US20220347594A1

US20220347594A1 - Construction system having a panel and a panel lock

Info

Publication number: US20220347594A1
Application number: US17/732,887
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Marzetta; Levi Wilson; Kriston Broxson
Original assignee: MINDS-I Inc
Current assignee: MINDS-I Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-30
Filing date: 2022-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-03

Abstract

A construction system which includes a first construction element which has a first thickness, and a second construction element which has a second thickness, and the first thickness is different from the second thickness, and each construction element defines at least one passageway extending therethrough; a fastener body telescopingly received in the passageway; a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position allows the fastener body to be received in the passageway, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This US Non-Provisional (Utility) Patent Application claims priority to earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 filed on 30 Apr. 2021 and titled CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A CONSTRUCTION PANEL AND PANEL LOCK. The entire contents of earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 is expressly incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.
Inventorship of earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 is the same as this US Non-Provisional Patent Application.
Pursuant to USPTO Rules this priority claim is also being presented in the Application Data Sheet (ADS) filed with this US Non-Provisional Patent Application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a construction system, and more specifically to a construction system which includes construction elements and fasteners which are particularly useful in constructing toys and hobby crafts of various designs, and arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children and hobbyists have long enjoyed creative toys which have allowed the user to construct various items of interest such as boxes, small houses, bridges, airplanes, boats, and the like. Examples of such products have included the Erector™ Set, and various LEGO™ kits that are provided at various levels of complexity. In the so-called Erector™ products, these toys have included a series of plates and bars with holes in them which are subsequently joined together with nuts and a corresponding threaded bolt/screw. Other creative toys have included somewhat similar building units, but have further used wooden pegs to join the building units together.
The prior art is replete with numerous examples of similar creative toys. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,886, a toy construction system having reusable distensible joining members (rivets) is shown. In this particular patent, a releasable fastener is useful in an Erector™ type toy and which is a riveting device which utilizes a bullet-shaped, deformable rubber piece which may pass through adjoining members thereby fastening them together, This is best understood by reference to FIG. 3, of that patent.
In addition to the foregoing, U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,691 to Bach relates to a toy building set with interconnecting means and which is of the form typical of the LEGO™ type toys. In this reference, block-shaped building elements are disclosed, and which at least have one passage-way formed therein. Further, elements are provided that have a tenon that can be introduced into mating tubular openings in a snap-like effect thereby joining the box-like elements together.
While these various creative toys and toy construction systems have operated with a great deal of success, various shortcomings have detracted from their usefulness. For example, in the LEGO™ type building toys and/or systems, various kits are provided that will allow a hobbyist, or child to create various objects of interest. However, many kits typically do not allow the child or hobbyist to make more than a limited number of designated objects from that provided for in the kit.
Another additional shortcoming in these kits, which have been supplied heretofore, is the construction elements that are utilized with same are often releasably affixed, one relative to the others at predetermined fixed angles. Additionally, many of the construction elements are not readily rotatable, one relative to the other. Moreover, in these same toys or kits, the amount of mechanical functionality that can be imparted to same is often extremely limited. More specifically, many of these previous products fall apart when moderate force is applied to same.
Another shortcoming is that fasteners/fastening components are either incorporated directly into the construction elements (Legos™) or are threaded fasteners with corresponding threaded nuts that need to be interconnected to one another to create a connection. With threaded fasteners in particular, the number of pieces required is increased multi-fold as does the number of required tools necessary to use the construction kit.
While construction systems such as the Erector™ type sets allow for the positioning of construction elements in various angular orientations, they do not readily adapt themselves to allow others of the construction elements supplied to freely rotate one about the other. Further, known fasteners that interconnect such construction elements tend to impede any movement between the interconnected construction element components when the fasteners are tightened (screwed together/snapped together).
Therefore, a construction system which avoids the short-comings attendant with the prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a first construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge; a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30 a are substantially coaxially aligned; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11 a.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321, 322 of the panel lock body 301.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: a first axial guide tongue 321 and a second axial guide tongue 322, that are both integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the first axial guide tongue 321 and the second axial guide tongue 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 carried at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11 a and the first end length dimension 302 a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30 a.
A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body telescopingly received, at least in part, in the passageway, and which extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element; and a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position, allows the fastener body to be telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway defined by the construction element, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway defined by the construction element.
A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body that is only partially telescopingly received, in the passageway, and which simultaneously extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element; and a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position, allows the fastener body to be partially telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway defined by the construction element, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway defined by the construction element.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a first construction element having a first passageway formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and wherein a first orientation groove communicates with, and extends, at least in part along, the first passageway; a second construction element having a second passageway formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and wherein a second orientation groove communicates with, and extends, at least in part along, the second passageway, and wherein the first and second passageways have substantially similar cross sectional dimensions; a fastener body having a resiliently deformable first end, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first and second ends, and wherein the fastener body defines a longitudinally extending passageway which extends between the first and second ends, and wherein the fastener body has an outside diametral dimension at the first and second ends which is less than about the maximum inside diametral dimension of the respective passageways defined by the first and second construction elements, and an intermediate portion diametral dimension which is less than the maximum outside diametral dimension of the first and second end of the fastener body, and wherein the fastener body is telescopingly received, at least in part, in each of the first and second passageways defined by the respective construction elements, and wherein a tongue is made integral with the intermediate portion of the fastener body and extends outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the tongue is received, at least in part, in at least one of the first or second orientation grooves, and wherein the tongue substantially impedes the rotation of the first and/or second construction members about the intermediate portion of the fastener body; and a locking member having a main body with opposite first and second ends and which is telescopingly received within the longitudinally extending passageway defined by the fastener body, and which moveably and matingly cooperates with the fastener body, and wherein the main body of the locking member is linearly and rotatably moveable along a course of travel defined by the fastener body from a first position which permits the first end of the fastener body to be deformed and pass through the respective first and second passageways as defined by the first and second construction elements, and the intermediate portion of the fastener body to be received within each of the respective first and second passageways as defined by the respective first and second construction elements, and a second position, wherein the locking member is wholly received within the longitudinally extending passageway as defined by the fastener body and which impedes the removal of the fastener body from the first and second passageways.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a locking member which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a tool which is useful in combination with the locking member as seen in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a construction element which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of a construction element of the present invention and which is taken from a position along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a second form of a construction element which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of the second form of the construction block as seen in FIG. 5, and which is taken from a position along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a fastener body which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a second side-elevation view of the fastener body, and which is taken from a position opposite to that as seen in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a second form of a fastener body which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective, side-elevation view of the fastener body which is taken from a position opposite to that as seen in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective, exploded, side-elevation view of the construction system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a fastener body, and locking member which is utilized in the construction system of the present invention, and which is shown in a first operational position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a fastener body and locking member which is utilized in the construction system of the present invention, and which is shown in a second operational position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective, side-elevation view of a fastener body and locking member of the present invention and which is shown in yet another third, operational position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective, side-elevation view of the construction system of the present invention, with some underlying surfaces removed to show the structure thereunder.

