Abstract:
A block comprising two halves, each half being barrel shaped defining a hole therethrough comprising a tubular extension that extends from the first end and a second end configured to receive a tubular extension from another block. The blocks can be made from a variety of different materials and may be connected to one another to create a variety of different structures.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The field of this invention concerns a block structure. In particular, the present invention relates to a block structure that can be used to construct a variety of differently shaped functional objects while using a variety of different materials.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A block or blocks have been used to create a variety of different structures in building construction. Bricks and cinder blocks have been used to make homes and buildings or to create separations between spaces. In addition to blocks, another way of separating interior living spaces from one another in the past is via items like shoji screens, curtains, drapes, shelves, and large pieces of furniture.  
         [0003]     In the alternative, contractors can be hired to create permanent wall structures using dry wall, stucco, and other building materials. A log cabin is merely various blocks of wood arranged such that the cabin can be built by arranging those blocks in such a way that a solid structure is created. Similarly, toy blocks also have been used to amuse children as they build structures that are assembled and disassembled to create different animals, forts, vehicles, etc.  
         [0004]     The prior art, however, has various limitations. For example, in terms of the different usages of blocks, bricks and cinder blocks must be cemented together creating a permanent structure which cannot be used for any purpose other than separating the interior and the exterior of a house or separating one living space from another.  
         [0005]     In terms of shoji screens, drapes, shelves, or other separators used to divide living space; they are also limited to that usage. They are portable which overcomes the permanence of bricks or actual dry wall, but they are not able to be transformed to create other structures or items which may be used in a living space, such as various furniture items. Additionally, these cannot change shape, bend, curve, or be flexible such that a room can be divided in various different ways or different structures can be built to add character to an otherwise square or rectangular shaped room. Moreover, items like shoji screens are extremely delicate because typically they are made of wood or rice paper. Materials used in the past may degrade with constant ultraviolet radiation or may stain easily.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0006]     The building block of this invention is intended to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings. It is therefore an object of this invention to use the block structure to create temporary or semi-permanent structures to be used in a variety of different ways.  
         [0007]     A further object of this invention is to create walls or structures to divide or separate living spaces. Thus, the blocks can be used to create cubicles in office space and can be used to create walls or separations in a large room in a home or loft.  
         [0008]     A further object of this invention is to use the blocks to create pieces of furniture such as table bases, chairs, couches, lamps, bed frames, shelves, stands, storage chests or trunks.  
         [0009]     A further object of this invention is to use the blocks to assemble items and structures such that the user has the ability to then disassemble the items or structure to either create another item or to change locations of the item with ease.  
         [0010]     A further object of this invention is the ability to use various materials to create the block such that the cost of creating the furniture or separating structure can be dramatically reduced from the market price of alternate items, depending, on the material used to create the block. Additionally, because many different materials may be used it is possible to create structures that are more sturdy and resistant to the elements than items such as shoji blinds or furniture made of plywood or other materials.  
         [0011]     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the blocks used in a system.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of a full block.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of a full block.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a half block.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a cross section of a cap block.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an assembly of the blocks.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the blocks creating a curved surface.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of a full block showing a large diameter female receptacle.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7B  is a top view of a full block showing a small diameter female receptacle.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8A  is a side cross sectional view of a full block with an internal bore hole.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8B  is a side cross sectional view of blocks with an internal bore used in a system, depicting one means of securing said blocks.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of a block whereby the B length is just over the combined length of both A lengths.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the blocks as used in a system.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10A  is a top view of a block whereby the B length is well over the combined length of both A lengths.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10B  is a view of the blocks as used in a system such that the blocks form a lattice. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.  
         [0028]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is a block that is able to create structures by connecting the block to other blocks. A wall of blocks is shown in  FIG. 1  such that each block has two male extensions. One male extension is attached to the female receptacle of a second block and the other male extension is attached to the female receptacle of a third block. In this way, an entire wall of blocks, as shown, can be constructed to create a number of different items.  
         [0029]     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blocks can be made of a number of materials, including but not limited to, all metals including copper, aluminum, iron, steel or bronze; plastic; acrylic; wood, Lucite; styrene; pvc; clear glass; opaque glass; fiberglass; concrete; leather; paper; canvas; natural and acrylic fibers; medium density fiber board, low density fiber board, Corian®, marble and other stone, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. The ability to use so many different materials can create a block that is easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the structure can be extremely sturdy and resistant to many of the elements such as wind, rain, and sun which can affect the strength and aesthetic qualities of other objects. Each block can range in size from approximately 0.5 inch wide by 0.25 inches deep by 0.25 inches tall to 50 feet wide by 25 feet deep by 100 feet tall.  
         [0030]     The interlocking blocks in  FIG. 1  can be used to create a variety of different structures. These structures or items may be dividers or separators including such structures as permanent or temporary walls, fences, or dividers that create cubicles when establishing office spaces to allow privacy for individual workers or groups of workers in large office spaces. These blocks may also be used to create outdoor structures such as fences, ivy lattices, gazebos, waterfalls, and garages. There are a variety of advantages in using these blocks in creating walls or dividing living or working space.  
         [0031]     Because various materials can be used, the blocks can be more durable than traditional shoji blinds, curtains, plywood dividers or office space dividers. Additionally, the ability to use different materials allows the ability to make aesthetically appealing blocks that correspond to the environment. For example, in a child&#39;s room, plastic blocks may be used as play toys, and/or may be used to create a divider between the sleeping area and the playing area. In the alternative, in a modern office building or downtown loft, aluminum blocks can create a unique and contemporary divider.  
         [0032]     Another advantage is the shape of the blocks, because these blocks have a radiused edge, the ability to make curved walls is much easier and less expensive than creating curved walls with materials such as brick, dry wall, and/or sheet rock. The blocks have flexibility of placement due to the radiused edge.  
         [0033]     These interlocking blocks may also create pieces of furniture, especially if paired with a variety of different surfacing or upholstery options. Such pieces of furniture may include items such as tables, chairs, couches, counters, stands, shelves, columns, storage chests, and beds. There are several advantages to using the blocks to create pieces of furniture.  
         [0034]     These advantages may include the fact that the blocks can be assembled, disassembled, and re-assembled in many different ways to create many different structures depending on the space available and the piece of furniture that is required at a particular time or event. Additionally, the blocks may be stored in a very efficient and space conserving manner; and because the assembled items can be disassembled into individual block units this allows for awkward, cumbersome pieces to move and relocate.  
         [0035]     Another advantage of the invention is that the furniture can be moved much more easily without worrying about breakage of the furniture or of injuring of persons who may be moving the furniture. Because the blocks may be disassembled the weight of the object may be dramatically reduced to allow for easy and light-weight moving.  
         [0036]     Additionally, because the blocks are hollow, fixtures and appliances can be created whereby the tubing, plumbing, or electrical wiring of these fixtures or appliances can run inside the block or blocks such that the outside of the blocks remains aesthetically appealing. Fixtures and appliances include but are not limited to, lamps or any lighting fixtures, sinks, toilets, and water falls. Moreover, because the blocks are hollow and have a multi-angular surface when they are linked with one another, there is an increase in the absorption and re-direction of acoustical energy which creates a better environment for home theater systems and the like.  
         [0037]     If a permanent or semi-permanent structure is required or desired, the blocks can be linked and assembled, and then fixed in that position using various adhesives. Similarly, the blocks can be connected via a series of internal bores whereby a cable lock mechanism can be incorporated therethrough. Although, nails, screws, bolts, staples and other items may be used to fix one block to another, it is not entirely necessary. Additionally, because a set of blocks would be the same size so that they could be assembled into a structure, there is no sawing and sanding that is necessary, which ultimately results in less injury when constructing the blocks into a desired structure.  
         [0038]     Because these blocks can be broken down into units, this creates an enormous amount of building flexibility which enables the user to construct the blocks for a variety of different uses. The ability to divide rooms and then break down the blocks into units to create other objects like furniture allows for a great deal of freedom to use these blocks in a variety of different ways without tiring of one shape.  
         [0039]     The side view of a full block is shown in  FIG. 2A . Each block  200  comprises two halves  220  and  230  which are created out of a block body  210 . The block body  210  supports other block bodies when the blocks are engaged with one another. The block body also serves to press the two halves  220  and  230  together.  
         [0040]     Two circular male extensions  240  and  250  extrude out of each half  220  and  230  of the block  200 . The male extensions  240  and  250  can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to the same material as the block body. The female receptacles  270  and  280  are able to accept the male extensions of another block (not shown). The female receptacles are preferably the same diameter and width apart so as to accept the male extensions of another block.  
