Toy module for constructions
The proposed modular construction system allows three-dimensional assembly through symmetric coupling means, enhancing flexibility and stability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ACHINO LUCA
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing modular construction systems are limited to longitudinal extensions and lack flexibility in three-dimensional assembly, requiring multiple modules to create transverse constructions, which restricts spatial creativity.
Modules with geometrically symmetric coupling means allowing diagonal and transverse assembly through complementary protrusions and recesses, enabling reversible mechanical interference for stable connections without surface damage.
Enables flexible three-dimensional construction assembly with enhanced stability and ease of use, overcoming limitations of existing systems.
Smart Images
Figure EP2026051029_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] MODULE FOR CONSTRUCTIONS WITH MODULAR ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY OF THE RECREATIONAL AND / OR COLLECTABLE TYPE
[0002] The present invention relates to a module for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type.
[0003] In the sector of constructions of the recreational and / or collectable type, modular systems are known which are constituted mainly by a series of hollow basic modules, with a parallelepiped geometric shape with a square base, which have a cylindrical shank on the upper face and an opening on the lower face.
[0004] In more detail, the opening on the lower face has a square-based profile the dimensions of which are smaller than the transverse cross-section of the module, smaller by the thickness of the walls of the module itself, and the cylindrical shank has a diameter that is such as to be inscribed in the square-based profile of the opening in the lower face.
[0005] In this way, by virtue of suitable dimensional tolerances, it is possible to stack several modules by coupling them together in a reversible manner by mechanical interference fit, so as to ensure the stability of the coupling without generating excessive friction that could damage the contact surfaces.
[0006] In addition to the basic module just described, multiple modules are known which consist of several basic modules arranged side-by-side in a single, seamless piece, in various different arrangements, in order to allow greater choice for making the desired construction.
[0007] Such modules of this type are not devoid of drawbacks, among which is the fact that, owing to how they are designed, they enable the creation of constructions that predominantly have a longitudinal extension.
[0008] In fact, individual modules can be coupled only along one specific direction.
[0009] If it is desired to extend the construction in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, it is necessary to use a multiple module that is atleast equal to two basic modules.
[0010] This restriction on assembly leads to the creation of constructions that are limited in space, in terms of three dimensions.
[0011] The aim of the present invention is to provide a module for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.
[0012] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a module for constructions with modular elements that allows maximum flexibility of assembly, so making it possible to create constructions that extend in three dimensions.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art in a different manner to any existing solutions.
[0014] Not least an object of the invention is to provide a module for constructions with modular elements that is highly reliable, easy to implement and low cost.
[0015] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a module for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.
[0016] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of three preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the module for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, according to the invention, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0017] - Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of a module for constructions with modular elements;
[0018] - Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the module shown in Figure 1;- Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a second embodiment of a module for constructions with modular elements;
[0019] - Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the module shown in Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of a module for constructions with modular elements;
[0020] - Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the module shown in Figure 5; - Figure 7 is an enlarged-scale detail of the coupling means present on the modules shown in Figures 1 to 4;
[0021] - Figure 8 is an enlarged-scale detail of the coupling means present on the modules shown in Figures 3 to 6;
[0022] - Figures 9 and 10 are two perspective views of two respective variants of the first embodiment of the module according to the invention shown in Figure 1;
[0023] - Figures 11 and 12 are another two perspective views, respectively, of the two variants shown in Figures 9 and 10 with the module overturned;
[0024] - Figures 13 to 15 are three perspective views of three respective variants of the second embodiment of the module according to the invention shown in Figure 3;
[0025] - Figures 16 to 18 are another three perspective views, respectively, of the three variants shown in Figures 13 to 15 with the module overturned;
[0026] - Figures 19 to 25 are seven perspective views of a further six possible constructions that can be obtained with the modules shown in the previous figures, and of which Figures 20 and 25 show a step of assembly of the modules.
[0027] With reference to the figures, the module for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, according to the invention, is generally designated in the three proposed embodiments with the reference numerals la and lb.
[0028] By dint of the fact that these three proposed embodiments have similar geometric elements, in the present description, for the sake ofsimplicity of description, these will be indicated with the same reference numeral followed by the subscript “a” for the first embodiment, by the subscript “b” for the second embodiment and by the subscript “C” for the third embodiment, if necessary.
[0029] The modules la, lb and 1c comprise, respectively, at least one main body 2a, 2b and 2c, which each have the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a square base, preferably cubic, with an upper face 3 a, 3b and 3c and a lower face 4a, 4b and 4c which are mutually opposite and four side faces 5a, 5b and 5c which are contiguous to each other.
[0030] Advantageously, the modules la, lb and 1c comprise coupling means 6 and 7, provided on the upper faces 3a, 3b or 3c and / or on the lower faces 4a, 4b or 4c of the main bodies 2a, 2b and 2c, for coupling the modules la and lb with at least one other module la or lb at the top faces 3a and 3b and / or at the lower faces 4a and 4b.
[0031] Conveniently, as will be better described later, the coupling means 6 and 7 have a geometry with double symmetry with respect to two central planes 8 and 9 of the main bodies 2a, 2b and 2c which are each parallel to two pairs of side faces 5a, 5b and 5c in such a way as to subdivide each upper face 3a, 3b and 3c and each lower face 4a, 4b and 4c into four quarters which are geometrically congruent with one another according to a circular matrix that extends around the axis of intersection 10 of the central planes 8 and 9.
[0032] In one or more possible variants of the proposed embodiments, the main bodies 2a, 2b and 2c can have an elongated shape structure, extending along a central longitudinal axis that coincides with the axis of intersection 10, at the discretion of the designer and as a function of the desired use.
[0033] According to the invention, each quarter comprises at least two protrusions and at least two recesses which are diagonally mutually opposite and substantially complementary to each other, in such a way as to allow the selective engagement of the modules la, lb and 1c with another module la,lb or lc at the upper faces 3a, 3b and 3c and / or at the lower faces 4a, 4b and 4c, both along the axis of intersection 10 and offset with respect to the axis of intersection 10 by a distance equal to half the width of the main bodies 2a, 2b and 2c along at least one of the central planes 8 and 9, so as to allow the modules la, lb and lc to be assembled both along the axis of intersection 10 and transversely with respect thereto.
[0034] In other words, by virtue of the subdivision into complementary quarters, the modules la, lb and lc can be stacked together along the axis of intersection 10 or obliquely with respect thereto along any diagonal thereof.
[0035] Conveniently, in order to ensure the stability of the coupling without generating excessive friction that could damage the contact surfaces, the cited recesses and protrusions have mutually comparable dimensional tolerances which are chosen so that each protrusion can be accommodated in a respective recess and generate a reversible mating by mechanical interference.
[0036] Advantageously, the coupling means can be of the female type 6 and / or of the male type 7.
[0037] In more detail: in the first embodiment proposed of the module la, shown in Figure 1, the main body 2a has female couplings 6 on both the upper face 3a and the lower face 4a; in the second embodiment proposed of the module lb, shown in Figure 3, the main body 2b has both female couplings 6 and male couplings 7, respectively, on the upper face 3b and on the lower face 4b and, in the third embodiment proposed of the module 1 c, shown in Figure 5, the main body 2c has male couplings 7 on both the upper face 3 c and on the lower face 4c.
[0038] With particular reference to Figure 7, the female couplings 6 comprise one central recess 11 and four comer recesses 12 which are formed in at least a respective upper face 3a or 3b or in a respective lower face 4a in parallel to the axis of intersection 10 for a depth that is substantially equal to one quarter of the width of the main bodies 2a or 2b.In more detail, the central recess 11 is defined along the axis of intersection 10 and has a geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a circular base the diameter of which is greater in length than half the width of the main bodies 2a and 2b and shorted in length than the diagonal of the respective upper face 3a or 3b or of the respective lower face 4a.
