Blocks With Non-circular Slits And Flat Connectors Having Transversely Bowed Middle Portions

Abstract

An assembly kit comprises a plurality of prismatic building blocks each having at least one face portion provided with a narrow elongated slit of rectilinear non-circular cross-sectional outline. A plurality of connecting elements is provided, and each comprises a pair of connecting portions complementary to said slits and having transversely bowed portions which are resiliently deformed upon insertion into the slits of registering blocks. Other connecting elements are provided combining non-circular and circular portions for connecting rotatable parts such as wheels and levers for separably but non-rotatably connecting such pairs of adjoining blocks.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assembly kits, particularly to toy assembly kits and assembly kits used for educational purposes.

Still more particularly, the invention relates to assembly kits comprising a large number of identically or similarly configurated prismatic building blocks, particularly rectangular building blocks, and discrete connecting elements insertable into sockets provided on the building blocks for connecting pairs of adjoining blocks.

An assembly kit is already known comprising a plurality of rectangular building blocks provided on their faces with sockets of circular cross-sectional outline. The associated connecting elements have a circular cross-sectional configuration complementary to such circular outline. The connnecting elements of this kit are elongate, and each of the two halves of a connecting element is insertable into one of the sockets of a building block. In the middle of the elongated cylindrical connecting element is a widened circular collar, serving as a depth stop, limiting the extent to which either half of the connecting element can penetrate into an associated socket. With this known kit, it is desired that the adjoining faces of connected blocks be completely contiguous. Accordingly to accommodate the annular collar of the connecting element, each socket has at its opening a wider circular recess having a diameter equal to the diameter of the annular collar and having a depth equal to half the thickness of the annular collar. Such known connecting elements also have end portions provided with resilient spreaders separated by longitudinal slots, such configuration establishing a snap-fit of connecting elements in the sockets of the building blocks.

This prior-art arrangement is disadvantageous in numerous respects. The provision of the circular sockets, and especially the widened circular recesses at the entrance to the sockets, adversely effects the aesthetic appearance of the forms built with such blocks. Moreover, the strength of the blocks can be considerably reduced by the provision of such circular sockets. Inasmuch as children are in the habit of sitting on or stepping on such blocks, this strength reduction constitutes a serious disadvantage. Moreover, it is often desired to construct these blocks quite small, so that for instance a house built of blocks will not be built from only a few large blocks. At the same time, the size of the connecting elements cannot be too small, to avoid difficulty in manipulation, and accordingly the circular sockets when provided with such reduced-scale assembly kits are even more aesthetically disagreeable and even more serve to reduce the strength of the blocks. pg,4

Another very important disadvantage of this known arrangement is that, when joined to form a larger structure, the joints between individual blocks are very often disagreeably conspicuous. This is a drawback with, for example, those assembly kits used for graphic study classes, and the like. Such kits are often used to build rectangular forms having complicated configurations serving as models for drawing students, drafting students and the like. The presence of the joints between the assembled blocks constitutes a serious distraction, which may interfere with the ability of the pupil to visualize and reproduce the three-dimensional characteristics of the overall form, as opposed to those of its component parts. If frequently happens, accordingly, that drawings made by students from such models actually include lines which are mere joints between blocks and not edges of the overall form.

Finally, and most importantly from the viewpoint of actually constructing forms with such kits, the cylindrical connecting elements permit relative rotation between joined blocks. Accordingly, to joint a pair of blocks in completely non-rotatable manner with the kits of the prior art it is necessary to employ at least two such connecting elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly the general object of the invention to overcome the shortcomings of such known assembly kit arrangements.

It is a more particular object to provide an entirely novel assembly kit which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior-art kits.

It is another object to provide a kit wherein the sockets are provided on the faces of the prismatic building blocks but are very inconspicuous.

It is a further object to provide a kit in which the connection between pairs of blocks by a single connecting element is non-rotatable, thereby obviating the need for stabilization with a second connecting element.

It is a further object to provide a kit the strength of whose building blocks is not seriously impaired by the provision of sockets on the faces of the blocks.

It is yet another object to provide a kit the faces of whose building blocks are formed from a plurality of modular surface portions, so that a form constructed from a small number of building blocks of a given size will appear to have been built from a much larger number of blocks of much smaller size.

It is still another object to provide connecting elements of a novel configuration adapted for easy insertion into the sockets and adapted, at the same time, for a tight fit.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a connecting element non-rotatably insertable into the socket of a building block, but capable of rotatably connecting to such block a rotary element, such as a wheel or lever.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a kit having building blocks and connecting elements which are easy to manipulate.

It is another object to provide a kit having building blocks and connecting elements which can be assembled in a very large number of ways.

It is a related object to provide a kit whose building blocks may be connected in pairs by such connecting elements in a very large number of ways, along many or all faces of the building blocks, and without inconvenient regard to the relative orientation of blocks and connectors.

It is still another object to provide a kit in which the sockets on the building blocks are not recognizable as such.

In accordance with these objects, one embodiment according to the invention consists of an assembly kit comprising a plurality of prismatic bulding blocks each having at least one face portion provided with a socket of non-circular cross-sectional outline. The kit of the illustrated embodiment further includes a plurality of connecting elements each comprising a pair of connecting portions having a cross-sectional configuration complementary to such non-circular outline, and the portions being insertable into the corresponding sockets of pairs of adjoining building blocks for separably but non-rotatably connecting such pairs of adjoining blocks.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a view of two building blocks and a number of connecting elements according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view through adjoining parts of a pair of adjoining building blocks;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of one connecting element according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line IV--IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line V--V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view of a different connecting member according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is an axial view of the connecting element of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of antoher connecting member according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a form assembled from two prismatic building blocks 1, 1a in accordance with the invention. Each face of the blocks is provided with a number of sockets which, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, have the form of narrow elongated slits 5 of generally rectangular cross-sectional outline, but which may have another suitable non-circular cross-sectional outline. These sockets or slits 5 extend normal to the respective faces of the blocks 1, 1a. In the illustrated embodiment, each face of the blocks 1, 1a is provided with a plurality of such sockets or slits, and such provision facilitates connection of pairs of blocks in a variety of orientations.

In FIG. 1 the connecting elements actually connecting blocks 1 and 1a are not visible. However, four such connecting elements 4 are seen at the top face of blocks 1a, partially inserted into four corresponding sockets or slits 5. The connecting elements 4 have a non-circular cross-sectional configuration -- here rectangular -- complementary to the non-circular cross-sectional outline of rectangular slits 5. The visible half of each connecting element 4 is exactly identical to the half received in the respective slit. It will be understood that the exposed halves of the four connecting elements 4 in FIG. 1 are adapted to be inserted into the slits of one or more additional building blocks, so as to connect such additional blocks with the assembly consisting of blocks 1 and 1a.

It is an important feature of the illustrated connecting elements 4 that they are individually able to withstand rotational forces in a manner and to an extent not possible with prior-art arrangements, so as to connect two blocks 1, 1a in a rigid and stable fashion by using only a single one of the connecting elements 4.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that blocks 1 and 1a each have a plurality of primary edge portions 2', and furthermore that the faces of blocks 1, 1a comprise a plurality of adjoining modular surface portions 20. Each modular surface portion 20 in the illustrated embodiment is square-shaped and has four secondary edge portions 2". The primary edge portion 2' are contrasted with the secondary edge portions 2" in that the primary edge portions 2' from the actual edges of the overall building block 1 or 1a, whereas the secondary edges are located on the faces of the blocks.

The adjoining secondary edge portions 2" of adjoining modular surface portions 20 define a network of interstices 2a" extending over the surfaces of blocks 1, 1a. These interstices 2a" are herein referred to as secondary superficial interstices.

The primary edge portions 2' of blocks 1, 1a have chamfered portions 3. The chamfered configuration of primary edge portions 2' is such that the adjoining chamfered edge portions 2' of the adjoining blocks 1, 1a define further superficial interstices 2a' - herein referred to as primary superficial interstices - parallel with respective ones of the secondary superficial interstices 2a". The primary and secondary interstices together form a continuous network of interstices covering the surfaces of the blocks. It will be appreciated that the secondary superficial interstices 2a", in addition to serving as entrances for respective slits 5, constitute a camouflaging network which camouflages the primary interstices, or joints, between the adjoining blocks 1, 1a. Accordingly, a more homogeneous overall appearance is presented by the assembly of blocks 1, 1a. Moreover, the provision of modular surface portions 20 and the interstices 2a', 2a" creates the overall impression that the FIG. 1 assembly of two blocks 1, 1a is actually composed of a much larger number of cubical blocks having square-shaped faces corresponding to modular surface portions 20. This effect, too, adds to the overall homogeneous appearance of the resulting structure.

The provision, in the illustrated embodiment, of the relatively light network of interstices 2a' and 2a" constitutes a rather elegant solution to a large number of problems, as set forth in the introductory part of this description. The tight network of interstices creates the impression of a large number of blocks, disguises the joints between actual blocks, disguises the presence of the slits 5 and makes possible the provision of a very large number of slits on each block - 52 slits in the case of block 1, for example. The provision of such a large number of slits makes for an extremely flexible assembly kit, and makes possible the connection of pairs of blocks at many different points, with a great variety of possible orientations, while nevertheless using only a portion of the active "connectable" surface area of the block.

It is considered particularly advantageous -although not absolutely necessary- that the slits 5 constitute more or less continuous extensions of the superficial interstices 2a". In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cross-sectional width b (see FIG. 2) of slits 5 and interstices 2a" is identical. The cross-sectional length a of slits 5 (see FIG. 11 is in the illustrated embodiment less than the corresponding cross-sectional length c of the secondary interstices 2a" forming the entrances to the respective slits 5.

A particularly advantageous form of building block is illustrated in FIG. 2. The building blocks 1, 1a in FIG. 2 are hollow, permitting very sizable dimensions with the least possible use of material, and with accordingly the lightest possible weight. In the case of such hollow blocks, the slits 5 are defined by guide walls 6 which project inwards from the faces of the blocks into the hollow interior portions therof.

A further advantageous feature of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. The novel connecting element 4a shown in these Figures provides the solution to a considerable number of problems usually encountered with assembly kits of the type under discussion. The connecting element 4a of FIGS. 3-5 is of generally flat configuration, inasmuch as it is intended for insertion into the narrow elongated slits 5. In particular, the connecting element 4a of FIGS. 3-5 has a pair of flat end portions 8, 9 and a bowed resilient middle portion 22. Advantageously, the entire connecting element 4a will be made of resilient material such as for instance a polyamide. The provision of flat end portinons 8, 9 makes for easy guidance of the connecting element into the correspondingly shaped slit 5. The provision of the bowed resilient middle portion 8 makes for a tight fit of the connecting element 4a in the slit 5, because the effective thickness of the middle portion 22 of the element 4a is somewhat greater than the width of the slit 5, necessitating slight deformation of bowed portion 22 upon insertion of element 4a into the slit.

Furthermore, the end portions 8, 9 of connector 4a in FIGS. 3-5 is bevelled, or may be tapered in another manner, to facilitate introduction of the connecting element into the socket or slit. Such easy introduction of the connector into the slit is particularly important in the case of small children, whose manipulative abilities are of course somewhat limited.

Also very advantageous is the provision in the middle region of connecting element 4a of end stops 7 of generally wedge-like configuration. Returning briefly to FIG. 1, it will be seen that there is provided at the juncture of four intersecting secondary interstices 2a" a generally cross-shaped supporting member 25, defining the ends of the respective adjoining slits 5. Each cross-shaped support member 25 has four arms, one of which for example is seen in FIG. 2. The arms are sloped, that is to say they taper, in direction away from the center of the cross, so as to provide a sloping support surface for the depth stops 7 of an inserted connecting element 4 or 4a. The provision of the sloping support surfaces of support member 25 is very advantageous, because these sloping surfaces facilitate the introduction into a slit 5 of the end portion of a connecting element 4 or 4a. Thus, for example, the combined provision of bevelled end portions 8, 9 on element 4a and of sloping support surfaces of support member 25 make for an extremely easy introduction of connecting element into slit, without the need for skillful "aiming" on the part of the child.

Whereas an important advantage of the aforedescribed connecting elements is their ability to connect blocks in non-rotatable manner, it is recognized that it is sometimes necessary to connect building components in a rotatable manner. Accordingly, FIGS. 6-8 show connecting members adapted to be connected with building blocks in non-rotatable manner while also being connectable to a rotary component, such as a wheel or turning lever.

