WO2017132817A1

WO2017132817A1 - Double-helix stairway and slide building toy

Info

Publication number: WO2017132817A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/073138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaoping Sun
Original assignee: Xiaoping Sun
Priority date: 2016-02-02
Filing date: 2016-02-02
Publication date: 2017-08-10

Abstract

A toy is disclosed, comprising a first-level unit (1) comprising a first center (10), a first step (20) and a first slide (30); wherein the first center comprises two slots (101, 102) on opposite sides; wherein the first step comprises a first end (103) and a second end (104); wherein the first end of the first step is wider than the second end of the first step; wherein the second end of the first step is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the first center; wherein the first slide comprises a sloped surface (107) adjoining to a flat surface (108); wherein the first slide comprises a third end (105) and a fourth end (106); wherein the fourth end of the first slide is wider than the third end of the first slide; wherein the third end of the first slide is configured to connect to one of the two slots (101, 102) of the first center. The toy further comprises a plurality of units, wherein when assembled, the toy comprises a spiral slide and a spiral stairway connecting respectively to a center pole; wherein the spiral slide is formed by adjoining the sloped surface (107) of the first slide, the sloped surface (407) of the second slide (60) and the sloped surface of additional slides on additional levels; wherein the spiral stairway is formed by adjoining the first step (20), the second step (50) and additional steps on additional levels; wherein the center pole is formed by adjoining the first center (10) with the second center (40) and additional centers on additional levels.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] Double-Helix Stairway and Slide Building Toy

Background

The present disclosure provides for a double-helix stairway and slide building toy.

Building toys are great education tools that offer constructive playthings and strengthen creativity when kids are engaged in using small blocks and pieces to build mimics of real life items. In recent years, activity kits for building animals, farms, houses, robots, rockets, vehicles, and marble runs are available for young kids. But a lot of these activity kits limit the imagination of young kids by providing exact but miniature copies of real life items without significant alterations.

To foster young builder’s imagination, architectural elements that are not in general existence in the real world may bemade with new innovative building toys. For this reason, a double-helix stairway and slide toy is provided.

Summary

Described herein is a toy or apparatus comprising a first-level unit comprising a first center, a first step and a first slide； wherein the first center comprises two slots on opposite sides； wherein the first step comprises a first end and a second end； wherein the first end of the first step is wider than the second end of the first step； wherein the second end of the first step is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the first center； wherein the first slide comprises a sloped surface adjoining to a flat surface； wherein the first slide comprises a third end and a fourth end； wherein the fourth end of the first slide is wider than the third end of the first slide； wherein the third end of the first slide is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the first center.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second-level unit comprising a second center, a second step and a second slide； wherein the second center comprises two slots on opposite sides； wherein the second step comprises a first end and a second end； wherein the first end of the second step is wider than the second end of the second step； wherein the second end of the second step is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the second center； wherein the second slide comprises a sloped surface adjoining to a flat surface； wherein the second slide comprises a third end and a fourth end； wherein the fourth end of the second slide is wider than the third end of the second slide； wherein the third end of the second slide is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the second center.

According to an embodiment, a protrusion at a bottom surface of the first center is configured to connect to a receiving recess at a top surface of the second center when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.

According to an embodiment, a first step connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the first step is configured to connect to a receiving slot at a back end of a top surface of the second step when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.

According to an embodiment, a first slide connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the first slide is configured to connect to a receiving slot of the second slide at a back end of a top surface of the second slide.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a protrusion at a bottom surface of the second center or a second step connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the second step or a second slide connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the second slide.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a rail at the first end of the first step.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a rail at the fourth end of the first slide.

According to an embodiment, the second end of the first step comprises a sliding dovetail joint that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center.

According to an embodiment, the third end of the first slide comprises a sliding dovetail joint that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center.

According to an embodiment, the sloped surface of the first slide is configured to smoothly adjoin the sloped surface of the second slide when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.

According to an embodiment, a rise height of the first step is the same as a rise height of the second step.

According to an embodiment, a rise height of the first slide is the same as a rise height of the second slide.

