WO2002026339A1 - System for creating models and modular toys - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for creating models and modular toys. Said system is based on a set of modular pieces. Vertical, linear building elements such as walls (2) and partitions (2') are formed from plates (1), in addition to other vertical elements such as pillars (3) and columns (3'), horizontal elements such as sills (4) and joists (4') and other sloped elements (5). The system also has vertical communicating elements such as staircases (7), covering elements for decks (18), gardens, landscapes, sports fields, roads, with carpentry modules such as doors and windows (8), locksmith's elements, gardens, rails, benches and streetlamps, etc. A modular 'M' coordination is established amongst all pieces, said coordination being applied to the basic element (22) and to the multiples pr sub-multiples of the base element (22), The different pieces are joined together by rods or pins (24).

Description

 SYSTEM FOR THE CREATION OF MODELS AND TOYS

MODULAR

The present system for the creation of modular models and toys consists of a set of modular pieces, whose dimensions are a multiple of a given unit, which are joined together by rods or studs, which in the case of models, fix them to a base, which carries a series of holes through which said rods are introduced ensuring its structure, facilitating its assembly and disassembly, as well as allowing the rotation of some pieces with respect to others, providing a wide versatility of configurations.

Dimensional coordination and tolerance are fundamental fields in all industrial production. The idea of interchangeability, a key piece of industrial development, is based on these two principles.

To date, one of the systems used in the assembly of models and structures, as well as toys, is the typical tongue and groove, in which one or several protruding studs of the pieces are inserted into the corresponding recesses of the same pieces, bearing all of them both male-female characteristics, one on each side, so that each piece is inserted into another, while receiving a third, and through this arrangement, toy assemblies or simple structures are made, needing obligatorily of a base plate to begin the assembly, provided, like the set of the elements, of the corresponding tongue and groove.

One of the main problems of this assembly system is that normally some pieces cannot be rotated with respect to others, since the assembly of only two tongue and groove elements determines the arrangement between parts, therefore being very limited turn, and preventing a wide variety of possibilities in this field.

An example of this drawback mentioned is the location of train tracks on a base of this nature, since in curved sections only those structures specifically designed for this purpose can be mounted, without the possibility of changes or second modifications, not allowing the free creation of forms or assemblies different from the original. The same goes for those games or toys of three-dimensional structure, puzzle type, in which only one, or very few, variants of the original or predetermined project are allowed.

In this system the pieces need minimum dimensions in order to provide rigidity and slenderness to the structure, since they are conditioned by the need to provide them with wide contact surfaces in the tongue and groove; surfaces that paradoxically would be very small with respect to the size of the assembly, being able to run collapse risks. Otherwise, very large structures would be, and therefore more difficult to manipulate. That is why the models with this type of assembly are based on toy pieces, being only useful for simple configurations, without specific scales, since the dimensions of the pieces and the characteristics of the system do not allow it to be used for architectural models or / and engineer

Another system for the construction of models is constituted by pieces that reproduce material and formally each of the materials used in construction: bricks, stones, scratches, tiles, .... The assembly is carried out by means of glue or mortar, of a way that reproduces reality as faithfully as possible. Due to these principles, although working with modulated pieces, due to the condition of construction materials, the inconvenience that cannot be modified or extracted or add other parts or components once they have been placed in their corresponding place.

At present, the general method used for the elaboration of architectural and / or engineering models is almost 100% handmade. In this case there is no modulation or standardization of the pieces. This type of model, although, in order to the skill of the builder, can reproduce with great quality and fidelity the original, as well as the accuracy of the desired scale, loses all the advantages of modulation, that is, it is necessary to elaborate each and every one of the pieces, even those that are repeated, losing uniformity. The union between pieces is carried out by means of glues or glues which slows down and makes the process even more difficult. With the system for the creation of mock-ups and modular toys object of the present invention it is intended to avoid or alleviate all these inconveniences. For this, it is based on a base, constituted by a large number of holes distributed throughout it, so that, on it, the pieces of the different construction elements are placed, which are generally provided with the same holes, in terms of density and distribution, intended to accommodate rods or studs, which give consistency to the structure, since after crossing one or more pieces, they are inserted into the holes in the base, thus consolidating the model or assembly.

As the contact surface between parts, or between parts and base, is flat, it implies that many relative positions can be taken from one to the other, with the only condition that at least two holes of the parts in question coincide, since that by passing the two rods or studs through them, the structure is perfectly fixed. With this it is easy to achieve a wide range of angles and inclinations between pieces, which facilitates the elaboration of a wide spectrum of possibilities in terms of creations. An example of this can be the tracks of a train, where the crossbars that support the rails can be turned easily, since they are equipped with the same density of perforations as the base plate, making it easy to find two of these perforations that coincide exactly or, in tolerance limits, to match them; Another example is irregularly shaped buildings, etc.

On the other hand, it is not necessary to start the assembly by a base of the same nature of the system, since the rods or studs that cross the pieces of the first courses or lower levels, can be designed at one of its ends to nail other materials that allow it as cork, wood, etc., allowing greater possibilities of rotation and inclination.

As the studs are the elements that provide rigidity to the structure, the modular pieces can be practically as small or narrow as desired, since their assembly does not depend on the structure of the pieces themselves. This allows working with more tight scales, so that the structures keep proportions and forms more faithful to what is intended to represent, in fact the pieces are likely to be manufactured with respect to to multiples of modules that are taken as a unit, in order to favor standardization.

Precisely because it is the modular parts, the repetition work that involves the production of equal pieces is avoided, in addition, it allows to work at different sizes without wasting material by simply adding or removing pieces in a certain dimension, as it is in the length of walls, heights, etc., so at the same time, they can be adjusted to the actual building module or scale.

Therefore, it is a widely versatile system, where costs are reduced in the development of standard parts allowing a wider range of different standard parts, providing great rigidity to the assembly as the pieces are "sewn" with these rods and studs, as well as allows the creation of twists and inclinations different from the orthogonal ones.

In addition, by means of paper, cloth or similar, the base used for the model can be covered, in which it is possible to create fields, sports fields, parks and open spaces in general, since the different elements that are installed on these areas can go to the "ground" through these asparagus.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and being an integral part of it, a series of figures are attached, in which the following is illustrated and not limited to:

Figure 1.- Perspective view of a composition of a building as an example of practical realization to be developed by means of the system for the creation of mock-up and modular toys, object of the present invention.

Figure 2.- Perspective view of the base plate, leveling and / or turning plates, first rows of the building shown in Figure 1 together with a well Figure 3.- Exploded detail A of a corner of the base of the building represented in figure 1.

Figure 4.- Exploded detail B of a corner of the building represented in figure 1.

Figure 5.- Exploded detail C of an upper corner of the building represented in figure 1, where the corner of the roof can also be seen.

Figure 6.- Exploded detail D of a front part of the building represented in figure 1, with the particularity of a window, which can be of a piece or be mounted with modular elements.

Figure 7.- Exploded detail E of a front part of the building represented in figure 1, where two arches are represented.

Figure 8.- Exploded detail of the columns located on the porch of the building represented in Figure 1.

Figure 9.- Exploded detail of the staircase of the building represented in figure 1.

Figure 10.- Representation of different elements of the system involved in the practical realization of the building represented in Figure 1, such as turning or leveling plates, elements for walls, covering and / or finishing elements,

Figure 11.- Representation of different carpentry elements

Figure 12.- Representation of sanitary appliances and appliances

Figure 13.- Gardening and fountain elements.

Figure 14.- Perspective view of the assembly of a circular wall made by the system object of the invention. Figure 15.- Perspective view of the assembly of a half-point vault made by the system object of the invention.

As can be seen in the figures, a series of constructive elements are distinguished. First of all there is a base plate (1) and the preparation of the ground by means of turning and / or leveling plates (1 ') on which the rest of the model is to be seated; some vertical constructive elements of a linear nature such as walls (2) and partitions (2 '), others vertical also of a punctual nature such as pillars (3) and columns (3'), of horizontal elements such as slabs (4) and slabs (4 ' ), other elements with slope as part of tabs (5) pigeons for the reception of roofs, also has vertical communication elements such as stairs (7) and ramps.

You can also see carpentry modules such as doors and windows (8). The insertion of singular elements such as toilets (9), bidets (10), bathtubs (11), showers, sinks (12), kitchens (13), sinks (14), washing machines (15), refrigerators (16) etc.

Likewise, covering or finishing components are distinguished, such as interior (17) and exterior (17 ') floors, roofs (18). Finally, the exterior can be covered with landscaping and landscape elements such as land, grass, sand, rocks with bushes, trees (19), water sheet, swimming pool, or urban furniture type with street lamps, benches, fountains (20), etc.

In all these architectural or construction elements a modular coordination is established in its three dimensions. In the case of architectural and engineering models, said coordination is conceived to be carried out by means of a base module "M", these dimensions being multiples or submultiples of said module, and the separation between through holes (21) the same for all parts of the system, the system incorporating rods or studs (24)

This dimensioning is applied both in the base or design module element (22) or coordinator, which will be in line with the chosen numerical series, as in what we call "multimodules" (23), that is, a piece which as a tablet consists of mxn base elements (22), which provides a faster assembly, m expressing the number of rows and n of columns.

The grid is defined as the hole density (21) that is prepared both the base plate (1) and the rest of the elements, the support surface of this base element being smooth. These holes or holes (21), can be through, or, some or all of them, can be partially blinded, presenting a stop at the desired height, so that certain assemblies and finishes are facilitated, since sometimes it is of interest that certain rods or studs (24) rest on these pieces with blinded holes and do not pass through them, avoiding placing longer studs, or that they protrude below or above.

The base element (22), chosen design module or preferred multimodule, as a generic part of the assembly must have minimum acceptable dimensions for its execution, which in Cartesian coordinates would be expressed as: mx M, nx M, px M, being your choice depending on the reticle and the scale. The design module can have larger, equal or smaller dimensions than the construction elements they represent. That is to say, although, in principle, we will always try to operate with base elements equal to the type construction elements, the project grid and the scale - as a condition of size - can lead to a design module grouping several construction elements, or Be part of a constructive element.

A base element or design module (22) or particular preferred multimodule (23) is established for each generic constructive element to be considered, such as: walls (2), partitions (2 '), screeds (4), slabs (4' ), pavements, ...

Likewise, each base element (22) will have one or more multimodules (23) associated, which are defined as multiples or submultiples of the base elements (22). At the same time, all or part of these base elements (22) or multimodules (23) are prepared so that they can be easily divided into each of the essential dimensions at constant intervals and equal to the base module M and the design module (22) respectively, and thereby achieve the appropriate dimensions.

A base element or design module (22) is a constructive, or non-constructive element, capable of undergoing a rigid and absolute modular coordination, generally, by nature, highly repetitive, locked or rigged and therefore susceptible to being materialized as multimodules in order to speed up the assembly.

These elements are linked by rods (24), rods or studs, which pass through these construction elements vertically, through the through holes (21), since when the different pieces are mounted, these holes coincide, at least two of they in case of rotation of pieces, along the vertical structure, so that the length of these rods (24) will be adequate to the structure that is intended to be joined and fastened.

The section or thickness of the rods (24) is that which allows it to be introduced inside the holes (21) with a certain pressure so that it can slide inside them with a minimum effort but that prevents its involuntary extraction.

These rods (24), stud or rod have the mission of crossing one or more elements, among which the base plate (1) may be included. In the event that this base plate is of a different nature from that of the system, stabbing rods (24) are used at one of its ends in order to fix the structure to that surface.

Its application is very simple, for this, from the determination or assignment of a spatial or project grid, and depending on the scale, the design modules (22) are established for each of the construction elements. The assembly is started by the base plate (1), on which the leveling and / or turning plates (1 ') are established, with which the margin is created and on which, according to attached figures, they support the housing, the well, etc.

Next, the booting of the walls (2) and partitions is restated

(2 '), of screeds (4), pillars (3), columns (3'), stairs (7) (figure 9), margin walls and well walls, with a minimum number of studs (24), which tries not to go through the corners, and other intersections, since they are usually reserved to pass the maximum length studs after the assembly of a series of courses. The gaps where doors and windows (8) are to be housed will be finished off with special elements for crimping them.

Subsequently, the second course is continued, and successive, so that a rig similar to the one proposed is established, in order to stiffen the assembly. Just take into account the insertion of certain singular elements such as toilets, bidet (10), sinks (12), ... and others such as doors and windows (8). Continuing with the placement of the interior pavement (17), not forgetting the bathtubs (11), showers, kitchen furniture (15, 16), ... and exterior pavement (17 ') of barbecue, patio, etc.

Once the walls (2) of the ground floor are finished, the slab of the first and covered floor of the same floor continues. Until the last details are concluded, they will be carried out with the covering and finishing elements, such as placement of fountains, pavements (17) or exterior floors, ... tile roofs, slate, ..., based of fabrics, plastic or other covering material, with or without relief, so that it allows the emulation of the element to be represented, which will be fixed with sharp studs (24), or by means of adhesive, which hide the perforations (21) of the different elements and the ends of the rods (24).

The pre-assemblies are made outside the structure and are made by superimposing simpler elements, matching the holes (21) of the different elements to be crossed by one or more studs (24) thus achieving a firm and supportive assembly . Likewise, as the different pieces are assembled, these studs (24) are introduced creating the different shapes. When a window (8), door or similar is to be mounted, it is inserted between the construction, providing the blocks that allow the profile of the doors, windows, ...

