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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of The Invention

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.

2. Description Of The Related Art

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®, and one similar in appearance is disclosed in Paxton et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,630.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Another objective of this invention is to provide such a construction set which is relatively easy to fabricate.

Still another objective of this invention is to provide a construction set that while including a number of components, can be stored relatively compactly.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIGS. 5A-5F provide front and side plan views of the gable components of the construction set made in accordance with the present invention.

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.

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.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the roof top component of the construction set made in accordance with the present invention.

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.

FIG. 10 provides a front plan view of an example of a modified embodiment of a joist having a low cut threshold.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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″.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The construction set of this invention is easy to use, and permits a variety of structures to be constructed using its components.

The construction set, while including a number of components, can be stored relatively compactly due to the planar shape of its components.

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.

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.