CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A PANEL AND A PANEL LOCK
A construction system which includes a first construction element which has a first thickness, and a second construction element which has a second thickness, and the first thickness is different from the second thickness, and each construction element defines at least one passageway extending therethrough; a fastener body telescopingly received in the passageway; a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position allows the fastener body to be received in the passageway, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway.
This US Non-Provisional (Utility) Patent Application claims priority to earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 filed on 30 Apr. 2021 and titled CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A CONSTRUCTION PANEL AND PANEL LOCK. The entire contents of earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 is expressly incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.
Inventorship of earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/182,206 is the same as this US Non-Provisional Patent Application.
Pursuant to USPTO Rules this priority claim is also being presented in the Application Data Sheet (ADS) filed with this US Non-Provisional Patent Application.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a construction system, and more specifically to a construction system which includes construction elements and fasteners which are particularly useful in constructing toys and hobby crafts of various designs, and arrangements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONChildren and hobbyists have long enjoyed creative toys which have allowed the user to construct various items of interest such as boxes, small houses, bridges, airplanes, boats, 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 threaded bolt/screw. Other creative toys have included somewhat similar building units, but have further used wooden pegs to join the building units together.
The prior art is replete with numerous examples of similar creative toys. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,886, a toy construction system having reusable distensible joining members (rivets) is shown. In this particular patent, a releasable fastener is useful in an Erector™ type toy and which is a riveting device which utilizes a bullet-shaped, deformable rubber piece which may pass through adjoining members thereby fastening them together, This is best understood by reference to FIG. 3, of that patent.
In addition to the foregoing, U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,691 to Bach relates to a toy building set with interconnecting means and which is of the form typical of the LEGO™ type toys. In this reference, block-shaped building elements are disclosed, and which at least have one passage-way formed therein. Further, elements are provided that have a tenon that can be introduced into mating tubular openings in a snap-like effect thereby joining the box-like elements together.
While these various creative toys and toy construction systems have operated with a great deal of success, various shortcomings have detracted from their usefulness. For example, in the LEGO™ type building toys and/or systems, various kits are provided that will allow a hobbyist, or child to create various objects of interest. However, many kits typically do not allow the child or hobbyist to make more than a limited number of designated objects from that provided for in the kit.
Another additional shortcoming in these kits, which have been supplied heretofore, is the construction elements that are utilized with same are often releasably affixed, one relative to the others at predetermined fixed angles. Additionally, many of the construction elements are not readily rotatable, one relative to the other. Moreover, in these same toys or kits, the amount of mechanical functionality that can be imparted to same is often extremely limited. More specifically, many of these previous products fall apart when moderate force is applied to same.
Another shortcoming is that fasteners/fastening components are either incorporated directly into the construction elements (Legos™) or are threaded fasteners with corresponding threaded nuts that need to be interconnected to one another to create a connection. With threaded fasteners in particular, the number of pieces required is increased multi-fold as does the number of required tools necessary to use the construction kit.
While construction systems such as the Erector™ type sets allow for the positioning of construction elements in various angular orientations, they do not readily adapt themselves to allow others of the construction elements supplied to freely rotate one about the other. Further, known fasteners that interconnect such construction elements tend to impede any movement between the interconnected construction element components when the fasteners are tightened (screwed together/snapped together).
Therefore, a construction system which avoids the short-comings attendant with the prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subject matter of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA principal aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a first construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge; a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30a are substantially coaxially aligned; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11a.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321, 322 of the panel lock body 301.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: a first axial guide tongue 321 and a second axial guide tongue 322, that are both integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the first axial guide tongue 321 and the second axial guide tongue 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 carried at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302.
A further aspect of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11a and the first end length dimension 302a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30a.
A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body telescopingly received, at least in part, in the passageway, and which extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element; and a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position, allows the fastener body to be telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway defined by the construction element, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway defined by the construction element.
