Modular, structural building element, construction toy

Abstract

The invention is a building construction toy, consisting of numerous, modular, realistic structural members, which can be interconnected, enabling the creation of an unlimited number of structures or buildings, the construction of which closely resembles steel framed structures found in the real world.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to the field of building construction toys (i.e. toys which consist of several modular components which can be connected together to create various structures).

2. Objective and Benefits

The use of the invention promotes the learning and understanding of the components of a building's structure.

The use of the invention promotes the learning and understanding of how the building components interface with one another.

The use of the invention promotes creativity, as an unlimited number of building configurations are possible.

The use of the invention enhances planning, space-relationship, and sequential thinking skills.

The use of the invention enhances the development of fine motor skills.

The use of the invention is fun (it is a toy after all).

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—isometric view of Beam 8-5

FIG. 2—top view of Beam 8-5

FIG. 3—side view of Beam 8-5

FIG. 4—bottom view of Beam 8-5

FIG. 5—end view of Beam 8-5

FIG. 6—isometric view of Beam 8-10

FIG. 7—top view of Beam 8-10

FIG. 8—side view of Beam 8-10

FIG. 9—bottom view of Beam 8-10

FIG. 10—end view of Beam 8-10

FIG. 11—isometric view of Beam 12-10

FIG. 12—top view of Beam 12-10

FIG. 13—side view of Beam 12-10

FIG. 14—bottom view of Beam 12-10

FIG. 15—end view of Beam 12-10

FIG. 16—isometric view of Beam 12-15

FIG. 17—top view of Beam 12-15

FIG. 18—side view of Beam 12-15

FIG. 19—bottom view of Beam 12-15

FIG. 20—end view of Beam 12-15

FIG. 21—isometric view of Beam 16-15

FIG. 22—top view of Beam 16-15

FIG. 23—side view of Beam 16-15

FIG. 24—bottom view of Beam 16-15

FIG. 25—end view of Beam 16-15

FIG. 26—isometric view of Beam 16-20

FIG. 27—top view of Beam 16-20

FIG. 28—side view of Beam 16-20

FIG. 29—bottom view of Beam 16-20

FIG. 30—end view of Beam 16-20

FIG. 31—isometric view of Column 8-10

FIG. 32—top view of Column 8-10

FIG. 33—side view of Column 8-10

FIG. 34—side view of Column 8-10

FIG. 35—bottom view of Column 8-10

FIG. 36—isometric view of Column 8-13

FIG. 37—top view of Column 8-13

FIG. 38—side view of Column 8-13

FIG. 39—side view of Column 8-13

FIG. 40—bottom view of Column 8-13

FIG. 41—isometric view of Column 8-7

FIG. 42—top view of Column 8-7

FIG. 43—side view of Column 8-7

FIG. 44—side view of Column 8-7

FIG. 45—bottom view of Column 8-7

FIG. 46—isometric view of Column 8-8.8

FIG. 47—top view of Column 8-8.8

FIG. 48—side view of Column 8-8.8

FIG. 49—side view of Column 8-8.8

FIG. 50—bottom view of Column 8-8.8

FIG. 51—isometric view of Column 8-5.8

FIG. 52—top view of Column 8-5.8

FIG. 53—side view of Column 8-5.8

FIG. 54—side view of Column 8-5.8

FIG. 55—bottom view of Column 8-5.8

FIG. 56—isometric view of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket

FIG. 57—top view of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket

FIG. 58—side view of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket

FIG. 59—end view of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket

FIG. 60—isometric view of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket

FIG. 61—top view of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket

FIG. 62—side view of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket

FIG. 63—end view of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket

FIG. 64—isometric view of Beam-to-Beam Bracket

FIG. 65—top view of Beam-to-Beam Bracket

FIG. 66—side view of Beam-to-Beam Bracket

FIG. 67—end view of Beam-to-Beam Bracket

FIG. 68—isometric view of Pad Footing

FIG. 69—top view of Pad Footing

FIG. 70—side view of Pad Footing

FIG. 71—side view of Pad Footing

FIG. 72—bottom view of Pad Footing

FIG. 73—isometric view of Combined Footing

FIG. 74—top view of Combined Footing

FIG. 75—side view of Combined Footing

FIG. 76—end view of Combined Footing

FIG. 77—bottom view of Combined Footing

FIG. 78—isometric view of Corrugated Deck

FIG. 79—end view of Corrugated Deck

FIG. 80—top view of Corrugated Deck

FIG. 81—isometric view of Floor Slab

FIG. 82—end view of Floor Slab

FIG. 83—bottom view of Floor Slab

FIG. 84—isometric view of Stair Stringer

FIG. 85—end view of Stair Stringer

FIG. 86—side view of Stair Stringer

FIG. 87—bottom view of Stair Stringer

FIG. 88—isometric view of Stair Pan

FIG. 89—side view of Stair Pan

FIG. 90—top view of Stair Pan

FIG. 91—isometric view of Site Mat

FIG. 92—side view of Site Mat

FIG. 93—top view of Site Mat

FIG. 94—isometric view of beam to beam assembly

FIG. 95—isometric view of beam to column flange assembly

FIG. 96—isometric view of beam to column web assembly

FIG. 97—isometric view of column to footing assembly

FIG. 98—isometric view of stair stringer to combined footing assembly

FIG. 99—isometric view of column to column assembly

FIG. 100—isometric view of beam over column assembly

FIG. 101—isometric view of column on beam assembly

FIG. 102—isometric view of corrugated deck to beam assembly

FIG. 103—isometric view of floor slab to corrugated deck assembly

FIG. 104—isometric view of stair stringer to beam assembly

FIG. 105—isometric view of stair pan to stair stringer assembly

FIG. 106—isometric view of footing to site mat assembly

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

a.—beam web

b.—beam flange (top)

b1.—beam flange (bottom)

c.—headed top flange tab

d.—square top flange holes

e.—headed beam web tabs

f.—bracket stop

g.—bracket support flange

h.—square bottom flange holes

i.—column web

j.—column flange

k.—column cap

l.—headed column cap tab

m.—column base

n.—square column base holes

o.—headed column web tabs

p.—square column flange holes

q.—bracket flange

r.—bracket web

s.—headed bracket tabs

t.—square bracket holes

u.—headed footing tab

v.—footing leg

w.—square footing holes

x.—footing step

y.—deck tabs

z.—square slab recess

aa.—stringer web

bb.—stringer flange (top)

bb1.—stringer flange (bottom)

cc.—rectangular web holes

dd.—stringer flange tab

ee.—stair riser

ff.—stair tread

gg.—headed stair tread tab

hh.—site mat holes

SUMMARY

The invention is a fun and educational building construction toy, which allows the user to become the architect, engineer, and contractor, experiencing the sequence of building from the creative design process through the planning and execution of construction!

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The invention contains the following elements:

Beam 8-5 (FIG. 1): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Two sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the mid-span of the beam. One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bottom flange (b1) at each end of the beam length.

Beam 8-10 (FIG. 6): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Two, headed top flange tabs (c) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the mid-span of the top flange (b). Four sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the headed top flange tabs (c). Two headed beam web tabs (e) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the mid-span of each side of the beam web (a). One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bottom flange (b1) at each end of the beam length.

Beam 12-10 (FIG. 11): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height 1.5×width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Two, headed top flange tabs (c) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the mid-span of the top flange (b). Four sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the headed top flange tabs (c). Two headed beam web tabs (e) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the mid-span of each side of the beam web (a). One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bracket support flange (g) at each end of the beam length. One bracket support flange (g) protrudes from each side of beam web (a) between the bracket stop (f) and end of beam.

Beam 12-15 (FIG. 16): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height 1.5×width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Two sets of two, headed top flange tabs (c) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the third-span of the top flange (b). Six sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the mid-span of the beam. Two headed beam web tabs (e) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the third-span of each side of the beam web (a). One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bracket support flange (g) at each end of the beam length. One bracket support flange (g) protrudes from each side of beam web (a) between the bracket stop (f) and end of beam.

Beam 16-15 (FIG. 21): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height 2.0×width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Two sets of two, headed top flange tabs (c) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the third-span of the top flange (b). Six sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the mid-span of the beam. Two, headed beam web tabs (e) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the third-span of each side of the beam web (a). Two sets of two, square bottom flange holes (h) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the bottom flange (b1) are located at the third-span of the beam. One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bracket support flange (g) at each end of the beam length. One bracket support flange (g) protrudes from each side of beam web (a) between the bracket stop (f) and end of beam.

Beam 16-20 (FIG. 26): A plastic mold injected, horizontal beam element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height 2.0×width (one beam web (a) with two beam flanges perpendicular to the beam web (a), one top flange (b) and one bottom flange (b1)) extruded to length. Three sets of two, headed top flange tabs (c) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the quarter and mid-span of the top flange (b). Eight sets of two, square top flange holes (d) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the top flange (b) symmetrically flank the mid-span of the beam. Two, headed beam web tabs (e) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to the beam length) project from the quarter and mid-span of each side of the beam web (a). Three sets of two, square bottom flange holes (h) (aligned perpendicular to the beam length) in the bottom flange (b1) are located at the quarter and mid-span of the beam. One bracket stop (f) protrudes from each side of the beam web (a) between the top flange (b) and bracket support flange (g) at each end of the beam length. One bracket support flange (g) protrudes from each side of beam web (a) between the bracket stop (f) and end of beam.

Column 8-10 (FIG. 31): A plastic mold injected, vertical column element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one column web (i) with two column flanges (j), one on either end and perpendicular to column web (i)) extruded to length. One column cap (k) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from top end of column. Two, headed column cap tabs (l) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to column web (i)) project from top of column cap (k). One column base (m) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from bottom end of column. Two square column base holes (n) in the column base (m) symmetrically flank the column web (i). Two, headed column web tabs (o) (tabs and heads aligned parallel to column length) project from either side of the column web (i). Two sets of two, square column flange holes (p) (holes aligned parallel to column length; sets symmetrically flank column web (i)) are located in both column flanges (j).

Column 8-13 (FIG. 36): A plastic mold injected, vertical column element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one column web (i) with two column flanges (j), one on either end and perpendicular to column web (i)) extruded to length. One column cap (k) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from top end of column. Two, headed column cap tabs (l) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to column web (i)) project from top of column cap (k). One column base (m) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from bottom end of column. Two square column base holes (n) in the column base (m) symmetrically flank the column web (i). Two, headed column web tabs (o) (tabs and heads aligned parallel to column length) project from either side of the column web (i). Two sets of two, square column flange holes (p) (holes aligned parallel to column length; sets symmetrically flank column web (i)) are located in both column flanges (j).

Column 8-7 (FIG. 41): A plastic mold injected, vertical column element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one column web (i) with two column flanges (j), one on either end and perpendicular to column web (i)) extruded to length. One column base (m) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from bottom end of column. Two square column base holes (n) in the column base (m) symmetrically flank the column web (i). Two, headed column web tabs (o) (tabs and heads aligned parallel to column length) project from either side of the column web (i). Two sets of two, square column flange holes (p) (holes aligned parallel to column length; sets symmetrically flank column web (i)) are located in both column flanges (j).

Column 8-8.8 (FIG. 46): A plastic mold injected, vertical column element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one column web (i) with two column flanges (j), one on either end and perpendicular to column web (i)) extruded to length. One column cap (k) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from top end of column. Two, headed column cap tabs (l) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to column web (i)) project from top of column cap (k). One column base (m) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from bottom end of column. Two square column base holes (n) in the column base (m) symmetrically flank the column web (i).

Column 8-5.8 (FIG. 51): A plastic mold injected, vertical column element with an “I” shaped cross-section with height equal to width (one column web (i) with two column flanges (j), one on either end and perpendicular to column web (i)) extruded to length. One column cap (k) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from top end of column. Two, headed column cap tabs (l) (tabs and heads aligned perpendicular to column web (i)) project from top of column cap (k). One column base (m) of height and width equal to column section height and width extends from bottom end of column. Two square column base holes (n) in the square base (m) symmetrically flank the column web (i).

Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket (FIG. 56): A plastic mold injected, “U” shaped bracket element consisting of two parallel, rectangular bracket flanges (q) spaced one beam web (a) thickness apart and connected to one another at one end by a perpendicular bracket web (r). Two sets of two, headed bracket tabs (s) (tabs and heads aligned parallel to bracket flanges (q)) project from bracket web (r); each set of tabs aligned with one bracket flange (q).

Beam-to-Column Web Bracket (FIG. 60): A plastic mold injected, “U” shaped bracket element consisting of two parallel, rectangular bracket flanges (q) spaced one beam web (a) thickness apart and connected to one another at one end by a perpendicular bracket web (r). Two, square bracket holes (t) are aligned vertically in the bracket web (r) and positioned between bracket flanges (q).

Beam-to-Beam Bracket (FIG. 64): A plastic mold injected, “U” shaped bracket element consisting of two parallel “L” shaped bracket flanges (q) spaced one beam web (a) thickness apart and connected to one another at one end by a perpendicular bracket web (r). Two, square bracket holes (t) are aligned vertically in the bracket web (r) and positioned between bracket flanges (q).

Pad Footing (FIG. 68): A plastic mold injected, shelled, square, footing element with a length and width 4.5×depth. Two, headed footing tabs (u) project from the top of the footing, symmetrically flanking the centroid. Four, “L” shaped footing legs (v) project, one from each corner of the underside of the footing.

Combined Footing (FIG. 73): A plastic mold injected, shelled, rectangular, footing element with a length 11.75×depth and 2.61×width. Two sets of two, headed footing tabs (u) (tabs and heads aligned parallel to footing length) project from the top of the footing, symmetrically flanking the centroid. One rectangular footing step (x) (parallel to footing length) projects from the top of the footing and is located on the centroid of the footing, between the headed footing tabs (u). Two sets of two, square footing holes (w) (aligned perpendicular to footing length) symmetrically flank the footing centroid and are located between the footing step (x) and headed footing tabs (u). Four, “L” shaped footing legs (v) project, one from each corner of the underside of the footing.

Corrugated Deck (FIG. 78): A plastic mold injected, corrugated deck element, square in shape (with notched corners) and consisting of a series of rectangular plate elements connected to one another along their length in a pattern of flat (bottom), inclined (up), flat (top), inclined (down), of which is repeated over the width of the entire element. Four, deck tabs (y) project from both the top and bottom of the deck element and are located symmetrically about the centroid in the near corners of the deck element.

Floor Slab (FIG. 81): A plastic mold injected, shelled, square (with notched corners), floor slab element, consisting of a flat top surface and corrugated bottom edges (a series of surfaces which when connected together along their length create a pattern of flat (bottom), inclined (up), flat (top), inclined (down), of which is repeated over the width of the entire element). Four, square slab recesses (z) are located on the bottom of the slab, symmetrically placed about the slab centroid in the near corners of the slab element.

Stair Stringer (FIG. 84): A plastic mold injected, inclined beam element with a “C” shaped cross-section with height 4×width (one stringer web (aa) with two stringer flanges perpendicular to the stringer web (aa), one top flange (bb) and one bottom flange (bb1)) extruded to length. Four, rectangular web holes (cc) are located in the stringer web (aa) spaced uniformly along the length of the stringer. Two, stringer flange tabs (dd) project from the bottom stringer flange (bb1), one at each end of the stringer.

Stair Pan (FIG. 88): A plastic mold injected, folded plate element consisting of a series of alternating flat, rectangular, vertical stair risers (ee) and horizontal stair treads (ff) which connect to one another perpendicularly along their length. Four, headed stair tread tabs (gg) project from each end of four stair treads, spaced uniformly along the length of the stair pan element.

Site Mat (FIG. 91): A rubber, square, plate element with a grid of “L” shaped site mat holes (hh).

Description of Element Interface

Any beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) any other beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of headed beam web tabs (e) located on the web of the beam that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 94). To do so, the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to Beam Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the to the receiving beam web (a) with the leg of the bracket flange (q) positioned up. The square bracket holes (t) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket are then mated with the headed beam web tabs (e) of the receiving beam until the bracket web (r) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket is flush with the receiving beam web (a). The Beam-to-Beam Bracket is then lowered until the headed beam web tabs (e) make contact with the top of the square bracket holes (t). Next, the framing beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving beam with the top beam flange (b) positioned up. The web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

Any beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) the flange (j) of any column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7) at intervals determined by the location of square column flange holes (p) located in the flange of the column that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 95). To do so, the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the receiving column flange (j) with the heads of the bracket tabs (s) positioned down. The headed bracket tabs (s) are then mated with the square column flange holes (p) of the receiving column until the bracket web (r) is flush with the column flange (j). The Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket is then lowered until the bottom of the headed bracket tabs (s) makes contact with the top of the square column flange holes (p). Next, the framing beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving column with the top beam flange (b) positioned up. The web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) are flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

Any beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) the web (i) of any column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7) at intervals determined by the location of headed column web tabs (o) located on the web of the column that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 96). To do so, the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to-Column Web Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the receiving column web (i) with the square bracket holes (t) aligned vertically. The square bracket holes (t) are then mated with the headed column web tabs (o) of the receiving column until the bracket web (r) is flush with the column web (i). The Beam-to-Column Web Bracket is then lowered until the top of the square bracket holes (t) makes contact with the top of the headed column web tabs (o). Next, the framing beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving column with the top beam flange (b) positioned up. The web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

Any column element (Column 8-13, Column 8-8.8) can be supported by (connect to) any footing (Pad Footing, Combined Footing) at intervals determined by the location of headed footing tabs (u) located on the top side of the footing acting as the support (as illustrated in FIG. 97). To do so, the column base (m) is aligned towards and parallel to the top face of the footing, with the column's headed column cap tabs (l) aligned with the footing's headed footing tabs (u). The square column base holes (n) are then mated with the headed footing tabs (u) until the bottom of the column base (m) is flush with the top face of the footing. The column element is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the footing tabs (u), until the edge of the square column base holes (n) makes contact with the headed footing tabs (u).

A Stair Stringer can be supported at it's base by a Combined Footing at intervals determined by the location of square footing holes (w) in the top face of the footing acting as the support (as illustrated in FIG. 98). To do so, the length of the Stair Stringer is aligned perpendicular to the length of the Combined Footing with the stringer flange tabs (dd) aligned perpendicular to the top face of the footing and the stringer flanges (bb and bb1) pointing away from the footing step (x) located on the top face of the footing. The bottom stringer flange tab (dd) is then mated with the square footing hole (w) nearest the stringer until the bottom of the bottom stringer flange (bb1) contacts the top face of the footing.

