• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A building block type construction plate is described, comprising at least one building block comprising at least one opening, and at least one holder adapted to be arranged in the opening of the building block, wherein at least a first end of the holder has a first coupling means comprises those adapted to be coupled to an element that forms a protrusion of the non-type for the building block.
    公开号:BE1018363A5
    申请号:E200900041
    申请日:2009-01-23
    公开日:2010-09-07
    发明作者:
    申请人:Rolf Theodorus Suibertus Antonius；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    HOLDERS AND ELEMENTS FOR BUILDING BLOCKS, BUILDING BLOCKS AND KITS
    OF SUCH ELEMENTS
    Description
    The present invention relates to the field of construction elements such as building blocks, such as exist, for example, in toy articles of the building block type or construction type.
    Background
    There are different types of toy building blocks and construction systems today.
    There are also different terms that stand for an elementary construction element, such as, for example, the terms "(building or construction) brick", "(building or construction) block" and "(building or construction) element" .
    Many existing building blocks are based on the combination of building elements or stones by means of a combination of a female and a male coupling structure, each of which is usually permanently arranged on one of the surfaces of a corresponding building element and which can be clamped in a complementary male or female coupling structure of a subsequent building element, for example the classic LEGO ™ building block.
    The male coupling structures protrude from the building block, which makes a good connection / attachment with other building elements possible, but which at the same time limits the number of degrees of freedom in the combination of building blocks.
    There is also often a fixed orientation direction for the structures built up by such building elements; the male and female elements are on opposite surfaces of a building element, so that a construction always ends upwards on male coupling structures, and downwards in female coupling structures, with upper and lower lying in opposite directions.
    These coupling structures can also be damaged, which at least results in a reduction of the functionality of the block and / or coupling structure; the strength of the coupling can decrease or disappear completely.
    This also means that the use of certain materials is not possible or would mean inferior quality. Often in commercial kits of such building blocks elements are added that allow to deviate to some extent from the "main direction", but these are usually present in relatively relatively small numbers so that the intrinsic "deviation" possibilities for commercially available construction packages are earlier is limited.
    The Kiditec company (www.kiditec.com) produces construction kits that include blocks that are provided with holes, through which connection elements can be fitted, which are adapted to be screwed directly into similar connection elements, and which as such can connect blocks to each other. These connecting elements of the "bolt" type are provided with a small piece of thread at the end, away from the head, which does not run the entire length of the "bolt", and is loose in the opening. The connecting element must cooperate at this end with a nut-like element in order to be coupled / fixed to the block through which the connecting element runs; this nut is integrated with the head of a following bolt, which has a threaded hole. When the bolt is fitted in the block, the head of the bolt falls into a separate stud that is integrated with the building block and protrudes above a main surface of the building block. When the head is arranged in the stud, it also protrudes above this main surface. The different studs are also located on the same side of the building block so that there is a preferred direction in the construction kit.
    Many building systems are also relatively complex, especially for a child.
    US 3 681 870, WO 2006/093540 and US 3 192 738 set forth examples of prior art construction systems.
    There is a need today for alternative building block or construction systems, which provide an answer to the limitations of the state of the art, and which are simple in design.
    Summary of the invention
    When terms such as "first", "second", "third" and so on are used, this does not necessarily mean that a consecutive or chronological order must be assumed.
    The term "comprising" must be interpreted in such a way that it does not exclude other elements or steps.
    In the context of this description, the terms "(building) brick" or "(building) block" are used to refer to this. Unless otherwise stated or implicitly clear to the skilled person, this "building block" must not have a specific shape. Various forms can be used without departing from the present invention.
    It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative construction set according to claim 1, which solves at least one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and is simple in design.
    In a first aspect of the present invention a construction set of the building type is described, comprising at least one building block comprising at least one opening, and at least one holder adapted to be arranged in the opening of the building block, in which at least one a first end of the holder comprises a first coupling means adapted to couple to an element that forms a protrusion of the stud type for the building block.
    This opening can be a blind hole (hole with bottom), but can also be a cross hole (a continuous hole).
