JP2022516017A - Creative construction set accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a toy that uses a post (12) to which a disc is mounted, or a post connector (10) with a similar instrument for inserting into a notch (31) in a geometrically shaped assembly (30, 80). A cost-effective structure assembly set suitable for use as a toy. One or more assemblies can be connected to the same post connector and such assemblies are rotatable with respect to the post shaft. The design of the connector allows the construction of stable structures of numerous dimensions, shapes and types, facilitating the wing connection between different parts of such an assembly structure. The present invention relates to other types of constituent elements (530,570,580,584,602,640), structural element dolls (900), spinners (512), post-connectors of various shapes (612,618,620,611). ), And face plate (632), block (550), face plate (576), lens (590), pachinko (680), periscope (660), tube (672), wheel (925), spherical element (915). , Dolls (900), animal parts (944,947,950), airplane parts (954,955), etc., and many modifications are possible. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention includes construction sets commercially known as Swivel-Snaps as described in WO2011 / 143019, PCT / US2011 / 035107, US Pat. No. 9,669,324 and other related patents in the United States and elsewhere. With respect to creative accessories and modifications to patent applications, it provides the user with additional advantages beyond the invention of the construction set set forth in the prior art.

The prior art of the invention of swivel snaps is described in the prior art. No accessories or modifications of the invention similar to those inventions shown herein are shown.

FIG. 1 shows a post connector 10 of a preferred embodiment of the invention of swivel snaps. FIG. 2 shows a triangular assembly 30 which is one type of assembly. FIG. 3 shows a post connector 10 and a triangular assembly 30 connected together. FIG. 4 shows two triangular assembly parts 30 connected to one post connector 10.

The post connector 10 in the preferred swivel snaps embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a essentially rod-shaped post 12 having one or more discs 14 attached to or integrated with the post 12 and the post 12 and the disc 14. The axes are basically coaxial. In some other preferred embodiments, the post-connector may also include the connector guide 16 in a cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical portion recognized herein. The axis of the connector guide 16 can be basically coaxial with the axis of the post 12. The term quasi-cylindrical as used herein relates to a shape similar to that shown for the connector guide 16 in FIG. 1 and has a non-cylindrical surface to the cylindrical one. For example, consider that a quasi-cylindrical shape was originally a cylindrical shape, but has a surface that is recessed, projected, curved, or perforated. Can be done.

In FIG. 1, the connector guide 16 has a quasi-cylindrical shape with a recessed surface, the surface of which has perforations including radially oriented holes that pass completely from one side to the other. Such holes can be closed by an overmould of rubber, plastic, metal or other material, which can be solid or hollow. These perforations and dents are not necessarily necessary for the function of the invention, but can be visually appealing as well as the desired features.

The connector guide 16 is a means for guiding the connection between the post connector and the assembly. It is also a means for stabilizing, aligning, and / or strengthening the connection, although not necessarily necessary for the present invention.

The disc 14 and / or the connector guide 16 can be attached to the post 12 via some means, or instead, one or more of them can be achieved by casting, injection molding, or other processing. In addition to the post, it can be an indispensable part of the post connector 10. Although the post 12 is shown extending outside the disc 14, it is not always necessary for the present invention to do so. In an embodiment, the post 12 is only required to support one or more discs 14 (or means of connecting the post to the assembly), which is provided by the present invention.

An assembly such as the triangular assembly 30 of FIG. 2 is not necessarily required, but usually has a notch along the edge of the assembly at the portion where the post connector 10 is inserted. Such a notch comprises a notch 31 for the disc and a notch 34 for the connector guide. When a portion of the post-connector 10 such as the disc 14 and / or the connector guide 16 is inserted into each notch 31 and / or 34, the post-connector 10 and the assembly (here, the triangular part 30) are connected. .. Referring to FIG. 3, these notches may be large enough to allow the post connector 10 to rotate angularly about its long axis with respect to the assembly (30 in this case). can. In fact, this may be desired when it allows rotational movement between parts of a larger assembly consisting of one or more post connectors and assembly parts as well as between two parts. Alternatively, the notch can be small enough or well-planned for the dimensions of the disc 14 and / or the connector guide 16 to effectively resist such angular movements and non-hinge (non-hinge). Provides a non-hinge) type connection. Other types of restrictions well known to those of skill in the art can be used to provide non-hinge (non-hinge) connections as well, these are achieved by the present invention.

The relief notch 32 is used to facilitate snapping and removal of the post connector 10 to the assembly (30 in FIG. 2) to prevent overtraveling the beam and potentially destroying the latch member. It also provides a hard stop.

Such relief cutout 32 is used in this embodiment, but is not always necessary for the present invention. In FIG. 2, the notch 34 of the connector guide is shown linearly and parallel to the edge of the triangle, but an appropriate notch is configured by the present invention. For best butterfly effect, one or more notched surfaces 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 may be arcuate to match the typical arc edges of the post 12, disc 14, and connector guide 16. good. However, the proper shape of such surfaces is configured according to the invention, and those surfaces do not come into contact with any part of the post connector 10.

The cantilever latch element 33 used in the present invention forms a latch with the disc 14. One way it does this is via the bump or lip 41, shown in FIG. 2, which snaps to the outside of the disc 14. In this embodiment, the latch element 33 is also arcuate along the inner surface side of FIG. 2 so as to match the outer shape of the disc 14. It is not always necessary for the function of the present invention, but it provides a more fluid butterfly movement. Although shown as a cantilever, the latch element 33 can also be a ridge, or bump, or, in fact, one that achieves the same purpose as the latch element 33 as shown herein. Further, the latch element may be on the opposite side of the disc notch 31 (ie, on the inner surface of the notch 38, closer to the notch 34 of the connector guide), and the latch elements are on both sides of the notch. May be.

The element 14 has a non-disk-shaped shape as well as a disk-shaped object, and is recognized here as a “notch-insertable element”. Therefore, the notch insertable element is disk-shaped in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, but is indicated by reference numeral 14 in all figures. When the notched insertable element is a disc-shaped or arced portion of a complete disc, it will be referred to as a "disc". Such discs are sometimes referred to as "complete discs" or "360 ° discs" when extended over a total of 360 °. The notched insertable element may be significantly thicker than the illustrated disc 14 and axially longer than its own diameter (or width perpendicular to the axis).

The corner holes 35 of the triangular assembly 30 are not important for the function of the present invention, but are useful as decorations in certain embodiments of the present invention. Further, since the hole 35 allows the post connector 10 to be attached to the hole via the end thereof, the hole 35 may have the same diameter as the post 12.

FIG. 4 shows two triangular parts 30 connected to one post connector 10. The two triangular parts are angularly movable around the post-connector with respect to each other in order to provide an appropriate notch for the tolerance of the post-connector portion.

FIG. 5 shows a rectangular assembly part 80 connected to the post connector 10. The rectangular assembly 80 has a notch similar to that shown for the triangular assembly 30 to facilitate connection with the post connector 10.

FIG. 6 is a triangle for the purpose of hardening / strengthening a triangular assembly and / or for attaching a post-connector, other faceplates, decals, other assembly, or an instrument that enhances the invention. A face plate 70 that can be inserted into the assembly part 30 of the above is shown. The face plate 70 shown in FIG. 7 has an optional hole 72, which is not necessary, but is in the center of the face plate. In other configurations, it may have one or more holes, and the holes do not have to be circular and may have any shape. The post portion of the post connector may be inserted into such a hole, such insertion so that the post connector fits snugly so that it can be part of the assembly of the post connector and the assembly. May be. Even if axles, flowers (artificial or fresh flowers), rods, stick candy, flags, LEDs, and other objects such as figurative toys, etc., are inserted into the holes as well as or instead of post-connectors. good.

The faceplate can also have a notch, or a growing area for letters such as alphabets, numbers, words, etc., to teach children the basics of reading and writing, names, party invitations, ages, etc. studying and / or snapping. Allows you to fit (snap) with. Faceplate ornaments such as those described herein or others can extend beyond the faces and / or edges of the assembly. In addition, they can be fairly thick and / or have hollow areas filled with raw fish, candy, ornaments, lava light goo and the like, but not limited to them. They can be equipped with or tolerated a wide variety of accessories, 3D products. That is, the faceplate can extend vertically upwards in FIG. 7 to a reasonable height and laterally (as seen in FIG. 7) to a reasonable range (FIG. 43). reference). They have handles, plugs, or other means with screws or other methods, and a number of different objects can be attached to them.

The terms both "face plate" and "face mount" are used herein to refer to an instrument that either extends significantly vertically (away from the surface of the assembly) or is thin vertically (ie, plate-like).

FIG. 7 shows a face plate 70 inserted into a triangular component 30. Although the description in FIGS. 6 and 7 focuses on holding the faceplate to the assembly by its sides, the assembly can be attached to some other area of the assembly. For example, the assembly may be a solid in the center of a handle or other protrusion to which the holes in the faceplate fit. Alternatively, the faceplate may have handles or other protrusions that fit into the holes in the assembly. Means for holding the faceplate perfectly to a triangular or other shaped assembly, including simple snaps well known to those of skill in the art, are provided in the present invention.

Faceplates can be used for square or other shaped assembly parts in the same way as described above for triangular assembly parts, where the term triangle or triangle is used with respect to faceplates. The term "square" may be substituted at any time, and the result has the invention of Swivel Snaps.

The present invention includes decals, pictures, laser markings, photographs, flags, mirrors, tattoos, handwritten sheets, and similar objects that can be attached to faceplates, but these are not always necessary. The present invention comprises a faceplate mountable, assembling component and / or post-connector mountable, as described herein elsewhere.

FIG. 8 shows a post connector 10 having a single sphere attached to one end. FIG. 9 shows a post connector with two such spheres at each end. Such a sphere 20 may be rubber, plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. They may be attached to the post connector 10 by any means well known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, when the post-connector is manufactured by casting, injection molding, or similar processing, the sphere 20 can be manufactured as an integral part of the post-connector 20.

Alternatively, a suitable object or instrument may be attached to or inserted into the end of the post connector 10. These are hooks, screw eyes, suckers, threaded rods, magnets, whistles, springs, hinges, toys, figurative toys, candy (lollipops) attached to the tips of rods, axles, flowers (artificial or fresh flowers), flashlights, Includes, but is not limited to, LEDs and bubble wands.

The invention of swivel snaps comprises a rectangular assembly 80 connected to the post connector 10, as well as all possible shapes configured, such as parts 30 and 80. The shapes of these other components are rectangles, parallelograms, pentagons, hexagons, all other polygons, circles, ellipses, all other valid 2D (thin one-dimensional) shapes, rectangular parallelepipeds, Includes, but is not limited to, tetrahedrons, spheres, oval, all other 3D solids, and any portion described above.

These various types of assembly parts allow the user of the present invention to create a myriad of different types and dimensions of structures. The user can connect different types of assemblies together. For example, the triangular assembly 30 can be connected along the edge to the rectangular assembly 80 via the same post connector 10. Boxes, cozy structures, pyramids, many different types of shapes, animal and bird models, dinosaurs (like pterosaurs), and much more are possible. The nature of the connection formed between the post-connector 10 and the assembly will provide significant stability and durability for these structural creations.

By providing the swing (ie, hinge) performance of the connection between the post connector 10 and the assembly, the assembly of any structure can be configured to open and close. It can provide openable doors for house-like structures, hinge lids for boxes, model shutters, book binders, and many other things.

FIG. 10 shows a quadrangular assembly part 80 connected via a post connector 10 to form a box (in FIG. 10, a rectangular parallelepiped box having one side open with a hinge). The box has a swinging top plate (closure) that opens and closes to swing freely around the post connector, and the rest of the box remains stationary. Of course, instead of the top plate, it may be used to swing and open and close the other side of the box so that one or more faces swing and open while the other parts remain fixed. May be.

Faceplates such as, but not limited to, 70 and 84 do not need to snap tightly and be held firmly by their associated assembly parts (30 and 80 in the figure). Rather, they can be attached along their outer edges to the inner edges of the assembly via post-connectors 10 or other types of removable connections. This would allow the faceplates to be hinged or moved with respect to those related assembly parts, allowing creative expression by children using the present invention. And such faceplates could be doors, box lids, etc. with a house-like structure.

