Vertical toothed block pin for configurable block assemblies

Abstract

Configurable block assemblies are described. In one example, a configurable block assembly comprises a block body with a toothed pin slot, which includes an array of teeth extending inward toward the toothed pin slot. The block assembly further comprises a vertical toothed block pin, which includes a multiface pin collar. The multiface pin collar has two or more pairs of substantially parallel sides, each pair having a unique tooth configuration. The tooth configurations of the pairs of sides of the multiface pin collar can engage with the array of teeth of the toothed pin slot to allow variable positioning of the block assembly to achieve a variety of different machining positions and machining scenarios.

Description

background

[0001] Welders, carpenters, and workers in general often need to position workpieces in various ways to perform tasks such as construction, joining, and finishing. For example, a welder might want to weld metal workpieces together at specific positions and angles. To assist workers in positioning and holding workpieces, grid-like tables have been developed. These tables incorporate perforated grids designed to accommodate and hold various tools, such as pins, clamps, and stop blocks. Stop blocks, for instance, can be positioned on a grid table using pins that secure the blocks in different positions. However, conventional pin and stop block applications have limited configuration options.Furthermore, precise positioning of a stop block on a grid is difficult due to inaccuracies inherent in a conventional pin and stop block assembly. Consequently, it is often difficult and time-consuming for users to reliably position workpieces in a desired orientation or position. Summary

[0002] Configurable block assemblies employing a vertical toothed block pin are described. Exemplary block assemblies, i.e., configurable block assemblies, comprise a block body with a toothed pin slot, which includes an array of teeth extending inward toward the toothed pin slot. The block assembly further comprises a vertical toothed block pin, which includes a multi-face pin collar. The multi-face pin collar has two or more pairs of substantially parallel sides, each pair having a unique tooth configuration. The tooth configurations of the pairs of sides of the multi-face pin collar can engage with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot to allow variable positioning of the block assemblies to achieve a variety of different working scenarios.

[0003] This summary presents a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in detail below. Therefore, this summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Brief description of the drawings

[0004] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. Units depicted in the figures can represent one or more units, allowing for alternating reference to singular or plural forms of the units in the discussion. Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of an example block assembly according to one or more of the implementations described here. Fig. Figure 2 shows a view of the configurable block assembly, with the block body, the vertical tooth block pin and the pin separated from each other, according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 3a shows a view of the vertical tooth block pin according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 3b shows a top view of the vertical tooth block pin according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 4 represents an exemplary intervention scenario of the vertical tooth block pin with the toothed pin slot according to one or more implementations. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b presents an exemplary use case for using a configurable block assembly with the vertical tooth block pin in a first position according to one or more implementations. Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b presents an exemplary use case for using a configurable block assembly with the vertical tooth block pin in a first position according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 7a shows a view of the vertical tooth block pin in which the multi-face pin collar comprises eight sides according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 7b shows a top view of the orthogonal vertical tooth block pin according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 8a shows an example of the intervention of the first pair of parallel sides with the arrangement of the teeth according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 8b presents an example of the intervention of the second pair of parallel sides with the arrangement of the teeth according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 8c represents an example of the intervention of the third pair of parallel sides with the arrangement of the teeth according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 8d represents an example of the intervention of the fourth pair of parallel sides with the arrangement of the teeth according to one or more implementations. Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b and Fig. Section 9c presents scenarios in which the toothed pin slot is included as part of a removable insert, according to one or more implementations. Fig. 10 represents an implementation of a block assembly comprising a variable-width pin slot according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 11 shows a view of the block assembly, with the block body, first pin and pin separated from each other, according to one or more implementations. Fig. Figure 12 shows a view of exemplary toothed discs according to one or more implementations. Detailed description Overview

[0005] Vertical toothed block pins for configurable block assemblies are described. In an exemplary implementation, a block assembly, i.e., a configurable block assembly, comprises a block body and one or more vertical toothed block pins that can engage with the block body. The block body includes, for example, a toothed pin slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the block body. The toothed pin slot extends through an interior of the block body from a top face of the block body to a bottom face of the block body. The toothed pin slot includes an array of teeth extending inward and substantially perpendicular to opposite sides of the toothed pin slot. Pins, bolts, screws, etc., can be inserted through the toothed pin slot to fasten the block body to an adjacent surface, such as a lattice welding table.

[0006] To secure the block body to an adjacent surface at a specific position and / or at a discrete location, the block assembly includes a vertical toothed block pin that can be inserted through the toothed pin slot. The vertical toothed block pin includes a multiface pin collar comprising at least two pairs of substantially parallel faces. For example, the multiface pin collar has a cross-section that is rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Each pair of parallel faces can have a unique tooth configuration configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot.

[0007] Consider an example where the vertical toothed block pin has a rectangular cross-section. A first pair of parallel faces of the vertical toothed block pin has a first tooth configuration configured to engage with the tooth arrangement of the toothed pin slot. The tooth arrangement has, for example, a tooth pitch defined by a distance between corresponding points on adjacent teeth. In this example, the tooth pitch of the tooth arrangement is 1 / 8 inch. Accordingly, the first tooth configuration comprises one or more teeth configured to engage with the teeth of the tooth arrangement to position the block body on an adjacent face in 1 / 8-inch increments.

[0008] The second pair of parallel faces features a second tooth configuration, also configured to engage with the tooth arrangement. For example, the second tooth configuration includes one or more teeth dimensioned to engage with the tooth pitch of the tooth arrangement. In this example, however, the second tooth configuration is positioned at a distance offset from the center of the vertical tooth block pin relative to the first tooth configuration. For example, the second tooth configuration allows positioning of the block body on the adjacent face in 1 / 8-inch increments, but such positions are offset by 1 / 16 inch from those achievable with the first tooth configuration.Accordingly, the techniques described here, for example, can be used by interlocking different pairs of parallel sides of the vertical tooth block pin with the arrangement of teeth to position the configurable block assembly in step sizes with a finer resolution than the tooth pitch of the arrangement of teeth would otherwise allow.

[0009] In at least one embodiment of a configurable block assembly, the block body comprises a variable-width pin slot. The variable-width pin slot comprises a first region of a first width and a second region of a second width, which includes an arrangement of teeth. The arrangement of teeth extends inward from opposite sides of the variable-width pin slot.

[0010] In this embodiment, the configurable block assembly further comprises a toothed disk dimensioned to match the second region of the variable-width pin slot. For example, the toothed disk comprises an outer surface comprising a tooth configuration and an inner surface defined by an opening.

[0011] The tooth configuration includes, for example, teeth arranged on opposite sides of the outer surface and is configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the variable-width pin slot.

[0012] In several examples, the configurable block assembly further includes a vertical pin dimensioned to align with the opening of the toothed disc. The configurable block assembly may also include one or more vertical pins dimensioned to align with the first portion of the variable-width pin slot. For example, one or more vertical pins may be inserted through the toothed disc and / or the first portion of the variable-width pin slot to secure the block body to an adjacent face. In at least one example, the toothed disc includes an additional tooth configuration comprising teeth arranged on opposite sides of the outer face.The additional tooth configuration can be configured, for example, to position the toothed disc at offset intervals within the variable-width pin slot relative to positions achievable using the tooth configuration.

[0013] Accordingly, the described vertical toothed block pin, toothed disc, and configurable block assemblies provide a wide variety of block configurations and workpiece arrangements not offered by conventional workpiece alignment tools. The following discussion describes exemplary block assemblies that can apply the techniques described here. Exemplary scenarios are also described in which the exemplary block assemblies are used to align exemplary workpieces. The exemplary block assemblies are not limited to the execution of the exemplary scenarios. Configurable block assemblies

[0014] The Fig. Figures 1-12 represent various features of exemplary configurable block assemblies that are functional to apply the techniques described here. Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of an exemplary block assembly 100 according to one or more of the implementations described herein. In the example shown, the block assembly 100, i.e., a configurable block assembly, comprises a block body 102, a vertical toothed pin 104, and a pin 106, which are in mesh with each other.

[0015] The block body 102 comprises a top surface 108, a bottom surface 110, a front surface 112, and a rear surface 114. The block body 102 further comprises a toothed pin slot 116, which is formed at least partially along the top surface 108 and extends through an interior of the block body 102 to the bottom surface 110. The toothed pin slot 116 forms, for example, a longitudinal slot extending along a longitudinal axis 118 of the block body 102. Pins, bolts, screws, etc., such as the vertical toothed block pin 104 and / or the pin 106, can be inserted through the toothed pin slot 116 to secure the block body to an adjacent surface, such as a grid work surface, i.e., a welding table.The block body 102 further comprises various surfaces that can be used for workpiece and / or tool arrangement, which include, but are not limited to, the surface 108, the front surface 112, the rear surface 114, a side surface 120a and a side surface 120b.

[0016] While in the illustrated example the front surface 112 and the rear surface 114 are depicted as flat (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 118 of the block body 102), a variety of configurations and / or shapes of the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 are considered. In some examples, the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 include one or more angled surfaces, for example, in a "U-shaped" configuration. For instance, the rear surface 114 includes an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 118, as well as a first angled surface angled relative to the side surface 120a and the end face, and a second angled surface angled relative to the side surface 120b and the end face.For example, the first angled surface intersects the side surface 120a at an acute angle (for example, 15, 30, 45 or 60 degrees) and the second angled surface intersects the side surface 120b at an acute angle, for example, 15, 30, 45 or 60 degrees.

[0017] This serves as an example and not a limitation, and the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 can comprise a variety of configurations. For example, the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 can comprise one or more V-shaped, chamfered, wedge-shaped, L-shaped, or polygonal surfaces with any suitable number of angled faces. In some examples, the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 includes one or more ribs and / or grooves, for example, to increase contact adhesion with a workpiece. In this way, the differently configured surfaces of the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 allow workpieces to be positioned at various angles, orientations, and / or positions relative to each other.

[0018] The toothed pin slot 116 further comprises an arrangement of teeth 122 extending inwards towards the toothed pin slot 116. For example, in the illustrated example, the arrangement of teeth 122 comprises a first toothed surface 124a and a second toothed surface 124b. In this example, the first toothed surface 124a and the second toothed surface 124b are located on opposite inner surfaces of the toothed pin slot 116 and are coplanar with the side surface 120a and the side surface 120b. The first toothed surface 124a is located, for example, close to the side surface 120a (for example, closer to the side surface 120a than to the side surface 120b), while the second toothed surface 124b is closer to the side surface 120b (for example, closer to the side surface 120b than to the side surface 120a).As described in more detail below, the vertical tooth block pin 104 comprises a multi-surface pin collar 126 which includes several surfaces configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth 122.

[0019] In the example shown, the arrangement of teeth 122 has a uniform pitch; for example, a tooth pitch defined by a distance between corresponding points on adjacent teeth is uniform. For instance, teeth are positioned at equal intervals, such as 1 / 8 inch apart along the first toothed surface 124a and / or the second toothed surface 124b. This serves as an example and not a limitation, and a variety of tooth pitches and tooth configurations are considered.

[0020] In some examples, the arrangement of teeth 122 exhibits a non-uniform tooth spacing, such that teeth are positioned at varying intervals along the first toothed surface 124a and / or the second toothed surface 124b. For example, teeth may be positioned with alternating and / or successive intervals (e.g., valleys) between adjacent teeth, such as alternating intervals of 4 mm and 6 mm. In at least one example, the arrangement of teeth 122 includes a graduated spacing, such as teeth that are positioned increasingly closer or further apart along a length of the first toothed surface 124a and / or the second toothed surface 124b. For example, the arrangement of teeth 122 includes teeth that start 10 mm apart and gradually decrease to 2 mm apart, allowing for variable degrees of fine-tuned positioning.

[0021] In some embodiments, the arrangement of the teeth 122 comprises a variable depth pattern, such as teeth of different heights and / or depths. For example, teeth along the first toothed surface 124a and / or the second toothed surface 124b alternate between comparatively shallow and comparatively deep teeth, providing, in one example, multi-stage engagement options for improved positional stability. In other examples, the arrangement of the teeth 122 comprises one or more regions along a length of the first toothed surface 124a and / or the second toothed surface 124b with different tooth patterns, for example, one or more uniform, non-uniform, graduated, variable-depth, etc.

[0022] For example, the first toothed surface 124a and the second toothed surface 124b comprise a first region with a uniform pitch, a second region with a non-uniform pitch, and a third region with a variable depth configuration to achieve a variety of functionalities, depending on which region engages with the vertical tooth block pin 104. In at least one example, the first toothed surface 124a and the second toothed surface 124b are dissimilar, comprising, for example, different tooth configurations, patterns, and / or pitches. In this way, the varied tooth pitch described here supports different degrees of positional adaptation.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 represents a view 200 of the block assembly 100, where the block body 102, the vertical toothed block pin 104, and the pin 106 are separated from one another, according to one or more implementations. In this example, the pin 106 can be inserted through the toothed pin slot 116, for example, without engaging the teeth 122, to attach the block assembly 100 to an adjacent surface. For example, the pin 106 is inserted through the toothed pin slot 116 into an opening of a lattice worktable to attach the block body 102 to the worktable.

[0024] The pin 106 is shown to comprise a cylindrical head 202 connected to a cylindrical shank 204. This serves as an example and not a limitation, and a variety of shapes are considered for the head 202 and / or the shank 204. The shank 204 is dimensioned to pass through the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the shank 204 has a width (for example, a diameter) that is less than the width of the toothed pin slot 116. The head 202 is dimensioned to contact the upper surface 108 of the block body 102, for example, with a width (for example, a diameter) that is greater than the width of the toothed pin slot 116.

[0025] The vertical tooth block pin 104 can also be inserted through the toothed pin slot 116 to attach the block assembly 100 to an adjacent surface and, furthermore, to secure the block assembly 100 in one or more positions and / or orientations. The vertical tooth block pin 104 comprises a proximal end 206, which includes a pin head 208, and a distal end 210, which has a pin shank 212. In the illustrated example, the pin head 208 comprises a tapered cylindrical body (for example, with a concave profile) that includes one or more clearance faces designed to facilitate user handling of the vertical tooth block pin 104.

[0026] The pin shank 212 is depicted as a cylindrical body dimensioned to pass through the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the shank 212 has a width (e.g., a diameter) that is less than the width of the toothed pin slot 116. The pin shank 212 may further comprise one or more cylindrical grooves 214. In one example, the one or more cylindrical grooves 214 may be provided with one or more seals to, for example, increase contact adhesion between one or more of the vertical toothed block pins 104, the block body 102, and / or an adjacent surface. While the pin shank 212 is depicted as a cylindrical body in this example, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not a limitation, and the pin shank 212 may comprise a variety of shapes.

[0027] The multi-surface pin collar 126 is positioned between the pin head 208 and the pin shank 212 and comprises two or more surfaces for engagement with the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the multi-surface pin collar 126 comprises two or more pairs of parallel sides configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth 122 of the toothed pin slot. In the illustrated example, the multi-surface pin collar 126 has a rectangular cross-section and thus has two pairs of substantially parallel sides. This serves as an example and not a limitation, and a variety of shapes for the multi-surface pin collar 126 are considered, as further described below.

[0028] Furthermore, in various examples, the multi-surface pin collar 126 is detachable from the pin shank 212 and, as such, is interchangeable with one or more additional multi-surface pin collars 126 to provide different tooth configurations for use with the block assembly 100. In one example, the vertical tooth block pin 104 includes a first mounting interface, and the multi-surface pin collar 126 includes a second mounting interface configured to engage with the first mounting interface to secure the multi-surface pin collar to the vertical tooth block pin 104.

[0029] A variety of suitable mounting interfaces are considered. In one example, the shank of the vertical toothed block pin 104 includes a threaded section to form the first mounting interface, and the multi-face pin collar 126 includes an internally threaded opening dimensioned to fit the threaded section to form the second mounting interface. In additional or alternative implementations, one or more of the first or second mounting interfaces include a locking spring pin to facilitate efficient fastening and / or removal of the multi-face pin collar 126. The first and / or second mounting interfaces may further include one or more circumferential grooves, O-rings, magnetic inserts, etc., to fasten or detach the multi-face pin collar 126 from the vertical toothed block pin 104.

[0030] Each pair of parallel faces of the multiface pin collar 126 comprises a tooth configuration dimensioned to engage with the arrangement of teeth 122 of the toothed pin slot 116. Accordingly, the tooth configurations of the multiface pin collar 126 can have one or more uniform, non-uniform, graduated pitch and / or variable depth configurations to match the arrangement of teeth 122. As described in the following examples, the tooth configurations of the multiface pin collar 126 can further be offset from one another to position the vertical toothed block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116 at staggered intervals, thereby positioning the block assembly 100 in different positions on a work surface.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3a represents a view 300a of the vertical tooth block pin 104 according to one or more implementations. In the example shown, the multiface pin collar 126 is a rectangular prism located between the pin head 208 and the pin shank 212, comprising a first face 302, a second face 304, a third face 306, and a fourth face 308. The first face 302 and the second face 304 form a first pair of substantially parallel faces, comprising a first tooth configuration. The third face 306 and the fourth face 308 form a second pair of substantially parallel faces, comprising a second tooth configuration.

[0032] Fig. 3b represents a top view 300b of the vertical tooth block pin 104 according to one or more implementations. For example, view 300b is a top view of the vertical tooth block pin 104, which is in Fig. Figure 3a illustrates this. Continuing the example above, the first tooth configuration of the first pair of substantially parallel faces comprises four teeth, for example, two teeth on the first face 302 and two teeth on the second face 304. In this example, the first face 302 and the second face 304 have a similar or identical tooth arrangement, for example, a similar or identical number of teeth and pitch between adjacent teeth. However, in some examples, a tooth arrangement differs between individual faces of a pair of parallel faces. For example, the tooth arrangement of the first face 302 may differ from the tooth arrangement of the second face 304.

[0033] The second tooth configuration of the second pair of substantially parallel faces also comprises four teeth, for example, two teeth on the third face 306 and two teeth on the fourth face 308. In this example, the third face 306 and the fourth face 308 have a similar or identical tooth arrangement with a similar number and pitch of teeth. The teeth of both the first and second tooth configurations in this example are dimensioned to match the "valleys" of the tooth arrangement 122 of the toothed pin slot 116, for example, the spacing between adjacent teeth.

[0034] The second tooth configuration differs from the first in that the positioning of the individual teeth and the spacing between them are different. For example, the first spacing 310 between adjacent teeth on the first surface 302 is smaller than the second spacing 312 between adjacent teeth on the third surface 306. Accordingly, an engagement of the first tooth configuration with the arrangement of teeth 122 positions the vertical tooth block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116 at a location that is offset from a location of the vertical tooth block pin 104 during an engagement of the second tooth configuration with the arrangement of teeth 122. The offset distance is, for example, smaller than the distance between adjacent teeth and / or valleys of the toothed pin slot 116.

[0035] For example, Fig. Figure 4 presents an example scenario 400 of the engagement of the vertical tooth block pin 104 with the toothed pin slot 116 according to one or more implementations in a first example 402 and a second example 404. In the first example 402, the vertical tooth block pin 104 is positioned such that the first tooth configuration engages with the arrangement of teeth 122 of the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the teeth of the first surface 302 are arranged in valleys between adjacent teeth located on the second toothed surface 124b, while teeth of the second surface 304 are arranged in valleys between adjacent teeth of the first toothed surface 124a.

[0036] In this example, the arrangement of teeth 122 has a pitch of 1 / 8 inch. Accordingly, adjusting the vertical tooth block pin 104 repositions the teeth of the first tooth configuration so that they engage with an adjacent valley of the arrangement of teeth 122 by 1 / 8 inch along the longitudinal axis 118. Therefore, the vertical tooth block pin 104 can be positioned in 1 / 8-inch increments using the first tooth configuration of the vertical tooth block pin 104. That is, the first tooth configuration provides a first set of possible positions for the vertical tooth block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116.

[0037] In the second example 404, the vertical tooth block pin 104 is positioned such that the second tooth configuration engages with the arrangement of teeth 122 of the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the vertical tooth block pin 104 has been rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees and repositioned within the toothed pin slot 116 such that the teeth of the third surface 306 are positioned in valleys between adjacent teeth arranged on the first toothed surface 124a, while teeth of the fourth surface 308 are arranged in valleys between adjacent teeth of the second toothed surface 124b.

[0038] Similar to the first tooth configuration, the second tooth configuration can position the vertical tooth block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116 in increments of 1 / 8 inch. However, the second tooth configuration is offset from the first tooth configuration to provide a second set of possible positions for the vertical tooth block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116. For example, when the second tooth configuration engages with the arrangement of teeth 122, it positions the vertical tooth block pin 104 at an offset position relative to the positions possible using the first tooth configuration.

[0039] For example, the second set includes positions offset by 1 / 16 inch from positions in the first set. In the example shown, for instance, a distance 406 is 1 / 16 inch larger than a distance 408, regardless of the engagement of the vertical toothed block pin 104 in the same valley 410 in the first example 402 and the second example 404. Accordingly, in this example, the use of the vertical toothed block pin 104 effectively doubles the number of possible positions of the block assembly 100 when attached to an adjacent surface.

[0040] The Fig. 5a and Fig. Figures 5b and 500b represent an exemplary use case for a configurable block assembly with the vertical toothed block pin 104 in a first position according to one or more implementations in a first stage 502 and a second stage 504. As shown in the first stage 502, the pin 106 and the vertical toothed block pin 104 are arranged in the toothed pin slot 116 of the block body 102. As shown in the inset 506, the vertical toothed block pin 104 is positioned such that the first tooth configuration engages with the arrangement of teeth 122. For example, the teeth of the first surface 302 engage with the second toothed surface 124b, while the teeth of the second surface 304 engage with the first toothed surface 124a, as shown above in the first example 402. Fig. 4 described.

[0041] The pin 106 and the vertical toothed block pin 104 are dimensioned to align with openings of a surface 508. The surface 508 represents a grid worktable, such as a welding table, comprising cylindrical openings with a fixed spacing, for example, 2 inches between adjacent openings. The block assembly 100 can be attached to the surface 508 by engagement (for example, insertion) of the vertical toothed block pin 104 and the toothed pin slot 116 with the openings of the surface 508.

[0042] As shown in the second stage 504, the vertical toothed block pin 104 and the block body 102, for example, have been inserted into openings in the surface 508 to secure the block assembly 100 to the surface 508. As shown in the inset 510, which depicts a side view of the block assembly 100 attached to the surface 508, the block assembly 100 is positioned at a first position relative to the surface 508. For example, a first distance 512 represents a distance from the front surface 112 of the block body 102 to one end of the surface 508.

[0043] The Fig. 6a and Fig. Figures 6b and 600b represent an exemplary use scenario for a configurable block assembly with the vertical toothed block pin 104 in a first position according to one or more examples in a first stage 602 and a second stage 604. As shown in the first stage 602, the pin 106 and the vertical toothed block pin 104 are arranged in the toothed pin slot 116 of the block body 102. As shown in the inset figure 606, the vertical toothed block pin 104 is positioned such that the second tooth configuration engages with the arrangement of teeth 122. For example, the teeth of the third face 306 engage with the first toothed face 124a, while the teeth of the fourth face 308 engage with the second toothed face 124b, as shown above in the second example 404 of Figure 602. Fig. 4 described.

[0044] The pin 106 and the vertical toothed block pin 104 are dimensioned to align with openings in surface 608. In one example, surface 608 and surface 508 represent the same surface. The block assembly 100 can be attached to surface 608 by the engagement of the vertical toothed block pin 104 and the toothed pin slot 116 with the openings in surface 508.

[0045] As shown in the second stage 604, the vertical toothed block pin 104 and the block body 102, for example, have been inserted into openings in the surface 608 to secure the block assembly 100 to the surface 608. As shown in the inset 610, which is a side view of the block assembly 100 attached to the surface 608, the block assembly 100 is positioned at a second position relative to the surface 608. For example, a second distance 612 represents a distance from the front surface 112 of the block body 102 to one end of the surface 608.

[0046] While the vertical tooth block pin 104 and the pin 106 fit into the same openings of surfaces 508, 608 in the Fig. 5 and Fig. When the 6 are used, the orientation of the vertical tooth block pin 104 leads to a different position of the block assembly 100 relative to the surfaces 508, 608. For example, the engagement of the second tooth configuration with the arrangement of teeth 122 causes the block assembly 100 to be positioned at an offset distance relative to the block assembly 100 when positioned by the engagement of the first tooth configuration with the arrangement of teeth 122. For example, the first distance 512 differs from the second distance 612 by, for example, 1 / 16 inch less. Accordingly, the techniques described here enable discrete and accurate positioning of different block bodies.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7a shows a view 700a of the vertical tooth block pin 104, in which the multi-surface pin collar 126 comprises eight sides according to one or more implementations. As described above, a variety of shapes and configurations of the multi-surface pin collar 126 are considered. For example, the multi-surface pin collar 126 can be a polygon having two opposing contact points (for example, on opposite faces, intersections of faces, and / or tips) to engage with the sides of the tooth arrangement 122, for example, the first toothed face 124a and the second toothed face 124b.

[0048] Accordingly, in some examples, the multi-face pin collar 126 is a prism having a parallelogonal cross-section. For example, the vertical toothed block pin 104 comprises two or more pairs of parallel sides, having, for example, a rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, sixteen-sided, etc., cross-section. In various embodiments, the cross-section of the multi-face pin collar 126 is uniform such that each side has a substantially equivalent length.

[0049] For example, Figure 7b shows a top view 700b of the octagonal vertical toothed block pin 104 according to one or more implementations. View 700b, for example, shows a top view of the multiface pin collar shown in View 700a. In the example shown, the multiface pin collar 126 has an octagonal cross-section with four pairs of substantially parallel faces. Each pair of parallel faces has a tooth configuration which, when engaging with the arrangement of teeth 122, positions the vertical toothed block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116 at a unique location, as further described below.

