US3600844A

US3600844A - Block structure

Info

Publication number: US3600844A
Application number: US865548A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wesley D Simpson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-10-13
Filing date: 1969-10-13
Publication date: 1971-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-24

Abstract

A block structure adaptable for use as a toy and including a plurality of blocks secured in side-by-side relationship to a sheet of flexible material. The geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks. The blocks may be temporarily locked in a particular geometric configuration by wedges insertable into such junctures and engageable with the facing sides of adjacent blocks.

Description

United States Patent [721 inventor Wesley D. Simpson 2126 S. Walden Ave., Appleton, Wis.

5491 l [2! 1 Appl No. 865.548 [22] Filed Oct. 13,1969 {45] Patented Aug. 24, 1971 [54] BLOCK STRUCTURE 20 Claims, 23 Drawing Figs.

[52 u.s.c| .I 46/16 15 [1 'nt. Cl A631! 33/00 [50] Field of Search 46/16 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.002.309 l0/l96l Snyder 46/16 FOREIGN PATENTS 694,1 8 1964 Canada Primary Examiner- Louis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever AnorneyBirch, Swindler, McKie & Beckett ABSTRACT: A block structure adaptable for use as a toy and including a plurality of blocks secured in side-by-side relationship to a sheet of flexible material. The geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks. The blocks may be temporarily locked in a particular geometric configuration by wedges insertable into such junctures and engageable with the facing sides of adjacent blocks.

PATENTEDAUB24I9TI 3,600,844

SHEET 1 ur 4 WESLEY D. SIMPSON, INVENTOR BYM WW4 ATTORNEYS PMENTED AU824 I97! SHEET 2 BF 4 PAIENTED M1824 I97! SHEET '4 0F 4 FIG. 23

FIG. 2|

variety of different BLOCK STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to block structures adaptable for use as a toy, and specifically to a block structure in which a plurality of blocks may be arranged in a variety of different geometric attitudes with respect to each other.

Many types of block structure toys are known. Generally, such toys comprise a plurality of separate blocks of different shapes and sizes. The blocks comprising some such toys include means integral therewith or connectable thereto for holding a plurality of the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other. One of the problems associated with toys of this type is that the individual blocks frequently are lost, thus reducing the entertainment and instructional value of the toy.

Also, the shapes of the objects which can be made with conventional building blocks is limited due to the necessity of stacking each block on a linearly extending planer surface, such as a table top, a floor, or another block.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The block structure of the present invention minimizes the foregoing disadvantages associated with conventional building block structures. Basically described, the block structure of the invention comprises; a sheet of flexible material; a plurality of blocks secured to the sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks; and at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between two of the blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding said two blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other.

Due to the attachment of the individual blocks to the sheet of flexible material, the likelihood of the blocks being lost is minimized. Also, the sheet of flexible material permits a wide variety of objects having different configurations to be made with the structure.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved block structure, which structure is particularly adaptable for use as a toy.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a block structure in which a plurality of blocks may be arranged in a I geometric attitudes with respect to each other.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a block structure in which aplurality of blocks are secured in side-by-side relationship to a sheet of flexible material, and in which the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a block structure as described in the preceding object wherein the likelihood of individual blocks being lost is minimized due to the attachment of the blocks to the sheet of flexible material.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a block structure which may be used for constructing relatively simple building structures, such as storage sheds, cabanas, and the like.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof given in connection with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the basic structural unit of the block structure of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural unit shown in FIG. 1, showing a particular geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing another particular geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, further showing a locking means for temporarily locking the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to eachother;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support means for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the support means shown in FIG. 5 is employed;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of additional embodiments of the basic structural unit of the block structure of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connecting means for interconnecting two or more of the basic structural units, and the manner in which the connecting means is employed;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing another embodiment of a connecting means; 4

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a connecting means;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the connecting means shown in FIG. 12, showing one manner in which the connecting means may be employed;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, showing another manner in which the connecting means may be employed;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views of additional embodiments of the basic structural unit of the block structure of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an enclosure that may be made with the structural units shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and the connecting means shown in FIGS. 12-14; and

FIGS. 18-23 are perspective views of representative geometric configurations that may be made with various embodiments of the block structure of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the basic structural unit of the block structure of the invention is shown in FIG. 1, as designated by reference numeral 10. Unit 10 comprises a plurality of blocks 12 secured in side-by-side relationship to a sheet 14 of flexible material. In all of the embodimentsof the basic structural unit, at least one side of each block is positioned adjacent a side of at least one other block. With reference to unit 10 and as shown in FIG. 1, at least two sides of each block 12 are positioned adjacent the sides of other blocks. Conveniently blocks 12 are all shaped as square parallelepipeds and are all of equal dimensions, with the facing sides of adjacent blocks being coextensive in length and height.

The geometric attitude of blocks 12 with respect to each other may be changed by bending sheet 14 along the junctures between the blocks. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, the two blocks at the lef -hand portion of unit 10 are inclined downwardly with respect to the remaining blocks of the unit. In FIG. 3, the three blocks at the forward portion of the unit are inclined downwardly with respect to the other blocks of the unit. As is apparent from this description, blocks 12 may be positioned in various geometric attitudes with respect to each other to make various geometric configurations with unit 10.

Means are shown in FIG. 4 for temporarily locking blocks 12 in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other. The locking means conveniently comprises a wedge 16 insertable into the junctures between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof. Wedges 16 may be coextensive in-length with the sides of one or more blocks 12. The particular wedge 16 shown in FIG. 4 is representative, andis coextensive in length with the sides of two blocks. A particular geometric configuration thus may be made with unit 10, and the unit temporarilylocked into such configuration by inserting one or more wedges 16 into the junctures between blocks 12. Consequently, a child may make various entertaining and instructional objects with unit 10 quickly and easily.

A support means is shown in FIG. 5 for holding blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other. The support means comprises a channel member 18 having an L- shaped cross section defined by a pair of

flanges

20 and 22 of equal length. Member 18 is adapted to rest on a planar surface with the lateral extremities of

flanges

20 and 22 contacting such surface. A pair of notches 24 and 26 are formed in member 18, commencing at the juncture of

flanges

20 and 22 and extending equally into the flanges. Notches 24 and 26 are each of an appropriate width for receiving therein and engaging one of blocks 12 from a side of the block having no other block adjacent thereto. Also, the notches may be parallel to each other'and spaced apart a distance equal to the width of one of blocks 12 for holding unit 10 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6. However, the length of member 18, the directionof notches 24 and 26, and the spacing between the notches may be varied for use with structural units having a greater number of blocks than are included in unit 10.

Another embodiment of the basic structural unit of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, as designated by reference numeral 30. Unit 30 is generally similar to unit 10 but includes more blocks than unit 10, thus providing a greater variation in the number of configurations that can be made with unit 30. Also,

unit 30 includes a plurality of blocks 32 which are shaped as triangular prisms. Blocks 32 are arranged such that the junctures therebetween form' a diagonal across unit 30. Thus, sheet 14 ofthe unit may be bent along such diagonal, or along the juncturesbetween blocks 12 and blocks 12 and 32.

Additional embodiments of the basic structural unit of the invention are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, as designated by

reference numeral

40 and 50, respectively. Each of

units

40 and 50 includes a substantially greater number of blocks than either of

units

10 or 30. Specifically, each of

units

40 and 50 includes'a plurality of blocks 12 and a plurality of blocks 32, with the latter being arranged such that the junctures therebetween form two diagonals extending across the unit. The only difference between

units

40 and 50 is that the diagonals formed by blocks 32 are at different positions within the units.

One embodiment of a connecting means for interconnecting two or more of the basic structural units is shown in FIG. 10. The connecting means comprises a channel member 53 having an H-shaped cross section defined by a pair spaced, parallel,

lateral flanges

54 and 56 and an internal flange 58. Flange 58

interconnects flanges

54 and 56 intermediate the ends of the latter. The spaces defined between

flanges

54 and 56 on either side of flange 58 are each of an appropriate width for receiving therein and engaging one or more blocks of a structural unit from a side of the blocks having no other blocks adjacent thereto. As shown in FIG. 10, member 52 is long enough to accommodate three blocks 12 of each of two units 10 in the spaces defined between

flanges

54 and 56. As will be 7 apparent, the channel member may be used for interconnecting any two basic structural units.

Another embodiment of a connecting means is shown in FIG. ll, comprising a channel member 60. Member 60 is shaped similarly to member 52 but is only long enough to accommodate one block 12 of each of two units 10 in the spaces defined between the lateral flanges of the member. As is apparent from FIG. 1], member 60 can be used not only for interconnecting two structural units, but also for holding the units in a particular geometric configuration.

An additional embodiment of a connecting means is shown in FIG. 12, comprising a prism-shaped connecting member 62.

. Member 62 is shown to be shaped as an octagonal prism, however, the member may have a greater or lesser number of lateral sides than eight. Member 62 mayhave a circular opening 64 extending longitudinally therethrough to facilitate grasping the member by a child. Also, the member has a notch 66 formed in each of the lateral sides thereof. Each of notches 66 is defined by a first planar surface 68 parallel to the bases of the prism, a second planar surface 70 inclined inwardly and away from the adjacent base of the prism, and a third planar surface 72 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the prism. Notches 66 are of an appropriate width for receiving therein and engaging the blocks of a pair of structural units and shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively. 7

Unit 80 comprises a plurality of blocks-12 secured in sideby-side relationship in a row to a sheet of flexible material. The outer comers of one of the end blocks, i.e. the corners remote from the adjacent block, are bevelled to form bevels 82 extending between the sides of the block having no other blocks adjacent thereto.

Unit 90 also comprises a plurality of blocks secured side-byside relationship in a row to a sheet of flexible material. However, the shapes of the blocks comprising unit 90 substantially differ from the square parallelepiped shape of blocks 12. The blockscomprising unit 90 include an end block 92 shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, two

intermediate blocks

94 and 96 shaped as trapezoidal prisms, and another end block 98 shaped as a triangular prism.

A plurality of

units

80 and 90 may be interconnected by connecting member 62 to form a substantially hemispherical shaped, domelike enclosure 100, shown in FIG. 17. To make enclosure 100,

units

80 and 90 are alternately connected to member 62, with the end block 12 of each unit 80 having bevels 82 thereon and the end block 98 of each unit 90 being received in and engaged by notches 66. As shown in FIG. 17, units 80 are aligned with the lateral sides of member 62 and units 90 are aligned with the corners defined by such sides. The end block 98 of each unit 90 thus is received in and engaged by the end portions of two adjacent notches 66, between the bevels 82 of the end blocks 12 of the adjacent units 80.

The end block 12 of each unit 80 having bevels 82 thereon may be received in and engaged by notches 66 in either of two ways. As shown in FIG. 13, member 62 may be oriented so that the lower surface of the end block, i.e. the surface secured to sheet 14, is positioned adjacent one of inclined surfaces 70. A wedge 16 is then inserted between the upper sur-. face of the end block and the associated surface 68, to temporarily lock the end block in a particular geometric attitude with respect to member 62. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, member 62 may be oriented so that the lower surface of the end block is positioned adjacent one of surfaces 68. A wedge 16 is then inserted between the upper surface of the end block and the associated inclined surface 70, to temporarily lock the end block in a different particular geometric attitude with respect to member 62.

To complete enclosure 100, additional wedges 16 are inserted into the junctures between the adjacent blocks of

units

80 and 90 to temporarily lock each of the units in a substantially arcuate configuration.

While the various embodiments of the block structure of the invention described hereinabove are particularly adaptable for use as toys, including

structural units

80 and 90 and connecting member 62, the latter components may be dimensioned appropriately for making an inexpensive and easily fabricated building structure, suitable for use as a storage shed, cabana, or the like. For this latter purpose, wedges 16 may be permanently or semipermanently affixed in the junctures between the adjacent blocks of

units

80 and 90 and in the junctures between the end blocks of units 80 and connecting member 62. This may be accomplished easily by coating the sides of the wedges with a suitable adhesive before insert-,

means conveniently may be made of wood, and the flexible sheets made from a suitable natural or artificial material, such as burlap or nylon. However, it is contemplated that the various components of the structure may be made from other materials. For example, the blocks and sheets may be made of a plastic material when the structure is to be used for making a building structure and where the flexible sheets are to be bent less frequently than when the structure is to be used as a toy.

FIGS. 18-23 illustrate different geometric configurations which may be made with various embodiments of the invention. A complex geometric configuration is shown in FIG. 18 which may be made with structural unit 40 and a plurality of wedges 16.

Other less complex configurations are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 which may be made with structural units similar to

units

40 and 50 but which include no blocks 32.

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 show various domelike configurations which may be made with connecting member 62, a plurality of units 80 and a plurality of wedges 16.

It will be appreciated that the various geometric configurations shown in the drawings are merely representative of a large number of configurations that can be made with the block structure of the invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the blocks of the basic structural units may be of different sizes and shapes, and that such units may include a greater or lesser number of blocks than the units specifically described hereinabove. Thus, while the foregoing constitutes a detailed description of several preferred embodiments of the block structure of the invention, it is recognized that various modifications thereof will occur to those skilled in the art.

1 claim 1, A structure comprising;

a sheet of flexible material;

a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks; and

at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between two of the blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding said two blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other.

2. A structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises a wedge.

3. A structure as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said blocks is shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped.

4. A structure as recited in claim 3, wherein the facing sides of adjacent blocks are coextensive in length.

5. A structure as recited in claim 4, wherein the facing sides of adjacent blocks are coextensive in height.

6. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are all ofequal dimensions.

7. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are arranged in at least one row.

8. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows.

9. A structure comprising:

a sheet of flexible material;

a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks;

at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and

a support means adapted to be placed on a planar surface and engageable with at least two of said blocks each from a side thereof having no other block adjacent thereto for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other. 10. A structure as recited in claim 9, wherein said support comprises a channel member having a substantially L-shaped cross section defined by a pair of flanges of equal width said member further having a pair of-spaced notches therein for engaging said two blocks.

11. A structure as recited in claim 10, wherein said member is adapted to rest on the lateral extremities of the flanges, and said notches commence at the juncture of said flanges and extend equally thereinto.

12. A structure as recited in claim 11, wherein said notches are parallel.

13. A structure comprising:

two structural units, each comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks, and at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and

a connecting means engageable with at least one block of each of said units each from a side thereof having no other block adjacent thereto for interconnecting said units.

14. A structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said connecting means comprises a channel member having an H-shaped cross section defined by two spaced, parallel, lateral flanges and an internal flange disposed therebetween and intermediate the ends thereof, each of said one blocks being engageable by said member between said lateral flanges.

15. A structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said connecting means comprises a prism-shaped member having at least one notch in each of at least two of the lateral sides thereof, each of said one blocks being engageable by said member in one of said notches.

16. A structure comprising;

a plurality of structural units, each comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship in a row with one side of each of the end blocks in the row positioned adjacent one side of the adjacent block and opposite sides of the intermediate blocks in the row positioned adjacent one side of each of the adjacent blocks, the facing sides of adjacent blocks being coextensive in length and height, whereby the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet at the junctures between the blocks, and at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and

a connecting means comprising a prism-shaped member having a notch in each of the lateral sides thereof, one of the end blocks of each said units being engageable by said member in said notches so that the units may be interconnected by said member to form an enclosure.

17. A structure as recited in claim 16, wherein the blocks of each of one-half of said units are shaped as rectangular parallelepipeds and at least some of the blocks of each of the remainder of said units are shaped as trapezoidal prisms.

18. A structure as recited in claim 17, wherein one of the end blocks of each of said remaining units is shaped as a triangular prism.

19. A structure as recited in claim 17, wherein the outer corners of one of the end blocks of each of said one-half units are bevelled.

20. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein at least two of said blocks are shaped as triangular prisms.

Claims

2. A structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises a wedge.
3. A structure as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said blocks is shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped.
4. A structure as recited in claim 3, wherein the facing sides of adjacent blocks are coextensive in length.
5. A structure as recited in claim 4, wherein the facing sides of adjacent blocks are coextensive in height.
6. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are all of equal dimensions.
7. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are arranged in at least one row.
8. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said blocks are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows.
9. A structure comprising: a sheet of flexible material; a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks; at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and a support means adapted to be placed on a planar surface and engageable with at least two of said blocks each from a side thereof having no other block adjacent thereto for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other.
10. A structure as recited in claim 9, wherein said support comprises a channel member having a substantially L-shaped cross section defined by a pair of flanges of equal width said member further having a pair of spaced notches therein for engaging said two blocks.
11. A structure as recited in claim 10, wherein said member is adapted to rest on the lateral extremities of the flanges, and said notches commence at the juncture of said flanges and extend equally thereinto.
12. A structure as recited in claim 11, wherein said notches are parallel.
13. A structure comprising: two structural units, each comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship with at least one side of each block positioned adjacent a side of another block so that the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet along the junctures between the blocks, and at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and a connecting means engageable with at least one block of each of said units each from a side thereof having no other block adjacent thereto for interconnecting said units.
14. A structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said connecting means comprises a channel member having an H-shaped cross section defined by two spaced, parallel, lateral flanges and an internal flange disposed therebetween and intermediate the ends thereof, each of said one blocks being engageable by said member between said lateral flanges.
15. A structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said connecting means comprises a prism-shaped member having at least one notch in each of at least two of the lateral sides thereof, each of said one blocks being engageable by said member in one of said notches.
16. A structure comprising; a plurality of structural units, each comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of blocks secured to said sheet in side-by-side relationship in a row with one side of each of the end blocks in the row positioned adjacent one side of the adjacent block and opposite sides of the intermediate blocks in the row positioned adjacent one side of each of the adjacent blocks, the facing sides of adjacent blocks being coextensive in length and height, whereby the geometric attitude of the blocks with respect to each other may be changed by bending the sheet at the junctures between the blocks, and at least one locking means insertable into the juncture between adjacent blocks and engageable with the facing sides thereof for holding the blocks in a particular geometric attitude with respect to each other; and a connecting means comprising a prism-shaped member having a notch in each of the lateral sides thereof, one of the end blocks of each said units being engageable by said member in said notches so that the units may be interconnected by said member to form an enclosure.
17. A structure as recited in claim 16, wherein the blocks of each of one-half of said units are shaped as rectangulAr parallelepipeds and at least some of the blocks of each of the remainder of said units are shaped as trapezoidal prisms.
18. A structure as recited in claim 17, wherein one of the end blocks of each of said remaining units is shaped as a triangular prism.
19. A structure as recited in claim 17, wherein the outer corners of one of the end blocks of each of said one-half units are bevelled.
20. A structure as recited in claim 5, wherein at least two of said blocks are shaped as triangular prisms.