WO1999013954A1

WO1999013954A1 - Building set

Info

Publication number: WO1999013954A1
Application number: PCT/AT1998/000226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julius Janos; Adalbert BIRÓ
Original assignee: Julius Janos; Biro Adalbert
Priority date: 1997-09-18
Filing date: 1998-09-17
Publication date: 1999-03-25
Also published as: AU9245198A; RO114203B1

Abstract

A building set for producing unidimensional, bidimensional or tridimensional objects comprises rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e), sleeves (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) that can be slipped on the rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e), and optional base elements (11, 22, 26) that can be connected to the rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e). In order to increase freedom of design, strings (25) are led through bores in the rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and/or clamped between the rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the sleeves (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h). The connection between several rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) or between the rods (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and a base element (11, 22, 26) is established or ensured by the strings (25).

Description

kit

The present invention relates to a kit for producing one-, two-, or three-dimensional objects, with rods, sleeves that can be pushed onto the rods, and optionally with base elements that can be connected to the rods.

A kit in the sense of the invention is a collection of elements which can be connected to one another in a wide variety of ways in order to produce different objects. One-dimensional objects are referred to here as those which are arranged essentially linearly in the form of a rod. Two-dimensional objects are flat, while three-dimensional objects have a significant extent in all dimensions of space. Kits in the sense underlying the invention cannot only be used for entertainment purposes, i.e. as a game, but also and especially for learning and studying mathematical, physical or chemical relationships. In the field of mathematics, the logic and geometry, in the field of physics the mechanics, and in the field of chemistry, organic chemistry will be particularly easy to map using such a kit.

A kit is known from US Pat. No. 3,927,489, in which rods can be connected to one another by connecting pieces in order to form spatial rod structures. A similar solution is also given in WO 93/04750, which relates to a flexible connecting piece in order to be able to connect rods to two- and three-dimensional objects. Another such kit is described in DE 39 43 364 A.

A disadvantage of these known solutions is that the models constructed in this way are essentially rigid, since the connecting elements are not flexible or are only flexible to a limited extent. Another disadvantage is that the larger or more complex models are very unstable because the strength of the individual plug connections is limited. In addition, the variability of the objects to be produced is limited, since the rods can only be inserted into the corresponding connecting pieces at their ends.

The object of the present invention is to provide a kit with which the disadvantages described above can be overcome and which in particular makes it possible to produce models of almost any shape simply and stably. In particular, it should be possible through the invention not only to produce rigid models and objects, but also to realize joints and pivot points at predetermined locations. The kit should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture and manage with a manageable number of different parts. According to the invention, these objects are achieved in that cords are provided which are guided through bores in the bars and / or are clamped between bars and sleeves, the connection between a plurality of bars or between bars and a base element being established or secured by the cords .

It is essential to the present invention that the cords, which are preferably elastic, perform a variety of tasks. By clamping the cords between the bars and the sleeve, the fit of the respective bar in the bore of the sleeve is improved. On the other hand, in the case of a large number of connections, it is possible for a cord to run through a sleeve and hold two or more rods together when under tension. With other connections, an elastic cord wraps around a sleeve and thereby secures the corresponding connections with a plurality of rods. Such connections will be described in detail below. Such connections generally enable connections that can be implemented quickly and detached, as are also desired in assembly technology, for example.

In terms of strength, it is particularly favorable if rods each have a bore in their end regions which extends transversely to the axis of the rod. By sliding the sleeve over the hole at the end of the rod in question, slipping of the elastic cord is practically impossible and the connection is thus secured.

Another group of useful connections can be achieved in that sleeves have bores for inserting rods that have a stepped diameter. In this way it is possible to precisely define the position of the rod in relation to the sleeve in the axial direction.

A further duplication of the possibilities of use can be achieved in that rods preferably have fastening elements at one end. Such a fastening element can be designed, for example, in the form of a spherical cap. This not only makes it possible to fasten other cords by wrapping them around, but it can also be achieved by snapping the ball into a corresponding opening.

Star-shaped structures can be achieved, for example, in that sleeves have a plurality of bores for inserting rods, the axes of the bores passing through a common center. If rods are to be connected to other components not only at their ends, but also at any points, it is particularly advantageous if sleeves are designed as O-rings or as helical winding bodies, the inside diameter of which corresponds approximately to the outside diameter of bars. If the kit according to the invention is not only to be used to produce freely movable objects, but also to show the relationship of objects to a coordinate system, it is particularly advantageous if at least one plate-shaped base element is provided, which carries fastening points which are arranged along predetermined geometric figures . It can preferably be provided that the plate-shaped base element is designed as part of a case for storing rods and sleeves. Rectangles, triangles, circles or the like can be provided as geometric figures in the sense described. Several plates can also be put together at right angles to one another in the form of a Cartesian coordinate system, or another coordinate system, such as an oblique angle or a polar coordinate system, can be illustrated if necessary. The formation of two such plates as part of a suitcase makes it possible not only to store the entire kit easily, but also to bring two plates into a predetermined relationship due to the articulated connection.

Additional possible applications result if at least one component in the form of a closed curve, preferably in the form of a circle, is also provided. In this way cylinders, cones and other geometrical figures can be easily illustrated.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a toy which is produced by a kit as described above. Such a toy can, depending on requirements, be a dismantled toy or a toy in which the individual parts are captively connected to one another.

The present invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the embodiment variants shown in the figures. Show it:

Figures 1 to 3 different versions of rods in a plan view.

4 and 5 a further embodiment variant of a rod in a view in the axial direction and in a plan view;

6 shows a base element in a plan view;

7 shows a section along line VII - VII in Fig. 6.

8 shows a sleeve in a top view;

9 shows another embodiment variant of a sleeve in a longitudinal section;

10 shows a further embodiment variant of a sleeve in a top view; Figures 1 1 and 12, a further embodiment of a sleeve each in section;

FIGS. 13 and 14 further variants of sleeves;

15 shows a plate-shaped base element in a plan view;

16 to 32 different connections from the components of a kit according to the invention;

33 is an axonometric view of a box-shaped base element with an object erected thereon;

34 shows a model produced with the kit according to the invention in an axonometric view;

35 shows a mathematical model;

36 and 37 further models in axonometric views;

38 is a doll made with the kit; and

39 shows a connecting element.

1 shows a first embodiment variant of a rod 1 a with rounded end regions 2 and bores 4 arranged perpendicular to the rod axis 3.

The rod 1b of FIG. 2 has a bore 4 in the vicinity of an end region 2 and a spherical cap 5 at its other end. A constriction 7 is arranged between the spherical cap 5 and an annular projection 6. The spherical cap 5 can serve to form a joint in a corresponding recess in another component, and the constriction 5 can be used to fasten a cord.

3 shows a further embodiment variant of a rod 1c which is angled at an angle of 90 ° in a central region 8.

4 and 5, an embodiment variant of a rod 1d is shown which has an essentially hemispherical head 9 at one end. In the circumferential direction, the head 9 has four recesses 10 at regular angular intervals.

6 and 7 show a base element 11 which has a through bore 12 and an angled bore 13. Cords (not shown) can be pulled through these bores 12, 13 in order to fasten other elements. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment variant of a sleeve 14a which is designed in the form of an O-ring with a circular cross section.

A further embodiment variant of a sleeve 14b is shown in FIG. 9. The sleeve 14b consists of a substantially cylindrical section 15 and a section 16 in the form of a spherical cap. The bore 17 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 14b is graduated in its diameter.

A further embodiment variant of a sleeve 14c according to FIG. 10 is characterized in that it has a groove 18 running in the circumferential direction. This groove 18 allows other components to be attached by cords.

A further embodiment variant of a sleeve 14d is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. This sleeve 14d has a multiplicity of bores 19, the axes 19a of which pass through a common center point 20. In this way, star-shaped structures can be easily realized.

Fig. 13 shows a further sleeve 14e, which consists of a helical winding body. An embodiment variant 14f derived therefrom is shown in FIG. 14, this sleeve consisting of three interconnected individual bodies 21. The three individual bodies 21 are movable with respect to one another, but this mobility is not elastic since the individual bodies 21 remain in the set position relative to one another.

15 shows a further base element in the form of a plate 22 which has a multiplicity of bores 23. The bores 23 are along different geometrical figures

24 arranged, such as circles, rectangles and the like.

A connection of various components is shown in FIG. 16. Two rods, generally designated 1, since they can be rods la, lb, lc, ld or le, are inserted at their ends in sleeves 14b of the type shown in FIG. 9. An elastic cord 25 is guided parallel to the axes of the rods 1 through this connection. Since the cord 25 is located within the bore 17 of the sleeve 14b between this sleeve 14b and the rod 1, this is firmly clamped in the bore 17. An intensification of this effect can still be achieved in that the cord 25 is passed through the bore 4 of a rod 1, as shown in the right half of FIG. 16. The cord secures in the area between the sleeves 14b

25 the connection due to its elastic tension. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the connection can have different properties depending on the cord tension or the free length of the cord 25. In the position shown in FIG. 16, there is a distance between the sleeves 14b, so that it is possible in this area to loop the cord around a further component (not shown) and thus if to attach. If, on the other hand, the cord 25 is kept short so that the sleeves 14b bear against one another under tension, a joint can be achieved which can only be brought out of the extended position by the application of a certain moment.

17 shows a connection in which a rod 1b, which is inserted into a sleeve 14b, is used to hold a loop of a cord 25. Further rods 1 can be inserted into the loop of the cord 25 protruding from the sleeve 14b in order to hold them. A similar connection using rod ID and sleeve 14b is shown in FIG. However, the loop of the cord 25 is formed on the side of the semicircular head 9 of the rod 1d. Here, too, any rod 1 can be held by the loop.

An axially aligned rigid connection between two bars 1 a and 1 is shown in FIG. 19. The two ends 2 of the rods la and 1 are inserted into the bore 17 of a type 14b sleeve. A cord 25 is passed around the outside of the sleeve 14b and held to the rods 1a and 1 by further sleeves 14a of the type shown in FIG. Furthermore, the cord 25 is guided through bores 4 of the rods la and 1 and is additionally held on the rod la by a further sleeve 14a of the type shown in FIG. 8. The tension of the elastic cord 25 in the area of the sleeve 14b ensures that the rods 1 and 1a are not seated excessively in the bore 17 of the sleeve 14b.

The embodiment variants of FIGS. 20 and 21 are similar to the embodiment variant of FIG. 19, but in FIG. 20 a sleeve 14c of the type shown in FIG. 10 is used and the cord 25 is guided through the bore 17 of this sleeve 14c becomes. In this way, the fit of the rods 1 and 1 a in the bore 17 of the sleeve 14 c is additionally improved. In the embodiment variant of FIG. 21, a sleeve 14d of the type shown in FIG. 11 is used in order, if appropriate, to be able to insert further rods, not shown.

FIG. 22 shows the connection of a rod 1d of the type shown in FIG. 4 to a sleeve 14c of the type shown in FIG. 10 in order to clamp a cord 25. Further components, not shown, can be fastened in the groove 18. Another type of connection is shown in FIG. Four rods 1 are inserted into a sleeve 14d and secured by a cord 25. This securing takes place in such a way that one end of the cord 25 is passed through the bores 4 of the rods 1, wherein it wraps around the sleeve 14d. O-ring-shaped sleeves 14a press the cord 25 against the rods 1 and the sleeve 14d. In this way, all connections are secured in a simple and elegant way. In FIG. 24, a rod 1b with a spherical cap 5 is pushed into a sleeve 14c at the end, secured by a cord 25. The end of the rod 1b protruding from the sleeve 14c protrudes into the bore 17 of a further sleeve 14b.

FIG. 25 shows an articulated connection between two bars 1, a sleeve 14c corresponding to FIG. 10 being pushed onto the ends of the bars 1 and secured by a cord 25. The cord 25 is also the actual connecting element between the rods 1.

In Fig. 26 it is shown that a cord 25 can be fastened by sleeves 14a at any point on a rod 1. The strength of the connection can be varied by using a plurality of sleeves 14a.

27 shows the connection of a rod 1d to a sleeve 14c using a plurality of cords 25. The cords loop around the hemispherical head 9 of the sleeve 14d and are guided through the recesses 10.

28 and 29 show the connection of two or three rods 1 with the aid of sleeves 14h and 14f, the cord 25 being omitted. The connection of the rods 1 is movable in this way, but always remains in its respective position without the application of force.

30 shows the use of an angled rod 1c for the angular connection of two other rods 1. With the help of sleeves 14a, the ends of the rods 1 to be connected are each attached to one leg of the angular rod 1c. The cord 25 serves to secure the connection and, if necessary, to connect further components.

An articulated connection is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Sockets 14g, which are similar in structure to the socket 14b shown in FIG. 9, are pushed onto the ends of the rods 1 and secured by a plurality of cords 25. Within the sleeves 14g there is in each case an assembly which is composed of a rod 1d which is pushed into a sleeve 14c. The rod ld and the sleeve 14c are made smaller in relation to the other components. The sleeves 14g are pressed against one another by the elastic forces of the cords 25. By applying a certain bending moment, however, the cords 25 can be stretched elastically so that the rods 1 are brought into an angular position with respect to one another. After this bending moment has been eliminated, the bars return to the position shown.

FIG. 33 shows an overall model which is produced using the kit according to the invention. On the outside of a case 26, which is designed as a building board, there are four straight bars attached la. The upper and lower ends of the rods la are each connected to a circular component 27, the dimensions of which correspond to a circle 24, which is shown on the case 26. In this way, a cylinder can clearly be realized. The transition from the cylinder to a rotation hypo-oloid can be explained by rotating the upper circular element 27 about the cylinder axis.

34 shows a further model which can be built using the kit according to the invention. A parallel epiped is built up on a plate 22 from rectilinear bars 1 a. A square is inscribed in this parallelepiped by cords 25, the corners of which are connected via further cords 25 to a point on a rod 1a which lies in the center of the upper surface of the parallelepiped. In this way, the cords 25 are used as construction elements. Depending on requirements, it is possible to continuously assemble the cords 25 from one piece or from several individual sections.

35 shows the production of a two-dimensional and partially movable model for use in the field of geometry. In a circular element 27, two rods la are arranged in a partially articulated, partly displaceable manner via connections consisting of sleeves 14b and rods ld. A sleeve 14g, which corresponds in structure to the sleeve 14f, but has only two individual bodies, serves to connect the rods la. In this way, geometric relationships can be easily explained.

A further model is shown in FIG. 36, which are two cubes placed one on top of the other, the edges of which consist of bars la and are connected to the corners via sleeves 14a, 14d. Diagonal cords 25 hold sleeves 14d at the center of the cubes. In this context, the cords 25 are not only used for the production and securing of connections, but also advantageously serve as constructive parts. In this way, a cubic body-centered lattice can be clearly explained in the field of crystallography. Due to the elastic suspension of the sleeves 14d in the center of the cube, oscillation processes in a crystal lattice can also be explained.

FIG. 37 shows a model of a cube that is very similar to the model shown in FIG. 36. The difference is that corner elements are provided, which consist of sleeves 14d and 14c, which are each connected to a rod ld. These corner elements are connected only by cords to sleeves 14b, which are arranged at the ends of bars la. This makes the cube of FIG. 37 deformable.

A further possible application of the invention lies in the manufacture of a doll, such as is shown in FIG. 38. Various rods la are connected to one another at nodes, which are generally designated 28. Depending on whether on the The respective connection types described above can be selected using sleeves 14a and 14d in each node 28 if there is to be a fixed or articulated connection. Slightly modified sleeves 14f and 14j are used to represent the hands and feet.

39 shows a general fastening element that can be used in various ways. A rod ld is inserted in two sleeves 14b. An elastic cord 25 is clamped in the two sleeves and connects them. This fastening element can be used, for example, to wrap objects to be bundled in order to produce a connection which can be produced quickly and released quickly. Depending on requirements, the length of the cord 25 can be freely selected in order to adjust the distance d between the sleeves 14b in the unstretched state.

The present invention makes it possible to produce a kit that can be used not only for a toy in the conventional sense, but also advantageously for didactic purposes in a variety of fields. A corresponding color design of the individual elements makes it possible to achieve an appealing exterior, to identify the parts more easily and to show the corresponding relationships more clearly. In addition to the diversity of the models to be produced, the possibility of also producing large and complex constructions in a stable manner is particularly advantageous in the invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Kit for producing one-, two- or three-dimensional objects, with rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le), sleeves that can be pushed onto the rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k) and optionally with base elements (11, 22, 26) which are connected to the bars (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) can be connected, characterized in that cords (25) are provided which are guided through bores in the bars (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) and / or between bars (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) and sleeves (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k) are clamped, the connection between several bars (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) or between Rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) and a base element (11, 22, 26) is produced or secured by the cords (25).

2. Kit according to claim 1, characterized in that rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) each have a bore in their end regions, which is transverse to the axis (la) of the rod (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) extends.

3. Kit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that sleeves (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k) bores (17, 19) for inserting rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le), which bores (17, 19) have a stepped diameter.

4. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) have fastening elements at one end.

5. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that sleeves (14d) have a plurality of bores (19) for inserting rods (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le), the axes (19a) of the Bores (19) go through a common center (20).

6. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that sleeves (14a 14e, 14f) are designed as O-rings (14a) or as a helical winding body (14e, 14f), the inside diameter of which is approximately the outside diameter of bars (1 , la, lb, lc, ld, le).

7. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that further at least one plate-shaped base element (22) is provided which carries fastening points (23) which are arranged along predetermined geometric figures (24).

8. Kit according to claim 7, characterized in that the plate-shaped base element (22) as part of a case (26) for storing bars (1, la, lb, lc, ld, le) and sleeves (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k) is formed.

9. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that further at least one component (27) in the form of a closed curve, preferably in the form of a circle, is provided.

10. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cords (25) are at least partially elastic.

11. Toys made from a kit according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Fastening element, made from a kit according to one of the preceding claims.