WO2014002062A1

WO2014002062A1 - Building blocks and structures

Info

Publication number: WO2014002062A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/055313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chi Kin LIN
Original assignee: Lin Chi Kin
Priority date: 2012-06-29
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2014-01-03

Abstract

A building block comprising a block body and an adjacent block connector for making interconnection with an adjacent building block such as a stackable building block having a compatible or complementary connector, wherein the adjacent block connector is detachable from the block body and comprises a first connector member and a second connector member which are in releasable engagement, and wherein the adjacent block connector is attached or fastened to the block body by the first connector member and the second connector member making releasable engagement with each other and with a portion of the block body.

Description

BUILDING BLOCKS AND STRUCTURES

FIELD

[001 ] The present disclosure relates to building blocks, and more particularly, to building blocks for assembly into a structure comprising a plurality of building blocks in a stacking relationship. The disclosure also relates to building block accessories such as connectors and fasteners.

BACKGROUND

[002] Many structures, such as toys, buildings, and furniture, are constructed from modular components. [003] For example, US patent numbers US 3,005,282, US 3,034,254, and US 3,597,875 disclose stackable toy building bricks which are adapted for forming multi- layered or high-rises toy structures by interlocking of stacked building bricks. Such building bricks typically comprise a molded main body of hard plastics having an upper mating surface, a lower mating surface and side surfaces defines by a periphery. The upper mating surface comprises a plurality of cylindrical mating protrusions and the lower mating surface comprises a corresponding plurality of hollow cylindrical protrusions which cooperate with the side surfaces of the peripheral to collectively define mating receptacles for receiving the mating protrusions on the upper mating surface of a building brick immediately below in a press fitted manner to provide friction interlocking. While the mating protrusions are typically of a generally cylindrical shape, building blocks having prismatic but non-cylindrical upper mating protrusions are also known, for example in EP 1 ,464,369.

[004] Such modular building bricks are advantageous because there are numerous ways to construct structures by lateral and vertical stacking of the building bricks. While the design of such building bricks has been versatile and mature, it is appreciated that there are still rooms for improvements.

[005] In this specification, the term 'building blocks' is used to include toy building blocks such as those commonly referred to as 'building bricks' and non-toy building blocks such as those used for building or furniture construction, irrespective of whether the blocks are integrally moulded.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[006] The disclosure will be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:-

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a structure comprising three types of building blocks in a stacked and latched relationship,

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the structure of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a side view of the structure of Figure 1 , Figure 3A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the structure of Figure 1 taken along line A-A of Figure 1 ,

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views showing the structure of Figure 1 in explosion;

Figure 5 is a side view of the exploded structure of Figures 4A and 4B, Figure 5A is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 5,

Figures 6 is a perspective view of a first type of example connector member component 200 in a block body 100 with an axial end 240 of the example connector member component 200 protruding from the block body,

Figure 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 along line C-C, Figure 6B is a side view depicting the arrangement of Figure 6 with the example connector member component 200 separated from block body 100,

Figure 6C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 6B taken along line C-C,

Figures 7 is a perspective view of a first type of example connector member component 200 in a block body 100 with a different axial end 220 of the example connector member component 200 protruding from the block body, Figures 7A, 7B and 7C correspond respectively to the description of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, with the longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line D-D,

Figures 8 is a perspective view of a first type of example connector member component 200 in a block body 100 with an axial end 220 of the example connector member component 200 protruding from a lower side of the block body,

Figures 8A, 8B and 8C correspond respectively to the description of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, with the longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line E-E,

Figures 9 is a perspective view of a second type of example connector member component 300 in a block body 100 with its termination end portion flush with the upper panel surface of the block body,

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C correspond respectively to the description of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, with the longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line F-F,

Figures 10 is a perspective view of a third type of example connector member component 400 in a block body 100 with its termination end portion flush with an axial end of the bore wall and rotationally latched relative to the block body,

Figures 10A, 10B and 10C correspond respectively to the description of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, with the longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line G-G,

Figures 1 1 and 12 are perspective views of an example structure assembled from the building blocks of the first, second and third types, Figure 13 is an exploded view of the structure of Figure 1 1 ,

Figures 14, 14A and 14B depict variation examples of a block body,

Figure 15A, 15B and 15C depict variation examples of a connector member component,

Figure 16 depicts another variation example of a block body,

Figures 16A to 16F depict a structure with variation components. DESCRIPTION

[007] There is disclosed a building block comprising a block body and an adjacent block connector for making interconnection with an adjacent building block such as a stackable building block having a compatible or complementary connector, wherein the adjacent block connector is detachable from the block body and comprises a first connector member and a second connector member which are in releasable engagement, and wherein the adjacent block connector is attached or fastened to the block body by the first connector member and the second connector member making releasable engagement with each other and with a portion of the block body. [008] A building block comprising a block body and a detachable adjacent block connector in combination is highly advantageous as it provides convenience as well as a large number of variation possibilities.

[009] The first connector member of the adjacent block connector may comprise a first connector end portion and a second connector end portion which is complementary to the first connector end.

[0010] The first connector member and the second connector member of the adjacent block connector may be in compressively engagement with the block body when in said releasable engagement with each other and with a portion of the block body.

[001 1] There is disclosed a building block connector for attaching to a building block having a block body, wherein the building block connector comprises a first connector member and a second connector member which are in releasable engagement, the first connector member comprising a first connector end portion which is to define a first coupling end portion to facilitate making of a releasable connection with an adjacent building block, wherein the first connector member comprises a first anchoring portion and the second connector member comprises a second anchoring portion, and wherein the first and second anchoring portions cooperating to form a releasable anchoring on said block body.

[0012] The first connector member may comprise a second connector end portion for making said releasable engagement with the second connector member, and the first anchoring portion is located at a waist portion which is between the first connector end portion and the second connector end portion.

[0013] An example structure 10 of Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 3A comprises a plurality of building blocks assembled in a stack with adjacent building blocks in an interlocked relationship. The assembly comprises three example types of building blocks, namely, a first type, a second type, and a third type. Each of the three types of building blocks comprises a block body and a building block connector. The first type of building block comprises a block body in releasable engagement with a first type of building block connector, the second type of building block comprises a block body in releasable engagement with a second type of building block connector, and the third type of building block comprises a block body in releasable engagement with a third type of building block connector.

[0014] The block body 100 comprises a panel member 110 having an upper panel surface 112 and a lower panel surface 114 which are interconnected by a peripheral edge 116, a bore wall 120 defining a through bore which extends across the panel member, and a peripheral skirt 130 comprising a peripheral wall which projects orthogonally downwards from the panel member and along the peripheral edge. The peripheral skirt 130 is to facilitate stacking and the depth of the peripheral skirt is constant along the peripheral edge such that the panel surface is levelled when the block body rests on a levelled surface.

[0015] The peripheral skirt 130 projects orthogonally downwards along the peripheral edge of the panel member with the free end of the peripheral skirt defining the base of the main block. As the peripheral skirt follows the outline or periphery of the panel member, it also defines a compartment having a boundary which follows the outline of the panel member. Since the peripheral skirt projects downwardly from the peripheral edge, the peripheral skirt also surrounds the lower panel surface and the bore wall.

[0016] The bore wall 120 extends orthogonally downwards from the lower panel surface and defines a through bore which extends through the panel member and downwardly from the lower panel surface. The bore axis is orthogonal to the lower panel surface and is located at the center of the panel surface, which is square in this example. [0017] A narrowed portion is formed on the inside of the bore wall at a level below the upper panel surface to define a shoulder portion. This shoulder portion comprises a stepped surface 122 projecting radially inward from the bore wall. The stepped surface defines a circumferential flange which is retracted below the upper panel surface. The narrowed portion can extend axially until the free end of the bore wall or can be an overhanging portion projecting from the bore wall.

[0018] A plurality of indentations 124 is distributed around the perimeter at an axial end of the bore wall distal from the panel member for engaging with a fastener end to be described. [0019] A building block connector of each of the building blocks is formed by releasable engagement between a first connector member and a second connector member. Three example types of components of connector members 200, 300, 400 which can be selectively combined to form an example building block connector are depicted in Figures 4A and 4B. [0020] A first type of example connector member component 200 is depicted in Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 5A and in more detail in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. The connector member component 200 comprises an elongate body having a first axial end portion 220, a second axial end portion 240 and a waist portion 260 which is intermediate the first and second axial portions. The first 220 and the second 240 axial end portions are on opposite sides of the waist portion 260. The first 220 and the second 240 axial end portions are complementary with complementary mating engagement means formed at the free or axial ends. Complementary bayonet-type connecting parts as example of complementary mating engagement means are formed at the opposite axial ends of the elongate body. More specifically, a bayonet-type plug (or 'bayonet plug' in short) is formed on a first axial end on the first axial portion and a bayonet-type socket (or 'bayonet socket' in short) 270 is formed on a second axial end on the second axial portion. The bayonet socket 270 comprises a tubular portion for receiving an end body portion 280 of a bayonet plug. Mating receptacles for making mated engagement with pins on the bayonet plug are distributed evenly on the perimeter of the tubular portion which is at the second axial end of the second axial portion. Each mating receptacle comprises an axial slot portion and a circumferential slot portion. The axial slot portion is for guiding a bayonet pin into the circumferential slot and the circumferential slot is for latching the bayonet pin against axial movements. The circumferential slot may be a helical portion which spirals towards the shoulder portion to facilitate tightened latching of the bayonet plug.

[0021] The bayonet plug is formed on the first axial end of the connector and comprises a cylindrical body portion. The cylindrical plug body defines an end body portion which is adapted to be received by the tubular portion of the bayonet socket. Mating pins for making mated coupling engagement with the bayonet receptacles are evenly distributed on the perimeter of the first axial end of the cylindrical portion. The mating pins project radially from the plug body portion. [0022] A second type of example connector member component 300 depicted in Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 9, 9A, 9B and 9C comprises an elongate body having a substantially cylindrical shape. A first axial end portion 320 and a termination end portion 340 are formed on opposite axial ends of the elongate body. The first axial end portion 320 is substantially identical to the first axial end portion 220 of the first type of example connector member component 200 and the description relating thereto is incorporated herein by reference with the relevant numerals added by 100. A transversely extending flange portion which defines the termination end portion 340 is formed at the axial end of the elongate body that is distal from the first axial end portion 320. This flange portion is to act as an end cap to anchor on the block body, and is sized to be mounted in a closely fitted manner into a recess formed on the block body. A key engaging aperture 342 is formed on the side of the termination end portion 340 to facilitate keyed locking with and releasing from a corresponding example connector member component 200.

[0023] A third type of example connector member component 400 depicted in Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 10, 10A, 10B and 10C comprises an elongate body having a substantially cylindrical shape. A termination end portion 420 and a second axial end portion 440 are formed on opposite axial ends of the elongate body. The second axial end portion 440 is substantially identical to the second axial end portion 240 of the first type of example connector member component 200 and the description relating thereto is incorporated herein by reference with the numerals added by 200. A transversely extending flange portion which defines the termination end portion 420 is formed at the axial end of the elongate body that is distal from the second axial end portion 440. This flange portion is to act as an end cap to anchor on the block body, and is sized to be mounted in a closely fitted manner into a recess formed on the block body. This flange portion includes a plurality of radial projections to restrict rotation relative to the block body when in engagement therewith. As a variation, the flange portion may be identical to that of termination end portion 340 without loss of generality. [0024] A building block connector may be formed by releasable complementary engagement between two of the three example connector member component 200, 300, & 400. For example, a first type of building block connector is formed by a combination of the first example connector member component 200 with itself, a second type of building block connector is formed by a combination of the first example connector member component 200 with the second example connector member component 300, and a third type of building block connector is formed by a combination of the first example connector member component 200 with the second example connector member component 400.

[0025] Likewise, a building block may be formed by a block body 100 and a selected one of the three types of building block connectors. For example, a first type building block may be formed by attaching a first type of building block connector to the block body 100 (that is, by fastening a first type of building block connector to the block body 100), a second type building block by attaching a second type of building block connector to the block body 100 (that is, by fastening a second type of building block connector to the block body 100), and a third type building block by attaching a third type of building block connector to the block body 100 (that is, by fastening a third type of building block connector to the block body 100).

[0026] The first type building block may have a first variation 500 in which the second axial end portion 240 protruding above the upper panel surface of the block body 100 as depicted in Figure 6 and the first axial end portion 220 protruding from the lower side of the block body as depicted in Figure 8.

[0027] Alternatively, the first type building block may have may have a second variation 600 in which the first axial end portion 220 protruding above the upper panel surface of the block body 100 as depicted in Figure 7, and the second axial end portion 240 protruding from the lower side of the block body. [0028] The connector member components may be adapted such that the building block connector is compressively attached onto the block body upon fastening. This may be facilitated, for example, by introducing a tightening mechanism on the building block connector. For example, where a bayonet-type coupling means is used, the bayonet socket may comprise a curved groove which is adapted to facilitate tightening on latching with the bayonet plug.

[0029] A building block is formed when complementary axial end portions 220, 240, 320, 340 of corresponding connector member components are inserted into the block body from opposite ends of the axial bore, and are then brought into releasable engagement upon their encounter inside the axial bore. For example, a releasable engagement is made when a bayonet plug of a connector member component is latched into a locking relationship with a bayonet socket of a corresponding connector member component by rotation upon encountering.

[0030] The structure of Figures 1 to 4B comprises three building blocks in a vertical stack and in releasable engagement. In one aspect, the structure may be seen as comprising a building block of a first type in a middle row. A block body 100 on the top row is stacked on the building block in the middle row and makes releasable engagement therewith by means of a second type of example connector member component 300. The building block in the middle row is stacked on a block body on the bottom row and makes releasable engagement therewith by means of a third type of example connector member component 400.

[0031] In another aspect, the structure may be seen as comprising a building block of a second type in the top row, a building block of a third type in the bottom row, a block body stacked in a middle row with the first axial end portion of the building block of the second type making releasable engagement with the second axial end portion of the building block of the third type, and with the releasable engagement made inside the axial bore of the block body in the middle row.

[0032] While each of the first second and third types of building blocks has been illustrated with reference to a block body having a single axial bore for illustration simplicity, it would be appreciated that each block body may comprise more than one axial bore. For example, a block body may comprise a plurality of axial bores distributed orthogonally along the panel member, and a corresponding plurality of building block connectors releasably attached to the block body as depicted in Figures 1 1 -13.

[0033] In an example structure of Figures 1 1 to 13, a plurality of building blocks is connected in a stack to form a multi-storey structure. Instead of square members, the block bodies comprise rectangular panel members. The first row of the structure comprises three block bodies in a line and four through bores which are evenly distributed along a line of symmetry on each rectangular panel member. The second row of the structure comprises four block bodies in a line, of which two of the block bodies at the extreme ends are block bodies comprising two through bores which are evenly distributed along a line of symmetry on the rectangular panel member, and two of the block bodies between the extreme ends are block bodies comprising four through bores which are evenly distributed along a line of symmetry on the rectangular panel member.

[0034] A variation block body example depicted in Figure 15 has a substantially identical structure to that of the block body 100, except that a square shaped recess is formed at the lower axial end of the axial bore. This square shaped recess is adapted to receive the anchoring portion on a connector member component to restrict rotation of that connector member component relative to the variation block body example.

[0035] Another variation block body example depicted in Figure 15A is substantially identical structure to that of the variation block body example of Figure 15, except that the peripheral skirt is circular.

[0036] Another variation block body example depicted in Figure 15B is substantially identical structure to that of the variation block body example of Figure 15, except that the two axial bores (and therefore two rotational restriction recesses) are formed on the underside of the variation block body example. In addition, side engaging members are also formed on one side of the variation block body example for making slide-in engagement with an adjacent variation block body example.

[0037] Figure 16A depicts a variation connector member component which is a variation to the second type of example connector member component 300. This variation connector member component is substantially identical to that of the second type of example connector member component 300 except that the first axial end portion comprises a shaft having a substantially reduced lateral dimension compared to that of the termination end portion.

[0038] Figure 16B depicts a variation connector member component which is a variation to the first type of example connector member component 200. This variation connector member component is substantially identical to that of the first type of example connector member component 200 except that the first axial end portion comprises a shaft having a substantially reduced lateral dimension and the waist portion is in a square shape to cooperate with the block body of Figures 15 and 15B to restrict rotation.

[0039] Figure 16C depicts a variation connector member component which is a variation to the variation connector member component of Figure 16B except that the waist portion is in a circular shape to cooperate with the block body of Figure 15A.

[0040] Figures 17 to 17F depict a process of steps to form a structure using components described herein to form a multi-storey structure using a hand tool.

[0041] While the panel member depicted in the example building blocks has a substantially square or rectangular surface, it should be appreciated that the surface can be of any geometric shape such as triangular, rectangular, or polygonal without loss of generality. For example, the panel member can have a rectangular surface with a plurality of through bores distributed along a longitudinal center line of symmetry at regular intervals. [0042] While the above examples have been used to illustrate various building blocks, it should be appreciated that the examples are only provided to assist understanding and are not intended to impose imitation on the scope.

Claims

1. A building block comprising a block body and an adjacent block connector for making interconnection with an adjacent building block such as a stackable building block having a compatible or complementary connector, wherein the adjacent block connector is detachable from the block body and comprises a first connector member and a second connector member which are in releasable engagement, and wherein the adjacent block connector is attached or fastened to the block body by the first connector member and the second connector member making releasable engagement with each other and with a portion of the block body.

2. A building block according to Claim 1 , wherein the first connector member of the adjacent block connector comprises a first connector end portion and a second connector end portion which is complementary to the first connector end.

3. A building block according to Claim 2, wherein the first connector member and the second connector member of the adjacent block connector are in compressively engagement with the block body when in said releasable engagement with each other and with a portion of the block body.

4. A building block according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second connector member of the adjacent block connector has a same or compatible structure as the first connector member such that the adjacent block connector includes a first coupling end for making releasable engagement with a first adjacent building block and a second coupling end for making releasable engagement with a second adjacent building block, and wherein the first coupling end and the second coupling end are complementary, the first coupling end and the second coupling end may for example be axially aligned and protrude beyond the block body.

5. A building block according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second connector member of the adjacent block connector includes a fastening end portion for making releasable engagement with the first connector member, the fastening end portion of the second connector member being complementary to either the first connector end or the second connector end of the adjacent block connector.

6. A building block according to Claim 5, wherein the second connector member of the adjacent block connector includes a terminating end portion for making a releasable termination engagement with the block body, the terminating end portion being received inside the block body when in said termination engagement.

A building block according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the block body comprises a panel member which defines an upper panel surface, an axial bore extending in an axial direction that is orthogonal to the upper panel surface, and a peripheral wall projecting orthogonally from the panel member and surrounding the axial bore; wherein the axial bore is defined by a bore wall, and the first connector member and the second connector member of the adjacent block connector are anchored on axial ends of the bore wall to facilitate said releasable engagement.

A building block according to Claim 7, wherein a lengthwise portion of the first connector member and a lengthwise portion of the second connector member are received inside the axial bore, and the first connector member and the second connector member encounter and make releasable engagement at inside the axial bore; and wherein the bore wall may for example include an angular portion at an axial end distal from the panel member to restrict rotation of the first connector member about the bore axis.

A building block according to Claims 7 or 8, wherein the axial bore includes a narrowed stepped portion at an axial end distal from the panel member to restrict maximum axial movement of the first connector member into the block body.

A building block according to any of Claims 10 to 9, wherein the axial bore includes a narrowed stepped portion at an axial end proximal the panel member and below the upper panel surface to restrict maximum axial movement of the second connector member into the block body.

A building block connector for attaching to a building block having a block body, wherein the building block connector comprises a first connector member and a second connector member which are in releasable engagement, the first connector member comprising a first connector end portion which is to define a first coupling end portion to facilitate making of a releasable connection with an adjacent building block, wherein the first connector member comprises a first anchoring portion and the second connector member comprises a second anchoring portion, and wherein the first and second anchoring portions cooperating to form a releasable anchoring on said block body.

12. A building block connector according to Claim 1 1 , wherein the first connector member comprises a second connector end portion for making said releasable engagement with the second connector member, and the first anchoring portion is located at a waist portion which is between the first connector end portion and the second connector end portion.

13. A building block connector according to Claim 12, wherein the first connector member has an elongate connector body and the first connector end portion and the second connector end portion are at opposite axial ends of the connector body, and wherein the first anchoring portion is a location on the connector body where the transverse extent is at a maximum.

14. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the building block connector is for anchoring on an axial bore which is defined by a bore wall on the block body and the axial separation between the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion is to facilitate cooperative anchoring of the first and second anchoring portions at axial ends of the bore wall.

15. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the first anchoring portion has an angular profile on its periphery to restrict rotation of the first connector member relative to the block body.

16. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the second connector member comprises a second connector end portion which defines a second coupling end portion to facilitate making of a releasable connection with another adjacent building block, and wherein the second coupling end portion and the first coupling end portion are complementary.

17. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 16, wherein the first connector end portion and the second connector end portion are to protrude beyond the block body.

18. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the second connector member comprises a second connector end portion which defines a termination end, the termination end is for receipt inside the block body.

19. A building block connector according to any of Claims 1 1 to 18, wherein the first connector member comprises a plug-type connector such as a bayonet-type plug on one end, and a connector complementary to the plug-type connector such as socket- type connector especially a bayonet-type socket on the other axial or opposite end.

A structure comprising a plurality of building blocks in stacked and interconnected relationship.