SG179296A1 - Improvements to a construction system - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to improvements to the construction system described by my earlier application PCT/SG2010/000092. The tightest orientation of slabs and beams as achieved earlier is 75 degrees and now surpassed by the introduction of further elements that can achieve angles of 20 degrees and even lower if required. Elements exploded into logical segments of corner beams and walls have made the system more flexible. Pivotal character of slabs and beams has been extended to flat surfaced sides of the said primary elements by the use of an axial switch coupling. Beams can be extended to suit the requirement of the user at orientations not achieved previously and endowed with wall structures while retaining a substantially gapless result in jointing.FIGURE 9B

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to a toy modeling system that is to be seen with reference to my earlier application, PCT/SG2010/000092. The present application serves to specify further elements, and their individual characteristics, that are meant to work in conjunction with the primary elements disclosed earlier. This can also be seen as a continuation to my earlier application. The objective of this application is to expand the possibilities of connecting options by combining the elements as disclosed earlier and the elements introduced hereafter, thus enhancing the operation of the said

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND ART

For the purpose of description, my earlier application would be referred to as prior art.

Firstly the primary elements stated in the earlier application will be mentioned briefly for reference purposes. Dimensions that are to be employed by slabs and beams will be described. Further to this, some variations that can be employed by primary elements with relation to earlier disclosure will be described. The unit of measurement used will be millimeters (mm).

Dimensions are mentioned in certain aspects of the preferred embodiments to facilitate the presentation of this application. Dimensions stated do not limit the said aspect referred to, by the said numerals.

The thickness of a slab or beam in the prior art is to be taken as 16mm. The outer diameter of a connector eye or in other words the cylindrical side of a slab or the circular portion of a beam is also to be 16mm. Thus the concave side of a slab defined by 8mm radius and the said diameter and radius applying to beams, which are derivatives of slabs. Slabs were defined in a plurality of widths and further to that, it is now presented in multiples of 4mm, and the same would apply lengthwise for slabs and lengthwise for beams. Beams employ a constant width of 16mm, which would translate to 8mm at each end lengthwise.

The 8mm width of connector eyes for beams would justify double the said distance, 16mm length to be employed by connecting studs when the extreme ends of their grooves are taken as a reference. This would mean a connecting stud without non- grooved extensions would be completely flushed within the domain of adjoining beams’ connector eyes, leaving no protruding section. The slabs’ connector eyes will exhibit grooves that reach 8mm along the width that is inclusive of an ideal countersunk allowance, and the said connector eye meant to accommodate half of the length of any connecting stud, disregarding the non-grooved extensions that individual studs can exhibit. The minimum width of a slab is to be 8mm, whereby the total width of the cylindrical side will be utilized by a countersunk allowance at each entry and rotation arresting grooves in between. Slabs that exceed 16mm width will have a smooth non- grooved passageway defined by a radius that is equal to the radius of a connecting stud that — disregarding the stopper of the said stud - has its rotation arresting grooves subtracted.

An example of a stud with its rotation arresting grooves subtracted is depicted in Fig. 2D. Such non-grooved studs with null orientation structure can be used in the construction system described in 3 variants that are (1) 24mm length with an extension on one side for alignment with a third element as in Fig. 2D, (2) 32mm length with extensions to both sides for alignment with an additional fourth element and (3) 16mm for a typical alignment of 2 elements. The null connectors would apply at situations when a first element has already been fixed at a required angle and the intended adjoining element that requires a connection is to follow the orientation of the first element.

Variations that are clearly visible from Fig. 2A and 2B are the connector eyes, the passageways and patterned depressions exhibited by the flat sides of slabs and beams.

The intended inner radius of connector eyes, the radius employed by and the depth of the countersunk allowance or the intended number of grooves and their teeth dimensions are subjects of neither the earlier nor the present application.

Thus, a visibly different connector eye is exhibited in Fig. 2A and thereafter, which is only to be taken as ideally preferred from the applicant’s point of view. Passageway 98 indicates a bore made to reduce material usage from a manufacturer's point of view. As for passageways indicated by 90, 91, 92 and 93, they are variations from the slab or beam depicted by the prior art and will be a subject of this application as the shape is purpose designed to accommodate the penetrating portion of Element (B) as described in the forthcoming text.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following text would describe from a functional point of view, the different elements and the means of connecting these elements to physically construct wall configurations and other structural features that are not achievable by the previous application by itself, that is firstly, by the introduction of corner elements that are able to connect at acute angles tighter than 75 degrees, and thereafter all the way down to 20 degrees an below.