[0039] The comer recesses 12 on the other hand are defined at the corners of the respective upper face 3a or 3b or the respective lower face 4a and have the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a square base with two contiguous mutually parallel sides which are contiguous to the respective side faces 5a and 5b and have a length substantially equal to one quarter of the width of the main bodies 2a and 2b.
[0040] In this way, the central recess 11 and the corner recesses 12 define four side protrusions 13 which in pairs are central with respect to the central planes 8 and 9.
[0041] Conveniently, the coinciding edges of the side protrusions 13 are beveled for an extent that is substantially greater than half the depth of the four corner recesses 12 in such a way as to define four first slots 14 which are positioned and oriented at and along the diagonals of the respective upper face 3a or 3b or of the respective lower face 4a.
[0042] With respect to the double symmetry mentioned above, each quarter of the female couplings 6 is therefore constituted by a quarter of the central recess 11, by a corner recess 12 and by two half side protrusions 13.
[0043] Furthermore, the central recess 11 of the female couplings 6 has, at the central planes 8 and 9, four triangular guiding elements 15 which extend height-wise parallel to the axis of intersection 10 with a depth that is substantially equal to the depth of the central recess 11.
[0044] In the embodiments proposed, these four triangular guiding elements 15 have a base the width of which is equal to the width of the four first slots 14.
[0045] In addition, on the bottom of the central recess 11 of the femalecouplings 6, there is a cavity 16 which is formed along the axis of intersection 10 to a depth greater than or equal to half the longitudinal extension of the main body 2a or 2b and having the profile of a star with four points which coincide, respectively, with the vertices of the four triangular guiding elements 15.
[0046] With particular reference to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, given that there are female couplings 6 on both the faces 3a and 4a, the cavity 16 passes through the main body la.
[0047] With particular reference to Figure 8, the male couplings 7 comprise four side recesses 17 which are formed in at least a respective upper face 3 c or in a respective lower face 4b and 4c in parallel to the axis of intersection 10 for a depth that is substantially equal to one quarter of the width of the main bodies 2b and 2c.
[0048] These side recesses 17 are defined at the side faces 5b or 5c centrally and respectively, in pairs, with respect to the central planes 8 and 9 and have the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a rectangular base with one side that is parallel to and contiguous with the respective side face 5b or 5c and with a length substantially equal to half the width of the main bodies 2b and 2c, with the two sides that are transverse to the parallel and contiguous side having a length substantially equal to one quarter of the width of the main bodies 2b and 2c.
[0049] In this way, the upper face 3c and the lower faces 4b and 4c, affected by the male couplings 7, have a surface extent that is substantially X-shaped with a square central part the length of one side of which is substantially equal to half of the width of the main bodies 2b and 2c and four square comer parts the length of one side of which is substantially equal to one quarter of the width of the main bodies 2b and 2c.
[0050] In other words, the four side recesses 17 thus described define four comer protmsions 18 and one central protmsion 19.
[0051] Conveniently, the coinciding edges of the corner protrusions 18 and ofthe central protrusion 19 are beveled for an extent that is substantially greater than half the depth of the four side recesses 17 in such a way as to define four second slots 20 which are positioned and oriented at and along the diagonals of the respective upper face 3c or of the respective lower face 4b or 4c.
[0052] With respect to the double symmetry mentioned above, each quarter of the male couplings 7 is therefore constituted by two half side recesses 17, by a corner protrusion 18 and by one quarter of the central protrusion 19.
[0053] Conveniently, variants can be provided of the modules la, lb and 1c described up to this point, which are such as to define a multitude of modules 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b and 300b of the multiple type and are such as to comprise at least two main bodies 2a or 2b, which are integrally associated with each other at one or more of the side faces 5a and 5b monolithically and without discontinuities.
