U.S. patent application number 10/941437 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for block structure.
Invention is credited to Austin Barbisch.
Application Number | 20060059824 10/941437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36072394 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060059824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barbisch; Austin |
March 23, 2006 |
Block structure
Abstract
A block comprising two halves, each half being barrel shaped
defining a hole therethrough comprising a tubular extension that
extends from the first end and a second end configured to receive a
tubular extension from another block. The blocks can be made from a
variety of different materials and may be connected to one another
to create a variety of different structures.
Inventors: |
Barbisch; Austin; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARC E. HANKIN, ESQ.
11414 THURSTON CIRCLE
LOS ANGELES
CA
90049
US
|
Family ID: |
36072394 |
Appl. No.: |
10/941437 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/503 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/025 20130101;
E04B 2002/0223 20130101; E04B 2002/0263 20130101; E04C 1/395
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/503 |
International
Class: |
E04C 1/39 20060101
E04C001/39 |
Claims
1. A block comprising: a block body that forms a first half and a
second half; said first half being barrel shaped defining a hole
therethrough comprising a first tubular extension that extends from
the first end of the first half and a second end configured to
receive a tubular extension from another block; and said second
half being barrel shaped defining a hole therethrough comprising a
second tubular extension that extends from the first end of the
second half and said second end of said second half configured to
receive a tubular extension from another block.
2. The block of claim 1, whereby said block is one hundred feet
tall, fifty feet wide and twenty five feet deep.
3. The block of claim 1, whereby said block is 0.5 inches wide,
0.25 inches tall, and 0.25 inches deep.
4. The block of claim 1, whereby said block is nine inches tall,
ten inches wide, and five inches deep.
5. The block of claim 2, whereby said first tubular extension and
said second tubular extension are each one and a half inches in
length.
6. The block of claim 2, whereby said first tubular extension and
said second tubular extension are separated by one half inches of
wall.
7. The block of claim 1, whereby the first tubular extension and
second tubular extension are made of the same material as the block
body.
8. The block of claim 1, wherein the material of the block is
selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, iron,
steel, and bronze.
9. The block of claim 1, wherein the material of the block is
selected from the group consisting of plastic, acrylic, Lucite,
styrene, pvc, clear glass, opaque glass, fiber glass, concrete,
leather, paper, canvas, wood, medium density fiber board, low
density fiber board, fibers, Corian, marble, stone, Kevlar, and
carbon fiber.
10. A half block comprising: a block body; said block body being
barrel shaped defining a hole therethrough comprising a tubular
extension that extends from the first end of the first half and a
second end configured to receive a tubular extension from another
block.
11. A cap block comprising: a block body that forms a first half
and a second half; said first half being barrel shaped defining a
hole therethrough comprising a first end which has a flat capped
surface and a second end configured to receive a tubular extension
from another block; and said second half being barrel shaped
defining a hole therethrough comprising a first end which has a
flat capped surface and a second end configured to receive a
tubular extension from another block.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The field of this invention concerns a block structure. In
particular, the present invention relates to a block structure that
can be used to construct a variety of differently shaped functional
objects while using a variety of different materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A block or blocks have been used to create a variety of
different structures in building construction. Bricks and cinder
blocks have been used to make homes and buildings or to create
separations between spaces. In addition to blocks, another way of
separating interior living spaces from one another in the past is
via items like shoji screens, curtains, drapes, shelves, and large
pieces of furniture.
[0003] In the alternative, contractors can be hired to create
permanent wall structures using dry wall, stucco, and other
building materials. A log cabin is merely various blocks of wood
arranged such that the cabin can be built by arranging those blocks
in such a way that a solid structure is created. Similarly, toy
blocks also have been used to amuse children as they build
structures that are assembled and disassembled to create different
animals, forts, vehicles, etc.
[0004] The prior art, however, has various limitations. For
example, in terms of the different usages of blocks, bricks and
cinder blocks must be cemented together creating a permanent
structure which cannot be used for any purpose other than
separating the interior and the exterior of a house or separating
one living space from another.
[0005] In terms of shoji screens, drapes, shelves, or other
separators used to divide living space; they are also limited to
that usage. They are portable which overcomes the permanence of
bricks or actual dry wall, but they are not able to be transformed
to create other structures or items which may be used in a living
space, such as various furniture items. Additionally, these cannot
change shape, bend, curve, or be flexible such that a room can be
divided in various different ways or different structures can be
built to add character to an otherwise square or rectangular shaped
room. Moreover, items like shoji screens are extremely delicate
because typically they are made of wood or rice paper. Materials
used in the past may degrade with constant ultraviolet radiation or
may stain easily.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The building block of this invention is intended to overcome
the aforementioned shortcomings. It is therefore an object of this
invention to use the block structure to create temporary or
semi-permanent structures to be used in a variety of different
ways.
[0007] A further object of this invention is to create walls or
structures to divide or separate living spaces. Thus, the blocks
can be used to create cubicles in office space and can be used to
create walls or separations in a large room in a home or loft.
[0008] A further object of this invention is to use the blocks to
create pieces of furniture such as table bases, chairs, couches,
lamps, bed frames, shelves, stands, storage chests or trunks.
[0009] A further object of this invention is to use the blocks to
assemble items and structures such that the user has the ability to
then disassemble the items or structure to either create another
item or to change locations of the item with ease.
[0010] A further object of this invention is the ability to use
various materials to create the block such that the cost of
creating the furniture or separating structure can be dramatically
reduced from the market price of alternate items, depending, on the
material used to create the block. Additionally, because many
different materials may be used it is possible to create structures
that are more sturdy and resistant to the elements than items such
as shoji blinds or furniture made of plywood or other
materials.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the blocks used in a
system.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a side view of a full block.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a top view of a full block.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of a half block.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of a cross section of a cap
block.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an assembly of the blocks.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the blocks creating a curved
surface.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a top view of a full block showing a large
diameter female receptacle.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a top view of a full block showing a small
diameter female receptacle.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a side cross sectional view of a full block with
an internal bore hole.
[0022] FIG. 8B is a side cross sectional view of blocks with an
internal bore used in a system, depicting one means of securing
said blocks.
[0023] FIG. 9A is a top view of a block whereby the B length is
just over the combined length of both A lengths.
[0024] FIG. 9B is a side view of the blocks as used in a
system.
[0025] FIG. 10A is a top view of a block whereby the B length is
well over the combined length of both A lengths.
[0026] FIG. 10B is a view of the blocks as used in a system such
that the blocks form a lattice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended
to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling
within the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is a block that is
able to create structures by connecting the block to other blocks.
A wall of blocks is shown in FIG. 1 such that each block has two
male extensions. One male extension is attached to the female
receptacle of a second block and the other male extension is
attached to the female receptacle of a third block. In this way, an
entire wall of blocks, as shown, can be constructed to create a
number of different items.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blocks can
be made of a number of materials, including but not limited to, all
metals including copper, aluminum, iron, steel or bronze; plastic;
acrylic; wood, Lucite; styrene; pvc; clear glass; opaque glass;
fiberglass; concrete; leather; paper; canvas; natural and acrylic
fibers; medium density fiber board, low density fiber board,
Corian.RTM., marble and other stone, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. The
ability to use so many different materials can create a block that
is easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the structure can be
extremely sturdy and resistant to many of the elements such as
wind, rain, and sun which can affect the strength and aesthetic
qualities of other objects. Each block can range in size from
approximately 0.5 inch wide by 0.25 inches deep by 0.25 inches tall
to 50 feet wide by 25 feet deep by 100 feet tall.
[0030] The interlocking blocks in FIG. 1 can be used to create a
variety of different structures. These structures or items may be
dividers or separators including such structures as permanent or
temporary walls, fences, or dividers that create cubicles when
establishing office spaces to allow privacy for individual workers
or groups of workers in large office spaces. These blocks may also
be used to create outdoor structures such as fences, ivy lattices,
gazebos, waterfalls, and garages. There are a variety of advantages
in using these blocks in creating walls or dividing living or
working space.
[0031] Because various materials can be used, the blocks can be
more durable than traditional shoji blinds, curtains, plywood
dividers or office space dividers. Additionally, the ability to use
different materials allows the ability to make aesthetically
appealing blocks that correspond to the environment. For example,
in a child's room, plastic blocks may be used as play toys, and/or
may be used to create a divider between the sleeping area and the
playing area. In the alternative, in a modern office building or
downtown loft, aluminum blocks can create a unique and contemporary
divider.
[0032] Another advantage is the shape of the blocks, because these
blocks have a radiused edge, the ability to make curved walls is
much easier and less expensive than creating curved walls with
materials such as brick, dry wall, and/or sheet rock. The blocks
have flexibility of placement due to the radiused edge.
[0033] These interlocking blocks may also create pieces of
furniture, especially if paired with a variety of different
surfacing or upholstery options. Such pieces of furniture may
include items such as tables, chairs, couches, counters, stands,
shelves, columns, storage chests, and beds. There are several
advantages to using the blocks to create pieces of furniture.
[0034] These advantages may include the fact that the blocks can be
assembled, disassembled, and re-assembled in many different ways to
create many different structures depending on the space available
and the piece of furniture that is required at a particular time or
event. Additionally, the blocks may be stored in a very efficient
and space conserving manner; and because the assembled items can be
disassembled into individual block units this allows for awkward,
cumbersome pieces to move and relocate.
[0035] Another advantage of the invention is that the furniture can
be moved much more easily without worrying about breakage of the
furniture or of injuring of persons who may be moving the
furniture. Because the blocks may be disassembled the weight of the
object may be dramatically reduced to allow for easy and
light-weight moving.
[0036] Additionally, because the blocks are hollow, fixtures and
appliances can be created whereby the tubing, plumbing, or
electrical wiring of these fixtures or appliances can run inside
the block or blocks such that the outside of the blocks remains
aesthetically appealing. Fixtures and appliances include but are
not limited to, lamps or any lighting fixtures, sinks, toilets, and
water falls. Moreover, because the blocks are hollow and have a
multi-angular surface when they are linked with one another, there
is an increase in the absorption and re-direction of acoustical
energy which creates a better environment for home theater systems
and the like.
[0037] If a permanent or semi-permanent structure is required or
desired, the blocks can be linked and assembled, and then fixed in
that position using various adhesives. Similarly, the blocks can be
connected via a series of internal bores whereby a cable lock
mechanism can be incorporated therethrough. Although, nails,
screws, bolts, staples and other items may be used to fix one block
to another, it is not entirely necessary. Additionally, because a
set of blocks would be the same size so that they could be
assembled into a structure, there is no sawing and sanding that is
necessary, which ultimately results in less injury when
constructing the blocks into a desired structure.
[0038] Because these blocks can be broken down into units, this
creates an enormous amount of building flexibility which enables
the user to construct the blocks for a variety of different uses.
The ability to divide rooms and then break down the blocks into
units to create other objects like furniture allows for a great
deal of freedom to use these blocks in a variety of different ways
without tiring of one shape.
[0039] The side view of a full block is shown in FIG. 2A. Each
block 200 comprises two halves 220 and 230 which are created out of
a block body 210. The block body 210 supports other block bodies
when the blocks are engaged with one another. The block body also
serves to press the two halves 220 and 230 together.
[0040] Two circular male extensions 240 and 250 extrude out of each
half 220 and 230 of the block 200. The male extensions 240 and 250
can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to
the same material as the block body. The female receptacles 270 and
280 are able to accept the male extensions of another block (not
shown). The female receptacles are preferably the same diameter and
width apart so as to accept the male extensions of another
block.
[0041] In one preferred embodiment of the invention that can be
used to create the plurality of embodiments discussed above, the
block 200 may be 9 inches tall, 5.0 inches deep, and 10 inches
wide. In a preferred embodiment, the block body 210 could have a
wall thickness of 0.25 inches. The distance between the medial
surface of the male members should not be less than 0.5 inches as
represented at 260. Surrounding the space between the first half
and the second half could have a wall thickness of 0.5 inches.
Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the male extensions 240 and
250 could be 4.5 inches in diameter, and could extend 1.5 inches
above the block surface 260. The male extensions 240 and 250 can
then be mounted into the female receptacles 270 and 280 of an
identical block 200.
[0042] The top view of a full block is shown in FIG. 2B. There is a
space shown between the two halves 220 and 230. The wall thickness
or space 260 between the two male extensions 240 and 250 may be 0.5
inches but will vary depending on the dimensions of the entire
block. The spacing 260 between the male extensions 240 and 250
allows the block wall clearance for engagement with other
blocks.
[0043] These blocks can and will vary in dimension, but typically
are between 4 inches to 16 inches tall and 4 inches to 16 inches
wide. In a preferred embodiment, the depth is exactly one half of
the width such that the pivot points on the top and bottom of the
block will divide the width. This allows the blocks to move freely
on the axial plane of the pivots while maintaining a consistently
tight fit between blocks when engaged by the pivot points.
Preferably, the male extensions on top of the block will typically
be 0.5 inches to 3 inches long.
[0044] The side view of a half block 300 is shown in FIG. 3. In the
event that the end of a wall or structure is not flush on one end
as shown in the left end of FIG. 1, a half block 300 may be used to
complete a row of blocks. A preferred embodiment of the half block
would be the same dimensions in height and depth with one half the
width of a whole block 200. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral
radius of block would have a wall thickness of 0.25 inches.
Extending from the half block 300, the male extension 340 extends
1.5 inches from the block surface 320 and is 4.5 inches in
diameter. The half block 300 is preferably 9 inches tall and 5
inches wide.
[0045] To create a top or bottom smooth surface for columns,
shelves, tables or other similar pieces of furniture, a cap block
400 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used. In a preferred embodiment the
cap block would have a smooth surface with no male extensions
extending from the block body 410. In the preferred embodiment, the
top surface has a wall thickness of 0.5 inches. The bottom of the
block 420 would have the female receptacles 430 and 440 that
measure the same diameter as the male extensions that are used in
the other blocks so that they may link together. Preferably, the
female receptacles 430 and 440 are 4.5 inches in diameter to
receive the male receptacles discussed in the preferred embodiment
described above. In the preferred embodiment, the female
receptacles 430 and 440 would also sit 0.5 inches apart within the
block body 410, as the male extensions shown in FIGS. 1-3 would
also be separated by approximately 0.5 inches.
[0046] A view of an assembly 500 of the blocks is shown in FIG. 5.
The full blocks 510 fit into other full blocks 510, the half blocks
520 are used at the ends to create a flush edge and the cap blocks
530 create a top and/or bottom surface. The blocks link into one
another and the male extensions are able to pivot and turn within
the female receptacles to create straight or curved surfaces. A
straight surface is shown in FIG. 1 and a curved or circular
surface is shown in FIG. 6.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the male receptacles 710
and 720 may be any diameter and have any wall thickness not to
exceed the total block body width or depth when joined in pairs for
full block or the cap blocks, or in individual blocks as shown in
the half block.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the block 810 may have a
bore hole 820 through which a block user may be able to weave items
such as cable or wire. The internal bore hole 820 can be used in
full blocks and cap blocks to facilitate a cable locking mechanism
whereby a series or array of blocks may be temporarily or
permanently joined by running a wire or cable throughout as shown
in FIG. 8B. As shown in FIG. 8B, the cable, wire, rope or other
similar item would be snaked through the bore holes 820 in a zig
zag 830 or framing 840 fashion. By fixing both ends of the cable or
wire, the locking mechanism will help to prohibit separation of
blocks. Cable may be run through the bore of the half blocks to
increase the stability of the structure.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, full and cap blocks will
have pivot points that are close to but at least twice as far apart
from one another than they are from its surrounding block edge;
this allows enough engagement space to permit joining of other
blocks. In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10A
and FIG. 10B, pivot points may be just over twice as far apart from
each other than its surrounding block edges to form walls or
objects with very small distances between joined block members. The
blocks may also be designed to have pivot points farther apart,
producing an open lattice effect when joined to other blocks as
shown in FIG. 10B.
* * * * *