Abstract: A modular building system consists of panels of various sizes and shapes that join together through a series of primary joints and secondary joints. The primary joint and secondary joint have key-to-keyway fasteners and wedge-to-slot fasteners. In this way any panel can attach to any other panel. Panels could be joined for form larger panels and cutouts or other features could be included in the panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting structure for plate members, including a projection projected from one of the plate members in a first direction, and a groove provided on the other of the plate members to have inner faces facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction and configured to fittingly receive the projection. The projection includes a main body, a resilient portion provided on one side of the main body in the second direction and resiliently inwardly deformable in the second direction, and an engagement portion outwardly expanded in the second direction from the resilient portion and configured to be plastically deformed along and engage with one of the inner faces of the groove when the groove fittingly receives the projection.

Abstract: Fall protecting flooring element that comprises a flat rectangular body of a resilient Material having a lower face, an upper face, four sides, patterns at its four sides that enable interlocking several similar flooring elements by form-fitting connections. Respective short straight corner sections are provided that constitute a part of the side of the concerned side. The patterns comprise alternating sequence of connection tabs and connection recesses. The connection tabs have identical profiles but inverse of the profiles of the connection recesses. A plurality of fall protecting floor elements can be connected together to form a flooring.

Abstract: Most children's construction sets fail when to comes to providing children with a fast and easy way to build large structures, such as houses and forts. They fail because the methods they use to connect the pieces of the set are not feasible, don't enable the children to build large structure, or quickly damage the pieces themselves. This application represents years of refinement to produce a novel “turn-key” design that makes it very easy for children to build such structures—or any other large objects they can imagine. The novelty of this approach includes a slotted “Connecting Element” that users can slip between cutout made in the edges of “Planar Elements.” The user inserts the Connecting Element, lines up the slots on the element with the edges of two adjacent Planar Elements, and then rotates the Connecting Element approximately 90 degrees to connect said Planar Elements using friction and compression.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for building a structure that includes a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape having an outside face opposing an inside face. The outside face is connected to the inside face by a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. Each wall includes a first projection has an outer surface that is continuous with the outside face, a first recess that is positioned opposite and extends away from the first projection, a second projection that has an inner surface that is continuous with the inside face, a second recess that is positioned opposite and extends away from the second projection, and a coupling projection. The coupling projection is positioned opposite at least one of the first recess and the second recess.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biaxial moment resisting column assembly allows the column assembly to be formed with a minimum of external fixturing. A column of the column assembly functions as a jig for sequentially attaching each gusset plate to the column and in some instances to other gusset plates to form a gusset plate assembly of the column assembly. In some embodiments, all welds used to form the gusset plate assembly are made in the horizontal welding position. Movement of the column to different positions can be achieved by rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An interlinking assembly device for generating three-dimensional objects. The device includes a unit having a pair of wings and at least one loop. The wings have slots that can accept a wing from another unit. The at least one loop can also accept a wing from another device, allowing multiple rows to be linked and extend in three dimensions. A kit includes more than one unit and can include more than one embodiment of the unit.

Abstract: An interactive educational toy, having six faces in a manner permitting multi-planar movement; each of the six jointed faces is comprised of plurality of bars pivotally connected in a pantographic configuration; the six faces each include sides, and the sides of adjacent faces are hinged together to form a cube that can shift into variously proportioned parallelepipeds.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.

Abstract: A building toy block set consisting of base blocks and connection blocks is disclosed. Each base block has a connection notch located on each of multiple peripheral sides thereof and extending in direction toward the center thereof, and two pivot holes arranged at two opposite lateral sides of each connection notch. Each connection block has two pivot pins respectively located on two first opposing sides thereof and respectively pivotally connectable to the pivot holes at two opposite lateral sides of one connection notch of one base block, and a plug rod and a plughole respectively located on two second opposing sides thereof in such a manner that the plug rod of one connection block can be press-fitted into the plughole of another connection block.

Abstract: A decoration includes a first, lower decoration member and a second, lower decoration member detachably connected to the first, lower decoration member. Each lower decoration member includes a lower main body having first and second lower branch portions and a lower engaging slot in an upper end thereof. The decoration further includes at least one upper decoration member. The upper decoration member includes an upper main body having first and second upper branch portions and an upper engaging slot in a lower end thereof. The lower engaging slots of the first and second lower decoration members are engaged with the upper decoration member, and the upper engaging slot of the upper decoration member is engaged with the first and second lower decoration members. The decoration can be quickly assembled and exhibit a rich visional appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: One piece, injection-moldable, functionally polyhedral construction modules. The construction modules are thin-walled, cored out versions of a polyhedron. Each construction module comprises one polyhedron wall portion that is interiorly tangent to each face of at least one set of identical faces of a superimposed polyhedron template. Each polyhedron wall portion forms a complex with its tangent face of its superimposed polyhedron template that is the mirror image of at least half of such complexes. Each polyhedron wall portion is visible in both directions along a predetermined axis. Each polyhedron wall portion comprises an asymmetric aligning means that may include one or more snap-fit connectors. Every polyhedron wall portion is part of a single piece of material. Accordingly, these construction modules may be injection molded as single pieces of material, and, when they are aligned face-to-face, they exhibit the constructive properties of their polyhedron templates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A children's toy is disclosed, including a block, a casing affixed to the block, and a magnet housed within the casing, the magnet freely moveable within the casing. The freely moveable magnet allows for universal magnetic connections to be made with other similar blocks, as well as other fixed or moveable magnetic elements. Also disclosed are a variety of connectors that connect to the blocks in several different manners.

Abstract: A toy building set with toy building elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy building elements, which further comprises outer and inner toy building elements with a longitudinal direction. The inner toy building elements are receivable in the outer toy building elements, and the inner toy building elements are slideable in the outer toy building elements along their parallel longitudinal directions. The outer toy building elements can be interconnected in their longitudinal directions to form a composite outer toy building element, and the inner toy building elements can be interconnected in their longitudinal directions to form a composite inner toy building element that can be slideably received in the composite outer toy building element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking bosses for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a spherical block structure wherein each spherical block is made up of three intersecting rings corresponding to the three axes (x, y and z) of the sphere. Each ring comprises eight subunits with two of those subunits being shared with each of the other two rings. The spherical block structure created by the intersecting rings results in a hollow center with eight cavities radiating outward, the cavities providing a location for the disposition of a connection means whereby individual spherical blocks may be releasably connected to form larger structures.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes: a plurality of flat panels; and a plurality of connecting units provided on side edges of the flat panels. Each connecting unit includes first and second engaging parts. The first engaging part is formed with a protrusion, and the second engaging part is formed with a recess such that the protrusion of the first engaging part on one of the flat panels is releasably engageable with the recess of the second engaging part on another of the flat panels. The second engaging part is further formed with resilient claws that project from a periphery of the recess. The claws of the second engaging part on one of the flat panels clamp resiliently the protusion of the first engaging part on another of the flat panels when the protrusion is moved into the recess of the second engaging part.

Abstract: A housing structure includes a first plurality of wall panels which form a lower course and a second plurality of wall panels which form an upper course. Each of the wall portions is generally rectangular and includes integrally formed interlocking portions which facilitate attachment of adjacent lateral edges of the wall portions of the first plurality to each other. Integrally formed interlocking portions facilitate attachment of the panels in the lower course to the panels in the upper course. In addition, rectangular roof panels are provided to enclose the housing structure. The interlocking portions enable the panels to slide into an interlocked engagement configuration thereby forming a rigid structure without the need for tools.

Abstract: A stackable building wall unit adapted to be stacked with a plurality of identical building wall units in a plane to form a wall comprising three rectangular panels each including inner and outer faces, a pair of spaced apart long edges, and a pair of spaced apart short edges joined to the short edges of the other two panels to form a triangular, stackable building wall unit which can be stacked with the exterior surfaces of the panels in abutting relation. The exterior face of at least one of the panels includes a female recess therein for receiving a complementally formed key to facilitate alignment and preclude relative shifting of the stacked units in a direction extending between said long edges between the long edges. The key may suitably comprise a complementally formed male projection extending outwardly from another panel of an abutting unit.

