Hinged clamp and stand element building blocks

A building block includes a plurality of panel elements that are each rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panel elements; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects the plurality of panel elements to each other; and a plurality of connectors, each connector rotatably attached to a respective panel element, where each one of the panel elements includes at least on locking feature configured to create a releasably fixed connection between adjacent panel elements.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to building blocks having a plurality of elements hinged together, where the building blocks can releasably connect to each other at multiple edges and at multiple angles to form connecting elements between others of the blocks, to form support bases for a structure composed of the blocks, and to form clamps for clamping an item such as a board between respective pairs of the hinged elements.

BACKGROUND

A building block generally refers to a standardized component of a construction set. When used together with other building blocks of the same construction set, a wide variety of models, structures, or other physical objects can be created. Building blocks associated with the same construction set typically have standard features that enable the building blocks to be easily connected and/or disconnected from each other. Additionally, the standard features of the building blocks of a construction set can reduce the cost of manufacturing the construction set. Standard features of a construction set of building blocks can include, for example, struts, panels, and/or connection nodes.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a building block, the building block including a plurality of panel elements, each panel element being rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panel elements; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects each one of the plurality of panel elements to each other; and a plurality of connectors that are each rotatably attached to a respective one of the panel elements. In an example embodiment, each one of the panel elements includes at least one locking feature configured to fix a rotational position of adjacent ones of the panel elements relative to each other.

In an example embodiment, each connector of a first building block includes at least one connecting projection and/or connecting notch configured to mechanically connect the first building block to a second building block, e.g., that is structured like the first building block. For example, in an example embodiment, the at least one connecting projection is positioned orthogonally to the at least one connecting notch.

In an example embodiment, the locking features of adjacent panel elements are configured as a first detent, the first detent allowing rotation of the adjacent panel elements at discrete positions with respect to each other.

According to an example embodiment, the building block includes a first panel element, a second panel element, a third panel element, and a fourth panel element. For example, the first panel element includes a first locking feature; the second panel element includes a first locking feature and a second locking feature; the third panel element includes a first locking feature; and the fourth panel element includes a first locking feature and a second locking feature. For example, the first locking feature of the first panel element contacts the first locking feature of the fourth panel element; the second locking feature of the fourth panel element contacts the first locking feature of the second panel element; and the second locking element of the second panel contacts the first locking feature of the third panel element.

In an example embodiment, each connector includes a connector body, a top projection, and a bottom projection, where the top projection and the bottom projection are configured to rotatably connect the connector to a respective panel element. In an example embodiment, the top projection and the bottom projection each includes a first projection element, a second projection element, and a third projection element, wherein the first, second, and third projection elements project outwardly from the connector body.

In an example embodiment, each panel element includes a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder, where the top shoulder and bottom shoulder of each panel element are configured to connect the panel element to a respective connector.

In an example embodiment, the top shoulder and bottom shoulder of each panel element includes a respective top connector socket and bottom connector socket, where the top connector socket and the bottom connector socket include a plurality of ridges.

In an example embodiment, the first, second, and third projection elements and the plurality of ridges of the top connector socket or the bottom connector socket are configured as a second detent, the second detent allowing rotation of the connector at discrete positions with respect to a respective panel element. For example, the at least one locking feature is formed as a series of ridges and valleys on the at least one panel element.

For example, each panel element includes a top pin socket and a bottom pin socket, the top pin socket and the bottom pin socket configured to receive the connecting pin.

According to an example embodiment, the building block further includes a connecting nut that is releasably attachable to the connecting pin, wherein the connecting nut is configured to secure the plurality of panel elements into fixed positions by tightening the locking features of the panels against each other while they are arranged around the connecting pin.

In an example embodiment, each one of the plurality of panel elements include a top connecting notch and a bottom connecting notch, the top and bottom connecting notches configured to mechanically connect the building block with a further building block.

Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of using a plurality of building blocks, the method comprising positioning a first building block adjacent to a second building block; and applying a force to the first building block to mechanically connect the first building block to the second building block. For example, each building block includes a plurality of panel elements, each panel element being rotatable relative to each other one of the plurality of panel elements; a connecting pin that passes through and rotatably connects each one of the plurality of panel elements to each other; and a plurality of connectors, each connector rotatably attached to a respective panel element, where each one of the panel elements includes at least one locking feature configured to create a fixed connection between adjacent panel elements.

In an example embodiment, each of the connectors includes at least one connecting projection, and at least one connecting notch, where the at least one connecting notch is configured to mechanically connect the first building block with at least one connecting projection of the second building block.

For example, each one of the plurality of panel elements includes a top connecting notch and a bottom connecting notch, the top and bottom connecting notches configured to mechanically connect the first building block to other building blocks.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment substantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

The term “about” or “approximately” or “substantially unchanged” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

The drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an example building block100in a first position. Building block100includes panel elements200,300,400, and500; connecting pin600; and connectors700. The panel elements200,300,400, and500can each be connected to each other one of the panels by connecting pin600, about which panel elements200,300,400, and500can be rotated relative to each other. Connecting nut650can be releasably attached to one end of connecting pin600. Each connector700can include at least one connecting projection710and at least one connecting notch760.

FIG. 1Bis a schematic top view of building block100in the first position. In the first position, panel element200contacts panel element400, and panel element300contacts panel element500. Each panel element200,300,400, and500can have a respective top connecting notch260,360,460, and560as shown. As shown inFIG. 1B, connecting projections710can be rotated to, and between, a position that is perpendicular to a planar surface of the respective panel element to which the connecting projection710is connected and a position that is parallel to the planar surface of the respective panel element to which the connecting projection710is connected. In an example, the connecting projection710is shaped form fittingly for insertion into notches260,360,460, and560mentioned above and/or to notches760described below and/or to notches261,361,461, and561described below, for example for a friction fit connection thereto, to thereby connect different panel elements of the same or different building blocks to each other. In example embodiment the connecting element710includes a protrusion711as shown inFIG. 15, e.g., longitudinally extending parallel to a longitudinal extension of a central longitudinal axis of connector700, and one or more of notches760,261,361,461, and561includes an interiorly protruding ring (or bar(s)), e.g., ring712shown in notch760inFIG. 15, that releasably lock with each other for holding the connecting projection710in the notch into which it is inserted until a user applies a strong enough force, that is greater than the locking force, pulling the connecting projection710out of the notch. In an example embodiment one of the elements711and712(or other similar element of another notch) is a projection and the other is a groove for receiving the projection.

FIG. 1Cis schematic top view of building block100in the first position. As shown inFIG. 1C, connecting pin600can extend through a portion of each panel element200,300,400, and500, and connecting nut650can be releasably attached to one end of connecting pin600, for example by a threaded connection (see, e.g.,FIG. 6Adescribed below). Connectors700can include connecting notches760. The notches760can be through holes through one side of a respective connector700to and through an opposite side of the respective connector700, thereby forming two receptacles in which to receive a respective connecting projection of a respective other panel element, or can be a longitudinal groove in a respective side of the respective connector700. A respective notch760can be formed on each of one, two, or three sides of a respective connector, with a connecting projection710being formed on the fourth side of the respective connector700.

FIG. 1Dis a schematic side view of building block100in the first position. As illustrated inFIG. 1D, connecting projections710can be rotated to a position approximately perpendicular to the respective panel element connecting projection710is connected or to a position approximately parallel to the respective panel element connecting projection710is connected.

FIG. 1Eis a schematic bottom view of building block100in the first position. In the first position, panel element200contacts panel element400, and panel element300contacts panel element500. In addition to top connecting notches260,360,460, and560, as shown inFIG. 1B, each panel element200,300,400, and500can have bottom connecting notches261,361,461, and561.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of panel element200, disconnected from building block100. Panel element200can include body210. Top shoulder220, bottom shoulder230, and top connecting notch260can be formed on body210, and top shoulder220and bottom shoulder230can be configured to receive connector700. Top pin socket240and bottom pin socket250can be formed on body210, and top pin socket240and bottom pin socket250can be configured to receive connecting pin600to allow panel200to rotate about connecting pin600. Top pin socket240can include top surface241, bottom surface242, and through hole245, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Bottom pin socket250can include top surface251, bottom surface252, and through hole255, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Locking feature272can be formed on bottom surface252.

As shown inFIG. 2A, bottom shoulder230can include bottom connector socket235, which is formed in bottom shoulder230and configured to receive connector700. Top shoulder220can include top connector socket225, which is formed in top shoulder220and configured to receive connector700.

FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of panel element200, disconnected from building block100. Panel element200can include body210in which connecting notch260is formed. As shown inFIG. 2B, top pin socket240can include first step243and second step244, which are formed inside through hole245and project inwards towards the center of through hole245. Step243and step244can be configured to correspond to a shape of head601of connecting pin600, so that when connecting pin600is positioned in through hole245, a top surface of head601of connecting pin600is flush with top surface241of top pin socket240.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of panel element300, disconnected from building block100. Panel element300can include body310. Top shoulder320, bottom shoulder330, and bottom connecting notch361can be formed on body310, and top shoulder320and bottom shoulder330can be configured to receive connector700. Top pin socket340and bottom pin socket350can also be formed on body310, and top pin socket340and bottom pin socket350can be configured to receive pin600to allow panel300to rotate about connecting pin600. Top pin socket340can include top surface341, bottom surface342, and through hole345, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Bottom pin socket350can include top surface351, bottom surface352, and through hole355, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Locking feature371can be formed on top surface351, and locking feature372can be formed on bottom surface352.

As shown inFIG. 3, bottom shoulder330can include bottom connector socket335, which is formed in bottom shoulder330and configured to receive connector700. Top shoulder320can include top connector socket325, which is formed in top shoulder320and configured to receive connector700.

FIG. 4is a diagram of panel element400, disconnected from building block100. Panel element400can include body410. Top shoulder420, bottom shoulder430, and bottom connecting notch461can be formed on body410, and top shoulder420and bottom shoulder430can be configured to receive connector700. Top pin socket440and bottom pin socket450can also be formed on body410, and top pin socket440and bottom pin socket450can be configured to receive connecting pin600to allow panel400to rotate about connecting pin600. Top pin socket440can include top surface441, bottom surface442, and through hole445, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Bottom pin socket450can include top surface451, bottom surface452, and through hole455, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Locking feature471can be formed on top surface451, and locking feature472can be formed on bottom surface452

As shown inFIG. 4, bottom shoulder430can include bottom connector socket435, which is formed in bottom shoulder430and configured to receive connector700. Top shoulder420can include top connector socket425, which is formed in top shoulder420and configured to receive connector700.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram of panel element500, disconnected from building block100. Panel element500can include body510. Top shoulder520, bottom shoulder530, and top connecting notch560can be formed on body510, and top shoulder520and bottom shoulder530can be configured to receive connector700. Top pin socket540and bottom pin socket550can also be formed on body510, and top pin socket540and bottom pin socket550can be configured to receive connecting pin600to allow panel500to rotate about connecting pin600. Top pin socket540can include top surface541, a bottom surface542, and through hole545, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Bottom pin socket550can include top surface551, bottom surface552, and through hole555, through which connecting pin600can be positioned. Locking feature571can be formed on top surface551.

As shown inFIG. 5A, bottom shoulder530can include bottom connector socket535, which is formed in bottom shoulder530and configured to receive connector700. Top shoulder520can include top connector socket525, which is formed in top shoulder520and configured to receive connector700.

FIG. 5Bis a detailed sectional view of top shoulders220,320,420, and520. Each top shoulder220,320,420, and520includes a respective top connector socket225,325,425, and525. Each top connector socket225,325,425, and525includes a top receptacle221,321,421, and521for receiving connector700. Each top receptacle221,321,421, and521can also include ridge elements226,326,426,526positioned around the circumference of top receptacle221,321,421,521. Ridge elements226,326,426, and526can be configured to engage and contact connector700.

FIG. 5Cis a detailed sectional view of bottom shoulders230,330,430, and530. Each bottom shoulder230,330,430, and530includes a respective bottom connector socket235,335,435, and535. Each bottom connector socket235,335,435, and535includes a bottom receptacle231,331,431, and531for receiving connector700. Bottom receptacle231,331,431, and531can also include ridge elements236,336,436,536that are positioned around the circumference of bottom receptacle231,331,431,531. Ridge elements237,327,427, and527can be configured to engage and contact connector700.

FIG. 6Ais a diagram of connecting pin600. Connecting pin600includes top end610and bottom end620. Located at top end610of connecting pin600is head601. Located at bottom end620of pin is thread portion602, and located in between head601and thread portion602is shank portion603. Head601can have a larger diameter than shank portion603and thread portion602.

