Construction system

Abstract

A construction system is disclosed and which includes a first construction element defining a plurality of connecting units which have a spacing measurement x; and a second construction element connected to the first construction element, and oriented at an angle θ relative to the first construction element, and which further defines a plurality of connecting units having a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a construction system, and more specifically to a construction system which includes construction elements that can be connected in a diagonal orientation relative to other construction elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children and hobbyists have long enjoyed creative construction toys which have allowed the individual to construct various items of interest such as boxes, small houses, bridges, airplanes, cars, trucks, and the like. Examples of such products have included the ERECTOR™ Set, and various LEGO™ kits that are provided at various levels of complexity. In the so-called Erector™ products, these toys have included a series of plates and bars with holes in them which are subsequently joined together with nuts and a corresponding bolt. LEGO's™ TECHNIC™ series of kits involves plastic beams and plates that connect with relatively sophisticated fasteners that allow for more elaborate models. Another such beam and fastener construction system is that described by the present inventor in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/290,333, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The commercial longevity of these types of construction toys, especially when compared to other toys, illustrates the continuing high demand for novel construction systems and elements.

Most, if not all, beam and fastener construction sets, such as those provided under the LEGO™ TECHNIC™ name, utilize generic construction elements 1 as seen in FIGS. 1A and B. As illustrated in those views, the prior art generic construction elements 1 are defined by a main body 2, which has a top surface 3, and an opposite, bottom surface 4. Still further, the main body has a peripheral edge 5. It will be understood from these drawings that the generic construction element 1 includes a plurality of passageways 6, which extend normally between the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4. Each of the passageways 6 in each main body 2 are substantially uniformly spaced with a spacing measurement generally indicated by the numeral 7. Two or more of the prior art construction elements 1 can be coupled together, as shown in the exploded view of Prior Art FIG. 1B, by means of a coupling fastener 10, which has a first end 11, and an opposite, and similar second end 12. The prior art construction elements 1 are coupled together by inserting the first end 11 of a coupling fastener 10 into one of the passageways 6 of one construction element 1, and inserting the second end 12 into one of the passageways 6 of another construction element 1. While various locking mechanisms may be used to couple the fastener 10 with the construction element 1, the coupling fastener 10 is usually coupled to the main body 2 in the manner of a friction-fit.

As shown in Prior Art FIG. 2A, multiple construction elements 1 are normally assembled in a grid-based configuration forming a rectilinear array of passageways 6 which are generally indicated by the numeral 16. A plurality of vertical construction elements 13 can be coupled with a horizontal construction element 14 since the spacing 7 between the passageways 6 of each construction element 13 and 14 will be substantially similar so as to permit the passageways 6 of adjacent construction elements to be coaxially aligned. As shown in Prior Art FIG. 2B, however, it is impossible to couple a diagonally disposed construction element 15 with a plurality of vertical (or horizontal) construction elements 13 because the spacing 7 between the passageways 6 in the diagonal construction element 15 will not allow the passageways 6 of the diagonal construction element to coaxially align with the passageways 6 in the underlying construction elements 13. There currently is no ability in the prior art toy construction systems to connect the construction elements 1 in a non-perpendicular or diagonal orientation relative to the rectilinear array 16 of passageways 6 save for providing a specialized construction member. This, of course, adds to the cost of the resulting products. The absence of these types of elements, of course, limits the flexibility and creativity of the builder.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,766 to Leadbetter et al., diagonal building units in a conventional LEGO™ building block system are shown to fit within an array of coupling studs, such as that which may be provided on a building plate, as disclosed in the patent. However, this placement of diagonal building units is accomplished by modifying the spacing and size of the array of coupling studs on the building plate, or by requiring a specialized “skirt” shape (the thin plastic wall of the construction element brick) for the diagonal construction element. Neither solution discussed above appears useful relative to the beam and fastener construction systems as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,069 to Bolli et al., a diagonal construction unit for a beam and fastener construction system is taught, but the connecting units of the construction elements have the same spacing as the non-diagonal construction elements. Thus, this diagonal construction element can only fit with other elements at its remote ends and can only be used in specialized applications. Moreover, this patent specifically teaches away from the use of non-standard spacing between the connecting units in the diagonal elements.

As will be recognized, these prior art solutions involve specialized pieces with limited application rather than a generic construction element design that can be used in many applications and models. These prior art solutions have proved unsatisfactory from both a use and an economic standpoint, and have not been adopted by most manufacturers of toy construction kits.

A construction system which avoids the shortcomings attendant with the prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system which includes a first construction element defining a plurality of connecting units which have a spacing measurement x; and a second construction element connected to the first construction element, and oriented at an angle θ relative to the first construction element, and which further defines a plurality of connecting units having a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system which has a plurality of first construction elements, each having a main body, and which define a plurality of connecting units which are substantially linearly oriented along a major axis of the respective main bodies, and wherein the respective connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement x, and wherein the plurality of first construction elements are oriented in a substantially perpendicular, and/or parallel relationship, one relative to the others; and a second construction element having a main body which defines a plurality of connecting units and which are linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the major axis of the main body of the second construction element is oriented at an angle θ relative to the major axis of the main body of at least one of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ; and wherein the individual connecting units of the second construction element substantially align with the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements when the second construction element is positioned in a non-perpendicular and/or nonparallel orientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a construction system which includes a plurality of first construction elements oriented in a substantially perpendicular and/or parallel relationship one relative to the others, and wherein each of the plurality of first construction elements defines a plurality of connecting units which have a substantially similar regular spacing measurement; and a second construction element joined to at least one of the plurality of first construction elements and which is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to the plurality of first construction elements, and which defines a plurality of connecting units, which are individually substantially aligned relative to the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a toy construction system which includes a plurality of first construction elements each having a main body which defines a plurality of passageways which extend therethrough, and which are further substantially linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the passageways of each of the plurality of first construction elements have substantially the same regular spacing measurement, and wherein the major axes of the respective construction elements are either substantially perpendicularly oriented and/or parallel relative to the major axes of the remaining first construction elements; a second construction element having a main body which defines a plurality of passageways and which are linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the major axis of the main body of the second construction element is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to the major axis of the respective plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the passageways defined by the second construction element are substantially coaxially and/or linearly aligned with the passageways defined by the plurality of first construction elements; and a fastener received through at least one of the coaxially and/or linearly aligned passageways of at least one of the plurality of first construction members and the second construction member so as to couple the second construction member to at least one of the plurality of first construction members.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a construction system which includes a plurality of first construction elements, each having a plurality of connecting units, and wherein the connecting units are arranged in a substantially rectilinear array; and a diagonally oriented construction element fastened to at least some of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the diagonally oriented construction element has a plurality of connecting units, and which are oriented in an operational relationship relative to the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the diagonally oriented construction element have a spacing measurement so as to substantially coaxially align relative to the plurality of first connecting units in the rectilinear array when the diagonally oriented construction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular and non-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of underlying first construction elements.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art construction element.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of multiple prior art construction elements as seen in FIG. 1A and a prior art coupling fastener.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of multiple prior art construction elements which are oriented in a rectilinear array.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of multiple prior art construction elements in a rectilinear array with a prior art diagonal construction element overlying same.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a construction element which forms a feature of the present invention, and which is oriented in a rectilinear array of construction elements.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of examples of diagonally disposed construction elements, which form features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Referring now to FIG. 3 it will be seen that the construction system of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 20 therein. It will be recognized that the invention described herein may apply to a variety of construction systems, and is not limited to the specific construction system which is described herein. The construction system of the present invention includes as a first matter, a plurality of first construction elements which are generally indicated by the numeral 30, and which include, typically, at least a vertical first construction element 31, and a horizontally disposed first construction element 32. Each of these first construction elements 30 have a main body 33 which has a first end 34, and an opposite second end 35. Still further, each of the main bodies include a peripheral edge 36. As seen in the drawings, a major axis 37 extends, and is otherwise defined, between the first and second ends of each of the main bodies 33. As clearly seen by reference to FIG. 3, each of the main bodies 33 define a plurality of connecting units 40 which are substantially linearly oriented along the major axis 37 of each of the main bodies 33. The plurality of connecting units in this form of the invention include individual passageways 41 which extend substantially through the main body 33, and are operable to matingly receive individual fasteners which are more fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/290,333, 11/443,556 and 11/526,264, and which were filed on Nov. 29, 2005, May 30, 2006, and Sep. 22, 2006, respectively. The substance of these prior art patent applications are incorporated by reference herein. The individual passageways 41 are defined, at least in part, by orientation grooves 42 which are operable to matingly receive a portion of the individual fasteners as described in the aforementioned patent applications. Still further, the respective connecting units 40 of the plurality of construction elements 30 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement which is generally indicated by the numeral x. As seen in FIG. 3, the plurality of first construction elements 30 are oriented in a substantially perpendicular and/or parallel orientation one relative to the others. As will be recognized by a study of FIG. 3, a spacing measurement x (43) is measured between the center of the respective adjacent passageways which define the individual connecting units 40. The plurality of construction elements 30 are operable to be arranged in a rectilinear array which is generally indicated by the numeral 50 (FIG. 4). The rectilinear array is generally defined by a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed lines 51, and a plurality of substantially vertically disposed lines 52. The horizontally and vertically disposed lines pass through the center of each of the plurality of passageways which form the respective individual connecting units 40 of the plurality of first construction elements 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the construction system 20 of the present invention further includes a second or diagonally oriented construction element which is generally indicated by the numeral 60. This second or diagonally oriented construction element 60 has a main body 61 which is defined by opposite first and second ends 62 and 63, respectively. Still further, the elongated main body 61 defines a peripheral edge 64. The elongated main body is defined, at least in part, by a longitudinally disposed or major axis 65 extending between the first and second ends thereof. The main body 61 defines a plurality of connecting units generally indicated by the numeral 70. In the form of the invention as illustrated, the individual connecting units are defined by individual passageways or cavities 71 which extend through the main body 61. The main body defines, at least in part, orientation grooves 72 which communicate with the individual passageways 71, and which are operable to matingly receive a portion of a fastener similar to that described in the earlier filed patent applications referenced in the paragraph, above. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the plurality of connecting units 70 which are defined by the individual passageways or cavities 71 have a spacing measurement y, labeled 73, in the drawings. Still further, as seen in FIG. 3, for example, the main body 61 is oriented at an angle θ (74) relative to at least one of the plurality of first construction elements 30. As seen in FIG. 3, that angle θ represents 45°. However, other angles may be employed as will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. As seen in FIG. 4, the rectilinear array 50 may include a plurality of coupling units 75, such as studs, passageways, or fasteners, which are positioned within the rectilinear array and which are operable to matingly couple with the plurality of connecting units 70, which are defined by the main body 61.

In the present invention therefore, a construction system 20 is disclosed and which includes in its broadest aspect a first construction element 30 defining a plurality of connecting units 40 which have a spacing measurement x (43) and a second construction element 60 connected to the first construction element 30, and oriented at an angle θ (74) relative to the first construction element and which further defines a plurality of connecting units 70 having a spacing measurement y (73), and wherein the spacing measurement y (73) approximately equals the spacing measurement x (43) divided by the cosine of θ. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the respective construction elements 30 and 60 are typically utilized in a toy construction system 20. As further understood from the drawings, at least one of the plurality of connecting units 40 and 70 defines a passageway 41 and 71 for receiving a fastener body. In one possible form of the invention, the respective coupling or connecting units 40 and 70 are operable to receive a coupling unit 75. As seen by reference to FIG. 3, and in one form of the invention, the second construction element 60 is oriented at a 45° angle relative to the first construction element 30. Still further, the connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y (73) which is approximately equal to the square root of 2 times the spacing of x (43) of the respective connecting units of the first construction element 30.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a construction system 20 which includes a plurality of first construction elements 30 each having a main body 33 and which defines a plurality of connecting units 40 which are substantially linearly oriented along a major axis 37 of the respective main bodies. The respective connecting units 40 of the plurality of first construction elements 30 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement x (43), and wherein the plurality of first construction elements 30 are oriented in a substantially perpendicular, and/or parallel orientation, one relative to the others. In the construction system 20 of the present invention, a second construction element 60 is provided and which has a main body 61 which defines a plurality of connecting units 70, and which are linearly oriented along a major axis 65 of the main body. The major axis 65 of the main body of the second construction element is oriented about an angle of θ (74) relative to the major axis 37 of the main body 33 of at least one of the plurality of first construction elements 30. The connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y (73), and wherein the spacing measurement y (73) approximately equals the spacing measurement x (43) divided by the divided by the cosine of θ. The individual connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60 substantially align with the connecting units 40 of each of the plurality of first construction elements 30 when the second construction element 60 is positioned in a non-perpendicular and/or non-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements 30. In one form of the invention as seen, the first and second construction elements are oriented at a 45° angle, one relative to the other. As earlier disclosed, the connecting units of the second construction element 60 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement which is approximately equal to the square root of 2 times the spacing measurement x 43 of the plurality of first construction elements 30. As seen by a study of FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60 are spaced so as to substantially coaxially align relative to the connecting units 40 of the plurality of first construction elements 30 in the rectilinear array 50 when the second construction element 60 is oriented in a non-perpendicular and/or non-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements 30.

Therefore, a construction system 20 is disclosed and which provides a convenient means whereby a hobbyist, or others, may assemble objects of interest having greater levels of complexity in a manner not possible heretofore. The present invention provides an advantage inasmuch as the construction system includes a second construction element 60 which allows the hobbyist to create ever increasing complex shapes. As seen by reference to FIG. 4, several forms of the invention are shown and which demonstrate that the present invention may be modified in various ways so as to achieve and produce a construction system of greater levels of complexity.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A construction system, comprising:

a first construction element defining a plurality of connecting units which have a spacing measurement x; and

a second construction element connected to the first construction element, and oriented at an angle θ relative to the first construction element, and which further defines a plurality of connecting units having a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ.

2. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the first and second construction elements are utilized in a toy construction system.

3. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting units of the respective first and second construction elements defines a passageway for receiving a fastener body.

4. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting units of the respective first and second construction elements comprises a coupling stud.

5. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting units of the respective first and second construction elements defines a cavity for receiving a coupling stud.

6. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the second construction element is oriented at a 45 degree angle relative to the first construction element, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y which is approximately equal to the √2 times the spacing x of the respective connecting units of the first construction element.

7. A construction system, comprising:

a plurality of first construction elements, each having a main body, and which define a plurality of connecting units which are substantially linearly oriented along a major axis of the respective main bodies, and wherein the respective connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement x, and wherein the plurality of first construction elements are oriented in a substantially perpendicular, and/or parallel relationship, one relative to the others; and

a second construction element having a main body which defines a plurality of connecting units and which are linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the major axis of the main body of the second construction element is oriented at an angle θ relative to the major axis of the main body of at least one of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ; and wherein the individual connecting units of the second construction element substantially align with the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements when the second construction element is positioned in a non-perpendicular and/or nonparallel orientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements.

8. A construction system as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the second construction element is oriented at a 45 degree angle relative to at least one of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y which is of approximately equal to the √2 times the spacing measurement x of the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements.

9. A construction system as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements are arranged in a substantially rectilinear array, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are spaced so as to substantially coaxially align relative to the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements in the rectilinear array when the second construction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular, and non-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements.

10. A construction system as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the respective first and second construction elements are utilized in a toy construction system.

11. A construction system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the connecting unit of at least one of the construction elements defines a passageway for receiving a fastener body.

12. A construction system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the connecting unit of at least one of the construction elements comprises a coupling stud.

13. A construction system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the connecting unit of at least one of the construction elements defines a cavity for receiving a coupling stud.

14. A construction system, comprising:

a plurality of first construction elements oriented in a substantially perpendicular and/or parallel relationship one relative to the others, and wherein each of the plurality of first construction elements defines a plurality of connecting units which have a substantially similar regular spacing measurement; and

a second construction element joined to at least one of the plurality of construction elements and which is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to the plurality of first construction elements, and which defines a plurality of connecting units, which are individually substantially aligned relative to the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements.

15. A construction system as claimed in claim 14, and wherein the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements are arranged in a substantially rectilinear array, and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element are spaced so as to substantially coaxially and/or linearly align relative to the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements positioned in the rectilinear array.

16. A construction system as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the first and second construction elements are utilized in a toy construction system.

17. A construction system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein at least one of the respective construction elements connecting units defines a passageway for receiving a fastener body.

18. A construction system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein at least one of the respective construction elements connecting units comprises a coupling stud.

19. A construction system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein at least one of the respective construction elements connecting units defines a cavity for receiving a coupling stud.

20. A toy construction system, comprising:

a plurality of first construction elements each having a main body which defines a plurality of passageways which extend therethrough, and which are further substantially linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the passageways of each of the plurality of first construction elements have substantially the same regular spacing measurement, and wherein the major axes of the respective first construction elements are either substantially perpendicularly oriented and/or parallel relative to the major axes of the remaining construction elements;

a second construction element having a main body which defines a plurality of passageways and which are linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and wherein the major axis of the main body of the second construction element is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to the major axis of the respective plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the passageways defined by the second construction element are substantially coaxially and/or linearly aligned with the passageways defined by the plurality of first construction elements; and

a fastener received through at least one of the coaxially and/or linearly aligned passageways of at least one of the plurality of first construction members, and the second construction member so as to couple the second construction member to at least one of the plurality of first construction members.

21. A construction system, comprising:

a plurality of first construction elements, each having a plurality of connecting units, and wherein the connecting units are arranged in a substantially rectilinear array; and

a diagonally oriented construction element fastened to at least some of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the diagonally oriented construction element has a plurality of connecting units, and which are oriented in an operational relationship relative to the connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the diagonally oriented construction element have a spacing measurement so as to substantially coaxially align relative to the plurality of connecting units in the rectilinear array when the diagonally oriented construction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular and non-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of underlying first construction elements.

22. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the connecting units of at least some of the respective construction elements define a passageway for receiving a fastener.

23. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the connecting units of at least some of the respective construction elements comprises a coupling stud.

24. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the connecting units of at least some of the respective construction elements defines a cavity for receiving a coupling stud.

25. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the respective construction elements are configured for a toy construction system.