Construction set having clip fasteners

• US 4,129,975 A
• Filed: 10/19/1977
• Issued: 12/19/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Matrix Toys Limited An Or Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Matrix Tool Incorporated
• Inventors: Gabriel, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Faw, Jr., Price C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Raduazo, Harry
• Application Number:
  US05/843,580
• Time in Patent Office: 426 Days
• Field of Search: 52/81, 52/DIG. 2, 52/282, 52/648, 52/650, 403/297, 403/248, 403/251, 403/316, 403/176, 403/171, 46/29, 46/31
• US Class Current: 52/655.2
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/101 with clip or snap mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/19 Three-dimensional framework structures
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/1906 with central spherical, semispherical or polyhedral connecting element
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1927 of essentially circular cross section
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1966 Formlocking connections other than screw connections
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1981 characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/20 Connections with hook-like parts gripping behind a blind side of an element to be connected
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/342 Polyhedral
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/44 Three or more members connected at single locus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/53 Split end with laterally movable opposed portions

Abstract

A construction set is comprised of a plurality of hollow 26 faceted joint elements with the facets being arranged in a selected orientation and having an opening, located in each facet, which is configured for receiving an elongate strut for interconnecting a plurality of the joint elements to form a three-dimensional framework. The struts have clip fasteners at each end adapted for snap fitting engagement within the openings such that they are not separable merely by application of tensile force to the struts; and locking means are provided for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the struts from the joints.

Due to the particular geometrical configuration of the joint elements, the openings and the clip fasteners both are elongate in order to provide maximum clip strength without sacrificing the structural integrity of the joint elements. Panels configured for spanning any predetermined array of the struts have flexible tabs adapted for releasably snap fitting over the struts in a manner permitting perpendicular or diagonal joinder of adjacent panels to a common strut, forming either inside or outside corners.

Claims

1. A construction set for forming three-dimensional models comprising:

(a) hollow joint elements having multiple joint openings located therein, some of said joint openings being circular and some of said joint openings being elongate with substantially straight parallel sides and arcuate ends having a diameter equal to the diameter of said circular joint openings;

(b) elongate struts adapted for interconnecting two of said joint elements, each strut having a clip located at each end, said clip being generally cylindrical in cross section with truncated side walls, for snug releasable joinder with said elongate joint openings when properly aligned therewith and rotatable joinder with said circular openings; and

(c) the clips being elastically depressable for insertion into the joint openings, and having means for interlocking with the joint elements upon return to their relaxed positions when seated in the openings.

2. The construction set of claim 1 including locking means adapted for fitting snugly within said clips, coplanar with the openings in the joint elements preventing inward deflection of said clips.

3. The construction set of claim 2 wherein said locking means comprises a wedge.

4. The construction set of claim 1 wherein said clips comprise:

(a) each of the extremities of the struts having a medial slot located therein;

(b) paired prongs defining each side of the slot, having an overall transverse dimension slightly greater than the mating openings in the joint elements, the prongs being deflectable inwardly towards the slots;

(c) inclined ramps located on the outside faces of the prongs, for facilitating inserting the prongs into the openings, and for causing the prongs to be deflected inwardly when they are inserted into the openings; and

(d) an outwardly facing notch being located in each prong intermediate its ends arranged for engaging the joint element and permitting the prongs to return to the relaxed position when the clips are seated therein.

5. A construction set for forming three-dimensional models comprising:

(a) hollow joint elements having multiple elongate joint openings located therein;

(b) elongate struts adapted for interconnecting two of said joint elements, each strut having a clip located at both ends, said clip being elongate in cross section in a manner for snug releasable joinder with the joint openings when properly aligned therewith;

(c) the clips being elastically depressable for insertion into the joint openings, and having means for interlocking with the joint elements upon return to the relaxed positions when seated in the openings; and

(d) locking means adapted for fitting snugly within said clips, coplanar with the openings in the joint elements preventing inward deflection of said clips, said locking means comprising;

(1) a second clip having a medial slot located therein with paired prongs defining each side of said slot, having an overall transverse dimension slightly greater than the mating opening in the joint elements, the prongs being deflectable inwardly toward the slot;

(2) inclined ramps located on the outside surface of the prongs, for facilitating inserting the prongs into the openings, and for causing the prongs to be deflected inwardly when they are inserted into the openings; and

(3) an outwardly facing notch being located in each prong intermediate its ends arranged for engaging the joint element and permitting the prongs to return to the relaxed positions when the second clips are seated therein.

6. A construction set for forming three-dimensional models comprising:

(a) hollow joint elements having multiple elongate joint openings located therein;

(b) elongate struts adapted for interconnecting two of said joint elements, each strut having a clip located at both ends, said clip being elongate in cross section in a manner for snug releasable joinder with the joint openings when properly aligned therewith;

(c) the clips being elastically depressable for insertion into the joint openings, having means for interlocking with the joint elements upon return to the relaxed positions when seated in the openings; and

(d) panels configured for removable joinder between predetermined arrays of the struts, said panels including flexible tabs adapted for adjoining the panels to the struts, the tabs being integrally attached to the edges of the panels substantially perpendicularly thereto and having outer faces adapted to conform to the struts, and having notches located behind the tabs, arranged for nesting of the tabs when adjacent panels are adjoined to a common strut.