US20060080928A1 - Assembled block - Google Patents
Assembled block Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060080928A1 US20060080928A1 US11/208,540 US20854005A US2006080928A1 US 20060080928 A1 US20060080928 A1 US 20060080928A1 US 20854005 A US20854005 A US 20854005A US 2006080928 A1 US2006080928 A1 US 2006080928A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- block
- plates
- joints
- block plates
- joint
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
- A63H33/062—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements with clip or snap mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/10—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
- A63H33/101—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with clip or snap mechanism
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a three-dimensional block assembled by coupling a plurality of block plates together through joints.
- JP patent 3221637 the applicant has proposed an assembled block comprising square block plates and equilateral triangular block plates that are coupled together through joints.
- the block plates and the joints of this block are formed by molding a rigid plastic. Joints are each formed with plugs protruding in at least two directions. Each block plate has receptacles each formed along one of the edges thereof for accepting one of the plugs of the joints.
- Different kinds of joints are prepared, i.e. ones having their plugs protruding in two directions in a common plane, ones having their plugs protruding in two directions perpendicular to each other, ones having their plugs protruding in three directions perpendicular to each other, and ones having plugs arranged so that the distances between the proximal ends of the adjacent plugs are different from each other.
- the angle between block plates coupled together by a joint and the number of block plates usable are determined by the types of joints used. Thus, even if a large number of different types of joints are prepared, the final shape of the block assembled is severely restricted.
- both the block plates and joints have to be manufactured with narrow dimensional tolerances.
- strict dimensional control of the joints and block plates is required, which results in an increase in the manufacturing cost.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a block which can be easily assembled into a large variety of shapes and sizes using a smaller number of kinds of joints at a low cost.
- an assembled block comprising equilateral triangular block plates, square block plates, and joints through which the block plates are coupled together, each of the joints being formed of a single, flexible and bendable plate having wing portions on both sides thereof, the block plates being made of a flexible material and having edges and receptacles each provided along one of the edges for accepting one of the wing portions of the joints, the receptacles being each formed with a guide pocket, whereby any two of the block plates can be coupled together through any of the joints by inserting the respective wing portions of the joint into one of the receptacles of one of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket and into one of the receptacles of the other of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket.
- a plurality of the joints can be inserted simultaneously into any of the receptacles of any of the block plates with each joint superposed on the others.
- the assembled block further comprises an arrangement for preventing any of the wing portions from slipping out of any of the receptacles once the former is inserted in the latter.
- each of the block plates comprises two base plates superposed one on the other, the receptacles being defined between the two base plates.
- each of the block plate comprises a base plate and extensions each extending from and folded along one of the edges so as to be superposed on one side of the base plate, the receptacles being defined by cuts each formed along one of the edges.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a square block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plastic joint of a basic type
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bent plastic joint
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wide plastic joint
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the block plate of FIG. 1 and the joint of FIG. 3 , showing how they are coupled together;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the block plates of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the joint of FIG. 3 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint;
- FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 7 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to Fig. FIG. 7 , showing how the block plates form an angle therebetween by bending the joint;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9 , showing how the angle between the block plates is changed by bending the joint;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of three of the block plates of FIG. 2 , showing how they are coupled together so as to be arranged in skewed relation to each other;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of three block plates that are coupled together so as to extend in three different directions;
- FIG. 13 is a plan view of block plates of which two are coupled together through the wide joint of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a block assembled by coupling the block plates of FIGS. 1 and 2 together;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a modified square block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modified equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a modified plastic joint of a basic type
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modified bent plastic joint
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a modified wide plastic joint
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the block plate of FIG. 15 and the joint of FIG. 17 , showing how they are coupled together;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the block plates of FIGS. 15 and 16 and the joint of FIG. 17 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint;
- FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 21 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another modified square block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another modified equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a square block plate made of a metal
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an equilateral triangular block plate made of a metal
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a metallic joint of a basic type
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wide metallic joint
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bent metallic joint
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the block plate of FIG. 25 and the joint of FIG. 27 , showing how they are coupled together;
- FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the block plates of FIGS. 25 and 26 and the joint of FIG. 27 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint;
- FIG. 32 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 31 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates;
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view similar to Fig. FIG. 31 , showing how the block plates form an angle therebetween by bending the joint;
- FIG. 34 is a perspective view of three block plates that are coupled together so as to extend in three different directions;
- FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a block assembled by coupling the block plates of FIGS. 25 and 26 together;
- FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a block plate to be formed into a building block.