According to an embodiment, further comprising a base with a receiving recess.

According to an embodiment, a toy comprises a plurality of aforementioned apparatus, wherein when assembled, the toy comprises a spiral slide and a spiral stairway connecting respectively to a center pole； wherein the spiral slide is formed by adjoining the sloped surface of the first slide and the sloped surface of the second slide； wherein the spiral stairway is formed by adjoining the first step and the second step； wherein the center pole is formed by adjoining the center with the second center.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a material selected from a group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic, wood and a combination thereof.

Brief Description Of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the structure of a first center； Fig. 1A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 1B is a top view thereof； Fig. 1C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 1D is a side view thereof showing one of the two slots； Fig. 1E is another side view thereof； Fig. 1F is a side view thereof showing another one of the two slots； Fig. 1G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 1H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 1I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the structure of a first step； Fig. 2A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 2B is a top view thereof； Fig. 2C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 2D is a side view thereof； Fig. 2E is a second side view thereof； Fig. 2F is a third side view thereof； Fig. 2G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 2H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 2I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the structure of a first slide； Fig. 3A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 3B is a top view thereof； Fig. 3C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 3D is a side view thereof； Fig. 3E is a second side view thereof； Fig. 3F is a third side view thereof； Fig. 3G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 3H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 3I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the structure of a second center； Fig. 4A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 4B is a top view thereof； Fig. 4C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 4D is a side view thereof showing one of the two slots； Fig. 4E is another side view thereof； Fig. 4F is a side view thereof showing another one of the two slots； Fig. 4G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 4H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 4I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the structure of a second step； Fig. 5A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 5B is a top view thereof； Fig. 5C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 5D is a side view thereof； Fig. 5E is a second side view thereof； Fig. 5F is a third side view thereof； Fig. 5G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 5H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 5I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the structure of a second slide； Fig. 6A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 6B is a top view thereof； Fig. 6C is another top perspective view thereof； Fig. 6D is a side view thereof； Fig. 6E is a second side view thereof； Fig. 6F is a third side view thereof； Fig. 6G is a bottom perspective view thereof； Fig. 6H is a bottom view thereof； Fig. 6I is another bottom perspective view thereof.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the structure of a base； Fig. 7A is a top perspective view thereof； Fig. 7B is side view thereof； Fig. 7C is a top view thereof.

Figure 8 shows components for a first-level unit and a second-level unit； Fig. 8A shows the use of a first step, a first center and first slide for assembly of a first-level unit； Fig. 8B shows the use of a second step, a second center and second slide for assembly of a second-level unit.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a complete assembly of a double-helix stairway and slide building toy.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a complete assembly of a double-helix stairway and slide building toy.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a complete assembly of a double-helix stairway and slide building toy.

Detailed Description

As shown in Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 8, a first-level unit 1 comprising a first center 10, a first step 20 and a first slide 30. The first-level unit is configured to serve as a top level for the double-helix stairway and slide when assembled. As shown in Fig. 1, the first center 10 comprises two

slots

101 and 102. The two

slots

101 and 102 may be substantially the same, or they may be different. In one embodiment, the first center may have a cylinder shape. In one embodiment, the two

slots

101 and 102 may be on opposite sides of the first center, that is, the two

slots

101 and 102 may have a central angle of 180° relative to a center of the first center. Alternatively the first center may have either a symmetrical or an asymmetrical shape. The two

slots

101 and 102 may have a central angle of less than 180° relative to a center of the first center.

