WO1993010873A1

WO1993010873A1 - Toy building blocks

Info

Publication number: WO1993010873A1
Application number: PCT/CA1992/000503
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Thomas Maddock
Original assignee: Paul Thomas Maddock
Priority date: 1991-11-25
Filing date: 1992-11-25
Publication date: 1993-06-10
Also published as: AU2938192A; CA2123985A1

Abstract

Toy building blocks are described which may be advantageously used in conjunction with POPSICLE (trademark) sticks (8) or the like, or other elongated framing pieces. One or more faces of the building block have apertures (7) defined in the surface thereof to receive the POPSICLE stick or the like. Other faces of the block may incorporate block interconnection means, which may include for example: a pin (12) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection; a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of another part; or a tongue (19) projecting from a face to engage one of the apertures, the tongue being shaped like or generally similar to the end of a POPSICLE stick or the like. Many combinations of these features are possible, thereby producing a large variety of different blocks, with a corresponding large variety of construction options. In a kit or collection of such building blocks, a combination of various configurations of such blocks is provided.

Description

TOY BUILDING BLOCKS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to toy building blocks, and in particular to interconnecting blocks which may be advantageously used alone or in conjunction with POPSICLE (trademark) sticks, their generic eguivalents, or other elongated framing pieces.

BACKGROUND ART

Toy building blocks of many different configurations are of course very well known and popular, and have always been one of the most popular toys in a wide variety of cultures. The building blocks take many different forms, and some of these forms have become extremely well known in association with their respective trademarks, e.g LEGO, DUPLO, MINIBRIX, etc.. The blocks employ various interconnection means to permit them to be snapped together in a fixed relationship in order to build structures.

Building toys also exist which employ hinged connections between the parts. For example, the ZAKS (trademark) parts have complementary projecting tongue pieces which snap together to define a hinge, and certain LEGO parts connect together in a hinged manner as well. A number of building toys employ connector pieces which permit structures to be assembled from larger framing pieces. For example, the well-known TINKERTOY (trademark) parts use various connectors having cylindrical openings therein to receive small-diameter wooden framing pieces akin to dowel rods. The many prior art building toys have many obvious attractions, and should not be criticized. However, there is always a demand for new building toys which may offer different possibilities from the prior art. The present invention can be used to build many novel structures, especially employing POPSICLE sticks or generic equivalents thereof, or other similar sticks, with various interconnection options. The inventor is not aware of any system having the unique combination of features in the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel construction toy which will provide an attractive alternative to the various prior art building blocks. It is a further object of the invention to provide interconnecting building blocks which may be advantageously used in conjunction with POPSICLE sticks, their generic equivalents, or ether elongated framing pieces.

In the invention, one or more faces of the building block have apertures defined in the surface thereof to receive an elongated framing piece such as a POPSICLE stick. Other faces of the block may incorporate block interconnection means, for connecting blocks to each other.

The interconnection means may include a pin parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection whereby one block may rotate with respect to another block.

The interconnection means may also or alternatively include a dovetail tongue parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove parallel to one face of another part, for connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block. The interconnection means may also include a tongue projecting from a face to engage one of the apertures, the tongue being shaped like or generally similar to the end of a POPSICLE stick or the like. Other interconnection means are also contemplated, such as interconnection of the LEGO type, for one example.

In a kit or collection of such building blocks, a combination of various configurations of such blocks is provided.

Thus, among other possible interconnection means not expressly recited herein, the blocks are in various configurations such that each block has at least one face adapted to receive a POPSICLE stick or the like, and other faces which are similarly adapted or which are adapted for direct interconnection with other blocks, via the above-mentioned dovetail arrangements, hinge pins, tongues, or other suitable means. Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.