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view of blocks assembled as a fence and its pillar.
- FIGS. 1 to 24 show the embodiment comprising plastic plates.
- the assembled block of this embodiment comprises block plates 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and joints 2 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 .
- the block plates 1 comprise square ones as shown in FIG. 1 and equilateral triangular ones as shown in FIG. 2 . All the block plates 1 have edges of equal length and are equal in thickness too.
- the block plates 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are formed by laminating two flexible plastic base plates 3 (upper and lower plates 3 ).
- the two base plates 3 are joined together by e.g. fusing them at joint portions 4 at the corners.
- each edge of the upper base plate 3 is cut out at its central portion to form an arcuately concave guide pocket 6 .
- a protrusion 9 is formed by removing the inner half of a bulge having a semi-oval section and protruding toward the upper base plate 3 .
- the upper base plate 3 is formed with a bulge 11 protruding away from the lower base plate 3 to define a space in which the protrusion 9 is received.
- any of the joints 2 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 comprises a single plastic plate which is more flexible than the base plates 3 forming the block plates 1 and can be deflected or otherwise bent.
- Each joint 2 has chevron-shaped wings 8 on both sides thereof.
- Each wing 8 has a hole 7 near its apex.
- the hole 7 has an arcuately convex edge near the apex of the wing 8 .
- the one shown in FIG. 3 is the basic type, the one shown in FIG. 4 differs from the one in FIG. 3 only in that its right-hand side portion is bent at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to its left-hand side portion along its longitudinal centerline 10 .
- the one shown in FIG. 5 has a greater width than the one shown in FIG. 3 .
- one of the wings 8 of the joint is inserted into one of the block plates 1 through one of its receptacles 5 .
- the wing 8 is automatically and easily guided into the receptacle 5 .
- the protrusion 9 engages in the hole 7 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , thus preventing the wing 8 from slipping out of the receptacle 5 .
- the arcuately convex edge of the hole 7 positively engages the protrusion 9 , thus positively preventing the protrusion 9 from coming out of the hole 7 .
- the other wing 8 is then inserted in the other block plate 1 in the manner as described above to couple the two block plates 1 together through the joint 2 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- the block plates 1 can be positioned so as to form any desired angle relative to each other.
- three or more equilateral triangular block plates can be coupled together through two or more joints 2 .
- the block plates 1 can be arranged in skewed relation to each other.
- two or more joints 2 may be inserted into a single receptacle 5 of a single block plate 1 with the other wings 8 of these joints 2 inserted in other block plates 1 .
- two block plates 1 may be coupled together not through a single joint 2 but through a plurality of joints 2 to more positively prevent the wings 8 from slipping out of the receptacles 5 , thereby more stably keeping the block plates 1 coupled together.
- any desired number of square and equilateral triangular block plates 1 can be coupled together so as to be arranged at any desired angles with each other as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the block plates 1 and joints 2 may be transparent or colored or may be designed in any desired manner.
- aligned through holes 7 are formed in the two base plates 3 of each block plate 1 near each edge thereof as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- a triangular pyramid-shaped protrusion 9 is formed on each wing 8 of each joint 2 by striking the joint 2 from below so that when one of the wings 8 of the joint 2 is inserted into one of the receptacle 5 of the block plate 1 , the protrusion 9 of the joint 2 will engage in the hole 7 of the block plate 1 as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 .
- the two base plates 3 forming the block plate 1 may be joined together at a joint portion 4 provided at the central portion of the block plate 1 .
- a joint portion 4 is preferably shaped such that when a wing 8 of a joint 2 is inserted into the block plate 1 , its apex is guided along its edge and fits snugly in the recess defined by the edge of the joint portion 4 as shown.
- FIGS. 25 to 35 show the embodiment of which the block plates and the joints are both made of a metal.
- elements corresponding to the elements of the first embodiment are denoted by identical numerals.
- the assembled block of this embodiment comprises block plates 1 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , and joints 2 as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 .
- the block plates and the joints are both formed by blanking stainless steel or aluminum plates and pressing the thus blanked plates.
- the block plates 1 comprise square ones as shown in FIG. 25 , and equilateral triangular ones as shown in FIG. 26 . All the block plates 1 have edges of equal length and are equal in thickness too.
- Each block plate 1 comprises a base plate 4 having an extension 12 extending from each edge of the base plate 4 and folded along a fold line so as to be superposed on one side of the base plate 3 .
- a cut is formed along the fold line as a receptacle 5 through which the joint 2 can be inserted into the block plate 1 .
- a guide pocket 6 is formed by expanding the base plate 3 and the extension 12 away from each other.
- Semicircular holes 7 are formed in the base plate 3 so that their diameters are in juxtaposition with the respective arcuate edges of the extensions 12 .
- Each of the joints 2 shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 comprises a single metallic sheet formed with wings 8 on both sides.
- the wings 8 have their free ends rounded. Near the rounded free end of each wing 8 , a protrusion 9 is formed by removing the inner half of a bulge having a semioval section. Inwardly of the protrusion 9 , a through hole 13 is formed.
- the one shown in FIG. 27 is the basic type.
- the one shown in FIG. 28 has a greater width than the one shown in FIG. 27 .
- the one shown in FIG. 29 differs from the one in FIG. 27 only in that its right-hand side portion is bent at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to its left-hand side portion along its longitudinal centerline 10 .
- one of the wings 8 of the joint 2 is inserted into one of the block plates 1 through one of its receptacles 5 .
- the wing 8 is automatically and easily guided into the receptacle 5 .
- the wing 8 may be inserted into the receptacle with its protrusion 9 facing either the extension 12 of the block plate 1 or its base plate 3 .
- the protrusion 9 engages the edge of the extension 12 if the protrusion 9 faces the extension 12 , as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 . If the protrusion 9 faces the base plate 3 , the protrusion 9 will engage the edge of the hole 7 . In either case, the wing 8 is positively prevented from slipping out of the receptacle 5 .
- the other wing 8 is then inserted in the other block plate 1 in the manner as described above to couple the two block plates 1 together through the joint 2 as shown in FIG. 33 .
- the block plates 1 can be positioned so as to form any desired angle relative to each other.
- two or more joints 2 may be inserted into a single receptacle 5 of a single block plate 1 with the other wings 8 of these joints 2 inserted in other block plates 1 . If it is desired to couple two block plates 1 together so that they form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other, they should be coupled together through the joint 2 shown in FIG. 29 .
- any desired number of square and equilateral triangular block plates 1 can be coupled together so as to be arranged at any desired angles with each other as shown in FIG. 35 .
- the block thus formed has an inorganic feel inherent to metallic objects. If it is desired to couple two block plates 1 so as to be widely spaced from each other, they should be coupled together using the wide joint 2 shown in FIG. 28 .
- a plate-shaped tool having protrusions on both sides are inserted into the receptacle 5 to push up the extension 12 or the base plate 3 from its back with one of the protrusions on the plate-shaped tool until the extension 12 or the base plate 3 is sufficiently deflected. Then the joint 1 is pulled slightly to disengage the protrusion 9 , and the wing 8 is pulled out of the receptacle 5 .
- FIGS. 36 and 37 show an example in which the assembled block according to the present invention is used as a component of a building structure.
- each block plate 1 comprises two relatively thick plastic or metallic base plates 3 superposed one on another.
- One of the base plates 3 is formed with a threaded hole 14 a at each corner thereof.
- the other of the base plates 3 is formed with a through hole 14 b at each corner thereof.
- FIG. 36 By coupling a plurality of block plates as shown in FIG. 36 , it is possible to form e.g. a fence and its pillar as shown in FIG. 37 , or a house having a dome-shaped roof using equilateral triangular block plates. Such building structures will present unique appearances.
