Abstract:
A ready to assemble structural system comprises support members with slots, and bases with grooves. The slots allow various support members to be interconnected in rigid alignment. The grooves in the bases receive the upper or lower edges of the support members, providing further structural rigidity. Embodiments allow for the construction of real or toy chairs, tables, bookshelves, chests, houses, and other structures with internal storage capacity or the ability to support a person or objects. Particular embodiments can be vertically stacked or laterally joined to form extended structures.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/196,129 filed Oct. 14, 2008, the content of all of which is incorporated by this reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the assembly of structures using modular components. More particularly, the invention concerns the assembly of structures and objects using planar, interlocking components. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0007]    Toys, furniture, housing and other structures benefit from the use of components which are inexpensive to produce, and which can be used interchangeably to construct a variety of forms. Those skilled in the art recognize a continued need to find more efficient ways to achieve these benefits, particularly ways that leverage less complex means of manufacturing individual structural components, and the use of conventional fasteners. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    By way of summary, the present invention concerns design methods and construction techniques using sheets or slabs of any construction material, man-made or natural, to manufacture and assemble many objects and structures. This invention uses closed and open style support, or structural members with interlocking slots inserted into grooves located in bases of various geometrical forms. The closed and open style support members are interchangeable and many bases are also interchangeable. This produces modules which can be stacked vertically and expanded horizontally. All pieces of the modules can have decorative cuts forming their shape as well as decorative cuts and designs on their surfaces producing a large number of objects and structures. These include, for example, a toe protector, furniture, toy furniture, dollhouses, playhouses, walls, floors, ceiling and the roof of a structure. 
         [0009]    The present invention may have one or more advantages over prior inventions, including the fact that it is easy to design, manufacture, assemble and disassemble more objects and structures, it allows more styles and sets of furniture, and children can assemble their own toy furniture, doll houses, playhouses, toys, and construction games. 
         [0010]    Some prior inventions have used locking devices to provide rigidity to the furniture articles. The present invention addresses the fact that the need for extra stability or rigidity in an object is generally determined by the manufacturer and is dependent on parameters which include the precision of cuts for the grooves and slots, the type of material being used, the size of the individual pieces, the weight of the pieces, and the particular application of the structure. 
         [0011]    Some objects, when made in accordance with the present invention, may not require extra rigidity. These objects may include most tables made of heavy pieces of granite, marble or wood, a toe protector, most children&#39;s objects or structures, some structures in some places due to overlying weight or needing flexibility in case of earthquakes, and most objects made of foam. 
         [0012]    Some tables and most chairs constructed in accordance with the present invention may require fasteners. The fastener of choice in such cases is a thumb screw which is ¼ or one turn, and which is readily available at, for example, local hardware stores or Internet fastener supply sources. The Figures herein show the preferred locations of use. A method of holding children&#39;s toys together is also illustrated in the present Figures. 
         [0013]    One form of the ready to assemble system of the invention concerns a toe protector. The toe protector is placed at the foot end of a bed for supporting bed covers above a person&#39;s toes. This is important for people with arthritis or injury. It is also useful for a person who paints their toe nails at night and would have to wait an hour for them to dry before retiring; or purchase a heater which cost a lot more than the toe protector. The toe protector can be made from inexpensive stiff foam. It can be assembled and disassembled in less than a minute. Another use of the module is as a desk or as a bookcase, providing that shelves are added to the module. Each module stacked vertically may serve as another shelf in the bookcase. Further, drawers can be added to form a chest of drawers or a desk with drawers. 
         [0014]    Another form of the system of the invention concerns the provision of a storage or toy chest, any kind of table, a footstool, a low work chair, a bench, as a module in a structure, a storage shed, a wall and a floor. The module can also be used as a playhouse for children by increasing the physical dimensions of all pieces and removing the bottom base and providing cut-outs for doors and windows to produce a large outdoor playhouse. A hallway can be assembled to connect two rooms of playhouse by using two structural members inserted into up facing slots of the walls of each room with doorways between the slots. The playhouse can be constructed from thick, soft foam pieces for small children who would enjoy falling into the walls and seeing the house move. Stiff foam and other materials can also be used for older children. They can build their own playhouses and furniture and toys using the simple repeatable assembly techniques illustrated and explained in this disclosure. A large number of toys can be designed and manufactured, especially with the use of injection molding. The outside surfaces of the support members and bases can have the shape of a train locomotive and cars, trucks, etc. The bottom base could have means for attaching wheels. Construction game puzzles are yet another use of this method of design and construction techniques. 
         [0015]    The module bases can be of any geometrical shape such as, round, rectangular, square, octahedron and triangle shaped. Also, the module bases can have groove patterns of many geometrical shapes. 
         [0016]    Still another form of the system of the invention concerns the provision of chairs of various sizes and constructions. A loveseat, settee or bed can also be provided by changing the physical dimensions of the parts of the chairs. 
         [0017]    Yet another form of the system of the invention concerns the provision of a dollhouse, playhouse or two story structure of any type for children. The system of the invention can be used to produce very long structures such as seen in European towns. Using the structural members, a model village could be assembled by children. A mobile home could be constructed using some of the methods of this invention which could be assembled on site mostly by unskilled labor and then disassembled if one wished to move the structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0018]    Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a support member in accordance with the present invention including a down facing slot; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a further support member in accordance with the present invention including a down facing slot and an up facing slot; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a further support member in accordance with the present invention including two up facing slots; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a further support member in accordance with the present invention including two leg segments, one leg segment having an up facing slot and the other having a down facing slot; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a further support member in accordance with the present invention including two leg segments, each leg segment having an up facing slot; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a further support member in accordance with the present invention, including two leg segments, each leg segment having a down facing slot; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a base in accordance with the present invention including two laterally opposed grooves intersecting one longitudinal groove; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the base of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a further base in accordance with the present invention having a similar groove pattern as shown in  FIG. 7 , but on both the top and bottom faces of the base; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of another base in accordance with the present invention having two laterally opposed grooves intersecting two longitudinally opposed grooves; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a base similar to, but more elongated than the base of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a top view of another base in accordance with the present invention having two centrally intersecting grooves, the ends of each groove being exposed laterally; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the base shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a top view of another base in accordance with the present invention having two centrally intersecting grooves, each groove terminating within the base perimeter edge; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the base shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a top view of another base in accordance with the present invention similar in configuration to that of  FIG. 12 , but wherein the centrally intersecting grooves are V shaped to aid in alignment during assembly; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the base shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is another base in accordance with the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 10 , but larger, making it more suitable for tabletop applications; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is another base of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 18 , but wherein each groove terminates inboard of the base perimeter edge, and is thereby hidden when the structure is viewed laterally; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20A  is a bracket in accordance with the present invention, which may be used along with fasteners to provide additional structural rigidity for a number of structures of the present invention where necessary or desirable; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20B  is a fragmentary enlarged view of a clearance hole within a structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a base in accordance with the present invention with a similar groove pattern as the base of  FIG. 18 , but wherein the two lateral grooves are wider to interface with a thicker structural member; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a base similar to that shown in  FIG. 21 , but wherein the two lateral grooves are cut in a V shaped pattern to help guide the respective support member into the groove; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of another base in accordance with the present invention which is particularly suited to form a center base of a multiple base structure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of a toe protector structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the tow protector of  FIG. 24 , in assembled form; 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of a further structure in accordance with the present invention, which is particularly suitable as a coffee table or other enclosed object; 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 26 , in assembled form; 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of a table structure in accordance with the present invention, where the ends of each groove in the base are laterally exposed at the periphery of the base; 
           [0048]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 28 , in assembled form; 
           [0049]      FIG. 30  is an exploded perspective view of a further table structure in accordance with the present invention, where each groove terminates inboard of the base perimeter edge, and is thereby hidden when the structure is viewed laterally; 
           [0050]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 30 , in assembled form; 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  is a bottom view of a further base which is particularly adapted for use as a component of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 33  is a top view of the based shown in  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 34  is a plan view of a further support member which is particularly adapted for use as a chair back component of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention, in association with the base of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the chair structure of  FIG. 35 , in assembled form; 
           [0056]      FIG. 37  is a bottom view of a further base which is particularly adapted for use as a component of a chair structure including arm rests in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 38  is a top view of the base shown in  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 39  is a plan view of a further support member which is particularly adapted for use as a chair back component of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention, in association with the base of  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 40  is a plan view of an arm rest which is particularly adapted for use as a component of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention in association with the base of  FIG. 37  and the support structure of  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 41  is an exploded perspective view of a further chair structure in accordance with the present invention incorporating the base of  FIG. 37 , the support structure of  FIG. 39  and the arm rest of  FIG. 40 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the chair structure depicted in  FIG. 41 , in assembled form; 
           [0062]      FIG. 43  is a plan view of a further support member with two leg segments, each with down facing slots, and which is particularly adapted for use as a chair back and a portion of two legs of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 44  is a side view of the support member shown in  FIG. 43  which also illustrates the assembled positioning of two attached blocks to the support member; 
           [0064]      FIG. 45  is a plan view a support structure with two leg segments, one down facing slot and one up facing slot, and which is particularly adapted for use as an arm rest and as a portion of two legs of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 46  is a plan view of a further support structure with two leg segments and two up facing slots, and which is particularly adapted for use as a front portion of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 47  is a bottom view of a further base which is particularly adapted for use as a component of a chair structure in accordance with the present invention in which component intersections are reinforced using attached blocks and fasteners; 
           [0067]      FIG. 48  is a top view of the base of  FIG. 47 , further depicting four clearance holes to be axially aligned with the holes positioned in respective attached blocks; 
           [0068]      FIG. 49  is a plan view of an attached block with a clearance bore by which support members are secured to a base in particular structures according to the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 50  is a plan view of a further attached block with a clearance bore by which support members are secured to a base in particular structures according to the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 51  is an exploded perspective view of a further chair structure in accordance with the present invention incorporating the base of  FIG. 47 , the support structures of  FIGS. 43 ,  45  and  46  and the attached blocks of  FIGS. 49 and 50 , and four of the base members of  FIG. 12  as feet; 
           [0071]      FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the chair structure of  FIG. 51 , in assembled form; 
           [0072]      FIG. 53  is a front view of a two story dollhouse structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 54  is a front view of a roof section of the dollhouse structure depicted in  FIG. 53 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 55  is a side view of a triangle roof piece of the dollhouse structure depicted in  FIG. 53 ; 
           [0075]      FIG. 56  is a plan view of a bracket for use in securing adjacent bases and support members of particular structures in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0076]      FIG. 57  is a partial side view depicting the intersection of a wall section and a support member secured together with a bracket; 
           [0077]      FIG. 58  is a side view of a further base which can be used as a roof in association with a dollhouse structure in accordance with the present invention if an attic is not desired; 
           [0078]      FIG. 59  is an exploded perspective view of a dollhouse structure in accordance with the present invention incorporating a triangle roof piece and two roof sections; 
           [0079]      FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a dollhouse structure depicted in  FIG. 59 , in assembled form; 
           [0080]      FIG. 61  is a bottom view of three further bases each adapted to be combined with other base portions to form a structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 62  is a front view of a further structure in accordance with the present invention which involves the interconnection of three bases, and a bracket securing adjacent support members together; 
           [0082]      FIG. 63  depicts plan views of various groove and support member interface features, each of which is adapted to improve the rigidity of a structure assembled in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 64  depicts three further support members with slots in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0084]      FIG. 65  is a top view of a further structure in accordance with the present invention, and incorporating the support members depicted in  FIG. 64 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 66  is a plan view of the triangular roof structure depicted in  FIG. 55 ; and 
           [0086]      FIG. 67  is a bottom view of a round base in accordance with the present invention, showing how each groove terminates inboard of the base perimeter edge, and is thereby hidden when the structure is viewed laterally. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0087]    Definitions—As used herein the following terms mean:
   Table: An article of furniture supported by one or more vertical legs and having a flat horizontal surface.   Chair: A piece of furniture consisting of a seat, legs, back, and often arms, designed to accommodate one person.   Desk: A piece of furniture usually with a flat top for writing and drawers or compartments.   Chest: A small closet or cabinet with shelves for storing supplies.   Stool: A backless and armless single seat supported on legs or a pedestal; a low bench or support for the feet or knees in sitting or kneeling, as a footrest.   
 
         [0093]    Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  7 ,  8 ,  24  and  25  one form of the structural furniture system of the present invention is there shown and generally designated in  FIGS. 24 and 25  by the numeral  102 . This form of the invention and its assembled form can be used for various purposes including a toe protector that can be placed with the front side open at the foot of the bed for supporting bedcovers above a person&#39;s toes. This is important for people with arthritis or injury. It is also useful for people who paint their toenails at night and without this device would have to wait a substantial length of time for them to dry before retiring. The toe protector can be made from various materials such as wood, foam and various composites and can be assembled and disassembled in a very short period of time. Another use for this form of the invention is as a desk or as a bookcase. 
         [0094]    In the present form of the invention, the structure identified by the numeral  102  comprises a first generally planar, substantially rectangular member  104  having an upper edge  106 , a lower edge  108 , spaced apart lateral edges  110  and first slots  112  formed proximate each of the lateral edges  110 . Second and third generally planar rectangular members  114  and  116  respectively, which are adapted to be connected to first member  104 , have an upper edge  118 , a lower edge  120 , spaced apart lateral edges  122  and second connector slots  124  formed proximate each of the lateral edges  122 . As indicated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , second connector slots  124  are uniquely constructed and arranged to mateably engage the first connector slots  112  of first member  104  to join together the first, second and third members to form a first precursor structure  126 . Connected to the upper edges  118  and lower edges  120  of the second and third members  114  and  116  to form structure  102  is a generally planar, substantially rectangular top, or fourth member  130 . As best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, member  130  is provided with a plurality of grooves  131  with grooves  131   a  being constructed and arranged to mateably engage the upper edges of second and third members  114  and  116 . 
         [0095]      FIGS. 9 through 17  of the drawings illustrate various alternate forms of top and bottom members of the invention. More particularly,  FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternate top member  134  having a similar groove pattern to the top member shown in  FIG. 7 , but having grooves provided on both the top and bottom faces of the member. Similarly,  FIG. 10  is a bottom view of still another top member  136  having two laterally opposed grooves  136   a  intersecting two longitudinally opposed grooves  136   b.  In  FIG. 11  there is depicted in bottom view yet another top member  138  that is similar to, but more elongated than top member  130 .  FIG. 12  is a top view of a bottom member  140  having two centrally intersecting grooves  140   a,  the ends of each groove being exposed laterally.  FIG. 13  is a side view of the bottom member shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  is a top view of yet another bottom member  142  having two centrally intersecting grooves  142   a,  each groove terminating within the perimeter of the top member.  FIG. 15  is a side view of the bottom member  142 .  FIG. 16  is a top view of another bottom member  144  that is somewhat similar in configuration to that of  FIG. 12 , but wherein the centrally intersecting grooves  144   a  are “V” shaped to aid in alignment during assembly.  FIG. 17  is a side view of the bottom member  144 . 
         [0096]    Turning now to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , an alternate form of the structural furniture system of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  150 . This form of the invention is similar in many respects to the system illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25  and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 26 and 27  to identify like components. In its assembled form, furniture system  150  can be used for various purposes including a storage chest, a toy chest, a table, a low work chair, a bench and the like. 
