US3919785A - Modular block construction system - Google Patents

Modular block construction system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3919785A
US3919785A US519983A US51998374A US3919785A US 3919785 A US3919785 A US 3919785A US 519983 A US519983 A US 519983A US 51998374 A US51998374 A US 51998374A US 3919785 A US3919785 A US 3919785A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
module
projection
face
indentation
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US519983A
Inventor
Stephen P Generaux
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US519983A priority Critical patent/US3919785A/en
Priority to SE7512159A priority patent/SE7512159L/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3919785A publication Critical patent/US3919785A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/08—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
    • A63H33/084—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails with grooves

Definitions

  • a modular construction system comprising a plurality of identical module blocks.
  • Each module block comprises a nominally cubical shape, every face of which is a square with three unit by three unit dimensions.
  • Located at the center of a plurality of the faces of the module block is an indentation having a square shape with one unit by one unit dimensions.
  • Extending outward from the module block are a plurality of projections each having a square crosssectional shape with one unit by one unit dimensions.
  • Each projection is adapted for insertion into an indentation in the face of another module block thereby forming a constructive assembly.
  • MODULAR BLOCK CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lized a module which is connected to other modules of the system by pins, clips or similar fastening arrangements. Not only does the use of such fasteningdevices detract from the aesthetic appearance of the finished structure, such devices are subject to being misplaced or damaged between uses.
  • Another category of prior art structure is an arrangement of projections and interlocking grooves or channels which permit the interlocking of modules of the building system. Such modules become shortlived in use, due to wear and the readily broken interlocking mechanisms.
  • An embodiment of the present invention obviates the limitations outlined above, yet provides a single module which may be securely interfitted with other identical modules to form a structural unit having a substantial number of combinations and resulting variety.
  • Four modules embodying this invention could be interfitted in over five thousand different ways.
  • Each module of the construction block assembly comprising the embodiment of the invention chosen for illustration is identical to every other module in the assembly. Integral to each module is the building block portion of the module together with means for interfitting one module with another.
  • the module has a generally cubical shape with a central square indentation in a plurality of the faces. Extending outward from the block are a plurality of square shaped projections which are dimensioned to fit into the central indenta tion on the face of another module.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module embodying the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two interfitted modulesembodying the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the basic module 10 of the building I I block s et.
  • Module 10 is a generally cubic configuration in'which each face, for example, face 12, has a square shape which is three units in length on each side. At the center of each face, for example, face 12, is a one unit by one unit square indentation 13. Eccentrically positioned with respect to the center of 'the face 12, and extending perpendicularly upward from that face isa pro jection 14. Projection 14 extends two units in length outward from face 12. Conveniently, but not necessarily, the projections which extend outward from the face t1 of the module are either one unit or two units in length.
  • projection 15 extends one unit in length outward from the surface of face 16 which is the face 7 opposite to that of face 12. It is also possible to have more than one projection from an individual face.
  • projecting from face 17 of module 10 is a pro jection 18 that is one unit in length and a second projection 19 which istwo units in length.
  • the two modules may be interfitted. Inthis way, any number of modules may be interfitted to'create an almost infinite variety of constructive assemblies. It should be apparent that when, as with face 17, projections of different lengths are located adjacent to each other on the same face, it is impossible to insert the shorter projection into an indentation of a second module. In such a circumstance, the shorter projection acts as a stop to prevent insertion of the longer extension to a depth exceeding the difference in length between the longer and shorter extensions.
  • FIG. 2 shows a first module 10 interfitted with a second module 20 to illustrate the manner in which two modules may be interfitted to form a construction assembly.
  • the projections extend upwards either one unit or two units in length, this, of course, is not a limitation.
  • the projections need not be of integral unit length and can be less than one unit, or more than two units in length.
  • a projection less than one unit in length would decrease the interfitting dimension (the extent to which two adjacent modules would be interfitted or interlocked) and would therefore decrease the stability of the connected units without achieving corresponding advantages.
  • a projection more than two units in length could, when inserted into a second module, interfere with a projection of a third module when it is inserted into the second module.
  • various configurations of the basic embodiment could be provided depending upon the number and location of the projections from the face of the basic module.
  • modules having different projection configurations, and therefore not identical to each other could be interfitted one with the other.
  • this practice would increase manufacturers costs, create inventory problems and needlessly complicate a simple arrangement, it should be noted that while such a system is within the comtemplation of this invention, its use is not recommended.
  • a cube wherein a plurality of faces of the cube include an indentation, each indentation being identically shaped and being located concentric to the face;
  • Every projection has a cross-sectional shape identical to the shape of the indentations in the faces; and every projection has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the indentation to permit the projections to be inserted in the indentation; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module.
  • every face of the block is a square having side dimensions of three units in length; and a plurality of the faces of the block include a square shaped indentation located concentric to the face and having side dimensions of one unit in length; and a projection extending perpendicularly outward from a face of the block, wherein said projection is located eccentric to the face from which it extends; and said projection has a square cross-sectional shape having a side dimension of one unit in length; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module. 3.
  • each projection is either one unit or two units in length.

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

A modular construction system is disclosed comprising a plurality of identical module blocks. Each module block comprises a nominally cubical shape, every face of which is a square with three unit by three unit dimensions. Located at the center of a plurality of the faces of the module block is an indentation having a square shape with one unit by one unit dimensions. Extending outward from the module block are a plurality of projections each having a square cross-sectional shape with one unit by one unit dimensions. Each projection is adapted for insertion into an indentation in the face of another module block thereby forming a constructive assembly.

Description

United States Patent [191 Generaux MODULAR BLOCK CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Stephen P. Generaux, 3450 Algonquin Circle, Las Vegas, Nev. 89109 [22] Filed: Nov. 1, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 519,983
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,218,588 12/1959 France 46/25 [451 Nov. 18, 1975 Primary Examiner-Harland S. Skogquist Attorney, Agent, or FirmCahill, Sutton & Thomas [57] ABSTRACT A modular construction system is disclosed comprising a plurality of identical module blocks. Each module block comprises a nominally cubical shape, every face of which is a square with three unit by three unit dimensions. Located at the center of a plurality of the faces of the module block is an indentation having a square shape with one unit by one unit dimensions. Extending outward from the module block are a plurality of projections each having a square crosssectional shape with one unit by one unit dimensions. Each projection is adapted for insertion into an indentation in the face of another module block thereby forming a constructive assembly.
3 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 9/1970 United Kingdom 46/25 .8. Patent Nov. 18, 1
MODULAR BLOCK CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lized a module which is connected to other modules of the system by pins, clips or similar fastening arrangements. Not only does the use of such fasteningdevices detract from the aesthetic appearance of the finished structure, such devices are subject to being misplaced or damaged between uses.
Another category of prior art structure is an arrangement of projections and interlocking grooves or channels which permit the interlocking of modules of the building system. Such modules become shortlived in use, due to wear and the readily broken interlocking mechanisms.
Yet anotherarrangement of the prior art has been to use special surface coatings to provide a cohesiveness between mated surfaces or through the use of magnets embedded in or below the surface of the module; Such an arrangement introduces substantial expense and creates a system where the individual modules are readily separated when the assembly is moved or handled.
An additional category of prior art modular construction system elements involves the use of a single, repetitive module which includes an integral portion which interfits with a mating portion of another identically shaped module. This arrangement has the advantages of economy and convenience. However, the relative simplicity of such prior art arrangements severely limits the number of interfitting combinations and variety of resulting construction assemblies.
A prior art attempt to minimize the shortcomings described above has involved the use of a system having several different shaped components. Although there are some advantages of such systems, they have the disadvantage of increased manufacturing cost, inventory problems and needless complication.
An embodiment of the present invention obviates the limitations outlined above, yet provides a single module which may be securely interfitted with other identical modules to form a structural unit having a substantial number of combinations and resulting variety. Four modules embodying this invention could be interfitted in over five thousand different ways.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Each module of the construction block assembly comprising the embodiment of the invention chosen for illustration is identical to every other module in the assembly. Integral to each module is the building block portion of the module together with means for interfitting one module with another. The module has a generally cubical shape with a central square indentation in a plurality of the faces. Extending outward from the block are a plurality of square shaped projections which are dimensioned to fit into the central indenta tion on the face of another module.
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 isa perspective view of a module embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two interfitted modulesembodying the invention.
DESCRIPTION or AN ILLUSTRATIVE PEMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows the basic module 10 of the building I I block s et. Module 10 is a generally cubic configuration in'which each face, for example, face 12, has a square shape which is three units in length on each side. At the center of each face, for example, face 12, is a one unit by one unit square indentation 13. Eccentrically positioned with respect to the center of 'the face 12, and extending perpendicularly upward from that face isa pro jection 14. Projection 14 extends two units in length outward from face 12. Conveniently, but not necessarily, the projections which extend outward from the face t1 of the module are either one unit or two units in length. For example, projection 15 extends one unit in length outward from the surface of face 16 which is the face 7 opposite to that of face 12. It is also possible to have more than one projection from an individual face. For example, projecting from face 17 of module 10 is a pro jection 18 that is one unit in length and a second projection 19 which istwo units in length.
By inserting.- any of the projections of one module into the central indentation in one of the faces of a sec-- ond module, the two modules may be interfitted. Inthis way, any number of modules may be interfitted to'create an almost infinite variety of constructive assemblies. It should be apparent that when, as with face 17, projections of different lengths are located adjacent to each other on the same face, it is impossible to insert the shorter projection into an indentation of a second module. In such a circumstance, the shorter projection acts as a stop to prevent insertion of the longer extension to a depth exceeding the difference in length between the longer and shorter extensions.
FIG. 2 shows a first module 10 interfitted with a second module 20 to illustrate the manner in which two modules may be interfitted to form a construction assembly.
Although it has been indicated that the projections extend upwards either one unit or two units in length, this, of course, is not a limitation. The projections need not be of integral unit length and can be less than one unit, or more than two units in length. However, a projection less than one unit in length would decrease the interfitting dimension (the extent to which two adjacent modules would be interfitted or interlocked) and would therefore decrease the stability of the connected units without achieving corresponding advantages. Further, a projection more than two units in length could, when inserted into a second module, interfere with a projection of a third module when it is inserted into the second module. Similarly, projections in excess of one cube nor is it necessary to have a central indentation in each face of the module. It should be also apparent that various configurations of the basic embodiment could be provided depending upon the number and location of the projections from the face of the basic module.
It should be further apparent that modules having different projection configurations, and therefore not identical to each other, could be interfitted one with the other. However, since this practice would increase manufacturers costs, create inventory problems and needlessly complicate a simple arrangement, it should be noted that while such a system is within the comtemplation of this invention, its use is not recommended.
Numerous variations of my invention could be envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended scope of my invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A module for a modular construction block set having modules which interfit to form a desired construction assembly, each module comprising:
a cube, wherein a plurality of faces of the cube include an indentation, each indentation being identically shaped and being located concentric to the face;
a plurality of projections each extending outward from a face of the cube, wherein every projection is located eccentric to the face from which it extends;
every projection has a cross-sectional shape identical to the shape of the indentations in the faces; and every projection has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the indentation to permit the projections to be inserted in the indentation; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module. 2. A module for a modular construction block set having modules which interfit to form a desired construction assembly, each module comprising:
a block of generally cubical shape, wherein every face of the block is a square having side dimensions of three units in length; and a plurality of the faces of the block include a square shaped indentation located concentric to the face and having side dimensions of one unit in length; and a projection extending perpendicularly outward from a face of the block, wherein said projection is located eccentric to the face from which it extends; and said projection has a square cross-sectional shape having a side dimension of one unit in length; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module. 3. A module in accordance with claim 2 wherein each projection is either one unit or two units in length.

Claims (3)

1. A module for a modular construction block set having modules which interfit to form a desired construction assembly, each module comprising: a cube, wherein a plurality of faces of the cube include an indentation, each indentation being identically shaped and being located concentric to the face; a plurality of projections each extending outward from a face of the cube, wherein every projection is located eccentric to the face from which it extends; every projection has a cross-sectional shape identical to the shape of the indentations in the faces; and every projection has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the indentation to permit the projections to be inserted in the indentation; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module.
2. A module for a modular construction block set having modules which interfit to form a desired construction assembly, each module comprising: a block of generally cubical shape, wherein every face of the block is a square having side dimensions of three units in length; and a plurality of the faces of the block include a square shaped indentation located concentric to the face and having side dimensions of one unit in length; and a projection extending perpendicularly outward from a face of the block, wherein said projection is located eccentric to the face from which it extends; and said projection has a square cross-sectional shape having a side dimension of one unit in length; each module being thereby adapted to interfit with another module by inserting a projection of one module into an indentation of the other module.
3. A module in accordance with claim 2 wherein each projection is either one unit or two units in length.
US519983A 1974-11-01 1974-11-01 Modular block construction system Expired - Lifetime US3919785A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US519983A US3919785A (en) 1974-11-01 1974-11-01 Modular block construction system
SE7512159A SE7512159L (en) 1974-11-01 1975-10-30 DRAINAGE DEVICE

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US519983A US3919785A (en) 1974-11-01 1974-11-01 Modular block construction system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3919785A true US3919785A (en) 1975-11-18

Family

ID=24070698

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US519983A Expired - Lifetime US3919785A (en) 1974-11-01 1974-11-01 Modular block construction system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3919785A (en)
SE (1) SE7512159L (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4202131A (en) * 1978-02-10 1980-05-13 Poleri Victor J Interconnecting building blocks
US4633639A (en) * 1983-12-05 1987-01-06 Deimen Michael L Construction block
FR2596824A1 (en) * 1986-04-02 1987-10-09 Imbert Jacques Tenon and mortice assembly device for assembling two identical structural elements
US5664387A (en) * 1996-06-24 1997-09-09 Bhatti; Khaqan Modular block construction system
US6386542B1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2002-05-14 Nick Lore Unique puzzle and puzzle piece
US20070056233A1 (en) * 2005-09-15 2007-03-15 Se-Chang Kang Heating floor system
US20110028063A1 (en) * 2009-08-03 2011-02-03 Crayola Llc Toy-Building Unit
WO2015160746A3 (en) * 2014-04-14 2016-03-17 Boulding Blocks LLC Multi-dimensional puzzle
USD826771S1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-08-28 Kelly Ellingson Belt clip
WO2020003300A1 (en) * 2018-06-24 2020-01-02 Daniel Gat Cubic element for construction toys and a method for forming same

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2473369A (en) * 1947-11-18 1949-06-14 Harris Arthur Three-dimensional puzzle
US3546792A (en) * 1968-06-10 1970-12-15 Raymond Sherman Interlocking modular design blocks
US3678613A (en) * 1970-05-27 1972-07-25 Winfried Geymeier Block set

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2473369A (en) * 1947-11-18 1949-06-14 Harris Arthur Three-dimensional puzzle
US3546792A (en) * 1968-06-10 1970-12-15 Raymond Sherman Interlocking modular design blocks
US3678613A (en) * 1970-05-27 1972-07-25 Winfried Geymeier Block set

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4202131A (en) * 1978-02-10 1980-05-13 Poleri Victor J Interconnecting building blocks
US4633639A (en) * 1983-12-05 1987-01-06 Deimen Michael L Construction block
FR2596824A1 (en) * 1986-04-02 1987-10-09 Imbert Jacques Tenon and mortice assembly device for assembling two identical structural elements
US5664387A (en) * 1996-06-24 1997-09-09 Bhatti; Khaqan Modular block construction system
US6386542B1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2002-05-14 Nick Lore Unique puzzle and puzzle piece
US20070056233A1 (en) * 2005-09-15 2007-03-15 Se-Chang Kang Heating floor system
US7594365B2 (en) * 2005-09-15 2009-09-29 Lg Chem, Ltd. Heating floor system
US20110028063A1 (en) * 2009-08-03 2011-02-03 Crayola Llc Toy-Building Unit
WO2015160746A3 (en) * 2014-04-14 2016-03-17 Boulding Blocks LLC Multi-dimensional puzzle
US9492734B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2016-11-15 Boulding Blocks LLC Multi-dimensional puzzle
US9821219B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2017-11-21 Boulding Blocks LLC Multi-dimensional puzzle
US10213680B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2019-02-26 Boulding Blocks LLC Multi-dimensional puzzle
USD826771S1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-08-28 Kelly Ellingson Belt clip
WO2020003300A1 (en) * 2018-06-24 2020-01-02 Daniel Gat Cubic element for construction toys and a method for forming same
IL277835A (en) * 2018-06-24 2020-11-30 Daniel Gat Cubic element for construction toys and a method for forming same
IL277835B (en) * 2018-06-24 2021-12-01 Daniel Gat Cubic element for construction toys and a method for forming same
US11511210B2 (en) 2018-06-24 2022-11-29 Daniel Gat Cubic element for construction toys and a method for forming same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE7512159L (en) 1976-05-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3913289A (en) Connecting device for panel-shaped members
US6615999B1 (en) System for modular construction
US3919785A (en) Modular block construction system
US6845871B1 (en) Modular construction system
US4318628A (en) Connecting device for construction panels
US6558222B1 (en) Panelling and supports for interconnected toy blocks
US4099887A (en) Structural joints
US2406759A (en) Construction toy
US5482491A (en) Block assembly
US3836218A (en) Connecting device for modular constructions
US3745736A (en) Composite wall construction
US6315628B1 (en) System of elements for the composition of static or dynamic constructions
US4421434A (en) Clamp members
US2907137A (en) Toy building element
ES411118A1 (en) Constructional toy and element therefor
US5518434A (en) Snap fit and twistable toy construction modules
AU5322090A (en) Connector assembly with coding means
GB1502970A (en) Corner connector for boards or like elongate components
DK0624218T3 (en) Connection between components
US2988844A (en) Modular toy structure
US2319914A (en) Building block
US3660928A (en) Modular building blocks with interfitting grooved surfaces
US3895148A (en) Panel edge configuration
GB1400613A (en) Profile section assembly
US4901672A (en) Animal containment structure