EP0072748A1 - Construction game with balls rolling under the effect of gravity, and its components - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction game, its components and parts which makes it possible to produce an endless variety of channels in which balls can roll under the effect of gravity or inertia and to actuate movable systems which possibly modify their path. In the preferred embodiment, the juxtaposable and superposable construction components supported by an inclined plane form either a base or sides (components 72, 54, 55 and 62) of the channels. They are perforated or equipped with notches 74, 66 and 63 which enable them to be linked easily with movable pieces 1, 10. These components are hexagonal or are inscribed in a regular hexagon. A perforated support 71 can serve as a base for the channels. Balls of different sizes or materials will behave differently over certain courses. An improved novelty, great simplicity in assembly and extensive possibilities make this a toy for all children. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a construction set, its elements and parts, making it possible to produce an innumerable variety of channels where balls can circulate under the effect of gravity or inertia and actuate mobile systems.

Most games with a course for a ball driven by its weight do not allow the player to vary the course (s) according to his imagination. The games offering this possibility to the player are mainly of two types. In a first type, the game consists of inclined gutters where the balls circulate and connected together by superimposed elements forming vertical columns and resting on a horizontal surface. In a second type, the game is composed of only juxtaposable elements, comprising an elementary portion of circulation channel, and resting on a mobile inclined plane. In such games, it generally corresponds to a given construction only one possible trajectory for the ball which traverses it. Unsurprisingly, these games offer little appeal.

The game according to the invention aims to provide the player with a constantly renewed surprise effect. To achieve this, it intends to give the possibility of carrying out a wide variety of constructions such that several balls dropped successively on the same construction can have unpredictable and totally different routes without any external intervention being necessary. It seeks to obtain this result while retaining great simplicity in assembling construction elements, and avoiding any recourse to complex or fragile systems, to external energy sources, in particular electrical, so that it can be used by all children, and a low price.

This object is achieved in the game according to the invention mainly by the possibility of adding moving parts to the circulation channels, these moving parts being characterized by the fact that they are driven in movement directly or indirectly by the thrust of the marbles. The particular characteristics of the construction elements and the balls usable in the game help to achieve this goal and are therefore also part of the invention.

Moving parts have four distinct roles. The moving parts which have no influence on the course of the game or on the trajectory of the balls have a purely decorative role. The moving parts which do not influence the trajectory of the balls, but whose position is particular after the passage of a ball, have an indicator role, allowing an account possible points. The moving parts which, depending on their position, block or not the circulation in a channel have the role of momentarily retaining the balls in this channel and releasing them unexpectedly. The moving parts that modify the trajectory of the balls have the role of preventing the balls from always using the same channel.

The moving parts and the construction elements according to the invention are designed to be easily combined and so that the freedom of movement of the moving parts is restricted to the desired effect. Of all the possible movements combining rotations and translations, those retained preferably are rotation around a horizontal or vertical axis, simple translation and rolling, but the choice of other movements will not depart from the scope of the invention. . The moving parts in rotation are preferably integral with their axis which can be placed in the notches or introduced into the holes provided in the construction elements. The moving parts in translation are preferably reduced to a simple rod possibly provided with a blocking bulge, and are generally placed in certain bores of the construction elements. The possibility of making systems composed of several moving parts, at least one of which is driven in movement by the thrust of the balls and transmits this thrust to the other parts of the system is part of the invention. These systems can allow interaction of the beads between two distinct channels. It is also possible to provide for the return of a mobile system to its initial position without external intervention, for example by the action of its weight, a spring or a magnet.

The construction elements according to the invention can be juxtaposed and make it possible to constitute circulation channels on an inclined plane serving as a support. They include notches and holes so that the moving parts are associated with them without difficulty.

One of the preferred embodiments of these elements is as follows: the elements comprise one or more elementary portions of circulation channel; they have a polygonal cross section. To simply obtain the concordance between two channel portions from one element to another, the elements have their side faces of equal lengths; the circulation channels open out in the middle and perpendicularly to these faces. One can limit oneself in this embodiment to elements whose cross section is equilateral triangular, or a meeting of several equilateral triangles, and in particular, a regular hexagonal cross section is richer in possibilities.

We do not depart from the scope of the invention by providing the construction elements with fixing members on their upper and lower faces making it possible to make these elements integral when superimposed. This means adds a new dimension to the game, the player can then make several levels of circulation channels, the passage of the balls from one level to the other being allowed by adding to the channels a removable piece forming a sloping connection between the two levels or by the use of a construction element comprising a vertical or very inclined hole sufficiently wide forming a communication well. It is then possible to realize mobile systems interacting from one level to another.

Another embodiment of the construction elements according to the invention is as follows: the construction elements are intended to form the bottom of the circulation channel by their upper face, or side of the channel by one or more of their lateral faces. In this embodiment, the game support can be used as the bottom of the lowest level channels, and, at a higher level, the channel bottom element can be reduced to a flexible sheet of thin thickness suitably cut and interposed between superimposed elements forming sides of the channels. Such a flexible sheet allows a possible change in slope of the inclined plane of circulation, as explained in the description of the drawings. In this embodiment, the cross section of the construction elements is regular hexagonal or can be inscribed in a regular hexagon.

In the above embodiments of the game, such that the elements are stackable, it is preferable to choose fasteners which do not hinder the passage of the balls whatever the configuration of the construction. These members are for example cylindrical studs placed under the elements in the corners and correspondingly shaped bores corresponding to them in the upper face.

Certain static arrangements of the construction elements associated with the use of different balls by the player can contribute to the desired surprise effect and are also the subject of the invention. Logs of different sizes can use different channels when certain vertical accesses or passages are insufficient in size for larger logs. Likewise, small balls can become immobilized in shallow hollows which do not stop the other balls. Balls of different materials have different behavior if a magnet is placed on their path depending on whether or not they are sensitive to its attraction.

• Les figures 1 à 7 représentent des éléments de construction seulement juxtaposables, et quelques pièces mobiles qui leur sont associées.
• Les figures 8 à 12 représentent des éléments de construction juxtaposables et superposables, combinés entre eux et avec des pièces mobiles, la figure 10 représentant un accessoire d'assemblage particulier.

Although, according to the description above, the game, its construction elements and its moving parts according to the invention are not limited to the embodiments preferably described, the accompanying drawings illustrate these forms which are probably those that best combine simplicity and variety of constructions.

• Figures 1 to 7 show only juxtaposed construction elements, and some moving parts associated with them.
• Figures 8 to 12 show juxtaposed and stackable construction elements, combined with each other and with moving parts, Figure 10 showing a particular assembly accessory.

The construction elements of FIGS. 1 to 12 correspond to the first embodiment preferably chosen: they comprise one or more portions of circulation channel per element.

• La figure 1 représente un élément de construction comportant une portion rectiligne de canal, et une pièce mobile autour d'un axe horizontal, associée à cet élément et ayant un rôle principalement décoratif.
• La figure 2 représente un autre exemple de pièce mobile autour d'un axe horizontal, pouvant être utilisée pour varier les parcours des billes.
• La figure 3 représente un exemple de pièce mobile autour d'un axe vertical, ayant un rôle indicateur.
• La figure 4 représente un élément de construction comportant une bifurcation, associée à une pièce mobile autour d'un axe vertical, pièce dont le mouvement est alternatif et dont le rôle est d'envoyer successivement les billes dans l'un ou l'autre des canaux de sortie.
• La figure 5 est une vue de dessus de l'élément et de la pièce de la figure 4, montés ensemble.
• La figure 6 représente un élément de construction comportant une bifurcation, associé à une pièce fixe, et illustre une possibilité d'utilisation des billes de tailles différentes.
• La figure 7 représente un élément de construction comportant des portions de canal de circulation indépendantes, et illustre une possibilité d'utilisation de billes faites de matériaux différents.
• La figure 8 représente une combinaison possible de deux éléments de construction superposables associés à deux pièces mobiles créant un blocage temporaire du canal de niveau inférieur.
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe de l'ensemble monté des éléments et pièces de la figure 8.
• La figure 10 représente un accessoire de montage des éléments de construction juxtaposés.
• La figure 11 représente une combinaison possible de deux éléments de construction associés à une pièce mobile en translation permettant la libération d'une bille immobilisée dans un creux.
• La figure 12 est une vue en coupe de l'ensemble monté des éléments et pièce mobile de la figure 11.
• La figure 13 représente un montage possible d'éléments de construction superposables formant soit fond, soit côté de canal de circulation.
• La figure 14 représente un accessoire associé à deux éléments de construction permettant le passage d'une bille à un canal de circulation de niveau supérieur.
• La figue 15 représente un élément de construction vu de dessous dans une forme réalisable par moulage par injection de matière synthétique.
• La figure 16 est une vue en coupe de l'élément de la figure 15.
• La figure 17 représente un élément de construction souple formant fond de canal et pouvant être utilisé pour relier deux constructions faites sur des supports différents non parallèles.
• La figure 18 représente un support perforé utilisé comme fond des canaux de circulation de plus bas niveau, associé à quelques éléments de construction et pièces mobiles.

Figures 13 to 18 show construction elements combined with each other and with moving parts. These construction elements correspond to the second embodiment chosen, which in fact follows from the first by increasing the possibilities of the game. FIGS. 15 and 16 represent an example of a possible embodiment by injection molding of synthetic material from one of these elements.

• FIG. 1 represents a building element comprising a rectilinear portion of the channel, and a part movable around a horizontal axis, associated with this element and having a mainly decorative role.
• FIG. 2 represents another example of a part that can move around a horizontal axis, which can be used to vary the paths of the balls.
• FIG. 3 represents an example of a moving part around a vertical axis, having an indicative role.
• FIG. 4 represents a construction element comprising a bifurcation, associated with a movable part around a vertical axis, part whose movement is reciprocating and whose role is to successively send the balls in one or the other of the output channels.
• Figure 5 is a top view of the element and the part of Figure 4, mounted together.
• FIG. 6 represents a construction element comprising a bifurcation, associated with a fixed part, and illustrates a possibility of using balls of different sizes.
• FIG. 7 represents a building element comprising independent circulation channel portions, and illustrates a possibility of using balls made of different materials.
• FIG. 8 represents a possible combination of two superimposable construction elements associated with two moving parts creating a temporary blockage of the lower level channel.
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the assembled assembly of the elements and parts of FIG. 8.
• FIG. 10 represents an accessory for mounting juxtaposed construction elements.
• FIG. 11 represents a possible combination of two construction elements associated with a part movable in translation allowing the release of a ball immobilized in a hollow.
• FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the assembled assembly of the elements and moving part of FIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 shows a possible mounting of stackable construction elements forming either the bottom or the side of the circulation channel.
• Figure 14 shows an accessory associated with two construction elements allowing the passage of a ball to a higher level circulation channel.
• Fig 15 shows a building element seen from below in a form achievable by injection molding of synthetic material.
• FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the element in FIG. 15.
• FIG. 17 represents a flexible construction element forming the bottom of the channel and which can be used to connect two constructions made on different non-parallel supports.
• FIG. 18 represents a perforated support used as the bottom of the lower level circulation channels, associated with some construction elements and moving parts.

FIG. 1 represents a construction element which can only be juxtaposed in a hexagonal shape, comprising a rectilinear channel portion of ends 4 and 6, a vertical bore 9 and two horizontal notches 3. The portion of channel opens at 6 perpendicularly and in the middle of the face lateral 5, and similarly at 4 on the lateral face opposite to the face 5. FIG. 1 also represents a moving part 1 comprising an axis 2 and four blades 7 perpendicular two by two. When the assembly is mounted, the axis 2 is housed in the notches 3. A ball traversing the channel portion from 4 to 6 will push one of the blades 7 in passing, thus putting in rotation the part 1. A different number 8 can be engraved on each of the blades 7 allowing a possible count of points.

FIG. 2 represents a movable part comprising a horizontal axis 11 and an elongated part 10 slightly hollowed in rounded shape on which a ball can roll. This piece placed on an element comprising only a portion of a straight line will only have a decorative role, the balls passing alternately over and under the part without changing their trajectory, but placed on an element comprising a bifurcation, it may force a ball to pass in one of the branches of the bifurcation.

FIG. 3 represents a movable part comprising a vertical axis 13 and two lower 14 and upper planar parts 12. Placed in a vertical bore of a construction element, such as for example the bore 9 of the element of FIG. 1, this moving part will rotate a quarter of a turn when a ball pushes its flat part 14. The flat part 12 then placed above the channel and representing for example a flag will indicate that a ball has passed through this channel.

FIG. 4 represents a construction element 21 comprising a portion of channel forming a bifurcation opening out at 19, 20 and 23 on the lateral faces of the element, and also comprising a vertical bore 22. FIG. 4 also represents a movable part 15 composed a vertical axis 18 and three protruding parts 16 and 17. The assembly is mounted by introducing the axis 18 of the moving part 15 into the vertical bore 22 of the element 21. The operation of the assembly is described in conjunction with Figure 5.

Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 4. This assembly allows to alternately orient the balls arriving by 19 to the outputs 20 and 23 of the element. In the configuration of FIG. 5, a ball arriving at 19 will abut on part 16 of the movable part and be oriented towards the right protruding part 17 which it will push, and it will come out at 20. At this moment the movable part will have taken the symmetrical position with respect to the axis 24, and the next ball will therefore be oriented towards the exit 23. This system only works if the successive balls do not follow each other too closely.

FIG. 6 represents a construction element comprising a portion of channel forming a bifurcation opening out at 25, 27 and 28. To this element is added a fixed vertical axis 26 whose purpose is to restrict access to the outlet 28 to the balls of smaller size coming from 25,

FIG. 7 represents an element comprising two portions 29 and 30 circulation channel. The portion 30 is a bifurcation opening at 31 and 32. The hatched portion 33 represents a magnetized portion of the element. The balls subjected to magnetic attraction when they arrive at 30 roll along this part 33. Their inertia causes them to detach and exit at 31. The balls insensitive to magnetic attraction arriving at 30 leave due to their inertia in 32.

FIG. 8 represents two superimposed elements, the bottom element comprising a portion of rectilinear channel opening out at 47, the upper element comprising a very inclined bore 37 having the width of the channel, the remaining channel portion being rectilinear and opening out 46. FIG. 8 also represents two moving parts, one with a horizontal axis 11 and pierced at 36, the other formed by a small diameter rod 35 having at its upper end a round protuberance 34. Overall mounted, the axis 11 is housed in the notches 3 of the top element, and the rod 35 is introduced into the bore 36. The construction elements are provided in each corner of their underside with a cylindrical post 38 which is housed in the corresponding hole 39 of the lower level element. The operation of this assembly is explained in the description of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a section along AA of the assembly assembled from FIG. 8. In the configuration of the figure, a ball traversing the bottom channel will be stopped and blocked by the rod 35 if the size of the ball is sufficient, and the following balls traversing this channel will also be blocked until a ball traversing the upper channel arrives at 45, then at 44, and causing the mobile system to tilt due to its weight around the axis 11, lifts the rod 35 by its protrusion 34 and thus releases the captive balls. The mobile system after the passage of the ball returns to its starting position due to the weight of the rod 35 which unbalances it.

FIG. 10 represents an accessory making it possible to make three juxtaposed construction elements integral. This accessory is formed by a plate 52 in the form of a disc comprising on one of its faces three cylindrical studs 53. These cylindrical studs are placed so that each of them can be housed in the corresponding bore of the elements to be connected.

FIG. 11 shows two superimposed construction elements each comprising a rectilinear portion of the circulation channel, the top element having at the bottom of the channel a hollow 43 and an inclined bore 42. FIG. 11 also represents a movable part in the form of a cylindrical rod 41 provided at one end with a round protuberance 40. In the assembled assembly, the rod 41 is housed in the bore 42. The operation of this assembly is explained in description of figure 12.

Figure 12 is a section along BB of the assembled assembly of Figure 11. In the configuration of the figure, a ball arriving at 48 in the upper channel will stop in the hollow 43 if its speed is not too high big. A ball arriving at 51 in the bottom channel will push the rod 41 upwards if its size is sufficient, and the ball immobilized in the hollow 43 will then be expelled by the pushing of the end 40 of the rod and will exit at 49 from the item.