Accordingly, some object and advantage of the present invention is to provide greater stability, strength, flexibility and ease of 2D and 3D structural assemblies in prior art construction assemblies. Other purposes and benefits, as well as integration with other toys and instruments such as spinners, piggy banks, massagers, magnifying glasses, art supplies, crossbars (rails), telescopes, and many other things, are Lego. , Registered Trademarks), K'Nex (Registered Trademarks), to have greater flexibility in types of structures including, but not limited to, integration with swivel snaps with other construction assembly parts. Yet another purpose and advantage is to provide means for making new types of assembly parts, different types of creations and other objects for swivel snaps. Above all, these objectives and advantages, as well as others, provide greater utility, enjoyment, and creativity for the user. These and other features of the invention described below provide great benefits and advantages over the prior art. Furthermore, the object and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the consideration of the following description.

The present invention provides significant advantages over conventional construction assembly systems by using the following specific embodiments for the use of swivel snaps.

Savings boxes made from swivel snaps, attached spinners, swivel snaps parts / connectors / faceplates with Lego studs and Lego holes, Duplo / Bristle Blocks / K'Nex (K'Nex, registered trademark) / magnets / Lego (Lego, registered trademark) / etc. and integration of options, half / partial faces of assembled parts (side or edge Lego (Lego, registered trademark)), Crossbars (rails, eg, extending posts, around the band of Mobius, for example), inner / outer blocks (eg, for axles), telescopes, unique faceplates (scents, VELCRO (registration)) Trademarks), postball holes, blackboard surface, painted surface, white plate surface), lens magnifying glass, triangular corners of structures, post connector painting materials, double assembly parts, swivel snaps gear, cloth or telescopic A flexible face plate (trampoline effect), and a tube through which bead balls, balls, or other objects are connected to the elements of the swivel snaps. The invention may also include wheel mounts, spherical elements, puppets, and pseudo-animal elements.

The invention of various embodiments provides a myriad of advantages over prior art in an excellent and completely satisfactory manner.

An embodiment of the post connector of the swivel snaps invention is shown. The triangular assembly part of the swivel snaps invention is shown. An embodiment is shown with a triangular assembly attached with a post connector of the swivel snaps invention. Swivel Snaps shows a post-connector to which the two triangular assemblies of the invention are mounted together. Shows a rectangular assembly to which the post-connector of the Swivel Snaps invention is attached. Swivel Snaps Shows a face plate of a triangular assembly with optional holes invented. Swivel Snaps shows a faceplate inserted into a triangular assembly of inventions. Swivel Snaps shows a sphere attached to the end of the invented post connector. A post connector having a sphere at each end of the swivel snaps invention is shown. Swivel Snaps shows a cube and post-connector made from the square assembly of the invention. Swivel Snaps Shows a square assembly with a faceplate with a slot through which coins pass at the center of the invention. The combination of spinners of the swivel snaps invention is shown. Shows swivel snaps faceplates, assemblies, and post-connector Lego studs and holes. It shows several different types of connection mechanisms used in commercial toys that are incorporated into swivel snaps elements. Demonstrates different types of connecting mechanisms used in commercial toys that are incorporated into one or several sides of a swivel snaps assembly. Shows the crossbar (rail) built into the swivel snaps connector. Shows an assembly that slides on a crossbar (rail) that is built into a swivel snaps connector. Shows a curved crossbar (rail) of a swivel snaps connector. It shows several different crossbars (rails) from which swivel snaps connectors can be formed. Shows the crossbars (rails) of swivel snaps connectors using posts and less material. It shows a block that can be attached to a swivel snaps assembly that can add strength to the structure. Some unique types of faceplates are shown. Shown is a face plate with a magnifying glass. Shows the painting material to be incorporated into the swivel snaps connector. Shown is a face plate made of cloth or stretchable material. It shows an assembly that is twice as long. It shows the gear and how it can engage with swivel snaps structures to operate and / or drive. The support part of the right-angled isosceles triangle is shown. Shown is a periscope with a mirror faceplate polyhedron in a tube made of swivel snaps elements. Shows an assembly in which marbles or other balls slide within a swivel snaps structure. Shown are wheels, wheel assemblies, and attachments to assembly parts that allow the assembly of vehicles or are used horizontally as spinners or carousels. Shown are wheels, wheel assemblies, and attachments to assembly parts that allow the assembly of vehicles or are used horizontally as spinners or carousels. Shown are wheels, wheel assemblies, and attachments to assembly parts that allow the assembly of vehicles or are used horizontally as spinners or carousels. Shown are wheels, wheel assemblies, and attachments to assembly parts that allow the assembly of vehicles or are used horizontally as spinners or carousels. It shows the means for constructing a quasi-sphere. It shows the means for constructing a quasi-sphere. It shows the means for constructing a quasi-sphere. It shows the means for constructing a quasi-sphere. Shows an assembled doll. Shows an assembled doll. Shows an assembled doll. Shows an assembled doll. Shows an assembled doll. It shows various pseudo-animals that can be constructed from sub-elements. It shows various pseudo-animals that can be constructed from sub-elements. It shows various pseudo-animals that can be constructed from sub-elements. It shows various pseudo-animals that can be constructed from sub-elements. It shows various pseudo-animals that can be constructed from sub-elements.

FIGS. 1-10 show various elements, examples, and configurations of the swivel snaps invention referred to in the preamble. FIG. 10 shows a rectangular parallelepiped made from a rectangular swivel snaps assembly and a post connector. The present invention is an additional, i.e., "add-on" feature and / or variant of the swivel snaps invention.

The assembly part of FIG. 11 having a slot in the central face plate 84 of the assembly part 80 may be used as one of the assembly parts 80 of FIG. The resulting structure has a top assembly 80 in FIG. 10 connected via a post connector 10, a "piggy bank", a means for storing coins and banknotes, personal savings. As a bank, it is designed to be a closed rectangular parallelepiped (cube in the embodiment of FIG. 10). The assembly 80, shown as a square, can be of suitable shape, and therefore the piggy bank can be of a possible 3D fixed shape, not necessarily square. Some such shapes include pyramids, balls, pigs, horses, or animals such as ducks, wheels, or other objects. Instead of the face plate 84, the assembly can be solid or nearly solid with the central slot 502 crossing the central portion. In essence, the user can build a unique piggy bank.

When increased storage is required, users can easily add additional but not limited to assembly parts such as 80 connected by post-connectors, coins, jewelery, stones, shells, gems. You can increase the size and capacity to hold, candy, or other things.

FIG. 12 shows a swivel snaps invention with a spinner 512 added. The spinner can include bearings and / or weights and can be connected to a face plate 84, a post connector 10, or an assembly 80 or other shape such as a rectangle. Connections can be made anywhere on the swivel snaps element. For example, in FIG. 12, the spinner 512 is shown attached to the end of the post connector 10, and may be attached to a central portion thereof, a connector guide of a particular figure. The spinner can also be connected at some angle to the swivel snaps element. Spinners can be pre-connected to such elements during the manufacturing process, or they can be made connectable to such elements by the end user via an appropriate connection mechanism. That is, the spinner can be attached to or attachable to the swivel snaps element, including but not limited to assembly parts, post-connectors, and faceplates of any shape and size. They can be mounted somewhere on any of those elements at some angle. As used broadly here, the term "fidget spinner" refers to any type of spinning instrument that can be attached to a swivel snaps element via some means, method, or mechanism. Can be referred to.

FIG. 13 shows a Lego design stud 602 (male) and a hole (or cup) 604 (female) incorporated into a swivel snaps element. In the figure, these elements are faceplates 584,570, assembly parts 580,530, and post connectors 510,512,514,516. This allows for joined structures with both swivel snaps and Lego (registered trademark) elements. A suitable alignment is to have two studs and two holes in one row and have such studs and holes (cups) in one or more rows, but with Lego stats and holes (Lego, registered trademark). Or cups) can be provided anywhere in the swivel snaps element in number and orientation. The term "Lego" as used herein with respect to connecting mechanisms, designs, studs, and holes refers to studs, cups into which the studs are inserted, and / or holes into which the studs are inserted. That said, the studs (in a preferred embodiment) are preferably cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical, aligned in one or more rows, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. , Not necessarily). The present invention incorporates a connection mechanism or device of said Lego (Registered Trademark) type structural element (such as a stud, cup, or hole) into a swivel snaps element to such a Lego (Registration). It comprises means, methods, devices, or mechanisms that allow the swivel snaps element to be connected to a) type structural element. The term "hole" used in such context shall instead mean "cup" or "insertable part / part / part / element" or "female part / part / part / element". In fact, these terms may be used interchangeably with others and may further comprise the invention. As used in such context, the term "stud" means a rod, shaft, knob, disc, protrusion (bump) or other type of male element. The term "cup" means a cylindrical or other shaped part, at least in part, hollow into which a stud is inserted to make a connection. The term "Lego (registered trademark) type" includes connection types other than those specifically commercially known as Lego (registered trademark). Alternatively, if it is clearly defined, it can be a particularly commercial Lego connection type.

FIG. 14 shows several options for combining swivel snaps with a commercially available toy building system. These allow swivel snaps users to create joint structures / objects with other toy systems. Examples shown are the Duplo female 614 and male 612 connectors to the Swivel Snaps face plate 684, the Bristle block connector 702 to the Swivel Snaps face plate 784, and the Swivel Snaps. Includes K'Nex male 802 and female 804 connectors to the faceplate 884, Lego male 602 and female 604 connectors, and a magnetic faceplate insert 984. The K'Nex connector has a male portion with a rod having an edge (dent, notch, bulge) at the end that forms a strong connection to the rod at the female portion. The bristle block connector 702 has an array of bristles (male part), with the female part between the male bristles. Lincoln Logs are also provided by the present invention. Although FIG. 14 clearly shows the faceplate, the integration with other toy building systems represented can also be assembled directly into an assembly without a faceplate. The present invention separates the swivel snaps element (post connector, assembly, faceplate, doll, or other element) by incorporating the connecting mechanism of the other type of component into the swivel snaps element (post connector, assembly, face plate, doll, or other element). It comprises means, methods, instruments (devices), or mechanisms for connecting to structural elements of the type (additional). Additional (separate) structural elements are blocks, dolls, geometries, letters, numbers, photographs, or drawings, but not limited to, male and female, aligned or unaligned in one or more rows. A connection mechanism comprising a portion allows connection to other elements, such as post-connectors or assembly parts or faceplates, not limited to them.

It is important to let users play with swivel snaps and their current (and future) toys. It is the essence of the invention to extend the swivel snaps faceplate to achieve connectivity with these other toys. There are innumerable combinations and it is impossible to speak all of them, but they all stem from the same basic idea of the invention, a given external toy system (eg, Lego, registered trademark), K'Nex, Duplo, Velcro, Lincoln Logs (registered trademark), magnetic toys, etc.) to build a swivel snaps faceplate that incorporates one or more fastener elements. .. These faceplates can be assembled to support male or female or both connection types. These faceplates may or may not compromise the traditional functionality of swivel snaps. Square faceplates and assemblies are shown in FIG. 14, but the present invention comprises all possible shapes of such elements. Compatibility with other build sets is a major advantage of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a portion (half or other) of swivel snaps assembly that can be connected to other swivel snaps configurations with only one or several edges. Any of these assemblies may be part or half (all or less) of the swivel snaps assembly. Only exposing the swivel snaps connecting element to one or several sides of the assembly may be valuable. Some cases, such as when interacting with another toy set (Lego, registered trademark, K'Nex, etc.), are shown in FIG. This is applicable to all swivel snaps elements including, but not limited to, assembly parts, post connectors, and faceplates. Fasteners and assemblies can be lined up and set vertically or at an angle. It allows for elements such as those shown in FIG. 15, a unique type of configuration that cannot be performed otherwise.

FIGS. 16-20 have a crossbar 614 to which an assembly such as a square 80 (square but not limited to) is attached so that the assembly is anchored to the crossbar or instead, along the crossbar. Shown are embodiments of the invention of swivel snaps with connector 610, such as slidable (see arrow in FIG. 17). Although only one crossbar 614 is provided in the present invention, a plurality of crossbars 614 may be provided in the present invention. A preferred embodiment has two crossbars 614 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 16-20 show connectors without the connector guide 16 (see FIG. 1), but like other connectors with crossbars such as, but not limited to, 612,614,618,620, connectors to connector 610. Examples with guides may be provided in the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows the possibility of non-straight lines in connectors with crossbars. As shown in FIG. 19, when viewed from above, the possible shapes for the connector are provided by the present invention. Some of these shapes for connectors 610, 612, 618, 620 are shown in FIG. Other possible shapes include circles, triangles, rectangles, oblongs, alphabet letters, numbers, symbols, steps, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, regular or irregular polygons, and others. Not limited to. The other is Mobius strip. In general, the present invention comprises a configuration in which the connector has a crossbar. The crossbar and the connector can be formed into a desired shape.

FIG. 20 is a connector 611 surrounded by crossbars in which a cylindrical (or other non-circular cross section) post is used to hold the crossbar, rather than the continuous configuration of FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19. Shows one of the many possible configurations of. This embodiment will reduce material costs. It should be noted that the configuration of the swivel snaps assembly or connector with crossbars to which the faceplate is connected and fixed or slid comprises the present invention. The crossbar does not have to be continuous around the entire connector, but can be provided with one or more discontinuities that do not surround the connector.

All of the precautions made here regarding the assembly connected to the crossbar are also kept for the faceplate connected to the crossbar. All crossbars may be attached, attachable, or integrated to the main part of the post or connector body, faceplate, or other assembly. That is, in addition to the embodiments shown with the crossbar as a connection, the crossbar may also be part of a faceplate or another assembly. The assembly parts of any embodiment do not have to have the square shape shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The inclusion of the crossbar 614 of the Swivel Snaps invention allows for further construction opportunities, such as, but not limited to, coupling with trains and roller coasters.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention having a block 550 fixed inside the assembly 80, the block not interfering with a post connector attached to the assembly. The block 550 may be formed so that its ends fit snugly inside the assembly 80. This configuration provides strength to the assembly due to the inherent strength of the block. It can carry a considerable load. In one configuration, the block may have an axle that can be attached to, attached to, or integrated with. This allows cars / trucks / trains / other bodies made of swivel snaps to hang from a solid block chassis. The assembly to which the block 550 is secured need not be square 80, but may be triangular, other polygons, or any suitable shape.

FIG. 22 shows some unique swivel snaps faceplates. The face plate 570 is made of Velcro® or has Velcro® attached to or attachable to it. This will allow for unique mounting scenarios. For example, a flame trail of cloth attached to the bottom of the swivel snaps spacecraft configuration via Velcro®.

The face plate 572 has a "scratch and sniff" surface. When the surface is scratched, the face plate emits an odor. The face plate 576 has a hole for receiving the ball end 20 of the post connector. This allows a ball joint assembly with a wide range of motion to snap. The swivel snaps with the features of FIG. 22 will appeal to sight, sound, contact, and smell. In addition to the specific faceplate embodiment shown in FIG. 22, other configurations provided by the present invention include a blackboard surface, a painted surface, a sticker surface, a lens surface, a mirror surface, and / or a whiteboard surface face plate. Or a face plate containing them. Further, since the assembly part is a face plate, it may have any of the features described herein.

Although FIG. 22 and other figures show the special shape of the assembly (eg, square 80 in FIG. 22), all the embodiments described here are for one special shape assembly. Applicable to assembly parts and faceplates of possible shapes and dimensions. In addition, all embodiments include post-connectors (and elongated connectors as shown in FIGS. 16-20) with or without a connector guide 16 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 23 shows a swivel snaps assembly 80 with an inset magnifier, i.e. a face plate with a lens. The lens can be attached to or made attachable to an integral part of the faceplate, which itself may be the faceplate of the lens. Thereby, the user can inspect the object under the enlargement inside or outside of the structure they make. Using such lenses as shown in FIG. 23, or otherwise, the user can make a microscope or telescope from swivel snaps elements.

FIG. 24 shows a post connector 592 with an art material such as a crayon, pen, pencil, marker with a felt tip, or paintbrush 594. The post connector 592 can also be packed with crayons, pencils, pens, markers, paints, or similar materials. The center can be exposed by turning the post connector by imitating the design of a regular spring-loaded pen or mechanical pencil. The user snaps in with the shape and then extends the tip to draw, which can draw 1 to N lines at a time, leaving the lines perfectly parallel. Alternatively, the user can use a design such that the tip 594 of the pen draws an arc 596 as it rotates around the post connector. Or, as shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 24, the disc of the post connector 592 draws a line (arc in the figure) when it is rotated, a marker material, ink, or something similar. Can have.

Painting materials such as those mentioned above and others can also be incorporated into faceplates or assembly parts. In addition, such art materials can be attached to post-connectors, faceplates, and / or assembly parts to make them receivable.

In FIG. 25, the face plate 680 is made of a cloth or stretchable material that allows swivel snaps to be functional with trampolines, catapults, slingshots, and / or basketball shooters. The cloth can have a string or other material / object that is sewn in the center to form a pull strap 682, and the user can pull the stretchable cloth. This creates a small trampoline / slingshot where the user attacks a castle or other structure (formed from swivel snaps or otherwise), causing marbles, balls or other objects to pop up, dolls or other figures. Acts as a trampoline, shoot basket for, and becomes a "carnival-type game" and other things. By leveraging the rotating post connectors, the user can change the launch angle until they hit the target. With larger assembly parts, they can actually be trampolines for children. The stretchable material is attached to or attachable to the assembly, and upon connection, an object such as a ball or marble may be advanced by pulling the stretchable material back and releasing, or the object is stretchable. You may bounce the material of.

A double-sized assembly part 632 is shown in FIG. It has the same effective width as the edge of the square assembly 80, but is virtually twice as long as the edge length of the square assembly. Since it can accommodate two post connectors 10 on the long edge, it is possible to connect two assembly parts along the long edge, which are similar to, but not limited to, a square 80. Such double sized assemblies have higher strength than two single sized assemblies connected together via the post connector 10. Of course, not only squares but also assembly parts of any shape can be connected along the long edge of the 632.

Further, double sized assemblies may be formed using the shape of one or two single assemblies as well as squares. For example, a perfect double triangle, a parallelogram with two 60 ° and 120 ° angles, may be formed. As another example, such double assembly parts can be formed on the basis of two non-isolated triangles. As yet another example, the double assembly can be formed from a combination of shapes such as hexagons, pentagons, squares, triangles, and other polygons. The assembly parts do not have to be of the same type. For example, the double assembly can be formed from the triangle 30 and the square 80, or from two other different types of assembly. The double sized assembly essentially has one edge that can be connected to the two post connectors 10.

Assembly parts of 3x, 4x, and larger sizes can be made based on the number of shapes of a single assembly. A defined property of assembly parts of multiple sizes is that they can be connected to at least one edge by one or more post connectors 10.

FIG. 27 shows the gear 640 that can be used in the construction of swivel snaps, as shown at the top of the figure. This allows it to be operated and / or driven. In the figure, the end A (EndA) can be connected to the end B (EndB) to form a 3D belt / loop / chain. The key to the swivel snaps compatible gear 640 can then be centered in the hole in the square assembly 80. This allows the user to create movements, move structures, and design vehicles. It can be powered by a hand-crank attached to the gear or by attaching the motor to the gear. Assembly parts of shapes other than the square 80 can also be used.

The triangle 650 is added to the corner of the swivel snaps construction of FIG. These can provide additional strength and support to the structure. The triangle 650 of FIG. 28 is usually the most needed type of right-angled isosceles triangle to reinforce the structure, but suitable triangles that can be used for such support are provided by the present invention. This type of triangle increases the possible types of configurations that can be made.

FIG. 29 shows a periscope made using swivel snaps elements and a faceplate polyhedron with a mirror on one side. Two such faceplates 660 allow them to be aligned at right angles, as shown in FIG. 29, inside the swivel snaps created passages, or tubes. That is, the mirror faceplates 660 can be arranged so that the incident light to their first is reflected to their second and then usually into the eyes of the observer. The mirror face plate 660 can have an essentially triangular cross section on the moving surface of the light beam as shown in FIG. 29, although the appropriate shape is provided by the present invention. The mirror face plate can be essentially square or triangular, although suitable shapes are provided by the present invention. Flat mirrors can be used for the best periscope type results. Curves (convex or concave) can be used to magnify or reduce an image (like a telescope). Bent-shaped mirrors, like but not limited to corrugated mirrors, can be used to view images of the type of madhouse. The angle of the swivel snaps passage or tube does not have to be a right angle, but it can have an angle.

FIG. 30 shows the assembly part 80 (or other shaped assembly part) and the swivel snaps construct of the post connector 10 with the separation tube incorporated. By doing this, the user puts a ball, marble 670, toy car, or other object at one end, usually at the top, and the object (ball or marble 670 in FIG. 30) emerges from the other end. Can be done. Tube 672 instead guides an object along, through, or beside a chute, ramp, rail, tethering line, zip line, or swivel snaps construct. Can be used as a means of. Gravity usually pulls the object downwards, but some other means of advancing or pulling the object may be provided by the present invention.

Clamps 674 or other fasteners to which tubes or other means for guiding objects are fastened may be attached to, attachable or integrated with assembly 80 as shown in FIG. .. Such clamps or other fasteners may also be attached to, attachable or integrated with any other swivel snaps element, such as a post connector or faceplate or other shaped assembly. good. Usually, the tube or other means for guidance snaps into the clamp 674 or other fasteners.

FIG. 31 shows assembly parts (like but not limited to square 80 or triangle 30) or parts 925, 930, 935 assembled to allow the attachment of wheels 925 to structures conceivable or implied herein. ing. The wheel itself 925 may be of any style, design, and / or function and is a preferred embodiment, but is not limited to the particular design shown in FIG. The embodiments include ribs or spokes 928 and rims 927. The center of the wheel comprises means for connecting the wheel components to the shaft, shaft, or assembly 930 (as in 926 of this embodiment), the shaft / shaft / assembly for connecting to the face plate 935. Have a means. In the embodiments shown, the means for connecting the wheel 925 to the rod / shaft / assembly comprises a hollow shaft 926 at the center of the wheel 925 into which the rod / shaft / shaft 931 can be inserted. A portion of the shaft / shaft / assembly 932 can help hold the rod / shaft / shaft 931 of the hollow shaft 926. This may be an appropriate design. The present invention comprises some means (structural or other means) of connecting the wheels to the assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the means for connecting the face plate 935 is an opening, a hole, a notch 936, or an insertion portion 934 that is inserted into the hollow portion of the face plate 935. The design is such that the action of wrapping around the axis of the rod / shaft / shaft 931 tightens the shaft / shaft / assembly 930 tightly to the face plate 935, but this is not necessarily due to the function of the present invention. Not necessary. The means for attaching the shaft / shaft / assembly 930 to the face plate 935 is provided by the present invention. The face plate 935 can be attached to the assembly as in the square 80 shown in FIG. Although a square face plate 935 that fits into a square 80 is illustrated, a face plate of any shape that can be attached to an assembly of any shape is provided by the present invention.

The vertical view from the side of the face plate 935 and the side of the wheel 925 to the rod / shaft / shaft 931 is shown in FIG. It and other figures show an "S" shape for the connection between the shaft / shaft / assembly 930 and the faceplate shaft / shaft / assembly 935, but such shape and suitable connecting means are Provided by the present invention. FIG. 34 shows a typical vehicle made of a triangular assembly 30 and a square assembly 80 using a wheel assembly of the invention having wheels 925.

The present invention comprises wheels that can be attached to a shaft, shaft, or assembly (or an integral part thereof), even though the shaft, shaft, or assembly can be attached to a face plate (or an integral part thereof). The face plate may be attachable to an assembly (or an integral part thereof). Although specific parts 925, 930, 935, and 80 are shown in the figure to be attachable to each other, such parts may be integrated with each other rather than attachable to each other. In fact, the entire assembly shown in FIG. 33 other than the post connector 10 may be integral, i.e., all of a single component. However, an embodiment in which the wheel rotates with respect to an assembly (such as a square 80 or a triangle 30) is a more practical embodiment of the invention.

The present invention provides means or methods by which a wheel or wheel assembly is attached to an assembly so that a vehicle with one or more wheels is constructed from the assembly, at least one wheel, and / or other assembly. I have. It also has wheels as spinners or rotating horses that are not necessarily necessary parts of the vehicle.

FIG. 35 shows a sphere, almost a sphere, essentially a sphere, a quasi-sphere, or some sphere portion 915 used to construct a nearly spherical shape. The term quasi-sphere is one way of describing a shape such as that shown in FIG. 35, where some parts (where the post connector 10 is in the figure) are not part of the spherical surface. Most of the rest of the object comes from the part that is part of the spherical surface. Its surface 916 is essentially a part of the spherical surface. The surface "S" shape 917 shown in the figure is not a requirement of the present invention, but is merely a design intended for the particular manufacturing process of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment shown, the insert 918 fits inside the square assembly 80 to help hold or hold the partial spherical portion 915 of the square assembly. See Figure 36. The end 919 usually coincides along the end of the square assembly, although it is not a requirement of the invention (although it is part of the preferred embodiment shown).

FIG. 37 shows one partial spherical portion 915 attached to a cube made from a square assembly 80 and a post connector 10. FIG. 38 is an approximate, de facto, essential, quasi, or nearly spherical body made from a cube of assembly part 80 and post connector 10 having six partial spherical parts 915 attached to the assembly part. Is shown.

Specific examples (suitable examples) of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 35 to 38, but the present invention is not limited to the specific examples. A means or method of attaching a partial sphere portion to an assembly and constructing a sphere or something similar to a sphere is provided by the present invention.

Figures 39 and 40 show a constructed doll 900 in the general form of a human, which is attached to one or more post connectors 10, the constructed doll having arms 902 and legs 904. There is. In the indicated (suitable) embodiment, each arm has an axis (pivot) 906 on the shoulder, a swivel elbow 903, and a hand 908. Each leg has an axis at the waist 907, a swiveling knee 905, and a foot 910. The doll has a head 911 and a torso 901.

Any pivot of the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee (906, 903, 907, and 905, respectively), as is well known to those of skill in the art, is attached to the arm or leg around the rotation of each arm or leg. It may be provided with a pin to be inserted. However, the present invention provides suitable means for turning (not limited to pins only). For example, turning can be achieved by joining parts of each arm or leg by joining and can turn without pins. Joining swivel snap parts by such means is well known in the art. Turning elbows 903 and knees 905 is part of a preferred embodiment, but is not a necessary part of the invention. Turning the arms 902 and legs 904 is part of a preferred embodiment, but is not a necessary part of the invention. The doll 900 to be constructed may be simplified without a swivel portion, or may have a shape similar to a human or an animal.

The hand 908 can be attached to the post connector 10 by the user, as does the foot 910. In the preferred embodiments shown, the hands and feet are similar, with notches at the ends of the arms or legs, or equivalently, two extensions on either side of each arm or leg. It has a part. These notches (or extensions) may fit snugly into the disc 14 (or assembly connecting element) and the arms or legs, as well as the entire doll 900 to be constructed, may be attached to the post-connector 10. Means for connecting the hands and feet to the indicated post-connectors are part of a preferred embodiment, but such means are provided by the present invention.

FIG. 41 shows a construction doll 900 having a post connector 10 attached to its hand 908 and likely to connect the same post connector to a structure having an assembly 80. FIG. 42 shows a construction doll 900 attached to a post-connector disk (or component connection element) 14 that is also connected to an assembly of structures made from components (and post-connectors).

FIG. 43 is attached to the structure of the assembly 80 and the post connector 10 (under the construction doll) via its foot 910, while at the same time (above and shown) via its foot 908 and the disc 14 of the post connector 10. Shown is a construction doll that is attached to assembly part 30 (which is a larger structural part that is not). Therefore, the construction doll 900 can be used not only as a decorative item but also as a structural part when making an assembly. It has usefulness. It can connect to more than one post connector and more than one assembly or substructure. It is an element used in the construction process and can be a component of the final assembly. The doll has arms and legs that can be attached to the assembly connection elements of the post connector, such attachments that provide structural strength and allow the construction of additional types of construction assemblies.

Although the human figure is shown for the Constructed Doll 900, the invention is also the shape of an animal with two legs and two arms, four legs, or (assuming) four arms. It is equipped with. It also provides means for connecting to different substructures via hands and feet via faceplates or assemblies rather than via post-connectors.

Accordingly, the present invention comprises humans, animals, or other forms of constructive dolls, the hands and feet of which are connected to post-connectors, assemblies, faceplates, and / or different substructures to create structural assemblies. And thereby act as a structural element of such an assembly. It is also easily equipped with a post-connector, assembly, faceplate, or foot 910 that can be connected to different substructures, without a hand 908 capable of doing so. Similarly, it is also easily equipped with a post connector, assembly, face plate, or hand 908 that can be connected to different substructures, without a foot 910 capable of doing so. In such cases, one foot (hand) is connected to one part of the post-connector, component, faceplate, and / or different substructure, and the other foot (hand) to another part of such part. Can be connected. By doing so, the construct doll has the usefulness of being a constituent element of the constituent assembly.

FIG. 44 shows the assembly parts (30 and 80), the post connector 10. And a building made of additional elements including a chimney 942, a window 940, and a door 941. The additional element can be attached to a component, faceplate, or post connector. It is made in a similar manner to the partially spherical portions 915 of FIGS. 35-38, the wheels of FIGS. 31-35, the dolls of FIGS. 39-43, or by other means.

FIG. 45 shows a chameleon made of an assembly, a post connector, a head 944, a paw 946, and a tail 945, the latter three being animal toy parts, of the means described for FIG. It may be attached via either.

FIG. 46 shows a caterpillar made of an assembly, a post connector, an antenna 497, a paw 949, and an arm 948, the latter three being animal toy parts, of the means described for FIG. It may be attached via either.

FIG. 47 shows a chicken made from an assembly, a post connector, a head 950, wings 952, and a tail 951, the latter three attached via any of the means described for FIG. May be done.

FIG. 48 shows an airplane model made of an assembly, a post connector, a pilot control part 954, a wing 955, and a tail wing 956, the latter three of which are any of the means described for FIG. It may be attached via.

The figures show details, but such details are not always essential for the present invention. The figure merely shows a special case or embodiment of the present invention. The essential elements of the invention are described in the claims.

Here, the invention is referred to as being provided in part of "Swivel Snaps", the terms of which are WO 2011/143019, PCT / SU2011 / 035107, US Pat. No. 9,669,324, and other US and other. Interpreted to mean the inventions described in the national daughter / sister patents and patent applications. The definitions of languages and the terms used in their patents and patent applications are applicable, appropriate and interpretable in the context of the description and claims herein.

In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the term swivel snaps refers to a) an assembly component having a predetermined shape and a post-connector connecting element, and b) a structural assembly appliance having a post connector having a post and an assembly component connecting element. Equivalent, the assembly connecting element is structurally connected to the post by any means, including being integrated with the post, and at least a portion of the assembly connecting element is substantially the central axis of the post. Radially transferred from the assembly so that at least a portion of the assembly connecting element is directly connectable to the post-connector connecting element and at the time of connection the at least portion of the assembly connecting element is in contact with the post-connector connecting element. The post connector and the plurality of the assembly parts are mechanically connected in an angular direction around the post via the assembly component connection element and the plurality of the post connector connection elements to form a structure and connect. Occasionally, the assembly can swing independently of the post about the central axis of the post.

Although the use of the invention described in this patent application is a "toy", the invention is not limited to toys and is applicable to any and all structures and / or other uses.
Therefore, the present invention can be seen as having significantly new advantages over the prior art described in the description of "Background Art" above.

Although the above description contains a number of specifics, the reader should not interpret them as limitations to the scope of the invention, but merely as illustrations of suitable embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision a number of other possibilities within that range.

Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be determined by the described examples, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (28)

a) Assembly parts and post-connector connection elements having a predetermined shape,
b) Post connectors, including posts and assembly connection elements,
Equipped with
The assembly connecting element is structurally connected to the post by any means, including being integral with the post.
At least a portion of the assembly connecting element is substantially radially moved from the central axis of the post.
At least a portion of the assembly connection element can be directly connected to the post-connector connection element, and when connected, the at least portion of the assembly connection element comes into contact with the post-connector connection element. ,
When the post-connector and the plurality of assembly parts are mechanically connected in the angular direction around the post via the assembly-part connector connection element and the plurality of post-connector connection elements to form a structure and are connected. , The assembly can swing independently of the post around the central axis of the post.
Additional elements such as blocks, dolls, geometric shapes, letters, numbers, pictures, drawings, etc., but not limited to these, are the post-connectors, assembly parts, etc., depending on the connection mechanism including the male and female parts. Structural assembly equipment that can be connected to other elements, not limited to. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a face mount of predetermined shape and dimensions, wherein the face mount is attached to or attachable to the assembly, and the additional element is connected to the face mount by the connecting mechanism. Assembly equipment. The structural assembly device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is connected to the assembly component by the connection mechanism. The additional element is connected to the assembly by the connecting mechanism, the connecting mechanism comprising the male and female portions aligned in one or more rows, the male portion being a cylinder, rod, or disk. The structural assembly device according to claim 1. The structural assembly device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is connected to the post connector by the connection mechanism. The structural assembly device of claim 1, wherein the male and female parts are arranged in one or more rows. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, wherein the male and female parts are aligned in one or more rows, the male part comprising a cylinder, rod, bristles, or disc. The structural assembly instrument according to claim 1, wherein the male portion and the female portion are arranged in one or more rows, and the male portion includes a cylinder. The male portion comprises a cylinder, rod, or disc having a recess, notch, bulge, or edge that allows a dent, notch, bulge, or edge, between the male portion and the female portion. The structural assembly device of claim 1, which forms a robust connection. Further comprising a face mount of a predetermined shape and size, the face mount can be attached to or attached to the assembly, the additional element is connected to the face mount by the connecting mechanism, and the connecting mechanism is one. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, comprising the male and female portions aligned in one or more rows. Further comprising a face mount of a predetermined shape and size, the face mount can be attached to or attached to the assembly, the additional element is connected to the face mount by the connecting mechanism, and the connecting mechanism is one. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, comprising one male portion and one female portion, wherein the male portion is a cylinder effective. Further comprising a face mount of a predetermined shape and size, the face mount can be attached to or attached to the assembly, the additional element is connected to the face mount by the connecting mechanism, and the connecting mechanism is one. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, comprising the male and female portions aligned in one or more rows, wherein the male portion is a cylinder, rod, or disc. The structural assembly device of claim 1, wherein the assembly component connecting element has a non-circular cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the post. Further provided with an elastic material attached to or attachable to the assembly, upon attachment, the elastic material is pulled back and released to advance an object such as a ball or marble, or the object is the elastic material. The structural assembly device of claim 1 which is repelled from. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, further comprising a lens that can be received or attached to a faceplate or assembly. The structural assembly instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one assembly has a rectangular shape that allows two post connectors to be attached to the assembly. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, or crayon that is attached to a post connector or assembly. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a block that is mounted or attachable to the inside of the assembly. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a velcro® that can be attached to or attached to a face plate. The structural assembly device of claim 1, wherein the at least one face plate has a scratch and sniff surface. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a gear to which a series of assembly parts can be connected. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a mirror that can be connected to a post-connector or assembly that can be seen around an object such as a wall. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a tube that can be attached or inserted into a structure through which a ball or other object passes. Further comprising a wheel assembly connected to or connectable to a face plate, the wheel assembly is a hollow shaft in the center of the wheel and the face at one end which is insertable or inserted into the hollow shaft and at the other end. The structural assembly device of claim 1, comprising an axle that is inserted or inserted into the opening of the plate. The structural assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a spherical component, such component which can be attached to a face plate, assembly component, or post connector. The additional element is a doll, which has arms and legs that can be attached to the assembly connecting element of the post connector, such attachment providing structural strength, thereby providing a structure of the additional type. The structural assembly device according to claim 1, which enables assembly. The structural assembly device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is an animal toy part. The structural assembly device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is a toy part of an airplane.

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