U.S. patent application number 11/499354 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for construction set.
Invention is credited to Raymond L. Dyer.
Application Number | 20080032586 11/499354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39029771 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080032586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dyer; Raymond L. |
February 7, 2008 |
Construction set
Abstract
A construction set has a plurality of first planar components, a
plurality of first planar joist components, a plurality of second
planar components, a plurality of second planar joist components, a
plurality of third planar components, a plurality of third planar
joist components, a plurality of plank components and a plurality
of gable pieces. Each first planar component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having a first vertical groove formed
therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the
bottom surface having a second vertical groove formed therein, and
with the first and second vertical grooves having the same vertical
axis. Each first planar joist component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls, a top surface having
a first vertical groove formed therein, and a bottom surface having
a second vertical groove formed therein, with the first and second
vertical grooves having the same vertical axis. The first end
horizontal groove and the second end horizontal groove has the same
horizontal axis.
Inventors: |
Dyer; Raymond L.;
(Ostrander, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick P. Phillips;KREMBLAS, FOSTER, PHILLIPS & POLLICK
7632 Slate Ridge Blvd
Reynoldsburg
OH
43068
US
|
Family ID: |
39029771 |
Appl. No.: |
11/499354 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 ;
446/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/85 ;
446/118 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/06 20060101
A63H033/06; A63H 33/04 20060101 A63H033/04 |
Claims
1. A construction set, said set comprising a plurality of first
planar components each having a pair of planar sidewall surfaces,
first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top surface
having a first vertical groove formed therein, a bottom surface
parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having a second
vertical groove formed therein, said first and second vertical
grooves having the same vertical axis, a plurality of first planar
joist components each having a pair of planar sidewall surfaces,
first and second end walls parallel to one another, said first end
having a first horizontal groove formed therein, said second end
having a second horizontal groove formed therein, said first and
second horizontal grooves having the same horizontal axis, a top
surface having a first vertical groove formed therein, a bottom
surface parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having a
second vertical groove formed therein, said first and second
vertical grooves having the same vertical axis, a plurality of
second planar components each having a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top
surface having a pair of vertical grooves formed therein, a bottom
surface parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having a
pair of vertical grooves formed therein, each of the pair of
vertical grooves in said top surface having the same vertical axis
as one of the respective grooves in the bottom surface, a plurality
of second planar joist components each having a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, said first end having a first horizontal groove formed
therein, said second end having a second horizontal groove formed
therein, a third horizontal groove being formed intermediate to
said first and second horizontal grooves and extending between said
pair of planar sidewall surfaces, said first, second, and third
horizontal grooves having the same horizontal axis, a top surface
having a pair of vertical grooves formed therein, a bottom surface
parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having a pair of
vertical grooves formed therein, each of the pair of vertical
grooves in said top surface having the same vertical axis as each
of the respective grooves in the bottom surface, a plurality of
third planar components each having a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top
surface having three vertical grooves formed therein, a bottom
surface parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having
three vertical grooves formed therein, each of the three vertical
grooves in said top surface having the same vertical axis as one of
the respective grooves in the bottom surface, a plurality of third
planar joist components each having a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, said
first end having a first horizontal groove formed therein, said
second end having a second horizontal groove formed therein, a
third horizontal groove being formed intermediate to said first and
second horizontal grooves and extending between said pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, said first, second, and third horizontal grooves
having the same horizontal axis, a top surface having three
vertical grooves formed therein, a bottom surface parallel to said
top surface, said bottom surface having three vertical grooves
formed therein, each of the three vertical grooves in said top
surface having the same vertical axis as one of the respective
grooves in the bottom surface, a plurality of plank components each
having a pair of planar sidewall surfaces, first and second end
walls parallel to one another, a top surface and a bottom surface
parallel to one another, and a plurality of gable pieces each
having a generally triangular shape with two flat sloping top
surfaces, a flat bottom surface, each flat bottom surface having a
plurality of vertical grooves formed therein, each of said top
surfaces having a groove spaced a distance parallel thereto and
having a linear dimension less than the length of said directly
adjacent top surface.
2. The construction set according to claim 1 which includes a
plurality of fourth planar components each having a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having four vertical grooves formed therein,
a bottom surface parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface
having four vertical grooves formed therein, each of the four
vertical grooves in said top surface having the same vertical axis
as one of the respective grooves in the bottom surface, and a
plurality of fourth planar joist components each having a pair of
planar sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to
one another, said first end having a first horizontal groove formed
therein, said second end having a second horizontal groove formed
therein, a third horizontal groove being formed intermediate to
said first and second horizontal grooves and extending between said
pair of planar sidewall surfaces, said first, second, and third
horizontal grooves having the same horizontal axis, a top surface
having four vertical grooves formed therein, a bottom surface
parallel to said top surface, said bottom surface having four
vertical grooves formed therein, each of the four vertical grooves
in said top surface having the same vertical axis as one of the
respective grooves in the bottom surface.
3. The construction set according to claim 1 wherein said sidewalls
in said first planar components, said first planar joist
components, said second planar components, said second planar joist
components, said third planar components, and said third planar
joist components have a plurality of recesses formed therein.
4. The construction set according to claim 3 wherein said recesses
are generally linear in shape and of more than one length.
5. The construction set according to claim 2 wherein said sidewalls
in said fourth planar components, and said fourth planar joist
components have a plurality of recesses formed therein.