    According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the holder may be further adapted to be fixed in the opening. This fixation can be done in various ways, such as for example: -a fixation by means of clamping the holder in the opening in the case of holders that are adapted for use in carpentry applications (radially elastically deformable holder due to, for example, a lateral incision, or by means of flaps arranged on the side surface of the container and virtually widening it, the flaps being elastically deformable and ensuring a fixation with respect to the internal wall of the opening, or a fixation by means of a pin with a serrated side surface of which the serrations can cooperate with protrusions (half balls or drops on the inside of the opening).
    - a fixation by means of one or more nuts which are complementary to the openings of the openings and which can be connected by means of a connection of the thread type to the holder which would comprise a complementary structure of the thread type on a suitable part of its in this case cylindrical outer surface, the nuts hereby also sinking into the recesses around the openings of the building blocks.
    This fixation can stop the sliding of the holder in the axial direction or stop the rotation of the holder in the opening. This fixation can stop both forms of movement, namely axial shift and rotation of the holder in the opening.
    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening is substantially cylindrical.
    This opening can also take other forms. This opening preferably has a constant radial cross-section. This cross section may be circular in the case of a cylindrical aperture, but it may also be elliptical, ovoid, square, triangular or other suitable shape as can be recognized by those skilled in the art.
    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the opening widens near and toward the outer surface of the building block to thus form, for example, an annular recess in the building block around the opening. In the case of a cylindrical aperture, the diameter of the container, when arranged in a corresponding aperture in a device, may vary continuously or discretely near and toward the outer surface of the device. For example, a beveled or a square recess can be provided around the open end of the opening.
    This recess can be defined by a surface that is flat or concave (hollow). In other words, this surface can have a curvature that is directed towards the interior of the building block.
    In preferred embodiments, the first coupling means of the holder comprises a holder hole. This holder hole can be provided with a screw-type structure inside. This coupling means is preferably adapted to be coupled to an element comprising a first bolt-type coupling means, comprising an elongated rod (threaded rod) comprising a thread type type structure. This structure may, for example, be a thread adapted to co-operate with the thread of the first coupling means of the container. Other types of coupling agents can also be used.
    In preferred embodiments, the holder is elongated and includes a second coupling means at its second end, which includes a holder hole. This holder hole can also be provided with a screw-type structure inside. This structure can be a thread, but can also be a structure that brings similar functionalities, as those skilled in the art will recognize.
    In preferred embodiments, the holder comprises a single holder hole which comprises a screw-type structure, and which comprises the first holder hole and the second holder hole. In other words, the first and second holder holes can extend into each other.
    The holder holes can be substantially cylindrical. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the length of the holder can be substantially equal to the length of the transverse hole. The length of the holder can therefore correspond to a dimension of the building block, such as, for example, the thickness of the building block. The length of the holder hole can therefore correspond to a dimension of the building block, such as, for example, the thickness of the building block.
    In preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the building block and the holder are further selected such that when the holder is arranged in the transverse hole and the holder does not protrude from the building block, the first and the second end of the holder open out at the level of, respectively, a first and a second surface of the building block.
    This first and / or second surface of the building block are preferably main surfaces of the building block. The ends of the container can be located at the height of these main surfaces. The upper surface of the container can preferably be parallel to the first or the second surface. Both end surfaces of the container can be parallel to the first and second surfaces.
    In other embodiments of the present invention, the length of the container may be less than the length of the transverse hole and may correspond to the length of the non-widened portion of the opening.
    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one holder hole widens near one and towards its open end so as to form an annular recess in the holder around the holder hole. Preferably, all holder holes of the holder comprise such widening. In the embodiment of a single continuous holder hole, this holder hole preferably comprises such widening at each of its ends.
    In further embodiments, in which the opening widens near and towards the outer surface of the building block so as to form an annular recess in the building block around the opening, the holder widens near and towards one of its ends thereby forming an annular protrusion for the holder, which is complementary to the recess in the building block around the opening. Thanks to the complementary shape of the annular protrusion of the holder to the annular recess in the building block, the top surface of the holder after insertion into the opening can reach the same level as the corresponding surface of the building block, for example a main surface of the building block. The protrusion will therefore not protrude above the surface of the building block. The protrusion can, as it were, form a head that is sunk into the building block when the holder is arranged therein. Furthermore, the protrusion also provides a fixation with respect to the building block because it limits the mounting of the holder in the opening so that the holder cannot move through the building block, or so that the holder is fixed at the correct level corresponding to a level where the top of the container corresponds to the surface of the building block, preferably a main surface of the building block.