FIG. 16 is a perspective, side elevation view of a second form of a locking member which is a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective, side elevation view of a second form of a tool which is useful in combination with the locking member as seen in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective side and top view of a panel lock and a first construction panel.

FIG. 19 is an orthographic side view of the first construction panel with the panel lock inserted therethrough.

FIG. 20 is an orthographic side view, similar to that of FIG. 19 showing the panel lock countersunk into the top surface of the first construction panel.

FIG. 21 is a perspective top and side view of a first embodiment of the panel lock.

FIG. 22 is a perspective top and side view of the panel lock, shown in FIG. 21, and rotated axially 90°.

FIG. 23 is a perspective top and side view of a second embodiment of the panel lock.

FIG. 24 is a perspective top and side view of the panel lock, shown in FIG. 23, and rotated axially 90°.

FIG. 25 Is an exploded perspective top, end and side view of the construction system showing the elements thereof axially aligned.

FIG. 26 is a perspective top and side view of the first embodiment of the panel lock in a first operative position.

FIG. 27 is a perspective top and side view of the panel lock of FIG. 26, rotated axially 90° and in the first operative position.

FIG. 28 is a perspective top and side view of the panel lock of FIG. 26 in a second operative position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective top and side view of the panel lock of FIG. 28, showing the locking member rotated and the post engaged within the locking recess.

FIG. 30 is a perspective top and side view of a construction element and a first panel of the construction system interconnected with a panel lock.

FIG. 31 is an orthographic plan view of a drone type vehicle that may be constructed using the present construction system utilizing a plurality of first construction panels, a plurality of the second construction elements, and a plurality of panel locks.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective partial cut-away view of a second construction element showing a panel lock carried in a passageway and extending partially axially outwardly from the passageway to provide a post-type attachment.

FIG. 33 is a partial cut-away plan view of a construction panel attached to a second construction element by a panel lock, and the panel lock providing for rotational movement of the construction panel relative to the second construction element about the axis of the panel lock, with arrows showing the directions of rotational movement.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
The construction system of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 11 and 15, respectively. Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the construction system 10 of the present invention includes a construction element which is generally indicated by the numeral 11 therein. The construction element of the present invention includes a main body 12 having opposite first and second ends 13 and 14; atop surface 15; and a bottom surface 20. In the arrangement as seen in FIGS. 3-6, the construction element 11 assumes the form of a narrowly rectangular block-like member, however it should be appreciated that the construction element may take on assorted different forms and shapes including cylindrical, and other non-rectangular shaped forms as will become apparent from the discussion herein. For example, one possible arrangement for the shape of the main body 12 may include a block-like member and wherein the main body 12 has an arched or curved shaped form. Additionally, it should be recognized and while the block is shown having a narrowly rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that the main body 12 may itself assume different configurations such as being formed into a square, curve, round, s-shape or l-shape forms depending upon the intended use of the construction element. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 18-20, 25, 30 the construction system 10 includes a first construction panel 350 that is generally planar in configuration and has a first surface 351, an opposing second surface 352, a first end 353, a second end 354, a first side 355, a second side 356 and a thickness dimension 357 between the first surface 351 and the second surface 352 Therefore, it should be understood that FIGS. 3-6, and 18-20, 25, 30 are merely illustrative of only possible forms of the construction element 11 and panel 350 of the present invention.
As seen in FIGS. 3-6, the construction element 11 is further defined by first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 21-24, respectively. As seen therein, the first and second sidewalls extend generally normally, downwardly relative to the top surface 15. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top and bottom surfaces 15 and 20, respectively are typically planer, however, in certain forms of the invention, the construction element 11 may have a curved or other geometric shape and consequently the top and bottom surfaces or the third and fourth sidewalls 23 and 24 may have different configurations, one relative to the other. In the construction system 10 of the present invention, the construction element 11 has at least one passageway 30 which extends therethrough. As seen in FIGS. 3-6, a plurality of passageways 30 are formed in the main body 12, and extend through the top surface 15 therethrough to the bottom surface 20. As seen in FIG. 5, the passageways may also include passageways which extend therethrough the third wall 23, main body 12, and through the fourth sidewall 24. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertically disposed passageways 30 are positioned therebetween the substantially horizontally disposed passageways. For illustration purposes only, it should be recognized that the passageways may be in alternating, consecutive, or other arrangements based upon the construction element being designed. For example, it is conceivable that several horizontally oriented passageways 30 might be formed sequentially through the main body 12 followed by one vertically oriented passageway. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 25, the construction panel 350 defines at least one, and preferably a plurality of spacedly arrayed fastener body holes 358 therein that extend from the first surface 351 to the second surface 352. Each fastener body hole 358 has an interior diameter 359, a circumferential edge 360 and may include a radially extending locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge 360. Each fastener hole 358 further defines an axis 362. Panels 350, which may be generally planar, have been found to be particularly useful in combination with more “block type” construction elements (FIGS. 2-6) because panels 350 generally are lighter in weight (which is particularly beneficial when a flying apparatus—such as a drone—is being constructed). Panels 350 provide a greater surface area to attach other components, and to more securely fasten other components such as motors which generate torque and other forces when actuated; and panels 350 can be more aerodynamic than block-type elements. Panels 350, due to their larger surface area can also reduce the number of components required.
Unfortunately, panels 350, due to their reduced thickness between the first surface 351 and the second surface 352 (as compared to more block type construction elements (FIGS. 2-6)) and the reduced circumferential surface area within the fastener body hole 358 which may be even further decreased if the panel has a countersunk recessed shoulder 360 to fully receive a panel lock 300 (FIG. 20), necessitate a panel lock fastener 300 that is configured to interconnect a panel 350 to a block type construction element (FIGS. 2-6), to connect a first panel 350 to a second panel 350 and also to provide a connection post wherein the panel lock 300 is not completely/fully telescopingly received within the panel 350 and/or not completely/fully telescopingly received within a construction element (FIGS. 2-6) in order to provide a “post-like” secure fastening location for construction components such as, but not limited to, cables, wires, loops, bumpers, etc.
The passageway 30 which is formed through the main body 12 is defined by a sidewall 31 which defines a first maximum inside diametral dimension 32 for the passageway 30. Further, the sidewall 31 defines a second minimum inside diametral dimension 33 as seen in FIG. 6. The second inside diametral dimension 33 is less than the first diametral dimension 32. Additionally, the passageway 30 defines at least one orientation groove 34 which extends, at least in part, through the construction element 11 and between the opposite sides of the construction element 11. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, and in one form of the invention, a plurality of orientation grooves 34 are formed in substantially equally spaced relation about the circumferential edge of the passageway 30. Each of the orientation grooves has a first end 35 and an opposite second end 36 (FIG. 4). Typically, each orientation groove 34 has a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the respective passageway 30, and a width dimension generally indicated by the numeral 37.
As seen in FIGS. 11. 15 and 25, first and second construction elements here indicated as the numerals 11 and 11 a, and construction panels 350, respectively can be fastened or otherwise moveably joined together by a fastener body 40 and/or a panel lock 300 which will be described in greater detail herein. While the present invention, as illustrated herein, shows three construction elements 11, 11 a, 350 cooperatively joined together, it should be recognized that the principles of the present invention can be applied to the design of other construction assemblies different than the first and second construction elements 11 and 11 a as seen in FIGS. 11, 15, 25, 30. 31 respectively. More specifically, it should be appreciated that the respective construction elements may have different shapes and sizes than the elements 11, 11 a, 350 as shown in the FIGS. In the arrangements as seen in Figures. 11, 15, 25, 30 a first construction element 11 has a first passageway 30 formed therein and which extends therethrough, and wherein a first orientation groove 34 communicates with, and extends, at least in part along, the first passageway. Still further, a second construction element 11 a has a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and wherein a second orientation groove 34 a communicates with and extends, at least in part, along the second passageway. As seen in the drawings, the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a have substantially similar cross-sectional dimensions, and the fastener body 40 and or a panel lock 300 is operable to be received through the passageways 30 and 30 a in a manner as described herein.
Referring more specifically to FIGS. 7-10, respectively, the construction system 10 (as seen in FIGS. 11 and 15) includes a fastener body which is generally indicated by the numeral 40. The fastener body 40 has a resiliently deformable first end 41, and an opposite, second end 42. Still further, the fastener body has an intermediate portion 43 which is located between the first and second ends 41 and 42. The fastener body further has an exterior facing surface 44, and an opposite interior facing surface 45 which defines a longitudinally extending passageway 46 which extends between the first and second ends 41 and 42 thereof, As seen in FIGS. 7-10, respectively, a first discontinuous circumscribing flange 47 is formed at the first end 41. The first discontinuous circumscribing flange 47 has a circumscribing peripheral edge 48 which defines an outside diametral dimension which is typically less than the first inside diametral dimension 32 of the passageway 30, and greater than the second inside diametral dimension 33. As seen in the Figures, the fastener body 40 is further defined by a longitudinal axis which is generally indicated by the numeral 49. A second circumscribing flange 60 is formed or otherwise defined about the second end 42, and is further defined by a second circumscribing peripheral edge 61. Again, the second circumscribing peripheral edge 61 defines an outside diametral dimension which is less than the first inside diametral dimension 32, and greater than the second inside diametral dimension 33. Still further, the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body 40 has an outside diametral or cross-sectional dimension, which is less than about the second inside diametral dimension 33.
As seen in FIG. 15, the fastener body 40 is telescopingly received, at least in part, into each of the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a as defined by the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a, respectively.
As seen in FIGS. 7-10, the first discontinuous circumscribing flange 47 is defined by four discrete portions which are generally indicated by the numeral 62. These discrete portions are individually resiliently, and radially moveable relative to the longitudinal axis 49 of the fastener body 40 so as to facilitate the passage of the first end 41 through the respective passageways 30 and 30 a which are defined by the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a, respectively. The discrete portions 62 which define the first discontinuous circumscribing flange 47 further define, at least in part, a pair of longitudinally extending channels 63 which are formed in the first end 41, and which extend generally in the direction of the second end 42. Still further, the fastener body 40 defines substantially oppositely disposed first guide channels 64 which substantially longitudinally extend from the first end 41 of the fastener body 40 in the direction of the second end 42 thereof. The first guide channel 64 communicates with the longitudinally extending passageway 46 which is defined by the interior facing surface 45. The first guide channel 64 has a length dimension which can be greater than about one-half the length dimension of the fastener body 40, although this length could be more or less than the stated length based upon the relative thickness dimensions of the construction elements 11 which are being joined together. The first guide channel 64 has a first end 65, and an opposite second end 66. Still further, the fastener body 40 defines a second guide channel 70 which communicates with the first guide channel 64, and which has a first end 71 and an opposite second end 72. The first and second guide channels 64, 70 are generally perpendicular, one relative to the other. As will be seen, the first guide channel 64 has a width dimension 73, and the second guide channel 70 has a width dimension which is generally indicated by the line labeled 74. It should be understood, these width dimensions are generally substantially equal. The first and second guide channels 64, 74 define a course of movement for a locking member 90 which will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.
Referring still to FIG. 7-10, respectively, it will be seen that the fastener body 40 further includes a tongue 80 or orientation member 80 which is made integral with, and which extends substantially normally, outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 44 of the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body 40. As seen, the tongue 80 has a first end 81; a second end 82; and a length dimension 83 which is measured between the first and second ends. Still further the tongue 80 has a width dimension which is generally indicated by the line labeled 84. As should be appreciated, the tongue 80 is dimensioned to be matingly and slidably received within at least one of the orientation grooves 34 which is defined within the passageway 30 or 30 a, respectively. When received in one of the orientation grooves 34, the tongue 80 is substantially operable to prohibit rotation of one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a about the fastener body 40. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, respectively, the length dimension 83 of the tongue 80 may be varied. As should be understood, the length dimension as seen in FIG. 7 can be long enough so that the tongue 80 is received, at least in part, within an orientation groove 34 which is made integral with each of the construction elements 11 and 11 a. When this is achieved, the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a are fixedly, angularly positioned one relative to the other. Further, and when considering FIG. 9, it should be understood that in some forms of the invention, the tongue 80 may be of a length dimension where it is received in the orientation groove 34 of only one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a, respectively. In this arrangement, the construction element receiving the tongue 80 within the orientation groove 34 would be fixedly positioned relative to the fastener body 40, However, the second construction element (11 or 11 a) which did not receive the tongue 80, would be free to rotate thereabout the fastener body 40.
As should be understood, from the discussion, herein, the fastener body 40 may be fabricated in some forms of the invention where no tongue 80 is present at all. If this type of fastener body was fabricated, then both construction elements 11 and 11 a would be freely rotatable thereabout the fastener body 40. Therefore, the tongue 80 is operable to be received within at least one of the orientation grooves 34, and thereafter, the tongue 80 substantially prohibits rotation of one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a about the fastener body 40; and if received in the orientation grooves 34 of both construction elements 11 and 11 a, then the tongue 80 is operable to substantially fixedly and angularly orient the first mentioned construction element 11 relative to the second construction element 11 a as seen in FIG. 15. In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 7-10, plural tongues are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood, that a single tongue 80 may be successfully utilized in certain applications. As should be appreciated from the drawings, the width dimension 84 of the tongue 80 is less than about the width dimension 37 of the individual orientation grooves 34, thereby allowing the tongue 80 to pass therethrough.
As shown in FIGS. 18, 21, 22, 23 and 24, the construction system 10 includes a panel lock 300. Best shown in FIGS. 21 22, the panel lock 300 has a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and which defines a longitudinally extending axis 327. The body 301 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that a first end length dimension 302 a, a spaced apart second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and an intermediate portion 304 therebetween, that has an intermediate portion length dimension 304 a. The body 301 further has an outer circumferential surface 305 and defines a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that is radially variable, and the body 301 defines a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303 that is fixed. The second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 to prevent to the body 301 from wholly telescopingly being received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a or from being fully telescopingly received in the hole 358 defined in the construction panel 350. The body 301 further defines a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303. The second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312. The body 301 further has a radially enlarged exterior flange 314 at the second end portion 303, and the radially enlarged exterior flange 314 has a circumferentially extending side wall 317 that is parallel to the axis 327. The radially enlarged exterior flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, and from passing completely through the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a. The body 301 further has a first axial guide tongue 321 and a second axial guide tongue 322, that are both integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each guide tongue 321, 322 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11A. The body 301 further defines a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate, at first ends thereof, with the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformation slots 324 extend toward the second end portion 303 and each define a locking recess 325 at the first end thereof for releasable engagement with a post 96 of a locking member 90 (See FIG. 25). A discontinuous exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 is carried at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, it will be seen that the construction system 10 of the present invention includes a locking member which is generally indicated by the numeral 90, and which matingly cooperates with the fastener body 40 and/or with the panel lock body 301. As will be seen in the drawings, the locking member 90, when located in a first position (FIGS. 12, 26, 27), allows the fastener body 40 to be telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway 30 defined by one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a; and in a second position (FIGS. 13, 14, 29, 29) substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body 40 from the passageway 30 as defined by one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a. As is seen in FIGS. 12, 13, 20 and 30, the locking member 90 is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway 46 which is defined by the fastener body 40, 301.
Referring now to FIG. 1 which shows a first embodiment of the locking member 90 which has a main body 91 which is defined by a first end 92, and an opposite second end 93. Still further, the locking member 90 has an exterior facing surface 94, and an intermediate portion 95. As illustrated in the drawings, a pair of generally diametrically opposed posts which are generally indicated by the numeral 96 extend generally radially, outwardly relative to the second end 93 thereof. Each of the pair of posts 96 have a radial dimension 97 (FIG. 1) which is less than about the thickness dimension as defined between the exterior facing surface 44, and the interior facing surface 45 of the fastener body 40, 301. In this arrangement, the respective posts 96 when properly cooperating with the fastener body 40, 301 do not extend beyond the exterior facing surface 44 of the fastener body 40, 301. The respective posts 96 each have a top peripheral edge 100 which is operable to matingly cooperate with the second distal end 72 of the second guide channel 70 for the purposes which will be described in greater detail herein.
As best appreciated by a study of FIG. 1, and following, the locking member 90 includes a circumscribing flange 101 which is positioned about the first end 92 thereof. The circumscribing flange 101 defines a plurality of resiliently and radially deformable portions 102. As should be understood, the circumscribing flange defines a peripheral edge 103 which has an outside diametral dimension which is less than about the first inside diametral dimension 32 of the passageway 30. The resiliently and radially deformable portions 102 provide a means by which the locking member 90 can be telescopingly received through the passageway 46, 309 which is defined by the fastener body 40, 301 and is further moveable relative thereto as will be described, hereinafter. As will be understood by a study of FIG. 1, and following, the outside diametral dimension of the circumscribing flange 101 is greater than the outside diametral dimension of the intermediate portion 95 of the locking member 90. In this regard, the outside diametral dimension of the intermediate portion 95 of locking member 90 is less than about the second inside diametral dimension 33, of the passageway 30 as defined by the respective construction elements 11 or 11 a, respectively.
The locking member 90 defines a tool engagement cavity (FIGS. 1, 17) which is generally indicated by the numeral 104, 184 and which is located at the first end 92 thereof. The tool engagement cavity 104 has a first portion 105, which is defined by a generally longitudinally extending channel having a first end 110; an opposite, second end 111; and an intermediate portion 112. The first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity 104 has dimensions which permits it to matingly receive, and allows the passage of a tool (FIGS. 2, 17) which is operable to impart linearly, outwardly and rotational movement to the locking member 90, for the purposes which will be described herein, and along the first and second guide channels 64 and 70, respectively, which are defined by the fastener body 40, 301. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 17 and following, the tool engagement cavity is further defined by a generally longitudinally extending passageway 113 which is formed the first end 92, and which communicates with the first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity 104. This longitudinally extending passageway 113 is disposed generally normally, relative to the orientation of the first portion 105 thereby defining the resiliently, and radially deformable portions 102 which facilitate the passage of the first end 92 of the locking member 90 through the passageway 46 as defined by the fastener body 40 and the panel lock 300. This is best understood by a study of FIG. 11. In addition to the foregoing, the tool engagement cavity 104 has a second portion 114 (FIG. 12) which is formed in the end 92, and which is generally circumscribingly oriented relative to the locking member 90, and generally perpendicular to the orientation of the first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity 104. The second portion of the tool engagement cavity has a first end 115; a second end 116; and is further operable to matingly cooperate with a tool (FIG. 2), which will be described herein, and which can impart longitudinally outward force substantially along the longitudinal axis 49 of the fastener body 40, and further may rotate the locking member 90 relative to the fastener body 40 (FIGS. 13 and 14).
As best understood by FIGS. 12-14, the locking member 90 is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the longitudinally extending passageway 46, 309 as defined by the fastener body 40, 301. The locking member 90 is coaxially moveable along a first substantially linear path or course of travel 120 from a first position 121, and wherein a first portion 122 of the locking member 90 extends longitudinally outwardly relative to the second end 42 of the fastener body 40, 301 (as seen in FIG. 12); and a second portion 123 of the locking member 90 is received in the longitudinally extending passageway 46, 309 as defined by the fastener body 40, 301 and is located intermediate the first and second ends 41 and 42 thereof. Still further, the locking member 90 is moveable to a second position 124, and wherein the locking member 90 is substantially wholly received within the passageway 46. This is seen by reference to FIGS. 13, 28. When located in the second position 124, the locking member 90 is further at least partially coaxially rotatable relative to the passageway 46, 309. This rotation of the locking member 90 is facilitated by the passage of the post 96 along the second guide channel 70 which defines a second, partially rotatable course of movement 125 (FIG. 13).
As should be understood from the drawings, the first guide channel 64 defines the first substantially linear path of travel 120 between the first position 121 and the second position 124. As seen, by reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, and when moved along the second guide channel 70 which defines the second course of movement 125, the post 96 is operable to matingly cooperate with the distal end 72 of the second guide channel in the nature of a snap-fit thereby releasably securing the locking member 90 in an appropriate position, When the locking member 90 is wholly received within the passageway 46, 309 as defined by the fastener body 40, 301 it substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageways 30 which are defined by the respective construction elements 11 because it substantially prevents the radial deformation of the first end 41 of the fastener body 40. Still further, and when located in the first position 121, the locking member 90 allows the first end 41 of the fastener body 40, 301 to be resiliently deformed so as to facilitate the movement of the first end 41 of the fastener body 40, 301 through the passageways 30 as defined by the first and second construction members 11 and 11 a, and panels 350 respectively.
The linear and rotational movement of the locking member 90 is implemented by a tool 140 which matingly engages, and is received within the tool engagement cavity 104. As seen in FIGS. 2, 17 the tool 140 has an elongated main body 141 with opposite first and second ends 142 and 143, respectively. As should be understood, the second end 143 is grasped by the hand of an operator, and who may then apply linear as well as rotational force along the longitudinal axis of the tool 140 in order to cause the corresponding rotation of the locking member 90, as will be described herein. In this regard, the first end 142 of the tool is defined by first and second engagement members 144 and 145, respectively. The first end 142 has a width dimension which is generally indicated by the line labeled 150. This width dimension of the first end of the tool is less than about the width dimension of the first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity 104. This permits the first end 142 of the tool to be inserted into the first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity. Still further, limited rotation of the tool 140 causes the first and second engagement members 144 and 145, respectively to be received in the second portion 114 of the tool engagement cavity. As should be understood, the respective first and second engagement members have a thickness dimension indicated by the line labeled 151. This thickness dimension is less than about the width dimension of the second portion 114, thereby allowing the first and second engagement members to be received within the second portion 114, and be positioned below a portion of the circumscribing flange 101. By counter-clockwise rotation of the tool 140, rotational force can be applied to the locking member 90 thereby rotating it in a fashion so that the post 96 may move along the second guide channel 70, to the distal end 72 thereof. Clockwise rotation causes the post 95 to be moved in the opposite direction. Further, and when the post 96 is oriented in the second position 124, the tool 140 is operable to exert substantially coaxially and linear force to the locking member 90 so as to move the locking member 90 from the second position 124 to the first position 121. In some forms of the invention, the orientation of second guide channel 70 may be in the opposite direction from that seen in the drawings. Consequently, the rotations discussed above may be in the opposite direction from that described.
The tool 140 has a proximal or a first end 142 which is sized to be received within the tool engagement cavity 104. As seen in FIGS. 1, 17 the first portion 105 of the tool engagement cavity 104 permits substantial coaxially and linear movement of the proximal or first end 142 of the tool 140 into the tool engagement cavity, and the second portion 114 of the tool engagement cavity permits the proximal or first end of the tool 142 to be substantially coaxially rotatable (in a limited fashion) relative to the first end 92 of the locking member 90. Further, the tool 140, when received in the tool engagement cavity 104 is operable to selectively move the locking member 90 along the first and second guide channels 64, 70, 324, 325 respectively. As noted above, the tool 140 is operable to exert rotatable and linearly outward force on the first end 92 of the locking member 90 so as to move the locking member from the second position 124 to the first position 121 relative to the fastener body 40. As should be understood, in the first position 121, the continued application of linear outward force on the first end 92 of the locking member 90 results in withdrawal of the fastener body 40 from the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a, and which is defined by the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a. As should be understood, the circumscribing flange 101 which is found at the first end 92 of the locking member 90 substantially prevents the main body 91 from being pushed substantially through the passageway 46 which is defined by the fastener body 40. This is best understood by a study of FIG. 15.
Referring now to FIG. 16, it will be seen that the construction system 10 of the present invention includes a second form of the locking member and which is generally indicated by the numeral 170, and which matingly cooperates with the fastener body 41, 301. As will be understood from the previous discussion, the second form of the locking member 170 operates in a similar fashion to that described for the locking member 90. More specifically, the locking member 170, when located in a first position, allows the fastener body 40 to be telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway 30, 358 defined by one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a; and in a second position substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body 40 from the passageway 30 as defined by one of the construction elements 11 or 11 a, 350. As was the case with the locking member 90, the second locking member 170 is telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway 46, 309 which is defined by the fastener body 40, 301. Referring now to FIG. 16, the locking member 170 has a main body 171 which is defined by a first end 172, and an opposite second end 173. Still further, the locking member 170 has an exterior facing surface 174, and an intermediate portion 175. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a pair of posts which are generally indicated by the numeral 176 extend generally normally, outwardly relative to the second end 173 thereof. The pair of posts have a radial dimension 177 which is less than about the thickness dimension as defined between the exterior facing surface 174, and the interior facing surface 45 of the fastener body 40, 301. In this arrangement, the respective posts 176 when properly cooperating with the fastener body 40, 301 do not extend beyond the exterior facing surface 44 of the fastener body 40, 301. The respective posts 176 each have a top peripheral edge 180 which is operable to matingly cooperate with the second distal end 72 of the second guide channel 70, 356 for the purposes which will be described in greater detail herein.
As best appreciated by a study of FIG. 16, the locking member 170 includes a circumscribing flange 181 which is positioned about the first end 172 thereof. The circumscribing flange 181 is discontinuous and defines two resiliently and radially deformable portions 182. As should be understood, the circumscribing flange defines a peripheral edge 183 which has an outside diametral dimension which is less than about the first inside diametral dimension 32 of the passageway 30. The resiliently and radially deformable portions 182 provide a means by which the locking member 170 can be telescopingly received through the passageway 46 which is defined by the fastener body 40, and is further moveable relative thereto as will be described, hereinafter. As will be understood by a study of FIG. 1, and following, the outside diametral dimension of the circumscribing flange 181 is greater than the outside diametral dimension of the intermediate portion 175 of the locking member 170. In this regard, the outside diametral dimension of the intermediate portion of locking member 175 is less than about the second inside diametral dimension 33, of the passageway 30 as defined by the respective construction elements 11 or 11 a, respectively.
Still referring to FIG. 16, the locking member 170 defines a tool engagement cavity which is generally indicated by the numeral 184, and which is located at the first end 92 thereof.
The tool engagement cavity 184 has a first portion 185, which is defined by a generally longitudinally extending channel having a first end 190; and an opposite, second end 191.
Additionally, the tool engagement cavity 184 has a somewhat cylindrically shaped second portion 193. The first portion 185 of the tool engagement cavity 184 has dimensions which permits it to matingly receive, and allows the passage of a tool (FIG. 17) into the second portion 193. When received in the second portion 193, the tool is operable to impart linearly, outwardly and rotational movement to the locking member 170, for the purposes which will be described below, and along the first and second guide channels 64 and 70, respectively, which are defined by the fastener body 40.
Referring now to FIG. 17, a tool which is designated 200 is operable to matingly cooperate with, and otherwise be received within the tool engagement cavity 184. Once it is appropriately seated in the tool engagement cavity 184, the tool 200 is operable to impart rotational, as well as linearly inwardly and/or outward force on the main body 171 of the locking member 170 to cause it to operate in a fashion which is substantially similar to the locking member 90. The tool 200 has a main body 201 which is defined by a first end 202 which is received in the tool engagement cavity 184, and an opposite second end 203. The second end 203 is grasped by the hand of an operator (not shown), and who would impart rotational or linear inward or outward force to the main body 201, and which would be imparted to the main body 171 of the locking member 170. As seen in FIG. 17, the first end 202 is generally cylindrically shaped and has an outside diametral dimension designated by the numeral 204. As should be understood from FIG. 16, the second end 191 of the channel 185 has a width dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the first end 202. Further, the second portion 193 of the tool engagement cavity 184 has an inside diametral dimension 205. As will be understood, the first end 202 of the tool is received in the second portion of the tool engagement cavity in the manner of a snap-fit because of the radial resiliency of the deformable portions 182. In all other respects, the second form of the locking member 170 operates substantially similarly to the locking member 90.
The respective construction elements and panels 11 and 11 a and 350 may be fabricated from natural materials such as metal (aluminum), wood, or other cellulosic materials and/or synthetic materials of various sorts such as nylon, plastics and other moldable materials. Still further, the fastener body 40, 300 as well as the locking member 90, 170 may be fabricated, at least in part, of a metal and/or a plastic.

OPERATION

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly described at this point.
A principal object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a first construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge; a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30 a are substantially coaxially aligned; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11 a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321. 322 of the panel lock body 301.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: a first axial guide tongue 321 and a second axial guide tongue 322, that are both integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the first axial guide tongue 321 and the second axial guide tongue 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 carried at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11 a and the first end length dimension 302 a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30 a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system 10 of which includes a construction element 11 which has at least one passageway 30 which extends therethrough; and which further includes a fastener body 40 telescopingly received, at least in part, in the passageway 30, and which extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element 11. This is best understood by reference to FIG. 15. Still further, the construction system 10 includes a locking member 90 cooperating with the fastener body 40 and which, in a first position 121, allows the fastener body 40 to be telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway 30 defined by the construction element 11, and in a second position 124, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body 40 from the passageway 30 which is defined by the construction element 11. This is seen most clearly by reference to FIGS. 13-15, respectively. As should be understood, in the second position 124, the locking member 90, 170 substantially impedes the resilient deformation of the first end 41 of the fastener body 40 thereby securing the fastener body 40 within the passageway 30.
More specifically, the construction system 10 of the present invention includes a first construction element 11 having a first passageway 30 formed therein and which extends there-through. Still further, a first orientation groove 34 is defined by the first construction element 11, and communicates with and extends, at least in part, along the first passageway 30. Still further, the construction system includes a second construction element 11 a having a second passageway 30 a formed therein. The second passageway extends therethrough, and a second orientation groove 34 a communicates with, and extends, at least in part, along the second passageway 30 a. The first and second passageways 30, 30 a have substantially similar cross sectional dimensions and are generally cylindrical in shape. The construction system 10 of the present invention includes a fastener body 40 having a resiliently deformable first end 41, and an opposite second end 42. Still further, the fastener body 40 has an intermediate portion 43 located between the first and second ends 41 and 42. The fastener body 40 defines a longitudinally extending passageway 46 which extends between the first and second ends 41 and 42.
The fastener body 40 has a cross sectional or outside diametral dimension at the first and second ends which is less than about the first or largest inside dimension 32 of the respective passageways 30 and 30 a, and is further larger than the smallest inside diametral dimension 33. Still further, the intermediate portion 43 has a cross sectional or outside diametral dimension which is less than the smallest cross sectional or inside diametral dimension 33 of the respective passageways 30, 30 a as defined by the respective first and second construction element 11 and 11 a. In the arrangement as seen in the Figures, the fastener body 40 is telescopingly received, at least in part, in each of the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a as defined by the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a. Still further, a tongue 80 (in some forms of the invention) is made integral with the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body, and extends radially outwardly relative thereto. The tongue 80 is received, at least in part, in at least one of the first or second orientation grooves 34 or 34 a. The tongue 80 substantially impedes the rotation of the first and/or second construction members 11 and 11 a about the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body 40.
A locking member 90 having a main body 91 with opposite first and second ends 92 and 93, respectively is telescopingly received within the longitudinally extending passageway 46 as defined by the fastener body 40. In this regard, the first end 92 of the locking member 90 is received in the first end of the fastener body, and is pushed through the passageway 46 until the first end 92 extends longitudinally, outwardly relative to the second end 42 of the fastener body 42 (FIGS. 11 and 12). The locking member 90 moveably and matingly cooperates with the fastener body 40 as shown in FIGS. 12-14. In this regard, the main body 91 of the locking member 90 is linearly and rotatably moveable along a first course of travel defined by the fastener body 40 from a first position 121 which permits the first end 41 of the fastener body 40 to be deformed and pass through the respective first and second passageways 30 and 30 a as defined by the first and second construction elements 11 and 11 a, respectively. Still further, the passage of the first end 41 through the passageways 30 and 30A causes the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body 40 to be received within each of the respective first and second passageways 30 and 30 a as defined by the respective first and second construction elements 11 and 11 a. Still further, when the locking member 90 is positioned in a second position 124, the locking member is wholly received within the longitudinally extending passageway 46 as defined by the fastener body 40 (FIG. 13). In this position, the locking member 90 impedes the removal of the fastener body 40 from the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a by impeding the resilient deformation of the first end 41 of the fastener body 40. As earlier disclosed, the fastener body 40 has a longitudinal axis 49, and a deformable first end 41. The deformable first end 41 includes at least one portion 62 which is resiliently, radially moveable relative to the longitudinal axis 49 of the fastener body 40.
In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the locking member 90 has a main body 91 which is defined by an exterior facing surface 94. Still further, a post 96 extends radially outwardly relative to the second end 93 thereof. In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 12, the fastener body 40 further defines a first guide channel 64 which matingly receives, and defines a first course of movement 120 for the locking member 90 when force is applied to the first end 92 thereof (FIG. 14). The first guide channel 64 extends from the first end 41 of the fastener body 40 in the direction of the second end 42 thereof. In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 12, the first end 41 of the fastener body 40 defines a second guide channel 70 which communicates with the first guide channel 64, and 50 which matingly receives, and defines a second course of movement 125 for the locking member 96. In this regard, the first guide channel 64 causes the locking member to move substantially linearly relative to the fastener body 40, and the second guide channel 70 causes the locking member 90 to be 55 partially, rotatably moveable relative to the fastener body 40.
In the arrangement as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second guide channel 70 has a second or distal end 72 which matingly cooperates with the post 96 so as to releasably secure the locking member 90, 170 in a position which impedes the removal of the fastener body 40 from the first and second passageways 30 and 30 a as defined the respective construction elements 11 and 11 a. As disclosed, the first end 92 of the locking member 90 defines a tool engagement cavity 104 having first and second portions 105 and 114, respectively, and which communicate together. Still further, a tool 140 is provided and which has a first or proximal end 142 which is sized to be received within the tool engagement cavity 104. The tool 140, when received in the tool engagement cavity, is operable to selectively move the locking member 90 along the first and second guide channels 64 and 70, respectively. Additionally, the tool 140 is operable to exert rotatable and linearly outward force on the first end 92 of the locking member 90 so as to reciprocally move the locking member 90 from the second 124 to the first positions 121 relative to the fastener body 40. As earlier discussed, when located in the first position 121, the fastener body 40 may be inserted or withdrawn from the passageway 30,
Therefore, it will be seen that the construction system 10 of the present invention is simple in operation and allows a multitude of construction elements to be joined in a fashion not possible heretofore. The present invention further avoids many of the shortcomings attendant with the prior art practices and other assemblies which have been used for similar purposes heretofore.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A construction system comprising:

a fiat construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge:

a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30 a are substantially coaxially aligned;

a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly teiescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the orality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and

a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174, and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and therein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301 to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.

2. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:

a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11 a.

3. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321, 322 of the panel lock body 301.

4. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11 a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.

5. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:

plural axial guide tongues 321, 322 that are integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the plural axial guide tongues 321, 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a.

6. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:

an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 of the panel lock 300.

7. A construction system comprising:

a second construction element 11 a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11 a defining a second passageway 30 a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34 a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another;

a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302 a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303 a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304 a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304 b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304 b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303 and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 12, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34 a defined in the second passageway 30 a of the second construction element 11 a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and

a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174, and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein

when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11 a and the first end length dimension 302 a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30 a.