The prior art as pictured in Fig. 1A, is limited to achieving just 15 degrees lesser than a perpendicular connection at the maximum or its tightest orientation, when 2 adjoining elements are taken as subjects, brought about by the first element utilizing the cleft of the second element. It is important to note at this point, that the characteristic cleft is not a feature of the elements introduced hereafter as corner beams, which will be described in the following section. Further to these corner beams other elements would be introduced, that may again feature the characteristic cleft. The new elements introduced by this application are (A) corner beam hereafter referred as Element (A), (B) corner wall hereafter referred as Element (B), (C) axial switch coupling and (D) extendible corner beam coupling.

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT INVENTION

Dimensions are mentioned in certain aspects of the preferred embodiments to facilitate the presentation of this application. Dimensions stated do not limit the said aspect referred to, by the said numerals.

Firstly (A) will serve as interconnecting beams, similar to that stated in the prior art, thus connector eye being a feature at each end lengthwise. Element (A) is to be understood in a plurality of lengths and said lengths to be in multiples of 4mm but width to be a constant of 16mm. The thickness of beams and slabs as taught by the prior art is to be equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the slab which is 16mm, which is also the outer diameter of any beam’s connector eye. This application emphasizes that the thickness of (A) is to be only half of the diameter when the circular portion of the beam is taken as a reference, thus 8mm. Thickness of a corner beam is the distance 46 to 47 and diameter of the circular portion of the said beam is the distance 48 to 49 as indicated in Fig. 3C.

The side view of a corner beam would be of the shape as depicted by Fig. 3C and a front view of the same element will be, as shown in Fig. 3B. A twin configuration as seen in Fig. 4A and 4B would show how this element is to function. An open (Fig. 4B) and a closed (Fig.4A) positioning of a first and second similar length corner beams are exhibited. Element (A) permits a positioning as in Fig. 4A as it employs such a thickness as prescribed in Page 3 Line 31-33, thus a result not achievable by the prior art. The portion of the beam, which determine its length, hereafter referred as second portion of corner beam, can have passageways as indicated by 93. These passageways have purposes, which is firstly to accommodate the penetrating second portion of corner wall and the other is material management as in Fig. 4F marked 99.

As for relatively longer corner beams more than one passageway is a possibility as in

Fig. 4F when compared to Fig. 4E.

Element (B) corner wall is responsible for endowing surface area to outlines created by the corner beams. Corner walls serve to complete the function of corner beams such that, it can be seen as the former being the second member of a coupling element. But such a terminology will not be used for the purpose of clarity.

Element (A) and Element (B) can be understood as individual functional parts when a slab is exploded into logical segments. The main purpose of the corner wall is to represent surface area in situations that would deter the use of a slab as compared to the prior art.

Element (B) can be defined as having a first and a second portion. As seen in Fig. 10D, it has a first portion that is defined as the surface area 61 and from a side view as in

Fig. 10A, 10B and 10C it employs a constant thickness of 8mm that is the distance 62 to 63, that is equal to the thickness of corner beams but taken to be presented in a plurality of lengths and widths. Corner walls are generally trapezoidal in shape that is from a side view as in Fig. 10A to 10C. This is due to the length of the beam ending with a connector eye at each end. The plurality of lengths and widths will further define the plurality of surface area that it can take up. The second portion of corner wall refers to one or more protrusion/s from the first portion that serve as the penetrating part that can effect a connection with an adjoining element shown as 95. The said second portion can be defined as a linear extrusion of at least one closed curve originating from either or both of the two flat surfaces of the corner wall, and the resulting protrusion/s exhibit a thickness that is to be lesser than the corner beam’s thickness. The thickness of the second portion can be ideally 5mm. Multiple variants of corner walls are depicted 5 in Fig. 10F and 10G.

To spell out the variations of the second portion of corner walls is the objective of the following paragraph. The penetrating second portion of the corner walls is to be understood as protrusion/s of a trapezoidal shape but incorporating curves and to be features of either or both sides of a corner wall and to feature in a singular or plural fashion on the same plane in a linear arrangement. For presentation purposes all corner walls depicted in this application have second portions on a single side only.

