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(11) | EP 0 198 652 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Construction apparatus |
| (57) A construction apparatus has a plurality of relatively flat components (8, 50, 56,
88, 90) having at least three sides, an elongated rod-like member (25, 52) extending
along each side and enlarged corner portions (26, 54) between the members. A plurality
of connectors (6) is provided for connecting together adjacent sides of adjacent members
to form structures. Each connector has a pair of recesses (62, 64) shaped to releasably
embrace adjacent pairs of members (25, 52). The recesses of each connector open outwardly
in a common direction so connectors may be positioned on pairs of members without
altering previously formed portions of the structure. |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a construction. apparatus useful as a toy, amusement device, or for making models of the type having a plurality of components which can be connected together by connectors.
[0002] A number of construction apparatuses have been developed in the past which include a plurality of plane figures, typically having three, four or five sides, and connectors for connecting the plane figures together to form three dimensional shapes. Examples are disclosed in United States patent numbers 3,120,078 to Bessinger; 2,776,521 to Zimmerman; 3,597,858 to Ogsbury and 3,000,134 to Marini as well as British patent number 918,877 to Zander and German patent number 617,011 to Fay.
[0003] In Zimmerman and Zander the plane figures are formed by perimeter members surrounding a substantially open central area. Zander discloses separate plates which are fitted to the perimeter members to fill the central area.
[0004] Each panel in Ogsbury is provided with beaded joint portions along each side edge thereof. The beaded joint portions are substantially in the shape of rods extending along the sides. Ogsbury employs elongated connectors which have sockets for receiving the beaded joint portions. Some of these connectors are substantially W-shaped in section. One advantage of using such connectors is that they permit adjacent panels to be aligned at different angles according to the particular three dimensional shape being made. This is shown in Figure 9 of Ogsbury. However, the shapes of connectors disclosed by Ogsbury present difficulties in construction. Such connectors cannot be fitted between an existing structure and a new panel in some situations without disturbing the existing structure. In such situations Ogsbury does not allow the new panel to be placed in its final position and then place the various connectors where required between the new panel and existing structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a construction apparatus having a plurality of relatively flat components with at least three sides. An elongated rod-like member extends along each side and enlarged corner portions are between the members. There is a plurality of connectors for connecting together adjacent sides of adjacent members to form structures. Each connector has a pair of recesses shaped to releasably embrace adjacent pairs of the members. The recesses of each connector open outwardly in a common direction so connectors may be positioned on pairs of members without altering previously formed portions of the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a top plan of a three-sided flat construction component according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan thereof showing the component fitted with a plate-like member spanning the open centre portion thereof, the plate-like member being partly broken away.
Figure 3 is a top plan equivalent to Figure 1 showing a four-sided component;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan thereof shown fitted with a four-sided plate-like member, the plate-like member being partly broken away;
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the component shown in Figure 3 fitted to a similar said component;
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a partly broken away sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 4 and showing the plate-like member connected by a rod to a similar plate-like member;
Figure 8 is a top plan of a five-sided flat component fitted with a five-sided plate-like member which is partly broken away;
Figure 9 is a top plan of a connector for connecting together the components of Figures 1 - 8;
Figure 10 is an end elevation thereof;
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9;
Figures 12-14 are fragmentary sectional views showing the connector of Figure 9 connecting together flat components of Figures 1 - 8 at three different angular positions;
Figure 15 is a similar sectional view showing how the connector is swung into position to connect together the flat components without moving the positions of the flat components;
Figure 16 shows a plurality of three-sided flat components connected together with the connectors to form a hexagonal figure;
Figure 17 shows a three dimensional dodecahedron formed with twelve five-sided flat components as shown in Figure 8 when connected together by the connectors of Figure 9; and
Figure 18 is a simplified perspective view of a model space station formed with a plurality of the flat components, connectors, plate-like members and rods.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] A toy or model, such as the space station 1 of Figure 18 is constructed by connecting together a plurality of three-dimensional structures such as the dodecahedron 2 of Figure 17. In turn, this structure is made by connecting together a plurality of flat components having at least three sides as shown in Figures 1 - 8. Alternatively, these flat components can be connected together to form a larger planar shape such as hexagon 4 of Figure 16 formed by connecting together six of the triangular components shown in Figures 1 and 2. The flat components of Figures 1 - 8 are connected together by connectors 6 shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. Larger planar structures such as the hexagon of Figure 16 or three-dimensional structures such as the dodecahedron 2 of Figure 17 are connected together to form more elaborate structures such as the model of Figure 18 by at least three different methods. Firstly, each of the flat components, such as four-sided component 8 of Figures 3 and 4, is fitted with a protrusion 10 near each corner on the top side thereof and a complementary socket 12 on the bottom thereof near each corner. The sockets and protrusions extend perpendicularly to the plane defined by the flat component and are capable of connecting similar flat components together as illustrated in Figure 5. Alternatively, each flat component has a plurality of sockets 14 arranged around the edge thereof, two adjacent each corner. These sockets are capable of receiving one end of a rod 23 as shown in Figure 3, the other end of which may be fitted to another flat component to connect them together. A third method employs plate-like members, such as four-sided plate-like member 18 shown partly broken away in Figure 4. Member 18 spans the square centre opening 20 of component 8 and has a central socket 22 capable of receiving a rod, such as rod 24 of Figure 7, the other end of which is capable of being fitted into an equivalent socket in another plate-like member fitted to a flat component of any shape provided.
[0008] Referring to the flat components in more detail, it may be seen in Figures 3 and 4 that the four-sided flat component 8 has an elongated rod 25 extending along each side thereof to form a perimeter frame with four corner portions 26. The rods are cylindrical in shape and are, in this embodiment, integral with the corner portions. The corner portions 26 have three flat flanges 28, 30 and 32, as shown in the lower left hand corner portion 26 of Figure 3, which are co-planar with the flat component. Flanges 30 and 32 are seen on edge in the side elevation of Figure 5 which shows two components 8 connected together. The flat flanges are strengthened by webs 34 and 36 which extend outwardly from each corner along the inside of each of the corner portions towards the rods 24. Perpendicular webs 38 and 40 extend from webs 34 and 36 adjacent the rods. There are also strengthening webs 42 and 44 extending perpendicularly towards the sides of the flat components at each corner on the top of sockets 14 and equivalent webs 46 and 48 on the bottom of the sockets. The corner portions including the perpendicular webs, such as webs-42 and 46, have curved outer edges as seen for example in Figure 5. This allows adajcent flat components to be in contact while connected at different angular positions as described below and shown in Figures 12 - 14. As described previously, there is a protrusion 10, generally in the shape of a cylindrical tube, on the top of each corner portion and a complementary socket 12 directly below it on the bottom of each corner portion. These are adapted to be interfitted as shown in Figure 5. The remaining corner portions of the four-sided component of Figures 3 and 4 are identical to the one described.
[0009] Figures 1 and 2 show a three-sided or triangular flat component 50 provided with three rods 52 and three corner portions 54. The rods and corner portions are similar to those of the four-sided component with necessary adjustments to the shape, particularly of the corner portions as may be seen. Likewise, the five-sided component 56 of Figure 8 is similar, having five rods 58 and five corner portions 60.
[0010] Figures 9 - 11 illustrate connector 6 used to connect the flat components together. As shown best in Figure 10, each connector has a pair of recesses 62 and 64 which are substantially U-shaped to releasably embrace adjacent pairs of rods of adjacent flat components, such as the rods 25 of four-sided flat components 8 of Figures 3 and 4. It may be observed that the recesses face outwardly in the same direction, namely downwards from the point of view and in the orientation of Figure 10. The recesses are elongated as may be observed in the left connector 6 shown inverted in Figure 16.
[0011] The recesses 62 and 64 of each connector are separated by a central portion 66 having an outer end 67 defined by inner sides 68 and 70 of the recesses which, as may be seen in Figure 10, are angled towards each other so the central portion tapers towards its outer end 67. At the same time, the recesses have concavely curved outer sides 72 and 74 respectively to form narrowed outer openings 76 and 78 for each recess. Thus the recesses are capable of receiving the rods of the flat members with a snapping action. At the same time, because the central portion is tapered it can be fitted between adjacent rods without displacing them or the flat components of which they are a part. This is shown best in Figure 15. It may be seen readily that connector 6 can be rotated counter-clockwise from the illustrated position to connect together rods 80 and 82 without moving the rods at all when the edges of the flat components touch. The central portion 66 is tapered and so does not displace the rods 80 and 82 as it is rotated between the rods, rather the snapping action is accomplished by outward deformation of the concave outer sides 72 and 74 of connector 6. The connectors have outwardly directed lateral lips 82 and 84 extending along opposite sides, these lips provide grips for pushing the connectors into position or removing them to disassemble a structure. Each component also has a socket 86 on the top thereof as illustrated in Figure 9. This provided another means for connecting together a structure employing rods, such as rod 24 in Figure 7. Opposite ends of the rods can be fitted within the sockets 86 of two different connectors or may connect the connectors to plate-like members, for example using socket 22 shown in Figure 7, or to the flat components, for example using sockets 14 shown in Figure 4. The connectors may be used to connect together flat components at various angular positions relative to each other. Figures 12 to 14 illustrate this for fragments of two flat components 88 and 90. In Figure 12, the flat components are adjacent and parallel, in Figure 13 they form an obtuse angle with each other and Figure 14 the components are co-planar. This last type of connection is used in Figure 16 where six of the connectors 6 are used to connect together six three-sided components 50 to form a hexagon.