A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body that is only partially telescopingly received, in the passageway, and which simultaneously extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element; and a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position, allows the fastener body to be partially telescopingly received, at least in part, within the passageway defined by the construction element, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway defined by the construction element.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction system, which includes a first construction element having a first passageway formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and wherein a first orientation groove communicates with, and extends, at least in part along, the first passageway; a second construction element having a second passageway formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and wherein a second orientation groove communicates with, and extends, at least in part along, the second passageway, and wherein the first and second passageways have substantially similar cross sectional dimensions; a fastener body having a resiliently deformable first end, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first and second ends, and wherein the fastener body defines a longitudinally extending passageway which extends between the first and second ends, and wherein the fastener body has an outside diametral dimension at the first and second ends which is less than about the maximum inside diametral dimension of the respective passageways defined by the first and second construction elements, and an intermediate portion diametral dimension which is less than the maximum outside diametral dimension of the first and second end of the fastener body, and wherein the fastener body is telescopingly received, at least in part, in each of the first and second passageways defined by the respective construction elements, and wherein a tongue is made integral with the intermediate portion of the fastener body and extends outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the tongue is received, at least in part, in at least one of the first or second orientation grooves, and wherein the tongue substantially impedes the rotation of the first and/or second construction members about the intermediate portion of the fastener body; and a locking member having a main body with opposite first and second ends and which is telescopingly received within the longitudinally extending passageway defined by the fastener body, and which moveably and matingly cooperates with the fastener body, and wherein the main body of the locking member is linearly and rotatably moveable along a course of travel defined by the fastener body from a first position which permits the first end of the fastener body to be deformed and pass through the respective first and second passageways as defined by the first and second construction elements, and the intermediate portion of the fastener body to be received within each of the respective first and second passageways as defined by the respective first and second construction elements, and a second position, wherein the locking member is wholly received within the longitudinally extending passageway as defined by the fastener body and which impedes the removal of the fastener body from the first and second passageways.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
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).
The construction system of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in
As seen in
Unfortunately, panels 350, due to their reduced thickness between the first surface 351 and the second surface 352 (as compared to more block type construction elements (
The passageway 30 which is formed through the main body 12 is defined by a sidewall 31 which defines a first maximum inside diametral dimension 32 for the passageway 30. Further, the sidewall 31 defines a second minimum inside diametral dimension 33 as seen in
As seen in
Referring more specifically to
As seen in
As seen in
Referring still to
As should be understood, from the discussion, herein, the fastener body 40 may be fabricated in some forms of the invention where no tongue 80 is present at all. If this type of fastener body was fabricated, then both construction elements 11 and 11a would be freely rotatable thereabout the fastener body 40. Therefore, the tongue 80 is operable to be received within at least one of the orientation grooves 34, and thereafter, the tongue 80 substantially prohibits rotation of one of the construction elements 11 or 11a about the fastener body 40; and if received in the orientation grooves 34 of both construction elements 11 and 11a, then the tongue 80 is operable to substantially fixedly and angularly orient the first mentioned construction element 11 relative to the second construction element 11a as seen in
As shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
As best appreciated by a study of
The locking member 90 defines a tool engagement cavity (
As best understood by
As should be understood from the drawings, the first guide channel 64 defines the first substantially linear path of travel 120 between the first position 121 and the second position 124. As seen, by reference to
The linear and rotational movement of the locking member 90 is implemented by a tool 140 which matingly engages, and is received within the tool engagement cavity 104. As seen in
The tool 140 has a proximal or a first end 142 which is sized to be received within the tool engagement cavity 104. As seen in
Referring now to
As best appreciated by a study of
Still referring to
The tool engagement cavity 184 has a first portion 185, which is defined by a generally longitudinally extending channel having a first end 190; and an opposite, second end 191.
Additionally, the tool engagement cavity 184 has a somewhat cylindrically shaped second portion 193. The first portion 185 of the tool engagement cavity 184 has dimensions which permits it to matingly receive, and allows the passage of a tool (
Referring now to
The respective construction elements and panels 11 and 11a and 350 may be fabricated from natural materials such as metal (aluminum), wood, or other cellulosic materials and/or synthetic materials of various sorts such as nylon, plastics and other moldable materials. Still further, the fastener body 40, 300 as well as the locking member 90, 170 may be fabricated, at least in part, of a metal and/or a plastic.
OPERATIONThe operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly described at this point.
A principal object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a first construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge; a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30a are substantially coaxially aligned; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321. 322 of the panel lock body 301.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: a first axial guide tongue 321 and a second axial guide tongue 322, that are both integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the first axial guide tongue 321 and the second axial guide tongue 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system and further comprising: an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 carried at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system comprising: a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another; a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174 and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11a and the first end length dimension 302a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30a.