         [0097]    Furniture system  150  here comprises a first generally planar, substantially rectangular member  104  having an upper edge  106 , a lower edge  108 , spaced apart lateral edges  110  and first slots  112 , formed proximate each of the lateral edges  110 . Second and third generally planar rectangular members  152  and  154  respectively, which are adapted to be connected to first member  104 , have an upper edge  156 , a lower edge  158 , spaced apart lateral edges  122  and first and second connector slots  160  and  162  formed proximate each of the lateral edges  122  (see also  FIG. 2 ). As indicated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , first connector slots  160  are uniquely constructed and arranged to mateably engage the first connector slots  112  of first member  104  to join together the first, second and third members to form a first precursor structure  164 . In a manner presently to be described, a fourth, or top member is interconnected with the first precursor structure  164 . A generally planar, substantially rectangular fifth, or back member  166  is also adapted to be interconnected with first and second members  152  and  154  in a manner illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27  of the drawings. Member  166  has an upper edge  168 , a lower edge  170 , spaced apart lateral edges  172  and downwardly extending slots  174  formed proximate each of the lateral edges  172 . As indicated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , downwardly extending connector slots  174  are uniquely constructed and arranged to mateably engage the second connector slots  162  of members  152  and  154  to join together member  166  with members  152  and  154  to form a precursor structure  176 . 
         [0098]    As previously mentioned, a generally planar, substantially rectangular fourth, or top member, such as the top member  138  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , is connected to the upper edges of members  104 ,  152 ,  154  and  166  to form a table, or workbench-like structure. Member  138  is provided with a plurality of grooves  138   a  that are constructed and arranged to mateably engage the upper edges of members  104 ,  152 ,  154  and  166 . 
         [0099]    Connected to the lower edges of members  104 ,  152 ,  154  and  166  to form chest structure  150  is a generally planar, substantially rectangular bottom member  178 , which is similar to the member  138  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Bottom member  178  is provided with a plurality of grooves  178   a  that are constructed and arranged to mateably engage the lower edges of members  104 ,  152 ,  154  and  166 . 
         [0100]    Turning next to  FIGS. 28 and 29  of the drawings, still another form of the structural furniture system of the invention is there shown and generally identified by the numeral  180 . Structural furniture system  180  here comprises a table construction that includes a first generally planar “U” shaped member  182  having an upper edge  184 , spaced apart lateral edges  186  and first slots  188  formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 5 ). Furniture system  180  also includes second and third generally planar “U” shaped members  190  and  192  that are adapted to be connected to first member  182 . Each of the second and third members  190  and  192  has an upper edge  194 , lower edges  196 , spaced apart lateral edges  198  and connector slots  200  and  202  formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 4 ). As indicated in  FIG. 30 , connector slots  202  are constructed and arranged to mateably engage first connector slots  188  of first member  182  to join together the first, second and third members  182 ,  190  and  192  to form a first precursor structure. In a manner presently to be described, a fourth, or top member  212  is interconnected with first, second and third members to form a second precursor structure. 
         [0101]    Also connected to second and third members  190  and  192  is a “U” shaped fifth member  204 . Fifth “U” shaped member  204  has an upper edge  206 , spaced apart lateral edges  208  and downwardly extending slots  210  formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 6 ). As indicated in  FIG. 30 , connector slots  210  are constructed and arranged to mateably engage connector slots  200  of members  190  and  192  to join together members  190  and  192  and  204 . 
         [0102]    Connected to the upper edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204  to form the small end table like structure  180  is the previously mentioned, generally planar, substantially rectangular top, or a fourth member  212 . Top member  212  is provided with a plurality of grooves  212   a  that are constructed and arranged to receive the top edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204 . As illustrated in  FIG. 67  of the drawings, top member  212  can be circular as well as various other geometric shapes. 
         [0103]    Referring now to  FIGS. 30 and 31  of the drawings, yet another form of the structural furniture system of the invention is there shown and generally identified by the numeral  220 . Structural furniture system  220 , which also comprises a table system, is similar in many respects to the system shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 30 and 31  to identify like components. The primary difference between the embodying of the invention shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  and this latest form of the invention resides in the provision of differently configured top member  222 . More particularly, top member  222  is provided with a plurality of grooves  222   a  that terminate inboard of the perimeter of the top member and, accordingly, are hidden when the structure is viewed from the side (see also  FIG. 19 ). 
         [0104]    Turning next to  FIGS. 32 through 52 , various other forms of the structural furniture system of the invention are there shown. These forms of the structural furniture system, which comprise chairs of several different configurations, function to illustrate the unique flexibility of the system of the invention. As best seen in  FIG. 35  of the drawings, seat portion  226   a  of the chair construction  226  there shown is similar to that of the table construction illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31  and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 35 and 36  identify like components. More particularly, the seat portion  226   a  of the chair construction shown in  FIG. 35  comprises a first generally planar “U” shaped member  182  having an upper edge, spaced apart lateral edges and first slots formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 5 ). Seat portion  226   a  also includes second and third generally planar “U” shaped members  190  and  192  that are adapted to be connected to first member  182 . Each of the second and third members  190  and  192  has an upper edge, lower edges, spaced apart lateral edges and connector slots formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 4 ). As earlier discussed, the various connector slots are constructed and arranged so that the first, second and third members  182 ,  190  and  192  can be readily interconnected to form a first precursor structure. 
         [0105]    Also connected to second and third members  190  and  192  is a “U” shaped back member  204  having an upper edge, spaced apart lateral edges and downwardly extending slots formed proximate each of the lateral edges (see also  FIG. 6 ). As previously discussed, the various connector slots are constructed and arranged so that members  190  and  192  and  204  can be interconnected to form a second precursor structure. 
         [0106]    Connected to the upper edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204  to form the seat construction  226   a  is a generally planar substantially rectangular seat, or top member  230 . Member  230  is provided with a plurality of grooves  230   a  that are constructed and arranged to receive the upper edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204 . Connected to the table like, or seat construction  226   a  to form the chair construction  226  is a back member  232 . Back member  232  is received within a groove  234  formed in seat member  230  and is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced apart bores  236 , each generally having a threaded insert (not shown). Bores  236  align with a plurality of transversely spaced apart bores  238  formed in member  230  that are adapted to receive complimentary fasteners such as thumb screws (not shown); a function to provide a stable interconnection between member  232  and seat member  230 . 
         [0107]    Turning next to  FIGS. 37 through 42  of the drawings, another form of chair construction of the present invention is there illustrated. This chair construction, which is generally identified as  240  is similar in many respects to the previously described chair construction and includes a seat construction  240   a  that is made up of the earlier identified members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204  that are assembled in the manner previously discussed. Affixed to the upper edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204  is a generally rectangular shaped top, or seat member  242  that is provided on its lower surface with a plurality of grooves  243  ( FIG. 37 ) that receive the upper edges of members  182 ,  190 ,  192  and  204 . Provided on the upper surface of the seat member is a pair of transversely spaced grooves  244  that are adapted to receive pair of side arm members  246 . Each of the side arm members  246  is provided with a slot  246   a.  Interconnected with side arm members  246  is a back member  248  provided with a pair of transversely spaced slots  248   a.    
         [0108]    Slots  248   a  are constructed and arranged to mateably engage connector slots  246   a  formed in side arms  246  to form the chair construction illustrated in  FIG. 42  of the drawings. 
         [0109]    Back member  248  is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced apart bores  249 . Bores  249  each generally contain a threaded insert (not shown) and align with a plurality of transversely spaced apart bores  245  formed in member  242  that are adapted to receive complimentary fasteners such as thumb screws (not shown); a function to provide a stable interconnection between member  248  and seat member  242 . Similarly, each of the side arms  246  is provided with bores  246   b  that align with a plurality of spaced apart bores  242   a  formed in member  242 . Bores  242   a  and bores  246   b  are adapted to receive dowels or other fasteners (not shown); a function to provide a stable interconnection between members  246  and seat member  242 . 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIGS. 43 through 52  of the drawings, still another form of chair construction of the present invention is there illustrated. This chair construction, which is generally identified in  FIGS. 51 and 52  as  250  includes a seat construction  250   a  that comprises a first generally planar “U” shaped member  252  having an upper edge  254 , spaced apart lateral edges  256  and first slots  258  formed proximate each of the lateral edges. Chair construction  250  also includes second and third generally planar “U” shaped members  260  and  262  that are adapted to be connected to first member  252 . Each of the second and third members  260  and  262  has an upper edge  264 , lower edges  266 , spaced apart lateral edges  268  and connector slots  270  and  272 , formed proximate each of the lateral edges. As indicated in  FIG. 51 , connector slots  270  are constructed and arranged to mateably engage first connector slots  258  of first member  252  to join together the first, second and third members  252 ,  260  and  262  to form a first precursor structure. In a manner presently be described, a fourth, or seat member is interconnected with a first second and third member to form a second precursor structure. 
         [0111]    Also connected to second and third members  260  and  262  is a “U” shaped fifth member  274 . Fifth “U” shaped member  274  has an upper seat back portion  276  and spaced apart leg portions  278  each having downwardly extending slots  280 . As indicated in  FIG. 51 , connector slots  280  are constructed and arranged to mateably engage connector slots  272  of members  260  and  262  to join together members  260  and  262  and  274 . 
         [0112]    Connected to members  256 ,  260 ,  262  and  274  by presently to be identified connector brackets to form the chair structure  250  is the previously mentioned, generally planar, substantially rectangular seat, or a fourth member  282 . 
         [0113]    To provide attachment points and support for member  282 , support blocks  286  and  287  ( FIGS. 49 and 50 ) are affixed to members  260  and  274  at locations indicated in  FIGS. 43 ,  44  and  45  of the drawings. Additionally, as illustrated in the drawings, clearance bores are strategically located to allow conventional fasteners to be used to provide additional structural rigidity for the chair. Threaded inserts can be securely positioned within the bore of one member, for example by press fit or adhesive, such that the member may receive a bolt, a thumb screw, or similar complimentary threaded fastener through the clearance bore associated with an adjoining member, thereby rigidly fastening the two members together. In chair structure  250  (shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 ), for example, the four bores in member  282  each have such a threaded insert placed within them (not shown), and member  252  and supports blocks  286  and  287  each include a corresponding clearance bore through which a thumb screw fastener (not shown) can be introduced and mated with the respective threaded insert in member  252 .  FIG. 20A  of the drawings illustrates another type of bracket  289  that can be used along with the conventional fasteners to provide additional structural rigidity.  FIG. 20B  is a fragmentary enlarged view of a typical clearance bore. Further, foot bases  288  are affixed to the legs of the chair to provide additional protection for the floor surface upon which the chair will be used. These foot bases can be used in a similar fashion in connection with other structures of the present invention. 
         [0114]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a slightly differently configured seat  291  showing a similar groove pattern to that shown in  FIG. 18 , but wherein the two lateral grooves are wider to interface with a thicker structural member. 
         [0115]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a seat  293  similar to that shown in  FIG. 21 , but wherein the two lateral grooves are cut in a “V” shaped pattern to help guide the respective support member into the groove. 
         [0116]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of a base  295  of still a different configuration. 
         [0117]    Referring now to  FIGS. 53 through 67 , still another form of the structural system of the invention is there shown and generally designated in  FIGS. 59 and 60  by the numeral  300 . Structural system  300 , which is in the form of a doll house, comprises a first floor member  302  having a plurality of spaced apart grooves  304  and first and second spaced apart side members  306  and  308  that are connected to the first floor member  302  in the manner shown in the drawings. As shown in  FIG. 59 , first and second side members  306  and  308  each have an upper edge  310  and a lower edge  312 , the lower edge being received within selected ones of the plurality of spaced apart grooves  304  of the first floor member  302 . 
         [0118]    Connected to the top edges of the first and second spaced apart side members  306  and  308  is a ceiling member  314  having a plurality of spaced apart grooves  316  ( FIG. 59 ). As illustrated in  FIGS. 53 and 63 , the upper edges of the side members are received within selected ones of the grooves  316  formed in ceiling member  314 . 
         [0119]    Connected to ceiling member  314  is a slanted roof structure  318  having edges  318   a  receivable within selected ones of the grooves  316  formed in the ceiling member. Slanted roof structure  318  comprises interconnected side panels  320  and an end panel  322  that is interconnected with the side panels and with the ceiling member  314 . End panel  322  includes a long edge piece  327  which is receivable by a groove in ceiling member  314 , and two short edge pieces  333  which are receivable by two opposing grooves in ceiling member  314  (see  FIGS. 55 ,  58  and  59 ). 