Any passageway meant for material management in a corner wall is the space that is derived from the linear projection of an outline which takes the flat surface of the said corner wall as its origin after at least a clear 1.5mm has been given all round for material strength. All round should be taken to mean as from the side view of the corner wall in concern. Thus, the thickness of the second portion of any corner wall can be ideally 5mm, but the number of protrusions still dependent on the particular dimension of the selected corner wall. Length of corner beams determine the length of corner walls required, thus the length of corner walls would be defined in multiples of 4mm also. Although a simple plug in mechanism, the corner wall has been described and depicted to this extent to exemplify the methods of building gapless wall structures within this system when trapezoidal sections of varying lengths are presented as situations.

The third Element (C) is axial switch coupling. Up to this point, the prior art solution to connection of slabs and beams have been effected by a convex edge to contact a concave edge and pivoting one in relation to the other to achieve the desired result.

The axial switch coupling, as termed by its function, refers to a 2 member element designed to work in conjunction that serves to bring about a connection that is able to switch the axis of the pivot of an adjoining element by endowing a flat portion with the character to deliver an option for pivotal connection and in the alternative a curved portion to deliver a flat surface of a beam or slab for further connecting options.

The side view of a first member of Element (C) is shown in Fig. 5C and D, and it is to be noted of the presence of the characteristic cleft as described by the prior art. The 2 extensions marked 51 and 52 are resilient structures that are designed to function like a clip that allows the first member as in Fig. 5A and 5B to snap into positions as exhibited in Fig. 6A and 6B respectively to a second member. The first member can be defined to have a first portion that serves as a connector eye with an adjacent cleft and a second portion as defined to be the resilient structure. The width of any Element (C)’s first member need be only 8mm or 16mm. The resilient second portion should be taken as 8mm or 16mm in length, which are the respective distances that represent the minimum width of a slab or the minimum width of a beam. The minimum width of a slab and beam are being mentioned, as the first member is designed in variations to snap into a perpendicular orientation to either of the derivatives of the said 2 primary elements with regards to prior art. The 2 variants of the first member are as shown by

Fig. 5A and 5B. Even though the axial switch coupling’s function can be clearly understood by the first member, its function is not complete without the second member, which is the molded structure that accommodates the resilient second portion of a first member in a snapped on resting position. Each variant of the first member of

Element (C) will define a second member, thus 2 variants of the first member defining 2 variants of the second member. There is a third variant in the second member of

Element (C), which is the difference depicted by Fig. 7A and 7B that allow for a linear transfer that helps retain alignment as depicted and described by Fig. 7E to 7H. The difference in the placement of the receiving allowance in the second member is described with reference to the drawings. Element (C) and its variants do not exhibit passageways as opposed to typical slabs, beams or corner beams so as to allow maximum material strength.

Element (D) extendible corner beam coupling is the fourth element that will be described. This element comes as three members for complete functionality. The first and second members are similar opened end corner beams as shown in multiple views by Fig. 8A to 8C and they are shown placed in a linear fashion as in Fig. 8D to 8F to complete a visual set up of an elongated corner beam. The third member, corner beam connector 103 comes in to play as it is used to join the first two members as well as to present adjoining edge curves similar to corner walls such that variants of Element (B) can blend into, as in Fig. 8G and 8H. Similar to corner walls, the length of opened end corner beams is defined in multiples of 4mm. The concave and convex edge of the alternate halves of the width of any first opened end corner beam share the same radius such that when a second opened end corner beam of any length is flipped and placed in an orientation as in Fig. 8E, the gaps between the two said beams is closed and a set of passageways 100 is presented for the connector 103 or the third member of Element (D) to complete the joint.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A to 1D refer to prior art as disclosed by earlier application.

Fig. 2A to 2F relate to variations from the prior art depictions.

Fig. 3A to 3D relate to different aspects of corner beams.

Fig. 4A to 4H relate to connecting options available to corner beams.

Fig. 5A to 5F relate to different aspects of axial switch coupling and its members.

Fig. 6A to 7D relate to different aspects of axial switch coupling’s operations.

Fig. 7E to 7H relate to axial switch employed to effect a linear transfer.

Fig. 8A to 8H relate to linear arrangement of opened end corner beams and methods of employing them to deliver the function as an extended corner beam.

Fig. 9A to 9C depict tubular elements used in this construction system.

Fig. 9B to 9D relate to completed walls involving the Elements (A), (B) and (C).

Fig. 10A to 10G relate to different aspects of corner walls.

Fig. 11A to 11G relate to further elements to be included in the construction system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Dimensions are mentioned in certain aspects of the preferred embodiments to facilitate the presentation of this application. Dimensions stated do not limit the said aspect referred to, by the said numerals.

Connector eyes are to be understood as to be present where they should be.

Some incidences of drawings will exhibit a circular portion without much detail, and such omission is deliberate, as it does not affect the purpose of the diagram.

Fig. 1A shows the pivotal limit achieved by the prior art. The slabs are 16mm or below, as the cross shape 30 marks the absence of a non-grooved passageway.

Fig. 1B shows a slab (prior art) in side view of width above 16mm.

Fig. 1C shows a beam (prior art) in oblique view.

Fig. 1D shows a 40 degrees variant stud (prior art) in oblique view.

Fig. 2A - 2D relate to aspects of both relevant disclosures.

Passageway 98 is a bore in view of material management. Passageways 90, 91 and 92 are designed to receive second portion of corner walls.

Fig. 2A is a side view of a slab and its variations are evident, compared to earlier application. The slab depicted by this figure is 16mm or below, as the grooves are visible, indicating the absence of a non-grooved passageway. Diameter of cylindrical edge is the distance 20 to 21, which is also equal to the thickness indicated by the distance 22 to 23.

Fig. 2B The circle 26 represents the circumference of the non-grooved linear passageway towards the other connecting eye, applying to slabs above 16mm in width.

Fig. 2C shows an oblique view of a 50 degrees stud that is in suggested dimensions.

The stud as exhibited is proportionately larger relative to earlier disclosure but the functions are the same. The suggested dimensions of the stud are not subjects of both the prior art and the present application. The size of the stud as presented is meant to correspond with the variation of the connector eyes presented by

Figs. 2A and 2B would hereafter be applied similarly for the rest of the diagrams presented. 33 is a bore that is usable for miscellaneous purposes, made possible by employing such variations and leading to the angle indication Y to be moved to the side as denoted by 34 and the numerals 5 and 0 separated and moved to the left and right.

Fig. 2D depicts a non-grooved stud.

Fig. 2E is a front view of a typical beam.

Fig. 2F depicts a laterally inverted beam from a front view. The switched positions of the connector eyes are to be noted. Such variations of the beam element will be used in this construction system.

Passageways marked 97, 98, and 99 are just in view of economy and material management and to be applied hereafter similarly. Passageways marked 90, 91, 92 and 93 are designed to receive the second portion of corner walls that is 94, 95 or 96 and to be applied hereafter similarly. Marking 88 denotes location of a connector eye.

Fig. 3A is an oblique view of Element (A).

Fig. 3B is a front view of Element (A). Width W is the distance 40 to 41 that is 16mm.

Width of corner beam at each end or connector eye is the distance 42 to 43, which is equal to 0.5 of W.

Fig. 3C is a side view of Element (A). Length is the distance 44 to 45 and also a multiple of 4mm. Outer diameter of connector eye is 16mm and denoted by distance 46 to 47. Thickness of beam is the distance 48 to 49 and is 0.5 of distance 46 to 47.

Fig. 3D is a front view of a laterally inverted Element (A) compared to Fig. 3B. The connector eyes can be seen to have switched positions and such inverted versions are variations of (A) to be used in this construction system.

Fig. 4A is a closed positioning of a 1° and 2" similar dimensioned Element (A).

Fig. 4B is an opened positioning of a 1° and 2" similar dimensioned Element (A) but a situation when the connector eyes cannot be penetrated with a stud.

Fig. 4C is an oblique view of 4A.

Fig. 4D is an oblique view of 4B.

Fig. 4E is twin 24mm corner beam at its tightest orientation of just below 39 degrees.

Fig. 4F is a twin 40mm corner at its tightest orientation of 23 degrees with a relevant stud in position.

Fig. 4G achieves a tighter orientation of 20 degrees when alternating the incidence of connector eyes.

Fig. 4H achieves even tighter orientation when employing method as in 4G and using extended corner beams made possible by Element (D). Passageways utilized by extendible corner beam connector are marked 100 which is shown in an oblique view in

Fig. 8G.

Fig. 5A is an oblique view of Element (C), a first member meant to connect to a second member relevant to a beam’s width.

Fig. 5B is an oblique view of Element (C), a first member meant to connect to the second member of a slab’s minimum width.

Fig. 5C is a side view of Element (C) as in 5A.

Fig. 5D is a side view of Element (C) as in 5B.

Fig. 5E is second member to work in conjunction with 5A.

Fig. 5F is second member to work in conjunction with 5B.

Fig. 6A is a snapped on position of Element (C) with relevance to 5A and 5E.

Fig. 6B is a snapped on position of Element (C) with relevance to 5B and 5F.

Side view is to be taken with reference to the first member of Element(C).

Fig. 6C is a side view 6A.

Fig. 6D is a side view 6B.

Fig. 6E is a side view of what can be called as the first portion of a first member.

Fig. 7A and 7B show two variants of the second member that exhibit a difference in their location of receiving areas meant for first member indicated by 75 and 76.

Fig. 7C and 7D show a side view and an oblique view respectively of a curved edge delivering a straight edge for further connection with the use of the axial switch coupling.

Fig. 7E to 7H show the different views of the process of effecting a linear transfer using the variations depicted by Fig. 7A and 7B.

Fig. 8A shows the oblique view of two similar opened end corner beams. Half the width ends with a concave edge 71. The other half ends with a convex edge marked 72.

Fig. 8B shows a side view of a single opened end corner beam.

Fig. 8C is another oblique view.

Fig. 8D is a front view of 8F.

Fig. 8E shows the side view of linear placement prior to connection.

Fig. 8F shows an oblique view of linear placement before jointing.

Fig. 8G shows linear placement and corner beam connector 103 before jointing.

Fig. 8H shows 8G after connection is effected and corner walls 83 are in place.

Fig. 9A to 9D show typical build up of corner walls on typical corner beams with well known tubular elements 00 working in conjunction.

Fig. 10A and 10B show some of the plurality of corner walls and their second portions as well as the variances in passageways that can be found on the other elements of this construction system that are molded to receive Element (B). 93 shaped to receive 94. 91 shaped to receive 95. Set of 100 shaped to receive Set of 101.

Fig. 11A and 11B depict an oblique and a side view of a multiple angled connector that disposes in 3 ways.

Fig. 11C and 11D depict an oblique and a side view of a twin cylindrical ended slab.

Fig. 11E to 11G depict a twin concave ended slab. The edges marked 79 are of the same dimensions employed as at the two edges of the concave side of a typical slab that can be received by the characteristic cleft used in this construction system. This element is to be defined in a plurality of lengths and widths. Length is to be distance between the deepest points of the 2 curves marked by 66 and 67. Width is the distance indicated by the distance 65 to 66, which are the deepest points of the 2 indicated curves.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The construction system described can be an ideal build and play toy for kids above 6 years old. Even more so true for adults who enjoy modeling structures like popular landmarks around the world. As for kids it provides educational value, without doubt.

By attempting features of a new modeling toy it brings out creative thinking and the toy becomes the avenue by which their thoughts are expressed. Also depicted in the drawings and accompanied by brief descriptions are multiple ended connector beams

AND twin cylindrical ended slabs AND twin concave ended slabs, which can work in unity with this invention. Furthermore, elements of a universal nature would be incorporated in future to work in conjunction with this construction system. Methods of incorporating structures to permit mating possibilities with existing well known brands are also being explored. The resulting modeling system would be one that can only be only matched with ERECTOR TM sets. The said popular brand is versatile in the sense that it has an extensive array of elements, but the very number of primary elements brings a natural problem with it. Construction systems of build and play category should stay ideally at a couple of handful of primary elements. Each piece when picked up by the user should immediately be recognized in terms of its character and the manner that it should be deployed. Such ease in recognition and deployment are the elements of this construction system as disclosed earlier as well as by this application.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The components of this construction system as shown in the drawings are all designed with the condition that they are to be manufactured in a single step plastic injection molding process. A lot of revisions have been made to refrain from having any recess areas in individual components that can drive up per unit costs. Straight pull injection molding process is sufficient to complete the elements of this construction system.

Claims (1)

claim,

1. An improved toy construction system, that results from employing the combinations of elements derived by exploding an ‘origin’ element that is itself defined by both straight and curved edges, into logical segments that provides the said system with a larger set of primary elements that can be further endowed with unique functions or features or adopt a combination of features or functions or both by the virtue of the way they are segmented and contributing to the overall manipulability of the said system to achieve structural and visual results that differs from those results achieved by both straight edge primary elements and construction systems based on the use of a single element in a repetitive fashion, thus achieving a more compact structure by endowing an individual builder with the requisites to recreate more pronounced features of an intended structure into a scaled down model. MEARE i mo