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Abstract
A block which can be easily assembled into a large variety of shapes and sizes using a smaller number of kinds of joints at a low cost. The assembled block includes equilateral triangular block plates, square block plates, and joints through which the block plates are coupled together. Each of the joints is formed of a single, flexible and bendable plate having wing portions on both sides thereof. The block plates are made of a flexible material and have edges and receptacles each provided along one of the edges for accepting one of the wing portions of the joints. The receptacles are each formed with a guide pocket. Any two the block plates can be coupled together through any of the joints by inserting the respective wing portions of the joint into one of the receptacles of one of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket and into one of the receptacles of the other of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket.
Description
- The present invention relates to a three-dimensional block assembled by coupling a plurality of block plates together through joints.
- In JP patent 3221637, the applicant has proposed an assembled block comprising square block plates and equilateral triangular block plates that are coupled together through joints.
- The block plates and the joints of this block are formed by molding a rigid plastic. Joints are each formed with plugs protruding in at least two directions. Each block plate has receptacles each formed along one of the edges thereof for accepting one of the plugs of the joints.
- Different kinds of joints are prepared, i.e. ones having their plugs protruding in two directions in a common plane, ones having their plugs protruding in two directions perpendicular to each other, ones having their plugs protruding in three directions perpendicular to each other, and ones having plugs arranged so that the distances between the proximal ends of the adjacent plugs are different from each other.
- The angle between block plates coupled together by a joint and the number of block plates usable are determined by the types of joints used. Thus, even if a large number of different types of joints are prepared, the final shape of the block assembled is severely restricted.
- In order to suitably set the strength with which any of the plugs of the joints is fitted in any of the receptacles of the block plates, both the block plates and joints have to be manufactured with narrow dimensional tolerances. Thus, strict dimensional control of the joints and block plates is required, which results in an increase in the manufacturing cost.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a block which can be easily assembled into a large variety of shapes and sizes using a smaller number of kinds of joints at a low cost.
- According to the present invention, there is provided an assembled block comprising equilateral triangular block plates, square block plates, and joints through which the block plates are coupled together, each of the joints being formed of a single, flexible and bendable plate having wing portions on both sides thereof, the block plates being made of a flexible material and having edges and receptacles each provided along one of the edges for accepting one of the wing portions of the joints, the receptacles being each formed with a guide pocket, whereby any two of the block plates can be coupled together through any of the joints by inserting the respective wing portions of the joint into one of the receptacles of one of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket and into one of the receptacles of the other of the two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket.
- Preferably, a plurality of the joints can be inserted simultaneously into any of the receptacles of any of the block plates with each joint superposed on the others.
- Preferably, the assembled block further comprises an arrangement for preventing any of the wing portions from slipping out of any of the receptacles once the former is inserted in the latter.
- In one arrangement, each of the block plates comprises two base plates superposed one on the other, the receptacles being defined between the two base plates.
- In another arrangement, each of the block plate comprises a base plate and extensions each extending from and folded along one of the edges so as to be superposed on one side of the base plate, the receptacles being defined by cuts each formed along one of the edges.