FIG. 6Bis a diagram of connecting nut650. Connecting nut650is configured to releasably engage thread portion602of connecting pin600and can include top surface651and bottom surface652. Connecting nut650can also include through hole667and step653which is formed inside through hole667. Connecting nut650can also include ridges669formed on the outer surface of connecting nut650. Ridges669can be utilized to assist in engaging and disengaging connecting nut650to and from thread portion602of connecting pin600.

FIG. 6Cis a cross-sectional view of connecting nut650. As shown inFIG. 6C, step653separates through hole677into two sections: first section668and second section655. In this example embodiment, first section668has a smaller diameter than second section655, and the transition between section668and655is delimited by step653. Section668of through hole677can be configured to receive thread portion602of pin600. For example, section668can be threaded to receive thread portion602of pin600. In an example embodiment, pin600extends downward into connecting nut650at the top surface651of connecting nut650, with threaded portion602of pin600threaded through section668of nut650, with a bottom end of pin600extending into section655of nut. In a manufacturing method, with the bottom end of pin600in section655, a process such as melting is performed to deform the bottom end of pin600to widen a tip of pin600at its bottom end, so that the widened tip abuts against step653when pin600is twisted to be threadably shifted in a direction away from nut650by a predetermined amount. In this way, pin600cannot be completely removed from nut650, but rather only loosened.

FIG. 7Ais a perspective view of connector700. Connector700can include body portion705, connecting notch760, and connecting projection710. Connecting projection710can be positioned on body705approximately orthogonal to connecting notch760. Connector700can also include top projection720and bottom projection730. Top projection720and bottom projection extend from body portion705of connector700and are configured to connect connector700to panel elements200,300,400, and500via respective connector sockets225,235,325,335,425,435,525, and535of panel elements200,300,400, and500.

FIG. 7Bis a detail of top projection720. In the illustrated example embodiment, top projection720includes first projection element721, second projection element722, and third projection element723, each projecting away from body portion705of connector700. First, second, and third projection elements721-723in the illustrated example embodiment are separate projections and surround cavity724. First, second, and third projection elements721-723are configured, for example, to contact ridge elements226of panel elements200to allow connector700to be rotated with respect to panel element200. For example, the combination of projection elements721-723and ridge elements226of panel element200can form a detent so to enable connector700to rotate at discrete steps with respect to panel element200. For example, as the connector700is rotated between resting positions in which vertices of the projection elements721-723lie in corresponding exterior vertices of the ridge element226, the projection elements721-723are pressed radially inward by contact of the vertices of the projection elements721-723with interior vertices of the ridge element226allowing the rotation of the connector700by application of force sufficient to overcome the outward elastic bias of projection elements721-723. In each resting position of the connector700, a long side of each of the projection elements721-723extending between a respective pair of vertices of the respective projection element extends between a respective non-adjacent pair of the exterior vertices of the ridge element226.

In an example embodiment, bottom projection730of connector700is configured in the same manner as top projection720.

In an alternative example embodiment, instead of projection elements721-723, projections720and730are formed as top and bottom balls that are rotatable in connector sockets225,235,325,335,425,435,525, and535, shaped as receiving domes, as shown for example inFIG. 15.

FIG. 8Ais a schematic view of a part of building block100, illustrating locking features272,371,372,471,472, and571of panel elements200,300,400, and500. As shown inFIG. 8A, panel elements200,300,400, and500are rotatably connected to each other via connecting pin600; top pin socket240,340,440; and bottom pin socket350,450, and550. When panel elements200,300,400, and500are connected, locking element272engages with locking element371of panel element300; locking element372engages with locking element471; and locking element472engages with locking element571. Locking elements272,371,372,471,427, and571are configured to create a fixed connection between adjacent panel elements when tightened against each other by the tightening of nut650on pin600, while at the same time enabling panel elements200,300,400, and500to rotate relative to each other about connecting pin600when the nut650is loosened.

In an example embodiment, each pair of contacting locking elements, i.e.,272/371;372/471; and472/571is configured with a plurality of separate detents so that panel elements200,300,400, and500can rotate at discrete steps with respect to each other when loosened. The detents are sloped allowing the mating locking elements to maintain contact with each other as the panel elements are rotated, allowing an easy rotation with just minimal loosening of nut650.

FIG. 8Bis a detailed schematic view of bottom pin socket450, illustrating locking elements471and472formed on top surface451and bottom surface452, respectively, of bottom pin socket500.

FIG. 8Cis a detailed schematic top view of top pin socket450, illustrating surface451and locking element471. Locking element471can be formed as a series of projections around the annular top surface451and can correspond to locking element372, with which locking element471engages and is in contact when panel elements300and400are rotated with respect to each other.

FIG. 9depicts an example method of using building block900(which does not necessarily include all of the features described above with respect toFIGS. 1A-8C). Building block900can be used as a clamp to clamp object905. To use building block900as a clamp, connecting nut907can be loosened to allow panel elements901,902,903, and904to rotate into their respective positions. For example, panel elements902and904can be rotated until panel elements902and904are approximately parallel to each other and rest on surface906, so as to form a base for building block900. Panel elements901and903can then be rotated towards each other, so as to exert a clamping force on object905. Once panel elements901,902,903, and904are in their respective positions, connecting nut907can be tightened so as to lock panel elements901,902,903, and904into fixed positions.

FIG. 10depicts an example method of connecting building blocks910and930. Building block910can have connecting projection913, which project from connectors912, each connector912being rotatably connected to panel elements914and915. Building block930can have connecting notches916formed in panel elements917and918. As shown inFIG. 10, building block910can be positioned relative to building block930so as to align connecting projection913with connecting notches916.

FIG. 11depicts two building blocks910,930connected to each other via a mechanical connection between connecting projection913and connecting notches916. For example, connecting projection913of building block910can be pushed into connecting notches916until a mechanical connection is made between connecting projection913and connecting notches916.

FIG. 12depicts a perspective exploded view of components,200,300,400,500,600,650, and700of building block100.

As shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, 4, and 5A, the pin sockets240/250,340/350,440/450, and540/550include through holes245,255,345,355,445,455,545,555connected to respective bodies210,310,410,510by respective connecting arms. The connecting arms are bent so that the centers of the through holes245,255,345,355,445,455,545,555are laterally offset from the respective bodies210,310,410,510, in that a straight line from respective ones of the through holes245,255,345,355,445,455,545,555to a center of the thickness of the respective bodies210,310,410,510forms an oblique angle with a direction of radial extension of the bodies210,310,410,510from the pin600. Further, the bending of the connecting arms is such that the spiral radially outward from the pin600, the spiraling direction alternating between connecting arms of adjacent panel elements200,300,400, and500. For example, with respect to a perspective by which nut650is at the bottom and pin head601is at top, the connecting arms of panel element200spirals outward from the pin600in a clockwise direction, the connecting arms of panel element300spirals outward from the pin600in a counter-clockwise direction, the connecting arms of panel element400spirals outward from the pin600in a clockwise direction, and the connecting arms of panel element500spirals outward from the pin600in a counter-clockwise direction. In this way, the spiraling directions of the arms of each pair of adjacent ones of the panel elements are opposite to each other. This allows for use of the panel elements to form a base and also to form a clamp. Specifically, when the building block100is viewed in a direction facing towards the pin head601, then, when a pair of adjacent panel elements are spread out, the pair of panel elements forms a base of approximately 180° if the pair used is such that the arms of the bottom panel element on the right spirals outward in a counter-clockwise direction and the arms of the bottom panel element on the left spirals outward in a clockwise direction; and, when a pair of adjacent panel elements are rotated towards each other, the pair of panel elements forms a strong clamp if the pair used is such that their arms spiral radially outward in directions towards each other.