Abstract: Building elements for constructing a play structure comprise polyethylene members. In one embodiment, the members are extruded cylinders and include notches or other interlocking features. In another embodiment, the members are flat panels and include notches, teeth, apertures or other interlocking features. A play structure comprises a plurality of the building elements connected to one another. In one embodiment, the play structure comprises a cabin. Walls of the cabin are constructed by interlocking elongate wall elements. The cabin includes a roof constructed from interlocked flat panels or slats. A roof support elevates the roof over the walls and connects the roof to the walls. A method of constructing a play structure comprises assembling a plurality of the building elements.

Abstract: A three dimensional model comprising a substantially planar base mounting member having opposite top and bottom surfaces; a first building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said building structure; and a second building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said second building structure.

Abstract: A building structure (10 or 10?) has a wall (16) including a plurality of wall elements (12 or 12?). Each wall element is connected to a plurality of other wall elements so as to form the wall. Each wall element includes a connecting means for connecting the adjacent wall elements together to form the wall. The wall is formed at least three consecutively connected rings (15 or 15 and 17) of interlocking wall elements. Each of the wall elements in each ring being of the same size. Each of the wall elements in a first ring of the consecutively connecting rings being larger than the wall elements of a second ring of the consecutively connected rings and each of the elements in the second ring being larger than the wall elements of a third ring of the consecutively connected rings.

Abstract: A modular unit system for constructing a modular structure comprises different modular unit sets each having identical modular units. The modular units of each modular unit set has connecting surfaces each for connection to a corresponding connecting surface of at least one other identical modular unit or to a corresponding connecting surface of one of the modular units of another of the modular unit sets to construct a modular structure, such as a building structure, having a predetermined configuration. All of the modular units of each of the modular unit sets have a ladder-like configuration having at least two generally parallel sidepieces connected by at least four crosspieces except for the modular units of one preselected modular unit set. Each modular unit of one of the modular unit sets having the ladder-like configuration has a support member disposed between the two generally parallel sidepieces in parallel relation thereto.

Abstract: A game apparatus of education and entertainment purposes comprises a number of building pieces and a number of connector pieces. The building pieces have peripheral edges that employ slots to receive complementary sized portions of the connector pieces. The connector pieces have a number of different configurations to permit creation of a variety of three dimensional shapes, including arranging building pieces at right angles, and oblique angles. The building pieces can have indicia thereon to create text, images, or combinations thereof when put together. The building pieces are modularly sized so that differently shaped and sized pieces can easily fit together.

Abstract: A modular house toy includes a fixed supporting structure made of a solid floor, a solid ceiling, a solid back wall connecting the floor to the ceiling, and an open arch connecting the floor to the ceiling. The back wall and/or the arch permanently connect the floor to the ceiling in respective connection planes. A modular house toy configuration includes at least two fixed supporting structures. One fixed supporting structure is removably connected to another in six positions. Preferably, the floor and the ceiling have the same shape and the back wall and the arch have the same shape to allow repetitious and modular interlocking of one modular house toy to another module house toy. Wall and arch extensions are inserted into floor depressions and other wall and arch extensions are inserted into ceiling depressions to connect the floor to the ceiling.

Abstract: The invention provides a container (10) for separately containing a first flowable material (15) and a second flowable material (17) until mixing of the first and second flowable materials is desired comprising: (i) a first chamber (13) containing the first flowable material and having a first head space (14) comprising gas at a pressure greater than or equal; to atmospheric pressure; (ii) a second chamber (16) containing the second chamber (16) containing the second flowable material, the second flowable material containing gas, and optionally, the second chamber comprising a second head space (18) containing gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; (iii) means for reducing the pressure in the first chamber; (iv) means (20) for transferring gas between the first and second chambers; and (v) means for transferring the second flowable material into the first flowable material when the pressure in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A converted wood article for use in combination with other converted wood articles to form composite wood products for use in general construction such as in the construction of posts, flooring, walls and support beams.

Abstract: The four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks the branches of which are resilient, which are each provided with a recess and with an embossment. These protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus articulated to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are determined in such a way that the four plates can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be articulated all the four to each other. With respect to a central axis, the half-series of each element are not symmetrical but they can be identical.

Abstract: The invention discloses a toy brick game having at least two toy bricks and at least one connector for connecting the above at least two toy bricks together. The toy bricks can be one of a variety of geometrical shapes but have at least three side edges. Each side edge has a notch and two cylindrical stubs formed on the surface defining the notch. The connector can connect two or more toy bricks together by engaging a slit defined in a pole thereof with the cylindrical stub. The engagement is not only easily achieved and strong enough to allow robust models to be constructed, it also allows one toy brick to be able to rotate in two directions with respect to another toy brick connected thereto by the connector thus providing the user interest and pleasure.

Abstract: The present invention is for a modeling kit in which triangularly shaped panels fit together to form the faces of either tetrahedral or octahedral modules. Centrally located in the triangularly shaped panels are face-to-face interlocking mechanisms which allow different modules to be releasably attached to each other at matching faces. Multiple interlocking modules may then be used to model complex constructs such as lattices, matrices or crystalline structures.

Abstract: A constructional toy component (13) which has on at least one edge (11), two portions (15, 16) each of which has associated therewith one of two complementary members (19, 18) the arrangement being such that when two similar edges are brought into abutment but in the opposite sense, the complementary members (19, 18) can interengage if one of the components is initially flexed to effectively vary the spacing between the complementary members thereon. In one form of the invention, the edges are formed of rod like members and thus the component is basically defined by a peripheral frame.

Abstract: Four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks, the branches of which are resilient. Each fork is provided with a recess and with an embossment. The protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus assembled to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are arranged in such a way that the four elements can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be assembled together by engagement of the protrusions of any one element with those of another element. The protrusions on respective halves of each element are not arranged symmetrically, but they can be identical.

Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: A modular building model is provided. The modular building model includes a base and a lower level module disposed on and engaged with the base. An upper level module is disposed on and engaged with the lower level module. The base includes a releasable securing mechanism that secured the upper level module to the lower level module. The releasable securing mechanism permits easy assembly and disassembly of the model for travelling and storage purposes, and variation of mold buildings.

Abstract: A modular unit system for constructing a modular structure comprises different modular unit sets each having a identical modular unit. The modular units of each modular unit set has connecting surfaces each for connection to a corresponding connecting surface of at least one other identical modular unit or to a corresponding connecting surface of one of the modular units of another of the modular unit sets to construct a modular structure, such as a building structure, having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: The structures of this invention comprise a plurality of panels. Rod formations are associated with the panels along at least some edges thereof. Joining devices consisting of elongated frame members are provided with openings for removably receiving the rod formations with the associated panel edges. Connectors are utilized for receiving the respective ends of the frame members. By providing a plurality of openings in the connectors for receiving different rod ends, and by providing a plurality of such connectors, numerous temporary structural configurations can be achieved.

Abstract: A modular building for a toy building set includes a planar member, or foundation, having raised ribs on its top and a wall member having a wall portion and a base portion. The wall portion of the wall member is substantially orthogonal to the base portion of the wall member. The base portion of the wall member has a cleft therein sized to receive one of the ribs of the foundation to removably attach the wall member to the foundations. A substantially planar coupler connects at least two or more of the foundation. The coupler has at least two clefts therein. The clefts are sized to receive the ribs on each of the two foundations for removable attachment of the foundation to the coupler.

Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: A three dimensional geometric structural framework made up of subassemblies of cross members connected by end connectors. The subassemblies are then interconnected with clip members. The cross members have a cross section providing protruding triangular arrowhead corners and the clip members are shaped for engaging and retaining the arrowhead corners of juxtaposed cross members together in fixed relationship.

Abstract: A construction toy includes a plurality of rigid die-cut laminated plastic modular cards having a plurality of sides. A first side of a first card has a plurality of cuts opposite and complementary to respective cuts of a first side of a second card, such that the cards may be assembled by interfacing sides in mating relation. The side of a card extends along an axis and is defined by a varying height profile formed by inner and outer lands, an outer land being along the outer edge of the side, and an inner land being recessed inwardly therefrom. The cards have a first assembled condition with coincident axes providing two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures. A slit in the side enables a third assembled condition with noncoincident axes.

Abstract: A constructional toy system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to construct an object. Each piece has at least one section having opposing first and second notches, and a tongue defining a neck between the first and second notches, the tongue having a width and opposing first and second flaps. Each piece further includes at least one aperture having an edge and having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the tongue so that the opposing flaps of the tongue of one of the sections of the instant piece or another piece must be bent to insert the tongue through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the section with the instant piece at the location of the aperture.

Abstract: A transformable geometric construction set composed of triangular modules having different geometrical forms and sizes, the modules being interlinkable to create a planar mosaic that is transformable by a player into three-dimensional abstract or figurative structures having ornamental and/or utilitarian value. Each module is constituted by a triangular plate having slotted edges that define three side tines, each extending from a respective vertex. Interhinging of adjacent modules is effected by a coupling sleeve fitting over abutting tines of the modules whereby the modules can then be angled with respect to each other. Two adjacent modules may also be interconnected by intermeshing the abutting side tines of these modules.

Abstract: A construction toy block set including a plurality of toy block elements respectively made of flat shape, a plurality of swivel connectors, and a plurality of fixed connectors, the block elements having pins and coupling recesses for coupling to one another directly, and retaining slots for coupling to one another by the swivel connectors or the fixed connectors, the swivel connectors being adapted for connecting the block elements together, permitting them to be turned relative to one another, the fixed connectors being adapted for connecting the block elements together and preventing them from being turned relative to one another.

Abstract: A geometric construction toy set composed of triangular modules having different geometrical forms and sizes, the modules being interlinkable to create a planar mosaic that is transformable by a player into three-dimensional abstract or figurative structures. Each module is constituted by a triangular plate having slotted edges that define three side tines, each extending from a respective vertex. Interhinging of adjacent modules is effected by a coupling sleeve fitting over abutting tines of the modules whereby the modules can then be angled with respect to each other. Two adjacent modules may also be interconnected by intermeshing the abutting side tines of these modules.

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: A construction toy set of planar blocks with edge apertures and hinged connectors including a plurality of block elements respectively made of flat shape, and a plurality of swivel connectors, each block element having a top side, a bottom side, a plurality of peripheral sides, a plurality of pins at the top side, a plurality of pin holes at the bottom side, a plurality of first retaining grooves equiangularly spaced from one another and respectively disposed in parallel with the peripheral sides, and a plurality of second retaining slots respectively and perpendicularly extended from the first retaining slots to the border, each swivel connector having two reversed base elements turned about an axle, each base element having an axle housing at one end mounted around the axle, a retainer plate at an opposite end for fitting into one first retaining slot, a pin at one side for fitting into one pin hole, and a pin hole at an opposite side for receiving one pin.

Abstract: A polygonal element is provided for forming polyhedral structures, particularly for use as an educational constructional toy. The polygonal element has side margins each comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, first and second projections extending outwardly of the outer edge and a recess defined by the first and second projections. The first projection comprises a pair of spaced limbs unconnected at their outer ends. The side face of the recess defined by an inner limb of the first projection is an abutment face. One of the side faces of the recess opposite the abutment face and the outer side face of the outer of said limbs is provided with a projecting hinge pip and the other with a corresponding hinge socket.

Abstract: To create decorative border arrangements on the ground, a kit of blocks and interconnecting pieces is provided. To assemble the blocks end to end into a row, the opposite end faces of the blocks and the two opposite sides of the interconnecting pieces comprise respective mutually mating interconnecting elements extending transversely of the row and being slidable in each other upon transversal displacement of an interconnecting piece between the confronting end faces of a pair of consecutive blocks, thus fastening the two confronting end faces together. When desired, pickets are used to anchor the blocks to the ground to obtain a semi-permanent construction.