For convenience, the specification will refer to POPSICLE sticks. However, it should be clearly understood that this is intended to include generic equivalents as well, namely any sticks having substantially the same general shape and dimensions as POPSICLE sticks, and for that matter any other elongated framing pieces which could be adapted to engage in apertures within the blocks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the block;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the Fig. 1 block;

Fig. 3 is a second side view of the Fig. 1 block;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the Fig. 1 block; Fig. 5 is a view showing a number of blocks linked together, also showing the use of POPSICLE sticks;

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an optional hub connector; Fig. 7 is a side view of the hub connector;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a typical structure which can be made using the invention;

Figs. 9a-9d are views showing a block which can interlock on six sides and hold a stick on two sides; Figs. lOa-lOd are views of a block similar to that of Fig. 9, but having one side which interlocks at 90 degrees from the other side;

Figs, lla-lld are views showing a block which interlocks on five sides and holds a stick on one side or interlocks with another block;

Figs. I2a-l2d are views showing a block with can interlock on two sides with similar blocks to form a strip of blocks which can hold sticks in a straight strip from two sides; Figs. 13a-13b are views showing a continuous block which can tack a stick or interlock on four sides with the blocks shown in Figs. 9-11;

Figs. 14a-14b are views of a block similar to the Fig. 13 block except the end openings are slotted to show an alternate type of opening;

Figs. 15a-15b are views of a block similar to the Fig. 12 block except that it is longer, to couple two sticks or blocks of the type shown in Figs. 9-11;

Figs. 16a-16i show a block with interconnecting means on one side, to hold sticks or interlock in one direction on four sides, and interlock or hold a stick in a cross-shaped slot on the remaining side;

Figs. 17a-17e show a block similar to that of Fig. 16 except that it can interlock at a swivel; Figs. 18a-18d show a block which interlocks on five sides, holds a stick on four sides in one direction and interlocks or holds a stick in two directions on the remaining side;

Figs. 19a-l9n shows blocks similar to those of Fig. 16 but having alternate interlocking means on one side;

Figs. 20a-20b show a coupling in four directions for the blocks shown in Figs. 9-11 and Figs. 16 and 18;

Figs. 21a-21e show a block similar to the Fig. 16 block but with a hinge interlocking to ninety degrees;

Figs. 22a-22b show a block with hinges similar to Fig. 1, but with slots as in Figs. 9 - 15;

Figs. 23a-23g show a piece with hinges similar to Fig. 1, but having a tongue projecting therefrom as in Fig. 9;

Fig. 24 shows a piece similar to Fig. 13, but with a dovetail arrangement as in Fig. l;

Fig. 25 shows a piece similar to that in Fig. 24, but with dovetails at the ends only; Figs. 26a-26b show a hub as in Fig. 6 and Fig.

20, but with a dovetail;

Figs. 27a-27g show pieces which combine a dovetail and a tongue;

Fig. 28 shows a "Ferris wheel" assembled from the various components; and

Fig. 29 shows an arch structure assembled from various components.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a wide variety of configurations of building blocks, each combining various features, such that a kit comprising blocks of a number of various configurations permits a wide variety of different structures to be assembled according to the whims of the person. Many of the parts are adapted to receive framing members such as POPSICLE sticks. Figs. 1-4 show an exemplary embodiment of the building block, having several features some of which are combined in other configurations of blocks. This block has an irregular shape, generally characterized by front, rear, top and bottom faces 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, and opposite ends 5 and 6 respectively. At least two of the faces at right angles to each other each have a slot 7 defined in the surface thereof to receive an elongated framing piece such as a POPSICLE stick 8. Preferably, the slots extend right through the block, so that in effect each face is slotted. Figs. 5 and 8 show examples of structures which can be made from just these blocks and POPSICLE sticks.

The slots 7 permit the blocks to be positioned on the ends of a POPSICLE sticks, or, if the slots extend right through the block, to be positioned part way along a POPSICLE stick, as seen in a portion of the structure of Fig. 8.

So that various structures such as those in Figs. 5 and 8 can be formed using the POPSICLE sticks, the blocks incorporate interconnection means. In the blocks of Figs. 1-4, two forms of interconnection are employed, namely a fixed connection and a hinged connection. If desired, only one form of connection could be used, but that would limit the interconnections options and thus the variety of structures which could be built. In a kit, of course, it may be perfectly acceptable to have a number of blocks which have only one form of connection, and long as there are some which have several forms of connection.

The fixed connection in the blocks of Figs. 1-4 is provided by means of male and female dovetail connections. The male portions 9 project outwardly from adjacent faces. The female portions 10 are defined by side walls 11 projecting outwardly from the other faces. Although the dovetail connections could be provided on two opposite faces only, i.e. one male face and one female face, having two sets of the connections on each block provides much greater flexibility and more interconnection options than would otherwise be the case. The hinged connection in the blocks of Fig. 1-4 is provided by a male pin 12 offset at one end of the block, adapted to mate with a female sleeve 13 at the other end of the block, the axes of the pin and sleeve being parallel to the respective ends.

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 5 in particular, abutments 14 project from each end of the block to define a planar surface parallel to the end of the block and aligned with the axis of the pin and sleeve. Thus as seen in the upper portion of Fig. 5, the blocks form a straight line when hinged together and rotated to bring the abutments of adjacent blocks into contact with each other.

From Fig. 5, it can also be readily envisioned that a single unit could be produced which in one piece could provide the equivalent of the row of blocks shown across the top of Fig. 5, just as with LEGO blocks there are pieces of varying sizes and lengths. In the case of such a unit, hinge pins and sleeves could still be provided at the ends of the unit, but there would be multiple slots and dovetail connections spaced along the unit.

The blocks should preferably be dimensioned such that a combination of block lengths and widths equals the length of the POPSICLE stick or the like, so that a structure such as that in Fig. 5 can be formed precisely. (Note the POPSICLE stick across the bottom of Fig. 5; the block length shown is such that five blocks connected end to end provides the optimum length for the structure as shown. )

It is preferable to have alternate configurations of the block of Figs. 1-4, as shown above and below the main portion of Fig. 3. That is, there are preferably blocks in which the pins and sleeves are faced in opposite directions relative to the dovetail connections, again to provide a wider variety of interconnection options.

Figs. 6 and 7 show an optional hub connector 15, having a plurality of radial slots 16 for receiving the ends of POPSICLE sticks 8. As seen in Fig. 7, the hub connector may be formed from two halves 17 which are fastened together by any suitable means such as screws 18. Figs. 1-4 show typical blocks which embody some of the key features. However, many other configurations are contemplated, these other configurations involving various combinations of the features of Figs. 1-4, and other features as shown in the following additional examples, described with reference to Figs. 9-27. Fig. 9 shows a block which has dovetail connections on three sides, a cross-shaped or cruciform slot 20 passing through the block accounting for two other sides, and an integral tongue 19 projecting from the body of the block for potential interlocking in the slot of another block. The tongue is similar in dimension to the end of a POPSICLE stick. The slot 20 can receive a .POPSICLE stick, or the tongue 19 of another block, in two orientations, i.e. one at 90 degrees to the other. In the block as shown, two of the dovetail connections are male and one is female, but obviously that could be varied as desired.

Fig. 10 shows a block which is similar to Fig. 9, except that the tongue 19 is oriented 90 degrees differently from the tongue in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows a block which has dovetail connections on four sides, a tongue 19 on a fifth side, and a cruciform slot 20 on a sixth side, to receive a POPSICLE stick or a tongue from another block. Fig. 12 shows a block which is similar to the

Fig. 11 block, but which has no tongue. The block can interlock with similar blocks to form a strip of blocks which can hold sticks in a straight strip from two sides, so as to form a wall structure, for example.

Fig. 13 shows a block which can receive POPSICLE sticks or tongues 19 of blocks such as those shown in Figs. 9-11, on two opposite sides and both ends. Fig. 14 is similar to Fig. 13 except that the openings adjacent each end of the block are slotted to show an alternate type of opening, i.e. a straight slot 7 as opposed to the cruciform shape. Fig. 15 shows a block which is similar to the

Fig. 12 block except that it has a longer body in order to couple two sticks or blocks of the Fig. 9-11 type, as shown.

Fig. 16 shows a block with a tongue 19 on one side for interconnection with other blocks having slots. The block can hold sticks or interlock in one direction on four sides, by virtue of straight slots 7, and can interlock or hold a stick in two direction on the remaining side, by virtue of the cruciform slot 20. Fig. 17 shows a block which is similar to the

Fig. 16 block, except that it can interlock via a swivel joint, by virtue of disk portion 22 and a corresponding circular opening 23.

Fig. 18 shows a block which has a tongue 19 projecting from one side, and which can interlock on the remaining five sides, i.e. it can hold a stick in one direction on four sides by virtue of straight slots 7, and it can hold a stick in two directions on the remaining side by virtue of cruciform slot 20. Dovetail connections are also provided, as shown. Again, any desired combination of male and female dovetail connections could be provided.

Fig. 19 shows blocks similar to those of Fig. 16 but having alternate interlocking means on one side by virtue of male and female cylindrical projections 24 and 26 respectively. Fig. 20 shows a coupling for the blocks shown in Figs. 9-11 and Figs. 16 and 18, having four arms 25, permitting coupling in a number of directions.

Fig. 21 shows a block similar to the Fig. 16 block but with interlocking hinge pieces 12, 13.

Figs. 22a-22b show a block with hinges similar to Fig. 1, but with cruciform slots 20 as in Figs. 9 - 15.

Figs. 23a-23g show especially useful pieces with hinges similar to Fig. 1, but having tongues 19 projecting therefrom as in Fig. 9. Fig. 23 also illustrates that the tongue may be split by a slot 27, so that it may be inserted into parts such as those of Figs. 22, 24 or 25 (and others) opposite another part with a tongue or opposite a Popsicle stick, rotated ninety degrees so that the other tongue or Popsicle stick which is also inserted into the part fits into the slot. The tongue could be rotated 90 degrees.

Fig. 24 shows a piece similar to Fig. 13, but with a dovetail arrangement as in Fig. 1.

Fig. 25 shows a piece similar to that in Fig. 24, but with dovetails at the ends only.

Figs. 26a-26b show a hub as in Fig. 6 and Fig. 20, but with a dovetail. Figs. 27a-27g show pieces which combine a dovetail and a tongue. The tongue could be rotated 90 degrees.

With the wide variety of block configurations such as those described above, it should be apparent that a very large number of structures could be assembled, from the simple to the complex.

For example, Fig. 28 shows a "Ferris wheel" assembled from the various components. Fig. 29 shows an arch structure. Complex structures such as a geodesic dome could probably be assembled with the correct hub and hinge pieces. These are just two examples, and are not intended to be limiting in any way. - li ¬ lt will be appreciated that the above description relates to preferred embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.

For example, it must be emphasized once again that the above-described embodiments are illustrative examples only; the various features of the blocks as described above could obviously be combined in very many different ways other than those illustrated here.

As one example only, dovetail sections 9 and 10 could replace tongues 19 in the blocks of Figs. 9-11. They could be straight, or at any angle.

Various features could be straight, or at an angle; a generally cubic configuration is not strictly essential.

A block could be provided with a male or female dovetail on one or more faces, and a male or female hinge on one or more other faces.

Generally, almost any combination of male hinge, female hinge, male dovetail, female dovetail, tongue 19 (split or otherwise), slot (cruciform or straight), pivot connections as in Fig. 17, or other forms of connection such as in Fig. 19 could be designed, thus providing a wide variety of construction options. Furthermore, in addition to the interlocking means described above, it is envisioned that many other forms of interconnection for the blocks could be used. For example, for fixed connections between the blocks, a LEGO-type connection could be used. For hinged connection, other suitable hinge mechanisms could conceivably be used, such as a ZAKS-type connection, for example.

It should also be made clear that although the invention is particularly adapted for use with POPSICLE sticks, any other elongated framing piece could be used. For example, small diameter sticks could be used as in the TINKERTOY construction sets, with the blocks being provided with corresponding circular holes instead of the POPSICLE stick slots 7. Or, to produce more of a closed- wall structure rather than a structure having the open slatted appearance shown in Fig. 5, sticks like POPSICLE sticks except with wider centre portions could be employed, with the width of the centre portions of the sticks corresponding to the length of the blocks, such that the edges of the sticks would butt together when the blocks were joined as in the top portion of Fig. 5.

Another part of the kit might be a tool which allows the POPSICLE sticks to be readily sheared to any desired length.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention provides building blocks for children and others, from which a wide variety of unique structures may be assembled according to the whims of the user.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A building block having front (1) and rear (2) faces, top (3) and bottom (4) faces, and opposite end faces (5,6), characterized by at least one said face having at least one aperture (7) defined in the surface thereof to receive an elongated framing piece (8), and unless all said faces have such apertures, at least one other said face having interconnections means (e.g. 9, 10, 12, 13) adapted for connection to complementary means on other ones of said blocks.

2. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a pin (12) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection whereby one block may rotate with respect to another block.

3. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a pin (12) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection whereby one block may rotate with respect to another block.

4. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove (101 parallel to one face of another part, for connection such that one block εlidably engages with another block.

5. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of another part, for connection such that one block slidably engages with another block.

6. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a pin (12) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may rotate with respect to another block, and a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block.

7. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a pin (12) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may rotate with respect to another block, and a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block.

8. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a pin (12) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may rotate with respect to another block, and a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block.

9. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a pin (12) parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve (13) parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may rotate with respect to another block, and a dovetail groove (10) parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail tongue (9) parallel to one face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block.

10. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a tongue (19) projecting from one said face, adapted to engage one of said apertures for framing pieces.

11. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a planar projection from one of said faces, having a circular area (22) of greater thickness at the distal end thereof, adapted to engage in a corresponding circular hollowed portion (23) in another block, accessed via a slot in a face of said other block, such that said blocks may pivot with respect to each other about the axis of said circular portions.

12. A building block as recited in claim 1, in which said interconnection means comprises a circular hollowed portion (23) in a block, accessed via a slot in a face of said block, adapted to receive a corresponding circular area (22) at the distal end of a planar projection from another block, such that said blocks may pivot with respect to each other about the axis of said circular portions.

13. A building block as recited in claim 1, where at least one said aperture has a cruciform shape.

14. A building block having front (1) and rear (2) faces, top (3) and bottom (4) faces, and opposite end faces (5,6) , characterized by at least one said face having at least one aperture (7) defined in the surface thereof to receive an elongated framing piece (8), and at least one other face including interconnection means selected from the group consisting of: a. a pin parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection whereby one block may rotate with respect to another block; b. a dovetail tongue parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove parallel to one face of another part, for connection such that one block slidably engages with another block; c. a pin parallel to an end face of one part adapted to engage a sleeve parallel to an end face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may rotate with respect to another block, and a dovetail tongue parallel to one face of one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove parallel to one face of another part, for hinged connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block; d. a tongue projecting from one said face, adapted to engage one of said apertures for framing pieces; e. a planar projection from one of said faces, having a circular area of greater thickness at the distal end thereof, adapted to engage in a corresponding circular hollowed portion in another block, accessed via a slot in a face of said other block, such that said blocks may pivot with respect to each other about the axis of said circular portion; and f. a circular hollowed portion in a block, accessed via a slot in a face of said block, adapted to receive a corresponding circular area at the distal end of a planar projection from another block, such that said blocks may pivot with respect to each other about the axis of said circular portions.

15. A building block as recited in claim 14, where at least one said aperture has a cruciform shape.

16. A building block as recited in claim 1, where said framing pieces are elongated sticks generally similar to POPSICLE (trademark) sticks, and said apertures in said faces are elongated slots corresponding in dimension to the width and thickness of said sticks.

17. A building block as recited in claim 13, where said framing pieces are elongated sticks generally similar to POPSICLE sticks, and said apertures in said faces are elongated slots corresponding in dimension to the width and thickness of said sticks.

18. A building block as recited in claim 14, where said framing pieces are elongated sticks generally similar to POPSICLE sticks, and said apertures in said faces are elongated slots corresponding in dimension to the width and thickness of said sticks.

19. A building block as recited in claim 15, where said framing pieces are elongated sticks generally similar to POPSICLE sticks, and said apertures in said faces are elongated slots corresponding in dimension to the width and thickness of said sticks.