The connecting member 4b of FIG. 6 has a first connecting portion 14 of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration insertable into one of the afore-described slits 5. The member 4b also has a second connecting portion 16 of generally circular cross-sectional configuration adapted to be inserted into a generally cylindrical socket in a rotary component such as a wheel or the like. Advantageously, the second connecting portion 16 comprises two widened spreaders 17 separated by a longitudinal slot 18. Such design makes possible a snap fit of the connecting portion 16 into the socket of a rotary component. Member 46 is also provided with depthstop means 15.

FIG. 8 shows still another connecting member 4c, similar to member 4b of FIGS. 6 and 7 inasmuch as it is insertable into a cylindrical socket of a rotary component. In addition, member 4c has two first connecting portions 14 adapted to be inserted into parallel slits 5, either on a single block or for simultaneously adjoining two adjoining blocks in side-by-side relationship. The second connecting portion 16 is located intermediate the two first connecting portions 16.

The embodiment illustrated herein is to be considerably merely an exemplary assembly kit according to the invention. The invention of course contemplates the provision of non-rectangular building blocks as well as the provision of non-rectangular slits and interstices.

It is possible to manufacture the building bricks from plates forming the side faces of the blocks 1, 1a, the front faces of which are then connected with one another by insertion, clipping-in, by adhesive means, welding or the like, to form cube-shaped or prismatic building bricks. It is also possible to bend the connecting elements at right angles in order to increase the possibilities of connecting the learning bricks.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an assembly kit useful as a toy or for educational purposes, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended:

1. An assembly kit, comprising a plurality of prismatic building blocks each having at least one face portion provided with sockets which are narrow elongated slits of generally rectilinear cross-sectional outline; and a plurality of elongated connecting elements of generally flat configuration, each comprising a pair of connecting portions with flat end portions having a generally rectilinear cross-sectional configuration complementary to said rectilinear slit outline and insertable into the corresponding slits of pairs of adjoining blocks for separably and non-rotatably connecting such pairs of adjoining blocks, and said connecting portions comprising means including a bowed resilient middle portion of said connecting element insertable upon deformation thereof into said slits for effecting a tight fit therein.

2. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said blocks are of generally rectilinear configuration.

3. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of blocks includes a pair of adjoining blocks connected by one of said connecting elements, and wherein each of said pair of blocks has primary edge portions adjoining the primary edge portions of the other of said pair of blocks and defining therewith primary superficial interstices, and wherein each of said plurality of blocks has a plurality of adjoining modular surface portions having respective adjoining secondary edge portions defining between themselves secondary superficial interstices substantially identical to and serving to camouflage said primary superficial interstices.

4. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said building blocks are hollow.

5. An assembly kit as defined in claim 3, wherein one of said secondary interstices forms the entrance to one of said sockets.

6. An assembly kit as defined in claim 3, each of said blocks is provided with a plurality of said sockets, and wherein the secondary interstices of each of said building blocks form entrances to respective ones of said plurality of sockets.

7. An assembly kit as defined in claim 3, wherein the secondary interstices of said pair of adjoining blocks together with said primary interstices form a substantially continuous superficial network of interstices.

8. An assembly kit as defined in claim 7, wherein said connecting elements are provided with depth stops limiting the extent to which said connecting portions can be inserted into respective ones of said narrow elongated slits.

9. An assembly kit as defined in claim 8, wherein said primary edge portions are chamfered edge portions.

10. An assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein said primary interstices are parallel to respective ones of the secondary interstices of said pair of blocks.

11. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said blocks has a hollow interior, and wherein said narrow elongated slits of each of said blocks are formed by guide walls extending into the hollow interior of the block.

12. An assembly kit as defined in claim 3, wherein said narrow elongated slits have cross-sectional widths equal to the cross-sectional widths of the respectively associated secondary interstices, and have cross-sectional lengths at most substantially equal to the cross-sectional lengths of the respectively associated secondary interstices.

13. An assembly kit as defined in claim 9, wherein said primary interstices defined by said chamfered primary edge portions form superficial channels of generally U-shaped cross-sectional outline.

14. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting elements consist of an elastic material.

15. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, whereiin said connecting elements consist of a polyamide.

16. An assembly kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting portions are tapered to facilitate insertion into said sockets.