Set of building components for building a plurality of predefined structures

Abstract

A building set includes a plurality of building components. The components may be configured so that one or more predefined structures may be constructed with a set of the components. For example, the set of components may be configured any number of predefined structures may be constructed, such as a table and chairs, a boat, a plane, and so on. The components may be made from a composition including polyolefin. The polyolefin may have a density in the range of about 1 pound per cubic foot (lb/ft 3 ) to about 9 lb/ft 3 . As such, the components are compressible, resilient, and elastic. One or more of the components may include a first retaining element, and one or more of the components may include a second retaining element. The retaining elements are configured to engage together for securing or coupling the components together. For example, the retaining elements may be defined by one or more dimensions, with at least one of the dimensions of one of the retaining elements being greater than a corresponding dimension of the other retaining element. The retaining element with the greater size may be urged or inserted into the other retaining element, thereby being compressed. When received within the other retaining element, the compressed retaining element exerts a spring force, thereby causing the components to be retained by friction between abutting surfaces.

1 . A building set comprising a plurality of building components;
 a first one of the components having a first retaining element and a second one of the components having a second retaining element; and   at least the first retaining element including resilient material such that when the retaining elements are engaged together, the first retaining element is compressed and applies a spring force against the second retaining element, thereby securing the retaining elements together.   
   
   
       2 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . The building set of claim  2  wherein the composition includes an adhesion layer. 
   
   
       12 . The building set of  claim 11  wherein the adhesion layer includes adhesive. 
   
   
       13 . The building set of  claim 11  wherein the adhesion layer includes material that is activated by heat. 
   
   
       14 . The building set of  claim 13  wherein the adhesion layer includes a polyolefin with a melting point of at least about 180° Fahrenheit (F). 
   
   
       15 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . The building set of  claim 1  further comprising at least one of the components is made from a composition excluding polyolefin. 
   
   
       19 . The building set of  claim 18  wherein at least one of the components made from a composition excluding polyolefin includes a retaining element that is substantially non-resilient. 
   
   
       20 - 36 . (canceled) 
   
   
       37 . A method for building structures, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of building components each being made from a composition including a polyolefin that has a melting point of at least about 180° F.;   positioning two of the components together such that the components abut along an interface;   applying heat at or near the interface that is sufficient to cause the polyolefin to melt;   removing the heat such that the polyolefin cools, thereby adhering the two components together.   
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein:
 the step of the applying heat comprises:   positioning a resistive element between the components at the interface; and applying power to the resistive element.   the step of removing the heat comprises:   disconnecting the power from the resistive element.   
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the step of applying heat comprises: directing hot air at or near the interface. 
   
   
       40 - 42 . (canceled)