WO1990009826A1

WO1990009826A1 - Construction-unit set, in particular toy building set for the construction of three-dimensional structures

Info

Publication number: WO1990009826A1
Application number: PCT/HU1990/000012
Authority: WO
Inventors: György MAURER; Sándor LÉVAI
Original assignee: Maurer Gyoergy
Priority date: 1989-02-24
Filing date: 1990-02-08
Publication date: 1990-09-07
Also published as: HU202767B; AU5095490A

Abstract

The invention concerns a construction-unit set, in particular a toy building set for the construction of three-dimensional structures which can be assembled from several construction units made of flat material. The essential feature of the invention is that the flat material of the construction units (1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) consists of textiles made of natural or synthetic base material, in particular felt, and that at least some of the construction units (1, 1A, 1C) have on opposite edges a clip shape (2) designed to form a form-fitting joint between two adjacent units (1A, 1C) or rather between the opposite edges of the same unit (1A; 1C).

Description

COMPONENT SET, IN PARTICULAR TOOL SET FOR DESIGNING SPATIAL FORMS

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a set of components, in particular a set of construction toys for the design of spatial shapes. Such a set of components is particularly well suited for variable building kits, building toys, or for decorating spatial designs.

PRIOR ART Especially with the spread of plastics, the building blocks consisting of building blocks, e.g. the well-known "LEGO". On the elements of these games are projections of a flat cylindrical shape, between which, on the other hand, the projections of the same flat cylindrical shape of another element are formed by spaces.

A kit based on the principle of building blocks is also described in Hungarian Patent No. 167,654. The toy set consisting of module elements contains elements that can be connected to each other with the help of pins and holes. Here the basic element of the kit is a square, prism-shaped body that has a recess that receives one corner. The two edges of the basic elements are notched in a dovetail shape. A rod with a trapezoidal profile can be inserted into this and into an edge of the adjacent element.

The construction kits mentioned above are generally based on a large number of basic elements and may form a construction together with additional elements element set. The desired spatial shape can usually be produced from components that are neutral in themselves. As a result, often no special, lifelike game models can be built. As a further disadvantage, it can be mentioned that because of the dimensional accuracy required by the mating surfaces for the manufacture of the elements, expensive tools are required, which significantly increase the costs of a respective component set. About their application it can also be said that they are essentially miniaturized models in "table scale".

A common feature of another large group of variable spatial building blocks is that in many cases they consist of surface-treated, decorated flat panels (the size of the level, its spread is several times the thickness of the panels).

In the case of the game construction according to French Patent No. 2,518,418, the individual components are connected to one another in such a way that the protruding edge of the other element is inserted into the groove of one element. The toy houses are assembled in the same manner in accordance with US Pat. Nos. 4,021,960 and 4,107,869.

Furthermore, the elevations located on the edge of the elements of the toy house panel in accordance with US Pat. No. 4,193,221 fit into the grooves of the connecting elements.

French Patent Specification No. 2,443,264 describes a set of elements made of flat plates which is used for play or decoration. Clamps can be inserted into the openings formed on the edge of the plates, with which two or more plates can be put together can be held.

French Patent No. 2,488,517 also describes a game construction composed of previously cut plates, in which the connection of the individual plates is realized by round plates which can be inserted into the grooves formed on the edges.

The possible variations of the games described above are very limited. In general, only toy houses of a certain external shape can be assembled from the element sets. In most cases, the flat plastic elements are rigid and hard, fragile and unsuitable for the design of larger spatial shapes.

DE-PS No. 2.559.335 also describes an element set for building a model house. This set consists of flexible parts made of pressed flat material that can be assembled by gluing. This flat material has a plastic surface structure. At the edge of the plate there are elevations and depressions through which the individual parts of the shapes designed by bending the plate can be connected to one another. The advantage of the game according to this description is that it can be taken apart in a confined space, in flat plates. However, its disadvantage is that only a building model of a certain shape can be assembled from it, so there is no possibility of variation

French Patent No. 2,570,614 relates to the construction of a play castle. The element set consists of previously cut and assembled shapes (cylinders, cones, plates), in the incisions of which the connecting shapes can be inserted. This allows different spatial shapes to be designed. The advantage This solution consists in the fact that the type of connection formed between the elements enables the variability of the assembly and also relatively larger spatial shapes, structures can be put together. As a disadvantage, however, it must be mentioned that the game takes up a lot of space after being taken apart.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention was to eliminate the above disadvantages, i.e. the development of an original set of components, from which spatial shapes can also be designed on a '' children's scale ", e.g. for building kits or decorative purposes, the scope of which is also greater than that of the known solutions, and which also more effectively stimulates the design skills and imagination of the player.

The basis of the invention is the knowledge that - deviating from previous practice - "warm" textiles, in particular felt, fabric or the like made from natural or synthetic base materials, can be used as the plate-like material, and such component plates can be so using their own connection method be trained that are also suitable for the design of architecturally "self-supporting" spatial forms. To solve the problem, it was assumed that the component set described in the introduction, which can be composed of several components made of flat material. The essence of the invention is that the flat material of the components is made of textiles made of natural or synthetic base material, in particular of felt, and at least some of the components are provided on their opposite edges with a clamping profile, which is the positive connection of adjacent components or the two edges of a single element.

According to a further feature of the invention, the clamping profile consists of a successive series of double wedge-shaped clamping tongues and clamping notches, the smallest size of the clamping cables preferably matching the largest size of the clamping notches. This enables a very simple and secure positive connection to be established by turning and turning back the clamping tongues. It is also advantageous that the angle of inclination for the clamping tongues or notches is an acute angle of at least 45.

An embodiment is advantageous in which the clamping tongues and clamping notches are opposite one another on the same profile center line.

An embodiment is expedient in which the component is provided on its upper edge with at least one fitting tongue which is large enough to fit into the slot designed in the component. The component has to form the bending line

Cross-sectional weakening, e.g. Incisions or perforations.

Furthermore, an embodiment is advantageous in which a reinforcing tab that can be bent out in the transverse direction is provided to increase the planar stiffness.

A fitting tongue can be formed at its outer end, which fits into the slot of the component.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, an exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention is listed.

The basic sketch of a

Component of the element set according to the invention shown; FIG. 2 shows the component designed as a wall element of the exemplary castle building kit in the expanded state;

Figure 3 is an illustration of the

the wall element shown in FIG. 2 and connected as a support pillar;

Figure 4 is along the line IV-IV on the

Figures 2 and 3 taken section; FIG. 5 shows a detail of the component designed as a bastion element in the expanded state;

In FIG. 6, the wall element according to FIG. 2 and the pillar element according to FIG. 3 can be seen in the assembled state in vertical section;

In Figure 7, the detail according to Figure 6 is shown in perspective during assembly; The assembly of the bastion is shown in FIG

the components according to the invention viewed in perspective. FIG. 1 shows the top view of the component 1 according to the invention in the expanded, open state. Clamping profiles 2 according to the invention are formed on the opposite edges of the component 1. The

Clamping profiles 2 consist of a row of clamping tongues 3 and clamping notches 4 which are repeated one after the other. The clamping tongue 3 and the clamping notch 4 are designed here in a double wedge shape (dovetail-like), the inclination angle α of the wedge shape according to the invention being an acute angle of at least 45 °.

According to the invention, the clamping tongues 3 and the clamping notches 4 are designed such that the smallest size "a" of the clamping tongue 3 suitably corresponds to the maximum size "b" of the clamping notch 4. It can be clearly seen from FIG. 1 that, in the opposite clamping profiles 2, there is the clamping tongue 3 on one edge and, on the other hand, a clamping notch 4 at the opposite end of a profile center line "t". As a result, in the sense of the invention, the clamping profiles 2 designed on the two edges of one and the same component 1 can be connected to one another in a simple and form-fitting manner. To do this, the clamping tongue 3 only needs to be slightly in

Transversal direction are rotated and inserted into the clamping notch 4, then the clamping tongue 3 is rotated back to its starting position. This will ensure a secure connection. This form-fitting connection can even confirm, as our test experience has shown, that it can still absorb certain tensile or compressive forces.

In FIGS. 2-8, the execution as a castle construction kit of the component set according to the invention is shown as an example.

In FIG. 2, the component 1 functioning as a wall element is shown in the expanded (opened) state.

This is due to the spatial shape to be designed agreed contour lines. The component 1 _{A is} equipped with clamping profiles 2 on its two side edges, which correspond to the embodiment according to FIG. The component 1 _A is provided in this case on its upper edge with three reinforcing tabs 8, which in at its upper edge

Leak tabs 6. The reinforcing tabs 8 are formed on both sides by incisions 11 and in this case have longitudinal incisions 5, which are required to form bending lines. It should be noted that in Figure 2, the reinforcing tab 8 in reality, at the lower cut 5 with the component _A 1 connects.

The component 1 _A is provided with vertical or horizontal slots 7 at the points shown, the length of which has been selected here in such a way that the fitting tongues 6 can be inserted into them (FIG. 2).

In the case illustrated, the central lower part of the component is 1 _A a gate designed 9, which is cut out round 1 _A is (by incision 11), and only the lower part 5 at the incision with the material of the device in connection. Gate 9 can be bent out like a tongue and thus forms the entrance to the castle to be built.

FIG. 3 shows the expanded image of the component 1 _{B connecting} to the component 1 _{A designed} as a wall element according to FIG. 2, which serves as a support pillar. This component 1 _B has a reinforcing tab 8 reaching upwards, which is equipped with fitting tongues 6 on its upper edge and on both sides. The bending line was also formed here by incisions 5.

FIG. 4 clearly shows that these incisions 5 only apply to part of the material thickness of the component Extend 1 _A or 1 _B - in this case to 2/3 of them.

Depending on which side of the component the incision 5 is located, a surface in the form of a broken line or a curved surface can be obtained by bending the plate of the component. It should be noted here that the bending line may also be caused by other types of cross-sectional weakening, e.g. by perforation, and that, in addition, the incisions 5 are straight in the illustrated cases, but these may also be curved if necessary.

In FIG. 5, a component 1 is viewed in half view as a bastion-forming element belonging to the castle game. The component 1 _C is provided on both sides with the clamping profiles 2 explained above, and windows 10 are also cut out of the plate in the manner shown. The bend-forming incisions 5 are also given here.

6 shows, in vertical section, the assembled state is seen 1 _B (according to Figure 3) of the wall element designed as a component 1 _A (according to Figure 2) and the support element designed as a component. Here is clearly visible that the reinforcing tab 8 of the device 1 _A is first bent horizontally, then curved bent down so that the fit tongue 6 located at its end is inserted into the top of the device 1 _A located slot. 7 Furthermore, the drawing clearly shows that the fitting tongues 6 of the component 1 _B are inserted in the lower horizontal slot 7 of the component 1 _A and in the vertical slots 7, and thereby the stable connection between the components 1 _A and 1 _{B is} achieved

An intermediate phase of this assembly is shown in FIG. 7, on which the preparation of the connection of component 1 _A and component 1 _B can be clearly seen. Finally, the bastion that can be erected with the solution according to the invention can be seen in FIG. 8, in a state in which the reinforcing straps 8 are already in their end position, the components 1 _B serving as supporting pillars are also in their place and lastly from above as Ring element a further component 1 _D are pulled onto the extensions of component 1 _A , which are received by the slots 7 formed in component 1 _D. The material of the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the component set according to the invention was - depending on the size of the toy - felt with a thickness of 2 - 4 mm used. However, it should be noted that any other textile made of natural or synthetic base material, for example fabric and the like, can also be used as the material of the components. In the modular system, such material is particularly advantageous because it can be "soft" and "warm" to the touch, gives the child a pleasant feeling and also eliminates the risk of accidents and breakage.

The castle building kit shown in FIGS. 2-8 can of course be further expanded in accordance with the desired spatial shapes. This expansion can also be carried out by the player himself, depending on his imagination. Through the connection along the clamping profile 2, a positive connection can be designed between the components, which can also absorb a significant tensile or compressive load. For the connection, only the clamping tongues 3 are initially to be turned in the transverse direction and then to be returned to their starting position. This enables a very simple and quick connection. It should also be noted that, besides as shown, the components can optionally be provided with other additional connecting elements, openings or patterns. Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that it is also suitable for the design of spatial building blocks of a size that have an excellent stage for children to play fairy tales with

Giving help from complementary props and figures. The size of the buildings that can be erected can also include

Fulfill the function of "children's corners".

The set of building elements according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that the various geometric spatial shapes can be designed from them for bending purposes.

The invention can also advantageously be used for decorative purposes, e.g. can be used as a background element or for certain map parts. Certain bendable plastics or paper materials having the required strength can also be used as supplementary materials for the element set.

The surface structures on the edges or on the surface of the elements of the flat element set according to the invention result in a high degree of variability.

It is also advantageous that only generally used press machines and a cut-out set of the respective set - e.g. a series of punching knives - are needed. This need for funds enables a quick and flexible product change and

Production of mold variants. The necessary equipment with tools takes little time and can (for example in comparison to conventional injection molding) be carried out with an order of magnitude less effort. Finally, it should be mentioned that the solution according to the invention is also advantageous in children's facilities, in addition to families can be used. The basic set can be supplemented as desired. The children are encouraged to play independently and deeply and to play together based on cooperation. Connecting the

Elements is easy to learn, the game develops that

Structural vision, and the smaller and larger elements promote the construction skill. The components made of textiles can be washed on the surface with detergents or in the washing machine. Any ironing is recommended moistened.

Returning to FIG. 1, it can be clearly seen here that on the left clamping profile 2 the size "a" of the lower clamping tongue 3 begins at the distance b / 2 from the lower edge of the component 1, while on the opposite clamping profile 2 the size "b" of the lower clamping notch 4 starts from the bottom on the distance a / 2. In this case, half the size "a" was chosen for the width "c" of the clamping tongue 3.

List of the applied reference symbols

1, 1 _A , 1 _B , 1 _C , 1 _D component

2 clamping profiles

3 clamping tongue

4 notch

t profile centerline

5 incision

6 fitting tongue

7 slot

8 reinforcement tab

9 goal

10 windows

11 incision

a min. Size

b max. Size

c width

t profile centerline

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. component set, in particular a toy set for designing spatial shapes, each of which can be assembled from several components of flat material, characterized in that the flat material of the components (1, 1 _A , 1 _B , 1 _C , 1 _D ) made of textiles natural or synthetic base material, in particular made of felt, and at least some of the components (1, 1 _A , 1 _C ) on the opposite edges, each with a clamping profile (2) for the positive connection of the adjacent components (1 _A , 1 _C ) or the opposite edges of such a component (1 _A ; 1 _C ) is provided.

2. Component set according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping profile (2) consists of a successive series of double wedge-shaped clamping tongues (3) and clamping notches (4), the smallest neck size (a) of the clamping tongues (3) preferably having the greatest dimension (b) the clamping notches (4) match.

3. Component set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the double wedge-shaped clamping tongues (3) or clamping notches (4) have an inclination angle (α) of at least 45 °.

4. Component set according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the clamping tongues (3) and the clamping notches (4) are located opposite one another on the same profile center lines (t) on the two opposite edges of the component (1).

E

5. component set according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that at the

edge of the component (1 _A , 1 _B ) not equipped with a clamping profile (2), at least one fitting tongue (6) is formed, the size of which was selected such that it is formed by a slot (7) in the connecting component (1 _A ) is recorded.

6. Component set according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the component (1 _A , 1 _B , 1 _C ) is provided to form a bend line with cross-sectional weakenings, in particular with incisions (5).

7. Component set according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the component (1 _A , 1 _B ) is equipped with a reinforcing tab (8) which can be bent out in the transverse direction in order to increase the planar rigidity, this at its outer end a fitting tongue (6 ), which can be inserted into the slot (7) of the component (1 _A , 1 _B ).