- Other features and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a square block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plastic joint of a basic type; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bent plastic joint; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wide plastic joint; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the block plate ofFIG. 1 and the joint ofFIG. 3 , showing how they are coupled together; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the block plates ofFIGS. 1 and 2 and the joint ofFIG. 3 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint; -
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view ofFIG. 7 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to Fig.FIG. 7 , showing how the block plates form an angle therebetween by bending the joint; -
FIG. 10 is a side view ofFIG. 9 , showing how the angle between the block plates is changed by bending the joint; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of three of the block plates ofFIG. 2 , showing how they are coupled together so as to be arranged in skewed relation to each other; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of three block plates that are coupled together so as to extend in three different directions; -
FIG. 13 is a plan view of block plates of which two are coupled together through the wide joint ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a block assembled by coupling the block plates ofFIGS. 1 and 2 together; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a modified square block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modified equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a modified plastic joint of a basic type; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modified bent plastic joint; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a modified wide plastic joint; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the block plate ofFIG. 15 and the joint ofFIG. 17 , showing how they are coupled together; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the block plates ofFIGS. 15 and 16 and the joint ofFIG. 17 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint; -
FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view ofFIG. 21 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates; -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another modified square block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another modified equilateral triangular block plate made of a plastic; -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a square block plate made of a metal; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an equilateral triangular block plate made of a metal; -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a metallic joint of a basic type; -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wide metallic joint; -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bent metallic joint; -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the block plate ofFIG. 25 and the joint ofFIG. 27 , showing how they are coupled together; -
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the block plates ofFIGS. 25 and 26 and the joint ofFIG. 27 , showing how the block plates are coupled together through the joint; -
FIG. 32 is a partial sectional view ofFIG. 31 , showing how the joint is coupled to one of the block plates; -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view similar to Fig.FIG. 31 , showing how the block plates form an angle therebetween by bending the joint; -
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of three block plates that are coupled together so as to extend in three different directions; -
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a block assembled by coupling the block plates ofFIGS. 25 and 26 together; -
FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a block plate to be formed into a building block; and -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of blocks assembled as a fence and its pillar. - First, FIGS. 1 to 24 show the embodiment comprising plastic plates.
- The assembled block of this embodiment comprises
block plates 1 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , andjoints 2 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. Theblock plates 1 comprise square ones as shown inFIG. 1 and equilateral triangular ones as shown inFIG. 2 . All theblock plates 1 have edges of equal length and are equal in thickness too. - The
block plates 1 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 are formed by laminating two flexible plastic base plates 3 (upper and lower plates 3). The twobase plates 3 are joined together by e.g. fusing them atjoint portions 4 at the corners. - Except the
joint portions 4, the edges of thebase plates 3 are not joined together, thus definingreceptacles 5 through which a joint 2 can be inserted into between thebase plates 3. Each edge of theupper base plate 3 is cut out at its central portion to form an arcuatelyconcave guide pocket 6. - Slightly inwardly of each edge of the
lower base plate 3, aprotrusion 9 is formed by removing the inner half of a bulge having a semi-oval section and protruding toward theupper base plate 3. Corresponding to eachprotrusion 9, theupper base plate 3 is formed with abulge 11 protruding away from thelower base plate 3 to define a space in which theprotrusion 9 is received. - Any of the
