GB2556642A

GB2556642A - Construction system

Info

Publication number: GB2556642A
Application number: GB1702469.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Yves Loufrani Nicolas
Original assignee: Smiley Co Sprl
Current assignee: Smiley Co Sprl
Priority date: 2017-02-15
Filing date: 2017-02-15
Publication date: 2018-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-15
Also published as: EP3363515B1; EP3363515A1; GB201702469D0; GB2556642B

Abstract

A construction system comprises a plurality of identical frames 10. Each frame 10 has a plurality of sides 20 each comprising integral frame connecting means 30 for interconnecting a plurality of frames 10, to form a unit cell (12, figure 7). Each frame 10 further comprises integral cell connecting means 40 for interconnecting adjacent frames 10 of two adjacent unit cells (12). Both the connection means 30 and 40 may connect using an interference fit with each other. The construction system may be used to construct a wide range of structure for a variety of purpose, for example, to construct toys or furniture.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Construction system Abstract Title: Modular Construction System (57) A construction system comprises a plurality of identical frames 10. Each frame 10 has a plurality of sides 20 each comprising integral frame connecting means 30 for interconnecting a plurality of frames 10, to form a unit cell (12, figure 7). Each frame 10 further comprises integral cell connecting means 40 for interconnecting adjacent frames 10 of two adjacent unit cells (12). Both the connection means 30 and 40 may connect using an interference fit with each other. The construction system may be used to construct a wide range of structure for a variety of purpose, for example, to construct toys or furniture.

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Figure 6

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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- 1 CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a construction system.

Background

It is widely known to use simple construction systems to enable the construction of a wide range of structures for a variety of purposes. For example, simple construction systems are frequently used as toys. As a further example, simple construction systems may be used to provide a flexible system for adaptable furniture.

GB-A-1566598 discloses a construction system comprising building units comprising a four-sided frame surrounding a frame opening. The building units may be interconnected to form a three-dimensional cube. Two cubes may be connected to each other by means of fasteners. Covers are provided for closing the frame opening of the building unit.

Summary

According to the invention, there is provided a construction system comprising: a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of sides, each side comprising integral frame connecting means for interconnecting a plurality of frames to form a unit cell; each frame further comprising integral cell connecting means for interconnecting adjacent frames of two adjacent unit cells.

Preferably, the frame connecting means comprises one or more plates configured such that the plates of adjacent frames achieve an interference fit with each other.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a first connecting means comprising two plates and a second connecting means comprising three plates.

- 2 Preferably, one or more pairs of corresponding mating surfaces of the plates of the first and second frame connecting means may comprise a complementary protrusion and groove.

Preferably, the cell connecting means comprises a corner piece in at least two diametrically opposing corners of each frame, the corner pieces configured to extend out of a unit cell and to provide an interference fit between two adjacent unit cells.

Preferably, further comprising one or more panels comprising panel connecting means configured for attaching the panel to a frame.

Preferably, the panel connecting means is configured for engaging with the cell connecting means of a frame to provide an interference fit.

Preferably, the one or more panels further comprises a further panel connecting means configured for engaging a frame at a location other than the cell connecting means.

Preferably, the one of more panels further comprises a lip at a periphery of the one or more panels to facilitate removing a panel from a frame.

Preferably, the construction system is a toy construction system.

Preferably, an external length of the sides of the frame may be less than 300mm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a construction system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a frame for use with the construction system of Figure 1;

-3Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the frame of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a panel for use with the construction system of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the panel of Figure 4;

Figures 6 to 8 show construction steps for the construction system of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates a construction system according to the present invention. The construction system comprises two types of building element: frames 10 and panels 11. Frames 10 may be interconnected to form unit cells 12, which may in turn be interconnected in any number of possible ways to form a structure 13. Panels 11 may be applied to any outwardly facing frames 10 of the unit cells 12 on the structure 13.

Each frame 10 (illustrated in further detail in Figures 2 and 3) may be in the form of a square having four sides 20 defining an aperture 21. The frame 10 may comprise a rightangled section having a first flat 22 in the plane of the frame 10 and a second flat 23, perpendicular to the first flat 22, extending in a first direction from an inner edge of the first flat 22. An outer edge of the first and second flats 22,23 may be bevelled such that the bevels are coplanar at an angle of substantially 45°.

Each side 20 of the frame 10 may be provided with one or more integral frame connecting means 30 for interconnecting the frames 10 to form a unit cell 12. The frame connecting means 30 may comprise one or more plates 31 extending between the first flat 22 and the second flat 23, and standing perpendicular to both the first flat 22 and the second flat 23. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, each side 20 of the frame 10 is provided with a first frame connecting means 32, comprising two plates 31, and a second frame connecting means 33, comprising three plates 31. The distance between the plates 31 of the first frame connecting means 32 may be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than a width of the plates 31 of the second frame connecting means 33. The distance between the plates 31 of the second frame connecting means 33 may be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than a width of the plates 31 of the first frame connecting means

-432. Thus the plates of the first and second frame connecting means 32,33 may slot between each other with an interference fit (also known as a friction fit).

Although not essential, in alternative embodiments (not shown), a different number of frame connecting means 30 may be provided on each side 20 of the frame 10. Additionally or alternatively, the frame connecting means 30 may comprise a different number of plates 31. In one embodiment, the first frame connecting means 32 may comprise n plates 31, where n is greater than equal to one, and the second frame connecting means 33 may comprise n+1 plates 31. In an alternative embodiment, each side 20 of the frame 10 may be provided with one or more identical frame connecting means 30, again positioned such that any two sides 20 of two frames 10 may be connected to each other.

In all embodiments, the frame connecting means 30 are positioned on each side 20 of the frame 10 such that any one side 20 of one frame 10 may be connected to any one side 20 of another frame 10, e.g. via complementary connecting means 30 on abutting frames 10. In particular, two sides 20 may be connected such that they extend in parallel over the same longitudinal length and fully overlap. To achieve this, each side 20 of the frame 10 may be identical to each other and collectively may have rotational symmetry about a centre-point of the frame 10. Additionally, the positioning of the plates 31 of the connecting means 30 on each side 20 may be asymmetric about a transverse central axis of the side 20.

One or more pairs of corresponding mating surfaces of the plates 31 of the first and second frame connecting means 32,33 may comprise a complementary protrusion 34 and groove 35, to improve the connection between the first and second frame connecting means 32,33. In the embodiment of the frame 10 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the external surface of each of the two plates 31 of the first frame connecting means 32 are provided with a protrusion 34, and the internal surface of each of the outer two plates 31 of the female frame connecting means 32 are provided with a complementary groove 35.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an integrally formed cell connecting means 40 may be provided in each of two diametrically opposing internal corners of the frame 10. The cell connecting means 40 may function to interconnect two adjacent unit cells 12, or to attach a panel 11 to the outside of a frame 10. Each cell connecting means 40 may comprise a

-5corner-piece having an L-shaped cross-section having two arms. The corner-piece may abut the second flat 23 of two adjacent sides 20 of the frame 10, and may extend out of the frame 10 in a second direction that opposes the first direction. Each arm of the cell connecting means 40 may not overlap a transverse central axis of the corresponding side 20 of the frame 10.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cell connecting means 40 may comprise a flat-piece abutting the second flat 23 of each of the four sides 20 of the frame 10, extending out of the frame 10 in a second direction that opposes the first direction. In this embodiment, the positioning of the cell connecting means 40 on each side 20 may be asymmetric about a transverse central axis of the side 20 and may not overlap the transverse central axis.

Each panel 11 (illustrated in further detail in Figures 4 and 5) may comprise a planar element 50 for covering the aperture 21. The planar element 50 may have substantially the same shape as the aperture 21. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the planar element 50 is substantially square shaped. The dimensions of the planar element 50 may be substantially equal to or greater than the dimensions of the aperture 21, but less than the external dimensions of the frame 10.

A first panel connecting means 51, comprising an L-shaped section extending out of a first face of the planar element 50, may be provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners of the planar element 50. The two first panel connecting means 51 may be diametrically spaced from each other to provide an interference fit with the two opposing internal corners of a frame 10 that do not contain the cell connecting means 40. A second panel connecting means 52 may be provided at each of the remaining two diametrically opposing corners of the planar element 50. Each second panel connecting means 52 may comprise a panel protrusion 53 which may be shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to provide an interference fit between the diametrically opposed cell connecting means 40 of a frame 10. If the dimensions of the planar element 50 are greater than the dimensions of the aperture 21, a lip 54 may be between the first panel connecting means 51 and a periphery of the panel 11, for facilitating removal of the panel 11 from a frame 10.

The planar element 50 may have a thickness greater than a depth by which the cell connecting means 40 extends out of the frame 10. The planar element 50 may comprise a

-6recess 55 between the second panel connecting means 52 and a periphery of the panel 11, for receiving a cell connecting means 40 of the frame 10. The depth of the recess 55 may be substantially equal to the depth by which the cell connecting means 40 extends out of the frame 10, such that there is substantially no visible gap between a panel 11 and a frame 10 when they are connected to each other.

Panels 11 may be available in a variety of colours and/or patterns. The panels 11 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The panels 11 may have a reflective external surface.

The frame 10 and the panel 11 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a plastic. A non-limiting example of a suitable plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Figures 6 to 8 illustrate how a structure 13 may be formed from the construction system. In use, a plurality of frames 10 may be interconnected via the frame connecting means 30 to form a unit cell 12. Unit cells 12 may then be connected to each other via the cell connecting means 40, such that the cell connecting means 40 provided in each of two diametrically opposing internal corners of a frame 10 of one unit cell 12 provide an interference fit with the two diametrically opposing internal corners not having cell connecting means 40 on an adjacent frame 10 of an adjacent unit cell 12 (and vice versa). Any number of unit cells 12 may be connected in this manner to form a wide variety of structures 13. Finally, panels 11 of varying colours and designs may be connected to the outwardly facing frames 10 of the unit cells 12 to provide a skin to the structure 13. The panels 11 connect to the frames 10 via the engagement of the cell connecting means 40 with the second panel connecting means 52, as well as the engagement of the first panel connecting means 51 with the two opposing internal corners of a frame 10 that do not contain the cell connecting means 40.

The construction system may have a number of uses, with the intended use of the construction system determining the dimensions of the frames 10 and panels 11. For example, the construction system may be a toy construction system. Alternatively, the construction system may be used to construct room furniture, such as a desk, table, or room divider. The use of translucent panels 11 may enable the construction system to be used to create light features.

-7In the case of a toy construction system, an external length of the sides 20 of the frame 10 (i.e. a length of a side of the unit cell 12) may be less than 300mm, more preferably less than 15mm, more preferably less than 100mm. For example, the length of the side 20 may be selected from a range of from 55mm to 65mm, more preferably 58mm.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the construction system comprises substantially square-shaped frames 10 and panels 11, frames 10 and panels 11 having the form of other regular polygons are also envisaged.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A construction system comprising:

a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of sides, each side comprising integral frame connecting means for interconnecting a plurality of frames to form a unit cell;

each frame further comprising integral cell connecting means for interconnecting adjacent frames of two adjacent unit cells.
2. A construction system according to claim 1, wherein the frame connecting means comprises one or more plates configured such that the plates of adjacent frames achieve an interference fit with each other.
3. A construction system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting means comprises a first connecting means comprising two plates and a second connecting means comprising three plates.
4. A construction system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein one or more pairs of corresponding mating surfaces of the plates of the first and second frame connecting means may comprise a complementary protrusion and groove.
5. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cell connecting means comprises a corner piece in at least two diametrically opposing corners of each frame, the corner pieces configured to extend out of a unit cell and to provide an interference fit between two adjacent unit cells.
6. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more panels comprising panel connecting means configured for attaching the panel to a frame.
7. A construction system according to claim 6, wherein the panel connecting means is configured for engaging with the cell connecting means of a frame to provide an interference fit.

-98. A construction system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more panels further comprises a further panel connecting means configured for engaging a frame at a location other than the cell connecting means.

5 9. A construction system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one of more panels further comprises a lip at a periphery of the one or more panels to facilitate removing a panel from a frame.

10. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

10 construction system is a toy construction system.

11. A construction system according to claim 10, wherein an external length of the sides of the frame may be less than 300mm.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

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CLAIMS:

1. A construction system comprising:

a plurality of identical frames, each frame having a plurality of sides, each side

5 comprising integral frame connecting means for interconnecting a plurality of frames to form a unit cell;

each frame further comprising integral cell connecting means for interconnecting adjacent frames of two adjacent unit cells.

10 2. A construction system according to claim 1, wherein the frame connecting means comprises one or more plates configured such that the plates of adjacent frames achieve an interference fit with each other.

3. A construction system according to claim 2, wherein the frame connecting means

15 comprises a first frame connecting means comprising two plates and a second frame connecting means comprising three plates.

4. A construction system according to claim 3, wherein one or more pairs of corresponding mating surfaces of the plates of the first and second frame connecting

20 means may comprise a complementary protrusion and groove.

5. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cell connecting means comprises a corner piece in at least two diametrically opposing corners of each frame, the corner pieces configured to extend out of a unit cell and to

25 provide an interference fit between two adjacent unit cells.

6. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more panels comprising panel connecting means configured for attaching the panel to a frame.

7. A construction system according to claim 6, wherein the panel connecting means is configured for engaging with the cell connecting means of a frame to provide an interference fit.
8. A construction system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more panels further comprises a further panel connecting means configured for engaging a frame at a location other than the cell connecting means.

5
9. A construction system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one of more panels further comprises a lip at a periphery of the one or more panels to facilitate removing a panel from a frame.
10. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

10 construction system is a toy construction system.
11. A construction system according to claim 10, wherein an external length of the sides of the frame may be less than 300mm.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1702469.6