[0012] As stated, each of the flat components is substantially a perimeter frame having an open centre portion, such as the centre opening 20 for the four-sided component shown in Figure 4. To fill the open centre portion and give a structure a solid appearance, a plurality of plate-like members is provided. Figure 4 illustrated the four-sided plate-like member which is shaped to releasably fit within centre opening 20 and span it. The plate-like member is the same shape as the centre opening and has, in this case, four rounded corner portions 92, only one of which is shown in Figure 4. These corner portions are shaped to fit over sockets 12. Each plate-like member has a central socket, such a socket 22 shown in Figure 7, for receiving a rod 24 as shown. Four strengthening webs 98, 100, 102 and 104 radiate outwards from the socket towards each corner. These strengthen the plate-like member to provide rigidity.
[0013] Three-sided plate-like members 106 and five-sided plate-like members 108 are also provided as shown in Figures 2 and 8. These are similar in construction to the member 18 shown in Figure 4 apart from the number of sides and thus are not described in detail.
[0014] The invention is not confined to the precise details of the foregoing example, and many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example the flat components may be of any suitable three dimensional angular shape in which the length and breadth greatly exceed, e.g. are at least four times, the thickness of the components. The lengths of the sides of the or most of the components are preferably substantially equal. The lengths of the rods between the corner portions are preferably substantially equal and substantially equal to or only slightly greater than the lengths of the connectors, so that the connectors serve to prevent or limit relative lateral movement between adjacent connected sides.
[0015] The connectors may provide any suitably disposed and shaped recesses, and the invention further provides a connector for use in connecting the components. The connectors and components are preferably arranged so that particular surfaces or edges of the corner portions of adjacent connected sides abut or are located proximal to each other by the connector connecting the sides; and preferably also so that one of the components may be moved arcuately relative to the other about an axis or axes passing along or between the connected rods through the connector, said particular surfaces or edges being shaped to permit such movement, whereby to provide a hinge function at the connection.
[0016] The invention further provides a component for use in the apparatus and arranged to present an angular thin frame the sides of which are shaped to accept a connector of a form disclosed hereinbefore. Each component may have corner portions connected by elongate members which may be integral with, fixedly secured to or releasably secured to the corner portions. The compomnent may have any functional feature or combination of features or mechanical equivalent of such features as are herein disclosed or shown in the drawings.
1. A construction apparatus comprising:
a plurality of angular components .(8,88,90,50,56) which are thin in relation to their length and breadth, which have at least three sides, and which include elongate members (25,52) extending along the sides between thicker corner portions (26,54); and
a plurality of connectors (6) for connecting together adjacent sides of adjacent said components to form a structure, each said connector (6) being shaped to releasably embrace adjacent pairs of said members (25) and being arranged so that connectors may be positioned on said pairs of members without altering previously formed portions of said structure.
2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the elongate members are elongated
rods (25,52), the components (8,88,90,50,56) having a space located inwardly from
each rod to accommodate the connectors, and wherein the corner portions (26,54) project
outwardly with respect to the rods so there is a space between the members of each
pair of members (25,52) of said adjacent components when the corner portions of said
adjacent sides of adjacent components are in contact.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the connectors (6) provides
pairs of elongate recesses (62,64) which are substantially U-shaped in section, said
each connector having a central portion (66) shaped to fit slidably between each said
pair of members (25,52), the recesses having concavely curved outer sides (72,74)
so the recesses fit over the members with a snapping action and the central part fits
between the members without displacing the members of each said pair of members.
4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the central portion has an outer end
(67), and the recesses open outwardly in a common direction and have inner sides (68,70)
which are angled towards each other so the central portion tapers towards the outer
end thereof.
5. A construction apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the flat components
have a centre opening (20), the apparatus further comprising a plurality of plate-like
members (18,106,108) shaped to releasably fit the flat components and span the centre
openings (20), the plate-like members each having a central socket (22) shaped to
receive a rod (24) to connect together pairs of said flat components fitted with the
plate-like members.
6. A component in or for use in apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, for
constructing models or toys, the component (8,50,56,88,90) having at least three sides,
an elongated rod-like member (25,52) extending along each side, enlarged corner portions
(26,54) between the members and a space located inwardly from each member, the corner
portions projecting outwardly with respect to the members so there is a space between
pairs of adjacent said members, when rounded edges or surfaces (30,32) of the corner
portion of adjacent pairs of said members are in contact, to receive a central portion
(66) of a connector (6).
7. A component as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the component has a main plane in which
the sides extend, each of the corner portions (26,54) having a socket (12) and a protrusion
(10) shaped to fit complementary protrusions and sockets of adjacent said components,
the sockets and protrusions extending perpendicular to the plane.
8. A component as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each corner portion (26,54) has further
sockets (14) opening laterally on each side of the component.
9. A connector in or for use in apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 for
constructing models or toys, the connector (6) having a pair of adjacent recesses
(62,64) which are substantially U-shaped in section and separated by a central portion
(66) having an outer end (67) and tapering towards the outer end, each recess (62,64)
having a concavely curved outer side (72,74) and a narrowered outer opening (76,78).
10. A connector as claimed in Claim 9, having outwardly directed lateral lips (82,84)
on the outer sides adjacent the openings (76,78).