joints 2 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 comprises a single plastic plate which is more flexible than thebase plates 3 forming theblock plates 1 and can be deflected or otherwise bent. Each joint 2 has chevron-shapedwings 8 on both sides thereof. Eachwing 8 has ahole 7 near its apex. Thehole 7 has an arcuately convex edge near the apex of thewing 8. - Of the
joints 2 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the one shown inFIG. 3 is the basic type, the one shown inFIG. 4 differs from the one inFIG. 3 only in that its right-hand side portion is bent at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to its left-hand side portion along itslongitudinal centerline 10. The one shown inFIG. 5 has a greater width than the one shown inFIG. 3 . - In order to couple each
block plate 1 with anotherblock plate 1 through a joint 2, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , one of thewings 8 of the joint is inserted into one of theblock plates 1 through one of itsreceptacles 5. At this time, by pushing the apex of thewing 8 into thepocket 6, thewing 8 is automatically and easily guided into thereceptacle 5. - When the
wing 8 is inserted sufficiently deeply into theblock plate 1, theprotrusion 9 engages in thehole 7 as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 , thus preventing thewing 8 from slipping out of thereceptacle 5. Once theprotrusion 9 engages in thehole 7, the arcuately convex edge of thehole 7 positively engages theprotrusion 9, thus positively preventing theprotrusion 9 from coming out of thehole 7. - The
other wing 8 is then inserted in theother block plate 1 in the manner as described above to couple the twoblock plates 1 together through the joint 2 as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 . By bending the joint 2, theblock plates 1 can be positioned so as to form any desired angle relative to each other. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , three or more equilateral triangular block plates can be coupled together through two ormore joints 2. In this case, by bending thejoints 2, theblock plates 1 can be arranged in skewed relation to each other. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 12 , two ormore joints 2 may be inserted into asingle receptacle 5 of asingle block plate 1 with theother wings 8 of thesejoints 2 inserted inother block plates 1. - Also, two
block plates 1 may be coupled together not through a single joint 2 but through a plurality ofjoints 2 to more positively prevent thewings 8 from slipping out of thereceptacles 5, thereby more stably keeping theblock plates 1 coupled together. - If it is desired to couple two
block plates 1 together so that they form an angle of 120 degrees with respect to each other, they should be coupled together through the joint 2 shown inFIG. 4 . InFIG. 13 , the lower twosquare block plates 1 are coupled together through the wide joint 2 shown inFIG. 5 . - According to the present invention, any desired number of square and equilateral
triangular block plates 1 can be coupled together so as to be arranged at any desired angles with each other as shown inFIG. 14 . Theblock plates 1 andjoints 2 may be transparent or colored or may be designed in any desired manner. - In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 22, aligned through
holes 7 are formed in the twobase plates 3 of eachblock plate 1 near each edge thereof as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 . As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, a triangular pyramid-shapedprotrusion 9 is formed on eachwing 8 of each joint 2 by striking the joint 2 from below so that when one of thewings 8 of the joint 2 is inserted into one of thereceptacle 5 of theblock plate 1, theprotrusion 9 of the joint 2 will engage in thehole 7 of theblock plate 1 as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22. - As shown in
FIGS. 23 and 24 , the twobase plates 3 forming theblock plate 1 may be joined together at ajoint portion 4 provided at the central portion of theblock plate 1. Such ajoint portion 4 is preferably shaped such that when awing 8 of a joint 2 is inserted into theblock plate 1, its apex is guided along its edge and fits snugly in the recess defined by the edge of thejoint portion 4 as shown. - FIGS. 25 to 35 show the embodiment of which the block plates and the joints are both made of a metal. In the description of this embodiment, elements corresponding to the elements of the first embodiment are denoted by identical numerals.
- The assembled block of this embodiment comprises
block plates 1 as shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 , andjoints 2 as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29. The block plates and the joints are both formed by blanking stainless steel or aluminum plates and pressing the thus blanked plates. - The
block plates 1 comprise square ones as shown inFIG. 25 , and equilateral triangular ones as shown inFIG. 26 . All theblock plates 1 have edges of equal length and are equal in thickness too. - Each
block plate 1 comprises abase plate 4 having anextension 12 extending from each edge of thebase plate 4 and folded along a fold line so as to be superposed on one side of thebase plate 3. A cut is formed along the fold line as areceptacle 5 through which the joint 2 can be inserted into theblock plate 1. At the center of eachreceptacle 5, aguide pocket 6 is formed by expanding thebase plate 3 and theextension 12 away from each other. Semicircular holes 7 are formed in thebase plate 3 so that their diameters are in juxtaposition with the respective arcuate edges of theextensions 12. - Each of the
joints 2 shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 comprises a single metallic sheet formed withwings 8 on both sides. Thewings 8 have their free ends rounded. Near the rounded free end of eachwing 8, aprotrusion 9 is formed by removing the inner half of a bulge having a semioval section. Inwardly of theprotrusion 9, a throughhole 13 is formed. - Of the
joints 2 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the one shown inFIG. 27 is the basic type. The one shown inFIG. 28 has a greater width than the one shown inFIG. 27 . The one shown inFIG. 29 differs from the one inFIG. 27 only in that its right-hand side portion is bent at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to its left-hand side portion along itslongitudinal centerline 10. - In order to couple each
block plate 1 with anotherblock plate 1 through a joint 2, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31 , one of thewings 8 of the joint 2 is inserted into one of theblock plates 1 through one of itsreceptacles 5. At this time, by pushing the apex of thewing 8 into thepocket 6, thewing 8 is automatically and easily guided into thereceptacle 5. Thewing 8 may be inserted into the receptacle with itsprotrusion 9 facing either theextension 12 of theblock plate 1 or itsbase plate 3. - When the
wing 8 is inserted sufficiently deeply into theblock plate 1, theprotrusion 9 engages the edge of theextension 12 if theprotrusion 9 faces theextension 12, as shown inFIGS. 31 and 32 . If theprotrusion 9 faces thebase plate 3, theprotrusion 9 will engage the edge of thehole 7. In either case, thewing 8 is positively prevented from slipping out of thereceptacle 5. - The
other wing 8 is then inserted in theother block plate 1 in the manner as described above to couple the twoblock plates 1 together through the joint 2 as shown inFIG. 33 . By bending the joint 2, theblock plates 1 can be positioned so as to form any desired angle relative to each other. - As shown in
FIG. 34 , two ormore joints 2 may be inserted into asingle receptacle 5 of asingle block plate 1 with theother wings 8 of thesejoints 2 inserted inother block plates 1. If it is desired to couple twoblock plates 1 together so that they form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other, they should be coupled together through the joint 2 shown inFIG. 29 . - According to the present invention, any desired number of square and equilateral
triangular block plates 1 can be coupled together so as to be arranged at any desired angles with each other as shown inFIG. 35 . The block thus formed has an inorganic feel inherent to metallic objects. If it is desired to couple twoblock plates 1 so as to be widely spaced from each other, they should be coupled together using the wide joint 2 shown inFIG. 28 . - In order to separate any
block plate 1 and joint 2 from each other, a plate-shaped tool having protrusions on both sides are inserted into thereceptacle 5 to push up theextension 12 or thebase plate 3 from its back with one of the protrusions on the plate-shaped tool until theextension 12 or thebase plate 3 is sufficiently deflected. Then the joint 1 is pulled slightly to disengage theprotrusion 9, and thewing 8 is pulled out of thereceptacle 5. -
FIGS. 36 and 37 show an example in which the assembled block according to the present invention is used as a component of a building structure. - As shown in
FIG. 36 , in this example, eachblock plate 1 comprises two relatively thick plastic ormetallic base plates 3 superposed one on another. One of thebase plates 3 is formed with a threadedhole 14 a at each corner thereof. The other of thebase plates 3 is formed with a throughhole 14 b at each corner thereof. - With
screws 15 passed through the respective throughholes 14 b and slightly threaded into the respective threadedholes 14 a, one of thewings 8 of the joint 2 is inserted into one of thereceptacles 5 of theblock plate 1, and thescrews 15 are tightened. In this way, a plurality of block plates are coupled together to form an assembled block as a building component. - By coupling a plurality of block plates as shown in
FIG. 36 , it is possible to form e.g. a fence and its pillar as shown inFIG. 37 , or a house having a dome-shaped roof using equilateral triangular block plates. Such building structures will present unique appearances.
Claims (5)
1. An assembled block comprising equilateral triangular block plates, square block plates, and joints through which said block plates are coupled together, each of said joints being formed of a single, flexible and bendable plate having wing portions on both sides thereof, said block plates being made of a flexible material and having edges and receptacles each provided along one of said edges for accepting one of said wing portions of said joints, said receptacles being each formed with a guide pocket, whereby any two of said block plates can be coupled together through any of said joints by inserting the respective wing portions of said joint into one of said receptacles of one of said two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket and into one of said receptacles of the other of said two block plates through the corresponding guide pocket.
2. The assembled block of claim 1 wherein a plurality of said joints can be inserted simultaneously into any of said receptacles of any of said block plates with each joint superposed on the others.
3. The assembled block of claim 1 further comprising an arrangement for preventing any of said wing portions from slipping out of any of said receptacles once the former is inserted in the latter.
4. The assembled block of claim 1 wherein each of said block plates comprises two base plates superposed one on the other, said receptacles being defined between said two base plates.
5. The assembled block of claim 1 wherein each of said block plate comprises a base plate and extensions each extending from and folded along one of said edges so as to be superposed on one side of said base plate, said receptacles being defined by cuts each formed along one of said edges.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004-291173 | 2004-10-04 | ||
JP2004291173 | 2004-10-04 | ||
JP2005145730A JP2006132762A (en) | 2004-10-04 | 2005-05-18 | Assembled block |
JP2005-145730 | 2005-05-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060080928A1 true US20060080928A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
Family
ID=35534550
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/208,540 Abandoned US20060080928A1 (en) | 2004-10-04 | 2005-08-23 | Assembled block |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060080928A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1642630B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006132762A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060050513A (en) |
TW (1) | TW200622066A (en) |
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US20100066834A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2010-03-18 | Gerald Bate | Imaging apparatus |
USD622959S1 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-07 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage unit |
US20100237754A1 (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-23 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system with stackable shells |
US7866769B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2011-01-11 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system and components thereof |
USD648939S1 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2011-11-22 | Target Brands, Inc. | Bin |
US20120055000A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2012-03-08 | Lykke.It S.R.L. | Building Elements for Building Three-Dimensional Structures |
USD661094S1 (en) | 2011-11-22 | 2012-06-05 | Target Brands, Inc. | Bin |
USD828879S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-09-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Connector for flexible track sets |
USD828880S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-09-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Connector for flexible track sets |
WO2018228649A1 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2018-12-20 | Ole Vestergaard Poulsen | Self-supporting weaving-module building system |
US10895074B2 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2021-01-19 | John Mark Isaac Madison | Interlocking blocks for modular structures |
US10898819B2 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2021-01-26 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for same |
USD954157S1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2022-06-07 | Gymworld Inc. | Toy block |
US20230191274A1 (en) * | 2021-12-16 | 2023-06-22 | Sheng-Chih CHANG | Modularized toy building block assembly |
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EP1872050A4 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2015-08-26 | Icube Ltd | Modular furniture subassembly, component therefor and method of assembling a modular furniture subassembly |
WO2007136047A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Yoshiritsu Kabushiki Kaisha | Knockdown block |
WO2007135800A1 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Yoshiritsu Kabushiki Kaisha | Knockdown block |
CN101963176B (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2012-04-11 | 雷克意大利有限公司 | Building elements for building three-dimensional structures |
JP2012040288A (en) * | 2010-08-23 | 2012-03-01 | Yoshiritsu Co Ltd | Construction block |
KR101410675B1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2014-06-24 | 정영국 | Self-assembly divided toy block set |
JP5952225B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2016-07-13 | 株式会社椿本チエイン | Chain tensioner |
WO2015151183A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-08 | 株式会社ニューテックシンセイ | Assembly member |
US10112120B2 (en) * | 2016-10-18 | 2018-10-30 | Mattel, Inc. | Modular toy play sets |
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US8418874B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2013-04-16 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage bin and associated system |
US7866769B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2011-01-11 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system and components thereof |
US20100066834A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2010-03-18 | Gerald Bate | Imaging apparatus |
US8186776B2 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2012-05-29 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system and connectivity of the components therein |
US8113600B2 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2012-02-14 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system with stackable shells |
USD663118S1 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2012-07-10 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage unit |
US20100237754A1 (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-23 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system with stackable shells |
US8414092B2 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2013-04-09 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system with stackable shells |
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US8573716B2 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2013-11-05 | Target Brands, Inc. | Storage and organization system and connectivity of the components therein |
US20120055000A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2012-03-08 | Lykke.It S.R.L. | Building Elements for Building Three-Dimensional Structures |
US9120029B2 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2015-09-01 | Mad House A/S | Building elements for building three-dimensional structures, and methods for assembling the building elements |
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WO2018228649A1 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2018-12-20 | Ole Vestergaard Poulsen | Self-supporting weaving-module building system |
USD828879S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-09-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Connector for flexible track sets |
USD828880S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-09-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Connector for flexible track sets |
US10898819B2 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2021-01-26 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for same |
USD954157S1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2022-06-07 | Gymworld Inc. | Toy block |
US10895074B2 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2021-01-19 | John Mark Isaac Madison | Interlocking blocks for modular structures |
US20230191274A1 (en) * | 2021-12-16 | 2023-06-22 | Sheng-Chih CHANG | Modularized toy building block assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1642630B1 (en) | 2007-07-04 |
TW200622066A (en) | 2006-07-01 |
JP2006132762A (en) | 2006-05-25 |
EP1642630A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
KR20060050513A (en) | 2006-05-19 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YOSHIRITSU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KICHIJO, HIROSHI;KICHIJO, YOSHIIE;REEL/FRAME:017032/0656;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050825 TO 20050826 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |