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WO2024215327A1 - Système d'ossature pour jeu de construction - Google Patents

Système d'ossature pour jeu de construction Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024215327A1
WO2024215327A1 PCT/US2023/018608 US2023018608W WO2024215327A1 WO 2024215327 A1 WO2024215327 A1 WO 2024215327A1 US 2023018608 W US2023018608 W US 2023018608W WO 2024215327 A1 WO2024215327 A1 WO 2024215327A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stud
column
comer
pair
tie
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/018608
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Thomas Hafendorfer
Original Assignee
Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc.
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 Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc. filed Critical Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US2023/018608 priority Critical patent/WO2024215327A1/fr
Publication of WO2024215327A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024215327A1/fr

Links

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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the framing system comprises a number of interchangeable elements which can be arranged to construct a variety of individual, standalone floors and three-dimensional structures, as desired.
  • a framing system for construction sets which provides greater support, stability, and more capabilities that easily permit the construction of a variety of large structures - both vertically and horizontally.
  • a construction set comprising stand-alone floor units which, in turn, can be arranged and stacked to construct numerous structures. This ability would permit the user to construct a toy building, or any type of three-dimensional structure, floor by floor, and/or remove individual floors or components, as desired.
  • a framing system which can be used to construct larger toy structures with less components, provides more secure coupling arrangements, and greater flexibility for constructing a variety of different structures vertically and horizontally.
  • the framing system for a construction set (referred to herein as the “system” for brevity) comprises a number of interlocking and interchangeable components that are adapted to construct a variety of three- dimensional structures.
  • the framing system permits a user (herein the term “user” refers to an individual utilizing the system) to create a skeletal structure or frame which is adapted to receive additional components as desired.
  • the system is further adapted to construct numerous individual, stand-alone floors, which in turn, can be arranged on top of one another to construct a variety of three-dimensional shapes and structures, including but not limited to buildings, as desired by the user.
  • the system comprises at least one central unit and a plurality of tie beam comer units and/or a plurality of curved beam units which are adapted to form a stand-alone floor.
  • a single floor may comprise a plurality of tie beam comer units connected to at least one central unit, a plurality of curved beam units connected to the at least one central unit, or a combination of at least one tie beam comer unit and at least one curved beam unit connected to at least one central unit.
  • the individual floors can be stacked on additional, corresponding floors to construct a variety of different structures.
  • the components of the system further define a plurality of studs and various borings which are adapted to receive other components such as cross pins, cross studs, square panels and rectangular panels (discussed below).
  • the components of the system are further adapted to receive any number of known elements such as cladding, wall panels, windows, and other components of various geometric sizes and shapes that are adapted to secure to the components as desired by the user.
  • the system comprises a central unit having a center column extending upwards, a center connector that removably secures to the bottom of the center column, and at least one tie beam removably connected to one of the sides of the center connector and extending outwards from said connector.
  • at least one outer mid-column is removably connected to the opposing side of the at least one tie beam and extending upwards.
  • a plurality of central units interlock to form a central portion of a floor.
  • a plurality of outer midcolumns are interlocked with the plurality of the central units along the perimeter of said central portion.
  • tie beams and front cross beams span between the plurality of outer midcolumns, such that the plurality of outer-mid columns, tie beams, and front cross beams form the perimeter of the floor.
  • at least one tie beam comer unit and/or at least one curved beam unit are adapted to interlock with two, adjacent outer-mid columns on adjacent sides of said central portion to form the comers of said floor.
  • each of the sides of the center connector define at least one cross stud receiving bore, or other bores of various geometric shapes as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, and the sides of the center connector are adapted to engage the end of a tie beam.
  • Each of the tie beams comprise a pair of opposing sides and a pair of opposing ends, wherein the opposing ends of the tie beam define at least one cross stud receiving bore and said opposing ends are adapted to engage the center connector or an outer mid-column.
  • Each of the opposing sides of the tie beam define a pair of studs, positioned adjacent to the opposing ends, which are adapted to engage an internal comer bracket (discussed in more detail below).
  • the outer mid-columns comprise a bottom portion integrally connected to a vertical portion which extends upwards.
  • the outer mid-columns lack the bottom portion and comprise only the vertical portion.
  • the front and opposing sides of the bottom portion of the outer mid-column define at least one cross stud receiving bore, the front side of the bottom portion is adapted to engage a tie beam, and the opposing sides are adapted to engage a tie beam or a curved beam.
  • the top surface of the bottom portion further defines at least one stud which is adapted to engage other components of the system (such as a square panel as a non-limiting example).
  • the vertical portion of the outer mid-column comprises a pair of lateral sides and an external face.
  • the pair of lateral sides of the vertical portion of the outer midcolumn define a series of cross stud receiving bores.
  • the external face of said vertical portion defines a series of studs, a series of borings, and a pair of half studs extending from the top of said external face.
  • the top surface of the outer mid-column defines a pair of studs being adapted to receive a front cross beam or a curved cross beam as desired.
  • stud refers to a small, cylindrical bump that is adapted to engage components having a stud receiving bore and/or corresponding recess.
  • half stud refers to a protrusion comprising one half of the cylindrical bump (i.e. one half of a full stud) such that a half stud mates with another half stud to form a full, circular stud that is adapted to receive a component having a stud receiving bore and/or corresponding recess.
  • the system further comprises a tie beam comer unit being adapted to form a comer of a floor.
  • a tie beam comer unit comprises a pair of tie beams wherein an end of each of the pair of tie beams engage a bottom portion of a single comer column (or a vertical portion of a comer column in some embodiments) and the other ends of the tie beams engage the bottom portions (or vertical portions in some embodiments) of separate, adjacent outer mid-columns.
  • the tie beam comer unit further comprises a pair of front cross beams which span between the top surfaces of said adjacent, outer mid-columns and the top surface of the comer column.
  • the front cross beams comprise a top surface, an outer face, an inner face, a pair of opposing ends, and a bottom surface being adapted to engage one of the studs located on the top surface of an outer mid-column or the top surface of the comer column.
  • Each of the ends of the outer face of said front cross beam define a half stud, wherein one of the half studs mates with one of the half studs on the top surface of the outer mid-column to form a full stud and the other half stud on the front cross beam mates with one of the half studs on the top surface of the comer column to form a full stud.
  • a pair of studs extend from the ends of the top surface of the front cross beam, said studs being adapted to receive a portion of a subsequent floor which can be stacked upon the existing floor.
  • the comer column comprises a bottom portion integrally connected to a vertical portion which extends upwards.
  • the comer column comprises only the vertical portion.
  • the comer column defines a pair of external faces having a series of studs and a series of borings extending the entire length of the external faces.
  • the comer column further comprises a pair of internal faces defining a series of cross stud receiving bores, and a recess positioned between said internal faces.
  • a comer block extends upwards from a top surface of the comer column and a single stud extends from the top of said comer block.
  • the top surface of the comer column and the comer block are adapted to receive and mate with one or more front cross beams, and cooperate to form a flat surface which is adapted to receive a portion of an additional floor.
  • the bottom portion of the comer column comprises a top surface having a single stud (being adapted to engage other components such as a square panel, as a non-limiting example) and a pair of internal faces which further define at least one cross stud receiving bore.
  • the pair of internal faces of the bottom portion are adapted to engage and receive a tie beam.
  • the internal faces of the vertical portion are adapted to engage and receive a tie beam. It will be appreciated that the pair of tie beams, the pair of front cross beams, and the comer column interlock to form a tie beam comer unit which is adapted to engage two adjacent outer mid-columns to form a comer of a floor.
  • the system further comprises a curved beam unit being adapted to form a curved comer of a floor.
  • the curved beam unit comprises a curved beam removably connected to the bottom portions (or vertical portions) of separate, adjacent outer mid-columns and a curved cross beam removably connected to the top surface of said separate, adjacent outer mid-columns (and positioned directly above said curved beam).
  • the curved beam comprises a pair of end portions having a cuboid shape and being integrally connected to a curved main body.
  • the pair of end portions define a pair of end faces being adapted to engage the sides of the bottom portion or the vertical portion of an outer mid-column and each end face having at least one cross pin receiving bore.
  • the pair of sides of the end portions of the curved beam each have a stud which is adapted to engage an internal comer bracket.
  • the main body of the curved beam is sized to span between the bottom portions of two adjacent, outer- mid beams.
  • a series of studs extend from the top surface of the curved beam, wherein said studs are positioned in such a manner to correspond with the studs of adjacent components (such as tie beams or outer mid-columns as non-limiting examples) and being adapted to receive additional items such as a floor surface that spans between an adjacent tie beam and the curved beam (as a non-limiting example).
  • adjacent components such as tie beams or outer mid-columns as non-limiting examples
  • additional items such as a floor surface that spans between an adjacent tie beam and the curved beam (as a non-limiting example).
  • the curved cross beam comprises a curved main body integrally connected to a pair of end portions and being adapted to span between the top surfaces of separate, adjacent outer mid-columns. Similar to the cross beam of the tie beam comer unit, the curved cross beam comprises a top surface, an outer face, an inner face, and a bottom surface being adapted to engage the one or more studs located on the top surface of said outer mid-columns.
  • the curved cross beam further comprises a pair of end portions integrally connected to a curved main body. Each of the outer faces of said end portions define a half stud which mates with the half stud on the top surface of the outer mid-column to form a full stud. It will be appreciated that the curved beam and the curved cross beam interlock to form a curved beam unit which is adapted to engage two adjacent outer mid-columns of a central unit.
  • a cross pin comprises a peg having an extended cross shape and a cross stud comprises a stud integrally connected to one end of a cross pin.
  • the system comprises a number of cross stud receiving bores and cross pin receiving bores, wherein the bores, the cross pins, and the cross studs provide both structural support (as discussed in further detail below) and connection points for mounting other components.
  • the internal connections between abutting beams are further secured by internal comer brackets.
  • the internal comer bracket comprises a pair of walls integrally connected at about a ninety degree angle and further comprising a pair of external faces with a recess being adapted to receive at least one stud and/or at least one cross stud (which extend from the ends of the sides of the beams).
  • a block member is integrally connected to the pair of internal faces of the internal comer bracket, and a single stud extends from the top surface of said block member. In this manner, the pair of external faces of the internal comer bracket are adapted to engage the system’s internal beam connections to provide additional stability.
  • the system comprises at least one square panel, and/or at least one rectangular panel to provide additional support between connections.
  • a pair of tie beams engage a comer column
  • a pair of sides of the square panel may engage the pair of internal faces of the comer column.
  • the bottom surface of the square panel mates with both the single stud on the top surface of the bottom portion of the comer beam and the corresponding studs on the top surface of the pair of tie beams positioned adjacent to the comer beam.
  • the square panel provides support for the connection between the pair of tie beams and the comer beam, and the internal comer bracket in some embodiments.
  • a rectangular panel may also provide additional support between the system’s various connections.
  • a rectangular panel may span across the outer surface of a connection between a pair of tie beams removably secured to the opposing sides of an outer-mid column.
  • the cross pins, cross studs, internal comer brackets, square panels, and rectangular panels provide additional stability and support for the connections between the system’s components.
  • the system provides a number of advantages over conventional toy construction sets including but not limited to the ability to construct and remove stand-alone floors, providing greater stability and support which permits the construction of larger buildings, and the use of less pieces than conventional approaches, along with other features disclosed herein.
  • Figs. 1A-1C are perspective, exploded views of a portion of a framing system for a construction set, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. ID is a perspective, exploded view of a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a framing system for a construction set, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • FIGs. 3 A-3B are perspective views of a floor comprising a pair of curved beam units and a pair of tie beam comer units removably secured to a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a center column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 4B is a bottom, perspective view of a center column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 4C-4D are side views of a center column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a center connector, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 5B is a bottom, perspective view of a center connector, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 5C is a side view of a center connector, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a tie beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6B is a bottom, perspective view a tie beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6C is a top view of a tie beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6D is a bottom view of a tie beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6E illustrates a side of a time beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 6F illustrates an end of a tie beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 6G-6H illustrate perspective views of a tie beam having a single row of studs, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 7A-7B are perspective views of an outer mid-column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 7C-7D are side views of an outer mid-column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 7E is a view of an external side of an outer mid-column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 7F is a view of an internal side of an outer mid-column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 7G is a bottom view of an outer mid-column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 7H-7J are perspective views of an outer mid-column lacking a bottom portion, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a front cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 8B is a bottom, perspective view of a front cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 8C is a top view of a front cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 8D illustrates an outer face of a front cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 9A is a perspective view of an internal side of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 9B is a bottom, perspective view of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the external sides of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 9D-9E illustrate the internal faces of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 9F-9G illustrate the external faces of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 9H is atop view of a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 91 is a bottom view a comer column, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 9J-9L are perspective views of a comer column lacking a bottom portion, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 10A-10B are perspective views of a curved beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 10C is a bottom, perspective view of a curved beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 10D illustrates an outer face of a curved beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 10E is a bottom view of a curved beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 1 OF is a top view of a curved beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 11A is a perspective view of an curved cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 1 IB-11C are bottom, perspective views of an curved cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 1 ID is a perspective view of an curved cross beam, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 12A-12B are perspective views of a cross pin, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 13A-13B are perspective views of a cross stud, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 13C is a top view of a cross stud, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 14A-14B are perspective views of an internal comer bracket, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. l4C is a bottom, perspective view of an internal comer bracket, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig.l4D is a top view of an internal comer bracket, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a floor comprising a plurality of tie beam comer units removably secured to a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a floor comprising a tie beam comer unit and a plurality of curved beam units removably secured to a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a floor comprising a plurality of curved beam units removably secured to a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • FIGs. 18A-18B are perspective views of a floor comprising a curved beam unit and a plurality of tie beam comer units removably secured to a central unit, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 19A-19B are perspective views of a floor comprising a plurality of central units, a plurality of curved beam units, and a plurality of tie beam comer units, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a pair of stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a pair of stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a pair of stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view of several stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of several stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 25 is a perspective view of several stacked floors, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 26A is an exploded view of a structural connection, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 26B is a perspective view of a structural connection, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 27A is an exploded view of a structural connection and cladding, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Fig. 27B is a perspective view of a structural connection and cladding, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 28A-28B are perspective views of a structural connection, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • Figs. 1A-3B illustrate the components of the system 5, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
  • the top and bottom ends of a center column 12 are adapted to receive a center connector 35.
  • the sides of the center connector 35 align with the sides of the center column 12.
  • the sides of the center connector 35 define at least one cross stud receiving bore being adapted to receive a cross pm 230, a cross stud 238, or other components that are sized to mate with said bore, and the sides of the center connector 35 are sized to engage a tie beam 52.
  • the tie beam 52 is connected to the center connector 35 using one or more cross pins 230.
  • the ends of the tie beams define at least one cross stud receiving bore and are adapted to engage either the center connector 35, an outer mid-column 75, or a comer column 140.
  • the outer mid-columns 75 comprise a bottom portion 98 which is integrally connected to a vertical portion 99.
  • the opposing sides and front surface of the bottom portion 98 of the outer mid-column 75 define at least one cross stud receiving bore.
  • the sides of the bottom portion 98 are sized to engage either a tie beam 52 or a curved beam 172, and the front surface of the bottom portion 98 is adapted to engage a tie beam 52.
  • the tie beam 52 and/or the curved beam 172 are connected to the outer mid-column 75 via one or more cross pins 230.
  • a central column 12, a center connector 35, and at least one tie beam 52 interlock to form a central unit 10.
  • a plurality of outer mid-columns 75 interlock with the central unit 10, and in further embodiments, the different components of the central unit 10 are connected to one another via cross pins 230.
  • the center connector 35 is removably secured to the bottom of the center column 12, and a plurality of tie beams 52 are removably connected to the sides of said center connector 35 via cross pins 230.
  • a plurality of outer midcolumns are removably secured to the opposing ends of said tie beams 52 via cross pins 230.
  • a plurality of central units 10 interlock to form a central portion of a floor and a plurality of outer mid-columns 75 interlock with the plurality of the central units along the perimeter of said central portion.
  • tie beams 52 and front cross beams 112 span between the plurality of outer mid-columns 75 to form the perimeter of the floor.
  • a curved beam 172 spans between the bottom portions of adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • the series of studs 178 extending from the top surface 175 of the curved beam 172 align with the studs on adjacent tie beams 52 and adjacent outer mid-columns 75, thereby permitting additional components (such as a floor surface as nonlimiting example) to mount to said curved beam 172 and adjacent components.
  • a curved cross beam 200 is positioned above the curved beam 172 and spans between the top surfaces of the adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • a curved beam unit 170 comprises a single curved beam 172 and a single curved cross beam 200, wherein the curved beam unit 170 is adapted to be removably secured to two adjacent outer mid-columns which are removably secured to at least one central unit 10.
  • the curved beam unit 170 connects to the two adjacent outer mid-columns 75 via one or more cross pins 230.
  • a curved cross beam 200 is mounted to the top surface 78 of an outer mid-column 75, the curved cross beam 200 forms a flat surface with studs that is adapted to receive an additional floor.
  • a tie beam comer unit 110 comprises a pair of tie beams 52 (i.e. a first tie beam 51, 52 and a second tie beam 51, 52), and a comer column 140.
  • the tie beam comer unit 110 further comprises a pair of front cross beams 112 (positioned above said pair of tie beams 52 wherein in some embodiments the pair of front cross beams 112 comprise a first front cross beam and a second front cross beam).
  • one or more cross pins 230 connect the tie beams 52 to the comer column 140, wherein the tie beam comer unit 110 is adapted to engage two adjacent outer mid-columns 75, which are connected to at least one central unit 10, to form a comer of a single floor (as best illustrated in Figs. 3A-3B, and 19A).
  • the pair of tie beams 52 are adapted to be removably secured to the sides of the bottom portions 98 of the adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • the tie beams 52 are connected to the outer mid-columns 75 via cross pins 230.
  • the opposing ends of the pair of tie beams 52 engage a botom portion 160 of a comer column 140 and in some embodiments, are connected via cross pins 230.
  • the comer column 140 comprises a botom portion 160 integrally connected to a vertical portion 161
  • the comer column 140 comprises only a vertical portion 161.
  • the internal sides of the bottom portion 160 define at least one cross stud receiving bore being adapted to receive a cross pin 230 or a cross stud 238, and said internal sides are further sized to receive and mate with the end of a tie beam 52.
  • a comer block 146 is integrally mounted to the top end 142 of the comer column 140, such that the top end 142 is adapted to receive and mate with one or more front cross beams 112.
  • the comer block 146 is removably connected to the top end 142 of the comer column 140.
  • the ends of the outer face of said front cross beam 112 each define a half stud 121, wherein one of the half studs 121 mates with another half stud 85 extending from the top surface 78 of the outer mid-column 75 to form a full stud, and the other half stud 121 mates with a half stud 148 extending from the top end 142 of a comer column to form a full stud.
  • the full stud is adapted to engage and receive other components having a stud receiving bore or a corresponding recess
  • the system 5 comprises at least one central unit 10, a plurality of outer mid-columns 75, a plurality of tie beam comer units 110 and/or a plurality of curved beam units 170 which are adapted to form one or more stand-alone floors, wherein said floors can be stacked upon one another to construct numerous structures as desired by the user.
  • the system 5 comprises a plurality of central units 10 which interlock to form a central portion of a floor, and a plurality of outer mid-columns 75 interlocked with the plurality of central units 10 along the perimeter of said central portion.
  • a plurality of tie beams 52 span between the identical, lateral sides 92 of the plurality of outer mid-columns 75 and a plurality of front cross beams 112 span between the top surface 78 of the plurality of outer-mid columns 75, such that the plurality of tie beams 52, the plurality of front cross beams 112, and the plurality of outer mid-columns 75 form the perimeter of the floor.
  • at least one tie beam comer unit 110 and/or at least one curved beam unit 170 are adapted to interlock with two, adjacent outer-mid columns 75 of said central portion to form the comers of said floor.
  • Figs. 3A-3B illustrate a floor 320 comprising a central unit 10 interlocked with a pair of tie beam comer units 110 and a pair of curved beam units 170.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a floor 340 comprising a central unit 10 interlocked with a plurality of tie beam comer units 110.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a floor 350 comprising a central unit 10 interlocked with a single tie beam comer unit 110, and a plurality of curved beam units 170.
  • Fig. 17 illustrates a floor 330 comprising a central unit 10 interlocked with a plurality of curved beam units 170.
  • FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate a floor 360 comprising a central unit 10 interlocked with a single curved beam unit 170 and a plurality of tie beam comer units 110.
  • Fig. 18 also illustrates the tie beam 51 which comprises a single row of studs and is adapted to connect horizontally or vertically to other components in the system 5.
  • Figs. 19A-19B illustrate floor 370 comprising a plurality of central units 10 interlocked to form a central portion of floor 370, a plurality of outer mid-columns 75 interlocked with the plurality of central units 10 along the perimeter of said central portion, and a plurality of tie beams 52 and front cross beams 112 spanning between the plurality of outer-mid columns 75 to the perimeter of the floor 370.
  • a pair oftie beam comer units 110 and a pair of curved beam units 170 interlock w ith said central portion to form the comers of said floor 370.
  • the system 5 can be used to create any number of configurations and combinations known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the floors 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, and other floor configurations using the system can be stacked upon one another to construct a variety of different three-dimensional structures and frames.
  • Figs. 2, 6A-6H, and 26A-28B illustrate the single studs 73 which extend from the ends of the pair of opposing sides 60 of the tie beam 52 and the tie beam 51.
  • a single stud 179 also extends from each of the sides of the end portions 189 of the curved beam 172.
  • the single studs of the tie beams 52 and the curved beams 172 are adapted to be received within a recess 255 positioned within an external face 252 of an internal comer bracket 250. Accordingly, the internal comer bracket 250 is adapted to secure the system’s internal connections with the tie beams 52 and the curved beams 172.
  • Figs. 1 illustrate the single studs 73 which extend from the ends of the pair of opposing sides 60 of the tie beam 52 and the tie beam 51.
  • a single stud 179 also extends from each of the sides of the end portions 189 of the curved beam 172.
  • the internal comer bracket 250 when a pair of tie beams 52 engage a pair of adjacent sides of the center connector 35 (or the internal faces 155 of a comer column 140), the internal comer bracket 250 provides additional support for the connection by receiving the single studs which extend from the ends of the sides 60 of the tie beam 52. Likewise, the internal comer bracket 250 can be used to support other beam connections in the system 5 which occur at about a ninety degree angle, such as the connection between a tie beam 52, an outer mid-column 75, and a curved beam 172.
  • a cross stud receiving bore is positioned proximal to the single stud which extends from each of the sides of the end portions 189 of the curved beam 172.
  • a cross stud receiving bore is also positioned proximal to the single stud which extends from the ends of the pair of opposing sides 60 of the tie beams 52, 51.
  • Figs. 4A-14D illustrate the individual components of the system 5.
  • the center column 12 comprises a first pair of opposing sides 25 (each defining a recess 28) and a second pair of opposing sides 32 (each having a flat surface).
  • a plurality of borings 30 extend between the first pair of opposing sides 25 and extend along a length of the center column 12.
  • the center column 12 further comprises a top surface 15 having a series of studs 18 (in a 2 x 2 pattern [i.e. two studs wide and two studs long], as anon-limiting example) and a bottom 20 having a stud receiving bore 22.
  • the stud receiving bore 22 is adapted to receive and engage the top surface 38 of a center connector 35
  • the top surface 15 of the center column 12 is adapted to receive and secure to the bottom 48 of a center connector 35.
  • FIG. 5A-5C illustrate the center connector 35 having a top surface 38, a plurality of identical sides 42, and a bottom 48 defining a stud receiving bore 50.
  • Each of the sides 42 of the center connector 35 define at least one cross stud receiving bore 45.
  • each of the sides 42 are adapted to removably receive the end 62 of a tie beam 52 such that at least one tie beam 52 extends from one of the sides of the center connector 35.
  • the bottom 48 of the center connector 35 is adapted to attach to the top surface of a center connector 35.
  • the top surface 38 further comprises a series of studs 40 (in a 2 x 2 pattern, as a non-limiting example), and said top surface 38 is adapted to connect to the bottom 20 of the center column 12.
  • the center connector 35 is integrally connected to the center column 12, such that connector 35 and center column 12 comprise a single, integral component.
  • Figs. 6A-6F illustrate the tie beam 52 having a top surface 55 with a first row and a second row of studs 58 (in a 2 x 10 pattern as a non-limiting example), a pair of opposing sides 60, a pair of opposing ends 62, and a bottom 70.
  • a pair of single studs 58 extend from the ends of said sides 60
  • a series of cross stud receiving bores 68 are positioned proximal to said single studs
  • a pair of borings 65 are positioned in the middle portion of said sides 60.
  • the borings 65 are adapted to receive any component having a corresponding shape or geometry.
  • the pair of opposing ends 62 are adapted to engage and secure to the bottom portion 98 of an outer mid-column 75 and/or a bottom portion 160 of a comer column 140.
  • the pair of opposing ends 62 further define at least one cross stud receiving bore 68.
  • the bottom 70 of the tie beam 52 defines a series of recesses 72, wherein said recesses 72 are sized to receive and engage the series of studs 138 extending from the top surface 115 of a front cross beam 112 (or any number of components have one or more corresponding studs).
  • Figs. 6G-6H illustrate the tie beam 51 having a single row of studs 58 (in a 1 x 8 pattern, as a non-limiting example).
  • the tie beam 51 is identically configured to tie beam 52 except tie beam 51 has a smaller width and a single row of studs 58.
  • the tie beam 51 can span horizontally between components (such as an outer mid-column 75 and a comer column 140 as a non-limiting example) or vertically (such as a front cross beam 112 and a tie beam 51 or a tie beam 52, as non-limiting examples).
  • Figs. 7A-7G illustrate the outer mid-column 75 comprising a bottom portion 98 having a cuboid shape integrally connected to a vertical portion 99.
  • the outer mid-column 75 further comprises a top surface 78 with a pair of studs 80 (i.e. a first stud and a second stud), an external face 82, a pair of identical lateral sides 92 each having a series of cross stud receiving bores 95 along the length of said sides 92, an internal side 105 and a bottom 103.
  • the lateral sides 92 and the internal side of the bottom portion 98 are each adapted to receive the end of a tie beam 52.
  • the adaptation at the lateral sides 92 and the internal side of the bottom portion 98 are identical and in further embodiments the adaptions are different as shown in Fig. 7B. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bottom portion 98 is a separate piece from the vertical portion 99, such that the bottom portion 98 is removably secured to the bottom of the vertical portion 99.
  • the external face 82 comprises a series of studs 88 positioned in two parallel rows (in a 2 x 9 pattern, as a non-limiting example) and a series of borings 90 positioned between said series of studs 88 and spanning the length of said external face 82.
  • a pair of half studs 85 i.e. a first half stud and a second half stud
  • the half studs 85 are positioned to cooperate with corresponding half studs 121 on the front cross beam 112 and/or the half studs 210 of the curved cross beam 200 to form a full stud.
  • the internal side 105 of the outer mid-column 75 comprises a recess 106 and a grid structure 107 to provide support for said vertical portion 99.
  • the series of borings 90 span from the external face 82 to the internal side 105 of the vertical portion 99.
  • the bottom portion 98 comprises a top surface 100 having a pair of studs 101, an internal side defining at least one cross stud receiving bore, and a bottom 103 having a stud receiving bore 104.
  • the bottom 103 is adapted to mate with corresponding components having a stud, such as the pair of studs 118 extending from the ends 125 of a front cross beam 112.
  • Figs. 7H-7J illustrate the outer midcolumn 74 comprising only a vertical portion 99 and lacking the bottom portion 98 (i.e. no ledge feature).
  • the outer mid-column 74 is identically configured to outer midcolumn 75, except column 74 lacks the bottom portion 98 and the vertical portion 99 is extended such that the height of column 74 is equivalent to the height of column 75.
  • Figs. 8A-8D illustrate the front cross beam 112 having a top surface 115, an outer face 120, an inner face 122, a pair of opposing ends 125, and a bottom 130.
  • a pair of studs 118 are each positioned on the top surface 115 adjacent to the opposing ends 125, and a pair of half studs 121 extend from the outer face 120 adjacent to the opposing ends 125.
  • the bottom 130 comprises a recess 135 having a series of studs 138 and a pair of stud receiving bores 132 are positioned adjacent to the ends 125.
  • the front cross beam 112 is adapted to span between, and removably secure with, an outer mid-column 75 and a comer column 140.
  • the pair of stud receiving bores 132 are adapted to engage a single stud, such as one of the studs 80 positioned on the top surface 78 of the outer mid-column 75 and/or one of the studs 145 on the top end 142 of the comer column 140.
  • the half studs 121 are adapted to cooperate with corresponding half studs 85 on the top surface 78 of the outer mid-column 75 and/or the half studs 153 extending from the top end 142 of the comer column 140 to form a full stud.
  • Figs. 9A-9I illustrate the comer column 140 comprising a bottom portion 160 integrally connected to a vertical portion 161 to form a generally L-shaped column.
  • the bottom portion 160 is a separate piece from the vertical portion 161, such that the bottom portion 160 is removably secured to the bottom of the vertical portion 161.
  • the comer column 140 further comprises a top end 142, a pair of external faces 150 (i.e. a first external face and a second external face), a pair of internal faces 155 (i.e. a first internal face and a second internal face), a recess 156 positioned between said internal faces 155, and a bottom 165.
  • a pair of external faces 150 i.e. a first external face and a second external face
  • a pair of internal faces 155 i.e. a first internal face and a second internal face
  • a recess 156 positioned between said internal faces 155, and a bottom 165.
  • Each of the external faces 150 comprises a series of studs 151 positioned in two parallel rows (in a 2 x 9 pattern as a non-limiting example, plus an additional stud extending from the comer block 146 which is in alignment with one of the rows of studs 151) and a series of borings 152 positioned between the series of studs 151 and extending through to the recess 156.
  • a series of cross stud receiving bores 158 are positioned along the lengths of both internal faces 155.
  • the comer column 140 further comprises an internal grid structure 159 to provide support for the vertical portion 161.
  • the bottom portion 160 defines a top surface 162 positioned between the internal faces 155 and having a single stud 163.
  • the bottom portion 160 further comprises a bottom 165 having a stud receiving bore 168.
  • the top end 142 of the comer column 140 comprises a pair of studs 145 and a pair of half studs 153 extending from said top end 142 towards each of the external faces 150.
  • the half studs 153 are adapted to mate with the half studs 121 on the front cross beam 112 and/or the half studs 210 on the curved cross beam 200 to form a full stud.
  • a comer block 146 is integrally connected to the comer of the top end 142 and further comprises a single stud 148 on its top surface, and a pair of studs on each of the external faces 150 of said block 146.
  • the comer block 146 has a height that is equal to the height of the front cross beam 112. Accordingly, the top end 142 of the comer column 140 is adapted to receive the end 125 of a pair of front cross beams 112 and forms a flat surface (as best illustrated in Fig. 3A) that is adapted to receive a portion of an additional floor unit. As illustrated in Fig. 9C, in some embodiments the top end 142 and the comer block 146 define a first front cross beam receiving surface 143 being adapted to receive a first front cross beam 112 and a second front cross beam receiving surface 144 being adapted to receive a second front cross beam 112.
  • a first half stud extends outwards from the first front cross beam receiving surface 143 towards the first external face of the comer column 140 and a second half stud extends outwards from the second front cross beam receiving surface 144 towards the second external face of the comer column 140.
  • a first stud extends upwards from said first front cross beam receiving surface 143 and a second stud extends upwards from said second front cross beam receiving surface 144.
  • Figs. 9J-9L illustrate the comer column 139 comprising only the vertical portion 161 described in detail above. In this manner, the sides of the comer column 139 are adapted to receive one or more tie beams 52, 51 and the top of said comer column 139 is adapted to receive at least one front cross beam 112. The botom of the comer column 139 is adapted to receive one or more studs of another component.
  • Figs. 10A-10F illustrate the curved beam 172 comprising a pair of end portions 189 (having a cuboid shape) integrally connected to a curved main body 186.
  • the curved beam 172 comprises a top surface 175, an inner face 180, an outer face 188, a pair of end faces 190, and a botom 192.
  • a series of studs 178 extend from the top surface 175.
  • the studs 178 are positioned in agrid patern which align with the studs on adjacent components in the system 5 to provide connection points between the adjacent components, as well as any other compatible components, and the top surface 175 of the curved beam 172.
  • the outer face 188 of the curved main body 186 defines a series of cross stud receiving bores 185.
  • the outer face 188 and inner face 180 of each of the end portions 189 comprise a cross stud receiving bore 185 and a single stud 179 positioned at the ends of said faces 180, 188 and adjacent to the end faces 190.
  • the inner face 180 of the curved main body 186 defines a series of cross pin receiving bores 182.
  • Each of the pair of end faces 190 define at least one cross stud receiving bore 185, and are adapted to engage the sides of the botom portion 98 of an outer mid-column 75.
  • the botom 192 of the curved beam 172 comprises a plurality of recesses 195
  • the curved beam 172 is adapted to be removably secured to the botom portions 98 of two, adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • the single studs 179 positioned at the ends of said outer face 188 align with the studs extending from the botom of the external face 82 of said outer midcolumn 75.
  • Figs. 11A-11D illustrate the curved cross beam 200 comprising a pair of end portions 204 (each having a cuboid shape) integrally connected to a curved main body 203.
  • the curved cross beam 200 further comprises a top surface 202, an inner face 212, an outer face 208, a pair of opposing end faces 215, and a botom 220.
  • the top surface 202 of each of the end portions 204 comprises a series of studs 205 (in a 1 x 3 patern, as a non-limiting example).
  • the outer face 208 of each of the end portions 204 defines a single half stud 210 positioned adjacent to the end faces 215.
  • the botom 220 defines a recess 225 having a series of studs 228, and the botom 220 of each of the end portions 204 define a stud receiving bore having a generally square shape that is adapted to receive a stud.
  • the curved cross beam 200 is adapted to be removably secured to the top surface 78 of two, adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • the single half studs 210 positioned on the outer face 208 of the curved cross beam 200 engage the single half studs 153 on the top surface 78 of the outer mid-columns 75 to form a pair of full studs.
  • the studs 205 extending from the top surface 202 of the curved cross beam 200 align with the studs 205 on the top surface 202 of another curved cross beam 200 connected to the other side of the same outer mid-column 75, and/or with the studs 118 on the top surface 115 of a front cross beam 112 that is connected to the same outer mid-column 75.
  • the alignment of the studs provide connection points for any compatible component(s), such as an additional floor that can be stacked above the existing floor.
  • connection points for components have a stud receiving bore which, upon atachment to the formed full stud, provides additional stability for the connection between said curved cross beam 200 and said outer mid-column 75, 74 (or between the front cross beam 112 and an outer mid-column 75).
  • Figs. 12A-12B illustrate a cross pin 230 have a pair of opposing ends 232.
  • the cross pin 230 generally has an elongated plus-shape, or cross-shape, and is adapted to be received between two cross pin receiving bores or between two cross stud receiving bores.
  • the cross pins 230 span between the various component connections in the system 5 (similar to a dowel as a non-limiting example) to prevent motion or slipping.
  • the cross pins 230 further support the stability and support for the system 5 by providing the connection points between the different components.
  • Figs. 13A-13C illustrate a cross stud 238 comprising a stud member 240 integrally connected to an inner face 248 of a cross pin member 239.
  • the cross pin member 239 generally has an elongated cross-shape and further defines an outer face 249.
  • the stud member 240 comprises a shoulder 245 and defines a bore 242.
  • the shoulder 245 is positioned between the inner face 248 of the cross pin member 239 and the bore 242.
  • the cross stud 238 is adapted to be received by a component of the system 5 having either a cross stud receiving bore or a cross pin receiving bore. A user can insert a cross stud 238 into said bore until the shoulder 245 engages the sides of said component.
  • the cross stud 238 can serve as an attachment point for additional components and is further adapted to mate with an internal comer bracket 250 to provide support for connections between beams in the system 5 which occur at about a ninety degree angle, such as the junction between a tie beam 52, an outer midcolumn 75, and a curved beam 172 (as a non-limiting example).
  • FIGs. l4A-14D illustrate an internal comer bracket 250 comprising a pair of integrally connected walls 251 which define a pair of internal faces 258, a pair of end faces 259, a pair of external faces 252, a top surface 265, and a bottom surface 268.
  • the pair of external faces 252 cooperate to form a recess 255, wherein the recess 255 is adapted to engage and receive a stud and/or the stud member 240 of the cross stud 238.
  • a block member 260 is integrally connected to the pair of internal faces 258 and a single stud 262 extends from the top surface of said block member 260 (and is positioned between the internal faces 258).
  • the single stud 262 aligns with the adjacent studs to serve as an attachment point.
  • a component such as a square panel 270 or a rectangular panel 280 as non-limiting examples, can connect to the single stud 262 and the adjacent studs on the other components to provide additional structural support for the beam connection.
  • the interchangeable components of the system 5 are adapted to interlock to form any number of three-dimensional structures, frames, units, and a variety of stand-alone floors.
  • the central unit 10 comprises a center column 12 removably connected to the top surface 38 of a center connector 35, and a series of tie beams 52 removably connected to each of the sides 42 of said center connector 35.
  • a series of outer mid-columns 75 are removably connected to the opposing ends of the tie beams 52.
  • the tie beam comer unit 110 comprises a pair of tie beams 52 removably connected to two, adjacent outer mid-columns, a comer column 140 removably connected to the other end of the two tie beams 52, and pair of a front cross beams 112 removably secured to the top surface 78 of the two, adjacent outer mid-columns and the top end 142 of the comer column 140.
  • the curved beam unit 170 comprises a curved beam 172 and a curved cross beam 170 removably connected to two, adjacent outer mid-columns 75.
  • the heights of the bottom portion 98 of the outer mid-column 75, the bottom portion 160 of the comer column 140, the height of the tie beams 52, 51, the height of the curved beams 172, and the height of the center connector 35 are equivalent.
  • the height of the vertical portion 99 of the outer mid-column 75, the height of the vertical portion 161 of the comer column 140, and the height of the center column 12 are equivalent.
  • the height of the outer mid-column 75, the comer column 139, and the height of a center column 12 secured to a center connector 35 are equivalent.
  • the height of the front cross beam 112, the height of the curved cross beam 200, and the height of the comer block 146 of the comer column 140 are equivalent.
  • one or more tie beam comer units 110 and/or one or more curved beam units 170 are removably secured to at least one central unit 10 to form the comers of a floor.
  • the various studs in the system 5 also align to provide attachment points for other components and to provide additional stability for connections (e.g. by receiving an internal comer bracket 250 to reinforce a beam connection, as a non-limiting example).
  • Figs. 3A-3B illustrate a floor 320 comprising a central unit 10 removably secured to a pair of tie beam comer units 110 and a pair of curved beam units 170.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a floor 340 comprising a central unit 10 removably secured to a plurality of tie beam comer units 110.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a floor 350 comprising a central unit 10 removably secured to a single tie beam comer unit 110 and a plurality of curved beam units 170.
  • Fig. 17 illustrates a floor 330 comprising a central unit 10 removably secured to a plurality of curved beam units 170.
  • Figs. 18A-18B illustrate a floor 360 comprising a central unit 10 removably secured to a curved beam unit 170 and a plurality of tie beam comer units 110.
  • Figs. 19A-19B illustrate floor 370 comprising a plurality of central units 10 interlocked to form a central portion of floor 370, a plurality of outer mid-columns 75 interlocked with the plurality of central units 10 along the perimeter of said central portion, a plurality of tie beams 52 and front cross beams 112 spanning between the plurality of outer-mid columns 75 to form the perimeter of the floor 370, and a pair of tie beam comer units 110 and a pair of curved beam units 170 interlocked with said central portion to form the comers of said floor 370.
  • the components of the system 5 are adapted to form a variety of shapes and stand-alone floors, which can be stacked to construct any number of three-dimensional structures both horizontally and/or vertically.
  • Figs. 20-25 illustrate how the various floors 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, and other floors using the components of the system 5, are adapted to stack upon one another to construct a variety of different structures.
  • a first floor is aligned with a subsequent floor, then the studs positioned on the top surface of said first floor are removably secured to the bottom surface of the subsequent floor.
  • a user can removably secure a subsequent floor to the bottom surface of the first floor.
  • a user can stack and removably secure additional floors, or remove individual floors, as desired.
  • the connections between floors can be further secured and stabilized using various system 5 components such as the square panel 270 and/or the rectangular panel 280 (as non-limiting examples).
  • the central unit 10 the outer mid-columns 74, 75, the tie beams 52, 51, the front cross beams 112, the tie beam comer unit 110, and the curved beam unit 170 can interlock to construct a variety of different floors and three-dimensional structures as desired by the user.
  • Figs. 26A-28B illustrate a stability system 400 adapted to secure the connections between the various components and floors of the system 5.
  • an internal comer bracket 250 is adapted to secure an internal connection between a pair of tie beams 52 (i.e. a first tie beam 51, 52 and a second tie beam 51, 52) and a center connector 35, a pair of tie beams 52 and an outer mid-column 75, a pair of tie beams 52 and a comer column 140.
  • the internal comer bracket is further adapted to secure the connection between a tie beam 52, an outer mid-column 75, and a curved beam 172, the connection between a pair of curved beams 172 and an outer mid-column, or any internal connection between beams 52, 172 that forms a ninety degree angle that is capable of receiving an internal comer bracket.
  • the ends of the sides of each of the beams 52, 51, 172 define a single stud that is adapted to be received within the external faces 252 of the internal comer bracket 250.
  • a cross stud receiving bore is positioned proximal to the single stud on the sides of beams 51, 52, 172.
  • the internal comer bracket 250 is further adapted to secure to both said stud 238 and the single stud.
  • the internal comer bracket 250 is used to secure the connection between the pair of beams 51, 52 and the comer column 140.
  • the internal comer bracket 250 is adapted to secure the connection between beam 51, 52, and comer column 140.
  • the various pips extending upwards from beams 51, 51 and the pip 163 extending from the top surface 142 of the bottom component 98 of column 140 align and are adapted to receive other components (such as a square panel 270 as a non-limiting example).
  • a comer column 140 is mounted to the top surface 202 of another comer column 140.
  • the comer block 146 of said top surface 202 forms an opening that is adapted to receive one of the ends 125 of a front cross beam 112.
  • the top surface 162 of the bottom portion 160 of the comer column 140 defines a stud 163 that is adapted to receive other components having a stud receiving bore, such as a square panel 270 or a rectangular panel 280.
  • the square panel 270 comprises a top surface 272 having a series of studs 275 (in a 2 x 2 pattern, as a non-limiting example), a plurality of sides 278, and a bottom (not numbered) that is adapted to secure to other corresponding studs.
  • the rectangular panel 280 comprises a top surface 282 having a series of studs 289, a pair of opposing sides (not numbered), a pair of opposing ends (not numbered), and a bottom 290 having a recess 295 with studs 292 that are adapted to secure to other studs.
  • the square panel 270 and the rectangular panel 280 are adapted to support any number of connections in the system 5 that are adapted to receive panels 270, 280.
  • the square panel 270 is removably secured to the top surface of the pair of tie beams 52, the single stud 163 on the top surface 162 of the bottom portion 160 of the comer column 140, and the single stud 262 located on the top of the internal comer bracket 250. In this manner, the square panel 270 is removably secured to the connection between the pair of tie beams 52, the comer column 140, and the internal comer bracket 250.
  • the same square panel 270 can be used to secure any number of connections in the system 5 that are adapted to receive said panel 270, such as the connection between an outer mid-column 75, beam 52, a curved beam 172, and an internal comer bracket 250 (as a nonlimiting example).
  • the rectangular panel 280 can be utilized to secure any number of connections, such as between two comer beams 140 or between a tie beam 52 and a front cross beam 112 (as non-limiting examples).
  • the system 5 is adapted to receive any number of known complementary pieces with similar geometric shapes and recesses, such as the cladding 300 illustrated in Figs. 27A-27B, which mates with the external faces 150 of the comer columns 140 (as a non-limiting example).
  • a user can begin by assembling a central unit 10 which involves securing the bottom 20 of a center column 12 to the top surface 38 of a center connector 35. Next, the user inserts a cross pin 230 partly into at least one of the cross stud receiving bores 45 positioned on the sides 42 of said center connector 35.
  • the tie beams 52 are then connected to each of the sides 42 of the center connector 35 by inserting the ends of the various exposed cross pins 230 into the at least one cross stud receiving bore 68 positioned on the ends 62 of the tie beams 52.
  • Cross pins 230 are inserted partly into the cross stud receiving bores 68 that are positioned on the opposing ends 62 of the tie beams 52 which extend outward from the center connector 35.
  • outer mid-columns 75 are secured to each of the connected tie beams 52 which extend outward from the at least one central beam unit 10 by inserting a cross pm 230 (which extends outward from the exposed end 62 of a tie beam 52) into the least one cross stud receiving bore 102 positioned on the internal side 105 of the bottom portion 98 of the outer mid-column 75, and interlocking said outer mid-columns 75 to the at least one central beam unit 10 along the perimeter of the central portion of the floor.
  • a plurality of front cross beams 112 and a plurality of tie beams 52, 51 span between the plurality of outer mid-columns 75 to form the perimeter of the floor.
  • a cross pin 230 is partly inserted into the cross stud receiving bore 95 on a side 92, and closest to the bottom 103, of an outer mid-column 75 (or 74) positioned adjacent to the comer of the assembled at least one central unit 10.
  • a cross pin 230 is also partly inserted into the cross stud receiving bore 95 on a side 92, and closest to the bottom 103 (i.e. the receiving bore 95 defined by the bottom portion 98), of an adjacent outer mid-column 75 (or 74) of the assembled at least one central unit 10, such that the two cross pins 230 are adapted to receive a curved beam 172 (i.e.
  • the curved beam 172 then connects to the two, adjacent outer mid-columns 75 by inserting the exposed cross pins 230 into the at least one cross stud receiving bores 185 positioned on the pair of end faces 190 of said curved beam 172.
  • a curved cross beam 200 is then connected to the two, adjacent outer mid-columns by attaching each of the stud receiving bores 222 on the bottom of the curved cross beam 200 to one of the studs 80 positioned on the top surface 78 of the adjacent, outer mid-columns 75.
  • the half studs 210 on the outer face 208 of the curved cross beam 200 mate with the half studs 85 on the outer mid-columns 75 to form full studs.
  • the curved beam unit 170 is removably secured to two, adjacent outer mid-columns on adjacent sides of said central portion to form a curved comer of the floor.
  • the user can attach additional curved beam units 170 to the at least one central unit 10 in the same manner to form one or more comers of the single floor, or alternatively, connect one more tie beam comer units 110 to the at least one central unit 10 to form the other comers of the floor
  • a cross pin 230 is partly inserted into the cross stud receiving bore 95 on a side 92, and closest to the bottom 103 (i.e. within the bottom portion 98), of an outer midcolumn 75 (or 74) of the assembled central unit 10.
  • a cross pin 230 is also partly inserted into the cross stud receiving bore 95 on a side 92 of the bottom portion 98 of an adjacent outer midcolumn 75 (or 74) of the assembled at least one central unit 10, such that the two cross pins 230 are adapted to receive the at least one tie beam comer unit 110 (i.e. the pins both face towards the same comer).
  • a pair of tie beams 52 are then removably secured to the adjacent outer mid-columns 75 by inserting the exposed cross pins 230 into at least one cross stud receiving bore 68 on the ends 62 of the pair of tie beams 52 (or 51).
  • Cross pins 230 are then partly inserted into the at least one cross stud receiving bore 68 on the opposing ends 62 of the connected tie beams 52 (i.e. the exposed end).
  • a comer column 140 is removably secured to the pair of tie beams 52 by inserting the partly exposed cross pins 230 into the pair of cross stud receiving bores 158 defined by the bottom portion 160 (i.e. the bore 158 positioned closest to the bottom 165).
  • a pair of front cross beams 112 are then removably secured to the same adjacent outer mid-columns 75 which are connected to the pair of tie beams 52.
  • the pair of stud receiving bores 132 on the bottom 130 of the tie beams 52 attach to the studs 145 on the top end 143 of the comer column 140.
  • the half studs 121 on the outer face 120 of the front cross beams 112 mate with the half studs 153 of the comer column 140 to form full studs.
  • the opposing half studs 121 of the front cross beams 112 mate with the half studs 85 on the outer mid-column 75 to form full studs.
  • the user can attach one or more additional tie beam comer units 110 to the assembled at least one central unit 10 to form the comers of a single floor, or alternatively, connect one or more curved beam units 170 to form the other comer(s) of the floor.
  • an internal comer bracket 250 can be removably secured to the single studs which are positioned next to each other at the connections between beams 51, 52, 172.
  • an internal comer bracket 250 can mate with the studs on the ends of a pair of adjacent tie beams 52, 51 connected to a center connector 35, a pair of adjacent tie beams 52, 51 connected to an outer mid-column 75, a pair of adjacent tie beams connected to a comer column 140, or a curved beam 172 and a tie beam 52 (or 51) connected to an outer mid-column 75 (or 74).
  • a cross stud 238 can be inserted next to the single studs which are positioned next to each other at the internal beam connections.
  • the internal comer bracket 250 is further adapted to receive said cross stud 238 in the recess 255 (in addition to being adapted to receive the single stud on the side of beams 51, 52, 172). In this manner, the internal comer bracket 250 and the cross stud 238 can be used to provide additional support for the beam connections.
  • a user can further secure connections in the system 5 by removably attaching any number of square panels 270 and/or rectangular panels 280 as desired.
  • a square panel 270 can be removably secured to the stud 163 of a comer column 140, the adjacent studs 58 on a pair of tie beams 52 connected to said comer column 140, and the stud 262 on the internal comer bracket 250 (if removably secured to said pair of tie beams 52).
  • square panel 270 can be removably secured to one of the studs 101 on the top surface 100 of the bottom portion 98 of an outer mid-column 75, the adjacent studs 58 on a pair of tie beams 52 connected to said outer mid-column 75, and the stud 262 on the internal comer bracket 250 (if removably secured to said pair of tie beams 52).
  • one or more rectangular panels 280 can secure any number of connections, such as the non-limiting examples in Fig. 26A wherein a rectangular panel 280 spans between two connected comer columns 140 and a panel 280 spans between a tie beam 52 connected to a comer column 140.
  • the panels 270, 280 can also be used to connect to the various full studs (formed by the different half studs which mate with one another) to provide additional support to said connections.
  • each of said floors are adapted to removably secure to one another to create any number of three-dimensional structures as desired by the user.
  • the various studs positioned on the tops of assembled floors 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, and the other configurations mate with the bottom surface of corresponding floors.
  • the user aligns the central units 10 and secures the studs on the top surface of one floor to the bottom surface of the next floor. The user then repeats the process to assemble the desired structure.

Landscapes

  • Assembled Shelves (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'ossature pour un jeu de construction comprenant un certain nombre d'éléments interchangeables qui peuvent être agencés pour construire une variété de structures tridimensionnelles, ainsi que des planchers individuels autonomes, qui à leur tour sont conçus pour être empilés les uns sur les autres. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le système comprend au moins une unité centrale, une pluralité de colonnes intermédiaires externes, au moins une unité d'angle de poutre de liaison, et/ou au moins une unité de poutre incurvée qui coopèrent pour former une variété de planchers autonomes. Le système comprend des éléments supplémentaires qui augmentent la stabilité du jeu de construction, notamment, de manière non limitative, des supports d'angle internes, des goupilles transversales, des goujons transversaux, des panneaux carrés et des panneaux rectangulaires.
PCT/US2023/018608 2023-04-14 2023-04-14 Système d'ossature pour jeu de construction WO2024215327A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2023/018608 WO2024215327A1 (fr) 2023-04-14 2023-04-14 Système d'ossature pour jeu de construction

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4084344A (en) * 1976-03-25 1978-04-18 Shinsei Kogyo Co., Ltd. Toy construction set
US5470139A (en) * 1994-01-24 1995-11-28 Hsiao; Szu-Chang Combined display case
US5647181A (en) * 1994-10-11 1997-07-15 Hunts; Larry David Construction system and method for connecting rigid sheet-like panels together into doll houses, play houses, utility sheds and other structures
US5947787A (en) * 1997-09-24 1999-09-07 Parvia Corporation Modular lattice substructure for a toy building set
US11311817B1 (en) * 2020-06-20 2022-04-26 Strottman International, Inc. Modular toy assembly system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4084344A (en) * 1976-03-25 1978-04-18 Shinsei Kogyo Co., Ltd. Toy construction set
US5470139A (en) * 1994-01-24 1995-11-28 Hsiao; Szu-Chang Combined display case
US5647181A (en) * 1994-10-11 1997-07-15 Hunts; Larry David Construction system and method for connecting rigid sheet-like panels together into doll houses, play houses, utility sheds and other structures
US5947787A (en) * 1997-09-24 1999-09-07 Parvia Corporation Modular lattice substructure for a toy building set
US11311817B1 (en) * 2020-06-20 2022-04-26 Strottman International, Inc. Modular toy assembly system

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