         [0041]     In one preferred embodiment of the invention that can be used to create the plurality of embodiments discussed above, the block  200  may be 9 inches tall, 5.0 inches deep, and 10 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment, the block body  210  could have a wall thickness of 0.25 inches. The distance between the medial surface of the male members should not be less than 0.5 inches as represented at  260 . Surrounding the space between the first half and the second half could have a wall thickness of 0.5 inches. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the male extensions  240  and  250  could be 4.5 inches in diameter, and could extend 1.5 inches above the block surface  260 . The male extensions  240  and  250  can then be mounted into the female receptacles  270  and  280  of an identical block  200 .  
         [0042]     The top view of a full block is shown in  FIG. 2B . There is a space shown between the two halves  220  and  230 . The wall thickness or space  260  between the two male extensions  240  and  250  may be 0.5 inches but will vary depending on the dimensions of the entire block. The spacing  260  between the male extensions  240  and  250  allows the block wall clearance for engagement with other blocks.  
         [0043]     These blocks can and will vary in dimension, but typically are between 4 inches to 16 inches tall and 4 inches to 16 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment, the depth is exactly one half of the width such that the pivot points on the top and bottom of the block will divide the width. This allows the blocks to move freely on the axial plane of the pivots while maintaining a consistently tight fit between blocks when engaged by the pivot points. Preferably, the male extensions on top of the block will typically be 0.5 inches to 3 inches long.  
         [0044]     The side view of a half block  300  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In the event that the end of a wall or structure is not flush on one end as shown in the left end of  FIG. 1 , a half block  300  may be used to complete a row of blocks. A preferred embodiment of the half block would be the same dimensions in height and depth with one half the width of a whole block  200 . In a preferred embodiment, the lateral radius of block would have a wall thickness of 0.25 inches. Extending from the half block  300 , the male extension  340  extends 1.5 inches from the block surface  320  and is 4.5 inches in diameter. The half block  300  is preferably 9 inches tall and 5 inches wide.  
         [0045]     To create a top or bottom smooth surface for columns, shelves, tables or other similar pieces of furniture, a cap block  400  as shown in  FIG. 4  may be used. In a preferred embodiment the cap block would have a smooth surface with no male extensions extending from the block body  410 . In the preferred embodiment, the top surface has a wall thickness of 0.5 inches. The bottom of the block  420  would have the female receptacles  430  and  440  that measure the same diameter as the male extensions that are used in the other blocks so that they may link together. Preferably, the female receptacles  430  and  440  are 4.5 inches in diameter to receive the male receptacles discussed in the preferred embodiment described above. In the preferred embodiment, the female receptacles  430  and  440  would also sit 0.5 inches apart within the block body  410 , as the male extensions shown in  FIGS. 1-3  would also be separated by approximately 0.5 inches.  
         [0046]     A view of an assembly  500  of the blocks is shown in  FIG. 5 . The full blocks  510  fit into other full blocks  510 , the half blocks  520  are used at the ends to create a flush edge and the cap blocks  530  create a top and/or bottom surface. The blocks link into one another and the male extensions are able to pivot and turn within the female receptacles to create straight or curved surfaces. A straight surface is shown in  FIG. 1  and a curved or circular surface is shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B , the male receptacles  710  and  720  may be any diameter and have any wall thickness not to exceed the total block body width or depth when joined in pairs for full block or the cap blocks, or in individual blocks as shown in the half block.  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , the block  810  may have a bore hole  820  through which a block user may be able to weave items such as cable or wire. The internal bore hole  820  can be used in full blocks and cap blocks to facilitate a cable locking mechanism whereby a series or array of blocks may be temporarily or permanently joined by running a wire or cable throughout as shown in  FIG. 8B . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the cable, wire, rope or other similar item would be snaked through the bore holes  820  in a zig zag  830  or framing  840  fashion. By fixing both ends of the cable or wire, the locking mechanism will help to prohibit separation of blocks. Cable may be run through the bore of the half blocks to increase the stability of the structure.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , full and cap blocks will have pivot points that are close to but at least twice as far apart from one another than they are from its surrounding block edge; this allows enough engagement space to permit joining of other blocks. In another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B , pivot points may be just over twice as far apart from each other than its surrounding block edges to form walls or objects with very small distances between joined block members. The blocks may also be designed to have pivot points farther apart, producing an open lattice effect when joined to other blocks as shown in  FIG. 10B .