded region prevents the misalignment of the materials of construction, and prevents damage to the two separate internal threads, 1000U, and 1000L, respectively, when engaging with the external threads, bOlL, and 1001U, respectively, of the stud, 1001.

Each stud, 1001, has a socket, I000S (not shown in Figure 20, but shown in Figures 21 and 22) at each end, which allows it to be rotated by means of a driving tool whose driving end has a rectangular shaped protrusion of approximately the same shape as the rectangular shape of the socket, bOOS, but slightly smaller in size, so that it will fit into the socket, bOOS. The socket, 10005, provides the option of inserting the stud into a block, 20 (Figure 3) and then into the thread of a nut, 1000, or alternatively, of! just screwing the nut, 1000, onto a stud, 1001, first, and then using the holes, 26, and the tool, 30 (Figure 3) to screw the nut, 1000, onto the stud, 1001, whereupon, when the thread of the nut, 1000, reaches the lower end of the thread, lOOlU, at the top of the stud (Figure 22) the nut bites, and the whole nutlstud, combination, rotates under S the action of the tool combination, 28, 29, 30, and 31 (Figure 3) until the lower thread, bOlL, on the stud, 1001, is locked into a nut, 1000, located in the socket, 20A, of a block, 20 (Figure 3). The presence of sockets, I000S, at each end of a stud, 1001, facilitates assembly, since, whilst only the top end of a stud needs the socket, a socket at each end does allow either end of the stud to be grasped when assembling. Double endedness also provides for longer life of the stud.

It can thus be seen, by referring to the centre diagram of Figure 20, that a lower stud, 1001, has been inserted into the lower block, LB after a nut, 1000, has been screwed onto its upper end, and that the lower threaded part, 1 000L, protrudes below the lower t5 surface of the block, LB.

It is pointed out that the unthreaded part of the bolt, 1001, and the external diameter of the thread itself, is of low enough cross-sectional diameter, to allow it to pass freely through the tunnel, which has a smooth surface, and which is of circular cross section, which passes all of the way through the blocks, BU (upper) and BL (lower). The* obviation of the need for a thread all of the way through the tunnel, also reduces the complexity of the building system, wherein the system based upon the use of a thread in this tunnel, is for ensuring rigidity in the built structure, wherein systems without such a thread, are sufficiently stable for use in model construction kits, and architectural design kits.

h the case of the use of the use of a metal for the bolts, studs, and nuts, and in the case of the use of a threaded liner made from metal, in the hole which passes through a block, the metal could suffer some oxidation, or general degrading of its surface during use, so it is recommended that oil, grease, or other lubricant be used to protect the surface and threads of the double-threaded stud.

It is also pointed out that the nut, stud, and block, design of locking system, lends itself readily to incorporation in model-building kits made from plastic (where, of course, grease or lubricant would not be required, and also would not be used, to prevent risk to children or other users) for use by children and adults, and in architectural model kits. In large or small structures, the use of this type of stud, nut, and block, makes the cost of manufacture easier and less costly, and also simplifies the packaging of parts, and their consequent transportation, as well as their assembly and disassembly.

It is further pointed out that the design of the female threads region in the nuts, 1000, is such that the unthreaded region between the upper thread, 1 000U, and the lower thread, 1 000L, is in the form of an internal protrusion, of circular cross-section, which forms a sufficient, non-locking-up, stop, to the screwing on of the nut, 1000, to the top thread of the double threaded stud, 1001, and to the screwing of the lower threaded part of the stud, 1001, into the upper thread, 1 000U, of the nut, 1000.

With reference to Figure 21, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows various orientations of the nut and stud system already described with reference to Figure 20. Since the parts in this diagram have already been described with reference to Figure 20, for brevity, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 22, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows views of the stud, 1001, and the nut, 1000, before assembly, in various orientations.

Since the parts in this diagram have already been described with reference to Figure 20, for brevity, they are not described again.

It is pointed out that the principles of the building system of the present invention can be applied to the construction of driveways, pathways, and the like, and to the construction of towpaths and banks, on canals, and rivers. It is further pointed out that where any structure based upon the principles of the present, is in a vulnerable location, the design of the uppermost bolts or stud nuts can be such as to make removal difficult or impossible, for instance by providing means for fixing such uppermost bolts or stud nuts using especially designed driving tools, which can only be obtained via an authorised route.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A building system, comprising a range of basic building blocks, which can be assembled to form a variety of different structures which are easily disassembleable, wherein the said blocks incorporate means for securely, and removably, attaching the blocks to one another, and wherein the means of attachment utilises a design of locking bolt, 13 (Figure 2) which has matching, internal, IT (Figure 2) and external, ET (Figure 2) threads, wherein one set of threads, IT, is formed on the inside face of a countersunk region at the top of the bolt, referred to as the head part, and wherein the other set of threads, ET, is formed on the outside face of lower, shank part of the bolt, which is of smaller cross-sectional diameter than that of the head part, so that, by means of the bolts, a number of similar, basic building blocks, 10, 11, and 12 (Figure 2) are removably fixable together, wherein the said head part of a bolt, which contains the internally threaded countersunk region, engages with the thread formed on the outer surface of the shank part, of another, similar bolt, thereby holding the blocks together, wherein the thread of the shank part of a bolt also engages with an internal female thread formed all of the way through each hole in a block.
2. A building system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a said block, 20 (Figure 3) is removably interlockable with another block, by means of protrusions, 21, and 22 (Figure 3) which interlock with sockets, similar to sockets, 23, and 24, (Figure 3) on that other block, wherein holes, 20A, 20B (Figure 3) having a countersunk upper part, to accommodate the head parts of bolts such as bolt, 25 (Figure 3) allow the bolt, 25, to be screwed into the thread formed in a hole below the lower extremities of the said countersunk upper part, which is formed all of the way through block, 20, whilst it is also eventually screwed into the internally threaded head part of a lower bolt which has already been screwed into a lower block (refer to blocks 50, and 58; Figures 5, 6, and 7) wherein the method of construction does not involve the use of cement, mortar, or other fixing substance, and does not necessitate the use of water, or any other substrate, and wherein, in comparison with the labour involved for the construction and deconstruction of conventionally constructed buildings, the said method of: construction requires a minimum of labour for construction and deconstruction, which reduces costs, and wherein the system thus offers advantages over conventional building methods which utilise cement and water, and which cannot be deconstructed without having to break permanent joints, which cannot then be remade without considerable effort in redressing bricks, and wherein the s system is particularly useflul where water is in short supply, or otherwise not available, for example in regions of the world where there is little or no rainfall, and generally, during conditions of drought.
3. A building system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein, with reference to Figure 2, a basic building block, 10, rests symmetrically on two blocks, 11, and 12, with threaded bolt, 13 (threads not shown in thIs diagram, but shown in other diagrams) ready to be inserted into the internally threaded lower section of a hole below countersunk hole, I 1A, (threads not shown in the diagram, but shown in other diagrams) formed in block, 11, and with threaded bolt, 14, ready to be inserted into the countersunk hole, 1 lB. in block, 11, but before block, 10, has been placed in position, wherein bevelled countersunk region, BC, serves to protect the thread (not shown) formed in the wall of the hole formed in the bolt, 13, wherein the bolt, 13, has an internal threaded hole, having thread, IT (not shown in the diagram, but shown, by example, in Figure 3) into which a similar bolt, having an external thread, ET (not shown in the diagram, but shown in Figure 3, and later diagrams) which matches this internal thread, can be screwed, wherein the bevelled countersunk regions, BC, and the hole having the internal thread, IT, are formed in all of the other bolts that are of this type, wherein it is pointed out that bolts, 14, and 15, respectively, are actually inserted into holes, 1 1B, and 12k respectively, before block, 10, is placed on blocks 11, and 12 (Figure 2).
4. A building system as claimed in Claim 3, wherein, with respect to Figure 2, the countersunk regions of holes, 1 lA, 1 1B, 12A, and 12B, respectively, are of a depth such that the upper, wider sections of each of the bolts, 13, 14, 15, and 16, respectively, which fit into the said countersunk holes, do so, so that the top face of each bolt is flush with the upper face of each of the said building blocks, 11, and 12, wherein, the same situation applies for two other bolts (not shown) which are to be inserted into holes bA, and lOB, whose upper surfaces will then be flush with the upper surface of block, 10.
5. A building system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein, with reference to Figure 2, each of the bolts, 13, and 14, protrudes through the base of the block, 11, and can thus be screwed into the threaded hole in the upper, cylindrically shaped part of a similar bolt (not shown in the diagram) held in a block which is similar to block, 11 (not shown in the diagram) which is below block, 11, and upon which block, 11, rests, thereby allowing a vertically extended wall to be formed (see the bolts and blocks in Figure 5) with blocks, 11, and 12, resting on such lower blocks, wherein the lowest blocks in a wall will be of a different design because they will need to cater for the construction of so-called, footings, wherein such blocks, are called foundation blocks (Figure 12).
6. A building system as claimed in Claim 5, wherein, with reference to Figure 2, bolt, 15, is shown ready to be inserted into the hole, 12A, formed in block, 12, whilst bolt, 16, is shown in place, in hole, 12B, of block, 12, wherein the upper part of each bolt, has a rectangular shaped depression, RD, formed in it, so that the socket of a socket-wrench tool, having a similarly shaped rectangular protrusion formed on it, can be used to screw the bolt into the associated threaded hole formed in the upper part of a lower bolt, wherein the action of the said tool, is similar to that of the tool, 28, described with reference to Figure 3.
7. A building system as claimed in Claim 6, wherein, with reference to Figure 8, six of the wide variety of individual building blocks, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75, which are utilised in the building system of the present invention, each have a number of protrusions, P, and sockets, S, for interlocking purposes, and countersunk holes, H, which allow the wider, head part, of each fixing bolt, to be accormnodated by a building block, wherein, each block also has a threaded hole (not shown in the diagram) below the hole, H, which allows a fixing bolt to be screwed into each block.
8. A building system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein, with reference to Figure 9, a further selection of blocks, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84, taken from the wide variety of! individual building blocks which are utilised in the building system of the present invention, are such that a bolt, 85, similar to the bolt, 25, having a head part, and already described with reference to Figure 3, is also shown, wherein block, 83, is shown inverted, as block, 84, so that the threaded hole of smaller diameter (thread not shown) which passes through the block, can be seen, wherein, reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7, shows the bolts, 25, which are similar to bolt, 85, protruding from the bases of blocks, 54, 55, 56, and 59, with two other bolts, 25, shown below block, 57.
9. A building system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein, with reference to Figure 10, a io yet further selection, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101, from the wide variety of individual building blocks which are utilised in the building system of the present invention, is such that a joist support block, 90, is used for supporting floor joists for an upper floor (not shown in Figure 10, but shown in Figure 11) wherein the window, 100, and the doorway, 101, do not have their is bolt holes, shown.
10. A building system as claimed in Claim 9, wherein, with reference to Figure 11, a four-walled building, having one doorway, 101, and three windows, 100, has a joist support block, 90, which is shown supporting a joist, .11, at one end of the joist, at the top of a side wall of the building, and another joist supporting block, 90, is shown supporting one end of joist, J2, on an opposite wall of the building, wherein two other joists, J3, and J4, are shown supported similarly, by other, similar, joist support blocks, wherein, standard building block, 80, is shown connected to joist-support block, 90, whilst corner blocks, 58, and 59, are shown maintaining the staggering of building blocks at the corners of, and all around, the building, wherein, foundation blocks, 200, 201, 202, and 203 (203 not shown in Figure 11) are shown providing support for the building at each of its four corners.
11. A building system as claimed in Claini 10, wherein, with reference to Figure 12, a foundation block, 300, has protrusions, P. sockets, S. and holes, H, as already described with reference to earlier Figures, wherein each feature functions as already described.
12. A building system as claimed in Claim Ii, wherein, with reference to Figure 13, a four-room building, constructed using the building blocks of the invention, has some key features identified, wherein, a double-joist-support block, 400, supports joists, J5, and J6, whilst two other joist support blocks, 401, and 402, support these joists at their outer ends.
13. A building system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein, at the smaller end of the range of buildings which can be produced using the principles of the invention, the building system can be used for the building of models, for example, i) those used for architectural design purposes, wherein structures can be built without the need for adhesive, and wherein the ability to disassemble a structure easily and quickly, enables the same basic units to be used over and over, wherein there will be a range of architectural finishing features such as end caps, tiles, fascias and fixings, which can be made available for a wide range of structures, and ii) those used in construction sets, for example in childrens' model building construction sets, wherein plastics are used as one type of material for construction,
14. A building system as claimed in Claim 13, wherein building structures in the medium sized range, are, i) childrens' Play Houses, and generally, buildings to be used in childrens' play areas, ii) those involving storage, for example, garden sheds, and iii) those involving small ponds or water features, sand pits, dog kennels, and the like, wherein other structures include those intended for use as i) steps, ii) segregational walls for animals or livestock, iii) other outbuildings such as barns, sheds, decking areas, raised patios and stables, and iv) as large storage units.
15. A building system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein, as an alternative to the said locking bolt, 13 (Figure 2) which is formed so that the head part, with its internal thread, IT, is integral with the shank part, having its external thread, IT, the shank part, is, instead, replaced by a stud, 1001 (Figure 22) having threads, lOOlU, and bOlL, at its upper and lower ends, respectively, wherein the head part, is replaced by a nut, 1000, having upper and lower internal threads, 1000U, and l000L, respectively, into which the thread, bOlL, formed on the lower end of the stud, 1001, is screwed, and wherein the lower internal thread, I000L, of the nut, 1000, screws onto the thread, IOOIU, formed on the upper end of stud, 1001, wherein there is an unthreaded region between threads, 1000U and 1000L, such that the lower female threaded section, 1000L, of the s nut, screws onto the upper male threaded section, 1001U, of the stud, 1001, and such that the lower threaded section, bolL, of the bolt, 1001, screws into the upper, female threaded section, 1000U, of the nut, 1000, wherein the unthreaded region prevents the misalignment of the materials of construction, and prevents damage to the two separate internal threads, I000U, and 1000L, respectively, by the external threads, bOlL, and IOO1U, respectively, of the stud, 1001.
16. A building system as claimed in Claim 15, wherein each stud, 1001, has a socket, 10008 (not shown in Figure 20, but shown in Figure 21) at each end, which allows it to be rotated by means of a driving tool whose driving end has a rectangular shaped protrusion of approximately the same shape as the rectangular shape of the socket, 10008, but slightly smaller in size, so that it will fit into the socket, 1000S, so that the socket, 10008, allows the option of inserting the stud into a block, 20 (Figure 3) and then into the thread of a nut, 1000, or of just screwing the nut, 1000, onto a stud, 1001, first, and then using the holes, 26, and the tool, (comprising parts, 28, 29, 30, and 31, Figure 3) to screw the nut, 1000, onto the stud, 1001, whereupon, when the thread of the nut, 1000, reaches the lower end of the thread, bOOlU, at the top of the stud (Figure 22) the nut bites, and the whole nut/stud, combination, rotates under the action of the tool combination, 28, 29, 30, and 31 (Figure 3) until the lower thread, 1001L, on the stud, 1001, is locked into a nut, 1000; for example, nut, 25, located in the socket, 20A, of a block, 20 (Figure 3) wherein the presence of sockets, bOOS, at each end of a stud, 1001, facilitates assembly, since whilst only the top end of a stud needs the socket, a socket at each end does allow either end of the stud to be grasped when assembling, and wherein double endedness also provides for longer life of the stud, wherein, by refethng to the centre diagram of Figure 20, it can be seen that a lower stud, 1001, has been inserted into the lower block, LB after a nut, 1000, has been screwed onto its upper end, and that the lower threaded part, 1000L, protrudes below the lower surthee of the block, LB.
17, A building system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the unthreaded part of the bolt, 1001, and the external diameter of the thread itself, is of low enough cross-sectional diameter, to allow it to pass freely through the unthreaded hole which is of circular cross section, and which passes all of the way through the blocks, BU (upper) and BL (lower) wherein, in the case of the use of a metal which could suffer some oxidation, or general degrading of its surface during use, it is recommended that oil, grease, or other lubricant be used to protect the surface and threads of the double-threaded stud, wherein this design of stud, nut, and block, lends itself readily to incorporation in model building kits made from plastic, where, of course, grease or lubricant would not be required, and would not be used, to prevent risk to children or other users, and in architectural model kits, wherein in large or small structures, the use of this type of stud, nut, and block makes the cost of manufacture easier and less costly, and also simplifies the packaging of parts, and their consequent transportation, as well as theft assembly and disassembly.18-A building system as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the design of the female threads region, in the nuts, 1000, is such that the unthreaded region between the upper thread, l000U, and the lower thread, 1000L, is in the form of an internal protrusion, of circular cross-section, which forms a sufficient, non-locking-up, stop, to the screwing on of the nut, 1000, to the top thread, 1001U, of the stud, 1001, and to the screwing of the lower thread, bOIL, into the upper thread, 1000U, of the nut, 1000.19. A building system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein applications include, i) flood prevention; via the use of impervious materials such as non-porous plastics or other materials, wherein the base blocks of the structure are such that they can be filled with water, or other fluids or liquids, or with other materials, such as sand, in order to hold the built structure down, ii) limitation of the effects of Earthquakes; via the use of flexible and durable materials, iii) fire prevention and limitation; via the use of non-flammable materials, and fire retardant materials, and iv) temporary housing; via the versatility of the building system, which can utilise light-weight materials, which are strong, able to provide insulation, and are easily assembled and disassembled.20. Methods and apparatus, arranged and constructed to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 22, of the accompanying drawings.