    . The term "head" may be referred to as the annular protrusion of the container.
    It is noticeable that a building block is typically made up of different surfaces that are connected to each other. The building block typically comprises single main surfaces, surfaces that are flat and essentially do not include protrusions and notches, which may in themselves further be provided with smaller structures arranged in or on these main surfaces, such as, for example, studs.
    In a second aspect of the present invention, a container is described which is adapted to be arranged in an associated opening in a building block, being the container of the elongated type and comprising a first and a second end, wherein the container is connected to at least one first end comprises a holder hole which extends in the longitudinal direction of the holder. This holder hole is preferably further provided with a structure of the thread type, or a structure that can fulfill the function of thread. The holder hole can be located centrally in the holder and, for example, run parallel to the longitudinal axis or symmetry axis of the holder. The axis of symmetry of the holder and the holder hole can coincide.
    The holder can have a cylindrical holder hole at both ends that extends in the longitudinal direction of the holder. The holder holes can handle. both ends further comprise a thread type structure, such as, for example, thread or a structure that can fulfill the function of thread.
    In preferred embodiments, the holder comprises one cylindrical holder hole which extends in the longitudinal direction of the holder and which comprises the cylindrical openings in the first and second end. This holder hole can comprise a thread type structure, such as, for example, a thread or a structure that can fulfill the function of a thread.
    In preferred embodiments, the cylindrical holder holes (or the holder hole) widen near their open ends and thus form an annular recess around the holder hole here.
    The annular recess around the holder hole can have a width, measured according to the upper surface of the holder (or after fitting in the building block, measured according to the relevant surface of the building block), of, for example, more than 0.1 mm, more than 0.2 mm, more than 0.3 mm, more than 0.4 mm, more than 0.5 mm, more than 0.6 mm, more than 0.7 mm, more than 0.8 mm, more than 0.9 mm, more than 1 mm, more than 2 mm. A typical such width can preferably be 1 or 2 mm, but other, larger or smaller values are also possible.
    The depth of the recess can be, for example, O.lmm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, lmm, 2 mm, but smaller or larger values are also possible .
    Note that these dimensions also apply to the blocking means present in elements according to embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, such as, for example, protrusions or protruding elements, such as, for example, edges, which in typical embodiments have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the recess around the holder hole. ...
    In preferred embodiments, the container has a substantially constant radial cross-section except near and toward a first end where the container widens and thus includes a protruding edge. This widening is preferably of the ring type, and can provide an oblique or straight head to the holder. The widening can include the presence of one or more protrusions near the first end. Furthermore, the top surface of this widening, which is the top surface of the container, can furthermore preferably be flat, and be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the container. This upper surface can preferably be provided with a coupling means adapted to cooperate with a screwdriver, for example a screwdriver of the flat head type or the cross head type. This coupling means can for instance comprise a slot in the upper surface of the holder head, which increases in depth as one moves more towards the center of the slot. The increase in depth can be symmetrical on both sides relative to the center of the slot. The gradual increase in the depth of the slot can result in a sloping slot bottom, such as, for example, a slot bottom that essentially forms an arc of a circle. The use of such a slot bottom, and a screwdriver adapted thereto, provides a relatively larger contact surface between the head of the screwdriver and the slot, which can improve the grip in the slot and allow to exert relatively more force. It should be noted that the varying depth of the slot must be adjusted such that it does not extend anywhere through the head of the container.
    Furthermore, the slot can be laterally, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot, or according to the longitudinal direction of the slot, also bounded by curved interfaces (which, for example, also substantially follow an arc of a circle). The slot can include rounded corners.
    In one aspect of the invention, there is also described a flat-head type screwdriver adapted to co-operate with (at least a portion of) a slot as described above, the top surface of the head of which is sloping such as, for example, a circular arc describing the slope or arc at the bottom of the slot. Also, the junctions of the side faces defining the flat head can be rounded, unlike prior art screwdrivers that have angular junctions. This can make the screwdriver safer for children, for example. It is to be noted that this aspect of the present invention is also more broadly applicable, and can in fact be applied to any head screw means, such as screws, bolts, screws and so on.
