US3859769A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interlocking modules
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-12-11
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Granted: 1975-01-14
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Expires: 1992-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A module includes a body shaped as regular polygon such as an equilateral triangular block and is adapted to interlock with other similar modules to form a structure. Projecting outwardly from each edge of the triangular body is a generally triangular tongue having an area not greater than one-third the area of the body, and adjacent each tongue is a slot whose size and shape is similar to the size and shape of the tongue. The slot extends into the body so that, when assembling a structure from several modules, the tongues of each module interfit with the slots of the adjacent modules to hold the modules together in an abutting edge-to-edge relationship. In other forms of the invention, the body may be shaped as a square or the tongue may be formed separately of the body in the shape of a diamond whose opposite ends telescope into the slots of adjacent bodies to hold the adjacent edges of the bodies in abutment with each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond L Watkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:58
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/04; A63H33/10; A63H33/108; A63H33/06; A63H33/08; A63H33/088; E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/02; E04B2/04; E04B2/06; E04B2/08; E04B2/12; E04B2002/0202; E04B2002/0204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
An interloCking module comprising a substantially planar body shaped as an equilateral triangle providing side edges and having first and second generally flat and parallel faces, a generally flat and substantially triangular tongue of predetermined thickness integrally formed with and projecting outwardly from each side edge of said body, each of said tongues extending substantially along the entire length of its associated edge and having an area approaching but not greater than one-third the area of one of said faces, a slot opening out of each edge of said body and each of said slots lying in a second common plane spaced between and extending generally parallel with said first plane and said first face and being generally the same size, shape and thickness as one of said tongues, and an internal reinforcing member extending generally between said faces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
An interloCking module comprising a substantially planar body shaped as an equilateral triangle providing side edges and having first and second generally flat and parallel faces, a generally flat and substantially triangular tongue of predetermined thickness integrally formed with and projecting outwardly from each side edge of said body, each of said tongues extending substantially along the entire length of its associated edge and having an area approaching but not greater than one-third the area of one of said faces, a slot opening out of each edge of said body and each of said slots lying in a second common plane spaced between and extending generally parallel with said first plane and said first face and being generally the same size, shape and thickness as one of said tongues, and an internal reinforcing member extending generally between said faces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
88 words
A structural unit formed of a series of interlocking modules of the type defined in claim 1, said structural unit comprising a frame having one edge facing said modules, a plurality of second tongues projecting from said edge, a plurality of second slots formed in said edge adjacent said second tongues, said second tongues and slots being similar in size and shape to the tongues and slots of said modules and interfitting with the adjacent tongues and slots of the modules adjacent said one edge of said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
188 words
An interlocking module comprising a body shaped generally as a regular polygon providing side edges and having first and second generally parallel faces, a generally flat tongue projecting outwardly from each side edge of said body adjacent said first face, each of said tongues being joined to its associated edge substantially along the entire length thereof, a slot opening out of each side edge of said body between said tongue and said second face, each of said tongues and said slots being generally triangular in shape and of the same general thickness and having an area approaching but not larger than the area of one of said faces divided by the number of edges of said body, all of said tongues lying in a first common plane extending parallel to and spaced inwardly a predetermined distance from said first face, all of said slots lying in a second common plane spaced from and extending parallel with said first plane, said second plane further being spaced inwardly from said second face by a distance equal to said predetermined distance, and an internal reinforcing member extending generally between said faces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
188 words
An interlocking module comprising a body shaped generally as a regular polygon providing side edges and having first and second generally parallel faces, a generally flat tongue projecting outwardly from each side edge of said body adjacent said first face, each of said tongues being joined to its associated edge substantially along the entire length thereof, a slot opening out of each side edge of said body between said tongue and said second face, each of said tongues and said slots being generally triangular in shape and of the same general thickness and having an area approaching but not larger than the area of one of said faces divided by the number of edges of said body, all of said tongues lying in a first common plane extending parallel to and spaced inwardly a predetermined distance from said first face, all of said slots lying in a second common plane spaced from and extending parallel with said first plane, said second plane further being spaced inwardly from said second face by a distance equal to said predetermined distance, and an internal reinforcing member extending generally between said faces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An interlocking module as defined by claim 3 wherein said predetermined distance that said tongues and said slots, respectively, are spaced inwardly from said first and second faces is substantially equal to the thickness of said tongue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
104 words
A module as defined by claim 3 wherein each of said tongues includes opposing margins converging toward each other upon progressing outwardly from the edge of said body associated with said tongue, a marginal portion associated with each of said margins and extending outwardly of said associated edge a predetermined short distance in a direction generally perpendicular relative to said associated edge to join with the margin associated with said marginal portion, a wall in said internal reinforcing member defining each end of said slot and extending inwardly of the edge associated with said slot in a direction generally perpendicular to said associated edge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A module as defined by claim 5 wherein said body is shaped generally as a square.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A module as defined by claim 5 wherein said body is shaped generally as an equilateral triangle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-13 | 1978-07-15 | 1979-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-13 | 1982-07-15 | 1983-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | 1987-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |