EP0490033B2 - Construction toy - Google Patents

Construction toy Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0490033B2
EP0490033B2 EP91116255A EP91116255A EP0490033B2 EP 0490033 B2 EP0490033 B2 EP 0490033B2 EP 91116255 A EP91116255 A EP 91116255A EP 91116255 A EP91116255 A EP 91116255A EP 0490033 B2 EP0490033 B2 EP 0490033B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
socket
connector
elements
strut
structural
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91116255A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0490033B1 (en
EP0490033A1 (en
Inventor
Joel I. Glickman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Connector Set LP
Original Assignee
Connector Set LP
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Publication date
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Priority claimed from US07/625,809 external-priority patent/US5061219A/en
Priority claimed from US07/687,386 external-priority patent/US5137486A/en
Priority claimed from US07/717,639 external-priority patent/US5199919A/en
Application filed by Connector Set LP filed Critical Connector Set LP
Publication of EP0490033A1 publication Critical patent/EP0490033A1/en
Publication of EP0490033B1 publication Critical patent/EP0490033B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0490033B2 publication Critical patent/EP0490033B2/en
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
    • A63H33/101Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements with clip or snap mechanism
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/06Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
    • A63H33/062Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements with clip or snap mechanisms

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to constructions toys, and more particularly to novel and improved forms of construction toy, comprising hub-like conector elements and strut-like structural elements adapted to be removably engaged with the connector elements to form a composite structure, as defined in the preambles of claims 1 and 18.
  • the invention is also directed to an adaptor element for such construciton toys.
  • a variety of construction toys is known, which are comprised of combinations of conector elements and structural elements which can be combined in various forms to form composite structures.
  • One example is disclosed in DE-A-35 24 467.
  • the object of the invention is to provide construction toys incorporating a variety of unique and advantageous features enhancing their performances, which toys can be mass-produced on a low cost basis.
  • the device of the present invention while being of a kown general type, incorporates a variety of unique and advantageous features which greatly enhance its perfomance.
  • the device is designed to be mass produced by injection molding techniques, so as to be capable of manufacture on a low cost basis.
  • a hub-like connector element is provided with a plurality of generally radially oriented sockets for receivng and lockingly engaging end portions of typical structural elements of strut-like configuration.
  • the connecting sockets are designed to accomodate lateral snap-in insertion of the structural elements.
  • the end extremities of the structural elements are formed with an annular groove, defining a flanged end.
  • the sockets on the connector elements are defined by spaced pairs of gripping arms, and each arm includes an inwardly protruding locking projection arranged to be received in the annular groove of the structural element. Accordingly, upon lateral snap-in installation of a structural element, it is locked against axial withdrawal from the connector element.
  • the strut-like structural elements molded to be of circular cross section at the ends, are configured, in regions intermediate the ends in a generally X-shaped cross section.
  • the X-shaped cross section is arranged for cooperation with the opposed locking projections of the gripping arms such that, when the structural element is oriented at 90° to its "normal" radial orientation in the connector element, it may be pressed laterally between a pair of gripping arms and snapped into locked position, with the locking projections engaging the X-shaped cross section to immobilize the structural element.
  • articulated belt-like structures which can be incorporated into dynamically operated toy structures, such as bulldozers, tanks, conveyor belts and the like, and also static structures such as catenary suspension elements.
  • connector element enables one connector to be joined with another, in planes which are disposed at right angles to each other.
  • a pair of thus-joined connector elements provides for an assembly with structural elements in two principal planes.
  • each of the available sockets still retains the ability to lockingly receive structural elements oriented at right angles to the principal plane of the hub-like connector element.
  • an assembly of connector elements can be provided which accommodates the mounting of strut elements extending in four planar directions from a central axis.
  • Modified forms of such connector element assemblies are provided in which strut elements extend in three planar directions (forming a Tee-shaped joint) or in two planar directions (forming a right angular corner joint).
  • the design and construction of the socket-forming recesses, on the one hand, and the ends of the strut elements, on the other hand, advantageously is such that the cooperative action of the rib and groove means serves to yieldably urge the strut elements axially into tight end face contact with the end wall of the recess. This provides for a significant degree of additional stability in the connection between the strut and connector.
  • the construction toy system includes a series of struts of graduated lengths, graduated in accordance with a predetermined formula such that when two struts of a given length in a series are joined with connector elements to form a right angularly related structure, the strut of the next larger length in the series is of an appropriate length to be joined in the assembly along the hypotenuse of the triangular structure.
  • a large structural assembly may be formed utilizing rigid triangular structural subassemblies of various different sizes for maximum strength and rigidity.
  • a structure consisting of a pair of like strut elements of a given length in the series, mounted on opposite sides of a connector element so as to be coaxial, are equal in length to the length of a strut element two sizes larger in the series.
  • a significant aspect of the foregoing geometric relationship is the fact that the strut elements can be assembled with the connector elements by lateral snap-in assembly, so that the center to center distance of a pair of connector elements does not have to be enlarged in order to receive a strut element. This enables a structure to be easily added to and/or modified even after it has reached a stage of substantial rigidity.
  • the construction toy system incorporates a drive element comprising a socket-forming recess of the type described, which is intended for the crosswise reception of a strut element functioning as an axle for an adjacent connector element.
  • the drive element is formed with a laterally extending drive pin arranged to be received between adjacent spoke-like webs of a connector element, in order to lock the connector element in driving relation to the strut on which it is supported.
  • a hub-like connector element 10 is shown particularly in Fig. 1.
  • the connector element includes a central hub cylinder 11 and radiating spokes 12.
  • the illustrated form provides for the connection of eight, radially disposed structural elements 13.
  • the radial spokes 12 support an array of eight sockets 14, each comprising an end wall 15 and spaced-apart, opposed gripping elements 16.
  • the sockets 14 are radially disposed with respect to the central axis 17 of the connector, and the respective pairs of gripping elements 16 are desirably arranged on opposite sides of the radial axis of the socket, in generally parallel relation to such radial axis.
  • the gripping elements 16 are provided in their outer portions with concave grooves 18, which are concentric about the radial axis 19 of the socket and extend from the outer end extremities 20 of the gripping elements a suitable distance toward the base wall 15 of the socket, typically about halfway.
  • the strut-like structural elements 13 are of generally cylindrical construction at the their end extremities.
  • the structural elements may have a nominal diameter of, for example, approximately 6,35 mm (0.250 inch),for cooperation with concave grooves 18 in the gripping elements formed on a diameter of the same dimension.
  • the arc of the grooves 18 serves to narrow the entrance area to a dimension significantly less than the 6,35 mm (0.250 inch) diameter of the structural element.
  • the dimension at the throat or opening 21 may be on the order 5,334 mm (0.210 inch).
  • An angle of divergence of about 15° is appropriate. This facilitates the lateral insertion of the structural element 13 into the grooves 18 by causing the gripping arms 16 to be laterally displaced and separated.
  • Each of the gripping arms 16 is provided with a locking projection 24, desirably of semicylindrical configuration, extending at right angles to the radial axis of the socket defined by the gripping elements.
  • the projections 24 are of generally uniform cross section and extend from one side edge of the gripping arms 16 to the other, as shown best in the enlarged perspective view of Fig. 2.
  • the locking projections 24 are spaced radially outward a short distance from the base wall 15 of the socket and define therewith a flange-receiving recess 25 at the inner or base end of the socket.
  • each of the structural elements 13 is configured such that a longitudinal cross section of the end portion is approximately the same as the longitudinal cross section of a socket 14, taken along its radial axis in a plane parallel to the flat sides of the connector element.
  • the structural elements 13 include cylindrical end flanges 26 of a size and shape to be received in the flange-receiving recess 25 of the socket.
  • annular groove 27 Located adjacent the cylindrical end flange 26 is an annular groove 27 of a semicircular cross sectional configuration adapted to be received within the narrowed space between opposed locking projections 24.
  • a cylindrical gripping portion 28 which is adapted to be received in the concave grooves 18 and gripped snugly by the outer portions of the gripping arms 16.
  • the axial length of the gripping portion 28 desirably corresponds to the effective length of the grooves 18.
  • the cylindrical flange 26 may have an axial length of, for example, 1,575 mm (0.062 inch).
  • the annular groove 27 and the locking projections 24 may have a typical radius of approximately, 1,575 mm (0.062 inch).
  • a suitable length overall for the gripping sockets 14 is about 8,89 mm (0.35 inch).
  • FIG. 10 A typical form of strut-like structural element 13 is shown in Fig. 10.
  • the element may of course be of any length, and a typical construction toy set incorporating principles of the invention would utilize large numbers of such elements, of various appropriate lengths.
  • portons of the structural element between its respective end portions 30 are of an X-shaped cross sectional configuration, comprised of ribs 31, extending radially, typically at 90° angular intervals and preferably with the external surfaces 32 of the ribs lying on the cylindrical envelope of the element as defined by its cylindrical end portions.
  • the structural element By properly dimensioning the thickness 33 of the ribs 31, and slightly beveling the outer sidewall portions thereof, as indicated at 34, the structural element is able to be pushed laterally into the open end of a radial socket 14 and forced between a pair of opposed locking projections 24, as reflected in Figs. 11 and 12, seating the projections in recesses 39 between adjacent ribs.
  • the X-shaped cross section of the structural element may be periodically interrupted by one or more pairs of cylindrical portions 35 spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the width dimension 36 of the gripping arms 16.
  • the structural element is snapped into locked position on the projections 24, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the structural element is locked in position axially, laterally and rotationally.
  • the structural element is applied laterally into the radial socket 14 in one of its areas 37 in which adjacent cylindrical sections 35 are widely spaced, it is possible to adjust the position of the structural element along its axis, within limits.
  • the width of the ribs 31 may be on the order of 0,236 mm (0.093 inch), tapered convergently in the outer portions, as is reflected particularly in Fig. 4.
  • "X-shaped" configuration of the structural elements 13 is not limited in principle to the use of two pairs of ribs. For example, three pairs of ribs may be arranged at 60° angular spacing. Accordingly, the term "X-shaped", as used herein, is to be interpreted as encompassing such alternatives.
  • the present invention provides an adapter element 40 of block-like configuration, which is adapted to interface between conventional block-type construction elements and the construction toy elements of the present invention.
  • elements 41, 42 are block-like construction elements of a known type, constructed in the form of an open-sided block provided with a "top" wall 44 and sidewalls 45 to 48 forming an open cavity 49.
  • the top wall 44 is provided with a plurality (eight in the illustration) of short circular projections 50.
  • Also extending from the top wall 44 through the cavity 49 are three elongated tubular friction posts 51.
  • the internal dimensions of the cavity 49 are such as to fit snugly about the external projections 50.
  • the friction posts 51 are dimensioned to have tangential contact with the sides of the projections 50 when construction blocks are placed one atop the other. This enables, in a known manner, the plurality of construction blocks to be frictionally assembled to form a composite structure.
  • the adapter block 40 includes a "top" wall 52 and sidewalls 53.
  • the adapter block is of square configuration, but other configurations are possible within the contemplation of the invention.
  • Projecting from the top wall 52 are four elongated cylindrical projections 54 of a diameter and spacing corresponding to the short circular projections 50 of the construction blocks 41, 42. These cylindrical projections 54 may be inserted into the open cavity 49 of a construction block and desirably are of a length corresponding generally to the depth of the cavity 49.
  • a tubular adapter sleeve 55 extends from the underside of the "top" wall 52, through the open cavity 56 in the adapter block 40.
  • the internal diameter of the tubular sleeve is such as to snugly receive an end portion 30 of a structural element 13, as shown in Fig. 14.
  • the tubular sleeve 55 is recessed below the open edge 57 of the adapter block side walls 53 so that the adapter block 40 may be assembled with a conventional construction block 41, 42 in an otherwise known manner.
  • a connector element 70 shown in Figs. 16, 17, has the general "snowflake" configuration of the device described above, and has many of the structural features of the before mentioned device, but is specially modified to accommodate assembly with a second, similarly configured connector element oriented at right angles thereto.
  • the connector element 70 is generally of a flat, open configuration, typically about 6,35 mm (1/4 inch) in thickness.
  • the connecting element 70 has a solid, semi-cylindrical core 71.
  • Guide walls 72, 73 extend from opposite sides of the core 71, in spaced-apart, parallel relation.
  • the spacing between the guide walls 72, 73 is substantially equal to the thickness of the connector element, allowing for a second such element 70a to be received within the recess 74 defined by the spaced-apart guide walls 72, 73 and a flat transverse wall 75 which forms one side of the core 71 and is positioned on an axial plane passing through the connector element.
  • a plurality of spoke-like elements 76 to 78 which, at their outer ends, join with peripheral walls 79, 80.
  • the walls 79, 80 define seven sides of a generally octagonal structure, with the eighth side being open to accommodate the recess 74.
  • the several walls 79 extend continuously from one spoke to the other (or from a spoke to the guide walls 72, 73).
  • the wall 80, which lies directly opposite the recess 74 is, however, formed with a discontinuity in form of a gap 81 the function of which will be explained hereinafter.
  • Each of the walls 79, 80 forms the end wall of a strut-receiving socket 82 (in the case of the walls 79) or 83 (in the case of the interrupted wall 80).
  • Each of the sockets is defined by pairs of opposed gripping elements 84 provided internally with semi-cylindrical locking projections 85, which extend at right angles to the generally radial axis of the socket.
  • the locking projections in conjunction with the base walls 79, 80, define flange-receiving recesses 86.
  • the outer portions of the gripping elements 84 are formed with concave grooves 87 concentric with respect to the generally radial axis 88 of the socket.
  • strut-like structural elements 90 are provided with cylindrical end flanges 91, adjacent annular grooves 92, and cylindrical portions 93 arranged to be received snugly in the concave grooves 87 of the gripping elements.
  • the structural member 90 (sometimes referred to as a strut) normally is assembled with the connector element 70 by being pressed laterally into one of the sockets 82.
  • the lateral entrance to the socket 82 is partially closed by a narrow throat section, defined by upper and lower edges 94 of the cylindrical grooves 87.
  • Divergent guide surfaces 95 are provided to facilitate lateral insertion of the structural elements.
  • the configuration of the sockets and struts is such that, when a strut end is received in a socket, the flat flange end wall 91a of the strut is resiliently urged into firm face to face contact with the flat base wall 79 (or 80) of the socket.
  • This arrangement adds significant stability and rigidity to an assembly of parts.
  • the desired relationship is achieved by displacing the locking projections 85 slightly in the direction of the socket end wall 79, with respect to the "normal" position of the strut groove 92.
  • the strut is snapped into assembled position it is automatically pressed toward the bottom of the socket to urge the flat walls 91a and 79 into tight face to face contact.
  • a second connector element 70a identical to the connector element 70 is oriented so that its principal plane lies at right angles to that of the element 70 and also so that its recess side (not shown in Fig. 17) faces the recess 74 of the element 70.
  • these two elements 70, 70a are moved together, in the direction of the arrow 96, the portion of the connector 70 to the left of the end wall 75 is received by the recess of the connector element 70a.
  • the recess 74 of the element 70 receives the right-hand portion of the element 70a.
  • the completed assembly of the two connecting elements 70, 70a is evident in the perspective view of Fig. 16.
  • the assembled connectors provide radially oriented strut-receiving recesses in two planes, so that the structural possibilities of the system are greatly enhanced.
  • the guide walls 72, 73 are provided with transverse detent grooves 97. These are arranged to receive appropriately located detent ribs 98 on the opposite connector element.
  • the ribs 98 as indicated in Fig. 17, are formed on the radial spoke-like elements 77.
  • the guide walls are elastically displaced outwardly a distance sufficient to accommodate the presence of the ribs. This elastic displacement is facilitated by providing a small gap 81 in the recess wall 80.
  • the opposite halves of the divided wall 80 are displaced toward each other, facilitating the outward displacement of the guide walls 72, 73. This process is happening simultaneously on both of the connector elements 70, 70a, as will be understood.
  • the single plane connector element described in Figs. 1 to 5 is formed with a symmetrical array of eight strut-receiving sockets.
  • the individual connector elements 70, 70a are formed with one less strut-receiving socket, by reason of the open-sided recess 74 at one side of the connector. Nevertheless, when the two elements are assembled, as reflected in Fig. 16, for example, each connector element contributes, in effect, a strut-receiving socket to the other connector element, so that there are four pairs of opposed sockets in each plane.
  • Insertion of a strut element 90 into the partially inaccessible sockets 83, 83a is facilitated by reason of the slotted recess wall 80.
  • the slot or gap 81 therein enables limited outward displacement of the adjacent gripping arms 84 to enable a strut element to be “cammed” into position through a levering motion, illustrated schematically in Figs. 19 and 20.
  • the position of the strut element 90 shown in broken lines represents a typical starting position for inserting a strut into a socket 83a of a connecting element 70a.
  • the end surface 100 of the strut is placed against an outer surface 101 of the adjacent gripping arm, and this serves somewhat as a guide as the strut is pushed laterally into the socket, while generally holding the angular orientation shown in Fig. 19.
  • the recess guide wall 72 is deflected outward slightly and this is encouraged by a levering action of the strut element 90 in the direction of the arrow 102 of Fig. 19. This has the effect of prying upwardly against the guide surface 101, so that the adjacent gripping arm element 84 is displaced in the direction of the arrow 103 in Fig. 20. Levering of the strut continues until the flanged end of the strut snaps into place in the recess, as shown in full lines in Fig. 19. Removal of a strut from one of the partially blocked sockets 83 or 83a is accomplished by a generally reverse procedure.
  • socket-forming recesses 150 and struts 140 advantageously are such that the center of curvature of the ribs 130, 131 is located on an axis 151 which is offset from the surface 152 of end wall 125 a distance slightly less than the offset between the axis 153, containing the center of curvature of the annular groove 147, and the end surface 154 of the strut element.
  • Connector elements may be formed in a wide variety of types and styles, having from one to a plurality of socket-forming recesses 150. Connector elements having more than one recess advantageously are configured so that recesses are separated angularly by 45°, or a multiple thereof, although other configurations are useable within the teachings of the invention.
  • a single recess connector 160 is illustrated. It includes a hub section 161 defined by a cylindrical wall 162.
  • the inside diameter of the hub cylinder is approximately the diameter of a cylindrical envelope formed by the struts 140. The diameter of that cylindrical envelope corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical end portions 146, 148 of the struts 140, and also to the diametric dimensions of the ribs 145.
  • a strut element thus may be freely received in the cylindrical opening 163 of the hub section 161 with a slight clearance to accommodate free rotation and free longitudinal movement of the struts within the hub cylinder.
  • the axis 164 of the hub cylinder is disposed at right angle to the longitudinal axis 165 of the recess 150.
  • the wall 167, which forms the end wall of the recess 150, is spaced from the hub axis 164 by a pair of space web sections 166, which are integral with the wall 167 and the hub cylinder 162.
  • the connector elements are constructed of a predetermined, uniform thickness in the direction of the hub axis 164.
  • the width is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical envelope of the strut elements.
  • a thickness of approximately 6,2 mm (0.244 inch) has been found to be particularly desirable, in that it permits, in most cases, connector elements to be assembled side-by-side, cross-ways with respect to a strut, over the full length of the central body of the strut, with virtually no space left at either end. This allows structures to be formed with, in effect, a solid wall of elements joined to a transversely disposed strut across the full width of the body portion of the strut.
  • the connector device 170 illustrated in Fig. 22 is similar to that shown in Fig. 21, but includes a pair of socket-forming recesses 150 angularly separated by 180°, with the longitudinal axis 171 of the respective socket-forming recesses 150 being coaxially aligned and intersecting with the hub axis 172.
  • the connector element of Fig. 22 is particularly useful for joining a pair of strut elements end to end, in coaxially aligned relation, as reflected in Fig. 30.
  • the distance d from the hub axis 172 to the outer face of the recess end wall (corresponding to the surface 152 in Fig. 31) is the same for both recesses of the connector device 170 of Fig.
  • a connector element 180 is shown, which also is provided with two socket-forming recesses 150. These are aligned along axes 181 intersecting with a hub axis 182 disposed at right angles thereto.
  • the construction of the hub cylinder 185, recesses 150, etc. is generally the same as described with respect to the connector elements 160 and 170.
  • the strut-receiving recesses 150 are spaced apart by an angle of 45°.
  • the connector elements are provided with three and four strut-receiving recesses 150, respectively, in each case arrayed along axes 191, 201 intersecting with a hub axis 192, 202 and angularly spaced 45° apart.
  • the connector elements therein shown include intermediate, radially disposed spoke-like walls 183, 193, 203 which extend radially with respect to the hub axes 182, 192, 202 and are joined integrally with end walls of adjacent recesses 150.
  • the outermost walls 184, 194, 204 extend into tangency with the respective hub cylinders 185, 195, 205.
  • connector elements 210, 220, 230 are formed to have, respectively, five, six and seven socket-forming recesses 150, each arrayed along an axis intersecting and extending radially from the hub axis 212, 222, or 232.
  • the several recess axes 211, 221 and 231 are spaced apart at an angular distance of 45°, as in the case of the connectors of Figs. 23 to 25.
  • the exterior wall sections 214, 224, 234 are arranged to be tangent to the hub cylinders 215, 225, 235, for both esthetic and functional purposes.
  • the wall sections 214 of the connector element 210 for example, in conjunction with the continuing wall of the associated socket-forming recess, provide a broad, flat surface on which to support the connector element and/or a flat surface to define an outer edge of a structure.
  • the connector element 240 of Fig. 29 is substantially of the configuration shown in Fig. 1, in this instance being formed as part of a series of connector elements of common dimensions. In this respect, the distance "d" from the hub axis 242 to the face of any recess wall is the same uniform distance as in the other illustrated forms of connector elements.
  • the system of the invention advantageously incorporates strut elements in various graduated lengths, according to a predetermined size progression, such that strut elements of various sizes in a set may be assembled together with the before described connector elements to form a series of right triangular structural units of an assembly.
  • a series of strut elements 140a to 140f, inclusive of progressively increasing lengths. The progression of lengths is such that when any two strut elements of a given size are joined with a connector element to form two sides of a right triangle, the strut of the next greater length is of the appropriate size to form the hypotenuse of that triangle.
  • a three-position, right angle connector element 190 is joined with two strut elements 140a of the smallest size, forming the sides of a right triangle.
  • the vertically oriented strut element 140a is joined with a four-position connector element 200 and the horizontally oriented strut element 140a is joined with a five-position connector element 210.
  • a strut element 140b constituting the next size longer than the strut elements 140a, is joined with the connector elements 200, 210, forming the hypotenuse of a small right triangle.
  • the strut element 140b which forms the hypotenuse of the first described right angular structural element 250, itself forms one side of a right triangular structural element 260 of a larger size.
  • the connector element 200 is joined with a second strut element 416 of the same length as the strut element 140b to form two sides of the triangle structural element 260.
  • a second four-position connector element 200 is joined to the upper end of the upper strut element 416, and a strut element 140c, being the third element in the length progression, is joined with the upper connector element 200 and the before mentioned connector element 210 and constitutes the hypotenuse of the triangular structural element 260.
  • a strut element 140c being the third element in the length progression
  • a pair of the strut elements 140c may in turn constitute the sides of a still larger right triangular structural unit 270, the hypotenuse of which is constituted by the next larger size strut element 140d.
  • Progressively larger right triangular structural units may be assembled, within the limits of the maximum length strut element provided by the set.
  • Fig. 30 there is also an advantageous geometric relationship between the graduated length strut elements 140a to 140f and connector elements in which there are socket-forming recesses oriented 180° apart.
  • This connector element serves usefully as a splicing connector, to join two shorter strut elements to form a longer strut assembly.
  • a strut assembly is formed which is equal in length to a strut two sizes larger than the strut elements joined by the splice connector.
  • two of the shortest strut elements 140a are spliced to form a strut assembly equal in length to the strut element 140c.
  • Two of the next size strut elements 140b are spliced to form a strut assembly equal in length to the strut element 140d. Additional corresponding assemblies are shown in the composite view of Fig. 30. It is possible, of course, to join in a splice connector element 170 strut elements of different lengths, in order to develop strut assemblies of a length different from the standard, progressive strut length illustrated in Fig. 30.
  • the assembly shown in Figs. 33 and 34 is comprised of a plurality of single recess connector elements 160 (Fig. 21) joined with a plurality of strut elements of a predetermined uniform size, such as elements 140c as reflected in Fig. 30.
  • a first plurality (three in the illustration) of single unit connector elements 160 are arranged in side-by-side relation, spaced apart by the width of a connector element, and are rotatably connected to a strut element 280 in Fig. 34.
  • the strut element 280 is passed through the hub opening 281, in which it is freely received.
  • the reference numeral 282 is applied to connector elements of the first group. Alternating with the connector elements 282 are similar connector elements 283.
  • the connector elements 283 are snap fitted onto the strut element 280, with the rib portions 130, 131 of the connector element tightly received in the grooves 144 of the strut element, so as to tightly grip the strut element.
  • the alternating connector elements 283 are rigidly secured thereto, both against rotation and sliding movement.
  • a successor of such assemblies provides an articulated belt-like structure, which can be endless in form or of finite length, as desired, and can be of any suitable width for the purpose intended. As shown in Fig. 33, the end extremities of the strut elements project a short distance from each edge of the belt-like assembly.
  • Structures of the type shown in Figs. 33, 34 have a wide variety of advantageous uses. Among these is the formation of tracks, for track-laying vehicles such as bulldozers, cranes, tanks and the like. Panel-like structures can also be assembled to function, in a toy structure, as wall or roof panels, for example, floor surfacing and the like. A narrow assembly can be utilized as a flexible cable-like element, for example.
  • FIG. 35 to 41 there is shown a particularly advantageous form of connector element arranged for assembly with another connector element having similar features, to provide a connector assembly providing means for joining strut elements extending in a plurality of planar directions.
  • the connector elements 310 illustrated in Fig. 35 are formed with four recess positions 150, angularly spaced at 45°. Directly opposite one of the recess positions 150a of each element is positioned a special recess 311.
  • the recess 311 is defined by spaced-apart side walls 312, 313 and a bottom wall 314.
  • the side walls 312, 313 are spaced apart a distance equal to the standard thickness of a connector element and are arranged symmetrically to an imaginary plane extending through the geometric center of the connector element 310 and containing the longitudinal axis of the oppositely oriented strut-receiving recess 150a.
  • the exposed surface of the end wall 314 lies on a plane at right angles to the previously mentioned plane, also passing through the principal axis 315 of the connector element 310.
  • the connector elements 310 are arranged to be assembled together in the manner reflected in Figs. 35 to 37, with the respective special recess portions 311 facing each other and the principal planes of the respective connector elements being oriented at right angles.
  • the respective connector elements 310 are pressed together until the end walls 314 of the recesses 311 are in firm face-to-face contact, so that the respective central axes 315 of each element lie substantially in a common plane.
  • each of the recess walls 312, 313 is formed with a transverse groove 316 arranged to receive, in detent locking relation, ribs 317 projecting from opposite sides of spoke walls 319. Accordingly, when the two elements are assembled together, they are relatively rigidly locked together against any but intentional separation.
  • the assembled connector elements of Figs. 35 to 39 provide for the support of strut elements in each of two planar directions disposed at right angles.
  • the connector arrangement thus is perfectly suited for assembling external corners of structures, as can be appreciated by observations of Figs. 38 and 39.
  • a connector element 310 of the type shown in Figs. 35 to 39 is arranged to be joined with a second, seven-position connector element 410.
  • the connector element 410 includes a special recess 411 disposed coaxially opposite to a strut-receiving recess 150a.
  • the system includes a drive element, such as illustrated in Figs. 42 to 44 of the drawing, for frictionally and non-rotatably gripping a strut element.
  • the drive element comprises a drive block 510, injection molded of suitable plastic material and advantageously incorporating a socket-forming recess 150 of the form previously described.
  • the block 510 advantageously mounts a driving lug 511 projecting laterally from one end face 512, generally parallel to the alignment of the ribs 130, 131.
  • a connecting element 240 typically of a full "snowflake" configuration, having eight strut-receiving positions, is mounted on a strut 513.
  • the drive block 510 is applied to the body portion of the strut 513, so that the respective ribs 130, 131 are received in and lockingly engaged with opposed longitudinal grooves 144 of the strut.
  • the block 510 is thus rigidly fixed to the strut against rotation and also is frictionally restrained against longitudinal movement along the strut (being slidable therealong, however, under appropriate force).
  • the location of the drive lug 511 is such that, when the connector element 240 and drive block 510 are directly adjacent each other, the drive lug 511 is positioned in and substantially occupies the trapezoidal space between a pair of adjacent, radially disposed spoke-like walls 123.
  • the strut 513 and connector element 240 are thus locked against relative rotation, so that rotational drive applied to one of the elements is correspondingly imparted to the other.
  • the connector element can be locked in position, axially on a strut.
  • a combined pulley/wheel element 610 is shown in Fig. 45. This is an injection molded part formed with an outer rim 611 and a central hub opening 612 adapted to be closely received over a strut element. Radially outward from the central opening 612 are one or more drive recesses 613. These are arranged to receive the drive lug 511 of a drive block (Fig. 42). As shown in Fig. 47, the element 610 is provided with an external annular recess 614, which enables the element to function as a pulley, when associated with an appropriate drive belt (not shown). When the element 610 functions as a pulley, it is drivingly connected to a strut element, using a drive block 510, functioning either as a drive pulley or a driven pulley, as the case may be.
  • the element 610 can be covered to form a wheel by applying the tire element of Fig. 46.
  • the tire element 620 is formed of a resilient elastomer, such as neoprene.
  • the inner portion 621 of the tire is of a width to be closely received in the annular recess 614.
  • the outer portion 622 of the tire is wider than the inner portion 621, advantageously equal in width to the thickness of the outer rim portion 611 of the wheel element 610.
  • Shoulders 623 are formed at each side of the tire. These engage outer flanges 624 of the wheel element 610, to position the tire concentrically on the supporting rim.
  • the element 610 When used as a wheel, the element 610 may be driven or not, as desired. If it is to be driven, then a drive block 510 is employed, as previously described.
  • the construction toy system of the invention provides a uniquely simplified, yet exceptionally versatile construction medium, for assembling a limitless variety of structures, both static and dynamic in character.
  • the system easily lends itself to the production, by economical, mass production injection molding techniques of standardized building elements of a wide variety, permitting the relatively quick and simplified assembly of structures.
  • the connecting elements utilize standardized socket-forming recesses, although various in number, and such recesses are located at standardized distances from the principal axis of the connecting element.
  • the strut elements incorporate standard end configurations, in conjunction with body portions of various length. Further, by providing for a splice connector, capable of joining two strut elements end to end, the structural combinations available from a relatively limited number of standardized strut lengths is multiplied.
  • the elements of the construction toy of the invention are adapted readily for high production injection molding of the component parts of a suitable plastic material.
  • a variety of such plastic materials are suitable for the purpose, it being necessary, of course, to select a material having a reasonable degree of strength and elasticity to enable proper functioning of the gripping arms, for example, over numerous assembly and disassembly operations.
  • a material known to be suitable for the purpose is "Celcon M270", an acetal copolymer made available by Hoechst Celanese, Chatham, New Jersey, USA.
  • the arrangement of the invention provides a unique two-way gripping action between the hub-like connector elements and the structural elements, wherein the outer, deflectable portions of the gripping arms provide lateral containment, while the innermost portions of the gripping arms form a relatively non-deflectable flange-receiving cavity which freely admits the end flange 86 of the structural element during lateral assembly, but provides positive restraint against axial movement of the structural element.

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
EP91116255A 1990-12-11 1991-09-24 Construction toy Expired - Lifetime EP0490033B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/625,809 US5061219A (en) 1990-12-11 1990-12-11 Construction toy
US625809 1990-12-11
US687386 1991-04-18
US07/687,386 US5137486A (en) 1990-12-11 1991-04-18 Multi-planar connector element for construction toy
US07/717,639 US5199919A (en) 1990-12-11 1991-06-19 Construction toy system
US717639 1991-06-19

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0490033A1 EP0490033A1 (en) 1992-06-17
EP0490033B1 EP0490033B1 (en) 1995-07-12
EP0490033B2 true EP0490033B2 (en) 1998-04-29

Family

ID=27417392

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91116255A Expired - Lifetime EP0490033B2 (en) 1990-12-11 1991-09-24 Construction toy

Country Status (27)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0490033B2 (da)
JP (1) JP2667939B2 (da)
KR (1) KR0132210B1 (da)
CN (1) CN1040951C (da)
AR (1) AR247344A1 (da)
AT (1) ATE124877T1 (da)
AU (1) AU650284B2 (da)
BR (1) BR9105342A (da)
CA (1) CA2051905C (da)
CZ (1) CZ282479B6 (da)
DE (1) DE69111204T3 (da)
DK (1) DK0490033T4 (da)
ES (1) ES2075290T5 (da)
FI (1) FI94493C (da)
GR (1) GR3017720T3 (da)
HK (1) HK7096A (da)
HU (1) HU215667B (da)
IL (1) IL99621A (da)
MX (1) MX9102517A (da)
NO (1) NO179545C (da)
NZ (1) NZ239996A (da)
PL (1) PL170691B1 (da)
RO (1) RO111247B1 (da)
RU (1) RU2085245C1 (da)
SK (1) SK279903B6 (da)
UA (1) UA24013A (da)
YU (1) YU179891A (da)

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WO2007085207A2 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-02 Costas Sisamos Construction toy
US11123650B2 (en) 2019-02-13 2021-09-21 Viahart Llc Interlocking disc toy

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CN103269760B (zh) * 2010-10-22 2016-01-06 乐高公司 玩具搭建组件
WO2012082000A1 (en) * 2010-12-16 2012-06-21 Stolten, Elizabeth Mary A toy construction system
CN102671394B (zh) * 2011-03-07 2014-07-02 智高实业股份有限公司 吊勾积木组
GB2495748A (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-24 Aderemi Knut Lawal-Solarin Modular construction kits
KR200470322Y1 (ko) * 2012-07-30 2013-12-10 선우윤 조립완구용 블록을 이용한 조립완구
KR101421634B1 (ko) * 2013-02-07 2014-07-22 (주)엠씨에이샌드 조립식 구조물
DE202013004581U1 (de) 2013-03-05 2014-06-12 Jeong Seok Yoon Magnetpuzzle mit pädagogischen Funktionen
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KR101525756B1 (ko) * 2015-02-13 2015-06-09 이백근 돌기가 구비된 커넥터를 이용한 조립 완구 세트
CN104998423B (zh) * 2015-06-26 2018-04-27 广州中鸣数码科技有限公司 一种玩具连接结构
KR101773024B1 (ko) * 2015-11-19 2017-08-30 주식회사 아이스페이스 컨넥터 및 그를 포함하는 조립 완구 세트
RU2617973C1 (ru) * 2016-04-07 2017-04-28 Дмитрий Алексеевич Широбоков Конструктор и соединительный элемент
US10159905B2 (en) 2016-09-01 2018-12-25 Gracewood Management, Inc. Construction toy set of connectable and positionable elements
KR101873275B1 (ko) * 2016-11-03 2018-07-02 주식회사 아이스페이스 로드 및 커넥터를 이용한 조립 완구 세트
CN108339284B (zh) * 2017-01-25 2020-03-10 智高实业股份有限公司 连接积木
NL2018523B1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-24 Ludento B V Assembly of connectors for three-dimensional construction assembly
RU2661316C1 (ru) * 2017-08-08 2018-07-13 Владимир Валерьевич ШУМОВСКИЙ ИГРУШЕЧНАЯ МАГИСТРАЛЬНАЯ ТРАССА ДЛЯ "СКОРОСТНОЙ ТРАНСПОРТНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ ПОДВЕСНОГО ТИПА "СТРАУС" Шумовского"
CN107510947A (zh) * 2017-08-17 2017-12-26 聂艮德 一种益智拼装玩具
WO2019038575A1 (en) * 2017-08-21 2019-02-28 Solli Oü LOCKING CLAMP SYSTEM FOR FOLDING DOLL HOUSE AND FOLDING DOLL HOUSE
CN107341993A (zh) * 2017-09-11 2017-11-10 北京衡中清大教育咨询有限公司 一种教育用连接教具
RU2670021C2 (ru) * 2017-09-28 2018-10-17 Дмитрий Андреевич Соколов Элемент конструктора (варианты)
KR20190131730A (ko) 2018-05-17 2019-11-27 조승기 판부재 결합 구조
KR102050705B1 (ko) * 2018-06-11 2019-12-02 홍봉석 다각형 모듈 조립구조체 및 그것의 조립방법
RU186389U1 (ru) * 2018-11-08 2019-01-17 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "МЭС" Клипса
USD917263S1 (en) 2019-02-05 2021-04-27 Feltro Inc. Fastener assembly
US10926187B2 (en) 2019-02-05 2021-02-23 Feltro Inc. Modular construction panels and fasteners therefor
RU189527U1 (ru) * 2019-02-20 2019-05-24 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "МЭС" Универсальное крепление
CN110170176A (zh) * 2019-06-10 2019-08-27 北京优加创课科技有限公司 一种积木单元
RU201101U1 (ru) * 2020-07-31 2020-11-26 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "МЭС" Клипса
CN112233532B (zh) * 2020-10-09 2022-03-22 安阳大诺科教器材有限公司 带电机动力的模型搭建系统和搭建方法
ES2952091T3 (es) 2020-11-24 2023-10-27 Hurzig Andre Sistema de unión y procedimiento para el montaje de un módulo
RU207939U1 (ru) * 2021-04-03 2021-11-25 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Результат» Универсальное крепление

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007085207A2 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-02 Costas Sisamos Construction toy
WO2007085207A3 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-12-13 Costas Sisamos Construction toy
US11123650B2 (en) 2019-02-13 2021-09-21 Viahart Llc Interlocking disc toy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CS344491A3 (en) 1992-08-12
AR247344A1 (es) 1994-12-29
DK0490033T3 (da) 1995-08-21
EP0490033B1 (en) 1995-07-12
NO179545C (no) 1996-10-30
YU179891A (sh) 1995-01-31
CA2051905A1 (en) 1992-06-12
JP2667939B2 (ja) 1997-10-27
HU215667B (hu) 1999-02-01
CN1062096A (zh) 1992-06-24
ATE124877T1 (de) 1995-07-15
PL292704A1 (en) 1992-08-10
MX9102517A (es) 1992-06-01
RO111247B1 (ro) 1996-08-30
EP0490033A1 (en) 1992-06-17
JPH04276285A (ja) 1992-10-01
SK279903B6 (sk) 1999-05-07
KR0132210B1 (ko) 1998-04-18
ES2075290T5 (es) 1998-09-16
NZ239996A (en) 1994-05-26
DE69111204T2 (de) 1996-02-08
DE69111204D1 (de) 1995-08-17
AU8474191A (en) 1992-06-18
DK0490033T4 (da) 1998-08-31
FI94493C (fi) 1995-09-25
FI914444A (fi) 1992-06-12
KR920011546A (ko) 1992-07-24
CA2051905C (en) 1998-04-07
FI94493B (fi) 1995-06-15
NO179545B (no) 1996-07-22
IL99621A (en) 1995-05-26
IL99621A0 (en) 1992-08-18
HUT62203A (en) 1993-04-28
ES2075290T3 (es) 1995-10-01
NO913681L (no) 1992-06-12
HK7096A (en) 1996-01-26
NO913681D0 (no) 1991-09-19
FI914444A0 (fi) 1991-09-23
RU2085245C1 (ru) 1997-07-27
UA24013A (uk) 1998-08-31
AU650284B2 (en) 1994-06-16
CZ282479B6 (cs) 1997-07-16
GR3017720T3 (en) 1996-01-31
HU913876D0 (en) 1992-04-28
PL170691B1 (pl) 1997-01-31
CN1040951C (zh) 1998-12-02
BR9105342A (pt) 1992-08-25
DE69111204T3 (de) 1998-10-22

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