WO1998035733A1

WO1998035733A1 - Marble run game

Info

Publication number: WO1998035733A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/002754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lance Yule
Original assignee: Taurus Toys Inc.
Priority date: 1997-02-14
Filing date: 1998-02-13
Publication date: 1998-08-20
Also published as: EP1007173A1; EP1007173A4; AU6654698A

Abstract

A marble run game (10) consists of a set of block elements (11) constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble. Each block element has a top surface (13) and one or more side surfaces (15), the top surface and at least one side surface of the block element together defining at least one groove (17) for generally horizontal travel of a marble along the top surface and through a plane (Ps) of the side surface.

Description

MARBLE RUN GAME Background of the Invention The invention relates to modular marble games. It has been known to provide modular marble race games consisting of a plurality of elements that can be assembled by the user to create a marble race path. A well known, highly vertical version of this type of game is distributed by Discovery Toys, Inc. (Martinez, California) and includes a wide variety of elements that may be assembled and disassembled by the user to erect a vast variety of marble race path-defining structures with self-contained support, the elements being designed with the expressed purpose of prolonging the period of time required for a marble to descend through the structure. Patents directed to the Discovery Toys race game include ichman et al . U.S. Patent No. 4,713,038; Klitsner U.S. Patent Nos. 4,874,342; 4,932,917 and 5,007,876; Wichman U.S. Design Patent Nos. 290,026; 290,028; 290,143; 290,145; 293,696; 294,044 and 294,959; and Klitsner U.S. Design Patent Nos. 305,042; 305,043; 305,044; 305,045; 305,046; 305,047; 305,345 and 305,443.

Embodiments of my own marble run game are described in Yule U.S. Patent No. 5,344,143, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Earlier patents by others describing marble game structures with elements assembled by the user include Wirth U.S. Patent No. 3,946,516 and Morse U.S. Patent No. 2,838,870. Other marble race games are provided with a fixed race path, e.g. as described by Talbot U.S. Patent No. 5,056,789.

Summary of the Invention The invention generally is a marble run game comprising a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, each block element having a top surface and one or more side surfaces, the top surface and at least one side surface of the block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along the top surface and through a plane of the side surface.

According to one aspect of the invention, the top surface of a first block element defines at least one upstanding protuberance, and the top surface of a second block element defines at least one orifice sized to receive the upstanding protuberance in interference fit. The first block element and the second block element are thus adapted for assembly with their respective top surfaces in opposed relationship, with the upstanding protuberance extending into the orifice in interference fit for securement together of the first and second block elements. When the first and second block elements are assembled in this manner, the groove of the first element and the groove of the second element in combination define a tunnel through which a marble can travel in a generally horizontal direction.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features . The upstanding protuberance on the top surface of the first block element and the orifice on the top surface of the second block element both have the form of a cylinder. The first block element and the second block element each define at least one upstanding protuberance and at least one orifice sized to receive an upstanding protuberance of an opposed block element in interference fit. The top surface of each of the first block element and the second block element has a quadrilateral shape, and each top surface also defines a pair of upstanding protuberances and a pair of orifices sized to receive an upstanding protuberance of an opposed block element in interference fit, the protuberances being disposed at opposite corners of the top surfaces . According to another aspect of the invention, the top surface of the first block element defines at least one upstanding protuberance, and the top surface of the second block element defines at least one orifice sized to receive the upstanding protuberance in interference fit. The first block element and the second block element are thus adapted for assembly with their respective top surfaces in opposed relationship with the upstanding protuberance extending into the orifice in interference fit for securement together of the first and second block elements. When the blocks are secured together in this manner, the groove of the first element and the groove of the second element in combination define a tunnel through which a marble can travel in a generally horizontal direction. A first pair of the first and second block elements define a circumferential groove co-axial with the tunnel and within the tunnel in a region adjacent the plane of a side surface of the first pair of block elements, and a second pair of the first and second block elements define a circumferential flange co-axial with the tunnel and extending from the tunnel to a region adjacent a plane of a side surface of the second pair of block elements. The first and second pairs of block elements are thus adapted for assembly with the side surface of the first pair opposed to the side surface of the second pair, and the circumferential flange engaged in the circumferential groove in a manner to permit relative rotation between the first pair and the second pair about an axis of the tunnel. Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features. A third block element has a top surface defining an arcuate groove along which a marble can travel. The arcuate groove has a first portion extending through a first side surface and a second portion extending through a second side surface adjacent the first side surface. The third block element is assembled with the first surface opposed to the side surface of the second pair of block elements and the first portion of the groove coaxial with the tunnel. When the second pair of block elements is rotated relative to the first pair of block elements in a manner to tilt the top surface of the third block from horizontal, gravitational momentum is imparted to a marble travelling through the tunnel to the first portion of the groove and afterwards to the second part of the groove .

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the set of block elements comprises a tongue defined in a first side surface of a first block element and a cooperating groove formed in an opposed side surface of a second block element. The tongue and the cooperating groove are adapted for generally vertical sliding engagement in a manner to resist disassembly of the first block element from the second block element by horizontally applied forces. The tongue has a resilient protuberance and a surface of the groove defines a dent sized and positioned for engagement by the resilient protuberance upon assembly of the first block element with the second block element in a manner to resist displacement and disassembly of the first block element from the second block element by application of vertically applied forces. Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features. The protuberance in the tongue is defined in the surface of a resilient cantilevered arm. The first block element has a tongue and defines a groove in the first side surface and in an opposite second side surface.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a marble run game comprises a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble. Each block element of the set comprises a top surface and one or more side surfaces, the top surface and at least one side surface of the block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along the top surface and through a plane of the side surface. The set of block elements further comprises a tongue defined in a first side surface of a first block element and a cooperating groove formed in an opposed side surface of a second block element, the tongue and the cooperating groove adapted for generally vertical sliding engagement in a manner to resist disassembly of the first block element from the second block element by application of a horizontally applied force of a predetermined first level. The groove is defined by a pair of groove arms terminating in opposed free ends, and the tongue comprises a pair of tongue arms terminating in opposite frees ends, at least one of the groove arms and the tongue arms having a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end thereby to permit flexing of the at least one of the groove arms and the tongue arms for disassembly of the first block element from the second block element by application of a horizontally applied force of a predetermined second level greater than the first level.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features. The groove is a dovetail groove and the tongue is a dovetail . Each groove arm of the pair of groove arms has a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end. Each tongue arm of the pair of tongue arms has a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end.

Objectives of the invention include to provide a marble run game that is highly horizontal, and consists of multiple elements that can be joined together, on any type of base support, to create an entertaining path for a marble on the run. Blocks may also be assembled, e.g., with top surfaces in opposition to form tunnels, and adjacent tunnel sets may be rotate to impart gravitational momentum to exiting marbles. Block elements may also be secured together in a manner to resist disassembly by application of horizontally and/or vertically applied forces, for additional enjoyment.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment, and from the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a marble run game of the invention; while Fig. 1A is a similar view of another arrangement of elements of a marble run game of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment of Fig . 1 ; Figs. 3, 3A and 3B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a single run block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 4, 4A and 4B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a double run block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 5, 5A and 5B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a double sloped run block element of a marble run game of the invention; Figs. 6, 6A and 6B are respective top, end and side plan views of another embodiment of a double sloped run block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 7, 7A and 7B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a double run/single run splitter block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 8, 8A and 8B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a single run 90° corner block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 9, 9A and 9B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a single run drop block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 10, 10A and 10B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a single run start/end block element of a marble run game of the invention;

Figs. 11, 11A and 11B are respective top, end and side plan views of another embodiment of a single run end block element with a bell;

Figs. 12, 12A and 12B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a double run crossover block element of a marble run game of the invention; and Figs. 13, 13A and 13B are respective top, end and side plan views of one embodiment of a single run circular drop through block element of a marble run game of the invention. Figs. 14 and 14A are perspective and side views respectively, and Fig. 14B is a bottom view, of another embodiment of a block element of a marble run game of the invention, with cooperating horizontal dove-tail and groove securement structure; Fig. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a block element of a marble run game of the invention, with cooperating vertical dove-tail and groove structure; and

Figs. 16 and 17 are end perspective views of another embodiment of a block element of a marble run game of the invention, with cooperating hook and slot securement structure, while Fig. 18 is a side section view of the joined end portions of a pair of block element secured together by inter-engagement of the structure of Figs. 16 and 17.

Figs. 19 and 20 are perspective view of other embodiments of block element of the invention.

Figs. 21 et seq. are somewhat diagrammatic views of various accessory elements for use in a marble run game of the invention, as follows:

Fig. 21 shows a washer board ramp; Fig. 22 shows a curved run with a bell; Figs. 23-25 show intersecting dual curved runs; Figs. 26-31 show curved and spiral runs; Figs. 32-35 show sloped run accessories, each with a ramp at the lower end;

Fig. 36 shows a sloped run with a set of marbles at the base;

Fig. 37 shows a sloped zigzag run; Fig. 38 shows a sloped run with a bumper at the corner;

Fig. 39 shows a sloped run with a y-intersection and a bumper . Figs- 40 and 41 show u-turn tunnels;

Figs. 42 and 43 show straight tunnels;

Figs. 44 and 45 show loop runs;

Figs. 46 and 47 show spring-loaded impellers;

Figs. 49, 50 and 51 show tilt cup devices; Figs. 52 and 53 show wire elements, while Fig. 54 shows wire spacers;

Fig. 55 shows an arrangement of dominos or the like struck by a marble;

Fig. 56 shows a device consisting of an arrangement of see-saws,^•

Fig. 57 shows a powered device in the form of a ferris wheel;

Fig. 58 shows a powered device in the form of a conveyor lift; Fig. 59 shows a powered device in the form of a spiral elevator;

Fig. 60 shows an arrangement by which a first marble on a lower run is delivered against an actuator that is positioned to initiate motion by a marble on an upper run;

Figs. 61 and 62 show simple target accessories;

Figs. 63, 63A, 63B, 64 and 65 show target accessories of a more complex nature ;

Fig. 66 shows a maze; Fig. 67 shows an elastic target;

Figs. 68 and 69 show magnetic accessory devices for use with steel or iron marbles;

Figs. 70 and 71 show a run with several gates; Fig. 72 shows a starting element with several gates; and

Fig. 73 shows a rotatable starting element. Fig. 74 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a block element of the invention; and Figs. 75 and 76 are end views of a pair of block elements of Fig. 74 in disassembled and assembled state, respectively.

Fig. 77 is a perspective view of an assemblage of block elements of the invention; Fig. 78 is a side view of the assemblage of Fig. 77;

Figs. 79 and 80 are end views of the assemblage of Fig. 77, taken at the lines 79-79 and 80-80, respectively; Fig. 81, 82 and 83 are front, side and side section views, respectively, of one block element of a set of rotatable pairs of elements, as seen in Fig. 77 et seg. ; and

Figs. 84, 85 and 86 are front, side and side section views, respectively, of one block element of a set of rotatable pairs of elements, as seen in Fig. 77 et seg..

Fig. 87 is a front view of another embodiment of a block element of the invention; Fig. 88 is a top view of the block element of Fig. 87;

Fig. 89 is a side section view of the block element of Fig. 87, taken at the line 89-89;

Fig. 90 is a side section view of the block element of Fig. 87, taken at the line 90-90; and

Figs. 91 and 92 are side views of a pair of block elements of Fig. 87 in disassembled and assembled state, respectively. Figs. 93, 94 and 95 are top section views of opposed block segments showing flexible tongue and/or groove arrangements; and

Fig. 96 is a top section view of engaged opposed block segments showing the flexible tongue arrangement of Fig. 93.

Fig. 97 is a perspective view of a marble holding or starting block of the invention, and Fig. 98 is an end section view taken at the line 98-98 of Fig. 97. Fig. 99 is a perspective view of an off-ramp block of the invention, while Figs. 99A and 99B are side views thereof in lowered and raised positions, respectively.

Fig. 100 is a perspective view of an on-ramp block of the invention. Fig. 101 is a perspective view of a power element block of the invention.

Figs. 102 and 103 are perspective views of two embodiments of a rolling cylinder block of the invention.

Fig. 104 and 104A are a perspective and top plan view respectively of a banked curve block assembly of the invention.

Fig. 105 is a perspective view of a funnel block of the invention, and Fig. 105A is an enlarged section view taken at the line 105A-105A of Fig. 105. Fig. 106 is a perspective view of a reverse direction block of the invention.

Fig. 107 is a perspective view of a course change block of the invention.

Fig. 108 is a perspective view of a spreader block assembly of the invention.

Fig. 109 is a perspective view of a coin spin block of the invention, while Figs. 109A and 109B are side and top views, respectively, thereof. Fig. 110 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of a novelty house assembly of the invention.

Fig. Ill is a perspective view of examples from a set of letter blocks of the invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figs. 1, 1A and 2, a marble run game 10 of the invention consists of a set of a multiplicity of block elements 11 constructed to be assembled together (and disassembled) by the user upon a base support in any desired arrangement having suitable generally horizontal slope, thereby to provide an elongated horizontal run for travel of a marble or other sphere. The marble run game 10 of the invention may be used, e.g., with peg blocks of the type sold by Lego Futura ApS (Billund, Denmark) under the trademark LEGO^®, as shown by way of example only in Figs. 1 and 2, or with peg or other blocks of different type or source, or with any base support structure.

As shown in these figures, a typical marble run of the invention might include the following: several block elements with a flat upper surface and defining a single run (block elements 12, Figs. 3-3B) or a double run (block elements 14, Figs. 4-4B) ; a block element 16 having a relatively small horizontal slope, e.g., for maintaining the momentum of a marble (Figs. 5-5B) , or a somewhat greater slope for imparting momentum (block element 18, Figs. 6-6B) ; a block element 20 for combining single runs into a double run (Figs. 7-7B) or, in reverse, splitting a double run (not shown) ; block elements 22 for turning the marble run in a 90° corner (Figs. 8-8B) ; a one or more block elements defining a steep drop for imparting momentum to the marble in a single run (block element 24, Figs. 9-9B) or a double run (not shown) ; a block element 28 defining a starting point or an ending point (Figs. 10-lOB) ; a block element 30 defining a double run cross-over (Figs. 12-12B) ; and block elements 32 each defining a single run circular drop through 33 (Figs. 13-13B) . Referring again to Figs. 3-3B, a typical block element has a top surface 13 and one or more side (or end) surfaces 15, the top surface and a side (or end) surface of the block element together defining at least one groove 17 for travel of a marble along the top surface and through a plane, P_s, of the side surface. Referring now to Figs. 14 and 14A, in one preferred embodiment, block elements 11' of a marble run game 10 of the invention are secured together by means of cooperating horizontal dove-tail tongue 34 and groove 36 securement structure. According to this embodiment of the invention, block elements are provided with respective tongue and groove structures on the opposite (or other appropriate) side surfaces, e.g. in a block defining a single, straight run as shown in the drawings, the tongue 34 is defined by a first end surface 38 and a groove 36 is defined in an opposite end surface 40. Adjacent blocks in a run may then be secured together by inter-engagement of the tongue and grooves defined by the opposed end surfaces of the block elements. Referring also to Fig. 14B, in the preferred embodiment, where the block elements are particularly constructed for use with peg blocks, e.g. of the type sold by Lego Futura ApS (Billund, Denmark) under the trademark LEGO^®, or of the type sold under the trademark DUPLO^®, or with peg blocks of different type or source, the bottom or undersurface 42 of the block element 11 defines a plurality of apertures 44 sized and positioned to fit in registration with the underlying pegs of a peg block construction. Referring now to Figs. 16, 17 and 18, in another embodiment, block elements 11" of a marble run game 10 of the invention are secured together by means of cooperating securement structure 46 consisting of a snap hook 48, with a lip 49, and cooperating slot 50, and groove 51, provided on the opposite (or other appropriate) side surfaces of the block element. As shown in Fig. 18, the snap hook 48 is attached at a first end surface 52 and a slot 50 is defined at an opposite end surface 54. Adjacent blocks in a run may then be secured together by engagement of the snap hook in the slot at opposed end surfaces of the block elements.

Referring now to Figs. 19 and 20, for operation of powered accessory elements, power block elements 56, 58 may, e.g., contain a battery in a compartment defined in the base of the block (Fig. 19) or the face surface 60 may define one or more solar panels 62 (Fig. 20) . The power generated at the power block elements may be distributed through one or more adjacent block elements by means of electrical contacts 64, 66 provided in the end face surface 68, and brought into electricity- conducting contact by engagement of the securement structure, e.g. horizontal tongue and groove structures 34, 36. A marble run game 10 of the invention may be used also with any of a variety of accessory items for increased entertainment and enjoyment. Referring next to Figs. 21 et seq., a selection of these accessory items are shown . Fig. 21 shows an ramp element 69 having a washer board surface 70 that may emit a sound as a marble descends .

Fig. 22 shows an element 72 curved run 74 with a bell 76 positioned to be struck by a marble as it passes. Figs. 23-25 show elements 78, 80, 82, respectively, having intersecting dual curved runs of mirror image. In Fig. 23, the runs 79, 79' are spaced apart at the intersection, I, so the marbles on each run pass without interference. In Fig. 24, the runs 81, 81' are spaced closer together at the intersection, I', in a manner to permit only one marble to pass the intersection at a time. In Fig. 25, the runs 83, 83' are spaced is a manner to cause the marble to cross over to the opposite run at the intersection, I".

Figs. 26-31 show elements having various curved and spiral runs of various slope and radius, with Fig. 30 show a drop hole termination 84 and Fig. 31 showing a closed loop termination 86. Figs. 32-35 show elements having various sloped runs, each with a ramp at the lower end. In Fig. 33, a marble, M, is delivered into a spring loaded cannon 88. In Fig. 34, a marble, M, is delivered through a hoop 90 toward a continuation of the ramp. In Fig. 35, a marble, M, is caused to strike upon a row 92 of marbles to impart momentum to the furthermost marble, M' .

In Fig. 36, a marble, M, descends a sloped run 94 to caused to strike against a set of marbles 96, thus to impart sufficient momentum to lift the last marble, M' , over an impeding lip 98.

Fig. 37 shows an element 100 defining a sloped zigzag run 102. Fig. 38 shows an element 104 having a similar sloped run 106 with a bumper 108 at the corner 110 to facilitate passage of a marble. Fig. 39 shows an element 112 defining a sloped run 114 with a y- intersection 116 and a bumper 118, also to facilitate passage of a marble.

Fig. 40 shows a horizontal u-turn tunnel 120. Fig. 41 shows a vertical u-turn tunnel 122, perhaps containing one or more marbles a set of marbles with entry of each marble driving the last marble from the tunnel (indicated by arrows) . Figs. 42 and 43 are straight horizontal and vertical tunnels 124, 126, respectively. Fig. 44 shows an element 128 defining a loop run 130. Fig. 45 shows a similar element 132, with a stop 134 at the apex 136 of the loop run 138 which causes a marble to drop back onto the lower portion of the run, thus reversing direction. Fig. 46 is a spring-loaded impeller 140 actuated to strike marble, M' , by drawing back on the handle 142. Fig. 47 is also a spring-loaded impeller 144 that may be released (to strike marble, M' ) by action of a marble, M, striking from the rear. Fig. 48 shows a spring loaded catapult 146.

Figs. 49-51 show various arrangements of tilt cups 148 positioned to receive a marble (Fig. 49) or deliver a marble (Fig. 50) . The tilt cup 148 may be mounted for actuation only upon receiving two or more marbles (Fig. 51) .

Figs. 52-54 show wire elements. In Fig. 52, the wires 150, 152 are uniformly spaced apart at a predetermined distance to permit a marble to travel therealong. In Fig. 53, the wires 154, 156 are splayed to cause the marble to drop after traveling therealong. Fig. 54 shows parallel wire spacers 158 of another embodiment .

Fig. 55 shows an element with arrangement of dominos 160 or the like positioned to be struck and knocked down by a marble, M, and the falling dominos 160' initiating movement by a second marble, M' .

Fig. 56 shows an arrangement of see-saws 162, 163 positioned to receive and deliver a marble thereacross. Figs. 57-59 show accessory devices that may be powered by hand, battery or electricity. Fig. 57 shows an element 164 having the form of a ferris wheel, Fig. 58 shows an element 166 having the form of a conveyor lift and Fig. 59 shows an element having the form of a spiral elevator. Fig. 60 shows an element 170 arranged so that a first marble, M, on a lower run is delivered against a marble, M' , position beneath a first actuator arm 172, which in turn act upon an second actuator 174 positioned to initiate motion by a marble, M' , on an upper run. Figs. 61 and 62 show simple target accessories, while Figs. 63-65 show targets that are somewhat more complex. In Figs. 63, 63A and 63B, a target 176 is mounted on a vertical spring 178. The target has a rim 180 surrounding a depressed target area 182, with an aperture 184 at the center. The weight of a marble, M, striking the target 176 causes deflection of the target (Figs. 63A, 63B) , thus delaying the marble from passing into the aperture 184 and downward through a vertical passage defined by the spring 178. In Fig. 64, a target 186 has holes 188 with different point values for scoring accuracy. In Fig. 65, a target 190 has holes 192 for delivering a marble to different runs, depending upon the hole that is accessed.

Fig. 66 shows a maze element that may be assembled by a user.

Fig. 67 shows an element 194 having an elastic target 196 against which a marble, M, may be delivered. Figs. 68 and 69 show magnetic accessory devices for use with steel or iron marbles. In Fig. 68, a marble exiting a single run 198 crosses an open area 200 leading to a double run 202. One or more magnets 204 are disposed beneath the open area, thereby to affect the passage of the marble. In Fig. 69, a magnet 206 on a swinging arm 208 attaches magnetically upon a marble, M, moving along a first run 210 and swings the marble across an open region to a second run 212.

Figs. 70 and 71 show a run 214 with several gates 216 that may be triggered by passage of a marble, each gate leading to a different path 218, 219, 220.

Fig. 72 shows a starting element 222 with several gates 224 that may be opened simultaneously.

Fig. 73 shows a starting element 226 that is rotated (arrow R) to deliver a marble through one of several openings 228.

Another type of block element 300, shown in Figs. 74 through 76, has a top surface 302 that can be attached to the top surface 304 of an opposite, identical block element 306 to secure the two blocks together. When the blocks are attached, as seen in Fig. 76, grooves 308, 310 extending along the top surfaces of blocks 300, 306 are aligned to form a tunnel 312 for marble travel.

The blocks are attached by inserting upstanding protuberances or cylindrical pins 314 on the top surface of a block 300 into corresponding orifices or holes 316 in the top surface of opposite block 306. The pins on diagonal corners 318 of each block are aligned with the orifices on alternate corners 320 of the opposite block. During insertion, the pins of each block fit snugly in the holes in the top surface of the opposite block to provide an interference fit that holds the blocks firmly together against horizontal forces.

In addition to being mounted on top of one another to form a tunnel, the blocks are also connected side by side to form an extended marble run, as seen in Figs. 77 through 80. The connected blocks are rotated relative to one another around an axis of the marble run to provide a variety of interesting block configurations.

Referring to Figs. 81 through 86, two blocks of the type shown in Figure 74 are rotatably connected by providing the first block 300 with circumferential semicircular flange 400 extending out from a side surface 401 of the block. The flange is sized to fit snugly within a circumferential or semicircular securing groove 402 on a side surface 403 of a second block 404. The flange and securing groove are coaxial with the grooves 308, 406 in the top surface of the corresponding blocks 300, 404. The blocks are connected together by inserting the flange on block 300 vertically into the securing groove on block 404. The flange and groove thus hold the two blocks securely together against horizontal forces.

Once connected, the blocks are rotated relative to one another by sliding the flange within the securing groove along the circumference of the securing groove. The blocks are held in .place after rotation by friction of the flange in the securing groove.

A block having a flange on one side surface and a securing groove on an opposite side surface can thus be secured simultaneously to an appropriate block on each of its side surfaces. Other blocks may be equipped with a flange on each of two side surfaces for connection to blocks having securing grooves. Other combinations of securing grooves and flanges on a block are possible.

A pair of blocks mounted together to form a tunnel in the manner shown in Figure 76 are secured side by side to a second pair of blocks to form an extended tunnel . For example, a block with a plain side surface mounted on top of a block with a flange is connected to a second pair with a securing groove on a side surface of the lower block. A pair of blocks connected to a second pair in this manner are rotated relative to one another around the axis of the extended tunnel. During rotation, the tunnels in each pair of blocks remain aligned with one another to form an unbroken run for marble travel . Rotating connected blocks relative to one another allows a block element 450 with a curved or arcuate groove 452 in its top surface, shown in Figs. 77 and 78, to be inclined to provide a downhill marble run. The block 450 is connected to pairs 454, 456 of block elements forming a tunnel with a first portion 459 of the arcuate groove parallel to the tunnel. As a marble travels along the first portion of the groove to a second portion 460, it is propelled along the arcuate groove by gravity. Similarly, the block element 450 may be tilted upwards to slow down a marble travelling along its groove. The block element 450 is connected to a securing groove or flange on another block element by either a flange or a securing groove on a side surface of the block, as described above. Several block elements can thus be combined in a variety of configurations to control the speed of a marble traveling along a run.

In another embodiment, shown in Figs. 87 through 90, a block element 500 with a groove 501 in its top surface is connected to a second block by a tongue 502 and cooperating groove 504 arrangement on a side surface 506 of the block. The tongue is a resilient protuberance, for example a cantilevered arm such as a plastic tab attached to the side surface 506. The tongue is precisely sized to fit within a corresponding groove on a second, identical block. Similarly, the cooperating groove defines a dent that is sized and positioned to engage a tongue on the side surface of the second, identical block. The resiliency of the tongue allows the tongue to be flattened against the side surface 506 of the first block as it is inserted into the groove of the second block. Once fully inserted, the tongue springs back to engage the surface of the cooperating groove and hold the blocks firmly together against horizontal forces. Referring to Figs. 91 and 92, two blocks 500, 550 each equipped with the tongue and cooperating groove assembly described above are attached by vertically sliding the tongue 502 of one block into the cooperating groove of the second block. At the same time, the tongue of the second block is inserted in and firmly engages the cooperating groove of the first block. As a result, the grooves in the top surfaces of the blocks are aligned to form an extended marble run. The blocks are most versatile when equipped with a tongue and groove arrangement on opposite side surfaces of the block with the tongue on one side surface of the block directly opposite the groove on the opposite side surface of the block. Two identical blocks can thus be attached to one another with the respective grooves in their top surfaces aligned to form an extended marble run. The blocks may be additionally equipped with pins and holes on their top surfaces, as described above in connection with Figures 74 through 76, for securely mounting the blocks on top of one another to form a tunnel for marble travel .

Referring next to Figs. 93-96, another embodiment of a cooperating, opposed tongue and groove arrangement for securing together adjacent blocks is shown. In Fig. 93, block 508 defines a dovetail groove 510 and an opposed block 512 defines a dovetail tongue 514 sized and shaped for securing engagement within the groove by relative movement of the blocks in a plane, P_D (Fig. 96) , of opposed face surfaces 509, 513, along the axis, A_D (Fig. 96), of the engaged tongue and groove. According to the invention, the extending arms 511, 515 defining one or both of the groove 510 and the tongue 514 are relatively flexible, e.g. as a result on a thinned segment 518, 520, to permit the arm to bend under pressure, in a manner to allow disassembly of the blocks 506, 508 by application of forces, arrows F_D, other than in the plane, P_D. This arrangement permits, e.g., a quick clean-up, without damage to the tongue and groove elements for assembly of blocks. In Fig. 93, the arms 515 of the tongue 514 defined thinned sections 520, with the blocks shown in assembled sate in Fig. 96. In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 94, the surface 521 of groove 510 of block 508' defines an axial ridge 522 provided for urging the arms 515 of the opposed tongue 514 into secure engagement within the groove. In Fig. 95, the arms 511 of groove 510 defined thinned sections 518.

Referring next to Figs. 97 and 98, a starting or holding block 530 defines one or more apertures 532. The wall 534 of the aperture 530 defines grooves 536, 538 containing rubber washers 540. The aperture is sized for passage of a marble 542, but the inner diameters of the washers are relatively smaller, i.e. sized to allow passage of a marble only with application of axial pressure, arrow P_M, e.g. for insertion or removal, the marble otherwise being retained in the region 544 between the washers .

Referring next to Figs. 99, 99A and 99B, an off- ramp block assembly 550 of the invention consists of a run block 552 having a top surface 554 defining a marble groove 556 and a ramp block 558 pivotally attached thereto. The ramp block, in a first position (Fig. 99A) , defines a sloping groove 560, e.g. for delivering a marble onto a table or other surface. In a second position (Fig. 99B) , the ramp block is disposed to deliver a rolling marble into the air, e.g. to cross an obstacle or the like.

In Fig. 100, an on-ra p block assembly 570 of the invention consists of a run block 572 having a top surface 574 defining a marble groove 576 and a ramp block 578 attached thereto, the ramp block defining a wide opening 580 for receiving a marble from a surface into the groove 576.

Referring next to Fig. 101, a power element block 590, mounted at the end of a travel block 592, has one or a pair of free-spinning rollers 594 positioned to receive and convert the rolling energy of marble 596 into mechanical power, e.g., to spin a disk, pull a string, power an elevator, or the like (not shown) . Referring next to Fig. 102, a rolling cylinder block 600 of the invention has an axial bore 602 with an inner wall 604 defining a helical track 606. The cylinder, mounted to receive a marble from a first travel block 608, is powered to rotate, arrow C_R, to deliver the marble along the helical track 606, onto a second travel block 610. In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 103, a cylinder block 600' has an outer wall 612 defining a series of seats or recesses 614 for receiving marbles in sequence from an upper travel block 616, with rotation of the cylinder delivering the marble onto a lower travel block 618. The cylinder may be powered to rotate continuously, a sensor may be provided to detect the presence of a marble at or within the cylinder, or, in this embodiment, the weight of the marbles may be employed to power rotation of the cylinder.

Referring next to Figs. 104 and 104A, a banked curve block assembly 620 of the invention includes a banked curve block 622 defined a banked surface 624 disposed to receive a rolling marble from a first, inlet travel block 626 and to deliver the marble onto a second, outlet travel block 628, with marble travel path 630 lying at different levels on the banked surface 624, depending the speed at arrival. The relative positions of the inlet and outlet travel blocks can also be adjusted (arrows T_s) to accommodate different marble arrival speeds, which may, of course, vary with arrangement of blocks. Referring to Fig. 104A, the relative angles of input and/or output travel blocks 626, 628 may also be varied (arrow T_A) . Referring next to Figs. 105 and 105A, a funnel block 640 has a top surface 642 defining one or more inlet tracks 644 entering into a generally vertical funnel surface 646, which terminates at outlet 648. Referring to Fig. 105A, a lip edge 647 is defined at the interface of the top and funnel surfaces 642, 646 to retain, within the funnel, marbles traveling at higher speeds .

Referring next to Fig. 106, a reverse direction block 650 includes an elastic 652 or other rebound member positioned for engagement by a rolling marble, the elastic being mounted in from of an aperture 653 in a manner to impel the marble in an opposite direction. Referring also to Fig. 107, the block 650 may be employed in combination with a course change block 654 having a top surface 655 defining a first, inlet travel groove 656 and a different, outlet travel groove 658. A marble arriving along groove 656 is caused to strike elastic 652, which impels the marble along groove 658, in a relatively different direction. Referring to Fig. 108, a spreader block assembly 660 includes a pair of spaced tracks 662, 664 and end blocks 666, 668, mounted for movement therealong (arrow S_B) . The blocks 666, 668 each have a top surface 667, 669, respectively, defining a travel groove 670, 672. Extending between the blocks are elastic or rubber band elements 674, 676. During play, the positions of the end blocks 666, 668 along tracks 662, 664 are adjusted in manner to tension elastic elements 674, 676 to a degree appropriate to provide a conduit 678 for carrying a marble between travel grooves 670, 672. Referring next to Figs. 109, 109A and 109B, a coin spin block 680 of the invention has a top surface 682 defining a travel groove 684. In a depression 686 adjacent to the groove 684 there is provided a notch 688 for receiving and holding a coin, C, in generally vertical orientation, the coin being position to be struck in a region adjacent one edge by a marble traveling in groove 684, thereby to dislodge the coin into a spinning action (arrow C_s) , e.g. onto the play surface.

Referring next to Fig. 110, a novelty house assembly 690 defines inlet and outlet travel grooves 692, 694, the travel path within the house containing sensors or trip mechanisms for actuating entertainment elements, e.g. lights, noises, figures at windows or emerging at trap openings, doors, windows, roof, etc, opening and closing. The house may also contain an electrical or other mechanism for returning marble to the top of a run. Referring to Fig. Ill, examples from a set of letter blocks 700 of the invention, the blocks defining travel grooves and apertures for movement of marbles, e.g. along a series of letter blocks assembled to create words, names, etc.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. For example, a block element 20 (Figs. 7-7B) may be employed in reverse for splitting a double run. Block elements 22 may be provided for turning the marble run at other angles, whether predetermined or selected by the user. Referring to Figs. 11-11B, an end block element 50 may be equipped with a bell 52 positioned to be struck by a marble completing its run. Referring to Fig. 15, a set of block elements 54 may be provided with vertical tongue 56 and groove 58 securement structure. Marbles may be replaced or supplemented, e.g. with characters or the like on rollers for travel along the travel groove. Other embodiments are within the following claims What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A marble run game comprising a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, block elements in said set of block elements comprising a top surface and one or more side surfaces, said top surface and at least one side surface of said first block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and through a plane of said side surface, said set of blocks elements further comprising: a first block element having a said top surface defining at least one said groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and further defining at least one upstanding protuberance, and a second block element having a said top surface defining at least one said groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and further defining at least one orifice sized to receive said upstanding protuberance in interference fit, said first block element and said second block element adapted for assembly with their respective top surfaces in opposed relationship, said groove of said first element and said groove of said second element in combination defining a tunnel for generally horizontal travel of a marble therethrough, and with said upstanding protuberance extending into said orifice with interference fit for securement together of said first block element and said second block element .

2. The marble run game of claim 1 wherein said upstanding protuberance has the form of a cylinder.

3. The marble run game of claim 2 wherein said orifice has the form of a cylinder.

4. The marble run game of claim 1 wherein said first block element and said second block element each define at least one upstanding protuberance and at least one orifice sized to receive an upstanding protuberance of an opposed block element in interference fit.

5. The marble run game of claim 4 wherein said top surface of each of said first block element and said second block element has a quadrilateral shape, and each top surface defines a pair of upstanding protuberances and a pair of orifices sized to receive an upstanding protuberance of an opposed block element in interference fit, said protuberances being disposed in corner regions of said top surface.

6. The marble run game of claim 5 wherein said upstanding protuberances are disposed at opposite corners of said top surface.

7. A marble run game comprising a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, each block element in said set comprising: a top surface and one or more side surfaces, said top surface and at least one side surface of said block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and through a plane of said side surface, said set of block elements comprising a first block element having a said top surface defining at least one said groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and further defining at least one upstanding protuberance, and a second block element having a said top surface defining at least one said groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and further defining at least one orifice sized to receive said upstanding protuberance in interference fit, said first block element and said second block element adapted for assembly with their respective top surfaces in opposed relationship, said groove of said first element and said groove of said second element in combination defining a tunnel for generally horizontal travel of a marble therethrough, and with said upstanding protuberance extending into said orifice with interference fit for securement together of said first block element and said second block element, and a first pair of said first block element and said second block element defining a circumferential groove co-axial with said tunnel and within said tunnel in a region adjacent a plane of a side surface of said first pair of first and second block elements, and a second pair of said first block element and said second block element defining a circumferential flange co-axial with said tunnel and extending from said tunnel to a region adjacent a plane of a side surface of said second pair of first and second block elements, said first pair and said second pair of first and second block elements adapted for assembly with said side surface of said first pair opposed to said side surface of said second pair, and said circumferential flange engaged in said circumferential groove in a manner to permit relative rotation between said first pair and said second pair about an axis of said tunnel .

8. The marble run game of claim 7 comprising a third block element having a top surface defining an arcuate groove for travel of a marble therealong, said arcuate groove having a first portion extending through a first side surface and a second portion extending through a second side surface adjacent said first side surface, said third block element assembled with said first said surface opposed to said side surface of said second pair of block elements and said first portion of said groove coaxial with said tunnel, said second pair of block elements rotated relative to said first pair of block elements in a manner to tilt said top surface of said third block from horizontal thereby to impart gravitational momentum to a marble travelling through said tunnel to said first portion of said groove and Thereafter to said second portion of said groove.

9. A marble run game comprising a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, each block element of said set comprising a top surface and one or more side surfaces, said top surface and at least one side surface of said block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and through a plane of said side surface, said set of block elements further comprising a tongue defined in a first side surface of a first block element and a cooperating groove formed in an opposed side surface of a second block element, said tongue and said cooperating groove adapted for generally vertical sliding engagement in a manner to resist disassembly of said first block element from said second block element by application of horizontally applied forces, and said tongue comprising a resilient protuberance and a surface of said groove defining a dent sized and positioned for engagement by said resilient protuberance upon assembly of said first block element with said second block element in a manner to resist displacement and disassembly of said first block element from said second block element by application of vertically applied forces.

10. The marble run game of claim 9 wherein said protuberance is defined in a surface of a resilient cantilevered arm.

11. The marble run game of claim 9 wherein said first block element has a tongue and defines a groove in said first side surface.

12. The marble run game of claim 11 wherein said first block element has a tongue and defines a groove in an opposite second side surface.

13. A marble run game comprising a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, each block element of said set comprising a top surface and one or more side surfaces, said top surface and at least one side surface of said block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and through a plane of said side surface, said set of block elements further comprising a tongue defined in a first side surface of a first block element and a cooperating groove formed in an opposed side surface of a second block element, said tongue and said cooperating groove adapted for generally vertical sliding engagement in a manner to resist disassembly of said first block element from said second block element by application of a horizontally applied force of a predetermined first level, and said groove defined by a pair of groove arms terminating in opposed free ends, and said tongue comprising a pair of tongue arms terminating in opposite frees ends, at least one of said groove arms and said tongue arms having a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end thereby to permit flexing of said at least one of said groove arms and said tongue arms for disassembly of said first block element from said second block element by application of a horizontally applied force of a predetermined second level greater than said first level .

14. The marble run game of claim 13 wherein said groove is a dovetail groove and said tongue is a dovetail .

15. The marble run game of claim 13 wherein each groove arm of said pair of groove arms has a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end.

16. The marble run game of claim 13 or 15 wherein each tongue arm of said pair of tongue arms has a thinned region relative to immediately adjacent regions and spaced from its free end.

17. A marble run game comprises a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble, said set of blocks comprising first block elements having a top surface and one or more side surfaces, said top surface and at least one side surface of said block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along said top surface and through a plane of said side surface.