FIG. 13 represents a possible combination of construction elements forming channel sides (elements 54, 55, 57 and 61) or channel bottom (elements 56 and 60). The element 54 forms the sides of two different portions of the circulation channel. Element 56 is an example of using a cut flexible sheet as the bottom of the channel. Element 60 is an example of a multipurpose element: the hole 58 and the vertical notch 59 are not used in this assembly.

FIG. 14 represents a combination of two construction elements 62, which, associated with an accessory 65, will allow the balls to pass through a higher level channel. In the assembly mounted on a support element not shown, the pins 64 of the accessory 65 are housed in the notches 63 of the elements 62, the other end of the accessory resting on the bottom of the channel, this is ie on the upper face of the support element. The elements 62 are in this figure provided with notches 66 and 69 not used in this mounting configuration.

Figure 15 is a bottom view of a building element 62 achievable by injection molding of synthetic material, characterized by the small thickness of material used while retaining high rigidity. The pins 68 are hollow, as is the body of the element.

FIG. 16 is a section along CC of the element 62 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a possible cutout of a flexible element capable of connecting two assemblies located on non-parallel planes. The strip 70 which connects the two hexagons taking a certain curvature in the space separating the two assemblies.

FIG. 18 represents a perforated planar support 71 serving as a bottom for the lower level channels. The perforations 73 of this support being used to make the elements 62, 54, 55 and 72 integral with this support.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown. It is possible to conceive, without departing from the scope of the invention, a large number of construction elements by varying for example the angle or the position of the channels with respect to the lateral faces or the connecting members between elements, and a large number of moving parts by varying the shape or possible movements. The construction elements and the moving parts of the game can have arbitrary dimensions and in particular larger for young children.

The game according to the invention is not associated with any rule of use, but many suggestions can be made, for example so that competitions are established when several players use it at the same time. There are also no automatic ball lifts at the top of the constructions, but older players can be offered fairly simple systems based on the principle of Archimedes' screw, for example. Although transparent building elements seem preferable to allow the balls to circulate easily, it can be envisaged to offer the youngest children decorated elements and balls which can represent imaginary characters and places.

The building elements and moving parts of the game can be made by injection molding or by hot press of synthetic material, called plastic.

Claims (10)

1. Game allowing the construction of channels in which balls can circulate under the effect of gravity or inertia and entrain directly or indirectly in movement, by the push, of the moving parts. The game is characterized in that it comprises: a set of juxtaposed and stackable construction elements forming channel sides (elements 54, 55, 57, 61, 62) or channel bottom (56, 60, 70) and having a cross section that can fit into a regular hexagon; a set of parts (1, 10, 13, 35, 41) movable in translation or in rotation about a horizontal or vertical axis; a set of marbles. 2. Game according to claim 1, characterized in that a construction element (60) forming the bottom of the channel may comprise one or more vertical or very inclined passages (59) through which a ball can fall to a lower level of the construction . 3. Game according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that an element (56, 70) forming the bottom of the channel can be reduced to a flat sheet of small thickness, possibly flexible or transparent, its cutting allowing it to be interposed between rigid construction elements. 4. Game according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving parts can, after having been pushed by a ball, return to their initial position under the effect of gravity, a spring, or of a magnet. 5. Game according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving parts can be combined into mobile systems of which at least one of the parts is driven in movement by the thrust of the balls and transmits this thrust to the other parts mobile. 6. Game according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that balls of different sizes or materials can be used. 7. Game according to claim 6, characterized in that arrangements of the channels are possible to use the differences in size or material of the balls, arrangements such as narrowed access (26), hollow of adequate size (43), presence of '' magnets (33). 8. Game according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the construction elements comprise on their lower and upper faces tenons (68) and holes (67) whose position and size mean that, when two elements are superimposed, the tenons of an element are housed in the holes of the other element to ensure the cohesion of the two elements and their positioning relative to each other. 9. Game according to claim 8, characterized in that a mounting accessory (52) of cylindrical shape comprising on one face three studs (53) can be used to join three juxtaposed construction elements. 10. Game according to claim 9, characterized in that a support (71) perforated plane can be used, the perforations (73) corresponding in position to the studs of the building elements.

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