When it is intended to mount a structure or part thereof that is inclined with respect to the base plate (1), any angle value that admits the coincidence of a hole (21) of a construction element with a hole of the own can be tilted base, so that it allows the passage of the connecting rod (24) of all these elements.

In those cases in which the model is going to be definitive, any type of joining means can be used to fix it as glues, glues, etc., or with the single use of the rods or studs (24) under pressure by the respective holes (21), it is sufficient to keep the structure upright, having the possibility of disassembly to make any modification, enlargement or the total disassembly of the model.

In these cases of definitive models of buildings of one or several floors, it is possible to proceed with the fixation by means of a glue of all the pieces of each one of the plants to their floor slab, and fixing the roof slab of the upper floor, or cover where appropriate, with only a minimum number of studs (24) through those points that are deemed convenient, which will be glued to the upper floor and devoid of glue on the lower floor, so that each plant can be lifted exposing the corresponding lower floor.

Once the nature of the present invention has been sufficiently described, as well as a way of putting it into practice, it only remains to be added that as a whole and its component parts it is possible to introduce changes in form, materials and arrangement, provided that Alterations do not substantially vary the characteristics of the invention claimed below:

Claims

1.- System for the creation of mock-ups and modular toys, which uses loose elements that join together in order to create a larger structure, characterized in that, in case of models, it is composed of a base plate (1) on which feel the set of the pieces, other plates (1), similar to the previous one to establish rotation between buildings, creation of different levels (1 '), vertical construction elements of a linear nature such as walls (2) and partitions (2') , other vertical ones also of a punctual nature such as pillars (3) and columns (3 '), horizontal elements such as slabs (4) and slabs (4'), other elements with slope (5); It also has vertical communication elements such as stairs (7) and ramps, admitting covering or finishing components for roofs (18), gardening, landscapes, sports fields, roads, with carpentry modules such as doors and windows (8), elements of locksmith, gardening, railings, street furniture, etc., establishing a modular coordination "M" between all the pieces, which is applied both in the base elements (22), as in the multimodules (23), as a multiple or submultiple of the base element (22), being able to present dimensions greater or smaller than those of the constructive elements they represent, using rods or studs (24) in the assembly, all the construction pieces having holes (21). 2.- System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to claim one, characterized in that, the contact between pieces is made by the smooth part thereof, whereby the relative inclination of some pieces with respect to the adjacent one is made with the condition that at least two holes (21) of the pieces in question coincide, or within tolerance limits, they are made to coincide, since by passing two rods (24) through them, the structure is fixed. 3. System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to claim one, characterized in that all or part of the base elements (22) and multimodules (23) are easily divided into each of the essential dimensions at constant intervals and equal to the base module M and base element respectively. 4.- System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to claim one and earlier, characterized in that, all the parts of the system, both of the base (1) and intermediate, constructive or not, are provided with a smooth support surface and a grid of holes (21). 5. System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to claim one, characterized in that, all the building elements of the layout system have as reference a base element (22) which is a constructive, or non-constructive, element capable of undergo a rigid and absolute modular coordination, highly repetitive, locked or rigged and therefore susceptible to being materialized as multimodules (23) in order to expedite assembly. 6. System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to the first and previous claim, characterized in that, all the parts of the layout system, have as unit of measurement in their main dimensions the module M, these dimensions being multiples or submultiples of the module M. 7. System for the creation of modular models and toys, according to claim one, characterized in that, the section and thickness of the rods (24) is that which allows it to be introduced inside the holes (21) with some pressure in order that you can slide inside them with minimal effort but that prevents involuntary removal. 8.- System for the creation of mock-ups and modular toys, according to the first and previous claim, characterized in that, the different elements that compose it, are linked by the rods (24), stems or studs, which cross them through the holes interns (21) of which they are carriers. 9.- System for the creation of mock-ups and modular toys, according to claim one and earlier, characterized in that, some holes (21) or all of them in some element, are partially blind, so that the stud or rod (24) rest on one of these stops, preventing it from passing through. 10. System for the creation of mock-ups and modular toys, according to the first and previous claim, characterized in that, this rod (24), stud or rod protrudes slightly, at least from the bottom, so that it is embedded or keyed in a element that ensures it, such as the base plate (1) or, in materials that allow it as cork, wood or similar, so that the length of these rods (24) is adequate to the structure that is intended to be joined and hold, allowing greater possibilities of rotation and inclination.