Any column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7, Column 8-8.8, Column 8-5.8) can be spliced to (connected to) any other column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13) (as illustrated in FIG. 99). To do so, the column base (m) of the column to be added is aligned towards and parallel to the column cap (k) of the column to be spliced to with the heads of the column cap tabs (l) of both columns aligned in the same direction. The square column base holes (n) of the column to be added are then mated with the headed column cap tabs (l) of the column to be spliced to until the bottom of the column base (m) of the added column contacts the top of the column cap (k) of the column being spliced to. The added column is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the column cap tabs (l) of the column being spliced to, until the edge of the square column base holes (n) of the added column makes contact with the headed column cap tabs (l) of the column being spliced to.

Any beam element (Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can cantilever over and be supported by any column element (Column 8-8.8, Column 8-5.8) at intervals determined by the location of square bottom flange holes (h) located in the bottom flange of the beam to be supported (as illustrated in FIG. 100). To do so, the beam is aligned perpendicular to the column with the beam's bottom flange (b1) parallel to the column's column cap (k) and the heads of the beam's top flange tabs and the heads of the column's column cap tabs aligned in the same direction. The square bottom flange holes (h) are then mated with the headed column cap tabs (l) until the bottom of the bottom beam flange (b1) contacts the top of the column cap (k). The beam is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the column cap tabs (l), until the edge of the square bottom flange holes (h) makes contact with the headed column cap tabs (l).

Any column element (Column 8-13, Column 8-8.8) can be supported by (connect to) the top flange (b) of any beam element (Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of headed top flange tabs (c) located on the beam to receive the column (as illustrated in FIG. 101). To do so, the column is positioned vertically, aligned perpendicular to the beam, with the column base (m) towards and parallel to the top beam flange (b), and the heads of the beam's top flange tabs and the heads of the column's column cap tab aligned in the same direction. The square column base holes (n) are then mated with the headed top flange tabs (c) until the bottom of the column base (m) contacts the top flange (b) of the beam. The column is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the top flange tabs (c), until the edge of the square column base holes (n) makes contact with the headed top flange tabs (c).

The Corrugated Deck can be supported by (connect to) any beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of square top flange holes (d) located in the beam to receive the deck (as illustrated in FIG. 102). To do so, the Corrugated Deck is position parallel to the top beam flange (b), with the deck's corrugation lengths aligned perpendicular to the beam length. The deck tabs (y) are then mated with the square top flange holes (d) on the side of the top flange (b) nearest to the deck until the bottom deck face contact the top of the beam's top flange (b).

The Floor Slab can be supported by (connect to) the Corrugated Deck (as illustrated in FIG. 103). To do so, the Floor Slab is positioned above and parallel to the Corrugated Deck with the corrugation lengths of both the Floor Slab and the Corrugated Deck aligned. The square slab recesses (z) located in the underside of the Floor Slab are then mated with the deck tabs (y) located on the top face of the Corrugated Deck until contact is made between the bottom of the Floor Slab and the top of the Corrugated Deck.

A Stair Stringer can be framed to (connect to) any beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of square top flange holes (d) located in the beam to be framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 104). To do so, the length of the Stair Stringer is aligned perpendicular to the length of the beam with the stringer flange tabs (dd) aligned perpendicular to the top flange (b) of the beam. The top stringer flange tab (dd) is then mated with the square top flange hole (d) on the side of the top flange (b) nearest the stringer until the bottom of the bottom stringer flange (bb1) contacts the top flange (b) of the beam.

The Stair Pan can be framed into (connect to) the Stair Stringer (as illustrated in FIG. 105). To do so, the Stair Pan is positioned parallel to the length of the Stair Stringer, on the flush side of the stringer web (aa), with the length of the stair riser (ee) and stair tread (ff) aligned perpendicular to the stringer web (aa). The headed stair tread tabs (gg) are then mated with the rectangular stringer web holes until the end of the stair risers (ee) and stair treads (ff) contact the stringer web (aa). The Stair Pan is then lowered until the bottom of the headed stair tread tabs (gg) makes contact with the bottom of the rectangular web holes (cc).

Any footing element (Pad Footing, Combined Footing) can be securely positioned on the Site Mat at intervals determined by the location of “L” shaped site mat holes (hh) located in the Site Mat (as illustrated in FIG. 106). To do so, the footing is positioned above and orthogonal to the Site Mat. The footing legs (v) located on the underside of the footing are then mated with the “L” shaped site mat holes (hh) until the bottom of the footing contacts the top of the site mat.

Claims

1. (Canceled)

2. (Canceled)

3. (Canceled)

4. A modular building construction toy system comprising:

(a) a plurality of horizontal, “I” shaped section, load carrying beam elements of varying height and varying modular length, each of said beam members able to span between and be fastened to other said beam members and column members via connection brackets fitted to said beam members at their ends and said beam and column members at modular spacing along their length, each of said beam members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, vertical web component, and pair of vertical web protrusions located at each end of the beam member in which a connection bracket coacts with, to locate, laterally brace, transfer vertical shear, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the connection bracket, said flanges, web and web protrusions, to that member in which the beam member is framed to, each of said beam members including a horizonal top and bottom flange component, vertical web component, and a plurality of headed vertical web protrusions located at modular distances along the beam members length in which a connection bracket coacts with, to locate, laterally brace, transfer vertical shear, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the connection bracket, said flanges, web, and headed vertical web protrusions, from that member which is framing into the said beam member, each of said beam members including a horizontal top flange component and a plurality of headed top flange protrusions located at modular distances along the beam members length in which a column element coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical load, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the column member, said flange, and beaded top flange protrusion, from that member which is bearing on the said beam member, each of said beam members including a horizontal top flange component and a plurality of square top flange holes located at modular distances along the beam members length in which a corrugated deck element coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the deck member and the said flange, from that member which is bearing on the beam member;

(b) a plurality of said vertical, “I” shaped section, load carrying column elements of varying modular length, each of said column members able to be fastened to other said column members, said beam members, and footing members via connection plates at their ends, each of said column members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a vertical web component, a column base plate, and a plurality of square column base plate holes located at one end of the column members length in which a footing element, top beam flange protrusion, or column cap plate coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical load, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the base plate and the footing beam or column, to that member on which the column member is bearing, each of said column members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a vertical web component, a column cap plate, and a plurality of headed column cap protrusions in which a column base plate coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical load, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the column base plate and the column top plate, from that member which is bearing on the column member, each of said column members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a vertical web component, and a plurality of headed column web protrusions in which a connection bracket coacts with, to locate, laterally brace, transfer vertical shear, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the connection bracket, said flanges, web, and headed web protrusions, from that member which is framing to the column member, each of said column members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a vertical web component, and a plurality of square column flange holes in which a connection bracket coacts with, to locate, laterally brace, transfer vertical shear, and provide moment restraint, via bearing of the connection bracket, said flanges, web, and square web holes, from that member which is framing to the column member;

(c) a plurality of said rectangular footing elements, said footing members able to be fastened to said base mat at modular locations, each of said footing elements including a plurality of footing leg protrusions located in the bottom of the footing element in which a base mat coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the footing, footing leg, and the base mat, to that member on which the footing bears, each of said footing elements including a pair of headed protrusions located on the top of the footing element in which a column coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical load, and provide moment resistance, via bearing of the column, footing and headed protrusions, from that member which is bearing on the footing;

(d) a said horizontal base mat, said base mat including a plurality of holes arranged in a modular grid in which a footing coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the footing, base mat, and boles, from that member which bears on the base mat;

(e) a plurality of said “U” shaped, shear, moment, and torsion transferring connection brackets, said connection brackets used to connect said beam and column members, each of said connection brackets including two parallel flanges, one perpendicular flange, and two sets of headed flange protrusions located on the perpendicular flange in which a column coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical shear load, and provide moment resistance, via bearing of the column, said flange, and headed protrusions, from that member which is framing to the connection bracket, each of said connection brackets including two parallel flanges, one perpendicular flange, and two sets of square flange holes located in the perpendicular flange in which a column coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical shear load, and provide moment resistance, via bearing of the column, said flange, and headed protrusions, from that member which is framing to the connection bracket;

(f) a plurality of said horizontal, load carrying, modular, corrugated deck elements, said deck members able to be span between and fastened to said beam members at modular intervals, each of said deck elements including a plurality of top and bottom parallel flanges, alternately connected along their length by parallel, sloping flanges, and a plurality of square flange protrusions located at the corners of both the top and bottom of the deck in which a beam member coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the bottom deck flanges, deck protrusions, and beam member, to that member on which the corrugated deck bears;

(g) a plurality of said horizontal, load carrying, modular, floor slab elements, said floor slab members able to be fastened to said deck members, each of said floor stab members including a bottom surface similar in section to the said corrugated deck and a plurality of square holes located near the corners in the bottom of the floor slab in which a corrugated deck member coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the corrugated deck, floor slab, and holes, to the member on which the floor slab bears;

(h) a sloping, load carrying “C” shaped section, stair stringer element, said stringer member able to span between and be fastened to said beam members and footing members at modular intervals, each of said stringer members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a vertical web component, and a square bottom flange protrusion located at each end in which a said beam or said footing coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of beam or footing and stringer flange, to that member on which the stair stringer bears, each of said stringer members including a horizontal top and bottom flange component, a venial web component, and a plurality of rectangular web holes located at modular intervals along the stringers length in which a stair pan member coacts with, to locate and transfer vertical load, via bearing of the stair pan, stringer, and holes, from that member which is framing into the stair stringer;