A further object of the present invention is a construction system 10 of which includes a construction element 11 which has at least one passageway 30 which extends therethrough; and which further includes a fastener body 40 telescopingly received, at least in part, in the passageway 30, and which extends, at least in part, outwardly relative to the construction element 11. This is best understood by reference to
More specifically, the construction system 10 of the present invention includes a first construction element 11 having a first passageway 30 formed therein and which extends there-through. Still further, a first orientation groove 34 is defined by the first construction element 11, and communicates with and extends, at least in part, along the first passageway 30. Still further, the construction system includes a second construction element 11a having a second passageway 30a formed therein. The second passageway extends therethrough, and a second orientation groove 34a communicates with, and extends, at least in part, along the second passageway 30a. The first and second passageways 30, 30a have substantially similar cross sectional dimensions and are generally cylindrical in shape. The construction system 10 of the present invention includes a fastener body 40 having a resiliently deformable first end 41, and an opposite second end 42. Still further, the fastener body 40 has an intermediate portion 43 located between the first and second ends 41 and 42. The fastener body 40 defines a longitudinally extending passageway 46 which extends between the first and second ends 41 and 42.
The fastener body 40 has a cross sectional or outside diametral dimension at the first and second ends which is less than about the first or largest inside dimension 32 of the respective passageways 30 and 30a, and is further larger than the smallest inside diametral dimension 33. Still further, the intermediate portion 43 has a cross sectional or outside diametral dimension which is less than the smallest cross sectional or inside diametral dimension 33 of the respective passageways 30, 30a as defined by the respective first and second construction element 11 and 11a. In the arrangement as seen in the Figures, the fastener body 40 is telescopingly received, at least in part, in each of the first and second passageways 30 and 30a as defined by the respective construction elements 11 and 11a. Still further, a tongue 80 (in some forms of the invention) is made integral with the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body, and extends radially outwardly relative thereto. The tongue 80 is received, at least in part, in at least one of the first or second orientation grooves 34 or 34a. The tongue 80 substantially impedes the rotation of the first and/or second construction members 11 and 11a about the intermediate portion 43 of the fastener body 40.
A locking member 90 having a main body 91 with opposite first and second ends 92 and 93, respectively is telescopingly received within the longitudinally extending passageway 46 as defined by the fastener body 40. In this regard, the first end 92 of the locking member 90 is received in the first end of the fastener body, and is pushed through the passageway 46 until the first end 92 extends longitudinally, outwardly relative to the second end 42 of the fastener body 42 (
In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the locking member 90 has a main body 91 which is defined by an exterior facing surface 94. Still further, a post 96 extends radially outwardly relative to the second end 93 thereof. In the arrangement as seen in
In the arrangement as seen in
Therefore, it will be seen that the construction system 10 of the present invention is simple in operation and allows a multitude of construction elements to be joined in a fashion not possible heretofore. The present invention further avoids many of the shortcomings attendant with the prior art practices and other assemblies which have been used for similar purposes heretofore.
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 fiat construction panel 350 having a first surface 351 and an opposing second surface 352 with a thickness dimension 357 therebetween, the first construction panel 350 defining a fastener body hole 358 therein, the fastener body hole 358 having a diameter 359, circumferential edge 360, an axis 362 and defining a radially enlarged locking notch 361 in the circumferential edge:
- a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, and the thickness dimension 25 is greater than the thickness dimension 357 of the first construction panel 350, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are juxtaposed, one relative to the other, such that the fastener body hole 358, and the second passageway 30a are substantially coaxially aligned;
- a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly teiescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303, and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 312, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317 and the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 prevents the body 301 from passing completely into and through the fastener body hole 358 defined in the first construction panel 350, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the orality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96, 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and
- a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174, and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and therein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92, 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301 to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position, and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are affixed together when the locking member 90, 170 is in the second position.
2. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:
- a locking protrusion 318 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 and flush with the side wall 317 of the radially enlarged exterior flange 314, the locking protrusion 318 configured to releasably engage with the locking notch 361 defined in the circumferential edge of the fastener body hole 358 of the first construction panel 350 and to impede rotation of the first construction panel 350 about the panel lock 300 and relative to the second construction element 11a.
3. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are both oriented in a fixed and locked position with respect to one another at predetermined angular positions which are defined by the respective locking notch 361 and the plurality of orientation grooves 34 that receive the axial guide tongue 321, 322 of the panel lock body 301.
4. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are interconnected to one another by the panel lock body 301, and at least one of the first construction panel 350 and the second construction element 11a are movable, one relative to the other, about the axis 327 of the panel lock body 301.
5. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:
- plural axial guide tongues 321, 322 that are integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and each of the plural axial guide tongues 321, 322 are configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a.
6. The construction system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:
- an exterior radially enlarged shoulder 323 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 of the panel lock 300.
7. A construction system comprising:
- a second construction element 11a having a top surface 15, and an opposing bottom surface 20 with a thickness dimension 25 therebetween, the second construction element 11a defining a second passageway 30a formed therein, and which extends therethrough, and which defines a second plurality of orientation grooves 34a which are located in spaced relation one relative to another;
- a panel lock 300 having a body 301 that has a length dimension 326, and defines a longitudinally extending axis 327, the panel lock 300 further has a resiliently deformable first end portion 302 that has a first end length dimension 302a, a second end portion 303 that has a second end length dimension 303a, and a middle portion 304 therebetween that has a middle portion length dimension 304a, the body 301 having an outer circumferential surface 305 and defining a first end exterior diameter 307 at the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, defining a middle exterior diameter 304b at the middle portion 304, and defining a second end exterior diameter 306 at the second end portion 303, and the second end exterior diameter 306 is larger than the first end exterior diameter 307 and the middle exterior diameter 304b to prevent the body 301 from being wholly telescopingly received in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a medial channel 309 that extends between the second end portion 303 and the resiliently deformable first end portion 302 and along the longitudinally extending axis 327, the medial channel 309 having an inner circumferential surface 313 and having a first end 310 proximate the resiliently deformable first end portion 302, and a second end 311 proximate to the second end portion 303 and the second end 311 of the medial channel 309 has a radially reduced interior shoulder 12, the body 301 further having an exterior radially enlarged flange 314 at the second end portion 303, the exterior radially enlarged flange 314 has a side wall 317, the body 301 further having an axially aligned guide tongue 321 that is integral with the outer circumferential surface 305 of the body 301, and the axially aligned guide tongue 321 is configured to releasably engage with one of the plurality of orientation grooves 34a defined in the second passageway 30a of the second construction element 11a, the body 301 further defining a pair of diametrically opposed and axially aligned deformations slots 324 that each communicate at first ends thereof with the deformable first end portion 302 of the body 301, and each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 define a locking recess 325 at the first end for releasable engagement with a post 96 176 of a locking member 90, 170; and
- a locking member 90, 170 releasably and at least partially telescopingly received within the panel lock body 301 and wherein the locking member 90, 170 has a main body 91, 171 defined by an exterior facing surface 94, 174, and wherein a post 96, 176 extends radially outwardly relative to the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 and wherein each of the pair of axially aligned deformations slots 324 defined in the panel lock body 301 each slidably receive the post 96, 176 and facilitate substantially linear movement of the locking member 90, 170 from a first position wherein a first end portion 92 172 of the locking member 90, 170 extends longitudinally coaxially outwardly relative to the panel lock body 301, to a second position wherein the locking member 90, 170 is coaxially received completely within the panel lock body 301, and wherein the exterior facing surface 94, 174 of the main body 91, 171 of the locking member 90, 170 is substantially immediately adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 313 of the panel lock body 301 medial channel 309, and wherein the locking member 90, 170 is axially moved to a second position without rotation, and is thereat at least partially axially rotatable when located in the second position to facilitate axially rotational movement of the post 96, 176 into the locking recess 325 and into a locked position; and wherein
- when the locking member 90, 170 is in the locked position, the panel lock body 301 is fixedly secured to the second construction element 11a and the first end length dimension 302a of the panel lock body 301 extends coaxially outwardly from the second passageway 30a.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 29, 2022
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2022
Inventors: Michael Marzetta (Liberty Lake, WA), Levi Wilson (Liberty Lake, WA), Kriston Broxson (Liberty Lake, WA)
Application Number: 17/732,887