    In preferred embodiments, the height of the edge or widening of the container is preferably less than 30 percent, less than 25 percent, less than 20 percent, less than 15 percent, less than 10 percent, less than -5 percent of the length of the container. holder.
    In preferred embodiments, in which the holder comprises an edge, the part of the holder with substantially constant cross-section is substantially cylindrical
    In other embodiments, the holder does not have a protruding edge, and the holder has a substantially constant radial cross-section. In such preferred embodiments, the holder can be substantially cylindrical.
    In preferred embodiments, the holder is further elastically deformable in the radial direction. This elastic deformation is preferably possible under forces of the order of the forces that a child can exert. These embodiments have the advantage that a holder (or connecting element) can be arranged in a complementary hole by elastic deformation, and that this connecting element is subsequently fixed in the hole or opening thanks to the elastic deformation. To this end, the holder can be made of a suitable plastic material such as a soft mousse or a hard plastic, but the non-deformability of the main part in the axial direction is preferably preserved. This can be done, for example, by providing a soft plastic or rather a hard mousse with an internal reinforcement element such as a metal or hard plastic pin that is connected to the mousse or semi-soft plastic and which is possibly also anchored in this material.
    In preferred embodiments, the holder comprises an elongated opening, notch or slot through the side wall of the holder, preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder, and which preferably extends over the entire length of the holder. This elongated opening or incision is preferably linear and preferably runs through the wall and opens into the holder hole. T
    In preferred embodiments, the holder is substantially non-elastically deformable in the axial direction as previously mentioned, in other words the holder (or the connecting element) is preferably not elastically deformable in the axial direction when it undergoes forces corresponding to the stroke of a hammer, performed by a carpentry child in a typical construction toy activity. This feature is particularly advantageous when carpentry applications (applications in which the holder is driven by one or more strokes on one end of the element (first or second) in a corresponding opening). This process can be considered essentially of a discontinuous nature since a (elastic or non-elastic) deformable connecting element would make this carpentry activity difficult or impossible. For example, instead of being molded into the complementary opening of a building block, an axially elastically deformable holder could be more likely to bend or compress, so that the connecting element cannot be inserted into the complementary hole, or not sufficiently easily, on the other elastically deformable, but deformable holder can be deformed, change shape and therefore become incompatible with the complementary hole. Furthermore, the connecting element may not break or be damaged by forces corresponding to an order of magnitude of an impact of a small hammer handled by a child.
    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lower surfaces of the containers are substantially flat. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lower surfaces of the containers may be serrated or corrugated, preferably in a complementary manner such that when two containers are placed on and against each other, with the lower surface of the first container against the upper surface of a second holder (or vice versa), the two holders are fixed relative to each other with regard to relative rotation of the holders around their common axis of symmetry. This aspect may be of particular importance in embodiments in which no other such fixation is present between containers. Other forms of the bottom and top surface of the holders can also be used which are adapted to fulfill this function. The lower and upper surfaces of the holders can for instance be provided for this purpose with suitable notches and / or protrusions.
    The building blocks according to embodiments of the present invention may include wood, or a suitable plastic material, polyethylene, plastic, a hard or soft foam material, hardboard, pressed fiber materials, etc., or consisting thereof, but other materials are possible as can be recognized by the skilled person. The building blocks can be cast or blown or manufactured by other techniques known to those skilled in the art, depending on the application.
    In embodiments, the building blocks comprise wood or consist of wood.
    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a combination of wood / plastic, wood / plastic, or (plastic or plastic) / (plastic or plastic), the building block and the container can be used respectively. In a set of building blocks, different building blocks may consist of different materials, which may preferably be adapted to cooperate with containers that all have the same composition or relevant properties.
    The building blocks according to embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured in various dimensions without losing their essential properties. For example, a building block may have a length of, for example, about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 cm, a width of, for example, about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 cm, and a height corresponding to the dimensions of the associated holders, for example 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, but smaller or larger dimensions for the different dimensions are equally possible. The holes present in the building blocks can also have the same but also different dimensions (for example, the same or different cross-sections or diameters) which, when supplied in a set together with the associated holders (or connecting element), correspond to the dimensions of this holder .
    In preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the building blocks and holders present in a kit of building blocks are chosen in a well-considered manner. For example, the dimensions of the building blocks (which, for example, can also take the form of "building plates" or "building panels", but also other shapes), can always correspond or are whole multiples of a basic measure. This provides the advantage that simple and frequent cube structures can be formed. The connecting elements or holders can therefore also have a length corresponding to this basic size or a multiple thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, beam-shaped building blocks can be provided which have a length that is twice the width and / or a height that corresponds to a third of the length. The holders or connecting elements can for instance be three basic units long and can then, for example, bind together three (or two or four or another whole number of) building blocks (for example building panels) which each have a thickness (or height) that amounts to one basic unit. Moreover, each of these three building panels can fulfill its own function and / or consist of, for example, a different material or have different colors. Building blocks can also have heights (or thicknesses) that are, for example, a whole multiple of the basic unit, while the holders or connecting elements are only a single basic unit long (or high).
    A third aspect of the present invention describes an element adapted to cooperate with a container according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first and a second end, the first and second end, a first and a second, respectively comprising coupling means adapted in each case to engage in the holder holes of the holder, wherein the element comprises a blocking means adapted to limit the insertion of the element into the holder hole by means of the first or the second coupling means on a certain depth.
    In preferred embodiments, the first coupling means comprises a thread-type structure adapted to cooperate with a thread-type structure in a container hole.
    In preferred embodiments, the second coupling means comprises a thread-type structure adapted to cooperate with a thread-type structure in a container hole.
    In preferred embodiments, the element comprises at its first and / or second end a coupling means that is not of the screw type. This coupling means can for instance be a snap connection or a push-in connection of the Lego ™ type, but can also comprise other coupling means.
    In preferred embodiments, the element is substantially in the form of a piece of (wire) rod that includes substantially flat ends, which are connected to each other by means of a longitudinal, substantially cylindrical shell, which may preferably include screw thread.
    The blocking agent can comprise at least 1 protrusion.
    The blocking means may comprise an annular edge around the cylindrical casing, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the element. The blocking means may be located substantially in the center of the jacket.
    In embodiments of the present invention, the element comprises at its first end a threaded-type coupling means and at its second end a non-threaded coupling means.
    In preferred embodiments, the element may include, or consist of, wood, or a suitable plastic material, polyethylene, plastic, hard or soft foam material, hardboard, pressed fiber materials, but other materials are possible as may be recognized by those skilled in the art.
    According to embodiments, the element is adapted to be inserted (e.g. screwed in) into the at least one cylindrical opening of the container, and the dimensions of the blocking means are selected such that the blocking means would fit into a space formed by the two annular recesses of identical holders that would be aligned, aligned and placed together with their heads. This means that, for example, when two protruding holders would be aligned and aligned against each other along the end where the respective heads are located, a space is formed by the annular recesses present near the end of the holder holes, and that the blocking means can fit into this space.
    A fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a construction set as described for one of the embodiments described for the first aspect of the present invention and comprises at least one element according to one of the embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention.
    In a fifth aspect of the present invention a building block is described which comprises at least one opening which is substantially cylindrical and of a constant radial cross-section, but which widens near and towards the open end or the open ends of the opening so as to form an annular recess to provide the building block around the open end (the open ends) of the opening.
    The recess (or notch) can have a width, measured according to the surface of the building block, of, for example, more than 1 mm, more of 2 mm, more than 3 mm. A typical such width can preferably be 4 or 5 mm, but other, larger or smaller values are also possible.
    The depth of the recess (or notch) can, for example, be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, but smaller or larger values are also possible, as long as the (maximum) depth does not exceed half the thickness of the building block.
    Note that these dimensions also apply to the widening of the holders near a first end, which in typical embodiments has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the recess (or notch) in the building block.
    In a sixth aspect of the present invention a further construction set is described, which comprises a building block with aperture according to an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention, a holder according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention adapted to be fitted in the opening of the device and which further comprises a holder hole and an element according to one of the embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention which is adapted to couple with the holder hole.
    In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a data storage medium is described which includes a program adapted to run on a computer, building blocks, holders, or elements of a construction set according to one of the embodiments according to one of the preceding aspects of the present invention to display on a screen.
    According to embodiments of the present invention, the substantially cylindrical main part or the holder comprises a widening at one of the two ends. The widening can take the form of a nut-like structure.
    In one aspect of the present invention, a building block is shown which comprises at least one coupling structure adapted and adapted to be coupled to another building block or coupling structure, in which the coupling structure is located at the end of a connecting element, the connecting element or the holder mounted and being removably secured in a hole in the building block.
    In one aspect of the present invention, a building block is shown which comprises at least one substantially cylindrical hole that passes through the building block, in which the radius of the hole widens from a certain depth towards the outer surface of the building block, such that a limited annular recess exists around the ends of a connecting element or holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, if this connecting element were adapted to the hole, would be arranged completely in the hole and a length or a main part with a height equal to the length of the hole.
    Further aspects of the present invention are described in the subclaims. The properties of the subclaims, properties of one of the subclaims and one of the features of other subclaims can be combined and considered suitable for those skilled in the art, and not only in the specific combinations as defined by the claims.
    Description of illustrative examples and drawings
    The above and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the respective drawings.
    The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention.
    Reference symbols are selected to be the same for similar or the same elements or features in different figures or drawings.
    The description of the aspects of the present invention is accomplished by means of specific embodiments and with reference to, but not limited to, certain drawings. The figures shown are only schematic and should not be construed as limiting. For example, certain elements or properties may be presented out of proportion or scale in relation to other elements.
    Figure 1 depicts embodiments of aspects of the present invention. Two building blocks (1) are connected to each other by means of an element (2) which is coupled to a first holder (top) (3) and a second holder (3) (bottom). These holders are in turn fixed in openings (11) of the building blocks.
    Their outer wall or casing (37) hereby comes into contact with the inner surface (13) of the opening in the building block. The holders (3) are arranged here in the openings by, for example, a carpentry operation. The dimensions of the container (in particular the diameter and / or the cross-section) were preferably adapted to the dimensions of the corresponding openings in the building blocks. The building blocks are typically constructed with. . . mutually connected side surfaces, which define the building block.
    The openings (11) in the building block (at least one, or more or all of the openings) preferably have an annular recess (12) near the outer surface of the building block. Near one of its two ends, the holder can preferably also comprise an annular protrusion (31) which is adapted or complementary to the annular recess (12) near the opening in the building block. The annular recesses (12) can be defined by surfaces 16 (top) and 17 (bottom). These surfaces 16 and 17 may be convex with respect to the surface of the building block, which is typically the case for blown building blocks, but are preferably flat or concave. This annular protrusion can also be referred to as the "head" of the holder, and is not necessary in certain embodiments of the. .
    present invention. The holders are arranged here in the openings in the respective building blocks such that the upper surface of the respective heads of the holders does not protrude above the corresponding (for example main) surfaces of the building blocks. In other words, the head (31) of the holder is preferably sunk into the building block because it completely disappears into the annular recess (12) around the open end of the hole in the building block. Furthermore, this head can be provided with an optional coupling means (36) for a screwdriver, which can be of the standard type of flat or crosshead, but can also be adapted according to other embodiments described earlier. The holders (3) here comprise central holder holes (35) which run centrally through the respective holders along the longitudinal direction of the holder and which are further provided with screw thread (33). Near the open end of the holder holes there is in each case an annular recess (32 in the presence of a "head", 34 in the absence thereof, preferably 32 and 34 are identical in shape). As shown in Figure 1, an element (2) comprising a first threaded coupling means (21) and a threaded second coupling means (22) may be both coupling means separated from each other by means of a blocking means (23) , are connected to the ends of holders in the building blocks so that these holders can be attached to each other.
    Figure 2 shows another representation of embodiments of the present invention, analogous to Figure 1. The lower of the two holders here has no "head" at one of its ends, but is adapted to be arranged in an opening (11) of the building block (1). The lower building block here is also, for example, substantially hollow. This figure shows a possible construction sequence of a composite structure in which a first building block (1) (below) comprises an opening (11), in which a first holder (3) (below) can be fitted. This holder comprises an annular recess (34) around (the ends of) the holder hole, the holder hole further being threaded. An element (2) ("pin") that is a first (2.1).
    and a second (22) coupling means, shown here as a piece of threaded rod comprising a substantially cylindrical tube part provided with a screw thread at both ends, and further separated by a blocking means (23) which forms, as it were, an edge at, for example, about half a height of the element. The shape of the blocking means (23) and the annular recesses (34) around the holder hole (35) are chosen such that they are complementary such that at least a part of the blocking means (23) can be received in the annular recess (34, 32) of a first holder and a second part of the blocking means can be received in a second annular recess of a second holder, such that when two consecutive holders finally come to abut against each other, they are fixed relative to each other and to of the element, and further that the blocking means is fully received in the two annular recesses (32 and 32, or 32 and 34, or 34 and 34) of the respective holders.
    The pin can then be screwed in with a first thread (21) into the complementary thread of the first holder. Thereafter, for example, a second block or building block, in which a second holder is arranged in an analogous manner (this holder here for instance has a "head"), can be tightened onto the second coupling means (22) of the pin. The pin can have a substantially flat surface at its ends (end surfaces 211 and 221). These end surfaces can further be provided with a coupling structure for, for example, a screwdriver. This may also be the case for the head of the holder, which may further comprise a structure (36) in which a screwdriver can engage. Note that the building blocks here are shown identically only as examples, but that different building blocks with different shapes can be used in combination. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container structures sink into the building blocks and therefore do not protrude therefrom. The ends (38, 39) of the holders here preferably do not exceed the main surfaces (14, 15) of the building block. In preferred embodiments, the ends 38, 39 reach the major surfaces (14, 15) of the building block. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage that the elements can actually form removable studs for a relatively simple block that includes at least one opening. It is also to be noted that the edges of the building blocks in the figures have been rounded off, which may be useful for aesthetic and safety reasons, but that this is not strictly necessary. The blocks shown are cubic or beam-shaped, but can also take other forms.
    Figure 3a shows a further structure with elements according to the present embodiment.
    Here, different holders (3) are coupled to each other with the aid of connecting elements (2). In Figure 3a, a first holder with head is connected to a series of cylindrical holder without head and then to a second holder with head by means of the connecting elements ("pins") according to embodiments of the present invention. In this way, for example, an axle can be formed which can be used in the construction of toy structures in which this axle can, for example, serve as axle for the wheels of a trolley.
    The structure of this construction is further illustrated in Figure 3b.
    Figure 4 shows a further pin or element in which the first coupling structure (21) is of the thread type and in which the second coupling structure (22) comprises a coupling structure of the snap connection type. These pins can allow couplings with other building kits, or with other adapted coupling structures. Figure 5 shows a similar element in which the second coupling structure is not a snap connection, but a slide-in connection of, for example, the LEGO type. The elements from figures 4 and 5 can be used to further provide a building block that is initially only provided with holes with, in the first instance, holders, but in a second instance also removable studs. It is an advantage of the embodiments of the present embodiment that these studs can be fitted when they are really needed for the output of a particular construction, where certain prior art includes fixed studs that form functional or aesthetic obstructions.
    Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in which the holder is fixed in the opening in the building block, by means of a threaded connection. The casing of the holder (37) (also the outer surface of the holder) is herein provided with screw thread and the inner surface (13) of the hole in the building block is herein provided with a complementary structure of the thread type, screw thread or similar structure. This holder has no "head" or "edge" near one of its ends, but this is also possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art.
    Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the coupling of the holder with the opening in the building block could be effected by the use of a ribbed side wall (37). This side wall may, for example, comprise adjacent ridges or be covered with such adjacent ridges that run in the longitudinal direction of the holder. When pushing into the opening in the building block, these ridges can, for example, cooperate with half-ball structures or drip structures or other relief structures arranged on a further substantially even inner surface (13) of an opening, so as to ensure a suitable fixation of the holder in the corresponding building block. The upper and lower surfaces (38, 39) of the holders here are substantially flat.
    Figure 8 describes embodiments similar to the embodiments of Figure 7, which, however, comprise a corrugated upper and lower surface (38 ', 39'). When stacking such holders, the respective upper and lower surfaces fit into each other so that the relative rotation around the common axis of symmetry of the holders relative to each other is made impossible. Instead of group structures, other blocking structures can also be used, such as, for example, a serrated structure or a tilting structure. These upper and lower surfaces of the holders preferably have a complementary structure. They preferably have a structure that is self-complementary. The side wall 37 'of the holders here comprises an alternative form of ridge structure, from a substantially flat surface which is provided with a series of parallel grooves or notches, which are arranged at regular distances from each other. These grooves or notches are preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder.
    In the description of certain embodiments of the present invention, various features are sometimes grouped in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of contributing to the understanding of one or more of the various inventive steps. This should not be interpreted as if all the properties of the group are necessarily present to solve a specific problem. Inventive aspects are not present in all features of such group features in the description of a specific embodiment.
    While some embodiments described herein include some but no other features included in other embodiments, combinations or features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and to form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
    While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made by way of example only, and is not limitative of the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (21)
    [1]
    A building block type construction set, comprising at least one building block comprising at least one opening, at least one holder adapted to be arranged in the opening of the building block, and at least one element which is a protrusion of the stud type for the device, in which at least a first end of the holder comprises a first holder hole adapted to couple to the element, the holder hole being provided with a thread-type structure inside, being a thread or a structure that functions of screw thread, the element comprising a first and a second end, the first end comprising a coupling means adapted to engage in the holder hole of the holder, wherein the first coupling means of the element comprises a structure of the thread type which is adapted to cooperate with a thread-type structure in the first holder hole.
    [2]
    A construction set according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a transverse hole.
    [3]
    A construction set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the holder is substantially equal to the length of the transverse hole.
    [4]
    A construction set according to claim 3, wherein the dimensions of the building block and the holder are further selected such that when the holder is arranged in the transverse hole and the holder does not protrude from the building block, the first and the second end of the holder terminate at the level of respectively a first and a second surface of the building block.
    [5]
    A construction set according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder is further adapted to be removably fixed in the opening.
    [6]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is elongated and comprises a second coupling means at its second end, which comprises a holder hole, wherein the holder hole is provided on the inside with a thread type structure, being thread or a structure can fulfill the function of screw thread.
    [7]
    A construction set according to claim 6, wherein the holder comprises a single holder hole, comprising the first holder hole and the second holder hole.
    [8]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one holder hole widens near and towards its open end so as to form an annular recess in the holder around the holder hole.
    [9]
    A construction set according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the two holder holes widen near and toward their open end so as to form annular recesses in the holder around the holder holes.
    [10]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening widens near and towards the outer surface of the building block so as to form an annular recess in the building block around the opening.
    [11]
    A construction set according to claim 10, wherein the holder widens near and toward one of its ends, thereby forming an annular protrusion for the holder, which is complementary to the recess formed in the building block around the opening.
    [12]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is elastically deformable in the radial direction.
    [13]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder further comprises an elongated opening through the side wall of the holder, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder, and extending along the entire length of the holder.
    [14]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is substantially non-elastically deformable in the axial direction.
    [15]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end of the element comprises a second coupling means adapted to engage in a holder hole and wherein the second coupling means of the element comprises a thread-type-type structure adapted to cooperate with a thread-type structure in a container hole.
    [16]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element comprises a blocking means adapted to limit the insertion of the element into the holder hole by means of the first or the second coupling means to a certain depth.
    [17]
    A construction set according to claim 16, the element being substantially in the form of a piece of threaded rod comprising substantially flat ends, which are connected to each other by means of a longitudinal substantially cylindrical shell.
    [18]
    A construction set according to claim 17, wherein the blocking means of the element comprises at least one protrusion.
    [19]
    A construction set according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the blocking means comprises an annular edge around the cylindrical casing, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the element.
    [20]
    A construction set according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the blocking means is located substantially in the center of the casing.
    [21]
    A construction set according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, wherein the dimensions of the blocking means of the element are chosen such that the blocking means would fit into a space formed by the two annular recesses of identical holders that are aligned, aligned and with each other. their heads would be placed against each other.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2010012050A1|2010-02-04|
    WO2010012050A4|2010-03-25|
    BE1018236A5|2010-07-06|
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    法律状态:
    2018-02-15| MM| Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee|Effective date: 20170131 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    BE200800431|2008-07-31|
    BE200800431A|BE1018236A5|2008-07-31|2008-07-31|CONNECTION ELEMENT FOR BUILDING BLOCKS, BUILDING BLOCK, NUTS AND KITS OF SUCH ELEMENTS.|EP09818671.1A| EP2389233B1|2009-01-23|2009-12-15|Holders and elements for building bricks, building bricks and kits of such elements|
    PCT/BE2009/000061| WO2010083575A1|2009-01-23|2009-12-15|Holders and elements for building bricks, building bricks and kits of such elements|
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