         [0120]    As illustrated in  FIG. 59 , structural system  300  further includes a second floor member  324  having a plurality of grooves  325  and third and fourth side members  326  and  328 . Side members are connected to and disposed between the first and second floor members in a manner illustrated in the drawings. 
         [0121]      FIG. 56  is a plan view of a bracket  329  for use in securing adjacent structural members of particular structures in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0122]      FIG. 57  is a partial side view depicting the intersection of a typical wall section and a typical structural member secured together with a bracket. 
         [0123]      FIGS. 61 and 62  illustrate various ways in which the various structural members of the present invention can be laterally interconnected to expand the length and width of a given structure as may desired for a particular application. For example, base  332  can be joined between two bases  331 , and base  295  (shown in  FIG. 23 ) can be joined between two bases  330 . For example, such bases can be fastened together rigidly or semi-rigidly using the previously-mention threaded inserts in association with base  332  at positions indicated in  FIG. 61  by dotted lines. When base  332  and  331  are mated, the joint may be secured by way of a bolt, thumb screw or other complimentary threaded fastener placed through a bore located in each of the two opposing lateral sides of base  331  in axial alignment with the threaded inserts of base  332 . Ultimately, placement of support members into the respective grooves of the bases will also contribute to maintaining the interconnection of the bases. Bracket  340  can also be used to provide additional structural rigidity when needed.  FIGS. 64 and 65  illustrate how the support members  342 ,  344 , and  346  can be used to create multi-room or multi-cell structures. 
         [0124]    The material used for manufacture of the structural members of the present invention can be anything from plastic to metal. Items  334  and  336  represent the interlocking slots of two structural members. The curved area of item  334  rides up over and centers on top of the raised area on item  336 . The curved area of item  334  can be formed by drilling a hole before cutting the slot. The raised area of item  336  could be the head of a pin or a small smooth rivet. Item  338  represents the edge of a support member which is inserted into a slot. Item  338  has four rivets, two on each end near the two ends of the support member. Two holes are drilled in each end of the base before the groove is cut. The amount of rigidity obtained is dependent on the thickness of the support members, the size of the rivets and the mating curvature. Alternatively injection molding could form these areas in the plastic or material. The mating areas could then cover a large area end to end or side to side. 
         [0125]    The various structural members can have decorative cuts for their shapes and cuts and designs on the surfaces. By adding drawers to the bookcase, it becomes a chest of drawers. Support members can also feature cut-outs for doors and windows to produce, for example, a large outdoor playhouse. A hallway can be assembled to connect two rooms of playhouse by using two structural members inserted into up facing slots of the walls of each room with doorways between the slots. The playhouse could be made of thick, soft foam pieces for small children who would enjoy falling into the walls and seeing the house move. Stiff foam and other materials could be used for older children. 
         [0126]    The components of the present invention can be injection molded. The outside surfaces of the structural members can have the shape of a train locomotive and cars, trucks, etc. The bottom base could have means for attaching wheels. Construction game puzzles are yet another use of this method of design and construction techniques. The bases can have groove patterns of any geometrical shape. Also the structural members could have no grooves at all. They could be like a cover or lid with a perimeter which fits on the outside of the structural members. Also, the base could be flat with a center section that fits inside the structural members. 
         [0127]    Some or all of the grooves in the structural members may, in some instances, be V-shaped. This shape is self centering and helps in locating the grooves. All the grooves could be V-shaped or any other of many possible shapes. All sharp edges can be rounded for ease of assembly. There are applications when tables or other objects need to be moved on smooth floors, or kept off of delicate surfaces. In such cases, bottom members  140 ,  142  or  144  (see  FIGS. 12-17 ) can be applied to the bottom or feet of the object to be moved to protect the surface. 
         [0128]    Construction according to the present invention can be used to make, for example, a loveseat or settee just by changing the physical dimensions of the parts of the chair structures described herein. Using the same process one can design a bed. 
         [0129]    The foregoing detailed description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect to the embodiments detailed in the foregoing description, and it is understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically described herein and still be within the scope of the appended claims.