Significantly, as shown in the figures, in an example embodiment, four panel elements are included in a building block100, which allows for the panel elements to form two clamps and/or bases. In the illustrated example, if two of the panel elements are used to form a base of approximately 180°, then each of the panel elements used for the base also forms a part of a strong clamp with a respective one of the remaining two panel elements, but if the remaining two panel elements not forming the base are rotated away from the panel elements forming the base and towards each other to form a clamp, then the arms of the panel elements forming the clamp spiral outward away from each other. This, however, may be advantageous so that panel elements200and400can be rotated towards each other to a point where their radially exterior edges can abut against each other to form a clamp and so that panel elements300and500can be rotated towards each other to a point where their radially exterior edges can abut against each other to form a clamp, whereas if the arms of panel element400would rotate in the same direction as panel element200, then body410would contact a radially interior edge of body210so that panel elements200and400could not be rotated towards each other as well, and similarly, if the arms of panel element500would rotate in the same direction as panel element300, then body310would contact a radially interior edge of body510so that panel elements500and300could not be rotated towards each other as well. Additionally, this embodiment is advantageous because it allows for the building block100to be manipulated into a corner block as shown inFIG. 13, where one the panel elements have been rotated so that one of panel elements200and300forms a base and the other of panel elements200and300forms a wall, as outer planes of a corner, while panel elements400and500form inner planes of the corner. Although not shown, the panel elements can be rotated oppositely, so that panel elements400and500form the base and exterior corner wall and panel elements200and300form inner planes of the corner. Moreover, even according to this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14, panel elements200and400can form a base, while panel elements300and500form a strong clamp extending perpendicularly upward from the base formed by panel elements200and400. However, as shown inFIG. 14, due to panel elements200and400spiraling out towards each other, the base formed by the panel elements is not a 180° base, but rather each of panel elements200and400is angled slightly downward from the pin600towards an underlying support on which the formed base is supported. (Similarly, panel elements300and500can be rotated to form the base, while panel elements200and400are rotated to extend perpendicularly upward from the base to form a strong clamp.)

However, according to an alternative example embodiment (not shown), the arms of a first pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a clockwise direction and the arms of a second other pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a counter-clockwise direction, so that one of the panel elements of the first pair and an adjacent panel element that is of the second pair can form a base of approximately 180° and the remaining panel elements can form a strong clamp with their arms spiraling radially outwards towards each other, for example with reversal of the spiraling directions of panel elements400and500. However, formation of corner structures may be difficult using a structure according to those embodiment.

According to a hybrid embodiment, different blocks100are provided that can connect to each other as discussed above, where the panel elements of one or more of the blocks100are arranged to spiral out from the center pin600in the manner shown, for example, inFIGS. 13 and 14, with each pair of adjacent panel elements spiraling outward in opposite directions, while formed, and the panel elements of one or more others of the blocks100are arranged so that a first pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a clockwise direction and a second other pair of adjacent panel elements spiral outward in a counter-clockwise direction. In this way, some of the blocks100can be used as corner blocks, and others can be used to form flush bases.

In an example embodiment, as shown in the figures, each of the panel elements includes two pin sockets connected by arms to main bodies of the panel elements, with one of the pin sockets including one or two locking features, and the other not including a locking feature. For example, in an example embodiment the bottom ones of the pin sockets of all of the panel elements includes one or two locking features (the bottom-most of all of the pin sockets of all of the panel elements only locks to a pin socket of another panel element above, and therefore the bottom surface can be provided without a locking profile, while the top surface can be provided with a locking profile to lock to a locking profile of a bottom surface of a pin socket above, and similarly a top-most of the bottom pin socket of all of the panel elements only locks to a pin socket of another panel element below, and therefore the top surface can be provided without a locking profile, while the bottom surface can be provided with a locking profile to lock to a locking profile of a top surface of a pin socket below, while the bottom pin sockets of the remaining panel elements can including locking profiles on both the upper and lower surfaces of the respective pin sockets in order to lock to pin sockets above and below). On the other hand, according to this example embodiment, as shown in the figures, the top pin sockets of each of the panel elements does not include a locking profile. This can be advantageous because the provision of locking profiles on both pin sockets of the panel elements can make it difficult to maneuver the panel elements between different relative rotational positions and can make locking more difficult. Nevertheless, despite only the bottom pin sockets including the locking profiles, the top pin sockets are also provided for increased stability, reducing torsional forces of the panel elements in response to forces applied parallel to the extension of the pin. In an alternative example embodiment, the locking profiles are provided only on the top pin sockets and not the bottom pin sockets. In yet another example embodiment, the locking profile is provided on both the top and bottom pin sockets for a more secure lock, but, as noted, this can make maneuverability more difficult.

The described example embodiments are understood to be embodiments of the invention that are applicable to all aspects of the invention, including compositions and methods.

The claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.