Tower House Assembly

Abstract

An apparatus and method provide a tower house assembly that may be reconfigured to provide essentially an infinite number of configurations. Floors may be reshaped. Interior and exterior walls may be added or removed, including sections with doors and windows. Multiple-story assemblies may be constructed with each additional story supported by the one below. Complex roofs may be constructed and placed atop each story. Such roofs and stories are easily removable to view the interior scene. However, when removed, the roofs and underlying stories retain their shape due to roofs and floors being joined together by biscuits. Floor sections may be further connected by edge connectors about the perimeter of a floor section.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a first flat section including a first main side and a first edge slot provided in a first edge side; and a first connector including a first rib having a first tab base section, a second tab base section, a first tab perpendicular to the first tab base section, a second tab perpendicular to the second tab base section, a first slot or notch between part of the first tab and the first rib, a second rib slot or notch between part of the second tab and the first rib, and a third rib slot or notch between the first tab base section and the second tab base section, wherein the first tab is received within the first edge slot such that the first tab base section is next to the first edge side, and the first, second, and third rib slots or notches are accessible from a first direction orthogonal to the first main side.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib is an elongate rib and the first tab and the second tab both extend in a second direction; and the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first flat section includes a third edge slot provided in a third edge side; the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and the second tab is received within the third edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the third edge side.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side perpendicular to the first tab and having a first length, and a first outer side parallel to the first inner side and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side perpendicular to the second tab and having the first length, and a second outer side parallel to the second inner side and having the second length; and the first length is less than the second length.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side at a first angle away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side perpendicular to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side at a first angle away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side perpendicular to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: an elongate wall connector including first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on opposing sides of the wall connector and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction: a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the second edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the second edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: an elongate wall connector including: first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on adjacent sides of the wall connector, and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction; a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the second edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the second edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

13. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: an elongate wall connector including: first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on adjacent sides of the wall connector, and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction; a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the third edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the third edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

14. A kit capable of being assembled into a structure, the kit comprising: a first flat section including a first main side and a first edge slot provided in a first edge side; and a first connector including a first rib having a first tab base section, a second tab base section, a first tab perpendicular to the first tab base section, a second tab perpendicular to the second tab base section, a first slot or notch between part of the first tab and the first rib, a second rib slot or notch between part of the second tab and the first rib, and a third rib slot or notch between the first tab base section and the second tab base section, wherein, when the kit is assembled: the first tab is received within the first edge slot such that the first tab base section is next to the first edge side, and the first, second, and third rib slots or notches are accessible from a first direction orthogonal to the first main side.

15. The kit of claim 14, further comprising a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib is an elongate rib and the first tab and the second tab both extend in a second direction; and, when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

16. The kit of claim 14, further comprising a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

17. The kit of claim 14, wherein: the first flat section includes a third edge slot provided in a third edge side; the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the third edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the third edge side.

18. The kit of claim 15, wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side perpendicular to the first tab and having a first length, and a first outer side parallel to the first inner side and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side perpendicular to the second tab and having the first length, and a second outer side parallel to the second inner side and having the second length; and the first length is less than the second length.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

20. The kit of claim 16, wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side at a first angle away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side perpendicular to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like references in multiple drawings indicate like elements, and in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 is an upper front left perspective view illustrating a tower house assembly;

[0007] FIG. 2 is an upper rear left expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of the tower house assembly of FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 3 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0009] FIG. 4 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0010] FIG. 5 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0011] FIG. 6 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0012] FIG. 7A is a top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0013] FIG. 7B is a top view of the section indicated in FIG. 7A;

[0014] FIG. 8 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0015] FIG. 9 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0016] FIG. 10 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly;

[0017] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are front and side views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0018] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0019] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0020] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0021] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are front and bottom views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0022] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are front and bottom views, respectively, illustrating an element of a tower house assembly;

[0023] FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly;

[0024] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly; and

[0025] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] This disclosure is directed to apparatuses and methods of assembling models, such as a tower house assembly, for role-playing games. In embodiments, elements disclosed within may be reconfigured to provide essentially an infinite number of configurations. Floors may be reshaped. Interior and exterior walls may be added or removed, including sections with doors and windows. Multiple-story assemblies may be constructed with each additional story supported by the one below. Complex roofs may be constructed and placed atop each story. Such roofs and stories are easily removable to view the interior scene. However, when removed, the roofs may retain their shape because they are joined by biscuits. Floor sections may be similarly joined by biscuits. In addition, floor sections may be further connected by edge connectors about the perimeter of a floor section. Wall sections may be positioned at the junctions between floor sections by inserting a wall section tab into a slot in the biscuit joining two adjacent floor sections. Wall sections may be positioned at the perimeter of a floor section by inserting a wall section tab into a slot created by a floor section edge connector.

[0027] In this manner, a model for a role-playing game may be assembled and subsequently reconfigured as desired to adapt to different user-driven scenarios.

[0028] In the following, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the application. Reference numbers followed by a letter indicate a particular one of the same element within a drawing. For example, in FIG. 3, each element 48 refers to a biscuit; however, biscuits 48a, 48b, and 48c include an additional letter to aid in describing how floor 23 is assembled.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an upper front left perspective view illustrating a tower house assembly 10. In FIG. 1, tower house assembly includes first and second stories 12, with a third story 14 placed on top. A roof 16 on third story 14 is made of 4 roof corner sections 22. A roof 17 on first story 12 is made of roof corner sections 22, a roof interior corner section 24, and a roof dormer section 26.

[0030] Walls 18 of third story 14 are made of solid wall sections 28, and window wall sections 30, connected by straight wall connectors 40 and corner wall connectors 42. Walls 19 of first story 12 are made of solid wall sections 28, window wall sections 30, and a door wall section 32, connected by straight wall connectors 40, corner wall connectors 42, and an interior corner wall connector 46. Walls 27 of the second story, which is partially obscured by roof 17, include solid wall section 28 connected by straight wall connectors 40 and corner wall connectors 42.

[0031] A floor 20 between walls 18 and walls 27 includes straight floor connectors 34 and external corner connectors 36. A floor 21 for first story 12 includes straight floor connectors 34, external corner connectors 36, and an interior corner connector 38.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an upper rear left expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of tower house assembly 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, roof 16 has been removed from third story 14 to reveal interior aspects of floor 20, which include 4 floor sections 44 as well as straight floor connectors 34 and external corner connectors 36. Walls 18 show solid wall sections 28 and window wall sections 30 received within grooves 50 of straight wall connectors 40 and grooves 51 of corner wall connectors 42. Roof 16 is shown partially disassembled, revealing that each corner roof section 22 is provided with two biscuit slots 52. When two corner roof assemblies 22 are brought together with a biscuit 48c sandwiched between in slots 52, the pair of roof assemblies 22 are reversibly connected. Roof 16 may be reassembled by joining the two corner roof sections 22 on the right side of FIG. 2 into one-half of roof 16 and then bringing both halves of roof 22 together such that biscuits 48a, 48b connect the two halves. Roof 17 may be assembled in a similar manner. Each roof piece, including interior corner roof section 24 and dormer roof section 26, includes a roof biscuit slot 52 on each exposed edge. Each biscuit slot 52 is positioned to align with a biscuit slot 52 in any other type of roof section. Thus, roof sections 22, 24, 26 may be joined to each other arbitrarily as desired by the user using biscuits 48. In embodiments, corner section 22 may be itself composed of two mirror halves, and separable along the ridge from the roof peak to the outer corner into two pieces, each half a mirror image of the other and including another biscuit slot 52 for joining the two halve together with a biscuit 48.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of a floor 23 from 6 floor sections 44, which in the embodiment are square, but may be other shapes in other embodiments, e.g., triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, and the like. Each floor section 44 includes a flat top section 53 and a flat bottom section 55 separated by corner posts 58, such that a floor biscuit slot 56 is provided on each edge side.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates that two floor sections 44a, 44b may be joined by placing a biscuit 48a in a floor biscuit slot 56a and bringing floor sections 44a, 44b together in directions 60a. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates that two floor sections 44b, 44c may be joined by placing a biscuit 48b in a floor biscuit slot 56b and bringing floor sections 44b, 44c together in directions 60b. In this manner, floor 23 may be assembled. Similarly, floors of other configurations may be assembled by connecting floor sections 44 in different configurations.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. FIG. 4 illustrates that floor sections 44b, 44c, and 44d may be joined using biscuits 48c, 48d, leaving an empty corner. Then, biscuits 48a, 48b may be provided in slots 56a (obscured), 56b. Subsequently, floor section 44a may be moved in diagonal direction 60c so that both biscuits 48a, 48b are received by slots 56 in floor section 44a, at which point floor 23 is complete. In the embodiment, the rounded nature of biscuits 48a, 48b allows floor section 44a to be installed in the empty corner, after the other 5 floor sections have been joined, by moving floor section 44a in the diagonal direction.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an upper expanded perspective view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. In FIG. 5, floor 23 is provided about the perimeter with straight floor connectors 34 (each having a straight rib 70) and external corner connectors 36 (each having a bent rib 72). In the embodiment, the bend in bent rib 72 is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the bend may be modified to adapt to corresponding non 90-degree corners in a floor piece.

[0037] Straight floor connectors 34 have three main features: they provide a finished look to the edge (with straight rib 70 potentially having a texture); they further connect adjacent floor sections 44; and they provide notches or slots to receive tabs from wall sections and wall connectors. In FIG. 5, a floor section 44a includes slots 56a, 56c, and a floor section 44b includes slot 56b. A straight floor connector 34a connects floor sections 44a, 44b when a tab 62 is inserted into slot 56a and a tab 64 is inserted into slot 56b. With tabs 62, 64 on either side of corner posts 58a, 58b, floor sections 44a, 44b are hindered from moving apart, though some movement may be permitted, as discussed within regarding FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.

[0038] External corner connectors have two main features: they provide a finished look to the corner (with bent rib 72); and provide notches or slots to receive tabs from wall sections and wall connectors. A corner connector covers a single corner of a floor section. For example, the exposed outer corner of floor section 44a is covered by corner connector 36a when a tab 66a is inserted into slot 56c and a tab 68a is inserted into slot 56a. Floor section 44b has its exposed corner similarly covered by corner connector 36b.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. FIG. 6 further illustrates that after floor sections 44a, 44b are brought together in direction 60b, straight floor connector 34a may further connect floor sections 44a, 44b by inserting tab 62 into the slot in floor section 44a and inserting tab 64 into the slot in floor section 44b.

[0040] FIG. 7A is a top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly and FIG. 7B is a top view of the section indicated in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate floor 23 after all straight floor connectors 34 and corner connectors 36 have been installed. As a result of the additions of connectors 34 and connectors 36, the perimeter of floor 23 has been provided with a series of wall tab slots 90, straight wall connector slots 94, and corner wall connector slots 92. Wall tab slots 90 are configured to receive tabs from any wall section 28, 30, 32 and hold the section in position. Straight wall connector slots 94 are configured to receive tabs from straight wall connectors 40 and hold the connector in position. Corner wall connector slots 92 are configured to receive tabs from corner wall connectors 42 and hold the connector in position.

[0041] With regard FIG. 7B, connector tabs 62, 64 of floor connector 34a are not visible because they have been fully inserted into slots 56a, 56b until tab base 74 and tab base 76 of straight floor connector 34a abut floor sections 44a, 44b, respectively. This leaves straight wall connector slot 94 accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 96 from a straight wall connector 40. Similarly, connector tabs 66, 68 of corner connector 36a are not visible because they have been fully inserted into slots 56c, 56a until tab base 78 and tab base 78 of corner connector 36a both abut floor section 44a, at different edges. This leaves corner wall connector slot 92 accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 97 from a corner wall connector 42. Wall tab slot 90a is formed by elements of straight floor connector 34a and corner connector 36a. With tab base 74 of floor connector 34a abutting floor section 44a, a space is left between floor section 44a and an extended section 82a of flat rib 70a. With tab base 80 of corner connector 36a abutting floor section 44a, a space is left between floor section 44a and an extended section 88a of bent rib 72a. The two spaces combine to form wall tab slot 90a, which is configured to receive a wall tab 98. Slot 90a and all slots 90 have a with 91. Such wall tab slots 90 may be formed from adjacent pairs of any combination of straight floor connector 34, corner connector 36, or interior corner wall connector 38.

[0042] FIG. 8 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. In FIG. 8, assembled floor 23 is ready to be provided with: a corner wall connector 42 in each corner wall connector slot 92; and a straight wall connector 40 in each straight wall connector slot 90.

[0043] FIG. 9 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. In FIG. 9 the provisioning of slots 90, 92 is complete. Thus provided, each straight wall connector groove 50 faces either another straight wall connector groove 50 or a corner wall connector groove 51. The pairs of facing grooves 50/50, or 50/51 are configured to receive any of the wall sections 28, 30, or 32. In FIG. 9, each pair of facing grooves 50/50 or 50/51 is about to receive a wall section 28, 30, or 32. As wall sections 28, 30, and 32 descend between a pair of wall connectors, each tab 98 will enter a corresponding straight wall connector slot 90. Thus, groove pairs 50/50 or 50/51, tabs 98, and straight wall connector slots 90 cooperate to maintain each straight wall section in the designated position.

[0044] FIG. 10 is an expanded top view illustrating aspects of a tower house assembly. FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 6 except that the lower left floor section 44 of FIG. 6 is missing from FIG. 10. Thus, floor 25 is missing the lower left corner floor section 44 of floor 23. To adapt to the missing corner floor section, elements about the periphery of floor 25 are shown to include an interior floor corner connector 38. The function of interior floor corner connector 38 is similar to a straight floor connector 34, although interior floor corner connector 38 includes a 90 bend. After floor sections 44c, 44d, 44e are brought together to form the corner, corner floor connector 38 may be moved in direction 60c to further connect floor sections 44c, 44e by inserting corner connector tab 100 into slot 56c of floor section 44c and inserting corner connector tab 102 into slot 56e of floor section 44e.

[0045] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are front and side views, respectively, illustrating an exemplary wall section 28. Window wall section 30 and door wall section 32 differ from wall section 28 in how the wall is depicted, but the geometry of each that govern its placement is the same, i.e., faces 104 and tab 98 of wall section 28 are the same on wall sections 30, 32. Faces 104 are configured to be received within grooves 50 of straight wall connectors 40 and grooves 51 of corner wall connectors 42.

[0046] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating a straight floor connector 34. Straight floor connector 34 includes an elongate flat rib 70 that remains exposed when connector 34 is fully inserted into floor section. Thus, the face of flat rib 70 may be decorated as desired. Tab bases 74, 76 extend separately from flat rib 70, leaving a center notch 110 between. From each tab base 74, 76, a connector tab 62, 64 extends, respectively. Each connector tab includes a short side 112, a long side 114, and a curved side 116. Rib 70 includes extended sections 82, 84. A notch 106 is formed between extended section 82 and tab 62. A notch 108 is formed between extended section 84 and tab 64.

[0047] When tabs 62, 64 are fully inserted into adjacent floor sections, the space between tabs 62, 64 measured between short sides 112 allows floor posts 58 of the adjacent floor sections to be moved slightly apart for the reasons discussed with regard to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. Tabs 62, 64 may be inserted into a floor section up to tab base 74 and tab base 76. With an edge of a floor section 44 abutting tab base 74 and tab base 76, notch 110 effectively becomes straight wall connector slot 94. Straight wall connector slot 94 is accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 96 from a straight wall connector 40.

[0048] When a pair of straight floor connectors 34 are inserted into floor sections adjacent to each other, an edge of one floor section 44 abuts tab base 74 and an edge of the adjacent floor section 44 abuts tab base 76, and wall tab slots 90 are formed by adjacent pairs of notches 106/108 or 108/106 as shown with regard to FIG. 7A. Wall tab slots 90 are accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 98 from a wall section 28, 30, or 32.

[0049] One will recognize that the function of notches 110, 106, and 108 could be effectuated by forming notches 110, 106, and 108 into slots. The optional changes are indicated in FIG. 12A by dotted lines: connecting long side 114 of connector tab 62 to the end of extended section 82 for turning notch 106 into a slot; connecting long side 114 of connector tab 64 to the end of extended section 82 for turning notch 108 into a slot; and connecting the top of tab base 74 to tab base 76 for turning notch 110 into a slot.

[0050] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating an interior corner floor connector 38. Interior corner floor connector 38 includes an elongate bent rib 118 that remains exposed when connector 38 is fully inserted into floor section. Thus, the face of bent rib 118 may be decorated as desired. Tab bases 74, 76 extend separately from bent rib 118, leaving an L-shaped center notch 128 between. From each tab base 74, 76, a connector tab 100, 102 extends, respectively. Each connector tab includes a long side 130, a short side 132, and a curved side 136. Bent rib 118 includes extended sections 120, 122. A notch 124 is formed between extended section 120 and tab 100. A notch 126 is formed between extended section 122 and tab 102. In the embodiment, the bend in bent rib 118 is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the bend may be modified to adapt to corresponding non 90-degree corners in a floor piece.

[0051] Tabs 100, 102 may be inserted into a floor section up to tab base 74 and tab base 76. With an edge of a floor section 44 abutting tab base 74 and an edge of a different floor section 44 abutting tab base 76, notch 128 effectively becomes a corner wall connector slot 92. Corner wall connector slot 92 is accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 96 from a corner wall connector 42.

[0052] When a pair of interior corner floor connectors 38 are inserted into floor corner areas adjacent to each other, an edge of floor section 44 abuts tab base 74 of a first floor connector 38 and also abuts a tab base 76 of the other floor connector 38. As a result, a wall tab slot 90 is formed by the adjacent pair of notches 124/126. Wall tab slots 90 are accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 98 from a wall section 28, 30, or 32.

[0053] One will recognize that the function of notches 124, 126, and 128 could be effectuated by forming notches 124, 126, and 128 into slots. The optional changes are indicated in FIG. 13A by dotted lines: connecting short side 132 of connector tab 100 to the end of extended section 120 for turning notch 124 into a slot; connecting short side 132 of connector tab 102 to the end of extended section 122 for turning notch 126 into a slot; and connecting the top of tab base 74 to tab base 76 with an L-element for turning notch 128 into an L-shaped slot.

[0054] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are top and perspective views, respectively, illustrating an exterior corner connector 36. Exterior corner connector 36 includes an elongate bent rib 72 that remains exposed when connector 36 is fully inserted into floor section. Thus, the face of bent rib 72 may be decorated as desired. Tab bases 74, 76 extend separately from bent rib 72, leaving an L-shaped center notch 129 between. From each tab base 74, 76, a connector tab 66, 68 extends, respectively. Each connector tab includes a long side 140, a short side 142, and a curved side 144. Bent rib 72 includes extended sections 86, 88. A notch 136 is formed between extended section 86 and tab 66. A notch 138 is formed between extended section 88 and tab 68.

[0055] Tabs 66, 68 may be inserted into a floor section up to tab base 74 and tab base 76. With an edge of a floor section 44 abutting tab base 74 and a different edge of the same floor section 44 abutting tab base 76, notch 129 effectively becomes a corner wall connector slot 92. Corner wall connector slot 92 is accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 97 from a corner wall connector 42.

[0056] When a pair of exterior corner connectors 36 are inserted into floor corners adjacent to each other, an edge of floor section 44 abuts tab base 74 of a first corner connector 36 and also abuts a tab base 76 of the other corner connector 36. As a result, a wall tab slot 90 is formed by the adjacent pair of notches 136/138. Wall tab slots 90 are accessible from above, which allows the subsequent insertion of a tab 98 from a wall section 28, 30, or 32.

[0057] In embodiments, a wall tab slot 90 may be formed by an adjacent pair of notches from any combination of: straight floor connector 34; interior corner floor connector 38; or exterior corner connector 36. That is, if any of notches 106, 108, 124, 126, 136, or 138 are side-by-side in an assembly, a wall tab slot 90 is formed.

[0058] One will recognize that the function of notches 136, 138, and 129 could be effectuated by forming notches 136, 138, and 129 into slots. The optional changes are indicated in FIG. 14A by dotted lines: connecting short side 142 of connector tab 66 to the end of extended section 86 for turning notch 136 into a slot; connecting short side 142 of connector tab 68 to the end of extended section 88 for turning notch 138 into a slot; and connecting the top of tab base 74 to tab base 76 with an L-element for turning notch 129 into an L-shaped slot.

[0059] For embodiments in which notches 110, 106, 108 124, 126, 128 136, 138, and 129 have been formed into slots, tab 98 of wall sections 28, 30, and 32 must have a notch taken out of the center to avoid an interference.

[0060] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are front and bottom views, respectively, illustrating a straight wall connector 40. Grooves 50 for receiving faces 104 of wall sections 28, 30, or 32 are provided on opposing sides of straight wall connector 40. Tab 96 is shown to be centered between grooves 50.

[0061] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are front and bottom views, respectively, illustrating a corner wall connector 42. Grooves 51 for receiving faces 104 of wall sections 28, 30, or 32 are provided on adjacent sides of corner wall connector 40. Tab 97 is shown to have an L-shape and to have its bend at approximately the center of the connector. A rail 145 separates grooves 51 and their common edge. One will realize that a second rail 145 and a third groove 51 could be added to create a 3-wall connector. Similarly, a 4-wall connector could be fashioned having four grooves 51 divided by four rails 145.

[0062] FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly. In FIG. 17, a roof 154 includes a roof dormer section 26 between corner roof section 22. Roof dormer section 26 is provided with a biscuit 48a having a center slot 54a. Center slot 54a is configured to accept a spacer tab 148 of a flat spacer 146. When a floor section 44 is joined to dormer roof section 26 using biscuit 48a, flat spacer tab 148 may be inserted into center slot 54a of biscuit 48a until the top of flat spacer 146 is level with the roof and floor sections and hides a gap between the floor section and the roof dormer section.

[0063] Similarly, roof corner section 22 is provided with a biscuit 48b having a center slot 54b. Center slot 54b is accepts a spacer tab 152 of a roof spacer 150. When another roof section is joined to corner roof section 22 using biscuit 54b, roof spacer tab 152 may be inserted into center slot 54b of biscuit 48b until the top of roof spacer 150 is level with the roof sections so that roof spacer 150 hides a gap between the two roof sections.

[0064] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly. In FIG. 18, adjacent floor sections 44 are shown with a gap between them, the gap allowing flat spacer tab 148 to be inserted into a center slot of a biscuit connecting the floor sections (see connector biscuits in FIG. 3-FIG. 6) and then lowered until the top of flat spacer 146 is even with the floor sections.

[0065] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view illustrating aspects of a partially-assembled tower house assembly. In FIG. 19 adjacent floor sections 44 are shown with a gap between them, the gap allowing a wall tab 98 of wall section 28 to be inserted into center slot 54 of a biscuit 48 connecting the floor sections and then lowered until wall section 28 is properly positioned.

[0066] In embodiments, both roof sections and floor sections may be separated slightly while still keeping the connecting biscuit and other connector engaged. Then, biscuit 48 may be manipulated to expose the slot 54, so that one of tabs 98, 148, or 152 may be inserted.

[0067] In an embodiment, elements may be symmetric about one or more planes so that they may be reversed about the z-axis or flipped about a horizontal axis and still be used in an intended position. For example: wall sections 28, 30, 32 may be rotated 180 degrees about the z-axis and inserted into a slot 90 (although doors and windows will follow the rotation); floor connectors 34, 36, 38 may be rotated 180 degrees about a horizontal axis and function equally well. For straight floor connector 34 the axis of rotation would be orthogonal to the flat exterior side of flat rib 70. For external corner floor connector 36 and internal corner floor connector 38 the axis of rotation would be parallel to a plane defined by the right and left connector tabs and at a 45-degree angle bisecting the 90-degree angle of the bent rib 72, 118.

[0068] In embodiments, the following dimensions are provided as examples of sizes. One of skill will understand that sizes may be varied to adapt the teachings of this disclosure to their purposes. For example: biscuits, connector tabs, and spacer tabs may be configured to have a slip fit on each side; the slip fit may be 0.0025 in clearance per side; a wall tab slot 90 may be 0.880 in wide and 0.115 in deep; a half of a tab slot 90 associated with a corner connector, interior corner floor connector, or straight floor connector, may be 0.107 deep in by between 0.432 and 0.440 in wide; a biscuit may be 1.567 in by 0.656 in; a biscuit slot may be 0.886 by 0.100 in; a corner connector may be 1.255 in by 1.255 in with a separation of 0.314 in between tabs; floor connector tabs may be 0.145 in thick; corner connector tabs may be 0.850 along the side connected to the tab base; a straight floor connector may be 1.995 in long by 0.345 in high by 0.690 deep; a corner wall connector may be 0.503 in wide and 2.312 in tall in total with tab 97 being 0.320 in tall; each leg on either side of the bend in tab 97 as viewed from the bottom may be 0.090 in thick; grooves 50 may be 0.317 in wide; grooves 51 may be 0.335 in wide; floor sections 44 may be 2.000 in by 2.000 in by 0.394 in; slot 58 may be 0.150 in high; posts 58 may be 0.200 in by 0.200 in; flat spacers may be 0.080 in thick and 1.650 in wide; flat spacer tabs may be 0.850 in wide and 0.219 in high; roof biscuit slots 52 may be 1.600 in wide by 0.150 high; wall sections 28 may be 1.680 wide by 0.346 in deep; and wall tabs 98 maybe 0.852 in wide by 0.317 in high by 0.090 in thick.

[0069] Consistent with the foregoing, in at least one case referred to herein as Example A-1, an apparatus comprises: a first flat section (e.g., floor section 44) including a first main side (e.g., the floor surface) and a first edge slot (e.g., slot 58) provided in a first edge side; and a first connector (e.g., connector 34, 36, 38) including a first rib (e.g., rib 70, 72, 118) having a first tab base section (e.g., tab base 74), a second tab base section (e.g., tab base 76), a first tab (e.g., tab 62, 66, 100) perpendicular to the first tab base section, a second tab (e.g., tab 64, 68, 102) perpendicular to the second tab base section, a first slot or notch (e.g., notch 106, 124, 136) between part of the first tab and the first rib, a second rib slot or notch between part of the second tab and the first rib, and a third rib slot or notch (e.g., notch 108, 126, 138) between the first tab base section and the second tab base section, wherein the first tab is received within the first edge slot such that the first tab base section is next to the first edge side, and the first, second, and third rib slots or notches are accessible from a first direction orthogonal to the first main side (e.g., from a direction going into the drawing in FIG. 7A).

[0070] In another case referred to herein as Example A-2, the apparatus of Example A-1, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib is an elongate rib (e.g., flat rib 70) and the first tab and the second tab both extend in a second direction (e.g., perpendicularly away from flat rib 70); and the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

[0071] In another case referred to herein as Example A-3, the apparatus of Example A-1, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib (e.g., bent rib 118) includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section (e.g., tab 100 extends perpendicularly away from tab base 74); the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section (e.g., tab 102 extends perpendicularly away from tab base 76) that is perpendicular to the second direction (because tab base 74 is at a 90 degree angle from tab base 76); and the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side (as described with regard to interior corner edge connector 38 in FIG. 10).

[0072] In another case referred to herein as Example A-4, the apparatus of Example A-1, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first flat section includes a third edge slot provided in a third edge side; the first rib (e.g., bent rib 72) includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section (e.g., tab 66 extends perpendicularly away from tab base 74); the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section (e.g., tab 68 extends perpendicularly away from tab base 74) that is perpendicular to the second direction (because tab base 74 is at a 90 degree angle from tab base 76); and the second tab is received within the third edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the third edge side (as described with regard to exterior corner edge connector 36a in FIG. 7B).

[0073] In another case referred to herein as Example A-5, the apparatus of Example A-2, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side perpendicular (e.g., angle 60d, FIG. 12A) to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side parallel to the first inner side and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side parallel to the second inner side and having the second length; and the first length is less than the second length.

[0074] In another case referred to herein as Example A-6, the apparatus of Example A-5, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

[0075] In another case referred to herein as Example A-7, the apparatus of Example A-3, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side (e.g., long side 130) at a first angle (e.g., angle 60e, FIG. 13A) away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side (e.g., short side 132) perpendicular (e.g., angle 60f, FIG. 13A) to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length.

