WO2008070376A9

WO2008070376A9 - Interlocking panels used for creating structures

Info

Publication number: WO2008070376A9
Application number: PCT/US2007/083645
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Beckman
Original assignee: CARDTIVITY LLC
Current assignee: CARDTIVITY LLC
Priority date: 2006-11-06
Filing date: 2007-11-05
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2009-05-06
Also published as: WO2008070376A3; WO2008070376A2

Abstract

An interlocking panel used in a system of interlocking panels is disclosed. The interlocking panel includes a substantially rectangular-shaped structure with at least one pair of trapezoidal-shaped tabs formed on a first set of opposite edges. At least one pair of receiving ends are formed on a second set of opposite edges of the rectangular-shaped structure. Each of the second set of opposite edges has at least one slot situated parallel thereto. The slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one of the trapezoidal-shaped tabs there through.

Description

INTERLOCKING PANELS USED FOR CREATING STRUCTURES Cross-Reference To Related Applications

[0001 ] This application claims priority to provisional application entitled "INTERLOCKING PANELS USED FOR CREATING STRUCTURES", U.S. Patent Application No. 60/864,425, filed on November 6, 2006. This application is collectively incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to construction toys, and more particularly to an interlocking system of panels for creating various structures.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Current toy construction interlocking systems are made out of injected molded plastic. Though these pieces can be many to a set, the average model is usual no higher or longer than two (2) feet. Further, many of these systems produce an end product that is too heavy or awkward for a child to relocate. For example, when an end product created by one of these systems is moved, the structure usually crumbles or collapses. Therefore a need exists to overcome these problems with toy construction interlocking systems as discussed above.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is an interlocking panel used in a system of interlocking panels. The interlocking panel includes a substantially rectangular-shaped structure with at least one pair of trapezoidal-shaped tabs formed on a first set of opposite edges. At least one pair of receiving ends is formed on a second set of opposite edges of the rectangular-shaped structure. Each of the second set of opposite edges has at least one slot situated parallel thereto. The slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one of the trapezoidal-shaped tabs there through.

[0005] In another embodiment, an interlocking panel used in a system of interlocking panels is disclosed. The interlocking panel comprises a geometrically-shaped structure with at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the geometrically- shaped structure. At least one slot is situated on at least one edge of the geometrically-shaped structure. The slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one tab of another interlocking panel there through.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a toy structure comprising at least two interlocking panels is disclosed. The toy structure includes a first interlocking panel that comprises a first geometrically-shaped structure. This first geometrically-shaped structure includes at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the first geometrically-shaped structure. The at least one tab includes at least one locking member formed therein. The locking member includes a geometric cutout fastened by an edge to the at least one tab. The toy structure also includes at least a second interlocking panel that includes a second geometrically-shaped structure. The second geometrically-shaped structure comprises at least one slot situated on at least one edge of the second geometrically-shaped structure. The first interlocking panel is interlocked with the at least second interlocking panel by the tab of the first interlocking panel being inserted through the slot of the second interlocking panel. The geometric cutout of the tab prevents the tab from pulling out of the slot. [0007] One advantage of the various embodiments of the present invention is that lightweight/thin panels with a tab/slot system are utilized for interlocking the panels. These panels or cards interconnect so as to fasten together for the purpose of building, constructing, sculpting, and/or creating various forms. The possibilities of structure, shapes, and figures that can be created with the various embodiments of the present invention are endless. The substrate of the cards can vary depending on the end use of the form to be created. The size of the cards, as well as the shape of the cards, can also vary depending on desired end use of the created form.

[0008] Additionally, because the cards are thin and lightweight, the packaging of the panels is lighter and thinner than most conventional interlocking system packaging. In fact, a comparable piece count can be stored in a package that is half the size as the typical injected molded sets such s (but not limited to) LEGO® bricks. With a comparable amount of pieces, the various embodiments of the present invention allows for bigger, fuller, building with high intensity graphics. The tab/slot panels allow a child to build a structure that is big enough for the child to physically enter and yet light enough for a child to pick the structure up and move around. The printable front and back panel surfaces provide numerous high intensity graphic possibilities for the same model design.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[001 O] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[001 1 ] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two the interlocking panel of FIG. 1 interlocked together with another interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the two interlocking panels of FIG. 2 and a third interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of four interlocking panels interlocked together according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the four interlocking panels of FIG. 4 and a fifth interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of six interlocking panels interlocked together according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 7 a perspective view of the six interlocking panels of FIG. 6 and a seventh interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of an interlocking panel with a slot that includes a first circular end and a second circular end according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view an another example of an interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interlocking panel of FIG. 9 interlocked together with another interlocking panel according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[002O] FIGS. 1 1 -14 are perspective views of structures formed from a plurality of interlocking panels according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0021 ] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0022] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. [0023] Interlocking Panels

[0024] The various embodiments of the present invention relate to an interlocking panel 100 as shown in FIG. 1 used in a system of interlocking panels. The interlocking panel 100, in one embodiment, comprises a substantially rectangular- shaped structure 102 with at least one pair of trapezoidal-shaped tabs 104, 106 formed on a first set of opposite edges 108, 1 10, and at least one pair of receiving ends 1 12, 1 14 formed on a second set of opposite edges 1 16, 1 18 of the rectangular- shaped structure 102. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to trapezoidal-shaped tabs 104, 106, as other geometrical configurations are also applicable to the present invention. Also, although the pair of receiving ends 1 12, 1 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as being rectangular in nature, other geometric configurations can be applied to the pair of receiving ends 1 12, 1 14 as well.

[0025] The receiving ends 1 12, 1 14 at each of the second set of opposite edges 1 16, 1 18, in one embodiment, are slots 1 12, 1 14 situated parallel to their respective edge 1 16, 1 18. A slot 1 12, 1 14 is dimensioned so as to receive at least one of the trapezoidal-shaped tabs 104, 106 there through. It should be noted that a plurality of slots 1 12, 1 14 can reside at each of the second set of opposite edges 1 16, 1 18. Each of the trapezoidal-shaped tabs 104, 106, in one embodiment, has at least one locking member 120, 122 formed therein. The locking member 120, 122 has a geometric cutout fastened by an edge 124 to at least one of the tabs 104 for keeping the tab 104 from pulling out of a slot 1 12, 1 14 when inserted there through.

[0026] For example, FIG. 2 shows the interlocking panel 100 of FIG. 1 interlocked together with another interlocking panel 200. The interlocking panel 200 that is interlocked with the panel 100 of FIG. 1 also comprises trapezoidal-shaped tabs 204, 206, a plurality of slots 212, 214, and locking member 220, 222 as discussed above. It should be noted that each interlocking panel 100, 200 is not required to comprise the same configuration of the other interlocking panels in a set. For example, the second interlocking panel 200 can comprise a single tab 204 comprising a shape other than a trapezoid. Furthermore, the components of the interlocking panels discussed above can also reside at different locations on each of the interlocking panels 100, 200.

[0027] When the interlocking panels 100, 200 are interlocked together a rigid structure is created even if supporting structures such as adjacent walls do not exist as shown in FIG. 2. The strength of a structure created using the interlocking panels 100, 200 is accomplished, in one embodiment, by the tab/slot 104, 1 12 system discussed above. The locking members 120 are configured such that when a tab 104 of one interlocking panel 100 is inserted into a slot 212 of another interlocking panel 200, the locking member 120 extends over the slot 212. This prevents the tab 120 from slipping out the slot 212. The locking member 120 or "minitab" utilizes the flex of the substrate of the panel 100 to create a stop, or pressure point that holds the interconnected cards 100, 200 together.

[0028] To remove (e.g.,, unlock) a panel 100, 200, the locking member 120 is pushed flush with the tab 104, thereby allowing the panel 100 with the tab to be "unlocked" from the other panel 200. The inherent characteristics of the panel or panel substrate, and the amount of flex, or tensile strength, of the substrate dictate the amount of force needed to release the hold. It is the hold and release action of the tab and slot system that makes the present invention advantageous and unique. [0029] FIG. 3 shows a third interlocking panel 300 that is to be added to the interlocked panels 100, 200 of FIG. 2. In particular, a tab 204 of the second interlocking panel 200 is inserted into a slot 312 of the third interlocking panel 300. The interlocking member 220 of the second interlocking panel 200 "locks" the second and third panels 200, 300 together. The tab 304 of the third interlocking panel 300 is inserted into a slot 1 12 of the first interlocking panel 100. The locking member 320 of the third interlocking panel 300 "locks" the first and third panels 100, 300 together.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a fourth interlocking panel 400 that has been added to the structure created by the first, second, and third interlocking panels 100, 200, 300 of FIG. 3. In particular, a tab 404 of the fourth interlocking panel 400 is inserted into the slot 314 of the third interlocking panel 300. The interlocking member (not shown) of the fourth interlocking panel 400 "locks" the third and fourth panels 300, 400 together. The tab 106 of the first interlocking panel 100 is inserted into a slot 412 of the fourth interlocking panel 400. The locking member 122 of the first interlocking panel 100 "locks" the first and fourth panels 100, 400 together.

[0031 ] FIG. 5 shows a fifth interlocking panel 500 that is to be added to the interlocked panels 100, 200, 300, 400 of FIG. 4. In particular, a tab 504 of the fifth interlocking panel 500 is inserted into the slot 1 14 of the first interlocking panel 100. The interlocking member 520 of the fifth interlocking panel 500 "locks" the first and fifth panels 100, 500 together. The tab 206 of the second interlocking panel 200 is inserted into a slot 514 of the fifth interlocking panel 500. The locking member 222 of the second interlocking panel 200 "locks" the second and fifth panels 200, 500 together. The tab 406 of the fourth interlocking panel 400 is inserted into a slot 512 of the fifth interlocking panel 500. The locking member 422 of the fourth interlocking panel 400 "locks" the fourth and fifth panels 400, 500 together. [0032] FIG. 6 shows a sixth interlocking panel 600 that has been added to the interlocked panels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 of FIG. 5. In particular, a tab 604 of the sixth interlocking panel 600 is inserted into the slot 414 of the fourth interlocking panel 400. The interlocking member 620 of the sixth interlocking panel 600 "locks" the fifth and sixth panels 500, 600 together. A second tab (not shown) of the sixth panel 600 is inserted into the slot 214 of the second interlocking panel 200. The locking member (not shown) of the second tab "locks" the second and sixth panels 200, 600 together. The tab 506 of the fifth interlocking panel 500 is inserted into a slot 612 of the sixth interlocking panel 600.

[0033] The locking member 522 of the fifth interlocking panel 500 "locks" the fifth and sixth panels 500, 600 together. The tab 306 of the third interlocking panel 300 is inserted into a slot 614 of the sixth interlocking panel 600. The locking member 322 of the third interlocking panel 300 "locks" the third and sixth panels 300, 600 together. As can be seen from FIG. 6, a three-dimensional cube has been created by interlocking the first 100, second 200, third 300, fourth 400, fifth 500, and sixth 600 panels together.

[0034] It should be noted that any structure can be created using the interlocking panels discussed above. For example, FIGs. 1 1 -14 show various structures that can be created using the interlocking panels. Also, the interlocking panels are not limited to being rectangular in nature. Any shape panel can utilize the interlocking components discussed above. Furthermore, the interlocking panels are not limited to any particular size. Interlocking panels of varying dimensions can be interlocked together to create unlimited structures. [0035] FIG. 7 shows the cube structure of FIG. 6 being interlocked with an additional interlocking panel 700. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the tab 506 of the fifth interlocking panel 500, which is already inserted through a slot 612 of the sixth interlocking panel, being inserted through a slot 712 of the seventh interlocking panel. The locking member 522 of the fifth interlocking panel 500 locks not only the fifth panel 500 to the sixth panel 600, but also the fifth panel 500 and the seventh panel 700.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows another example of an interlocking panel 800. In particular, FIG.

8 shows a slot 812, 814 comprising at least one circular end 826. The circular end 826 illustrates another example of how a slot 812, 814 can be configured. Various manufacturing processes can be uses to create an interlocking panel 800. Each of these manufacturing processes can create substantially similar interlocking panels or interlocking panels with varying configurations.

[0037] FIG. 9 shows another example of an interlocking panel 900. In particular, FIG.

9 shows an interlocking panel 900 comprising one or more tabs 904, 906 and one or more slots 912, 914 similar to those discussed above with respect to FIG. 1 . The interlocking panel 900 of FIG. 9 can also comprise the locking members 920, 922 discussed above.

[0038] Alternatively, the areas where a locking member is generally located on a tab 904, 906 can also be a slot that is configured to receive a tab of another panel. For example, as a tab 904, 906 of the interlocking panel 900 of FIG. 9 is inserted into a slot of another panel, an additional panel can be interlocked with the panel 900 of FIG. 9 via the slots on the tab. In another embodiment, the locking members 920, 922 are raised areas on the tab 904, 906. This raised area can be configured so that the tab can be easily inserted into a slot of another panel, but requires a much greater effort to remove the tab 904, 904 from the slot.

[0039] The interlocking panel 900 of FIG. 9, in one embodiment, also includes one or more additional slots 928, 930 that can be smaller, larger, or equal to the other slots 912, 914 residing at the ends 916, 918 of the panel that are adjacent to the ends 908, 910 of the panel comprising the tabs 904, 906. In one embodiment, these additional slots 928, 930 are perpendicular to the other slots 912, 914 and parallel to the locking members 920, 922. However, these additional slots 928, 930 can also be perpendicular to the locking members 920, and parallel to the other slots 912, 914. However, the additional slots 928, 930 are not required to be parallel or perpendicular to either the other slots 912, 914 or the locking members 920, 922.

[0040] The additional slots 928, 930 allow additional interlocking panels to be interlocked with the panel 900. For example, additional interlocking panels can be interlocked with the panel 900 within the inside boundaries of the panel 900 as compared to the outside boundaries. FIG. 10 shows one example of this embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a set of interlocking panels such as interlocking panel 100, interlocking panel 900, and a new interlocking panel 1000. The interlocking panel 1000 is configured similar to any of the interlocking panels discussed above with respect to FIGs. 1 -9. In particular, FIG. 10 shows that a tab 1004 of the interlocking panel 1000 has been inserted into the additional slot 928 discussed above.

[0041 ] In another embodiment, the additional slots 928, 930 allows for another interlocking panel to be interlocked with the panel 900 in a parallel configuration as compared to a perpendicular configuration as shown in FIG. 2. This allows a user to create even more unique structures or change the design of a panel. For example, as discussed above, an interlocking panel can have various colors, textures, and/or designs imprinted thereon. An interlocking panel can also be three-dimensional comprising an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. A three-dimensional panel can configured in three-dimensional geometric shape and/or can also have raised and/or lowered areas. By allowing another interlocking panel to be coupled to the panel 900 in a parallel fashion, the color, texture, and/or design of the panel 900 can be changed. It should be noted that the other slots 912, 914, and/or the locking members 920, 922 can also be configured to allow another interlocking panel to interlock with the panel 900 in a parallel fashion.

[0042] Non-Limiting Examples

[0043] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] What is claimed is:

Claims

1. An interlocking panel used in a system of interlocking panels, the interlocking panel comprising: a substantially rectangular-shaped structure with at least one pair of trapezoidal-shaped tabs formed on a first set of opposite edges; and at least one pair of receiving ends formed on a second set of opposite edges of the rectangular-shaped structure, each of the second set of opposite edges having at least one slot situated parallel thereto, wherein the slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one of the trapezoidal-shaped tabs there through.

2. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , wherein the pair of trapezoidal-shaped tabs further includes at least one locking member formed therein, the locking member comprising a geometric cutout fastened by an edge to at least one of the tabs for keeping the tab from pulling out of a slot when inserted there through.

3. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , wherein the slot includes a first circular end and a second circular end.

4. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , wherein the substantially rectangular-shaped structure is symmetrical about each axis.

5. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , further comprising: at least one additional slot situated perpendicular to the at least one slot second situated parallel to the second set of opposite edges, wherein the at least one additional slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one trapezoidal-shaped tab there through.

6. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of: one or more graphics imprinted on at least a portion of the substantially rectangular-shaped structure; one or more textures residing on at least a portion of the substantially rectangular-shaped structure; one or more designs imprinted on at least a portion of the substantially rectangular-shaped structure; and one or more colors imprinted on at least a portion of the substantially rectangular-shaped structure.

7. An interlocking panel used in a system of interlocking panels, the interlocking panel comprising: a geometrically-shaped structure with at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the geometrically-shaped structure; and at least one slot situated on at least one edge of the geometrically- shaped structure, wherein the slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one tab of another interlocking panel there through.

8. The interlocking panel of claim 7, wherein the geometrically-shaped structure is one of: substantially rectangular in shape; substantially square in shape; substantially circular in shape; and substantially triangular in shape.

9. The interlocking panel of claim 7, wherein the at least one tab is a trapezoidal- shaped tab.

10. The interlocking panel of claim 7, further comprising: at least one additional tab, wherein the at least one tab and the at least one additional tab are formed on a first set of opposite edges of the geometrically-shaped structure.

1 1 . The interlocking panel of claim 7, wherein the at least one edge where the at least one slot is situated on is adjacent to the at least one edge where the at least one tab is formed.

12. The interlocking panel of claim 7, wherein the at least one tab further includes at least one locking member formed therein, the locking member comprising a geometric cutout fastened by an edge to the at least one tab for keeping the tab from pulling out of a slot when inserted there through.

13. The interlocking panel of claim 7, wherein the slot includes a first circular end and a second circular end.

14. The interlocking panel of claim 7, further comprising: at least one additional slot dimensioned so as to receive at least one tab there through.

15. The interlocking panel of claim 14, wherein the at least one additional slot is situated in at least one of a perpendicular and parallel fashion to the at least one slot.

16. A toy structure comprising at least two interlocking panels, the toy structure comprising: a first interlocking panel comprising a first geometrically-shaped structure with at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the first geometrically-shaped structure, wherein the at least one tab includes at least one locking member formed therein, the locking member comprising a geometric cutout fastened by an edge to the at least one tab; at least a second interlocking panel comprising a second geometrically-shaped structure with at least one slot situated on at least one edge of the second geometrically-shaped structure, wherein the first interlocking panel is interlocked with the at least second interlocking panel by the tab of the first interlocking panel being inserted through the slot of the second interlocking panel, wherein the geometric cutout of the tab prevents the tab from pulling out of the slot.

17. The toy structure of claim 16, wherein the first interlocking panel further comprises: at least one slot situated on at least one edge of the geometrically-shaped structure, wherein the slot is dimensioned so as to receive at least one tab of another interlocking panel there through.

18. The toy structure of claim 16, wherein the at least second interlocking panel further comprises: at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the second geometrically- shaped structure.

19. The toy structure of claim 16, further comprising: a third interlocking panel comprising a third geometrically-shaped structure with at least one tab formed on at least one edge of the third geometrically- shaped structure, wherein the at least one tab includes at least one locking member formed therein, the locking member comprising a geometric cutout fastened by an edge to the at least one tab, wherein the third interlocking panel is interlocked with at least one of the first interlocking panel and the second interlocking panel by the at least one tab of the third interlocking panel being inserted through at least one of a slot situated on the first interlocking panel and the slot of the second interlocking panel, wherein the geometric cutout of the at least one tab prevents the at least one tab from pulling out of the slot.

20. The toy structure of claim 19, wherein the first interlocking panel, the second interlocking panel, and the third interlocking panel each comprise dimensions that are one of: substantially equal to at least one the other interlocking panels; and substantially different than at least one the other interlocking panels.