(i) a said load carrying, stair pan element, said stair pan member able to span between and be fastened to said stair stringer members at modular intervals, each of said stair pan members including a plurality of headed tread protrusions in which said stair stringer member coacts with, to locate, transfer vertical load, and laterally brace, via bearing of the stair stringer, stair pan, and headed protrusions to that member on which the stair pan bears

5. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) any other said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 11-20) at intervals determined by the location of headed beam web tabs (e) located on the web of the beam that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 94) by means of; the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to Beam Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the to the receiving beam web (a) with the leg of the bracket flange (q) positioned up; the square bracket holes (t) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket are then mated with the headed beam web tabs (e) of the receiving beam until the bracket web (r) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket is flush with the receiving beam web (a); the Beam-to-Beam Bracket is then lowered until the headed beam web tabs (e) make contact with the top of the square bracket holes (t); the framing beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving beam with the top beam flange (b) positioned up; the web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Beam Bracket flanges (q) are flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

6. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) the flange (j) of any said column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7) at intervals determined by the location of square column flange holes (p) located in the flange of the column that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 95) by means of the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the receiving column flange (j) with the heads of the bracket tabs (s) positioned down; the headed bracket tabs (s) are then mated with the square column flange holes (p) of the receiving column until the bracket web (r) is flush with the column flange (j); the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket is then lowered until the bottom of the headed bracket tabs (s) makes contact with the top of the square column flange holes (p); the flange beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving column with the top beam flange (b) positioned up, the web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the lean-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Column Flange Bracket flanges (q) am flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

7. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can frame perpendicularly into (connect to) the web (i) of any said column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7) at intervals determined by the location of headed column web tabs (o) located on the web of the column that is being framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 96) by means of the bracket web (r) of a Beam-to-Column Web Bracket is aligned towards and parallel to the receiving column web (l) with the square bracket holes (t) aligned vertically; the square bracket holes (t) are then mated with the headed column web tabs (o) of the receiving column until the bracket web (r) is flush with the column web (i); the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket is then lowered until the top of the square bracket holes (t) makes contact with the top of the beaded column web tabs (o); the framing beam is positioned perpendicular to the receiving column with the top beam flange (b) positioned up; the web (a) of the framing beam is then inserted between the flanges (q) of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket such that the top of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with the underside of the framing beam's top flange (b), the bottom of the Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are in contact with either the top of the framing beam's bracket support flange (g) or bottom flange (b1), and the end of Beam-to-Column Web Bracket flanges (q) are flush with the framing beam's bracket stop (f).

8. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said column element (Column 8-13, Column 8-8.8) can be supported by (connect to) any said footing (Pad Footing, Combined Footing) at intervals determined by the location of headed footing tabs (u) located on the top side of the footing acting as the support (as illustrated in FIG. 97) by means of; the column base (m) is aligned towards and parallel to the top face of the footing, with the column's headed column cap tabs (l) aligned with the footing's headed footing tabs (u); the square column base holes (n) are then mated with the headed footing tabs (u) until the bottom of the column base (m) is flush with the top face of the footing; the column element is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the footing tabs (u), until the edge of the square column base holes (n) makes contact with the headed footing tabs (u).

9. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13, Column 8-7, Column 8-8.8, Column 8-5.8) can be spliced to (connected to) any other said column element (Column 8-10, Column 8-13) (as illustrated in FIG. 99) by means of; the column base (m) of the column to be added is aligned towards and parallel to the column cap (k) of the column to be spliced to with the heads of the column cap tabs (l) of both columns aligned in the same direction; the square column base holes (n) of the column to be added are then mated with the headed column cap tabs (l) of the column to be spliced to until the bottom of the column base (m) of the added column contacts the top of the column cap (k) of the column being spliced to; the added column is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the column cap tabs (l) of the column being spliced to, until the edge of the square column base holes (n) of the added column makes contact with the headed column cap tabs (l) of the column being spliced to.

10. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said column element (Column 8-13, Column 8-8.8) beam be supported by (connect to) the top flange (b) of any said beam element (Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of headed top flange tabs (c) located on the beam to receive the column (as illustrated in FIG. 101) by means of; the column is positioned vertically, aligned perpendicular to the beam, with the column base (m) towards and parallel to the top beam flange (b), and the heads of the beam's top flange tabs and the heads of the column's column cap tab aligned la the same direction; the square column base holes (n) are then mated with the headed top flange tabs (c) until the bottom of the column base (m) contacts the top flange (b) of the beam; the column is then moved laterally, parallel but opposite to the direction of the heads of the top flange tabs (c), until the edge of the square column base holes (n) makes contact with the headed top flange tabs (c).

11. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said beam element (Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) can cantilever over and be supported by any said column element (Column 8-8.8, Column 8-5.8) at intervals determined by the location of square bottom flange holes (h) located in the bottom flange of the beam to be supported (as illustrated in FIG. 100) by means of, the beam is aligned perpendicular to the column with the beam's bottom flange (b1) parallel to the column's column cap (k) and the heads of the beam's top flange tabs and the heads of the column's column cap tabs aligned in the same direction; the square bottom flange holes (h) are then mated with the headed column cap tabs (l) until the bottom of the bottom beam flange (b1) contacts the top of the column cap (k); the beam is then moved laterally, partial but opposite to the direction of the beads of the column cap tabs (l), until the edge of the square bottom flange holes (h) makes contact with the headed column cap tabs (l).

12. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said footing element (Pad Footing, Combined Footing) can be securely positioned on the said Site Mat at intervals determined by the location of “L” shaped site mat holes (hh) located in the Site Mat (as illustrated in FIG. 106) by means of the footing is positioned above and orthogonal to the Site Mat; the footing legs (v) located on the underside of the footing are then mated with the “L” shaped site mat holes (hh) until the bottom of the footing contacts the top of the site mat.

13. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said Stair Stringer can be supported at it's base by a said Combined Footing at intervals determined by the location of square footing holes (w) in the top face of the footing acting as the support (as illustrated in FIG. 98) by means of; the length of the Stair Stringer is aligned perpendicular to the length of the Combined Footing with the stringer flange tabs (dd) aligned perpendicular to the top face of the footing and the stringer flanges (bb and bb1) pointing away from the footing step (x) located on the top face of the footing; the bottom stringer flange tab (dd) is then mated with the square footing hole (w) nearest the stringer until the bottom of the bottom stringer flange (bb1) contacts the top face of the footing.

14. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said Stair Stringer can be framed to (connect to) any said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of square top flange holes (d) located in the beam to be framed to (as illustrated in FIG. 104) by means of; the length of the Stair Stringer is aligned perpendicular to the length of the beam with the stringer flange tabs (dd) aligned perpendicular to the top flange (b) of the beam; the top stringer flange tab (dd) is then mated with the square top flange hole (d) on the side of the top flange (b) nearest the stringer until the bottom of the bottom stringer flange (bb1) contacts the top flange (b) of the beam.

15. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said Stair Pan can be framed into (connect to) the said Stair Stringer (as illustrated in FIG. 105) by means of; the Stair Pan is positioned parallel to the length of the Stair Stringer, on the flush side of the stringer web (aa), with the length of the stair riser (ee) and stair tread (ff) aligned perpendicular to the stringer web (aa); the headed stair treed tabs (gg) are then mated with the rectangular stringer web holes until the end of the stair risers (ee) and stair treads (ff) contact the stringer web (aa); the Stair Pan is then lowered until the bottom of the headed stair tread tabs (gg) makes contact with the bottom of the rectangular web holes (cc).

16. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said Corrugated Deck can be supported by (connect to) any said beam element (Beam 8-5, Beam 8-10, Beam 12-10, Beam 12-15, Beam 16-15, Beam 16-20) at intervals determined by the location of square top flange holes (d) located in the beam to receive the deck (as illustrated in FIG. 102) by means of; the Corrugated Deck is position parallel to the top beam flange (b), with the deck's corrugation lengths aligned perpendicular to the beam length; the deck tabs (y) are then mated with the square top flange holes (d) on the side of the top flange (b) nearest to the deck until the bottom deck face contact the top of the beam's top flange (b).

17. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein any said Floor Slab can be supported by (connect to) the said Corrugated Deck (as illustrated in FIG. 103) by means of; the Floor Slab is positioned above and parallel to the Corrugated Deck with the corrugation lengths of both the Floor Slab and the Corrugated Deck aligned; the square slab recesses (z) located in the underside of the Floor Slab are then mated with the deck tabs (y) located on the top face of the Corrugated Deck until contact is made between the bottom of the Floor Slab and the top of the Corrugated Deck.

18. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein, the said beams, columns, footings, metal deck, floor slab, connection brackets, stair stringers, stair pan, and base mat are of modular dimension, can be connected to one another at modular locations, and arranged to create an infinite combination of toy building structures of infinite size.

19. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein, The said beams, columns, footings, metal deck, floor slab, connection brackets, stair stringers, stair pan, and base mat coact with one another to mimic the load flow of real life steel framed structures (load flows from: floor slab to floor deck (via bearing), floor deck to floor beam (via bearing), floor beam to floor girder (via connection bracket), floor girder to column (via connection bracket), column to footing (via bearing), and footing to ground (via bearing).

20. A modular building construction toy system as in claim 1 wherein, The said beams, columns, footings, metal deck, floor slab, connection brackets, stair stringers, and stair pan are of similar section shape, proportion, and interface, to real life structural members used in the construction of steel framed buildings