WO1997001382A1 - Construction toy support base - Google Patents

Construction toy support base Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997001382A1
WO1997001382A1 PCT/CA1996/000470 CA9600470W WO9701382A1 WO 1997001382 A1 WO1997001382 A1 WO 1997001382A1 CA 9600470 W CA9600470 W CA 9600470W WO 9701382 A1 WO9701382 A1 WO 9701382A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toy
meanε
εaid
modules
module
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA1996/000470
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Henry Hung Lai Chung
Original Assignee
Ritvik Holdings Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA002176073A external-priority patent/CA2176073A1/en
Application filed by Ritvik Holdings Inc. filed Critical Ritvik Holdings Inc.
Priority to AU63504/96A priority Critical patent/AU6350496A/en
Priority to GB9723684A priority patent/GB2316887B/en
Publication of WO1997001382A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997001382A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a base for a multi-part construction type toy which has as its basic component units, interconnectable modules or elements which can be stacked or otherwise coupled together to construct various toys.
  • the base i ⁇ provided with a surface which permits the assembly of the toy modules thereon, and in which a number of mechanically movable sockets are provided which may be used to rotate or move part or all of the erected toy.
  • Construction type toys are well known.
  • such toys incorporate two or more basic modules or units of different shapes, sizes and lengths which are manufactured so that the modules may be releasably interconnected, whereby a number of modules can be assembled together to form a number of different toys.
  • the modules usually are coupled together by one of three methods.
  • the modules are provided with at least one projection and one recess which have a complementary size and shape, such that when the projection of one module is interfitted into the recess of another module, the modules are releasably coupled together in a snap or friction fit.
  • one module may be provided with one end which acts as a male plug having a size configured for sliding engagement in a slot formed in another module.
  • the modules may be coupled by ⁇ mall bolt ⁇ and threaded nuts or the like.
  • multi-part construction toys such as those sold under the trade marks LEGO, K'NEX and MECCANO, are also provided with paripheral components such as wheels and wheel modules, figurines, window units and the like.
  • the peripheral components are formed to interact with and couple with the basic modules, and provide the toy user with greater flexibility in the types of toys which may be constructed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,109,398 to Hida is ⁇ ued August 29, 1978, discloses a construction toy in which one or more separate gear assemblies and a motor are provided internally within individual specialized interconnecting capsules. With the Hida toy, the capsule containing the motor is linked together with a capsule which contain ⁇ gearing to form a movable vehicle or the like.
  • the Hida toy suffers the disadvantage in that it requires complex and costly design and manufacturing to fit both the gearing and motor into the capsules.
  • the cap ⁇ ule construction of Hida limits the configuration and type of toys which may be constructed as compared to other conventional construction type toys, becau ⁇ e the capsules must be used to form one part of the cqn ⁇ tructed toy itself.
  • the motor of Hida provided internally within a specialized capsule, capsules of a comparatively large size are required to house the motor and gears.
  • an object of the present invention to provide a con ⁇ truction toy base upon which various toy module ⁇ may be detachably mounted, and which is provided with a number of mechanical elements which may be used to actuate one or more of the toy modules into movement.
  • a further object is to provide an inexpensive and easily manufactured construction toy support ba ⁇ e which is adapted to actuate movement in all or part of a construction toy which has been erected thereon, and which can be readily modified in manufacture for use with a number of existing conventional construction toys, such a ⁇ LEGO building block ⁇ , K'NEX toy ⁇ y ⁇ tems, MECCANO construction toys, and the like.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a ba ⁇ e unit for a construction toy which simulate ⁇ a topographical profile, building, vessel, vehicle or the like upon which a plurality of toy modules may be erected.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide in a construction toy electrically operable toy module ⁇ which emit light and a base unit configured to electrically couple with and supply electric current to the electrically operable toy modules.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a construction toy which is adaptable to create sound effects or produce realistic sounds which are related to a toy which has been constructed from a number of toy modules.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a toy which includes a number of interconnectable toy modules, a base unit having a number of movable socket ⁇ and one or more rigid or flexible drive ⁇ haft element ⁇ sized for insertion in the sockets and which when inserted therein, engage and rotate one or more of the toy modules located in sub ⁇ tantially any position in the constructed toy.
  • the present invention reside ⁇ in a con ⁇ truction toy which includes a number of interconnectable toy module ⁇ , a supporting base having a number of movable elements, such as rotatable sockets, and at least one drive ⁇ haft which when engaged by a movable element engages and moves a toy module.
  • the toy modules may be provided with different overall shape ⁇ and sizes, and may, for example, be any one version of the major types of con ⁇ truction toys, namely LEGO, MECCANO, or K'NEX.
  • At least one toy module includes one or more projections and one or more recesses, and is adapted for coupling to other toy module ⁇ . More preferably each toy module has a number of projections and recesses.
  • the projections and reces ⁇ e ⁇ of the modules have a complementary size and shape which permits the insertion of the projection of one module into the reces ⁇ of another, thereby relea ⁇ ably coupling the two module ⁇ together in a friction or ⁇ nap fit.
  • the base unit is provided with one or more surfaces having formed therein either recesses or projections which are complementary to those of the toy modules.
  • the rece ⁇ e ⁇ and projections on the base surfaces engage the corresponding projections or reces ⁇ es of at least some of the module ⁇ to releasably couple the assembled toy thereto.
  • a number of rotatable sockets or other movable element are provided in openings formed through the surface of the base.
  • the sockets are connected to a motor by a linkage as ⁇ embly consi ⁇ ting of gear ⁇ and one or more linkage arm ⁇ which are internally housed within the base.
  • the gearing may be configured ⁇ o that the activation of the motor move ⁇ different ⁇ ocket ⁇ through different degree ⁇ and/or ⁇ peed ⁇ and/or direction ⁇ of either rotational or vertical movement.
  • the gearing may permit the rotation of variou ⁇ socket ⁇ at different speeds through 360° of rotation, while rotating other socket ⁇ reciprocally through 90°, ⁇ or other selected degrees of rotation.
  • the drive shaft element which i ⁇ u ⁇ ed to engage the toy module ⁇ may be rigid or flexible and of almo ⁇ t any desired length or ⁇ hape.
  • the ⁇ haft element preferably has an end portion with a size and shape selected for insertion into a socket, such that the rotation of the ⁇ ocket also moves the drive shaft element through rotational movement.
  • the ⁇ ocket ⁇ are movably connected to the motor by a linkage a ⁇ embly which may be di ⁇ engaged by a clutch.
  • the clutch i ⁇ constructed to disengage the motor from the ⁇ ockets or gears if too large a resi ⁇ tive force i ⁇ applied to any one ⁇ ocket or drive shaft.
  • the base unit may al ⁇ o be provided with one or more electrical outlets or receptacles for electrically connecting external LED's or other light source ⁇ to an electrical power supply.
  • a speaker and removable sound card may also be housed within the base unit to simulate the sounds typically produced by the constructed toy.
  • the base unit may be formed having a single flat planar upper surface, or may also have a number of horizontally spaced mounting ⁇ urface ⁇ which may, for example, simulate changes in topography or sea level, as well as vessel ⁇ , vehicle ⁇ , building ⁇ tructure ⁇ , and the like. If desired, each or different mounting surface ⁇ at different levels and/or inclinations may have one or more sockets or other mechanical or electrical receptacles or elements provided therein.
  • the present invention resides in a construction toy comprising, a plurality of relea ⁇ ably connectable toy module ⁇ , drive ⁇ haft mean ⁇ for actuating at least one of said toy module ⁇ into movement, and supporting base means for supporting said toy modules thereon, said drive ⁇ haft mean ⁇ including a first end portion having a substantially polygonal cross-sectional shape, and a ⁇ econd end portion for engaging at lea ⁇ t one of said toy modules, said base means including, upper mounting surface means including coupling means to releasably couple a plurality of said modules to said base mean ⁇ , a plurality of opening ⁇ formed through said mounting surface means sized to permit insertion of the first end portion of said drive shaft therein, a plurality of rotatable socket mean ⁇ , each ⁇ aid socket means axially aligned with a corresponding one of said openings, and having a complementary size and shape to said drive shaft mean ⁇ fir ⁇ t end portion to permit its insertion therein, drive means for activ
  • the present invention resides in a supporting base for use with a con ⁇ truction toy having a plurality of relea ⁇ ably connectable toy module ⁇ and drive shaft mean ⁇ having a first end portion for engaging said base and a second end portion for engaging at least one of said toy modules to activate at lea ⁇ t one toy module into movement, the supporting base for mounting the toy modules thereon and including, mounting surface means including projection means to engage and releasably couple a plurality of said modules thereon, a plurality of opening ⁇ through said mounting surface means, each of said opening sized to permit insertion of the first portion of ⁇ aid drive shaft means therein, a plurality of rotatable ⁇ ocket means, each of ⁇ aid ⁇ ocket mean ⁇ axially aligned with a corresponding one of said opening ⁇ , and having a complementary size and shape to said fir ⁇ t end portion of ⁇ aid drive ⁇ haft means for insertion of said fir ⁇ t end portion therein, drive means for activating ⁇ aid
  • the present invention resides in a construction toy comprising a plurality of toy modules supporting base means for supporting ⁇ aid toy modules thereon, and drive shaft means having a first end portion for engaging said base means and a second end portion for engaging one of ⁇ aid toy modules, each of said toy modules including a plurality of sub ⁇ tantially identical recesses and a plurality of module projections, each said module projection ⁇ ized for complementary in ⁇ ertion into a corre ⁇ ponding one of ⁇ aid recesses, whereby the insertion of one or more of said module projections of a first toy module into corresponding rece ⁇ ses of a second toy module releasably couple ⁇ the first and second toy modules together, ⁇ aid supporting ba ⁇ e means including mounting surface means having a plurality of base projections having substantially the same configuration as said module projection ⁇ , whereby the in ⁇ ertion of one or more of ⁇ aid base projections into the recesses of said toy module releasably couple the toy
  • Figure 1 is a per ⁇ pective partially cut-away view showing an a ⁇ embled con ⁇ truction toy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 Show ⁇ a per ⁇ pective view of the right hand portion of the base unit of Figure 1, prior to the erection of the toy module ⁇ thereon;
  • Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the linkage as ⁇ embly and gearing for u ⁇ e with the base unit portion shown in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 show ⁇ a ⁇ chematic view of the linkage a ⁇ embly and gearing ⁇ hown in Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 shows an exploded partial cross- sectional view of a first rigid drive shaft element and a customized toy module for u ⁇ e with the con ⁇ truction toy of Figure 1;
  • Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a second modified drive ⁇ haft element for use with the present invention
  • Figure 6b shows a perspective view of another modified flexible drive shaft element for use with the toy of Figure 1;
  • Figure 7 show ⁇ a top view of the toy module of Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy module of Figure 5 with a rotatable connecting sleeve inserted therein;
  • Figure 9 shows a partially exploded cross- sectional view of a second customized toy module and conventional toy module for use with the drive shaft element of Figure 5;
  • Figure 10 shows a cros ⁇ -sectional view of a third customized toy module for use with the construction toy of Figure 1;
  • Figure 11 show ⁇ a per ⁇ pective end view of a fourth cu ⁇ tomized toy module for u ⁇ e with the con ⁇ truction toy of Figure 1;
  • Figure 12 how ⁇ a partial cro ⁇ - ⁇ ectional view of a ba ⁇ e unit in accordance with a ⁇ econd embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 13a and 13b show schematic views of two adaptor toy modules for u ⁇ e with the pre ⁇ ent invention.
  • the toy 10 includes a ba ⁇ e unit 12, a number of interconnectable pla ⁇ tic toy modules 14, and one or more elongated plastic drive shaft elements 18a and 18b which, as will be described hereafter, are used to drive one or more of the toy modules 14 in movement.
  • Figure 1 shows best the toy module ⁇ 14 a ⁇ being of the type found in LEGO TM construction toys.
  • the modules are of the type found in LEGO TM construction toys.
  • modules 14 are of a conventional known type and include block-like modules 14a of differing widths and/or length ⁇ , a ⁇ well a ⁇ a ⁇ maller number of ⁇ pecialty module ⁇ 14b,14c,14d,14e which simulate people, trees, lamps and other ⁇ hape ⁇ and structures.
  • Each of the modules 14 is characterized by a surface having a number of uniformly spaced cylindrical projections 20 and a ⁇ urface having a number of corre ⁇ pondingly ⁇ haped and ⁇ ized cylindrical recesses 22.
  • the projections 20 and recesses 22 of the block-like modules 14a are aligned in oppo ⁇ ing parallel surfaces to permit the modules 14a to be stacked together.
  • the recesses 22 are positioned in an identical spaced arrangement to that of the projections 20, such that the projections 20 of one module 14 may be inserted into the recesses 22 of another, thereby releasably coupling the modules 14 together in a snap fit.
  • Figure 1 shows the construction toy 10 assembled to form a toy helicopter and a toy castle
  • the arrangement of the projections 20 and recesses 22 permit the toy modules 14 to be stacked in an interconnected arrangement to form almo ⁇ t any fictional or reali ⁇ tic toy structure, vehicle, machine, person and/or animal, or the like.
  • the base unit 12 is provided as the support upon which the modules 14 are assembled in erecting a toy, and includes a number of movable cylindrical socket ⁇ 26 which, a ⁇ will be described hereafter, are used to actuate all or part of the erected toy in movement.
  • the base unit 12 shown in Figure 1 includes a generally planar mounting ⁇ urface 28.
  • the mounting surface 28 is provided with a number of upwardly extending cylindrical projection ⁇ 30 having the identical ⁇ ize and sub ⁇ tantially the same spacing as the module projection ⁇ 20.
  • the toy modules 14 may be releasably coupled to the mounting ⁇ urface 28 by the insertion of one or more of the projections 30 into corre ⁇ ponding module rece ⁇ e ⁇ 22.
  • Figure 2 shows best a partially cut-away portion of the base unit 12 which includes the right hand portion of the mounting surface 28a prior to the erection of toy modules 14 thereon.
  • Mounting surface 28a has eight rotatable sockets 26 provided therein at various spaced locations.
  • the sockets 26 are shown as located so as to occupy the position which would otherwise be occupied by a projection 30, but could equally be provided in other ⁇ paced arrangements.
  • each socket 26 i ⁇ rotatably provided centered within an associated circular aperture 32 which extend ⁇ through the mounting ⁇ urface 28a.
  • the sockets 26 are flush with or slightly rece ⁇ ed into the mounting ⁇ urface 28 ⁇ o a ⁇ not to interfere with the mounting of the toy module ⁇ 14 on the base unit 12.
  • the ⁇ ocket ⁇ 26 open upwardly to define an axially extending ⁇ quare rece ⁇ having a ⁇ ize ⁇ elected to receive therein a lower end of a drive shaft element 18a,18b, so that movement of the socket 26 rotates a corresponding drive shaft element 18 which is inserted therein in movement.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 show best the linkage assembly which is used to rotatably couple the ⁇ ocket ⁇ 26 to an electric motor 66.
  • Each of the ⁇ ocket ⁇ 26 extend upwardly from the centre of an a ⁇ ociated ⁇ pur gear 40 which i ⁇ rotatably housed with the base unit 12.
  • the spur gears 40 are formed a ⁇ flattened circular di ⁇ k ⁇ having toothed peripheral edge ⁇ 41, and are po ⁇ itioned within the base unit 12 sandwiched between the underside of the mounting surface 28a and a horizontally extending divider panel 42 which is spaced above the bottom 45 of the base unit 12.
  • the spur gears 40 are provided in a sub ⁇ tantially co-planar orientation and are rotatably coupled to the divider panel 42 at locations spaced radially about a circular opening 46 formed through the panel 42.
  • a drive gear 50 is rotatably provided within the base unit 12 for driving the spur gears 40 in rotation.
  • the drive gear 50 is rotatable on a central ⁇ haft 52 which i ⁇ rotatably secured to the bottom 45 and aligned with the centre of the opening 46.
  • the gear 50 includes an upper circular portion 56 which project ⁇ upwardly through the opening 46 and a lower enlarged circular portion 58 which extend ⁇ radially outward between the divider panel 42 and bottom 45 of the ba ⁇ e unit 12.
  • the upper portion 56 of the drive gear 50 include ⁇ a toothed peripheral edge 57 for me ⁇ hing engagement with the peripheral edge 41 of one or more of the ⁇ pur gear ⁇ 40.
  • the lower portion 58 of the gear 50 include ⁇ a toothed radially extending lower rack 60 formed in the under ⁇ ide of the gear 50.
  • socket ⁇ 26a occur ⁇ by the direct engagement of the peripheral edge 57 of the upper portion 56 of the drive gear with the peripheral edge 41 of each of the a ⁇ sociated spur gears 40a.
  • the engagement of the toothed edges 57,41 rotates the spur gear ⁇ 40a and sockets 26a in the oppo ⁇ ite direction.
  • Socket ⁇ 26b are driven in reciprocal movement by the ⁇ liding of the engagement of a camming roller and pin 61 which project ⁇ upwardly from a peripheral upper surface of the portion 56, within slot ⁇ formed in rocker arms 62a,62b which are attached to each of the respective spur gear ⁇ 40b.
  • ⁇ ockets 26c be driven in rotation by the engagement of the toothed peripheral edges 41 of the spur gears 40b with the peripheral edge 41 of a corresponding spur gear 40c. It is to be appreciated however that the speed at which the sockets 26 rotate and the directions and degrees of rotational movement may be easily varied by adjusting the arrangement of the spur gears 40.
  • the linkage arm 70 has provided at its end a pinion 72 which is configured to engage the lower rack 60.
  • a slip clutch 76 is provided to disengage the pinion 72 from the motor 66 in the event too large a resistive force is placed upon one of the sockets 26.
  • the clutch 76 consists of a driving member 78 which is coupled to the motor drive shaft 80 and a driven member 82 provided on the linkage arm 70.
  • the driving member 78 and driven member 82 are provided with complementary angled faces 79,83.
  • the driven member 82 is slidable along the linkage arm 70 between a first position, wherein the angled face ⁇ 79 of the driving member 78 rotatably engage the angled faces 83 of the driven member 82; and a second position, where the driven member 82 is moved away from the driving member 78 and the angled face ⁇ 79 rotate relative to the face ⁇ 83.
  • the driven member 82 i ⁇ coupled to the linkage arm 70 such that the rotation of the driven member 82 rotate ⁇ the linkage arm 70 and pinion 72, while permitting ⁇ liding movement of the driven member 82 axially along the linkage arm 70 between the fir ⁇ t and ⁇ econd position.
  • the linkage arm 70 may therefore have a square cross-sectional profile, as i ⁇ ⁇ hown in Figure 4.
  • a spring 86 is used to normally bias the driven member 82 to the first position in contact with the driving member 78. When a resistive load on the driven member 82 exceeds the critical load, the driving member 78 rotates relative to the driven member 82.
  • the clutch 76 advantageously minimizes the ri ⁇ k of damage to the base unit 12 of the toy 10. If excessive resistant forces are applied to the drive gear 50, as for example on a child grasping a drive shaft element 18 with sufficient force as to prevent its rotation, as well a ⁇ the a ⁇ ociated ⁇ ocket 26 and the ⁇ pur gear 40, the driving member 78 will continue to rotate relative to the driven member 82 and no excessive forces will be placed upon the motor 66. As the gears 40,50 are no longer rotated, the risk of damage to gearing of the base unit 12 is al ⁇ o eliminated.
  • electricity flow from the battery 68 is controlled by an on/off switch 88, and current flow is indicated by a "power-on" light 89 provided on the ⁇ ide of the base unit 12.
  • a rheostatic speed control 90 i ⁇ preferably also provided, permitting the speed at which the motor 66 and sockets 26 rotate to be varied, maximizing the adaptability of the toy 10.
  • Figures 2 and 4 show best the base unit 12 a ⁇ further including a number of electrical receptacle ⁇ 92 which are electrically connected to battery 68 and controlled by switch 88.
  • Figure 4 illu ⁇ trates the receptacles 92 as part of an electric circuit 98.
  • the circuit 98 extends as a loop under the entire mounting surface 28 to connect with the remaining receptacles 92.
  • the electrical receptacle ⁇ 92 are flu ⁇ h with or recessed into the mounting surface 28 ⁇ o as not to interfere with the mounting of the toy module ⁇ 14 on the ba ⁇ e unit 12.
  • the receptacles 92 are for use with light units 96 which include male connectors 97 adapted for removable in ⁇ ertion into a corre ⁇ ponding receptacle 92 and which may, for example, be provided a ⁇ part of a ⁇ pecialty module 14d.
  • Figure ⁇ 3 and 4 show best electric circuit 98 as including a spring contact switch 100 for providing intermittent current flow to the receptacles 92.
  • a number of radially ⁇ paced camming projections 102 are provided about the rotatable shaft 52 which extends below the drive gear 50.
  • the camming projection ⁇ 102 bias the spring contact switch 100 to a closed position which permit ⁇ current flow to the receptacles 92.
  • the switch 100 re ⁇ iliently returns to an unbia ⁇ ed, open position which interrupts current flow.
  • current is intermittently provided to the electrical receptacles 92 with the re ⁇ ult that connected light unit ⁇ 96 fla ⁇ h on and off.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the light unit 96 having a bulb, electrical cable, and plug, however, it is to be appreciated that the light unit 96 could have any de ⁇ ired shape, size and structure and could also be integrally formed a ⁇ part of clear pla ⁇ tic module provided with male connectors for insertion into a receptacle.
  • the base unit 12 is preferably also provided with removable sound card 104, speaker 106 and volume control 108 which provide an audio signal indicative of a particular piece of equipment, vehicle or other toy which is to be erected.
  • the sound card 104 may be supplied as part of a toy kit a ⁇ to provide the ⁇ ound effect which corre ⁇ pond ⁇ to the toy package.
  • Figure 1 shows ⁇ two drive ⁇ haft element ⁇ 18a,18b.
  • the drive shaft element 18a is formed as an elongated plastic member having a rectangular construction with the top end 36 having a ⁇ quare cros ⁇ - ⁇ ection sized to fit into the cylindrical reces ⁇ 22 of a conventional module 14 in a friction-fit.
  • the bottom end 38 of the element 18b ha ⁇ a square cros ⁇ - ⁇ ection adapted for in ⁇ ertion into an a ⁇ ociated one of the ⁇ ocket ⁇ 26.
  • top and bottom end ⁇ 36,38 are ⁇ ized to snugly fit in the respective reces ⁇ 22 and socket 26, such that the rotation of the socket 26 rotates the element 18a together with the toy module 14 which is coupled thereto.
  • both the bottom end 36 and socket 26 may al ⁇ o be provided with either a non-polygonal or other polygonal cross- sectional shape which minimizes the likelihood of the drive shaft element 18 slipping in the socket 26.
  • a drive ⁇ haft element 18a having the ⁇ implified con ⁇ truction of Figure 5 i ⁇ economical to produce and may be provided in almo ⁇ t any length, it i ⁇ to be appreciated that drive ⁇ haft element ⁇ having a more complex construction may also be used.
  • Figures 6a and 6b show other such drive shaft elements 18c,18b.
  • the bottom end 38 of the elements 18b,18c are e ⁇ entially the ⁇ ame as that as shown in Figure 5.
  • FIG. 6b shows the top end 36 of the drive shaft element 18c as being provided with an enlarged flattened portion 110.
  • the flattened portion 110 includes a number of upwardly extending projections 112 as well as a number of spaced socket ⁇ 114 which are the ⁇ ame configuration a ⁇ the toy module projection ⁇ 20 and ⁇ ocket ⁇ 22.
  • the projection ⁇ 112 and ⁇ ockets 114 thereby releasably coupling a toy module 14 to the top end of the shaft 18c.
  • Figure 6b show ⁇ the drive ⁇ haft element 18b a ⁇ being formed from two ⁇ eparate component ⁇ 116,117 joined in the middle and which each have the ⁇ ame ⁇ tructure a ⁇ element 18a.
  • the top end 36 of component 116 ha ⁇ a ⁇ quare or other polygonal cro ⁇ - ⁇ ection.
  • a flexible ⁇ pring 118 connect ⁇ the top and bottom component ⁇ 116,117, permitting the upper component 116 of the drive ⁇ haft element 18b to be angled relative to the lower component 117.
  • ba ⁇ e unit 12 i ⁇ primarily adapted for use with conventional toy modules 14, the applicant ha ⁇ appreciated that by providing a smaller number of cu ⁇ tomized modules 34,44,54,64 seen in Figures 7 to 11, which interconnect with the conventional modules 14, a construction toy 10 having even a greater degree of flexibility and utility may be achieved.
  • Figures 5, 6b and 7 show two variations of customized toy module 34 which may be u ⁇ ed to conceal the drive shaft element 18 within an assembled toy.
  • Each of the module ⁇ 34 are provided with a number of cylindrical projection ⁇ 120 which have an identical shape and size and substantially the same ⁇ pacing a ⁇ projection ⁇ 20.
  • Corresponding shaped reces ⁇ e ⁇ 122 are al ⁇ o provided with the same size and ⁇ pacing as the module recesses 22.
  • the toy module 34 shown in Figure 6b is provided with a horizontally extending cylindrical bore 126 which is used to conceal the horizontally oriented component 116 of drive shaft element 18b.
  • cylindrical bore 126 is provided in a vertical orientation formed through the centre of the module 34. It is to be appreciated that the bore 126 is sized having a radial diameter selected to permit unhindered rotation of a drive shaft element 18 which has been inserted therethrough. In the manner shown in Figure 5 and 6b, the module 34 permits the erection of a construction toy 26 so that the drive shaft element 18 extends through the centre bore 126 formed in one or more stacked modules 34, and i ⁇ thereby completely concealed.
  • Figure 8 ⁇ how ⁇ a modified use of the module 34 for linking together two rectangular drive ⁇ haft element ⁇ 18a,18a'.
  • a removable cylindrical coupling sleeve 128 is inserted into the bore 126.
  • the coupling sleeve 128 is rotatably seated in the bore by means of an upper peripherally extending rim 130.
  • Axially centered square upper and lower reces ⁇ e ⁇ 132,134 are provided in each end of the sleeve 128.
  • the reces ⁇ e ⁇ 132,134 are ⁇ ized to receive an end of each re ⁇ pective drive shaft element 18a 1 ,18a in a friction fit, joining the two drive shaft element ⁇ 18a',18a in rotational movement therewith.
  • Figure 9 show ⁇ another cu ⁇ tomized module 44 for u ⁇ e with a drive ⁇ haft element 18a having a ⁇ quare cross- section.
  • module 44 also include ⁇ a number of cylindrical projection ⁇ 120 and rece ⁇ e ⁇ 122 which are identical in ⁇ hape and ⁇ ize to projection ⁇ 20 and recesse ⁇ 22.
  • the module 44 include ⁇ a ⁇ quare rece ⁇ 140 which i ⁇ formed in the centre of the lower ⁇ urface of the module 44.
  • the rece ⁇ 140 i ⁇ ⁇ ized to receive therein in a complementary fit the ⁇ quare upper end 36 of a drive ⁇ haft element 18a.
  • FIG 10 shows yet another customized module 54.
  • the module 54 i ⁇ provided with four internally meshing bevel gears 144,146,148,150.
  • Each bevel gear 144,146,148,150 extends a ⁇ a ⁇ haft from the centre of the module 54, opening into ⁇ quare ⁇ haped ⁇ ocket 154 which i ⁇ ⁇ ized to receive therein an end of rectangular drive ⁇ haft element ⁇ 18a,18a'.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a module 54 which incorporates four bevel gears 144,146,148,150 extending at right angles to each other. Other combinations and/or orientation ⁇ of bevel gears are, however, also possible. Similarly, while each of the gears 144,146,148,150 are shown as extending outwardly to form a ⁇ ocket 154, one or more of the gear ⁇ 144,146,148,150 could al ⁇ o extend beyond the module 54 and have an end adapted for rotatable insertion within a socket 26.
  • FIG 11 show ⁇ an end view of a further customized module 64 for u ⁇ e with the pre ⁇ ent invention.
  • the module 64 i ⁇ identical to the module 14 with the exception that a ⁇ quare rece ⁇ s 162 is formed in one end surface 164 of the module 64.
  • the square end of a drive shaft element 18a may be inserted into the square reces ⁇ 162 to move the module 64 in rotational movement about an axi ⁇ parallel to it ⁇ upper and lower surfaces.
  • FIGS 2 to 4 illustrate in detail one portion of the mounting surface 28a together with rotatable socket ⁇ 26, ⁇ pur gear ⁇ 40 and drive gear 50.
  • the sockets 26 which are provided in the remainder of the mounting surface 28 are driven in rotational movement by sub ⁇ tantially identical ⁇ pur gear/drive gear 40,50 a ⁇ emblie ⁇ .
  • the drive gear ⁇ 50 of the remaining mounting surface areas may be rotatably interconnected.
  • Two or more ⁇ ection ⁇ or other mounting surface ⁇ may be connected for rotation by a ⁇ imple coupling gear mechani ⁇ m, ⁇ uch a ⁇ for example, by using a connecting spur gear 172 positioned between drive gears, a ⁇ i ⁇ ⁇ hown in part in Figure ⁇ 2 and 4.
  • the drive gear of each separate section of the mounting ⁇ urface 28 may be driven independently by a ⁇ eparate motor and linkage a ⁇ embly.
  • Figure 1 ⁇ how ⁇ a planar mounting ⁇ urface under which variou ⁇ ⁇ eparate gear/drive gear 40,50 assemblies are provided.
  • a single larger ⁇ pur gear/drive gear 40,50 a ⁇ embly could, however, al ⁇ o be provided under a mounting ⁇ urface which i ⁇ provided with a number of distinct mounting surface portions.
  • the base unit 12 ⁇ hown in Figure 12 is provided with a number of generally horizontal vertically displaced mounting surface ⁇ 28a,28b,28c, but is otherwise similar to the base unit 12 shown in Figure l, with like reference numerals identifying like components.
  • the mounting surfaces 28a-28c are illustrated as being generally horizontal, with immediately adjacent mounting surfaces 28 being vertically displaced relative to each other.
  • Figure 12 shows the base unit 12 as being formed so as to simulate sloping terrain and is preferably provided with colouring or other suitable indicia to simulate hills, water or other geographical features.
  • the base unit 12 could, however, equally be formed to represent part of a building, vehicle or other geographical area and have one or more non-horizontal mounting surface ⁇ 28 to which other ⁇ uitable indicia are applied.
  • socket ⁇ 26 extend upwardly at different height ⁇ from the a ⁇ ociated ⁇ pur gear ⁇ 40, into a corre ⁇ ponding mounting ⁇ urface area.
  • the rotatable socket ⁇ 26 be recessed into the mounting surface 28 so as not to interfere with the assembly of the variou ⁇ toy modules 14 thereon, this i ⁇ not e ⁇ ential.
  • additional sockets could be provided which are adapted for vertical movement relative to the mounting surface.
  • Figure 1 illustrate ⁇ the con ⁇ truction toy 10 a ⁇ incorporating a number of conventional block-like toy modules 14a of the type found in LEGO toy systems, however, the invention is not so limited. Other shapes and structure ⁇ of modules may equally be used, including modules of the types found in MECCANO and K'NEX construction toy ⁇ , and will now become apparent.
  • Figure ⁇ 13a and 13b each show respectively two adaptor module ⁇ 174,176 for use with the present invention.
  • the lower surface of each adaptor module 174,176 is also provided with a number of spaced cylindrical recesses (not shown) for coupling the module ⁇ 174,176 to the base 12 on the projections 30.
  • Module 174 includes an upper ferrule or loop 178 configured for attaching MECCANO type modules thereto.
  • Module 176 i ⁇ provided with a socket-type connector 180 for use with K'NEX components. It is to be appreciated that by the use of modules 174,176 and other similar adaptor module ⁇ , the ba ⁇ e 12 may be u ⁇ ed with almo ⁇ t any type con ⁇ truction toy.
  • Figure 1 illu ⁇ trates an as ⁇ embled toy incorporating a simple rigid drive shaft element l ⁇ a and a flexible drive ⁇ haft element 18b
  • the multiple ⁇ ocket arrangement advantageou ⁇ ly permits the con ⁇ truction of toy ⁇ having a number of different type ⁇ of movable drive shafts and modules, and in which the modules are moved in different directions and at different speed ⁇ .

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Abstract

A base for a modular multi-part construction toy is disclosed which has a surface which permits the assembly of a number of toy modules thereon to form an erected toy. The base further includes a number of mechanically movable elements which are used in association with various drive shaft pieces to rotate or otherwise move part or all of the erected toy. The drive shaft pieces are engaged by the movable elements which in turn are driven in movement by gearing mechanically coupled to a motor which is housed internally withing the base. The surface of the base may further be provided with a desired contour or profile and have indicia which simulates a particular geographic location, vehicle, vessel, or other structure.

Description

CONSTRUCTION TOY SUPPORT BASE
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a base for a multi-part construction type toy which has as its basic component units, interconnectable modules or elements which can be stacked or otherwise coupled together to construct various toys. The base iε provided with a surface which permits the assembly of the toy modules thereon, and in which a number of mechanically movable sockets are provided which may be used to rotate or move part or all of the erected toy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Construction type toys are well known. Typically such toys incorporate two or more basic modules or units of different shapes, sizes and lengths which are manufactured so that the modules may be releasably interconnected, whereby a number of modules can be assembled together to form a number of different toys. The modules usually are coupled together by one of three methods. In one method the modules are provided with at least one projection and one recess which have a complementary size and shape, such that when the projection of one module is interfitted into the recess of another module, the modules are releasably coupled together in a snap or friction fit. In another method one module may be provided with one end which acts as a male plug having a size configured for sliding engagement in a slot formed in another module. Alternatively, the modules may be coupled by εmall boltε and threaded nuts or the like.
Several multi-part construction toys, such as those sold under the trade marks LEGO, K'NEX and MECCANO, are also provided with paripheral components such as wheels and wheel modules, figurines, window units and the like. The peripheral components are formed to interact with and couple with the basic modules, and provide the toy user with greater flexibility in the types of toys which may be constructed.
Conventional construction type toys have been somewhat constrained by the fact that the assembled toy is not powered in movement, nor is it possible for the player to partly or wholly control the toy which has been assembled. Given the present complexity of complete factory-assembled mechanized toys available, which not only move, but may include flashing lights and/or realistic sounds, there is the riεk that a child may become prematurely bored with exiεting conεtruction toyε in favour of the more stimulating factory-assembled mechanized toys.
In one attempt to provide a more stimulating construction type toy, U.S. Patent No. 4,109,398 to Hida, isεued August 29, 1978, discloses a construction toy in which one or more separate gear assemblies and a motor are provided internally within individual specialized interconnecting capsules. With the Hida toy, the capsule containing the motor is linked together with a capsule which containε gearing to form a movable vehicle or the like. The Hida toy suffers the disadvantage in that it requires complex and costly design and manufacturing to fit both the gearing and motor into the capsules. Further, the capεule construction of Hida limits the configuration and type of toys which may be constructed as compared to other conventional construction type toys, becauεe the capsules must be used to form one part of the cqnεtructed toy itself. As well, with the motor of Hida provided internally within a specialized capsule, capsules of a comparatively large size are required to house the motor and gears.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it iε an object of the present invention to provide a conεtruction toy base upon which various toy moduleε may be detachably mounted, and which is provided with a number of mechanical elements which may be used to actuate one or more of the toy modules into movement.
A further object is to provide an inexpensive and easily manufactured construction toy support baεe which is adapted to actuate movement in all or part of a construction toy which has been erected thereon, and which can be readily modified in manufacture for use with a number of existing conventional construction toys, such aε LEGO building blockε, K'NEX toy εyεtems, MECCANO construction toys, and the like.
Another object of the invention is to provide a baεe unit for a construction toy which simulateε a topographical profile, building, vessel, vehicle or the like upon which a plurality of toy modules may be erected.
Another object of the invention is to provide in a construction toy electrically operable toy moduleε which emit light and a base unit configured to electrically couple with and supply electric current to the electrically operable toy modules.
Another object of the invention is to provide a construction toy which is adaptable to create sound effects or produce realistic sounds which are related to a toy which has been constructed from a number of toy modules. A further object of the present invention is to provide a toy which includes a number of interconnectable toy modules, a base unit having a number of movable socketε and one or more rigid or flexible drive εhaft elementε sized for insertion in the sockets and which when inserted therein, engage and rotate one or more of the toy modules located in subεtantially any position in the constructed toy.
In one embodiment, the present invention resideε in a conεtruction toy which includes a number of interconnectable toy moduleε, a supporting base having a number of movable elements, such as rotatable sockets, and at least one drive εhaft which when engaged by a movable element engages and moves a toy module.
With the present invention, the toy modules may be provided with different overall shapeε and sizes, and may, for example, be any one version of the major types of conεtruction toys, namely LEGO, MECCANO, or K'NEX. By coupling various toy modules together, almost any type of toy may be constructed. At least one toy module includes one or more projections and one or more recesses, and is adapted for coupling to other toy moduleε. More preferably each toy module has a number of projections and recesses. The projections and recesεeε of the modules have a complementary size and shape which permits the insertion of the projection of one module into the recesε of another, thereby releaεably coupling the two moduleε together in a friction or εnap fit.
The base unit is provided with one or more surfaces having formed therein either recesses or projections which are complementary to those of the toy modules. The receεεeε and projections on the base surfaces engage the corresponding projections or recesεes of at least some of the moduleε to releasably couple the assembled toy thereto. Preferably a number of rotatable sockets or other movable element are provided in openings formed through the surface of the base. The sockets are connected to a motor by a linkage asεembly consiεting of gearε and one or more linkage armε which are internally housed within the base. The gearing may be configured εo that the activation of the motor moveε different εocketε through different degreeε and/or εpeedε and/or directionε of either rotational or vertical movement. For example, the gearing may permit the rotation of variouε socketε at different speeds through 360° of rotation, while rotating other socketε reciprocally through 90°, βθ or other selected degrees of rotation.
The drive shaft element which iε uεed to engage the toy moduleε may be rigid or flexible and of almoεt any desired length or εhape. The εhaft element preferably has an end portion with a size and shape selected for insertion into a socket, such that the rotation of the εocket also moves the drive shaft element through rotational movement.
More preferably, the εocketε are movably connected to the motor by a linkage aεεembly which may be diεengaged by a clutch. The clutch iε constructed to disengage the motor from the εockets or gears if too large a resiεtive force iε applied to any one εocket or drive shaft.
The base unit may alεo be provided with one or more electrical outlets or receptacles for electrically connecting external LED's or other light sourceε to an electrical power supply. A speaker and removable sound card may also be housed within the base unit to simulate the sounds typically produced by the constructed toy. The base unit may be formed having a single flat planar upper surface, or may also have a number of horizontally spaced mounting εurfaceε which may, for example, simulate changes in topography or sea level, as well as vesselε, vehicleε, building εtructureε, and the like. If desired, each or different mounting surfaceε at different levels and/or inclinations may have one or more sockets or other mechanical or electrical receptacles or elements provided therein.
Accordingly in one aspect the present invention resides in a construction toy comprising, a plurality of releaεably connectable toy moduleε, drive εhaft meanε for actuating at least one of said toy moduleε into movement, and supporting base means for supporting said toy modules thereon, said drive εhaft meanε including a first end portion having a substantially polygonal cross-sectional shape, and a εecond end portion for engaging at leaεt one of said toy modules, said base means including, upper mounting surface means including coupling means to releasably couple a plurality of said modules to said base meanε, a plurality of openingε formed through said mounting surface means sized to permit insertion of the first end portion of said drive shaft therein, a plurality of rotatable socket meanε, each εaid socket means axially aligned with a corresponding one of said openings, and having a complementary size and shape to said drive shaft meanε firεt end portion to permit its insertion therein, drive means for activating εaid εocket means in rotational movement whereby the rotation of said means activateε any drive shaft means inεerted therein into rotational movement to rotate said toy modules engaged by εaid εecond end portion, εaid drive meanε including a motor, power εupply meanε for supplying power to said motor and linkage means for mechanically coupling said motor to said socket means, and clutch means for decoupling said motor from εaid εocket meanε on the application of a critical load on one of εaid εocket means.
In another aspect the present invention resides in a supporting base for use with a conεtruction toy having a plurality of releaεably connectable toy moduleε and drive shaft meanε having a first end portion for engaging said base and a second end portion for engaging at least one of said toy modules to activate at leaεt one toy module into movement, the supporting base for mounting the toy modules thereon and including, mounting surface means including projection means to engage and releasably couple a plurality of said modules thereon, a plurality of openingε through said mounting surface means, each of said opening sized to permit insertion of the first portion of εaid drive shaft means therein, a plurality of rotatable εocket means, each of εaid εocket meanε axially aligned with a corresponding one of said openingε, and having a complementary size and shape to said firεt end portion of εaid drive εhaft means for insertion of said firεt end portion therein, drive means for activating εaid εocket meanε in rotational movement whereby the rotation of the socket meanε activateε the drive εhaft means inserted therein into rotational movement to rotate εaid toy module engaged by εaid second end portion, said drive meanε including an electric motor, and linkage meanε for mechanically connecting εaid motor to said sleeve meanε, and clutch means for disconnecting said motor from said socket means on the application of a critical load on one of εaid socket means.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a construction toy comprising a plurality of toy modules supporting base means for supporting εaid toy modules thereon, and drive shaft means having a first end portion for engaging said base means and a second end portion for engaging one of εaid toy modules, each of said toy modules including a plurality of subεtantially identical recesses and a plurality of module projections, each said module projection εized for complementary inεertion into a correεponding one of εaid recesses, whereby the insertion of one or more of said module projections of a first toy module into corresponding receεses of a second toy module releasably coupleε the first and second toy modules together, εaid supporting baεe means including mounting surface means having a plurality of base projections having substantially the same configuration as said module projectionε, whereby the inεertion of one or more of εaid base projections into the recesses of said toy module releasably couple the toy module to the baεe meanε, a plurality of circular openingε formed through εaid mounting εurface sized to permit insertion of the first end portion of the drive shaft means therein, a plurality of socket means for receiving said first end portion of the drive shaft means therein, each of said socket meanε rotatably diεpoεed in one of said openings, drive means for activating said socket means into rotational movement wherein the rotation of said socket meanε activates a corresponding drive εhaft mean inεerted therein into rotational movement to rotate said toy module engaged by said second end portion, said drive meanε including an electric motor, power εupply means for supplying power to said motor, and linkage meanε for mechanically coupling εaid motor to said socket means, said linkage means including gearing means which on activation of said motor reciprocally rotates a first one of said socket means and rotates a second one of εaid εocket meanε through 360° movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perεpective partially cut-away view showing an aεεembled conεtruction toy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 εhowε a perεpective view of the right hand portion of the base unit of Figure 1, prior to the erection of the toy moduleε thereon;
Figure 3 εhows a partial perspective view of the linkage asεembly and gearing for uεe with the base unit portion shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 showε a εchematic view of the linkage aεεembly and gearing εhown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows an exploded partial cross- sectional view of a first rigid drive shaft element and a customized toy module for uεe with the conεtruction toy of Figure 1;
Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a second modified drive εhaft element for use with the present invention;
Figure 6b shows a perspective view of another modified flexible drive shaft element for use with the toy of Figure 1;
Figure 7 showε a top view of the toy module of Figure 5;
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy module of Figure 5 with a rotatable connecting sleeve inserted therein;
Figure 9 shows a partially exploded cross- sectional view of a second customized toy module and conventional toy module for use with the drive shaft element of Figure 5;
Figure 10 shows a crosε-sectional view of a third customized toy module for use with the construction toy of Figure 1;
Figure 11 showε a perεpective end view of a fourth cuεtomized toy module for uεe with the conεtruction toy of Figure 1;
Figure 12 εhowε a partial croεε-εectional view of a baεe unit in accordance with a εecond embodiment of the invention; and
Figures 13a and 13b show schematic views of two adaptor toy modules for uεe with the preεent invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is made to Figure 1 which showε a conεtruction toy 10 in accordance with a firεt embodiment of the invention. The toy 10 includes a baεe unit 12, a number of interconnectable plaεtic toy modules 14, and one or more elongated plastic drive shaft elements 18a and 18b which, as will be described hereafter, are used to drive one or more of the toy modules 14 in movement.
Figure 1 shows best the toy moduleε 14 aε being of the type found in LEGO TM construction toys. The modules
14 are of a conventional known type and include block-like modules 14a of differing widths and/or lengthε, aε well aε a εmaller number of εpecialty moduleε 14b,14c,14d,14e which simulate people, trees, lamps and other εhapeε and structures. Each of the modules 14 is characterized by a surface having a number of uniformly spaced cylindrical projections 20 and a εurface having a number of correεpondingly εhaped and εized cylindrical recesses 22. As is known, the projections 20 and recesses 22 of the block-like modules 14a are aligned in oppoεing parallel surfaces to permit the modules 14a to be stacked together. The recesses 22 are positioned in an identical spaced arrangement to that of the projections 20, such that the projections 20 of one module 14 may be inserted into the recesses 22 of another, thereby releasably coupling the modules 14 together in a snap fit.
It is to be appreciated that while Figure 1 shows the construction toy 10 assembled to form a toy helicopter and a toy castle, the arrangement of the projections 20 and recesses 22 permit the toy modules 14 to be stacked in an interconnected arrangement to form almoεt any fictional or realiεtic toy structure, vehicle, machine, person and/or animal, or the like.
The base unit 12 is provided as the support upon which the modules 14 are assembled in erecting a toy, and includes a number of movable cylindrical socketε 26 which, aε will be described hereafter, are used to actuate all or part of the erected toy in movement.
The base unit 12 shown in Figure 1 includes a generally planar mounting εurface 28. To enable the modules 14 to be mounted on the base unit 12, the mounting surface 28 is provided with a number of upwardly extending cylindrical projectionε 30 having the identical εize and subεtantially the same spacing as the module projectionε 20. In this manner, the toy modules 14 may be releasably coupled to the mounting εurface 28 by the insertion of one or more of the projections 30 into correεponding module receεεeε 22. Figure 2 shows best a partially cut-away portion of the base unit 12 which includes the right hand portion of the mounting surface 28a prior to the erection of toy modules 14 thereon. Mounting surface 28a has eight rotatable sockets 26 provided therein at various spaced locations. The sockets 26 are shown as located so as to occupy the position which would otherwise be occupied by a projection 30, but could equally be provided in other εpaced arrangements. Preferably each socket 26 iε rotatably provided centered within an associated circular aperture 32 which extendε through the mounting εurface 28a. The sockets 26 are flush with or slightly receεεed into the mounting εurface 28 εo aε not to interfere with the mounting of the toy moduleε 14 on the base unit 12. As seen best in Figureε 3 and 4, the εocketε 26 open upwardly to define an axially extending εquare receεε having a εize εelected to receive therein a lower end of a drive shaft element 18a,18b, so that movement of the socket 26 rotates a corresponding drive shaft element 18 which is inserted therein in movement.
Figures 3 and 4 show best the linkage assembly which is used to rotatably couple the εocketε 26 to an electric motor 66. Each of the εocketε 26 extend upwardly from the centre of an aεεociated εpur gear 40 which iε rotatably housed with the base unit 12. The spur gears 40 are formed aε flattened circular diεkε having toothed peripheral edgeε 41, and are poεitioned within the base unit 12 sandwiched between the underside of the mounting surface 28a and a horizontally extending divider panel 42 which is spaced above the bottom 45 of the base unit 12. The spur gears 40 are provided in a subεtantially co-planar orientation and are rotatably coupled to the divider panel 42 at locations spaced radially about a circular opening 46 formed through the panel 42. A drive gear 50 is rotatably provided within the base unit 12 for driving the spur gears 40 in rotation. The drive gear 50 is rotatable on a central εhaft 52 which iε rotatably secured to the bottom 45 and aligned with the centre of the opening 46. The gear 50 includes an upper circular portion 56 which projectε upwardly through the opening 46 and a lower enlarged circular portion 58 which extendε radially outward between the divider panel 42 and bottom 45 of the baεe unit 12. The upper portion 56 of the drive gear 50 includeε a toothed peripheral edge 57 for meεhing engagement with the peripheral edge 41 of one or more of the εpur gearε 40. The lower portion 58 of the gear 50 includeε a toothed radially extending lower rack 60 formed in the underεide of the gear 50.
In the embodiment εhown, four of the εockets 26a in the mounting surface 28a rotate through 360° of movement, two of the εocketε 26b reciprocally rotate through approximately 60° of movement; and the remaining two sockets 26c rotate reciprocally through approximately 60° movement in an opposite direction to the direction of the sockets 26b.
The rotation of socketε 26a occurε by the direct engagement of the peripheral edge 57 of the upper portion 56 of the drive gear with the peripheral edge 41 of each of the aεsociated spur gears 40a. As the drive gear 50 rotateε, the engagement of the toothed edges 57,41 rotates the spur gearε 40a and sockets 26a in the oppoεite direction. Socketε 26b are driven in reciprocal movement by the εliding of the engagement of a camming roller and pin 61 which projectε upwardly from a peripheral upper surface of the portion 56, within slotε formed in rocker arms 62a,62b which are attached to each of the respective spur gearε 40b. To minimize manufacturing costs, it iε preferable that εockets 26c be driven in rotation by the engagement of the toothed peripheral edges 41 of the spur gears 40b with the peripheral edge 41 of a corresponding spur gear 40c. It is to be appreciated however that the speed at which the sockets 26 rotate and the directions and degrees of rotational movement may be easily varied by adjusting the arrangement of the spur gears 40.
As seen best in Figures 3 and 4, the drive gear
50 is driven in rotational movement by the electric motor 66 which iε powered by a battery 68, and a linkage arm 70.
The linkage arm 70 has provided at its end a pinion 72 which is configured to engage the lower rack 60.
A slip clutch 76 is provided to disengage the pinion 72 from the motor 66 in the event too large a resistive force is placed upon one of the sockets 26. The clutch 76 consists of a driving member 78 which is coupled to the motor drive shaft 80 and a driven member 82 provided on the linkage arm 70. The driving member 78 and driven member 82 are provided with complementary angled faces 79,83. The driven member 82 is slidable along the linkage arm 70 between a first position, wherein the angled faceε 79 of the driving member 78 rotatably engage the angled faces 83 of the driven member 82; and a second position, where the driven member 82 is moved away from the driving member 78 and the angled faceε 79 rotate relative to the faceε 83.
The driven member 82 iε coupled to the linkage arm 70 such that the rotation of the driven member 82 rotateε the linkage arm 70 and pinion 72, while permitting εliding movement of the driven member 82 axially along the linkage arm 70 between the firεt and εecond position. The linkage arm 70 may therefore have a square cross-sectional profile, as iε εhown in Figure 4. A spring 86 is used to normally bias the driven member 82 to the first position in contact with the driving member 78. When a resistive load on the driven member 82 exceeds the critical load, the driving member 78 rotates relative to the driven member 82. On movement of the members 78,82 relative to each other, the sliding contact of the angular surfaces 79,83 urges the driven member 82 againεt the biaε of the εpring 86 away from the driving member 78 εo that the driven member 82, linkage arm 70 and pinion 72 are no longer rotated by the motor 66. On the release of the resistive load forces, the spring 86 returns the driven member 82 into engaging contact with the driving member 78, whereby under either no load or normal load conditions the rotation of the motor drive shaft 80 and driving member 78 rotates driven member 82, linkage arm 70 and pinion 72, thereby rotating the drive gear 50.
The clutch 76 advantageously minimizes the riεk of damage to the base unit 12 of the toy 10. If excessive resistant forces are applied to the drive gear 50, as for example on a child grasping a drive shaft element 18 with sufficient force as to prevent its rotation, as well aε the aεεociated εocket 26 and the εpur gear 40, the driving member 78 will continue to rotate relative to the driven member 82 and no excessive forces will be placed upon the motor 66. As the gears 40,50 are no longer rotated, the risk of damage to gearing of the base unit 12 is alεo eliminated. The foregoing construction iε thereby advantageous in that a small child may, when erecting a construction toy, impede the movement of one or more rotating sockets 26 without adversely harming the gears 40, drive gear 50, linkage arm 70 or the motor 66.
As εchematically illustrated in Figure 4, electricity flow from the battery 68 is controlled by an on/off switch 88, and current flow is indicated by a "power-on" light 89 provided on the εide of the base unit 12. A rheostatic speed control 90 iε preferably also provided, permitting the speed at which the motor 66 and sockets 26 rotate to be varied, maximizing the adaptability of the toy 10.
Figures 2 and 4 show best the base unit 12 aε further including a number of electrical receptacleε 92 which are electrically connected to battery 68 and controlled by switch 88. Figure 4 illuεtrates the receptacles 92 as part of an electric circuit 98. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the circuit 98 extends as a loop under the entire mounting surface 28 to connect with the remaining receptacles 92. Like the socketε 26, the electrical receptacleε 92 are fluεh with or recessed into the mounting surface 28 εo as not to interfere with the mounting of the toy moduleε 14 on the baεe unit 12. The receptacles 92 are for use with light units 96 which include male connectors 97 adapted for removable inεertion into a correεponding receptacle 92 and which may, for example, be provided aε part of a εpecialty module 14d.
Figureε 3 and 4 show best electric circuit 98 as including a spring contact switch 100 for providing intermittent current flow to the receptacles 92. A number of radially εpaced camming projections 102 are provided about the rotatable shaft 52 which extends below the drive gear 50. As the gear 50 rotateε, the camming projectionε 102 bias the spring contact switch 100 to a closed position which permitε current flow to the receptacles 92. As each projection 102 rotates past the contact switch 100, the switch 100 reεiliently returns to an unbiaεed, open position which interrupts current flow. As such, on rotation of the main drive gear 50, current is intermittently provided to the electrical receptacles 92 with the reεult that connected light unitε 96 flaεh on and off.
Figure 4 illustrates the light unit 96 having a bulb, electrical cable, and plug, however, it is to be appreciated that the light unit 96 could have any deεired shape, size and structure and could also be integrally formed aε part of clear plaεtic module provided with male connectors for insertion into a receptacle.
The base unit 12 is preferably also provided with removable sound card 104, speaker 106 and volume control 108 which provide an audio signal indicative of a particular piece of equipment, vehicle or other toy which is to be erected. The sound card 104 may be supplied as part of a toy kit aε to provide the εound effect which correεpondε to the toy package.
Figure 1 εhowε two drive εhaft elementε 18a,18b. In the simplest construction, seen best in Figure 5, the drive shaft element 18a is formed as an elongated plastic member having a rectangular construction with the top end 36 having a εquare crosε-εection sized to fit into the cylindrical recesε 22 of a conventional module 14 in a friction-fit. The bottom end 38 of the element 18b haε a square crosε-εection adapted for inεertion into an aεεociated one of the εocketε 26. The top and bottom endε 36,38 are εized to snugly fit in the respective recesε 22 and socket 26, such that the rotation of the socket 26 rotates the element 18a together with the toy module 14 which is coupled thereto. It is to be appreciated that both the bottom end 36 and socket 26 may alεo be provided with either a non-polygonal or other polygonal cross- sectional shape which minimizes the likelihood of the drive shaft element 18 slipping in the socket 26. While a drive εhaft element 18a having the εimplified conεtruction of Figure 5 iε economical to produce and may be provided in almoεt any length, it iε to be appreciated that drive εhaft elementε having a more complex construction may also be used. Figures 6a and 6b show other such drive shaft elements 18c,18b. The bottom end 38 of the elements 18b,18c are eεεentially the εame as that as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 6b shows the top end 36 of the drive shaft element 18c as being provided with an enlarged flattened portion 110. The flattened portion 110 includes a number of upwardly extending projections 112 as well as a number of spaced socketε 114 which are the εame configuration aε the toy module projectionε 20 and εocketε 22. The projectionε 112 and εockets 114 thereby releasably coupling a toy module 14 to the top end of the shaft 18c.
Figure 6b showε the drive εhaft element 18b aε being formed from two εeparate componentε 116,117 joined in the middle and which each have the εame εtructure aε element 18a. The top end 36 of component 116 haε a εquare or other polygonal croεε-εection. A flexible εpring 118 connectε the top and bottom componentε 116,117, permitting the upper component 116 of the drive εhaft element 18b to be angled relative to the lower component 117.
While the baεe unit 12 iε primarily adapted for use with conventional toy modules 14, the applicant haε appreciated that by providing a smaller number of cuεtomized modules 34,44,54,64 seen in Figures 7 to 11, which interconnect with the conventional modules 14, a construction toy 10 having even a greater degree of flexibility and utility may be achieved.
Figures 5, 6b and 7 show two variations of customized toy module 34 which may be uεed to conceal the drive shaft element 18 within an assembled toy. Each of the moduleε 34 are provided with a number of cylindrical projectionε 120 which have an identical shape and size and substantially the same εpacing aε projectionε 20. Corresponding shaped recesεeε 122 are alεo provided with the same size and εpacing as the module recesses 22. The toy module 34 shown in Figure 6b is provided with a horizontally extending cylindrical bore 126 which is used to conceal the horizontally oriented component 116 of drive shaft element 18b.
In the module 34 shown best in Figures 5 and 7, cylindrical bore 126 is provided in a vertical orientation formed through the centre of the module 34. It is to be appreciated that the bore 126 is sized having a radial diameter selected to permit unhindered rotation of a drive shaft element 18 which has been inserted therethrough. In the manner shown in Figure 5 and 6b, the module 34 permits the erection of a construction toy 26 so that the drive shaft element 18 extends through the centre bore 126 formed in one or more stacked modules 34, and iε thereby completely concealed.
Figure 8 εhowε a modified use of the module 34 for linking together two rectangular drive εhaft elementε 18a,18a'. A removable cylindrical coupling sleeve 128 is inserted into the bore 126. The coupling sleeve 128 is rotatably seated in the bore by means of an upper peripherally extending rim 130. Axially centered square upper and lower recesεeε 132,134 are provided in each end of the sleeve 128. The recesεeε 132,134 are εized to receive an end of each reεpective drive shaft element 18a1,18a in a friction fit, joining the two drive shaft elementε 18a',18a in rotational movement therewith. Figure 9 showε another cuεtomized module 44 for uεe with a drive εhaft element 18a having a εquare cross- section. Like the module 34, module 44 also includeε a number of cylindrical projectionε 120 and receεεeε 122 which are identical in εhape and εize to projectionε 20 and recesseε 22. The module 44 includeε a εquare receεε 140 which iε formed in the centre of the lower εurface of the module 44. The receεε 140 iε εized to receive therein in a complementary fit the εquare upper end 36 of a drive εhaft element 18a. By the uεe of module 44, the drive shaft element 18 may be inserted into the recess 140, whereby the rotation of the socket 26 rotates the module 44, and any modules 14 which are connected thereto.
Figure 10 shows yet another customized module 54. In addition to projections 120 and recesεeε 122, the module 54 iε provided with four internally meshing bevel gears 144,146,148,150. Each bevel gear 144,146,148,150 extends aε a εhaft from the centre of the module 54, opening into εquare εhaped εocket 154 which iε εized to receive therein an end of rectangular drive εhaft elementε 18a,18a'. In the manner εhown, when the drive εhaft element 18a iε inεerted into the εocket 154 of the bottom bevel gear 144 and the shaft element 18a' is rotated in the direction of arrow 156, the drive shaft element 18a' which has been inserted into the socket 154 of bevel gear 146 is rotated in the direction of arrow 158.
Figure 10 illustrates a module 54 which incorporates four bevel gears 144,146,148,150 extending at right angles to each other. Other combinations and/or orientationε of bevel gears are, however, also possible. Similarly, while each of the gears 144,146,148,150 are shown as extending outwardly to form a εocket 154, one or more of the gearε 144,146,148,150 could alεo extend beyond the module 54 and have an end adapted for rotatable insertion within a socket 26.
Figure 11 showε an end view of a further customized module 64 for uεe with the preεent invention. The module 64 iε identical to the module 14 with the exception that a εquare receεs 162 is formed in one end surface 164 of the module 64. With the module 64, the square end of a drive shaft element 18a may be inserted into the square recesε 162 to move the module 64 in rotational movement about an axiε parallel to itε upper and lower surfaces.
Figures 2 to 4 illustrate in detail one portion of the mounting surface 28a together with rotatable socketε 26, εpur gearε 40 and drive gear 50. Although not εhown, it is to be appreciated that the sockets 26 which are provided in the remainder of the mounting surface 28 are driven in rotational movement by subεtantially identical εpur gear/drive gear 40,50 aεεemblieε. The drive gearε 50 of the remaining mounting surface areas may be rotatably interconnected. Two or more εectionε or other mounting surfaceε may be connected for rotation by a εimple coupling gear mechaniεm, εuch aε for example, by using a connecting spur gear 172 positioned between drive gears, aε iε εhown in part in Figureε 2 and 4. Alternately, the drive gear of each separate section of the mounting εurface 28 may be driven independently by a εeparate motor and linkage aεεembly.
Figure 1 εhowε a planar mounting εurface under which variouε εeparate gear/drive gear 40,50 assemblies are provided. A single larger εpur gear/drive gear 40,50 aεεembly could, however, alεo be provided under a mounting εurface which iε provided with a number of distinct mounting surface portions. The base unit 12 εhown in Figure 12 is provided with a number of generally horizontal vertically displaced mounting surfaceε 28a,28b,28c, but is otherwise similar to the base unit 12 shown in Figure l, with like reference numerals identifying like components.
The mounting surfaces 28a-28c are illustrated as being generally horizontal, with immediately adjacent mounting surfaces 28 being vertically displaced relative to each other. Figure 12 shows the base unit 12 as being formed so as to simulate sloping terrain and is preferably provided with colouring or other suitable indicia to simulate hills, water or other geographical features. The base unit 12 could, however, equally be formed to represent part of a building, vehicle or other geographical area and have one or more non-horizontal mounting surfaceε 28 to which other εuitable indicia are applied.
The εpur gear/drive gear 40,50 εhown in Figure 12 is subεtantially identical to that shown in Figureε 3 and
4 with the exception that the socketε 26 extend upwardly at different heightε from the aεεociated εpur gearε 40, into a correεponding mounting εurface area.
Although it iε advantageous that the rotatable socketε 26 be recessed into the mounting surface 28 so as not to interfere with the assembly of the variouε toy modules 14 thereon, this iε not eεεential. Further while the preferred embodiment illustrates a mounting surface 28 having horizontally rotatable sockets 26, if desired, additional sockets could be provided which are adapted for vertical movement relative to the mounting surface.
Figure 1 illustrateε the conεtruction toy 10 aε incorporating a number of conventional block-like toy modules 14a of the type found in LEGO toy systems, however, the invention is not so limited. Other shapes and structureε of modules may equally be used, including modules of the types found in MECCANO and K'NEX construction toyε, and will now become apparent. Figureε 13a and 13b each show respectively two adaptor moduleε 174,176 for use with the present invention. The lower surface of each adaptor module 174,176 is also provided with a number of spaced cylindrical recesses (not shown) for coupling the moduleε 174,176 to the base 12 on the projections 30. Module 174 includes an upper ferrule or loop 178 configured for attaching MECCANO type modules thereto. Module 176 iε provided with a socket-type connector 180 for use with K'NEX components. It is to be appreciated that by the use of modules 174,176 and other similar adaptor moduleε, the baεe 12 may be uεed with almoεt any type conεtruction toy.
While Figure 1 illuεtrates an asεembled toy incorporating a simple rigid drive shaft element lδa and a flexible drive εhaft element 18b, the multiple εocket arrangement advantageouεly permits the conεtruction of toyε having a number of different typeε of movable drive shafts and modules, and in which the modules are moved in different directions and at different speedε.
While the detailed deεcription diεcloεeε preferred embodimentε of the invention, the invention iε not so limited and other modifications and variations will now become apparent to persons skilled in this art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claimε.

Claims

I claim:
1. A conεtruction toy comprising, a plurality of releasably connectable toy modules, drive shaft means for actuating at least one of said toy modules into movement, and supporting base means for supporting said toy modules thereon, said drive shaft meanε including a firεt end portion having a εubεtantially polygonal cross- sectional shape, and a second end portion for engaging at leaεt one of εaid toy moduleε, εaid baεe meanε including, upper mounting surface means including coupling means to releasably couple a plurality of said modules to said base means, a plurality of openings formed through said mounting surface means sized to permit insertion of the firεt end portion of εaid drive εhaft therein, a plurality of rotatable εocket meanε, each εaid εocket means axially aligned with a corresponding one of said openings, and having a complementary size and shape to said drive shaft means first end portion to permit its insertion therein, drive means for activating said socket means in rotational movement whereby the rotation of said means activates any drive εhaft meanε inεerted therein into rotational movement to rotate εaid toy modules engaged by said second end portion, said drive means including a motor, power supply means for supplying power to εaid motor and linkage meanε for mechanically coupling said motor to said εocket meanε, and clutch meanε for decoupling εaid motor from εaid εocket means on the application of a critical load on one of said socket means.
2. A construction toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein εaid upper mounting εurface meanε compriεeε at leaεt two non-coplanar generally horizontal mounting εurfaces, said openings and said socket dispoεed in at least two of said horizontal mounting surfaceε.
3. A construction toy as claimed in claim 2 wherein said linkage meanε includes gearing means coupled to the socket means and on activation of said motor, the gearing means rotates at least one of said socket means through 360° movement.
4. A construction toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein said upper mounting surface means includes at least one generally horizontal mounting surface, and said coupling meanε compriεeε a plurality of equally spaced generally cylindrical projections.
5. A construction toy as claimed in claim 3 wherein said base meanε further includeε audio meanε for outputting an audio εignal, εaid audio meanε including εpeaker means, and audio controller means for controlling the audio signal to the output.
6. A construction toy as claimed in claim 5 wherein said audio controller means comprises a removable sound card.
7. A construction toy as claimed in claim l wherein said base further includeε audio meanε for outputting an audio signal, said audio means including speaker means, and controller means for controlling the audio signal to be output, the controller meanε comprising a removable sound card,
8. A construction toy as claimed in claim 6 further including light emitting means said base means including a plurality of electrical receptacle means for electrically coupling with said light emitting means to said power supply means, said receptacle means dispoεed in at leaεt one of εaid mounting surfaces.
9. A construction toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of toy modules include at least one module having a bore εized for rotatable inεertion of εaid drive shaft means therethrough.
10. A construction toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second end portion of εaid drive εhaft element has a substantially polygonal cross-sectional shape, and said plurality of toy modules include at least one module having a polygonal εhaped receεε εized for complementary inεertion of εaid second end portion therein.
11. A supporting baεe for uεe with a conεtruction toy having a plurality of releaεably connectable toy moduleε and drive εhaft means having a first end portion for engaging said base and a second end portion for engaging at least one of said toy modules to activate said at least one toy module into movement, the supporting base for mounting the toy modules thereon and including, mounting surface meanε including projection meanε to engage releasably couple a plurality of said modules thereto, a plurality of openings through said mounting surface means, each of said opening sized to permit insertion of the first portion of said drive shaft means therein, a plurality of rotatable socket means, each of said socket means axially aligned with a corresponding one of said openings, and having a complementary size and shape to said first end portion of said drive shaft means for insertion of said first end portion therein, drive meanε for activating εaid εocket meanε in rotational movement whereby the rotation of the εocket means activates the drive εhaft meanε inεerted therein into rotational movement to rotate said toy module engaged by said second end portion, said drive means including an electric motor, and linkage means for mechanically connecting said motor to said sleeve means, and clutch means for disconnecting εaid motor from said socket means on the application of a critical load on one of said socket means.
12. A supporting base as claimed in claim 11 wherein said mounting surface means compriseε a plurality of vertically diεplaced generally horizontal mounting surfaces.
13. A supporting base as claimed in claim 11 wherein said linkage means includes gearing means coupled to the socket means and on activation of εaid motor, the gearing means rotates at least one of said socket means through 360° movement.
14. A construction toy comprising a plurality of toy modules, supporting base means for supporting said toy modules thereon, and drive shaft meanε having a first end portion for engaging said base means and a second end portion for engaging one of said toy modules. each of said toy modules including a plurality of substantially identical recesseε and a plurality of module projections, each said module projection sized for complementary insertion into a corresponding one of said recesses, whereby the insertion of one or more of said module projections of a first toy module into corresponding recesses of a second toy module releasably couples the first and second toy modules together, said supporting base meanε including mounting surface meanε having a plurality of baεe prσjectionε having subεtantially the same configuration as said module projections, whereby the insertion of one or more of said base projections into the recesεeε of said toy module releasably couple the toy module to the baεe means, a plurality of circular openings formed through said mounting surface sized to permit insertion of the first end portion of the drive shaft means therein, a plurality of socket means for receiving εaid firεt end portion of the drive εhaft meanε therein, each of said socket means rotatably diεposed in one of said openings, drive means for activating said socket means into rotational movement wherein the rotation of said socket means activates a corresponding drive shaft mean inserted therein into rotational movement to rotate said toy module engaged by said εecond end portion, said drive means including an electric motor, power supply means for εupplying power to said motor, and linkage means for mechanically coupling said motor to εaid socket means, said linkage means including gearing means which on activation of said motor reciprocally rotates a first one of said socket means and rotates a second one of said socket means through 360° movement.
15. A conεtruction toy as claimed in claim 14 wherein said mounting surface means comprises a plurality of generally horizontal and vertically displaced mounting surfaces, said openings and socket means provided in at leaεt two of said mounting εurfaces.
16. A conεtruction toy aε claimed in claim 15 further including light emitting meanε said base meanε including a plurality of electrical receptacle means for electrically coupling with said light emitting means to εaid power supply means, said receptacle means dispoεed in at least one of said mounting surfaces.
17. A construction toy as claimed in claim 14 wherein said base means further includes audio means for outputting an audio signal, said audio means including speaker means, and audio controller means for controlling the audio signal to the output.
18. A construction toy as claimed in claim 17 wherein said audio controller means compriseε a removable εound card.
19. A construction toy aε claimed in claim 1 wherein said toy modules include recesε means and projection means sized for complementary insertion into the receεε meanε, the insertion of the projection means of one module into the recess means of another module releasably coupling the modules together, and said coupling means iε εelected from εaid recess means and said projection means.
20. A supporting base as claimed in claim 11 wherein said toy modules each include said projection means and recesε means sized for complementary insertion into εaid projection means therein, whereby the inεertion of the projection means of one module into the recess means of another module releasably couples the modules together.
PCT/CA1996/000470 1995-06-26 1996-06-26 Construction toy support base WO1997001382A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU63504/96A AU6350496A (en) 1995-06-26 1996-06-26 Construction toy support base
GB9723684A GB2316887B (en) 1995-06-26 1996-06-26 Construction toy support base

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US49402995A 1995-06-26 1995-06-26
US08/494,029 1995-06-26
CA002176073A CA2176073A1 (en) 1995-06-26 1996-05-08 Construction toy support base
CA2,176,073 1996-05-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997001382A1 true WO1997001382A1 (en) 1997-01-16

Family

ID=25678458

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA1996/000470 WO1997001382A1 (en) 1995-06-26 1996-06-26 Construction toy support base

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6350496A (en)
GB (1) GB2316887B (en)
WO (1) WO1997001382A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012039612A1 (en) * 2010-09-24 2012-03-29 Guo-Hua Verstraaten-Hu Play plateau

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1914624A1 (en) * 1969-03-21 1970-10-01 Magneto Kg Gerhard Biewan Toys with moving elements
US4109398A (en) * 1975-08-16 1978-08-29 Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd. Construction type educational and amusement device
EP0124237A1 (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-11-07 Brian Mawdsley Toys or models
US4813903A (en) * 1986-09-23 1989-03-21 Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc. Block toy with integral drive shaft
EP0590432A2 (en) * 1992-09-16 1994-04-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Block units for a block toy

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1914624A1 (en) * 1969-03-21 1970-10-01 Magneto Kg Gerhard Biewan Toys with moving elements
US4109398A (en) * 1975-08-16 1978-08-29 Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd. Construction type educational and amusement device
EP0124237A1 (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-11-07 Brian Mawdsley Toys or models
US4813903A (en) * 1986-09-23 1989-03-21 Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc. Block toy with integral drive shaft
EP0590432A2 (en) * 1992-09-16 1994-04-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Block units for a block toy

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012039612A1 (en) * 2010-09-24 2012-03-29 Guo-Hua Verstraaten-Hu Play plateau

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2316887B (en) 1999-07-28
GB2316887A (en) 1998-03-11
GB9723684D0 (en) 1998-01-07
AU6350496A (en) 1997-01-30

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