CN113260439A - Additional accessory of creative structure suite - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a cost effective structural construction kit, suitable as a toy, using a post connector (10) consisting of a post (12) with an attached disc (14) or similar device inserted into a cut-out (31) in a geometrically shaped component part (30, 80). More than one component part may be connected to the same post connector and such component parts may be rotatable relative to the post axis. The connector design allows for the construction of a variety of sizes, shapes and types of stable structures, and facilitates articulation between different parts of such an assembled structure. Many variations of the invention are possible, including connection to other types of structural elements (530, 570, 580, 584, 602, 640), structural elements dolls (900), rotators (512), post connectors (612, 618, 620, 611) and panels (632) of various shapes, blocks (550), panels (576), lenses (590), catapults/slingshots (680), periscopes (660), tubes (672), wheels (925), spherical elements (915), dolls (900), animal parts ()944, 947, 950), and airplane parts (954, 955), among others.

Description

Additional accessory of creative structure suite

Title:

the patent application belongs to the united states of the new hampshire, holris Creative Toys llc and in the united states of Brian d.klauber, american citizen, 29Jambard Road, Hollis, NH 03049, Benjamin Gould, american citizen, 103La Rue Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30327Frank DeGiacomo, american citizen, nover Robert d.klauber, massachusetts, 1100University Manor Dr, Condo 38B, Fairfield, IA 52556;

cross reference to related applications

Reference to a sequence listing, a table or a computer program listing compact disc appendix of the background of the invention

Technical Field

The present invention relates to creative accessories and modifications to the structure kit commercially known as Swivel-Snaps, described in WO2011/143019, PCT/SU2011/035107, U.S. patent 9,669,324, and other sub/sister patents and patent applications in the united states and elsewhere, which offer additional advantages to the user over the structure kit inventions shown in the above-referenced documents.

Background

The prior art for the rotary snap invention is described in the above referenced patents/applications. No accessories or modifications to the invention similar to those shown here are shown.

Fig. 1 shows a post connector 10 for a preferred embodiment of the swivel snap invention. Fig. 2 shows one component part, the triangular part 30. Figure 3 depicts the post connector 10 and the triangular part 30 connected together. Fig. 4 shows two such triangular pieces 30 connected to a single post connector 10.

The post connector 10 of the preferred rotational snap embodiment of fig. 1, comprises a post 12 of essentially rod-like shape and one or more discs 14 attached to or integral with the post 12, wherein the axes of the post 12 and discs 14 are substantially coaxial. In preferred and some other embodiments, the post connector may also include a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical section, considered herein as connector guide 16. The axis of the connector guide 16 may be substantially coaxial with the axis of the post 12. The term approximately cylindrical as used herein refers to a shape such as shown for connector guide 16 in fig. 1, which has a surface that is not purely cylindrical on an otherwise cylindrical surface. For example, an approximately cylindrical shape may be considered to be a shape that is initially cylindrical but whose surface is concave, convex, curved, and/or perforated.

In fig. 1, the connector guide 16 is approximately cylindrical with a concave serrated surface and the surface has a perforation comprising a radially directed hole running completely through from one side to the other. Such holes may be filled with an overmold of rubber, plastic, metal, or other material, and the overmold may be solid or hollow. These perforations and recesses are not necessary for the function of the invention, but may enhance visual appeal and desirable characteristics.

The connector guide 16 is a member for guiding the connection between the post connector and the component parts. It may also be a member that stabilizes, aligns, and/or strengthens the connection, however this is not essential to the invention.

The tray 14 and/or connector guide 16 may be attached to the post 12 via any means, or alternatively one or more of them may be an integral part of the post connector 10 with the post 12, such as may be achieved by casting, injection molding, or other processes. Although the string 12 is shown extending beyond the tray 14, the present invention does not require this. In any embodiment, the column 12 need only support one or more trays 14 (or devices connecting the column to the component parts), which is encompassed by the present invention.

Component parts such as the triangular part 30 of figure 2 have cutouts, typically but not necessarily along their edges, into which portions of the post connector 10 may be inserted. Such cutouts include a disc cutout 31 and a connector guide cutout 34. Post connector 10 and the component part, here triangular portion 30, are connected when portions of post connector 10, such as tray 14 and/or connector guide 16, are inserted into respective cutouts 31 and/or 34. See fig. 3. These cutouts may be large enough to allow the post connector 10 to rotate angularly about its long axis relative to the component parts (here 30). In fact, this is generally desirable because it allows hinging movement between the two parts and between sections comprising more post connectors and any other larger assembly of component parts. Alternatively, the cutouts may be small enough or intentionally shaped relative to the dimensions of the tray 14 and/or connector guide 16 to effectively resist such angular movement and provide a non-hinge type connection. Other kinds of restrictions known to those skilled in the art may also be used to provide the non-hinged connection and these are included in the present invention.

The relief cut 32 may serve to make the post connector 10 more easily snapped to the component part (30 in fig. 2) and can be more easily removed while also providing a hard stop to prevent excessive movement of the beam and potentially breaking the latch member. Such relief cuts are employed in the present embodiment, but are not essential elements of the invention. The connector guide notch 34 is shown in fig. 2 as being straight and parallel to the triangular edge direction, but the invention includes any suitable notch. For best hinging effect, one or more of the cut-out surfaces 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 may be arcuate to match the generally circular edges of the post 12, tray 14 and connector guide 16. However, the present invention includes such surfaces in any suitable geometry, and none of these surfaces necessarily contact any portion of the post connector 10.

The latch elements 33, i.e. the suspension beams used in this embodiment, form a latch with the tray 14. One way in which this can be done is via a "bump" or "lip" 41, as shown in fig. 2, which snaps over the outer portion of the disc 14. In this embodiment, the latch elements 33 are also arcuate along their inwardly facing sides in fig. 2 to match the profile of the tray 14. This provides more loose articulation, which is not however necessary for the functioning of the invention. The latch elements 33, while shown as cantilevered beams, may also be raised points or bumps or, indeed, any structure having the same purpose as the latch elements 33 shown herein. Further, the latching elements may be on opposite sides of the disc-like cutout 31 (i.e., on the inner surface of the cutout 38, the side closer to the connector guide cutout 34). Further, the latching elements may be on both sides of the cutout.

The element 14 includes non-disc-like as well as disc-like geometries and shall be considered herein as an "incision insertable element". Thus, although in the preferred embodiment of fig. 1-3, it is disc-shaped, the incision insertable element should be considered to be represented by numeral 14 in all figures. When the shape of the incision insertable element is a disk or a full disk arc, we refer to it as a "disk". When such a disc extends over a full 360, we sometimes refer to it as a "full disc" or a "360" disc. The incision insertion member may be much thicker than the disc 14 shown in the figures, and may even be longer in the axial direction than its own diameter (or width in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction).

The holes 35 in the corners of the triangular portion 30 are not essential to the function of the invention, but may contribute to decoration in certain embodiments of the invention. Further, the diameter of the hole 35 may be the same as the diameter of the post 12, so that the post connector 10 can be fitted into the hole via their ends.

Fig. 4 shows two triangular sections 30 connected to a single post connector 10. The two triangular portions may be angularly movable relative to each other about the post connector for proper cut-out of tolerance of the post connector portions.

Fig. 5 depicts a square component part 80 connected to the post connector 10. The square part 80 has a cut-out similar to that shown for the triangular part 30 to facilitate connection with the post connector 10.

Fig. 6 shows a panel 70 that may be inserted into the triangular component part 30 for reinforcing/stiffening the triangular component part, for visual appeal, and/or for attaching post connectors, other panels, pictures, decals, other component parts, or any device that enhances the present invention. The panel 70 shown in fig. 7 has an optional aperture 72 which may, but need not, be located in the center of the panel. In other configurations, there may be more than one aperture, and any aperture need not be circular, but may be any shape. The post portion of the post connector may be inserted into such a hole, and such insertion may be sufficiently tight to allow the post connector to become part of the post connector and component parts. Other items such as, but not limited to, axles, flowers (artificial or real), rods, lollipops, flags, LEDs, and toy figures may also be inserted into the holes, or in place of the post connectors.

The panel may also have cut-outs or raised areas for letters of the alphabet, numbers, words, etc., so that children can learn and/or piece together their ABC, name, party invitation, age, etc. Any of the panel decorations, such as those described herein or otherwise, may extend beyond the plane of any of the component parts and/or beyond the edges of any of the component parts as well. Further, they may be very thick and/or have hollow areas that may be filled with any number of items, such as, but not limited to, live fish, candy, glitter, lava gum, and the like. They may include or allow for the attachment of a variety of 3D items. That is, the panel may extend upwardly in the vertical direction of fig. 7 to any reasonable height, and may extend laterally (as viewed in fig. 7) to any reasonable extent. (see fig. 43.) they may have threaded or otherwise knobs, plugs or other devices to attach any number of different items to them.

Both the words "panel" and "face mount" may refer herein to a device that extends significantly in the vertical direction (away from the face of the part) or is thin in the vertical direction (i.e., plate-like).

Fig. 7 depicts the panel 70 inserted into the triangular part 30. Although the discussion of fig. 6 and 7 focuses on retaining the panel on the component part through the side of the panel, the component part may be attached to some other area of the component part. For example, the component parts may be solid in the middle and have knobs or other protrusions on which holes in the panel fit. Alternatively, the panel may have knobs or other protrusions that fit into holes in the component parts. The invention includes any device that holds the panel snugly in a triangular or any other shaped component part, including simple snaps as known to those skilled in the art.

The panel may be used for square or any other shaped component part in the same way as the triangular component part described above, and where the word triangle or triangle is used herein in relation to the panel, the word "square" may be replaced, with the result including a swivel snap invention.

The invention includes decals, drawings, laser markings, pictures, flags, mirrors, tattoos, writing paper, and the like attached to the panel, although these are not required. The present invention includes any article attachable to a panel as discussed anywhere herein, as well as any article attachable to a component part and/or a post connector.

Figure 8 shows a post connector 10 having a single ball 20 attached to one end. Figure 9 shows a post connector with two such spheres, one on either end. Such a sphere 20 may be rubber, plastic, wood, metal or any suitable material. They may be attached to the post connector 10 via any number of means, many of which are known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the ball 20 may be manufactured as an integral part of the post connector 20 via casting, injection molding, or similar process when manufacturing the post connector.

Alternatively, any suitable object or device may be attached to or inserted into the end of the post connector 10. These include, but are not limited to, hooks, screw holes, suction cups, threaded rods, magnets, whistles, springs, hinges, toys, lollipops, axles, flowers (artificial or real), flashlights, LEDs, and bubble sticks.

The invention of the swivel snap includes a square part 80 and all possible geometries like the parts 30 and 80 to connect with the post connector 10. These other possible component part shapes include, but are not limited to, rectangles, parallelograms, pentagons, hexagons, all other polygons, circles, ovals, all other valid 2D (thin in one dimension) shapes, cuboids, tetrahedrons, spheres, ovals, all other 3D entities, and portions/segments of any of the foregoing.

With these different types of component parts, a user of the present invention can create a myriad of different types and sizes of structures. Different types of parts can be connected together. For example, the triangular component part 30 may be connected to the square component part 80 along the edges via the same post connector 10. Boxes, house-like structures, pyramids, many different kinds of geometric forms, animal and bird models, dinosaurs (such as pterosaurs), etc. are possible. The nature of the connection made between the post connector 10 and the component parts will provide significant stability and durability to these structures.

Any component parts in any configuration may be configured to swing open or closed, taking into account the swinging (i.e., hinging) capability of the connection between the post connector 10 and the component parts. This may provide a door that can be opened and closed for house-like structures, hinged covers for boxes/crates, model blinds, book binders, etc.

Fig. 10 shows square components 80 connected via post connectors 10 to form a box (a cuboid of the cubic type with one face hinged open in fig. 10). This box has a swinging top (lid) that can be opened and closed as it can swing freely around the post connector, while the rest of the box remains stationary. Of course, any side of the box, not just the top, may be used to swing open and closed, while the other sides remain stationary and more than one side may swing open.

Panels such as, but not limited to, 70 and 84 need not be snapped firmly into place, nor need they be held tightly by their associated component parts (30 and 80 in the figures). In contrast, they may be attached along their outer edges to the inner edges of the component parts via post connectors 10 or any other form of removable connection. This will allow the panels to be hinged or removed relative to their associated component parts, providing a greater creative expression for children using the invention. Such panels may then become doors, covers for boxes, etc. of a house-like structure.

Disclosure of Invention

Objects and advantages of the invention

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are to provide 2D and 3D structures, typically in construction parts, that are more stable, strong, flexible and/or easy to assemble than the prior art. Other objects and advantages include greater flexibility in the type of construction, including, but not limited to, integrating swivel snaps with other building assembly kits such as Lego, K' Nex, etc., and with other toys and devices such as spinners, saving pots, massagers, loupes, art wares, tracks, periscopes, etc. Other objects and advantages include new component parts for rotating the clasp, ways for constructing different types of creations, etc. These objects and advantages, among others, provide the user with greater possibilities for utility, enjoyment and originality, among other things.

These and other aspects of the invention discussed below provide significant benefits and advantages over the prior art. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description of the invention.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention provides significant advantages over prior art structural building systems by utilizing the following unique embodiments for use with a rotating buckle.

A saving pot made of a rotating buckle, an attached rotator, a lewy stud and a lewy hole in the part/connector/panel of the rotating buckle, integration options with Duplo/britle Blocks/K' Nex/magnet/Lego/etc., a half/partial component part surface (lewy on the side or edge), a track (e.g., around an elongated "post"; as one example, mobius strip), an inner/outer block (e.g., for a wheel axle), a periscope, a unique panel (scent, magic tape, hole for a stud ball, chalk plate surface, paint surface, whiteboard surface), lens magnifier, triangle of the corner of the structure, post connector art, two component parts, rotating buckle gear, fabric or elastic panel (trampoline effect), and a marble connected to the rotating buckle element, A conduit through which a ball or other object may pass. The invention also includes wheel attachments, spherical object elements, construction dolls, and simulated animal elements.

In its various embodiments, the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art in an advantageous and fully satisfactory manner.

Drawings

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a post connector of the rotating snap invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the triangular component parts of the rotating snap invention.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the swivel snap invention with the post connector and triangular parts attached together.

Figure 4 depicts a post connector of the swivel snap invention attached with two triangular pieces.

Figure 5 shows a square component part with a post connector to which the rotating snap invention is attached.

Figure 6 shows a panel of triangular component parts with optional holes of the swivel snap invention.

Fig. 7 shows a panel inserted into the triangular portion of the swivel snap invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a single ball mounted on the end of a post connector of the rotating snap invention.

Figure 9 depicts a post connector with a ball at each end in a swivel snap invention.

Fig. 10 shows a cubic cuboid made of square component parts and post connectors in the swivel snap invention.

Figure 11 shows a square component part with a slot in the centre of the face plate for the passage of coins.

Fig. 12 illustrates a combination of a rotator and a rotary catch.

Fig. 13 shows the rotating snap panel, parts and the happy stud and hole in the post connector.

Fig. 14 depicts several different types of connection mechanisms incorporated into a rotating snap element for use in a toy for commercial sale.

Figure 15 illustrates different types of attachment mechanisms used in commercially available toys that incorporate into one or more sides of a rotating snap feature.

Figure 16 depicts a track incorporated into a rotary snap connector.

Figure 17 shows the component parts sliding on the rails incorporated into the rotary snap connector.

Figure 18 shows a curved orbital rotary snap connector.

Figure 19 shows several different shapes of the orbital rotary snap connector.

Fig. 20 depicts an orbital rotary snap connector using posts and less material.

Fig. 21 shows a block attached to a rotating snap component that may increase the strength of the structure.

Figure 22 shows some unique panel types.

FIG. 23 presents a panel with a magnifying glass.

Figure 24 shows an artwork incorporated into a rotating snap connector.

Fig. 25 depicts a fabric or elastomeric panel.

Fig. 26 shows the double length component parts.

Fig. 27 illustrates a gear and how it engages with a rotary catch structure to provide movement and/or drive.

Fig. 28 presents a right isosceles triangular support.

Fig. 29 depicts a periscope with mirror-faced faceplates polyhedrons within a tube made of rotating snap elements.

Fig. 30 shows a part in which a marble or other ball can slide within a tube of a swivel snap arrangement.

Fig. 31-34 show wheels, wheel parts, and attachments of component parts to allow construction of a vehicle or horizontal use as a rotator or conveyor belt.

Fig. 35-38 illustrate a manner for building a quasi-spherical object.

Figures 39-43 depict a construction doll.

Fig. 44 to 48 illustrate various simulated animals that may be constructed from subelements.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 10 show various elements, embodiments and configurations of the rotary snap invention cited in the introduction. Figure 10 shows a rectangular solid made of square rotating snap component parts and post connectors. The present invention is a supplement to the rotating snap invention, i.e. "add-on" features and/or modifications.

The component parts of fig. 11 and the slot 502 in the face plate 84 in the middle of the component parts 80 may be used for one of the component parts 80 in fig. 10. Thus, the resulting structure with the top component parts 80 in fig. 10 connected via the post connector 10 may be used such that the resulting structure is a closed cuboid (cube in the embodiment of fig. 10) as a "saving pot", i.e. a device for holding coins and banknotes, a personal accumulator tank. The component parts 80 shown as squares may be of any suitable shape and so the saving pot may be of any possible 3D physical shape, not necessarily cubic. Some possible such shapes include pyramids, balls, animals such as pigs, horses or ducks, wheels or more. Instead of the face plate 84, the component parts may be solid or nearly solid with a slot 502 in the middle portion that spans the middle portion. In essence, the user can create a custom saving pot.

As storage requirements increase, users may simply add additional component parts, such as but not limited to 80 connected by post connectors, and increase the size and volume for holding coins, gadgets, stones, shells, jewelry, candy, or other items. The storage device is expandable, portable, and easy to open and close.

FIG. 12 shows the addition of a rotator 512 to the rotating snap invention. The rotator, which may include bearings and/or counterweights, may be connected to the face plate 84, the post connector 10, and/or a component part such as the square 80 or any shape. The connection may be located anywhere on any element in the rotating clasp. For example, in fig. 12, rotator 512 is shown attached to the end of post connector 10, and also to the middle portion of the connector guide in this particular figure. The rotator may also be connected to any rotating catch element at any angle. The rotators may be pre-attached to any such elements during the manufacturing process, or they may be attached to any such elements by the end user via any suitable attachment mechanism. That is, the rotator may be attached to, integral with, or attachable to any rotating snap element, including but not limited to, component parts of any shape and size, post connectors, and panels. They may be mounted at any angle and at any position on any of these elements. The term "wheel spinner" as used herein may refer in its broadest sense to any type of rotational device that may be attached to any rotational snap element via any manner, method, and/or mechanism.

Fig. 13 shows a le gao design stud 602 (male) and hole (or cup) 604 (female) incorporated into a rotating snap element. In the figure, these elements are panels 584, 570; component parts 580, 530; and post connectors 510, 512, 514, 516. This allows to make joint structures comprising a swivel snap and a happy ending element. The studs and holes (or cups) may be located anywhere on any rotational snap element in any number and any orientation, however the preferred alignment is to line such studs and holes (cups) in one or more rows including at least two studs and two holes. The term "happy" as used herein with respect to a connection mechanism, design, stud and/or hole refers to a stud, a cup into which the stud is inserted and/or a hole into which the stud is inserted, wherein the stud may be (in a preferred embodiment, but not necessarily) cylindrical or approximately cylindrical in shape and aligned in one or more rows, such as shown in fig. 13, 14 and 15. The present invention includes any manner, method, device and/or mechanism that allows for the connection of a swivel snap element to such a le hight construction element by connecting a connection mechanism or device (such as a stud, cup or hole) of the le hight construction element onto or into the swivel snap element. The word "bore" as used in such context may alternatively mean "cup" or "insertable portion/piece/part/element" or "female portion/piece/part/element", indeed, any of these terms may be used interchangeably with any other term and still encompass the present invention. The word "stud" as used in such context may denote a rod, a knob, a disc, a bump or any other type of male element. The word "cup" may denote a cylindrical or other shaped piece that is at least partially hollow into which a stud is inserted for connection. The term "joy type" may refer to a type of connection other than what is specifically and commercially known as joy. Or, if explicitly defined, may refer to a particular commercial happy connection type.

In fig. 14, several options for integrating a rotating clasp with a commercially available toy building system are shown. These options allow the user of the swivel snap to build joint structures/objects with other toy systems. The example shown includes Duplo female connector 614 and male connector 612 on swivel snap face plate 684; rotating the tuft block connectors 702 on the snap panel 784; the K' Nex male connector 802 and female connector 804 on the rotating snap panel 884; lego male connector 602 and female connector 60; and a magnetic faceplate insert 984. The K' Nex connection has a male portion that includes a stem with a lip (notch, cut-out, ledge) at the end of the stem, allowing the stem to form a secure connection with the female portion. The tuft block connection has a series of bristles (Bristle) (male) with a female portion located between the male bristles. The invention also includes connections for Lincoln wood. Although fig. 14 explicitly shows a faceplate, integration with other toy building systems described may also be built directly into parts without a faceplate. The present invention includes any manner, method, apparatus and/or mechanism for connecting any rotational snap element to another (additional) type of construction element by incorporating the connection mechanism of said other type of construction element onto or into the rotational snap element (post connector, component part, panel, dolls or other element). Additional (another) types of construction elements may be, but are not limited to, blocks, dolls, geometric shapes, letters, numbers, pictures, or drawings, and can be connected to any other element, such as, but not limited to, a post connector or component part or panel, wherein the connection mechanism includes male and female portions that may or may not be aligned in one or more rows.

It is important to enable users to use the swivel snap with their existing (and future) toys. It is the essence of the present invention to extend the swivel snap panels to enable connection with these other toys. There are countless combinations of spaces that do not allow detailing all of these, but they all stem from the same basic inventive concept … … to construct a swivel snap panel that contains one or more fastener elements from a given external toy system (e.g., Legao, K' Nex, Duplo, Velcro, Lincoln wood, magnetic toys, etc.). These panels may be used to support male or female or both connection types. These panels may or may not compromise the traditional function of the original swivel snap. Although square panels and component parts are shown in fig. 14, the present invention includes all possible shapes of such elements. Compatibility with other construction kits is a great advantage of the present invention.

Fig. 15 shows part (half or other) of the rotating snap component parts 584, 586, 886, which have connectivity on one or only some edges with other rotating snap parts, or may be connected to other construction kit components. Any of these parts may be partial (less than complete) or half of a typical rotating snap component part. Sometimes it may be valuable to expose the connecting elements of the swivel snap only at one or several sides of the component parts. Some of the cases when other toy sets (le gao, K' Nex, etc.) are used are shown in fig. 15. This applies to all rotating snap elements including, but not limited to, component parts, post connectors and panels. The fasteners and component parts may be inset, perpendicular, or disposed at any angle. Elements such as those shown in fig. 15 allow the use of the only type of construction that is otherwise not feasible.

Fig. 16-20 depict embodiments of the swivel snap invention having a connector 610 with a track 614 on which a component part, such as but not limited to a square 80, can be attached so that the component part is fixed to the track or, alternatively, can slide along the track (see arrows in fig. 17). Although the present invention includes only a single track 614, the present invention includes any number. As in fig. 16, the preferred embodiment has two rails 614.

Fig. 16-20 show the connector without the connector guide 16 (see fig. 1), but embodiments with connector guides on the connector 610 and any other connector with tracks such as, but not limited to, 612, 614, 618, 620 are also included in the invention.

Fig. 18 illustrates one non-linear possibility 612 of a connector with rails. Looking down from the top, as shown in fig. 19, the present invention includes any possible shape of the connector. Only some of these shapes for the connectors 610, 612, 618, 620 are shown in fig. 19 as tracks 614. Other possible shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, triangles, squares, bars, letters, numbers, symbols, ladders, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, any regular or irregular polygon, and the like. The other is the shape of a mobius strip. In general, the present invention includes any configuration having a track on the connector. The track and connector may be formed in any desired shape.

Figure 20 shows one of many possible configurations of a tracked connector 611 in which a cylindrical (or other non-circular cross-section) post is used to hold the track instead of the continuous configuration of figures 16, 17, 18 and 19. This embodiment will save material costs. It is noted that any connector configuration having a track with a rotating snap component or panel thereon may be connected and fixed or slide incorporating the present invention. The track need not be continuous around the entire connector, but may include one or more discrete portions that do not surround the connector.

All references herein to component parts connected to the rails also apply to panels connected to the rails. All of the rails may be attached to, attachable to, or integral with a main portion of a post or connector body, a panel or other component part. That is, rather than the rails in the illustrated embodiment being part of the connector, the rails may be part of the panel or another component part. The component parts in any of the embodiments are of arbitrary shape, not just the square shape shown in fig. 16 and 17.

The inclusion of the track 614 in the swivel snap invention enables additional construction opportunities such as, but not limited to, integration with trains and roller coasters.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the block 550 is mounted inside the component part 80, wherein the block does not interfere with the post connectors to be attached to the component part. The block 550 may be shaped such that its ends fit closely inside the component part 80. This configuration provides strength to the part due to the inherent strength of the block. Which can carry large loads. In one configuration, the block may have an axle that can be attached to, or integral with it. This will allow car/truck/train/other enclosures made from swivel snap-fits to hang on a solid block chassis. The component parts of the mounting block 550 need not be square 80, but may be triangular, other polygonal, or any suitable shape.

Figure 22 shows several unique rotating snap panels. The panel 570 is made of or has velcro attached or attachable thereto. This will enable a unique accessory fitting. For example, fabric flame trajectories attached to the bottom of the swivel snap rocket ship structure via velcro.

The panel 572 has a "scratch and sniff" surface. The surface is scratched and the panel emits odor. The faceplate 576 has a hole therein that receives the ball end 20 of the post connector. (see fig. 10.) this allows for a ball joint component that has a wide range of motion, but still "snaps" into place. A rotating clasp with the features of fig. 22 would attract sight, hearing, touch and smell. In addition to the unique panel embodiment shown in fig. 22, other configurations encompassed by the present invention are panels having or comprising blackboard surfaces, painted surfaces, sticker surfaces, lenticular surfaces, mirrored surfaces, and/or whiteboard surfaces. Further, the component parts may have any of the features described herein for the panels.

Although fig. 22 and other figures show particular shapes of component parts (e.g., squares 80 in fig. 22), all embodiments described herein for one particular shape of component part are applicable to component parts and panels of all possible shapes and sizes. Further, all embodiments include cylindrical connectors (as well as elongated connectors such as shown in fig. 16-20) with or without connector guides 16. (see FIG. 1)

Fig. 23 shows a swivel snap component 80 having a faceplate with built-in magnifying glass, i.e., a lens 590. The lens may be attached to, attachable to or an integral part of the panel, or the panel itself may be the lens. Thus, users can examine the objects of the internal or external structures they construct under magnification. Using such a lens configuration as shown in fig. 23, or, in other ways, the user can construct a microscope or telescope using a rotating snap element.

Fig. 24 illustrates the incorporation of a pen such as a crayon, pen, pencil, felt-tip marker or brush 594 into the post connector 592. The post connector 592 may be filled with crayons, pencils, pens, markers, paint, or similar materials. By mimicking the common spring pen or mechanical pencil design, the center can be exposed by rotating the post connector. The user can stitch the shapes together and then expand the drawing tip so they can draw 1 to N lines at a time and the lines will remain perfectly parallel. Alternatively, the user may use the design to draw an arc 596 as the pen tip 594 is rotated around the post connector. Alternatively, as shown on the right hand side of fig. 24, the disk of post connector 592 may have marking material, ink, or the like that draws lines (arcs in the figure) as it rotates.

Artwork such as those mentioned above and other articles may also be incorporated into the panel or component part. Further, such artwork may be attached to, attachable to, or integral with the post connector, panel and/or part piece.

In fig. 25, the panel 680 is made of fabric or an elastic material that will enable the swivel buckle to function as a trampoline, catapult, slingshot, and/or basketball shooting game. The fabric may have a string or other material/object sewn in the center thereof to form a pull tab 682 so that the user can pull the elastic fabric. This creates a mini-trampoline/slingshot for the user to use to attack a castle or other structure (made or not made by a rotating clasp); flicking a marble, ball, or other object; trampolines acting as dolls or other characters; shooting; "binge" games; and the like. With a rotating post connector, the user can change the firing angle until they hit the target. In larger component parts, they may actually be the child trampoline resilient material, wherein the child trampoline resilient material is attached or attachable to the component parts when connected, an object such as a ball or a marble may be pushed by pulling back and releasing the resilient material, or the object may be bounced off the resilient material.

A double-sized component part 632 is shown in fig. 26. Which has the same effective width as the edges of the square component part 80 but is actually twice as long as the length of the edges of the square component part. It can accommodate two post connectors 10 on a long side, thus connecting two component parts along the long side, such as, but not limited to, a square 80. Such a double-sized component part has greater strength than two single-sized component parts 80 that are connected together via the post connector 10. Of course, component parts of any shape, not just a square shape, may be connected along the long side of 632.

Further, double-sized component parts may be formed using any one or two shapes of individual component parts, not just square-shaped individual component parts. For example, a solid double triangle, i.e. a parallelogram, with two 60 ° angles and two 120 ° angles may be formed. As other examples, such double component parts may be formed based on two triangular shapes other than equilateral. As other examples, the double component parts may be formed from a combination of shapes such as hexagons, pentagons, squares, triangles, and other polygons. The component parts need not be of the same type. For example, double component parts may be formed from triangles 30 and squares 80, or from any other two different types of component parts. The double-sized component parts basically have one edge that can be connected to two post connectors 10.

Component parts of three, four, and more times the size may be made based on any number of single component part shapes. A defining feature of the multi-sized component part is that it can be connected to more than one post connector 10 on at least one edge.

Fig. 27 illustrates a gear 640 that may be used with a rotary snap feature such as the one shown in the top of the figure. This may enable movement and/or provide drive. In the image, end a may be connected to end B to form a 3D band/loop/chain. The key of the gear 640 compatible with the rotary catch can then be placed into the central void of the square component part 80. This may enable a user to design a mobile creature, a mobile structure, a vehicle. It may be powered by a crank handle attached to the gear or by attaching a motor to the gear. Other shapes of component parts than square 80 may also be used.

Triangles 650 are added to the corners of the swivel snap arrangement in fig. 28. These may provide additional strength and support to the structure. Triangle 650 in fig. 28 is a right isosceles triangle which should be the most common type of reinforcing structure, but the present invention encompasses any suitable triangular shape that may be used for such support. This type of triangle increases the possible types of structures that can be built.

FIG. 29 shows a periscope with a mirror on one side constructed using rotating snap elements and a panel polygon 660. For two such panels 660, as shown in fig. 29, they may be aligned at right angles inside the channel or tube formed by the rotating snap. That is, the mirror panels 660 can be positioned such that incident light on a first of them is reflected to a second of them and then generally into the eyes of the viewer. As shown in FIG. 29, the mirror panel 660 can have a substantially triangular cross-section in the plane of propagation of the light beam, although the invention encompasses any suitable shape. The specular surface may be substantially square or rectangular, but as such, the invention encompasses any suitable shape. Flat mirrors may be used to obtain the best periscope type results. The curvature (convex or concave) can be used to zoom in or out of the image (as in a telescope). A distorted shape mirror, such as but not limited to a corrugated mirror, may be used for image viewing of interesting house types. The angle in the rotating snap channel or tube need not be a right angle but can be any number of degrees.

Fig. 30 illustrates the incorporation of a separate tube 672 into the rotational snap feature of the component part 80 (or any other shaped component part) and the post connector 10. By doing so, the user may place a ball, marble 670, toy vehicle, or other object at one end, typically the upper end, and the object (ball or marble 670 in fig. 30) may exit the other end. The tube 672 may alternatively be a chute, ramp, rail, tether, strop, or any other device to guide an object along, through, or alongside the rotating catch structure. Typically, gravity will pull the object downward, but the invention also encompasses any other device that pushes or pulls an object.

Such as shown in fig. 30, a clamp 674 or other fastener may be attached to, attachable to, or integral with component part 80, through which a tube or other device for guiding an object may be fastened. Such clips or other fasteners may also be attached to, attachable to, or integral with any other rotating snap element such as a post connector or panel or any other shaped component part. Typically, a tube or other device for guidance will snap into the clamp 674 or other fastener.

Fig. 31 shows portions 925, 930, 935 that may be assembled to allow attachment of the wheel 925 to any component part (such as, but not limited to, square 80 or triangle 30) or any structure considered or implied herein. Although the particular design shown in fig. 31 is a preferred embodiment, the wheels 925 themselves may be of any style, design and/or function and are not limited to the particular design shown in fig. 31. This embodiment has ribs or spokes 928 and a rim 927. The center of the wheel includes a device (such as 926 in this embodiment) that connects the wheel part to the axle, axle or part 930 with a device that connects to the panel 935. In the embodiment shown, the means of connecting the wheel 925 to the shaft/axle/part comprises a hollow shaft 926 in the centre of the wheel 925, into which shaft/axle 931 can be inserted. A portion of the shaft/axle/feature 932 may help retain the rod/shaft/axle 931 within the hollow shaft 926. This may be of any suitable design. The invention includes any device (structural or otherwise) for attaching a wheel to a component part.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 31, the device connected to the panel 935 is an insert 934 inserted into an opening, hole, cut 936, or hollow in the panel 935. The design may be such that a twisting motion about the axis of the rod/shaft/axle 931 secures the shaft/axle/part 930 into the panel 935, but this is not necessary for the function of the invention. The present invention includes any means of attaching the axle/part 930 into the panel 935. The panel 935 may be attached to a component part, such as the square 80 shown in fig. 32. Although the figure shows a square panel 935 that fits into a square 80, the invention includes any shaped panel attached to any shaped component part.

A view perpendicular to the rod/axle/shaft 931 from the side of the panel 935 and the side of the wheel 925 is shown in fig. 33. Although this and other figures show an "S" shape for the connection between the shaft/axle/part 930 and the panel shaft/axle/part 935, the present invention encompasses any such shape and any suitable connection device. Fig. 34 shows a typical vehicle composed of a triangular component part 30 and a square component part 80 employing the present wheel part invention having wheels 925.

The invention includes a wheel that may be attachable to a shaft, axle or part (or an integral portion thereof), wherein the shaft, axle or part may be attachable to a panel (or an integral portion thereof), and wherein the panel may be attachable to a component part (or an integral portion thereof). Note that although specific portions 925, 930, 935, and 80 are shown in the figures as being attachable to each other, any two or more of such portions may be integral with each other rather than attachable to each other. In fact, the entire part shown in fig. 33, except for the post connector 10, may be unitary, i.e. entirely in one piece. However, embodiments in which the wheel can rotate relative to the component parts (such as the square 80 or triangle 30) are more practical embodiments of the invention.

The present invention includes any manner or method by which a wheel or wheel part may be attached to a component part such that a vehicle having one or more wheels may be constructed from the component part, at least one wheel, and possibly other parts. It also includes wheels that are rotators or belts, where it is not necessarily part of the vehicle.

Fig. 35 shows a partially spherical cross-section 915 that may be used to construct a sphere, near-sphere, substantially sphere, quasi-sphere, or near-sphere. The term quasi-spherical is one way of describing a shape, such as the shape shown in fig. 38, for which some portions (where the post connector 10 is located in the figure) are not part of a spherical surface, but rather most of the rest of the object includes a portion that is part of a spherical surface. Surface 916 is a portion of a substantially spherical surface. The "S" pattern 917 on the surface shown in the figures is not a requirement of the invention, but is merely a design for a particular production run of the invention. In the preferred embodiment shown, the insert 918 fits inside the square component part 80 and retains or helps retain the partially spherical portion 915 in the square component part. See fig. 36. The edges 919 generally intersect along the edges of the square component parts, but this is not a requirement of the invention (although it is part of the preferred embodiment shown).

Fig. 37 shows a partially spherical portion 915 attached to a cube made of square component parts 80 and post connector 10. Fig. 38 depicts an approximate, effective, basic, quasi, or near sphere made of a cube of the component part 80 and the post connector 10, with six partial spherical portions 915 attached to the component part.

A specific embodiment (preferred embodiment) of the present invention is shown in fig. 35 to 38, but the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment. The invention includes any device or method by which a partially spherical portion may be attached to a component part and a sphere or near-sphere may be constructed.

Figures 39 and 40 present a construction doll 900 in the general form of a humanoid figure that may be attached to one or more post connectors 10. The construction doll has an arm portion 902 and a leg portion 904. In the (preferred) embodiment shown, each arm has a pivot 906 at the shoulder, a pivoting elbow 903, and a hand 908. Each leg has a pivot at the hip 907, a pivoting knee 905 and a foot 910. The doll has a head 911 and a torso 901.

The pivot at any of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee (906, 903, 907 and 905 respectively) may include pins inserted into the arm or leg portions about which each arm or leg portion may rotate as is well known to those skilled in the art. However, the present invention includes any suitable device for pivoting (not limited to only a pin). For example, pivoting may be achieved by engaging a portion of each arm or leg that, when engaged, allows rotation without a pin. Such rotationally mating portions by various means are well known in the art. The pivoting elbow 903 and knee 905 are part of the preferred embodiment, but are not essential to the invention. The pivoting of the arm 902 and leg 904 is also part of the preferred embodiment, but is not a required part of the invention. The construction doll 900 may simply lack a pivot portion and have a form similar to a human or animal.

The user may attach the hand 908 to the post connector 10, and so may the foot 910. In the preferred embodiment shown, the hand and foot are similar and include a cut-out at the tip of the arm or foot, or equivalently, two extensions on either side of each arm or leg. These cutouts (or extensions) fit snugly over the tray 14 (or component part connecting elements) and thus the arms or legs so that the entire construction doll 900 may be attached to the post connector 10. The devices shown for connecting the hands and feet to the post connectors are part of the preferred embodiment, but the invention includes any such device.

Fig. 41 shows a construction doll 900 having a post connector 10 attached to its hand 908 and about to connect the same post connector to a structure having component parts 80. Fig. 42 shows a construction doll 900 attached to a plate (or component part connecting element) 14 of a post connector that is also connected to a component part of a structure made of the component part (and post connector).

Fig. 43 presents a construction doll that is attached via its feet 910 to the component part 80 and post connector 10 structure (below the construction doll) and at the same time is attached via its feet 908 and the plate 14 of the post connector 10 to the component part 30 (above and may be part of a larger structure not shown). Thus, the construction doll 900 may be used not only as a decoration but also as a structural part among the construction parts. It has utility. Since it can be connected to more than one post connector and thus to more than one component part or sub-structure, it can itself be an element used in the construction process and as part of the final assembled structure. The dolls have arms and feet that can be attached to the component part connection elements of the post connectors, where such attachments provide structural strength and allow additional types of building parts to be built.

Although shown as a human shape for construction doll 900, the present invention also includes any animal form having two feet and two arms, four feet, or (presumably) four arms. It also includes devices that connect to different substructures via panels or component parts via hands and feet, not just via post connectors.

Accordingly, the present invention includes a human, animal or other form of construction doll, the hands and feet of which may be connected with post connectors, component parts, panels and/or different substructures to construct structural parts to act as structural elements in such parts. It is also made up of only feet 910 that can be connected to post connectors, component parts, panels, and/or different substructures, while the hands 908 cannot. Also, it is only comprised of the hand 908, which may be connected to post connectors, component parts, panels, and/or different substructures, whereas the foot 910 cannot. In such a case, one foot (hand) may be connected to one portion of a post connector, component part, panel, and/or different substructure, while another foot (hand) may be connected to another such portion. By doing so, the construction dolls will have utility as construction elements in the construction of parts.

Fig. 44 shows a build made of component parts (30 and 80), post connector 10 and additional elements, including a chimney 942, a window 940 and a door 941. The additional elements may be attached to the component parts, panels or post connectors. This may be in a manner similar to the partially spherical portion 915 of fig. 35-38, the wheel of fig. 31-35, the dolls of fig. 39-43, or via any other means.

Fig. 45 shows a chameleon made of component parts, post connectors, head 944, feet 946, and tail 945, the latter three of which are toy parts of animals that may be attached via any of the means discussed in fig. 44.

Fig. 46 presents a caterpillar made of component parts, post connectors, antenna 947, foot 949 and arm 948, the latter three being toy parts of animals, attachable via any of the means discussed in fig. 44.

Fig. 47 illustrates a chicken made of component parts, post connectors, head 950, wings 952 and tail 951, the latter three of which are toy parts of an animal, attachable via any of the means discussed in fig. 44.

Fig. 48 shows an aircraft model made up of component parts, a post connector, pilot control 954, wings 955, and empennage 956, the latter three of which may be attached via any of the means discussed in fig. 44.

Although the drawings show many details, these details are not essential to the invention. The drawings illustrate only a particular case or embodiment of the invention. The essential elements of the invention are recited in the claims.

Wherever the invention is referred to herein as being incorporated in a "swivel catch", that term is to be interpreted as referring to the invention described in WO2011/143019, PCT/SU2011/035107, us patent 9,669,324 and other sub-patents/sister patents and patent applications in the united states and elsewhere. The language, definition, and terminology used in these patents and patent applications are used in the context of, relating to, and interpreting the descriptions and claims herein.

In particular, in its preferred embodiment, the term rotary snap is equivalent to a structural part device comprising a) a component part having a predetermined shape and a post connector connection element, and b) a post connector comprising a post and a component part connection element, wherein said component part connection element is structurally connected to said post by any means, including being integral with said post, wherein at least a portion of said component part connection element is substantially radially displaced from the central axis of said post, wherein said at least a portion of said component part connection element is directly connectable with said post connector connection element, such that when connected said at least a portion of said component part connection element contacts said post connector connection element, wherein said post connector and a plurality of said component parts can be mechanically connected in an angular direction around the post via said component part connection element and a plurality of said post connector connection elements, to form a structure such that, when connected, the component parts can swing independently of the post about the central axis of the post.

One use of the invention described in this patent application is as a "toy," but the invention is not limited to toys and is applicable to any and all structures and/or other uses.

It can thus be seen that the present invention has significant and novel advantages over the prior art described in the "description of the prior art" section above.

While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. The skilled person will envision many other possibilities within its scope.

The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the embodiments described, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their legal equivalents.

Claims (28)

1. A structure assembly apparatus, comprising:

a) a component part having a predetermined shape and a post connector connection member; and

b) a post connector comprised of a post and a component part connecting element, wherein the component part connecting element is structurally connected to the post by any means including being integral with the post,

wherein at least a portion of the component part connecting element is substantially radially displaced from the central axis of the post,

wherein the at least a portion of the component part connection element is directly connectable with the post connector connection element such that when connected, the at least a portion of the component part connection element contacts the post connector connection element,

wherein the post connector and a plurality of the component parts are mechanically connectable via the component part connecting elements and a plurality of the post connector connecting elements in an angular direction around the post to form a structure such that, when connected, the component parts are independently swingable around the central axis of the post with respect to the post, and

wherein an add-on element can be connected to any other element such as, but not limited to, a block, a dolls, a geometric shape, a letter, a number, a picture or a drawing using a connection mechanism comprising a male portion and a female portion, such as, but not limited to, the post connector or the component part.

2. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a face mount of a predetermined shape and size, wherein the face mount is attached or attachable to the component part, and the additional element is connectable to the face mount by the connection mechanism.

3. The structure assembling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said additional member is connectable to said component parts by said connecting mechanism.

4. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the additional element is connectable to the component part by the connection mechanism, and the connection mechanism comprises the male portion and the female portion aligned in one or more rows, wherein the male portion comprises a cylinder, a rod, or a disc.

5. The structure assembly device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is connectable to the post connector by the connection mechanism.

6. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the male portion and the female portion are in one or more aligned rows.

7. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the male portion and the female portion are in one or more aligned rows, and the male portion comprises a cylinder, a rod, bristles, or a disk.

8. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the male portion and the female portion are in one or more aligned rows, and the male portion comprises a cylinder.

9. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the male portion comprises a post, rod, or disk having a notch, cut-out, ledge, or lip that allows the notch, cut-out, ledge, or lip to form a secure connection between the male portion and the female portion.

10. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a face mount having a predetermined shape and size, wherein the face mount is attached or attachable to the component part, the additional element is connectable to the face mount by the connection mechanism, and the connection mechanism includes the male and female portions in one or more aligned rows.

11. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a face mount having a predetermined shape and size, wherein the face mount is attached or attachable to the component part, the additional element is connectable to the face mount by the connection mechanism, and the connection mechanism comprises a single male portion and a single female portion, wherein the male portion is in fact a cylinder.

12. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a face mount having a predetermined shape and size, wherein the face mount is attached or attachable to the component part, the additional element is connectable to the face mount by the connection mechanism, and the connection mechanism comprises the male portion and the female portion in one or more aligned rows, wherein the male portion is a cylinder, a rod, or a disc.

13. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein the component part connection element has a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the post.

14. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic material attached or attachable to a component part, wherein when attached, an object, such as a ball or a marble, can be pushed by pulling back and releasing the elastic material, or the object can be bounced off the elastic material.

15. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a lens attached or attachable to a panel or component part.

16. The structure assembly device of claim 1, wherein at least one component part has a rectangular shape, allowing two post connectors to be attached to the component part.

17. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a writing utensil, such as a pen, pencil, or crayon, attached to a post connector or component part.

18. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a block mounted or mountable within the component part.

19. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a velcro attached or attachable to a panel.

20. The structure assembly device as in claim 1, wherein at least one panel has a scraping and sniffing surface.

21. The structure assembling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a gear around which a chain of component parts can be connected.

22. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a mirror attachable to a post connector or component part to enable viewing around an object, such as a wall.

23. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a tube attachable to or insertable into the structure through which a ball or other object can pass.

24. The structure assembly device according to claim 1, further comprising a wheel assembly connected or connectable to a panel, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a hollow shaft in the center of the wheel and an axle inserted or insertable into the hollow shaft at one end and into an opening in the panel at the other end.

25. The structure assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a section of a sphere, wherein such section is attachable to a panel, component part, or post connector.

26. The structure assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein the add-on element is a puppet and the puppet has arm and foot portions that are attachable to the component part connection elements of the post connector, and wherein such add-ons provide structural strength, allowing additional types of building assemblies to be built.

27. The structure assembling device according to claim 1, wherein said additional element is an animal toy part.

28. The structure assembling device according to claim 1, wherein said additional element is an airplane toy part.

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