[0054] In this way, it is possible to provide multiple modules that extend transversely with respect to the axis of intersection 10, wherein the various main bodies 2a and 2b are integrally associated according to an arrangement chosen from the group of arrangements constituted by linear arrangements, polygonal arrangements, L-shaped arrangements, T-shaped arrangements, letter-shaped arrangements in general, and cross-shaped arrangements.
[0055] The use of the modules la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b and 300b according to the invention is the following.
[0056] With particular reference to Figures 19 to 22, according to the discretion of the user and depending on the availability of single modules la, lb and 1c and / or of multiple modules 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b and 300b, it is possible to create constructions from modular elements 1001, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005 and 1006 of various kinds without limit.
[0057] In fact, by combining the coupling means 6 and 7 along the axis of intersection 10, or laterally and diagonally with respect thereto, it is possible to create constructions that extend vertically, horizontally or obliquely in anydirection.
[0058] In more detail, by virtue of the particular geometric shape of the female couplings 6 and of the male couplings 7, it is possible to make connections by inserting the protrusions of one into the recesses of the other in order to extend the construction along the axis of intersection 10 or, for example, combine the individual quarters of the couplings 6 and 7 in order to extend the construction along diagonal directions such as, for example, shown in Figures 21 to 24.
[0059] In fact, the comer protrusions 18 of the male couplings 7 can be accommodated in a quarter of the central recess 11 of the female couplings 6 or directly in the corner recesses 12, again of the female couplings 6.
[0060] Moreover, the female couplings 6 can be connected together simply by staggering the half-width coupling of the main body, and the male couplings 7 can be connected together simply by conveniently staggering protrusions and recesses.
[0061] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, by providing a module for constructions that allows assemblies in any direction.
[0062] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.
[0063] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
[0064] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102025000000738 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
[0065] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purposeof increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) for constructions with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, which comprises:- at least one main body (2a, 2b, 2c) which has the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a square base with an upper face (3a, 3b, 3c) and a lower face (4a, 4b, 4c) which are mutually opposite and four side faces (5a, 5b, 5c) which are contiguous to each other;- coupling means (6, 7) provided on said upper face (3a, 3b, 3c) and / or on said lower face (4a, 4b, 4c) of said at least one main body (2a, 2b, 2c) for engaging said module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) with at least one other said module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) at said upper face (3a, 3b, 3c) and / or at said lower face (4a, 4b, 4c); said coupling means (6, 7) having a geometry with double symmetry with respect to two central planes (8, 9) of said at least one main body (2a, 2b, 2c) which are each parallel to two pairs of said side faces (5a, 5b, 5c) in such a way as to subdivide each of said upper face (3a, 3b, 3c) and said lower face (4a, 4b, 4c) into four quarters which are geometrically congruent with one another according to a circular matrix that extends around the axis of intersection (10) of said central planes (8, 9);characterized in that each of said quarters comprises at least two protrusions and at least two recesses which are diagonally mutually opposite and substantially complementary to each other, in such a way as to allow the selective engagement of said module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) with at least one other module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) at said upper face (3a, 3b, 3c) and / or at said lower face (4a, 4b, 4c), both along said axis of intersection (10) and offset with respect to said axis of intersection (10) by a distance equal to half the width of said at least one main body (2a, 2b, 2c) along at least one of said central planes (8, 9).
2. The module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according toclaim 1 , characterized in that said at least two recesses and said at least two protrusions have mutually comparable dimensional tolerances chosen so that each of said protrusions can be accommodated in a respective one of said recesses and so as to generate a reversible mating by mechanical interference.
3. The module (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one main body (2a, 2b, 2c) has a cubic geometric shape.
4. The module (la, lb, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (6) comprise female couplings comprising one central recess (11) and four comer recesses (12) which are formed in at least a respective one of said upper face (3 a, 3b) and said lower face (4a) in parallel to said axis of intersection (10) for a depth that is substantially equal to one quarter of the width of said at least one main body (2a, 2b); said central recess (11) being defined along said axis of intersection (10) and having the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a circular base the diameter of which is greater in length than half the width of said at least one main body (2a, 2b) and shorter in length than the diagonal of said at least respective one of said upper face (3a, 3b) and said lower face (4a); said corner recesses (12) being defined at the comers of said at least respective one of said upper face (3a, 3b) and said lower face (4a) and having the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a square base with two contiguous mutually parallel sides which are contiguous to the respective said side faces (5a, 5b) and have a length substantially equal to one quarter of the width of said at least one main body (2a, 2b); said central recess (11) and said comer recesses (12) defining four side protmsions (13) which in pairs are central with respect to said central planes (8, 9).
5. The module (la, lb, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coinciding edges of said side protrusions(13) are beveled for an extent that is substantially greater than half the depth of said four corner recesses (12) in such a way as to define four first slots (14) which are positioned and oriented at and along the diagonals of said at least respective one of said upper face (3a, 3b) and said lower face (4a).
6. The module (la, lb, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to one or more of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said central recess (11) of said female couplings (6) has, at said central planes (8, 9), four triangular guiding elements (15) which extend height-wise parallel to said axis of intersection (10) with a depth that is substantially equal to the depth of said central recess (11).
7. The module (la, lb, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to claim 6, characterized in that it has, on the bottom of said central recess (11) of said female couplings (6), a cavity (16) formed along said axis of intersection (10) to a depth greater than or equal to half the longitudinal extension of said main body (2a, 2b) and having the profile of a star with four points which coincide, respectively, with the vertices of said four triangular guiding elements (15).
8. The module (lb, 1c, 100b, 200b, 300b) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (7) include male couplings comprising four side recesses (17) which are formed in at least a respective one of said upper face (3c) and said lower face (4b, 4c) in parallel to said axis of intersection (10) for a depth that is substantially equal to one quarter of the width of said at least one main body (2b, 2c); said side recesses (17) being defined at said side faces (5b, 5c) centrally and respectively, in pairs, with respect to said central planes (8, 9) and having the geometric shape of a right-angled parallelepiped with a rectangular base with one side that is parallel to and contiguous with the respective one of said side faces (5b, 5c) and with a length substantially equal to half the width of said at least one main body (2b, 2c), with the two sides that are transverse to said parallel and contiguous side having a length substantiallyequal to one quarter of the width of said at least one main body (2b, 2c); said four side recesses (17) defining four corner protrusions (18) and one central protrusion (19).
9. The module (lb, 1c, 100b, 200b, 300b) according to claim 8, characterized in that the coinciding edges of said comer protrusions (18) and of said central protrusion (19) are beveled for an extent that is substantially greater than half the depth of said four side recesses (17) in such a way as to define four second slots (20) which are positioned and oriented at and along the diagonals of said at least respective one of said upper face (3c) and said lower face (4b, 4c).
10. The module (la, 100a, 200a) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one main body (2a) has said female couplings (6) at both said upper face (3a) and said lower face (4a).
11. The module (lb, 100b, 200b, 300b) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one main body (2b) has both said female couplings (6) and said male couplings (7), respectively, at said upper face (3b) and at said lower face (4b).
12. The module (1c) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one main body (2c) has said male couplings (7) at both said upper face (3c) and said lower face (4c).
13. The module (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it is of the multiple type and comprises at least two of said at least one main body (2a, 2b), integrally associated with each other at one or more of said side faces (5a, 5b) monolithically and without discontinuities.
14. The module (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300b) according to claim 14, characterized in that said at least two main bodies (2a, 2b) are integrally associated according to an arrangement chosen from the group of arrangements constituted by linear arrangements, polygonal arrangements,L-shaped arrangements, T-shaped arrangements, letter-shaped arrangements in general, and cross-shaped arrangements.
15. A construction (1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006) with modular elements, particularly of the recreational and / or collectable type, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of modules (la, lb, 1c, 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, 300c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which are mutually associated with each other by virtue of said coupling means (6, 7).