[0050] The multi-surface pin collar 126 in the illustrated example comprises a first surface 702, a second surface 704, a third surface 706, a fourth surface 708, a fifth surface 710, a sixth surface 712, a seventh surface 714, and an eighth surface 716. The first surface 702 and the fifth surface 710 form a first pair of parallel faces, the second surface 704 and the sixth surface 712 form a second pair, the third surface 706 and the seventh surface 714 form a third pair, and the fourth surface 708 and the eighth surface 716 form a fourth pair. Each pair has a unique tooth configuration that can position the vertical toothed block pin 104 at a unique location within the toothed pin slot 116.For example, when intervening with the arrangement of teeth 122, the first pair positions the vertical tooth block pin 104 inside the toothed pin slot 116 at a first position, the second pair positions the toothed pin slot 116 at a second position, the third pair at a third position, and the fourth pair at a fourth position.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8a represents an example 800a of the engagement of the first pair of parallel faces with the arrangement of teeth 122 according to one or more implementations. For example, the first face 702 includes a tooth that engages with a valley 804 of the second toothed face 124b, and the fifth face 710 includes a tooth that engages with a valley 806 of the first toothed face 124a. In this example, the first pair of parallel faces has a first tooth configuration that is centered, such as collinear with a center axis 802 of the vertical tooth block pin 104. Accordingly, in this configuration, a center 808 of the vertical tooth block pin 104 is aligned with a center of the teeth of the first face 702 and the fifth face 710 to position the vertical tooth block pin 104 at a first position along the longitudinal axis 118 within the toothed pin slot 116.

[0052] Fig. Figure 8b presents an example 800b of the engagement of the second pair of parallel faces with the arrangement of teeth 122 according to one or more implementations. In this example, the vertical tooth block pin 104 has been rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees so that the second tooth configuration of the second pair of parallel faces, for example, the second face 704 and the sixth face 712, are in contact with the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the second face 704 includes a tooth that engages with the valley 804 of the second toothed face 124b, and the sixth face 712 includes a tooth that engages in a valley 806 of the first toothed face 124a.

[0053] The second tooth configuration is located at a first offset distance from the center of the vertical tooth block pin 104, for example, relative to the first tooth configuration. For example, a dashed line represents an axis 810, which represents a center of the second tooth configuration. The axis 810 represents, for example, a line between a center of the tooth on the second face 704 and a center of the tooth on the sixth face 712. As shown, the axis 810 is offset from the axis 802 by the first offset distance, which is indicated by a drawn line. Accordingly, in this configuration, a center of the vertical tooth block pin 104 is located at a second position, which is the first offset distance from the first position.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8c presents an example of the third pair of parallel sides engaging with the arrangement of teeth 122 according to one or more implementations. In this example, the vertical tooth block pin 104 is rotated counterclockwise by a further 45 degrees (from the position shown in Figure 800c). Fig. (Configuration shown in 8b) has been rotated so that the third tooth configuration of the third pair of parallel sides, for example the third surface 706 and the seventh surface 714, are in contact with the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the third surface 706 includes a tooth that engages with the valley 804 of the second toothed surface 124b and the seventh surface 714 includes a tooth that engages with a valley 806 of the first toothed surface 124a.

[0055] The third tooth configuration is located at a second offset distance from the center of the vertical tooth block pin 104. For example, a dashed line represents an axis 812, which represents a center point of the third tooth configuration. Axis 812, for instance, represents a line between a tooth center point on the third face 706 and a tooth center point on the seventh face 714. As shown, axis 812 is offset from axis 802 by the second offset distance, indicated by a solid line. Accordingly, in this configuration, a center point of the vertical tooth block pin 104 is located at a third position, which is the third offset distance from the first position.

[0056] Fig. Figure 8d represents an example of the engagement of the fourth pair of parallel sides with the arrangement of teeth 122 according to one or more implementations. In this example, the vertical tooth block pin 104 is rotated counterclockwise by an additional 45 degrees (from the position shown in Figure 800d). Fig. (Configuration shown in 8c) has been rotated so that the fourth tooth configuration of the fourth pair of parallel sides, for example the fourth surface 708 and the eighth surface 716, is in contact with the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the fourth surface 708 includes a tooth that engages with the valley 804 of the second toothed surface 124b and the eighth surface 716 includes a tooth that engages with a valley 806 of the first toothed surface 124a.

[0057] The fourth tooth configuration is located at a third offset distance from the center 808 of the vertical tooth block pin 104. For example, a dashed line represents an axis 814, which represents a center point of the fourth tooth configuration. The axis 814 represents, for example, a line between a center point of the tooth on the fourth face 708 and a center point of the tooth on the eighth face 716. As shown, the axis 814 is offset from the axis 802 by a third offset distance, which is indicated by a solid line. Accordingly, in this configuration, a center point of the vertical tooth pin 104 is located at a fourth position, which is a third offset distance from the first position.

[0058] The second, third, and fourth positions, for example, cannot be achieved by modifying the first tooth configuration alone, such as by repositioning the vertical tooth block pin 104 to an adjacent valley of the toothed pin slot 116. Accordingly, the vertical tooth block pin 104 and the techniques described here provide a method for achieving precision in positioning block bodies in a variety of configurations, which is not possible with conventional approaches.

[0059] The Fig. 9a and Fig. Figure 9b represents a scenario 900a, 900b in which the toothed pin slot 116 is included as part of a removable insert according to one or more implementations, in a first state 902 and a second state 904. In various examples, the toothed pin slot 116 can be included as part of the block body 102, for example, machined (e.g., milled) into the block body 102. In this example, however, the toothed pin slot 116 is removable to allow, for example, the interchangeability of different toothed pin slots 116. In this way, the block body 102 can be configured to include different arrangements of teeth 122 with different patterns and / or pitches.

[0060] As shown in the first state 902, the block body 102 includes a slot opening 106, which is formed at least partially along the upper surface 108 between the front surface 112 and the rear surface 114 and extends through an interior of the block body 102 to the bottom surface 110. The slot opening 906 is dimensioned to receive an insert 908 that includes the toothed pin slot 116. For example, the slot opening 906 is dimensionally complementary to the insert 908. In the illustrated example, the slot opening 906 includes a stepped region 910 of a smaller dimension than the slot opening 906. The stepped region 910 is dimensioned to allow the vertical toothed block pin 104 and / or the pin 106 to pass through while the insert 908 is secured within the slot opening 906.

[0061] Fig. Figure 9b shows the block body 102 with the insert 908 in place. The insert 908 can be secured in the slot opening 906 using a suitable fastening technique, for example, using fasteners, adhesive, press fit, compression fitting, magnets, one or more snap fasteners, spring pins, etc. In some examples, the insert 908 is removed and replaced with another insert, for example, an additional insert with a different arrangement of teeth 122. In this way, the block body 102 can be configured to include different arrangements of teeth 122 with different patterns and / or pitches.

[0062] In at least one example, the 908 insert comprises a first removable tooth insert and a second removable tooth insert. For example, it provides Fig. 9c presents an additional scenario 900c in which the insert 908 comprises two or more removable tooth inserts and the front surface 112 comprises two surfaces, according to one or more implementations. In various embodiments, one or more of the front surface 112 and / or the rear surface 114 comprises two or more surfaces, for example arranged with a gap between a first surface and a second surface.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the front surface 112 comprises, for instance, a first front surface 912a and a second front surface 912b with a spacer 914 between the first front surface 912a and the second front surface 912b. The first front surface 912a is, for instance, located adjacent to the side surface 120a, and the second front surface 912b is located adjacent to the side surface 120b. The spacer 914 has a width substantially equal to the width of the toothed pin slot 916. Accordingly, in this example, the block body 102 has a "U-shaped" configuration, such that the toothed pin slot 116 is not enclosed by any region of the front surface 112.

[0064] In addition to the illustrated example, the insert 908 comprises a first removable tooth insert 916a, which includes the first toothed surface 124a, is inserted into the slot opening 906, and can be positioned on an inner surface of the slot opening 906 near the side surface 120a. In one example, the slot opening 906 includes a first installation recess parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 to accommodate the first removable tooth insert 916a. The second removable tooth insert 916b in this example includes the second toothed surface 124b and can be inserted into the slot opening 906 and positioned on an inner surface of the slot opening 906 near the side surface 120b. The slot opening 906 also includes, for example, a second installation recess parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 to accommodate the second removable tooth insert 916b.Any suitable fastening component and / or technique can be used to attach the first removable tooth insert 916a and / or the second removable tooth insert 116b to the slot opening 906. In this way, each side of the insert 908 can be customized, for example, to variably position the vertical tooth block pin 104 within the toothed pin slot 116. Toothed disc and pin slot of variable width

[0065] Fig. Figure 10 represents an implementation of a block assembly 1000 comprising a variable-width pin slot according to one or more implementations. In the illustrated example, the block assembly 1000, for example a configurable block assembly, comprises a block body 1002, a vertical pin, such as a first pin 1004, and a second pin 1006 in engagement with each other. In various embodiments, the block body 1002 comprises one or more properties of the block body 102, the first pin 1004 comprises one or more properties of the vertical toothed block pin 104, and / or the second pin 1006 comprises one or more properties of the pin 106. In at least one example, the block body 1002 is the block body 102, the first pin 1004 is the vertical toothed block pin 104, and / or the second pin 1006 is the pin 106.

[0066] The block body 1002 comprises a top surface 1008, a bottom surface 1010, a front surface 1012, and a rear surface 1014. In this example, the rear surface 1014 includes a contact surface 1016, which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface 1008. The contact surface 1016 is configured, for example, to contact a workpiece, such as to secure the workpiece when attached to a grid worktable. While the contact surface 1016 is located on the rear surface 1014 in this example, it should be understood that one or more of the top surface 1008, bottom surface 1010, front surface 1012, and / or rear surface 1014 may include one or more contact surfaces 1016.

[0067] The block body 1002 further comprises a pin slot 1018 of variable width, which is formed at least partially along the upper surface 108 and extends through an interior of the block body 102 to the bottom surface 110. The pin slot 1018 of variable width forms, for example, an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal axis 1020 of the block body 1002. Pins, bolts, screws, etc., such as the first pin 1004 and / or the second pin 1006, can be arranged through the pin slot 1018 of variable width to secure the block body to an adjacent surface, for example, a mesh work surface, such as a welding table.

[0068] In at least one example, the block body 1002 is manufactured using a single flat plate, for example, a plate with a thickness within a range of 0.02 inch to 0.25 inch. The contact surface 1016 is formed using a suitable manufacturing process, for example, by bending the flat plate to form the contact surface 1016. The variable-width pin slot 1018 can be formed from the flat plate using one or more techniques, for example, by punching an opening in the flat plate using a punch and die set, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, CNC milling, drilling, etc. By forming the block body 1002 from a single flat plate, the techniques described here conserve resources and simplify manufacturing processes.

[0069] Fig. Figure 11 represents a view 1100 of the block assembly 1000, wherein the block body 1002, the first pin 1004, and the second pin 1006 are separated from each other according to one or more implementations. In this example, the variable-width pin slot 1018 comprises a first region 1102 of a first width and a second region 1104 of a second width. The second region 1104 comprises an array of teeth 1106 extending inward to opposite sides of the variable-width pin slot 1018. The array of teeth 1106 can have a variety of tooth / valley patterns and / or pitches, such as one or more of the configurations described above with respect to the array of teeth 122.

[0070] The second pin 1006 is dimensioned to align with the first region 1102 of the variable-width pin slot 1018, allowing the second pin 1006 to be inserted through the first region 1102 to secure the block body 1002 to an adjacent face. For example, the first region 1102 has a width dimensioned complementary to a shank of the second pin 1006 (for example, the width is slightly wider than a diameter of the shank) and smaller than a diameter of a head of the second pin 1006. In some examples, the second pin 1006 is freely movable along the longitudinal axis 1020 once inserted into the first region 1102.

[0071] In this example, the block assembly 1000 further includes a toothed disc 1108. In some implementations, the toothed disc 1108 represents a multi-surface pin collar 126 removed from a vertical toothed block pin 104. The toothed disc 1108 is dimensioned to match the second area 1104 of the variable-width pin slot 1018. For example, the toothed disc 1108 includes an outer surface 1110 and an inner surface 1112. The inner surface 1112 is defined by an opening, for example, an opening dimensioned to match a shank of the first pin 1004. In some examples, the inner surface 1112 further includes a mounting interface, for example, for attachment to a corresponding mounting interface of the first pin 1004.

[0072] The outer surface comprises a tooth configuration 1114, which in this example is arranged on opposite sides of the outer surface 1110. For example, the tooth configuration 1114 comprises a first toothed region at one location on a circumference of the outer surface 1110 and a second toothed region at an opposite location on the circumference, for example, at a distance substantially equivalent to one diameter of the outer surface 1110 from the first toothed region. The tooth configuration 1114 is configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth 1106 of the variable-width pin slot 1018. Thus, a variety of tooth patterns, pitches, and configurations are considered for the tooth configuration 1114.In this way, the first pin 1004 can be inserted into the opening of the toothed disc 1108 to attach the block assembly 1000 to an adjacent surface and to further secure the block assembly 1000 in one or more positions and / or orientations.

[0073] Fig. Figure 12 presents a view of 1200 exemplary toothed disks 1108 according to one or more implementations in a first example 1202 and a second example 1204. The first example 1202 presents a close-up view of the toothed disk 1108, as shown in Fig. 11 described. Accordingly, in this example, the tooth configuration 1114 comprises a first toothed region 1206 and a second toothed region 1208. For example, the first toothed region 1206 comprises two teeth, and the second toothed region 1208 also comprises two teeth. As shown, the second toothed region 1208 is located on the opposite side of the outer surface 1110 from the first toothed region 1206.

[0074] The teeth of tooth configuration 1114 are configured to align with the valleys of the tooth arrangement 1106 to position the toothed disc 1108 within the variable-width pin slot 1018. In this way, the first pin 1004 can be inserted into the opening of the toothed disc 1108 to fasten the block assembly 1000 to an adjacent face. In at least one example, the toothed disc 1108 is an example of the multi-face pin collar 126 as described above. For instance, the toothed disc 1108 is an example of the multi-face pin collar 126 located away from the pin shank 204. Accordingly, various toothed discs 1108 with different tooth configurations and patterns can be "exposed" to achieve a variety of positions within the variable-width pin slot 1018.

[0075] The second example 1204 shows a top view of a toothed disk 1108 that includes an additional tooth configuration arranged on different opposite sides of the outer surface 1110. For example, the toothed disk 1108 includes a first tooth configuration (for example, with two teeth) that comprises teeth located on a first side 1210 and a second side 1212. As shown, the first side 1210 and the second side 1212 are located on opposite sides of the circumference of the outer surface 1110.

[0076] The toothed disk 1108 further comprises a second tooth configuration (for example, with four teeth) comprising teeth arranged on a third side 1214 and a fourth side 1216. As shown, the third side 1214 and the fourth side 1216 are arranged on opposite sides of the circumference of the outer surface 1110 than the first side 1210 and the second side 1212. For example, the first side 1210, the second side 1212, the third side 1214, and the fourth side 1216 are arranged at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 360° of the circumference of the outer surface 1110.

[0077] An engagement of the toothed disc 1108 with the tooth arrangement 1106 using the first tooth configuration provides a first set of possible positions for the toothed disc 1108 within the second area 1104. For example, the toothed disc 1108 can be positioned in a first set of increments using the first tooth configuration. An engagement of the toothed disc 1108 with the tooth arrangement 1106 using the second tooth configuration provides a second set of increments, for example, a second set of possible positions for the toothed disc 1108 within the second area 1104. For example, the second tooth configuration positions the toothed disc 1108 in an offset position relative to the positions possible using the first tooth configuration.

[0078] The tooth configurations for the toothed disc 1108, as in Fig.Figure 12 serves as an example and not a limitation, and a variety of tooth configurations, patterns, and pitches are considered. For example, the toothed disc 1108 may include additional tooth configurations arranged on opposite sides of the outer surface 1110, such as three, four, five, etc. tooth configurations. In such examples, the tooth configurations are dimensioned to engage with the arrangement of teeth 1106 to position the toothed disc 1108 in various positions within the variable-width pin slot 1018. Thus, the techniques and configurable block assemblies described here provide embodiments for achieving precise positioning to accomplish a variety of machining scenarios.

[0079] In general, the various structures discussed here, such as block bodies and interlocking surfaces and features, can be combined in various ways, including implementations not explicitly shown here, to provide a variety of different block assemblies of adjustable length. Conclusion

[0080] Accordingly, a configurable block assembly and techniques are described. The block assemblies can be used to ensure precise and permanent alignment of various workpieces, providing access for performing fastening and / or other machining techniques, which is not possible using conventional tools and techniques.

[0081] Even though the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it should be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described. Rather, the specific features and operations are disclosed as exemplary ways of implementing the claimed invention. Additional aspects of the techniques, features, and / or processes discussed here relate to one or more of the following: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a configurable block assembly comprising: a block body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one front surface and a rear surface, wherein the block body includes a toothed pin slot that is formed at least partially along the top surface between the at least one front surface and the rear surface and extends through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the toothed pin slot comprises an arrangement of teeth extending inwards and substantially perpendicular to opposite sides of the toothed pin slot;and a vertical toothed block pin comprising a multi-surface pin collar, the multi-surface pin collar having a pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a tooth configuration, the tooth configuration being configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot.

[0082] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the vertical tooth block post comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a post head and the distal end comprising a post shank, and wherein the multi-surface post collar is positioned between the post head and the post shank.

[0083] In some aspects, the described techniques involve a configurable block assembly, where the pin shaft is a cylindrical body and the multi-faceted pin collar is a regular prism with a parallelogon cross-section.

[0084] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the vertical tooth block pin comprises an additional pair of substantially parallel sides comprising an additional tooth configuration, the additional tooth configuration being further configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot.

[0085] In some aspects, the described techniques involve a configurable block assembly, where the additional tooth configuration is positioned at an offset distance from the center of the vertical tooth block pin relative to the tooth configuration.

[0086] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the vertical toothed block pin can be positioned at a first position within the toothed pin slot by the engagement of the tooth configuration of the pair of substantially parallel sides with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot, and the vertical toothed block pin can be positioned at a second position within the toothed pin slot by the engagement of the additional tooth configuration of the additional pair of substantially parallel sides with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot, wherein the second position is arranged at an offset distance from the first position, the offset distance being less than a distance between adjacent teeth of the toothed pin slot.

[0087] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the tooth configuration is defined by a first division between two teeth on each side of the pair of essentially parallel sides, and the additional tooth configuration is defined by a second division between two teeth on each side of the additional pair of essentially parallel sides, wherein the second division differs from the first division.

[0088] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the block body includes a slot opening that is formed at least partially along the upper surface between the at least one front surface and the rear surface and extends through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the slot opening is dimensioned to accommodate an insert that includes the toothed pin slot.

[0089] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the at least one front surface comprises a first front surface, a second front surface and a spacer area arranged between the first front surface and the second front surface, wherein the spacer area has a width substantially similar to a width of the toothed pin slot such that the toothed pin slot is not enclosed by the at least one front surface.

[0090] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a vertical tooth block pin that can be inserted into a toothed pin slot of a block body, wherein the vertical tooth block pin comprises: a proximal end having a pin head; a distal end having a pin shank; and a multi-surface pin collar positioned between the pin head and the pin shank, wherein the multi-surface pin collar has a first pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a first tooth configuration and a second pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a second tooth configuration, wherein the first tooth configuration and the second tooth configuration are dimensioned to engage in the toothed pin slot to secure the vertical tooth block pin to the block body.

[0091] In some aspects, the described techniques concern a vertical tooth block pin, wherein the first tooth configuration is defined by a first division between two teeth on each side of the first pair of essentially parallel sides, and the second tooth configuration is defined by a second division between two teeth on each side of the second pair of essentially parallel sides, wherein the second division differs from the first division.

[0092] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a vertical toothed block pin, wherein the first tooth configuration is dimensioned to position the vertical toothed block pin in the toothed pin slot at a first position, and the second tooth configuration is dimensioned to position the vertical toothed block pin in the toothed pin slot at a second position, the second position being at an offset distance from the first position.

[0093] In some aspects, the described techniques concern a vertical tooth block post, where the offset distance is less than the distance between adjacent teeth of the toothed post slot.

[0094] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a vertical tooth block pin, wherein the first tooth configuration includes a tooth that is collinear to a central axis of the vertical tooth block pin and the second tooth configuration includes a tooth that is arranged at an offset distance from the central axis of the vertical tooth block pin.