6. The construction set according to claim 5 wherein said recesses
are generally linear in shape and of more than one length.
7. The construction set according to claim 1 wherein said second
planar joist components and said third planar joist components have
a third horizontal groove formed therein intermediate of said first
end horizontal groove and said second end horizontal groove, with
each third horizontal groove extending between said pair of planar
sidewall surfaces and having a bottom edge.
8. The construction set according to claim 7 wherein said bottom
surface of said plank components has at least two parallel grooves
formed therein to engage said bottom edge of said third horizontal
groove.
9. The construction set according to claim 1 wherein said gable
pieces are of a plurality of lengths.
10. The construction set according to claim 1 which includes a
board extender, said board extender having a central planar portion
and two end portions, each of said end portions forming a clamping
member having a spaced apart upper and lower surface.
11. The construction set according to claim 1 wherein said first
planar joist components, said second planar joist components, and
said third planar joist components all having a plurality of
horizontal grooves formed therein at the midpoint of said joist
components.
12. The construction set according to claim 2 wherein said third
planar joist components and said fourth planar joist components
have multiple horizontal grooves located intermediate said
horizontal groove formed in said first end and said horizontal
groove formed in said second end.
13. The construction set according to claim 8 wherein said grooves
extend completely the width of said plank components.
14. The construction set according to claim 1 wherein each of said
top surfaces of said gables have a plurality of grooves spaced a
distance parallel thereto, said plurality of grooves being linear
to one another.
15. The construction set according to claim 1 which includes
modified joist having a pair of faces, a top, a pair of sidewalls,
a bottom, and a low cut threshold, said low cut threshold extending
downwardly from said top of said modified joist, said low cut
threshold having a pair of low cut threshold sidewalls and a low
cut threshold bottom surface which extend between said pair of
faces of said modified joist.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to construction sets of the
type that contain interlocking elements, and more particularly, to
such sets that contain a plurality of elongated bars having notches
formed therein.
[0003] 2. Description Of The Related Art
[0004] Construction sets that can be used as a toy or as a kit to
build a model of a structure are well known, especially in the toy
industry. One of the most famous such construction sets is sold
under the trademark Lincoln Logs.RTM., and one similar in
appearance is disclosed in Paxton et al, U.S. Pat. No.
6,059,630.
[0005] However, there are other construction sets, such as Beck,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,076; Coster, U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,188; West,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,078; Wawzonek, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,223; and
McCollum, U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,181. Some of these are limited as to
the variety of differently shaped pieces associated with the set.
Others do not permit the inclusion of flooring at the proper
level.
[0006] Even with the variety of construction sets that have been
invented, the aforesaid problems still exist. It is thus apparent
that the need exists for a construction set which addresses the
foregoing needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed
a construction set, having a plurality of first planar components,
a plurality of first planar joist components, a plurality of second
planar components, a plurality of second planar joist components, a
plurality of third planar components, a plurality of third planar
joist components, a plurality of plank components and a plurality
of gable pieces. Each first planar component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having a first vertical groove formed
therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the
bottom surface having a second vertical groove formed therein, and
with the first and second vertical grooves having the same vertical
axis.
[0008] Each first planar joist component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having a first vertical groove formed
therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface. The
bottom surface has a second vertical groove formed therein, with
the first and second vertical grooves having the same vertical
axis. The first end or end wall has a first horizontal groove
formed therein, and the second end or end wall has a second
horizontal groove formed therein, with the first and second
horizontal grooves having the same horizontal axis and with both
grooves extending between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces.
[0009] Each second planar component has a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top
surface having a pair of vertical grooves formed therein, and a
bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the bottom surface
having a pair of vertical grooves formed therein. Each of the pair
of vertical grooves in the top surface has the same vertical axis
as one of the respective grooves in the bottom surface.
[0010] Each second planar joist component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having a pair of vertical grooves formed
therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface. The
bottom surface has a pair of vertical grooves formed therein, and
each of the pair of vertical grooves in the top surface has the
same vertical axis as each of the respective grooves in the bottom
surface. The first end or end wall has a first horizontal groove
formed therein, the second end or end wall has a second horizontal
groove formed therein, and a third horizontal groove is formed
intermediate to the first and second horizontal grooves and extends
between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces. The first, second,
and third horizontal grooves have the same horizontal axis, and
with each of the grooves extending between the pair of planar
sidewall surfaces.
[0011] Each third planar component has a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top
surface having three vertical grooves formed therein, and a bottom
surface parallel to the top surface, with the bottom surface having
three vertical grooves formed therein. Each of the three vertical
grooves in the top surface has the same vertical axis as one of the
respective grooves in the bottom surface.
[0012] Each third planar joist component has a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having three vertical grooves formed
therein, a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the
bottom surface having three vertical grooves formed therein. Each
of the three vertical grooves in the top surface has the same
vertical axis as one of the respective grooves in the bottom
surface. The first end or end wall has a first horizontal groove
formed therein, the second end or end wall has a second horizontal
groove formed therein, with a third horizontal groove being formed
intermediate to the first and second horizontal grooves and
extending between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces. The first,
second, and third horizontal grooves have the same horizontal
axis.
[0013] Each of the plank components has a pair of planar sidewall
surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top
surface and a bottom surface parallel to one another. Furthermore,
each gable piece has a generally triangular shape with two flat
sloping top surfaces, a flat bottom surface, each flat bottom
surface having a plurality of vertical grooves formed therein. Each
of the top surfaces has a groove spaced a distance parallel thereto
with such groove having a linear dimension less than the length of
the directly adjacent top surface.
[0014] The construction set preferably includes a plurality of
fourth planar components with each fourth planar component having a
pair of planar sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls
parallel to one another, a top surface having four vertical grooves
formed therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface,
with the bottom surface having four vertical grooves formed
therein. Each of the four vertical grooves in the top surface has
the same vertical axis as one of the respective grooves in the
bottom surface.
[0015] The construction set also preferably includes a plurality of
fourth planar joist components each having a pair of planar
sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one
another, a top surface having four vertical grooves formed therein,
and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the bottom
surface having four vertical grooves formed therein. Each of the
four vertical grooves in the top surface has the same vertical axis
as one of the respective grooves in the bottom surface. The first
end or end wall has a first horizontal groove formed therein, the
second end or end wall has a second horizontal groove formed
therein, and a third horizontal groove is formed intermediate to
the first and second horizontal grooves and extends between the
pair of planar sidewall surfaces. The first, second, and third
horizontal grooves have the same horizontal axis.
[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidewalls
in the first planar components, the first planar joist components,
the second planar components, the second planar joist components,
the third planar components, and the third planar joist components
have a plurality of recesses formed therein. These recesses are
generally linear in shape and of more than one length. Furthermore,
in the embodiment of the invention having fourth planar components,
the sidewalls in the fourth planar components, and the fourth
planar joist components have a plurality of recesses formed
therein. These recesses are generally linear in shape and of more
than one length.
[0017] Preferably, the second planar joist components and the third
planar joist components have a third horizontal groove formed
therein intermediate of the first end horizontal groove and the
second end horizontal groove, with each third horizontal groove
extending between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces. In one
embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the plank
components has at least two parallel grooves formed therein to
engage the bottom edge of the third horizontal groove.
[0018] The gable pieces associated with the invention are
preferably of a plurality of lengths. The construction set
preferably includes a board extender, with the board extender
having a central planar portion and two end portions. Each of the
end portions of the board extender forms a clamping member having a
spaced apart upper and lower surface.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the first planar joist
components, the second planar joist components, and the third
planar joist components have a plurality of horizontal grooves
formed therein, with the grooves centered between the top surface
and bottom surface. The third planar joist components and the
fourth planar joist components have multiple horizontal grooves
located intermediate the horizontal groove formed in the first end
and the horizontal groove formed in the second end. These grooves
extend completely the width of the plank components. Further, each
of the top surfaces of the gables has a plurality of grooves spaced
a distance parallel thereto, with the plurality of grooves being
linear to one another.
[0020] There is also disclosed a modified joist having a pair of
faces, a top, a pair of sidewalls, a bottom, and a low cut
threshold, with the low cut threshold extending downwardly from the
top of the modified joist. The low cut threshold has a pair of low
cut threshold sidewalls and a low cut threshold bottom surface
which extend between the pair of surfaces or faces of the modified
joist.
[0021] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a
construction set which is easy to use, yet permits a variety of
structures to be constructed using its components.
[0022] Another objective of this invention is to provide such a
construction set which is relatively easy to fabricate.
[0023] Still another objective of this invention is to provide a
construction set that while including a number of components, can
be stored relatively compactly.
[0024] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings
and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIGS. 1A-1D provide front and side plan views of the first
planar component and first planar joist component of the
construction set made in accordance with the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2D provide front and side plan views of the second
planar component and second planar joist component of the
construction set made in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 3A-3D provide front and side plan views of the third
planar component and third planar joist component of the
construction set made in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-4D provide front and side plan views of the fourth
planar component and fourth planar joist component of the
construction set made in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 5A-5F provide front and side plan views of the gable
components of the construction set made in accordance with the
present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 6A-6C provide front, side, and top plan views of the
plank components of the construction set made in accordance with
the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 7A-7C provide front, side, and top plan views of the
extender board component of the construction set made in accordance
with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the roof top component
of the construction set made in accordance with the present
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 9A-9B provides bottom and a front elevational view of
a modified embodiment of the plank components of the construction
set made in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 provides a front plan view of an example of a
modified embodiment of a joist having a low cut threshold.
[0035] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawing, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Having reference to the drawing, attention is directed first
to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which disclose the first of several components
of the construction set of this invention, with the first disclosed
component being a first planar component 20. It can be appreciated
by a comparison of FIGS. 1A and 1B that this component part has a
pair of planar sidewalls 21 and 22 which are parallel to one
another. The part also has a pair of end portions 23 and 24, which
are also generally planar and parallel to each other. Finally, the
part has a top 26 having a top first portion 26a and a top second
portion 26b separated by a first vertical groove 28. This first
vertical groove 28 has a pair of sidewalls 28a and 28b which are
shown as being spaced apart from each other as well as being
parallel to each other. The groove 28 also has a horizontal
connecting surface 28c that extends between sidewalls 28a and 28b
at the bottom thereof. However, it should be understood that the
sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0037] The part also has a bottom 32 having a bottom first portion
32a and a bottom second portion 32b separated by a second vertical
groove 34. This second vertical groove has a pair of sidewalls 34a
and 34b which are spaced apart from each other as well as being
parallel to each other. The groove 34 also has a horizontal
connecting surface 34c that extends between sidewalls 34a and 34b
at the top thereof. However, it should be understood that the
sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0038] The next component of the construction set of this invention
is disclosed in FIGS. 1C and 1D, which disclose a first planar
joist component 40. It can be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS.
1C and 1D that this component part has a pair of planar sidewalls
41 and 42 which are parallel to one another. The part also has a
pair of end portions 43 and 44, which are also generally planar and
parallel to each other. Each of the end portions 43 and 44 has
formed therein a horizontal groove 45, with each of the grooves so
formed having a pair of sidewalls 45a and 45b, such that the end
portions are divided into an end upper portion 43a and 44a, and an
end lower portion 43b and 44b respectively. Additionally, each
groove has a connecting surface 45c that extends between the
innermost ends of each pair of horizontal groove sidewalls.
[0039] The first planar joist component has a top 46 having a top
first portion 46a and a top second portion 46b separated by a first
vertical groove 48. This first vertical groove has a pair of
sidewalls 48a and 48b which are spaced apart from each other as
well as being parallel to each other. The groove 48 also has a
horizontal connecting surface 48c that extends between sidewalls
48a and 48b at the bottom thereof. However, it should be understood
that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with
another tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0040] The part also has a bottom 52 having a bottom first portion
52a and a bottom second portion 52b separated by a second vertical
groove 54. This second vertical groove has a pair of sidewalls 54a
and 54b which are spaced apart from each other as well as being
parallel to each other. The groove 54 also has a horizontal
connecting surface 54c that extends between sidewalls 54a and 54b
at the top thereof. However, it should be understood that the
sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0041] Attention is directed next to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which
disclose the second planar component 120. It can be appreciated by
a comparison of FIGS. 2A and 2B that this component part has a pair
of planar sidewalls 121 and 122 which are parallel to one another.
The part also has a pair of end portions 123 and 124, which are
also generally planar and parallel to each other. Finally, the part
has a top 126 having a top first portion 126a, a top second portion
126b, and a top third portion 126c each adjacent portion separated
from one another by a first vertical groove 128. Each of the two
vertical grooves 128 has a pair of sidewalls 128a and 128b which
are spaced apart from each other as well as being parallel to each
other. Each of the grooves 128 also has a horizontal connecting
surface 128c that extends between respective sidewalls 128a and
128b at the bottom thereof. However, it should be understood that
the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0042] The part also has a bottom 132 having a bottom first portion
132a, a bottom second portion 132b, and a bottom third portion
132c, with the directly adjacent portions separated from each other
by a pair of second vertical grooves 134. Each second vertical
groove 134 has a pair of sidewalls 134a and 134b which are spaced
apart from each other as well as being parallel to each other. Each
such groove 134 also has a horizontal connecting surface 134c that
extends between sidewalls 134a and 134b at the top thereof.
However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could be
tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0043] The next component of the construction set of this invention
is disclosed in FIGS. 2C and 2D, which disclose a second planar
joist component 140. It can be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS.
2C and 2D that this component part has a pair of planar sidewalls
141 and 142 which are parallel to one another. The part also has a
pair of end portions 143 and 144, which are also generally planar
and parallel to each other. Each of the end portions 143 and 144
has formed therein a horizontal groove 145, with each of the
grooves so formed having a pair of sidewalls 145a and 145b, such
that the end portions are divided into an end upper portion 143a
and 144a, and an end lower portion 143b and 144b respectively.
Additionally, each groove has a connecting surface 145c that
extends between the innermost ends of each pair of horizontal
groove sidewalls. Each second planar joist component has a third
horizontal groove 160 formed therein intermediate of the first end
horizontal groove and the second end horizontal groove, with each
third horizontal groove extending between the pair of planar
sidewall surfaces 141 and 142. The third horizontal groove or
aperture 160 has a bottom surface 162, a top surface 164, and a
pair of end surfaces 166 and 168 respectively to form a rectangular
aperture 160.
[0044] The second planar joist component has a top 146 having a top
first portion 146a, a top second portion 146b, and a top third
portion 146c, each of the directly adjacent portions thereof
separated by a first vertical groove 148. Each first vertical
groove has a pair of sidewalls 148a and 148b which are spaced apart
from each other as well as being parallel to each other. The
grooves 148 also have a horizontal connecting surface 148c that
extends between sidewalls 148a and 148b at the bottom thereof.
However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could be
tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0045] The part also has a bottom 152 having a bottom first portion
152a, a bottom second portion 152b, and a bottom third portion
152c, each of the directly adjacent portions thereof separated by a
second vertical groove 154. Each second vertical groove has a pair
of sidewalls 154a and 154b which are spaced apart from each other
as well as being parallel to each other. The grooves 154 also have
a horizontal connecting surface 154c that extends between sidewalls
154a and 154b at the top thereof. However, it should be understood
that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with
another tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0046] Attention is directed next to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which
disclose the third planar component 220. It can be appreciated by a
comparison of FIGS. 3A and 3B that this component part has a pair
of planar sidewalls 221 and 222 which are parallel to one another.
The part also has a pair of end portions 223 and 224, which are
also generally planar and parallel to each other. Finally, the part
has a top 226 having a top first portion 226a, a top second portion
226b, a top third portion 226c, and a top fourth portion 116d, each
of the directly adjacent portions thereof separated from one
another by a first vertical groove 228. Each of the three vertical
grooves 228 has a pair of sidewalls 228a and 228b which are spaced
apart from each other as well as being parallel to each other. Each
of the grooves 228 also has a horizontal connecting surface 228c
that extends between respective sidewalls 228a and 228b at the
bottom thereof. However, it should be understood that the sidewalls
could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered
vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0047] The part also has a bottom 232 having a bottom first portion
232a, a bottom second portion 232b, a bottom third portion 232c,
and a bottom fourth portion 232d, with the directly adjacent
portions separated from each other by a second vertical groove 234.
Each second vertical groove 234 has a pair of sidewalls 234a and
234b which are spaced apart from each other as well as being
parallel to each other. Each such groove 234 also has a horizontal
connecting surface 234c that extends between sidewalls 234a and
234b at the top thereof. However, it should be understood that the
sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0048] The next component of the construction set of this invention
is disclosed in FIGS. 3C and 3D, which disclose a third planar
joist component 240. It can be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS.
3C and 3D that this component part has a pair of planar sidewalls
241 and 242 which are parallel to one another. The part also has a
pair of end portions 243 and 244, which are also generally planar
and parallel to each other. Each of the end portions 243 and 244
has formed therein a horizontal groove 245, with each of the
grooves so formed having a pair of sidewalls 245a and 245b, such
that the end portions are divided into an end upper portion 243a
and 244a, and an end lower portion 243b and 244b respectively.
Additionally, each groove has a connecting surface 245c that
extends between the innermost ends of each pair of horizontal
groove sidewalls. Each third planar joist component has at least
one and preferably two third horizontal grooves 260 formed therein
intermediate of the first end horizontal groove and the second end
horizontal groove, with each third horizontal groove extending
between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces 241 and 242. Each
third horizontal groove or aperture 260 has a bottom surface 262, a
top surface 264, and a pair of end surfaces 266 and 268
respectively to form a rectangular aperture 260.
[0049] The third planar joist component has a top 246 having a top
first portion 246a, a top second portion 246b, a top third portion
246c, and a top fourth portion 246d, each of the directly adjacent
portions thereof separated by a first vertical groove 248. Each of
the three first vertical grooves 248 has a pair of sidewalls 248a
and 248b which are spaced apart from each other as well as being
parallel to each other. The grooves 248 also have a horizontal
connecting surface 248c that extends between sidewalls 248a and
248b at the bottom thereof. However, it should be understood that
the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0050] The part also has a bottom 252 having a bottom first portion
252a, a bottom second portion 252b, a bottom third portion 252c,
and a bottom fourth portion 252d, each of the directly adjacent
portions thereof separated by a second vertical groove 254. Each
second vertical groove has a pair of sidewalls 254a and 254b which
are spaced apart from each other as well as being parallel to each
other. The grooves 254 also have a horizontal connecting surface
254c that extends between sidewalls 254a and 254b at the top
thereof. However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could
be tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0051] The construction set of this invention may also have a
fourth planar component 320 as disclosed in FIGS. 4A and 4B. It can
be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS. 4A and 4B that this
component part has a pair of planar sidewalls 321 and 322 which are
parallel to one another. The part also has a pair of end portions
323 and 324, which are also generally planar and parallel to each
other. Finally, the part has a top 326 having a top first portion
326a, a top second portion 326b, a top third portion 326c, a top
fourth portion 326d, and a top fifth portion 326e, each of the
directly adjacent portions thereof separated from one another by a
first vertical groove 328. Each of the four vertical grooves 328
has a pair of sidewalls 328a and 328b which are spaced apart from
each other as well as being parallel to each other. Each of the
grooves 328 also has a horizontal connecting surface 328c that
extends between respective sidewalls 328a and 328b at the bottom
thereof. However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could
be tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0052] The part also has a bottom 332 having a bottom first portion
332a, a bottom second portion 332b, a bottom third portion 332c, a
bottom fourth portion 332d, and a bottom fifth portion 332e, with
the directly adjacent portions separated from each other by a pair
of second vertical grooves 334. Each second vertical groove 334 has
a pair of sidewalls 334a and 334b which are spaced apart from each
other as well as being parallel to each other. Each such groove 334
also has a horizontal connecting surface 334c that extends between
sidewalls 334a and 334b at the top thereof. However, it should be
understood that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively
engage with another tapered vertical groove in another construction
piece.
[0053] The next component of the construction set of this invention
is disclosed in FIGS. 4C and 4D, which disclose a fourth planar
joist component 340. It can be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS.
4C and 4D that this component part has a pair of planar sidewalls
341 and 342 which are parallel to one another. The part also has a
pair of end portions 343 and 344, which are also generally planar
and parallel to each other. Each of the end portions 343 and 344
has formed therein a horizontal groove 345, with each of the
grooves so formed having a pair of sidewalls 345a and 345b, such
that the end portions are divided into an end upper portion 343a
and 344a, and an end lower portion 343b and 344b respectively.
Additionally, each groove has a connecting surface 345c that
extends between the innermost ends of each pair of horizontal
groove sidewalls. Each fourth planar joist component has at least
one and preferably three third horizontal grooves 360 formed
therein intermediate of the first end horizontal groove and the
second end horizontal groove, with each third horizontal groove
extending between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces 341 and 342.
Each third horizontal groove or aperture 360 has a bottom surface
362, a top surface 364, and a pair of end surfaces 366 and 368
respectively to form a rectangular aperture 360.
[0054] The fourth planar joist component has a top 346 having a top
first portion 346a, a top second portion 346b, a top third portion
346c, a top fourth portion 346d, and a top fifth portion 346e, each
of the directly adjacent portions thereof separated by a first
vertical groove 348. Each of the four first vertical grooves 348
has a pair of sidewalls 348a and 348b which are spaced apart from
each other as well as being parallel to each other. The grooves 348
also have a horizontal connecting surface 348c that extends between
sidewalls 348a and 348b at the bottom thereof. However, it should
be understood that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively
engage with another tapered vertical groove in another construction
piece.
[0055] The part also has a bottom 352 having a bottom first portion
352a, a bottom second portion 352b, a bottom third portion 352c, a
bottom fourth portion 352d, and a bottom fifth portion 352e, each
of the directly adjacent portions thereof separated by a second
vertical groove 354. Each second vertical groove has a pair of
sidewalls 354a and 354b which are spaced apart from each other as
well as being parallel to each other. The grooves 354 also have a
horizontal connecting surface 354c that extends between sidewalls
354a and 354b at the top thereof. However, it should be understood
that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with
another tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0056] FIGS. 5A-5F disclose three embodiments of the gables used
with this construction set. As can be appreciated from a comparison
of FIGS. 5A and 5B, this shortest of the gable pieces associated
with the invention is one of several gables which are provided in a
plurality of lengths. The first gable piece 500 has a generally
triangular shape with a flat bottom surface 501, and two flat
sloping top surfaces 502 and 503.
[0057] The shortest gable 500 also has two end sections 504, 505
that extend between the flat bottom and the two top surfaces 502,
503 respectively. Each flat bottom surface has a plurality of
vertical grooves 511 formed therein, such that the bottom surface
is divided into a first bottom section 501a, a second bottom
section 501b, and a third bottom section 501c. Each groove 511 has
a pair of parallel sidewalls 511a and 511b, and a connecting
surface 511c at the top end of each of the groove sidewalls.
However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could be
tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0058] Further, each of the top surfaces 502, 503 has a groove 520
spaced a distance parallel thereto and having a linear dimension
less than the length of the directly adjacent top surface. The
groove 520 has a bottom surface 522, a top surface 524, and two
ends 526 and 528. At the upper juncture of the two top surfaces is
apex 530. Further, all of the junctures of the side surfaces of the
gables are shown with rounded edges, although that need not be the
case.
[0059] As can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 5C and 5D,
the next shortest of the gable pieces is a second gable piece 550
also has a generally triangular shape with a flat bottom surface
551, and two flat sloping top surfaces 552 and 553. The second
gable 550 also has two end sections 554, 555 that extend between
the flat bottom and the two top surfaces 552, 553 respectively.
[0060] Each flat bottom surface has a plurality of vertical grooves
561, preferably three, formed therein, such that the bottom surface
is preferably divided into a first bottom section 551a, a second
bottom section 551b, a third bottom section 551c, and a fourth
bottom section 551d. Each groove 561 has a pair of parallel
sidewalls 561a and 561b, and a connecting surface 561c at the top
end of each of the groove sidewalls. However, it should be
understood that the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively
engage with another tapered vertical groove in another construction
piece.
[0061] Further, each of the top surfaces 552, 553 has a groove 570
spaced a distance parallel thereto and having a linear dimension
less than the length of the directly adjacent top surface. The
groove 570 has a bottom surface 572, a top surface 574, and two
ends 576 and 578. At the upper juncture of the two top surfaces is
apex 580. Further, all of the junctures of the side surfaces of the
gables are shown with rounded edges, although that need not be the
case.
[0062] As can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 5E and 5F,
the next shortest of the gable pieces is a third gable piece 600
which also has a generally triangular shape with a flat bottom
surface 601, and two flat sloping top surfaces 602 and 603. The
third gable 600 also has two end sections 604, 605 that extend
between the flat bottom and the two top surfaces 602, 603
respectively. In each of the gable components of this invention,
with respect to the groove spaced a distance from the top surface,
an alternative embodiment of the gable component could incorporate
a hinged member to facilitate opening of that groove.
[0063] Each flat bottom surface has a plurality of vertical grooves
611, preferably four, formed therein, such that the bottom surface
is preferably divided into a first bottom section 611a, a second
bottom section 611b, a third bottom section 611c, a fourth bottom
section 611d, and a fifth bottom section 611e. Each groove 611 has
a pair of parallel sidewalls 611a and 611b, and a connecting
surface 611c at the top end of each of the groove sidewalls.
However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could be
tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0064] Further, each of the top surfaces 602, and 603 has a groove
620 spaced a distance parallel thereto and having a linear
dimension less than the length of the directly adjacent top
surface. The groove 620 has a bottom surface 622, a top surface
624, and two ends 626 and 628. At the upper juncture of the two top
surfaces is apex 630. Once again, all of the junctures of the side
surfaces of the gables are shown with rounded edges, although that
need not be the case.
[0065] The structure of the plank or board components associated
with the invention are disclosed in FIGS. 6A-6C. It can be
appreciated by a comparison of these three drawing figures that the
planks 700 are elongated, rectangular planar structures having a
top and bottom surfaces 702, 704, ends 706, 708, and side edges
710, 712. The thickness of the planks 700 is significantly less
than either the length or width of each plank member. Furthermore,
the thickness of each plank is less than the distance between the
top and bottom surfaces of the closed apertures formed in any of
the joists or gables, such that the planks may be inserted through
the openings in the aforementioned structural elements.
Additionally, the width of the closed apertures in the joists and
gables is of a distance to accommodate a plurality of planks with
only slight excess. For example, if the width of each plank is
0.9'', then the width of each closed aperture could be 2.72''.
[0066] The construction set also preferably includes a board
extender 750 as can be appreciated by a comparison of FIGS. 7A-7C,
with the board extender 750 having a upper surface 752 and a bottom
surface 754. The upper surface 752 has a central planar portion
752a and two end portions 752b, 752c. Similarly, the bottom surface
754 has a central planar portion 754a and two end portions 754b,
754c. The upper surface central planar portion 752a is connected to
each of the upper surface end portions 752b, 752c respectively by a
sloped connector member 760. The bottom surface central planar
portion 754a is connected to each of the bottom surface end
portions 754b, 754c respectively by a sloped connector member 761.
The extender board also has two edge surfaces 757, 758.
[0067] Each of the end portions 755, 756 of the board extender 750
forms a clamping member having a spaced apart upper and lower
surface. The clamping member associated with each of the end
portions has a horizontal groove 765 formed therein. Each groove
765 has an upper surface 765a, a lower surface 765b, and a groove
connecting surface 765c connecting the interior ends of the groove
upper surface 765a and groove lower surface 765b of the extender
board. The groove upper surface 765a and the groove lower surface
765b also have at least one, and preferably a plurality of nibs,
projecting therefrom, preferably in a line. These nibs can engage
with the particular construction component the extender board
slides over. The nibs can be appreciated as being spaced a distance
inwardly from the end walls of the end portions.
[0068] FIG. 8 discloses a roof top member 800 associated with the
present invention. The roof top member 800 has two upper surfaces
810, 812 angled with respect to one another about an apex 820. The
roof top member also has a pair of ends 812, 813 and a pair of
bottom surfaces 814, 815. The ends 812, 813 meet at the apex 820
and terminate at bottom edges 816, 817.
[0069] An example of a modified embodiment of a plank member
associated with the invention is disclosed by comparing FIGS.
9A-9B. It can be appreciated by a comparison of these two drawing
figures that the planks 900 are elongated, rectangular planar
structures having a top and bottom surfaces 902, 904, ends 906,
908, and side edges 910, 912. The bottom surface 904 features a
pair of transverse parallel grooves 920 that extend the width of
the planks. The grooves are spaced an equal distance inwardly of
the ends of the planks, with the distanced between each groove and
the end directly adjacent thereto being less than the distance
between the two grooves.
[0070] An example of a modified embodiment of a planar joist
component is disclosed in FIG. 10. It can be appreciated by a
comparison of FIGS. 2C and 10 that these component parts are
similar, but that the modified joist component of FIG. 10 has a low
cut threshold which assists in the providing of doorways having
their bottom at floor level. The example of the modified joist
component has a pair of planar sidewalls which are parallel to one
another. The part also has a pair of end portions 843 and 844,
which are also generally planar and parallel to each other. Each of
the end portions 843 and 844 has formed therein a horizontal groove
845, with each of the grooves so formed having a pair of sidewalls,
such that the end portions are divided into an end upper portion,
and an end lower portion respectively. Additionally, each groove
has a connecting surface that extends between the innermost ends of
each pair of horizontal groove sidewalls. Each modified joist
component preferably has a third horizontal groove 860 formed
therein intermediate of the first end horizontal groove and the
second end horizontal groove, with each third horizontal groove
extending between the pair of planar sidewall surfaces. The third
horizontal groove or aperture 860 has a bottom surface, a top
surface, and a pair of end surfaces to form a rectangular aperture
860.
[0071] The modified joist component has a top 846 having a top
first portion 846a, a top second portion 846b (which is shown for
purposes of illustration as also having a low cut threshold 870),
and a top third portion 846c, each of the directly adjacent
portions thereof separated by a first vertical groove 848. Each
first vertical groove has a pair of sidewalls which are spaced
apart from each other as well as being parallel to each other. The
grooves 848 also have a horizontal connecting surface that extends
between the vertical groove sidewalls at the bottom thereof.
However, it should be understood that the sidewalls could be
tapered to cooperatively engage with another tapered vertical
groove in another construction piece.
[0072] The part also has a bottom 852 having a bottom first portion
852a, a bottom second portion 852b, and a bottom third portion
852c, each of the directly adjacent portions thereof separated by a
second vertical groove 854. Each second vertical groove has a pair
of sidewalls which are spaced apart from each other as well as
being parallel to each other. The grooves 854 also have a
horizontal connecting surface that extends between vertical groove
sidewalls at the top thereof. However, it should be understood that
the sidewalls could be tapered to cooperatively engage with another
tapered vertical groove in another construction piece.
[0073] The low cut threshold 870 may be positioned in any of the
more elongated sections of a joist, although in FIG. 10 it is shown
as being in the centermost section. Thus, if there were more
separated sections resembling the joists of FIGS. 3 or 4 for
example, the low cut threshold 870 could be located in any of the
elongated sections. The low cut threshold is similar to an extended
groove that is extends downwardly from the top 846 of the modified
joist. The low cut threshold 870 has a pair of sidewalls 871 and a
bottom surface 872 which extends between the two faces of the
joist.
[0074] Once again the thickness of the planks 900 is significantly
less than either the length or width of each plank member.
Furthermore, the thickness of each plank is less than the distance
between the top and bottom surfaces of the closed apertures formed
in any of the joists or gables, such that the planks may be
inserted through the openings in the aforementioned structural
elements. Additionally, the width of the closed apertures in the
joists and gables is of a distance to accommodate a plurality of
planks with only slight excess. The thickness of each groove 920 is
slightly greater (i.e. 0.26'') than the thickness of the horizontal
grooves in either the joists or gables, such that the bottom
surface of a horizontal groove can be retained within a groove 920
formed on the bottom of a plank as the plank drops into place over
a horizontal groove bottom surface.
[0075] Interengagement of the components of this invention with
other components of the invention for the most part occurs at the
grooves, with the vertical groove of one component interfitting
with the vertical groove of another component. Although the
specific dimensions could be made to vary, for purposes of example
in one embodiment the dimensions are: 1.5'' height of first planar
component, 1.75'' width of first planar component, 0.245''
thickness of first planar component, 0.25'' width of vertical
grooves, 0.376'' depth of vertical grooves; 1.5'' height of first
planar joist component, 1.75'' width of first planar joist
component, 0.245'' thickness of first planar joist component,
0.25'' width of vertical grooves, 0.376'' depth of vertical
grooves, 0.196'' height of horizontal grooves with bottom surface
of groove 0.652'' from bottom surface of component, 0.76'' depth of
horizontal grooves.
[0076] As to the second planar and second planar joist components,
the dimensions are: 1.5'' height of second planar component, 6.51''
width of second planar component, 0.245'' thickness of second
planar component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves each spaced
0.75'' from ends, 0.376'' depth of vertical grooves; 1.5'' height
of second planar joist component, 6.51'' width of second planar
joist component, 0.245'' thickness of second planar joist
component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves each spaced 0.75'' from
ends, 0.376'' depth of vertical grooves, 0.196'' height and 4.53''
width of horizontal grooves with bottom surface of groove 0.652''
from bottom surface of component, and 0.76'' depth of horizontal
grooves.
[0077] As to the third planar and third planar joist components,
the dimensions are: 1.5'' height of third planar component, 11.27''
width of third planar component, 0.245'' thickness of third planar
component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves with two spaced 0.75''
from ends and the third groove centered, 0.376'' depth of vertical
grooves; 1.5'' height of third planar joist component, 11.27''
width of third planar joist component, 0.245'' thickness of third
planar joist component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves with two
spaced 0.75'' from ends and the third groove centered, 0.376''
depth of vertical grooves, 0.196'' height and 4.53'' width of
horizontal grooves with bottom surface of groove 0.652'' from
bottom surface of component, and 0.76'' depth of horizontal end
grooves.
[0078] As to the fourth planar and fourth planar joist components,
the dimensions are: 1.5'' height of fourth planar component,
16.03'' width of fourth planar component, 0.245'' thickness of
fourth planar component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves with two
spaced 0.75'' from ends and the other two grooves each spaced
4.51'' from the directly adjacent end-most groove, 0.376'' depth of
vertical grooves; 1.5'' height of fourth planar joist component,
16.03'' width of fourth planar joist component, 0.245'' thickness
of fourth planar joist component, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves
with two spaced 0.75'' from ends and the other two grooves each
spaced 4.51'' from the directly adjacent end-most groove, 0.376''
depth of vertical grooves, 0.196'' height and 4.53'' width of
horizontal grooves with bottom surface of groove 0.652'' from
bottom surface of component, and 0.76'' depth of horizontal
grooves.
[0079] As to the gables, the dimensions are: 2.8985'' height of
first gable, 8.574'' width of first gable, 0.5222'' height of end
wall, 0.245'' thickness of first. gable, 0.196'' height of grooves
adjacent top roof surfaces, 0.25'' width of vertical grooves spaced
apart 4.51''; 3.4071'' height of second gable, 11.734'' width of
second gable, 0.9469'' height of end wall, 0.245'' thickness of
second gable, 0.196'' height of grooves adjacent top roof surfaces,
0.25'' width of vertical grooves spaced apart 4.51'' from each
other; 4.8343'' height of third gable, 17.1642'' width of third
gable, 0.7409'' height of end wall, 0.245'' thickness of third
gable, 0.196'' height of grooves adjacent top roof surfaces, and
0.25'' width of vertical grooves spaced apart 4.51'' from each
other.
[0080] As to the planks and extender boards, the dimensions are:
planks 6.51'', 11.27'' and 16.03'' in lengths, 1.5'' in height,
0.19'' in thickness, and 0.025'' depth of grooves on bottom of
plank components; 4.51'' length of extender board with each end
portion being 0.75'' in length, 1.5'' width of extender board,
0.25'' distance in groove at end portions of extender board, 0.41''
from top surface to bottom surface of end portion of extender
board.
[0081] A construction set made in accordance with this invention
can be fabricated relatively easily from a variety of materials
known in the manufacture of such sets, such as wood, plastic, or
metal.
[0082] The construction set of this invention is easy to use, and
permits a variety of structures to be constructed using its
components.
[0083] The construction set, while including a number of
components, can be stored relatively compactly due to the planar
shape of its components.
[0084] While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form
of apparatus and that changes may be made therein without departing
from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *