EP2243528A1

EP2243528A1 - Intelligence enhancing toy

Info

Publication number: EP2243528A1
Application number: EP09290725A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-22
Filing date: 2009-09-24
Publication date: 2010-10-27
Also published as: JP2010253239A; AU2010200430A1; TW201038319A

Abstract

An intelligence enhancing toy is disclosed. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention comprises a largest unit (1), a set of middle units (2) and a smallest unit (3). The largest unit (1) and each middle unit (2) have two prongs (11) parallel to each other. An engagement hole (12) is formed on each prong (11) of the largest unit (1) and each middle unit (2), and an engagement protrusion (31) is formed on each prong (11) of each middle unit (2) and the smallest unit (3). Therefore, these engagement protrusions (31) and engagement holes (12) allow the largest unit (1), middle units (2) and smallest unit (3) to be joined together; in addition, these engagement protrusions (31) and engagement holes (12) form several pivotal points, which allow the toy of the present invention to be bent and arranged into several configurations and also allow it to be folded together into a flat, compact condition, which allows it to be stored away and carried around easily.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The invention generally relates to an intelligence enhancing toy. More particularly, the invention relates to an intelligence enhancing toy, which comprises several U-shaped units that may be joined together and in which several pivotal points are formed to allow the toy of the present invention to be bent and arranged into several configurations.

2. Description of the prior art

There have been many types of intelligence enhancing toys, such as building blocks and Magic Cube (Rubik's Cube). However, these two types of toys have the following disadvantages:

1. A set of building blocks usually comprises many blocks and such set is usually quite bulky; therefore, such toy is usually played only at home because it is not easy to be carried around.
2. In regard to Magic Cube, though the toy may be carried around easily, it is quite difficult to play Therefore, it would be quite easy for a player to lose interest in the toy.

From the above, we can see that the toys of the prior art have many disadvantages and need to be improved.
To eliminate the disadvantages of the toys of the prior art, the inventor has put a lot of effort into the subject and has successfully come up with the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an intelligence enhancing toy that comprises several components and in which several pivotal pints are formed. These pivotal points allow the toy of the present invention to be bent and arranged into several configurations. Therefore, the toy of the present invention provides a great way to kill time and to enhance intelligence for children.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an intelligence enhancing toy that may be folded together into a flat, compact condition, which allows it to be carried around easily.
To reach these objects, the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention is disclosed. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention comprises a largest unit, a set of middle units and a smallest unit. The set of middle units may be arranged in a tapering or telescopic manner. The largest unit and each middle unit have a U shape. The largest unit and each middle unit have two prongs parallel to each other. An engagement hole is formed on each prong of the largest unit and each middle unit, and an engagement protrusion is formed on each prong of each middle unit and the smallest unit. Therefore, these engagement protrusions and engagement holes allow the largest unit, middle units and smallest unit to be joined together; in addition, these engagement protrusions and engagement holes form several pivotal points, which allow the toy of the present invention to be bent and arranged into several configurations and also allow it to be folded together into a flat, compact condition, which allows it to be stored away and carried around easily.
These features and advantages of the present invention will be fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C are three sectional views of the components of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C are three sectional views showing how the components of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention are joined together.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention in an extended condition.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention in a folded condition.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the first configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the second configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the third configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the fourth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the sixth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the seventh configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Please see Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C, which are three sectional views of the components of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention comprises a largest unit 1, a set of middle units 2 and a smallest unit 3.
As shown in Fig. 1A, the largest unit 1 has a U shape and two prongs 11 that are parallel to each other. An engagement hole 12 is formed on either prong 11 near the open end of the largest unit 1. An engagement part 13 is formed in each engagement hole 12, and the outer caliber 15 of the engagement hole 12 is larger than the inner caliber 14 of the engagement hole 12.
A set of middle units 2, which may be fitted together in a telescopic manner, as illustrated in Figs. 1B and 3. The set of middle units 2 comprises a plurality of middle units 2a to 2n. Each middle unit also has a U shape and two prongs 21. An engagement hole 22 is formed on either prong 21 near the open end of each middle unit 2a to 2n. An engagement part 23 is formed in each engagement hole 22. In addition, the outer caliber 24 of the engagement hole 22 is larger than the inner caliber 25 of the engagement hole 22. An engagement protrusion 26 is formed near the base portion on each of the two prongs 21. A substantially V-shaped notch 27 is centrally formed in each of two engagement protrusions 26. An engagement portion 28 is formed in the upper part of each engagement protrusion 26, and a dome-shaped guiding surface 29 is formed on each engagement portion 28. Also, the outer width of the middle unit 2a is substantially equal to the inner width of the middle unit 2b; therefore, each of the two engagement protrusions 26 of the middle unit 2a may engage with the corresponding engagement hole 22 of the subsequent middle unit 2b. As the engagement protrusion 26 enters the corresponding engagement hole 22, the engagement protrusion 26 is squeezed together towards its center by the inner caliber 25 of engagement hole 22 and a restoring force is generated; in addition, the dome-shaped guiding surface 29 of the engagement portion 28 guides the engagement protrusion 26 into the engagement hole 22. Whence, the engagement protrusion 26 may firmly mate with the engagement part 23 of the corresponding engagement hole 22. Furthermore, because the outer caliber 24 of the engagement hole 22 is larger than the inner caliber 25 of the engagement hole 22, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 26 and the corresponding engagement hole 22 is secured and hence the engagement between the middle unit 2a and the middle unit 2b is secured. Moreover, the two locations of engagement between the engagement protrusions 26 and the two engagement holes 22 may form two pivotal points; therefore, the middle unit 2a can rotate around the middle unit 2b. For examples, the middle unit 2a may be folded into the middle unit 2b; also, the middle unit 2a may be rotated by a certain angle with respect to the middle unit 2b according to a user's wish. In addition, the outer width of the middle unit 2b is substantially equal to the inner width of the subsequent middle unit 2c, as shown in Fig. 3, and hence the middle unit 2b may be connected with the middle unit 2c in the same manner as previously described. Consequently, the middle units 2a to 2n may be fitted or joined together into a set of middle units 2. Furthermore, the outer width of the last middle unit 2n is substantially equal to the inner width of the largest unit 1 and hence each of the two engagement protrusions 26 of the middle unit 2n may mate with the corresponding engagement hole 12 of the largest unit 1 in the same manner as previously described. Whence, the set of middle units 2 may be linked with the largest unit 1 to become a single unit.
Two engagement protrusions 31 are disposed near one end of the smallest unit 3. These two engagement protrusions 31 have the same structure as that of the engagement protrusions 26 any of the middle units 2a to 2n. In addition, the width of smallest unit 3 the is substantially equal to the inner width of the middle unit 2a; therefore, each of the two engagement protrusions 31 may mate with the corresponding engagement hole 22 of the middle unit 2a in the same manner as previously described. Whence, the set of middle units 2 and hence the largest unit 1 may be linked with the smallest unit 3 to become a single unit.
Alternatively, the smallest unit 3 may have a U shape; it does not have to be linear.
Now, please see Fig. 4, which is a perspective view showing the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention in a folded condition. Because the largest unit 1, the set of middle units 2 and the smallest unit 3 are connected together and they are arranged in a tapering manner, the pivotal points allowed them to be folded together into a flat, compact condition, which allows it to be carried around easily.
Please see Fig. 5, which is a perspective view illustrating the first configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a giraffe because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together.
Please see Fig. 6, which is a perspective view illustrating the second configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a dog because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together.
Please see Fig. 7, which is a perspective view illustrating the third configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a snake because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together.
Please see Fig. 8, which is a perspective view illustrating the fourth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a pen holder because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together. Such pen holder may be used to hold pens and pencils 4.
Please see Fig. 9, which is a perspective view illustrating the fifth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a cell phone holder because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together. Such cell phone holder may be used to hold cell phones 5.
Please see Fig. 10, which is a perspective view illustrating the sixth configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a hanging device because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together. Such hanging device may be used to hang accessories 6 or similar items.
Please see Fig. 11, which is a perspective view illustrating the seventh configuration of the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention. The intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention may be arranged into the configuration of a dual-purpose holder because the largest unit 1, set of middle units 2 and smallest unit 3 are pivotally connected together. Such dual-purpose holder may be used to hold pens/pencils 4 and business cards 7.
The largest unit 1, middle units 2a to 2n and smallest unit 3 may be made of nylon, rubber or a plastic material. Nylon is a preferred choice because it allows these components to bend and twist.
As compared to the toys of the prior art, the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention has the following advantages:

1. Because the intelligence enhancing toy of the present invention is made of several units and these units are pivotally joined together, the toy of the present invention provides a great way to kill time and to enhance intelligence for children and adults.
2. The pivotal points allowed the components of the toy of the present invention to be folded together into a flat, compact condition, which allows it to be carried around easily.

Many changes and modifications in the above described embodiments of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An intelligence enhancing toy, comprising:
a largest unit (1), having a U shape, two prongs (11) parallel to each other and an engagement hole (12) formed on either prong (11) near the open end of the largest unit (1);

a set of middle units (2), fitted together in a telescopic manner and comprising a plurality of middle units (2a∼2n), characterized in that each middle unit (2a∼2n) has a U shape, two prongs (21) and an engagement hole (22), which is formed on either prong (21) near the open end of each middle unit (2a∼2n) and that an engagement protrusion (26) is formed on the other end of each prong (21) and that the middle units (2a∼2n) may be joined together through the engagement of the engagement protrusions (26) and the engagement holes (22) and the set of the middle units (2) may be linked with the largest unit (1) in the same manner; and

a smallest unit (3), having two engagement protrusions (31) formed near one end of the smallest unit (3) and characterized in that the smallest unit (3) may be linked with the set of the middle units (2) through the engagement between the engagement protrusion (31) of the smallest unit (3) and the corresponding engagement hole (22) of the smallest middle unit (2a).
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the largest unit (1) and each middle unit (2a∼2n) have an inverted-U shape.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the largest unit (1) and each middle unit (2a∼2n) have a U shape.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein an engagement part (23) is formed in each engagement hole (22) of the largest unit (1) and each middle unit (2a∼2n) and the outer caliber (25) of each engagement hole (22) is larger than the inner caliber (24) of each engagement hole (22).
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein a notch (27) is centrally formed in each of the engagement protrusion (26,31) of each middle unit (2a∼2n) and the smallest unit (3), and an engagement portion (28) is formed in the upper part of each engagement protrusion (26,31).
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 5, wherein a dome-shaped guiding surface (29) is formed on each engagement portion (28) to guide the engagement protrusion (26) into the corresponding engagement hole(22) as the former enters the latter.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the largest unit (1), middle units (2) and smallest unit (3) may be made of nylon, rubber or a plastic material.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the intelligence enhancing toy may be bent and arranged into the configuration of a pen holder.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the intelligence enhancing toy may be bent and arranged into the configuration of a giraffe, a dog or a snake.
The intelligence enhancing toy as in claim 1, wherein the smallest unit (3) may have a U shape.