[0095] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a vertical tooth block pin, wherein the multi-surface pin collar comprises at least one additional pair of substantially parallel sides, wherein the at least one additional pair of substantially parallel sides comprises at least one additional tooth configuration that differs from the first tooth configuration and the second tooth configuration.

[0096] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a vertical tooth block pin, wherein the multi-surface pin collar can be detached from the vertical tooth block pin by loosening a first assembly interface of the vertical tooth block pin from a second assembly interface of the multi-surface pin collar.

[0097] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly comprising: a block body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the block body includes a pin slot of variable width formed at least partially along the top surface between the front surface and the rear surface and extending through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the pin slot of variable width comprises a first region of a first width and a second region of a second width comprising an arrangement of teeth extending inwards to opposite sides of the pin slot of variable width;and a toothed disc dimensioned to match the second region of the variable-width pin slot, the toothed disc comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being defined by an opening, the outer surface comprising a tooth configuration on opposite sides of the outer surface configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the variable-width pin slot.

[0098] In some aspects, the described techniques involve a configurable block assembly, further comprising a vertical pin dimensioned to match the opening of the toothed disk.

[0099] In some aspects, the described techniques involve a configurable block assembly, further comprising an additional vertical pin dimensioned to match the first area of ​​the variable-width pin slot.

[0100] In some aspects, the described techniques relate to a configurable block assembly, wherein the toothed disk includes an additional tooth configuration arranged on divergent opposite sides of the outer surface.

Claims

[1] Configurable block assembly comprising: a block body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one front surface and a rear surface, wherein the block body comprises a toothed pin slot that is formed at least partially along the top surface between the at least one front surface and the rear surface and extends through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the toothed pin slot comprises an arrangement of teeth extending inwards and substantially perpendicular to opposite sides of the toothed pin slot; and a vertical toothed block pin comprising a multi-surface pin collar, wherein the multi-surface pin collar has a pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a tooth configuration, the tooth configuration being configured to engage in the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot. [2] The configurable block assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vertical tooth block pin comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a pin head and the distal end comprising a pin shank, and wherein the multi-surface pin collar is arranged between the pin head and the pin shank. [3] The configurable block assembly according to claim 2, wherein the pin shaft is a cylindrical body and the multi-face pin collar is a regular prism with a parallelogon cross-section. [4] The configurable block assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vertical tooth block pin comprises an additional pair of substantially parallel sides comprising an additional tooth configuration, wherein the additional tooth configuration is further configured to engage in the arrangement of the teeth of the toothed pin slot. [5] The configurable block assembly according to claim 4, wherein the additional tooth configuration is arranged at an offset distance from a center of the vertical tooth block pin relative to the tooth configuration. [6] The configurable block assembly according to claim 4, wherein the vertical tooth block pin can be positioned at a first position within the toothed pin slot by engagement of the tooth configuration of the pair of substantially parallel sides with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot, and the vertical tooth block pin can be positioned at a second position within the toothed pin slot by engagement of the additional tooth configuration of the additional pair of substantially parallel sides with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot, wherein the second position is arranged at an offset distance from the first position, wherein the offset distance is less than a distance between adjacent teeth of the toothed pin slot. [7] The configurable block assembly according to claim 4, wherein the tooth configuration is defined by a first division between two teeth on each side of the pair of substantially parallel sides and the additional tooth configuration is defined by a second division between two teeth on each side of the additional pair of substantially parallel sides, wherein the second division differs from the first division. [8] The configurable block assembly according to claim 1, wherein the block body comprises a slot opening which is formed at least partially along the upper surface between the at least one front surface and the rear surface and extends through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the slot opening is dimensioned to accommodate an insert comprising the toothed pin slot. [9] The configurable block assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one front surface comprises a first front surface, a second front surface and a spacer area arranged between the first front surface and the second front surface, wherein the spacer area has a width substantially similar to the width of the toothed pin slot, such that the toothed pin slot is not enclosed by the at least one front surface. [10] Vertical toothed block pin that can be inserted into a toothed pin slot of a block body, the vertical toothed block pin comprising: a proximal end that has a pin head; a distal end that has a pin shaft; and a multi-surface pin collar arranged between the pin head and the pin shank, wherein the multi-surface pin collar has a first pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a first tooth configuration and a second pair of substantially parallel sides comprising a second tooth configuration, wherein the first tooth configuration and the second tooth configuration are dimensioned to engage in the toothed pin slot to secure the vertical toothed block pin to the block body. [11] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 10, wherein the first tooth configuration is defined by a first division between two teeth on each side of the first pair of substantially parallel sides and the second tooth configuration is defined by a second division between two teeth on each side of the second pair of substantially parallel sides, wherein the second division differs from the first division. [12] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 10, wherein the first tooth configuration is dimensioned to position the vertical tooth block pin in the toothed pin slot at a first position and the second tooth configuration is dimensioned to position the vertical tooth block pin in the toothed pin slot at a second position, the second position being at an offset distance from the first position. [13] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 12, wherein the offset distance is less than a distance between adjacent teeth of the toothed pin slot. [14] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 10, wherein the first tooth configuration comprises a tooth that is collinear to a central axis of the vertical tooth block pin and the second tooth configuration comprises a tooth that is arranged at an offset distance from the central axis of the vertical tooth block pin. [15] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 10, wherein the multi-surface pin collar comprises at least one additional pair of substantially parallel sides, wherein the at least one additional pair of substantially parallel sides comprises at least one additional tooth configuration that differs from the first tooth configuration and the second tooth configuration. [16] The vertical tooth block pin according to claim 10, wherein the multi-surface pin collar can be detached from the vertical tooth block pin by releasing a first assembly interface of the vertical tooth block pin from a second assembly interface of the multi-surface pin collar. [17] Configurable block assembly comprising: a block body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the block body includes a pin slot of variable width which is formed at least partially along the top surface between the front surface and the rear surface and extends through an interior of the block body to the bottom surface, wherein the pin slot of variable width comprises a first region of a first width and a second region of a second width, which includes an arrangement of teeth extending inwards to opposite sides of the pin slot of variable width; and a toothed disc dimensioned to match the second area of ​​the variable-width pin slot, wherein the toothed disc comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being defined by an opening, and the outer surface comprising a tooth configuration on opposite sides of the outer surface configured to engage with the arrangement of teeth of the variable-width pin slot. [18] The configurable block assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a vertical pin dimensioned to match the opening of the toothed disk. [19] The configurable block assembly according to claim 18, further comprising an additional vertical pin dimensioned to match the first area of ​​the variable-width pin slot. [20] The configurable block assembly according to claim 17, wherein the toothed disk comprises an additional tooth configuration arranged on opposite sides of the outer surface.

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