[0076] In another case referred to herein as Example A-8, the apparatus of Example A-7, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

[0077] In another case referred to herein as Example A-9, the apparatus of Example A-4, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side at a first angle (e.g., angle 60g, FIG. 14A) away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side perpendicular (e.g., angle 60h, FIG. 14A) to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length.

[0078] In another case referred to herein as Example A-10, the apparatus of Example A-9, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

[0079] In another case referred to herein as Example A-11, the apparatus of Example A-2, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: an elongate wall connector including first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on opposing sides of the wall connector and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction: a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the second edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the second edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

[0080] In another case referred to herein as Example A-12, the apparatus of Example A-3, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: an elongate wall connector including: first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on adjacent sides of the wall connector, and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction; a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the second edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the second edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

[0081] In another case referred to herein as Example A-13, the apparatus of Example A-4, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: an elongate wall connector including: first and second longitudinal wall slots disposed on adjacent sides of the wall connector, and a wall connector tab, the wall connector tab inserted into the third rib slot or notch such that the wall connector is parallel to the first direction; a second connector including a second rib having a third tab base section, a fourth tab base section, a third tab perpendicular to the third tab base section, a fourth tab perpendicular to the fourth tab base section, a fourth rib slot or notch between part of the third tab and the second rib, a fifth rib slot or notch between part of the fourth tab and the rib, and a sixth rib slot or notch between the third tab base section and the fourth tab base section, wherein the third tab is received within the third edge slot such that the third tab base section is next to the third edge side, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth rib slots or notches are accessible from the first direction; and a wall section including a first wall edge and a wall tab, the first wall edge received within the second longitudinal wall slot of the wall connector and the wall tab received within one or both of the second rib slot or notch and the fourth rib slot or notch.

[0082] Consistent with the foregoing, in at least one case referred to herein as Example B-14, a kit capable of being assembled into a structure comprises: a first flat section including a first main side and a first edge slot provided in a first edge side; and a first connector including a first rib having a first tab base section, a second tab base section, a first tab perpendicular to the first tab base section, a second tab perpendicular to the second tab base section, a first slot or notch between part of the first tab and the first rib, a second rib slot or notch between part of the second tab and the first rib, and a third rib slot or notch between the first tab base section and the second tab base section, wherein, when the kit is assembled: the first tab is received within the first edge slot such that the first tab base section is next to the first edge side, and the first, second, and third rib slots or notches are accessible from a first direction orthogonal to the first main side.

[0083] In another case referred to herein as Example B-15, the kit of Example B-14, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib is an elongate rib and the first tab and the second tab both extend in a second direction; and, when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

[0084] In another case referred to herein as Example B-16, the kit of Example B-14, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may further comprise: a second flat section including a second main side and a second edge slot provided in a second edge side, wherein: the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the second edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the second edge side.

[0085] In another case referred to herein as Example B-17, the kit of Example B-14, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first flat section includes a third edge slot provided in a third edge side; the first rib includes a 90-degree bend between the first tab base section and the second tab base section; the first tab extends in a second direction from the first tab base section; the second tab extends in a third direction from the second tab base section that is perpendicular to the second direction; and when the kit is assembled, the second tab is received within the third edge slot such that the second tab base section is next to the third edge side.

[0086] In another case referred to herein as Example B-18, the kit of Example B-15, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side perpendicular to the first tab and having a first length, and a first outer side parallel to the first inner side and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side perpendicular to the second tab and having the first length, and a second outer side parallel to the second inner side and having the second length; and the first length is less than the second length.

[0087] In another case referred to herein as Example B-19, the kit of Example B-18, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes a first curved side connecting the first inner side to the first outer side; and the second tab includes a second curved side connecting the second inner side to the second outer side.

[0088] In another case referred to herein as Example B-20, the kit of Example B-16, or any other exemplary embodiment described herein, may be further limited wherein: the first tab includes: a first inner side at a first angle away from perpendicular to the first tab base and having a first length, and a first outer side perpendicular to the first tab base and having a second length; the second tab includes: a second inner side at the first angle away from perpendicular to the second tab base and having the first length, and a second outer side perpendicular to the second tab base and having the second length; and the first length is greater than the second length

[0089] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In the embodiments, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term some refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure.

[0090] A phrase such as an aspect does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a configuration does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

[0091] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.