JP2005504616A - Toy building set - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy building set that comprises: a first type of toy building elements (1) that are configured with at least two protruding parts (4, 4') provided with aligned transversal openings (5, 5'), a second type of toy building elements (2) that are configured with at least one protruding part (7) provided with a transversal opening (8), and a pin (3). The at least one protruding part (7) on the second type of toy building elements is/are configured for being able to be positioned between the at least two protruding parts (4, 4') on the first type of toy building elements (1), whereby the transversal openings (5, 5',8) are caused to be aligned, and the pin is configured such that it can be mounted in the transversal openings (5, 5',8) for interconnection with the toy building elements (1, 2). The pin (3) is provided with at least one snap-engagement bead (11) at a distance (L) from the one end thereof, said distance corresponding essentially to the width (B) of a distally arranged, protruding part (4) on the first type of toy building elements (1).

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a toy building set including a number of toy building elements that can be interconnected to form a large structure, said toy building set being aligned, transverse A first type of toy building element configured with at least two protrusions, and a second configured with at least one protrusion with a transverse opening. Type of toy building elements and pins. Here, the at least one protrusion of the second type toy building element is configured to be disposed between the at least two protrusions of the first type toy building element, whereby the transverse opening Are configured and configured such that pins are attached to the transverse openings for interconnection of toy building elements.
[Background]
[0002]
EP-A2-0 294 080 teaches panels that can be interconnected to form large structures such as play houses, toy boxes, cases and the like. The panel has laterally protruding parts with transverse openings parallel to its sides. The two panels can be placed side by side in such a way that their protrusions fit between each other, such that the transverse openings are aligned. The pin can then be moved into the transverse opening, thereby connecting the two panels to each other like a hinge joint.
[0003]
The pins taught in that disclosure are held in place by three-dimensional corner element means that are loosely fitted to the panel protrusions and fitted to the lowest horizontal pin. If these corner elements are not used, the pins can fall off the panel protrusions while playing, or in other handling situations of structures constructed in this way. sell.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0004]
The object of the present invention is to connect in a simple way with a strong and stable connection, and when two toy building elements are interconnected, the pins used are unintentionally removed from the protruding part of the toy building element. It is to provide a toy building set with a toy building element of the above type that ensures that it will not fall off.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0005]
The pin is provided with at least one snap-engagement-bead at a distance from its one end, which is located on the end side of the first type of toy building element. The object is achieved by the construction of the toy building set as described above, such that the distance essentially corresponds to the width of the projected protrusion.
[0006]
This allows the pins to be removed only by applying a certain amount of pressure or pulling the pins, so that the pins that interconnect the two types of toy building elements remain in their locked positions Is achieved.
[0007]
In a preferred embodiment, the width of the at least one protrusion of the second type toy building element essentially corresponds to the distance between the at least two protrusions of the first type toy building element. And when they are interconnected, the two toy building elements cannot move significantly laterally in the axial direction of the pin. This provides a particularly robust interconnection. However, according to certain embodiments, a slight gap can be provided between the protrusions of the toy building element, which allows the toy building element to move slightly in the axial direction of the pin. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the toy building set is used for outdoor play where there is a risk of clogging between toy building elements, such as dirt, sand and the like. Providing some clearance between toy building elements minimizes the risk of these small particles becoming tightly packed.
[0008]
According to a preferred embodiment, the through-going openings of the first type of toy building element, which are arranged at least on the end side, are countersunk for receiving pin snap-engagement beads ( counterboring) is provided. Thereby, the snap-engaging bead has a release space that can expand after passing through the transverse opening of the protrusion of the first type toy building element.
[0009]
Advantageously, the pin may be provided with a slot in the area around the snap-engaging bead, in which area the pin is moved through the transverse opening of the protrusion of the first type toy building element. Pin tightening is obtained.
[0010]
In addition, the pin can be provided with an expanded portion at the same end as the snap-engaging bead so that the pin can move too far into the transverse opening where there is a risk of passing through to the end. It is ensured that there is no.
[0011]
In order to facilitate the removal of the pins when disassembling the toy building element again, a grip may advantageously be provided at the same end as the expanded part. A particularly simple embodiment of the grip can be obtained by configuring the grip like a spherical element attached to an extension of the pin. Of course, other shapes for the grip are also conceivable.
[0012]
In some cases, it is desirable that the pin does not extend beyond the outer contour of the toy building element when assembled, and for use in such a case, the expanded portion of the pin comprises a flat end face. While the transverse opening located simultaneously on at least one end side of the protrusion of the first type toy building element comprises a counterbore that can receive an expanded part of the pin . Thereby, when the toy building elements are interconnected, the end face of the pin is located at the same level as the outer contour of the toy building elements, and thus the placement of other elements in close proximity to the interconnected toy building elements There are no protrusions that obstruct the process.
[0013]
The protrusions of both the first type toy building element and the second type toy building element are advantageously paired, matched and interconnected by two pins. Transverse openings can be provided. Such a pair of interconnections can provide a firm connection, while an interconnection that uses only one pin forms a hinge joint in which the toy building elements can rotate relative to each other about the pin.
[0014]
Furthermore, a flexible interconnection between several toy building elements can be obtained if at least some toy building elements are made of a soft and flexible material. For example, if a soft and flexible toy building element is placed between two rigid toy building elements, the flexible toy building element can provide a certain angle between the rigid toy building elements. It becomes. When a toy building element is used for games that are exposed to heavy loads, the flexible toy building element can be subjected to pressure without being destroyed, which is particularly interesting. Such strong pressure typically occurs when toy building sets are used for outdoor play, which is usually rougher than indoor play.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015]
Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows two toy building elements 1, 2 and a toy building set pin 3 according to the invention. The toy building elements 1, 2 are individually provided with additional connecting means, for example in the form of a transverse opening or further protrusions, optionally with coupling studs and their complementary skirts It is shown schematically as possible.
[0017]
The first toy building element 1 is of the first type configured with two protrusions 4, 4 'with aligned transverse circular openings 5, 5'. The counterbore 6 is provided on both sides of the openings 5 and 5 ', and its function will be described below. The second toy building element 2 is also of another type constructed with one protrusion 7 with a transverse circular opening 8. The width of the protrusion 7 of the second toy building element 2 essentially corresponds to the distance between the two protrusions 4, 4 ′ of the first toy building element 1 and the protrusion of the second toy building element 2. When the part 7 is arranged between the two protrusions of the first toy building element 1, the transverse openings 5, 5 ′, 8 are formed in the toy building elements 1, 2 so that they can be aligned with each other. It is configured.
[0018]
In an embodiment, the pin 3 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the transverse openings 5, 5 ', 8 of the toy building elements 1, 2 or is slightly smaller than the diameter of the transverse openings 5, 5', 8 Have a circular cross section with a small diameter. Thus, when the two toy building elements 1, 2 are interconnected as shown below, the pin 3 can move across the transverse openings 5, 5 ', 8 essentially without friction.
[0019]
The pin 3 basically has a cylindrical shape, but is rounded at one end and provided with an expanded portion or collar 9 at the other end. A spherical grip 10 is also provided at the same end as the other end. A snap-engagement-bead 11 is provided at a distance L from the collar 9 and extends radially from the pin 3. The distance L corresponds to the width B of the protrusion 4 of the first toy element 1. The pin 3 is generally formed as a solid element, but a transverse slot (groove) 12 is provided in the area around the snap-engaging bead 11, thereby allowing some deformation of the pin 3 in this area. become.
[0020]
When the toy building elements 1 and 2 are interconnected, the protrusion 7 of the second toy building element 2 is connected to the protrusion 4 of the first toy building element 1 so that the transverse openings 5, 5 ', 8 are aligned. 4 ′. Thereafter, the pin 3 is first moved into the transverse openings 5, 5 ′, 8 from the rounded end. This is achieved essentially without friction until the snap-engaging bead 11 abuts against the protrusion 4 of the first toy building element 1. Further pressure on the pin 3 presses the snap-engaging bead 11, the slot 12 is tightened, and the pin 3 moves further under friction until the collar 9 abuts the protrusion 4 of the first toy building element 1 Is done. In this final position, where the snap-engaging bead 11 passes through the protrusion 4, the spot-engaging 6 of the protrusion 4 allows the snap-engaging bead 11 to re-open freely, so that the pin 3 can be Can be snap-engaged.
[0021]
The interconnection between the first toy building element 1 and the second toy building element 2 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2 where the protrusions 4, 4 ′, 7 and the pins 3 are shown. It is clear how the pin 3 is in snap-locking engagement with the protrusion 4, whereas the collar 9 is in contact with one side of the protrusion 4 whereas the snap-engaging bead 11 is 4 is in contact with the other side. The remainder of the pin 3 extends through the transverse openings 5 'and 8 of the protrusions 4' and 7 and thus interconnects the two toy building elements 1, 2 to form a hinge joint Form.
[0022]
With respect to the prior art hinge joints used in toy building sets, the pins 3 are ensured not to fall out in a simple manner and in an essentially friction-free state.
[0023]
A spherical grip 10 is provided at one end of the pin to facilitate the removal of the pin 3 when the two toy building elements 1, 2 are separated again. By pulling on the grip 10, the snap-engaging bead can be tightened by the transverse opening 5 and the pin 3 can be pulled out, thereby separating the toy building elements 1, 2 from each other.
[0024]
Instead of pulling the spherical grip 10, the pin 3 can also be removed by applying pressure to the rounded end, for example using another pin.
[0025]
FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a toy building element for a toy building set according to the present invention. It has been shown that the first and second toy building elements 101, 102 can be interconnected using the same pin 103.
[0026]
The toy building element 101 is similar to the toy building element 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with protrusions 104, each having a pair of transverse openings 105, 105 ′, 105 ″ with counterbore 106. Shown as a relatively solid unit with 104 ', 104 ". Reinforced beads 113 are provided between the protrusions 104, 104 ′, 104 ″. The toy building element 101 may also be provided with corresponding connecting means on the side not shown. As schematically illustrated, the toy building element 101 can be a large structure component constructed using toy building elements of a toy building set.
[0027]
The toy building element 102 is also configured with a connecting portion oriented in the opposite direction in the form of protrusions 107, 107 ′ with transverse openings 108, 108 ′. Each of the protrusions 107, 107 ′ has a width corresponding to the distance between the protrusions 104, 104 ′, 104 ″ of the toy building element 101, and further, the transverse openings 108, 108 ′ of the protrusions 107, 107 ′. Is configured to be aligned with the transverse openings 105, 105 ′, 105 ″ of the protrusions 104, 104 ′, 104 ″ of the toy building element 1. The toy building element 102 includes protrusions 107, 107 'pairs are provided.
[0028]
Two identical pins 103 are used to interconnect toy building elements 101 and 102. Like the pin 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each pin 103 is cylindrical with a flared portion or collar 109, and the distance from the collar 109 to the snap-engaging bead 111 is the toy construction. This corresponds to the width of the protrusion 104 of the element 101. In addition, each of these pins is provided with a transverse slot 112 that allows the pin to be tightened in the area of the snap-engaging bead 111.
[0029]
When interconnecting the first and second toy building elements 101 and 102, the pair of protrusions 107, 107 ′ of the second toy building element 102 becomes the protrusions 104, 104 ′, 104 of the first toy building element 101. "Between the pair of"", thereby aligning the transverse openings 105, 105 ', 105", 108, 108'. Next, until the collar 109 of the pin 103 abuts against the protrusion 104 of the first toy building element 101, at the same time, until the snap engagement bead 11 engages the opposite side of the protrusion 104, the transverse opening 105, 105 ', 105 ", 108, 108'.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, when two pins are used, a complete lock between them is achieved when the two toy building elements 101, 102 are interconnected.
[0031]
As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the pin 103 does not have any grip for pulling out the pin 103 when the toy building elements 101, 102 are separated. On the contrary, at the time of installation, only the collar 109 having a height corresponding to the depth of the counterbore 106 is provided so that the end of the pin 103 is flush with the side surface of the toy building element 101. This allows other toy building elements to be placed in close proximity to the toy building element 101 and to some extent minimizes the risk of unintentional pin 103 removal. The pin 103 can be removed by pushing it out of the opposite end, for example by using a corresponding pin.
[0032]
The toy building elements 1, 2, 101, 102 and the pins 3, 103 are preferably made of a hard plastic member. However, according to certain embodiments, one or more toy building elements, such as toy building element 102, can be made of a flexible and flexible material such as rubber, thereby allowing flexibility. The structure of a structure including a certain joint can be made possible. Such flexible joints can also be provided by attaching a flexible material to a hard toy building element by casting, whereby the combination of toy building elements has hard protrusions and flexible It has both of the protruding part with.
[0033]
In this way, the use of flexible joints is particularly interesting when the assembled structure is at risk of being subjected to heavy loads, and flexible toy building elements are subject to such heavy loads. Which contributes to avoiding destruction of the toy building elements or their interconnection means.
[0034]
The toy building element according to the present invention preferably comprises both first and second types of toy building elements of different sizes, which means that different structures can be assembled. As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the number of protrusions of both the first and second types of toy building elements can be varied. In a corresponding aspect, the toy building set according to the invention also comprises pins of various lengths so that they can be adapted to the various dimensions of the toy building element.
[0035]
The toy building element can comprise ordinary building blocks as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 so that various structures can be assembled. However, toy building elements can also be provided with so-called functionality elements that allow the incorporation of various functions in the structure thus assembled. For example, one of the toy building elements may include an electric motor, the other a battery box, and a control device. Such interconnection of functional elements can constitute, for example, automobiles, robots, and the like. Functional elements other than those described are of course conceivable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0036]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of two toy building elements and associated pins for toy building elements according to the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the toy building element shown in FIG. 1 in an interconnected state.
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of two toy building elements and associated pins for a toy building set according to the present invention.

Claims (10)

A toy building set comprising a number of toy building elements that can be interconnected to form a large structure, said toy building set being aligned transverse openings (5, 5 ', 105; 105 A first type of toy building element (1, 101) configured with at least two protrusions (4, 4 '; 104, 104', 104 ") with ', 105" A second type of toy building element (2; 102) configured with at least one protrusion (7; 107; 107 ') with an opening (8; 108; 108');3; 103), and
At least one protrusion (7; 107, 107 ') of the second type toy building element (2; 102) is at least two protrusions of the first type toy building element (1; 101). (4, 4 '; 104, 104', 104 ") so that the transverse openings (5, 5 ', 8; 105, 105', 105", 108, 108 ′) and the pins (3; 103) are aligned with the transverse openings (5, 5 ′, 8; 105, for interconnection of the toy building elements (1, 2; 101, 102). 105 ′, 105 ″, 108, 108 ′).
The pin (3; 103) is provided with at least one snap-engaging bead (11; 111) at a distance (L) from one end of the pin (3; 103). 1, 101) toy construction set characterized by essentially corresponding to the width (B) of the projection (4; 104) arranged on the end side. At least one protrusion (7; 107,) of the second type toy building element (2; 102);
107 ′) essentially corresponds to the distance between at least two protrusions (4, 4 ′; 104, 104 ′, 104 ″) of the first type toy building element (1, 101). The toy construction set according to claim 1. In the transverse opening (5,5 ′; 105,105 ″) of the first type toy building element (1; 101) arranged at least on the end side, the snap-engaging bead (11; 111) of the pin 3) A toy building set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a counterbore (6; 106) is provided for receiving. 4. The pin (3; 103) is provided with a slot (12; 112) in the area around the snap-engaging bead (11; 111). The toy construction set described in 1. 5. The pin (3; 103) is provided with an extended part (9; 109) at the same end as the snap-engaging bead (11; 111). The toy construction set described in the item. 6. A toy building set according to claim 5, characterized in that the pin (3) is provided with a grip (10) at the same end as the expanded portion (9). 7. A toy building set according to claim 6, characterized in that the grip (10) is attached to the extension of the pin (3) in the form of a spherical element. The expanded portion (109) of the pin (103) has a flat end face and is located on at least one end side of the protrusion (104, 104 ″) of the first type toy building element (101). 6. A counterbore (106) capable of receiving an expanded portion (109) of a pin (103) is provided in the arranged transverse opening (105, 105 "). The toy construction set described. The protrusions (104, 104 ′, 104 ″, 107, 107 ′) of both the first type toy building element (101) and the second type toy building element (102) have a pair of transverse openings ( 105, 105 ′, 105 ″, 108, 108 ′), and the transverse openings of the pair are aligned in a pair and configured to be interconnected by two pins (103) The toy construction set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein 10. A toy building set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the toy building elements (2; 102) are made of a soft and flexible material.

Images