As shown in Fig. 2, the first step 20 comprises a first end 103 and a second end 104. The first end 103 of the first step is wider than the second end 104of the first step 20. The wider end or first end 103 is configured to be at the exterior side of the double-helix stairway and slide when assembled. The narrower end or second end of 104 the first step is configured to connect to one of the two slots, for example, the slot 101 of the first center 10. In one embodiment, a horizontal cross section of the first step 20 may be similar to a pie shape. The first step 20 may have a rise height. As used herein, a rise height is the vertical height of one step unit or one slide unit in the double-helix stairway and slide when assembled. In one embodiment, a first end 103 and a second end 104 may comprise concentric arc contours.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first slide 30 comprises a third end 105 and a fourth end 106. The fourth end 106 of the first slide 30 is wider than the third end 105 of the first slide 30. The wider end or fourth end 106 is configured to be at the exterior side of the double-helix stairway and slide when assembled. The narrower end or third end 105 of the first slide 30 is configured to connect to one of the two slots, for example, the slot 102 of the first center 10.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first slide 30 comprises a sloped surface 107 adjoining to a flat surface 108. In one embodiment, a horizontal cross section of the first slide 20 may be similar to a pie shape. The first slide may have a rise height. In one embodiment, a third end 105 and a fourth end 106 may comprise concentric arc contours.

As shown in Fig. 4-6 and Fig. 8, according to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second-level unit comprising a second center 40, a second step 50 and a second slide 60. The second-level unit may have similar features with the first-level unit in the following aspects. As shown in Fig. 4, the second center 40 comprises two

slots

401 and 402 on opposite sides. As shown in Fig. 5, the second step 50 comprises a first end 403 and a second end 404. The first end 403 of the second step 50 is wider than the second end 404 of the second step 50. The narrower end or second end 404 of the second step is configured to connect to one of the two slots, for example slot 401 of the second center 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the second slide 60 comprises a sloped surface 407 adjoining to a flat surface 408. The second slide 60 comprises a third end 405 and a fourth end 406. The fourth end 406 of the second slide is wider than the third end 405 of the second slide. The narrow end or the third end 405 of the second slide 60 is configured to connect to one of the two slots, for example slot 402 of the second center.

As shown in Fig. 7, a base 9 with a receiving recess 90 may also be provided. The receiving recess 90 is configured to receive a protrusion at a bottom of a center that directly connects the bases when assembled. The base may be of a round disk shape or any other suitable shape. The base may facilitate the vertical positioning of the double-helix stairway and slide. The base may have markings of central angles around the edge of the surface.

Figure 8 shows a first-level unit and a second-level unit； Fig. 8A shows the use of a first step, a first center and first slide for assembly of a first-level unit； Fig. 8B shows the use of a second step, a second center and second slide for assembly of a second-level unit.

As shown in Fig. 1-3 and 8, according to an embodiment, the second end 104 of the first step 20 comprises a sliding dovetail joint 1041 that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center 10. The third end 105 of the first slide 30 comprises a sliding dovetail joint 1051 that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center 10. As such, as shown in Fig. 8, the first-level unit may be assembled by connecting the first step 20 and the first slide 30 respectively with the first center 10.

As shown in Fig. 4-6 and Fig. 8, according to an embodiment, the second end 404 of the second step 50 comprises a sliding dovetail joint 4041 that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the second center 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the third end 405 of the second slide 30 comprises a sliding dovetail joint 4051 that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the second center 40. As such, as shown in Fig. 8, the second-level unit 2 may be assembled by connecting the second step 50 and second slide 60 respectively with the second center 20.

Aside from the similarities, the second-level unit may have different features with the first-level unit in several aspects. Top surfaces for the second-level units may generally have structural features, such as recesses, for connecting to the level above； but top surfaces for the first-level unit have no requirement for connecting features because the first-level is the top level for the double-helix stairway and slide. Alternative features, such as a balcony, a model figure or a decorative feature, may be present on the top surfaces of the first-level unit.

As used herein, a top surface refers to the upper surface for each unit or its subparts of the first-level unit, the second-level unit or the double-helix stairway and slide when it is in a vertical position.

Additional levels for the double-helix stairway and slide may be assembled by repeating the assembly of a plurality of the second-level units. That is, any levels below the second-level will have substantially the same features as the second-level units.

Additional configuration of the connecting features on each of the elements in the first-level unit and second-level unit are described below.

According to an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and 4, a protrusion 111 at a bottom surface of the first center 10 is configured to connect to a receiving recess 411 at a top surface of the second center 40 when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled. The protrusion 111 and its corresponding receiving recess 411 may be of various shapes, as long as they are suitable for fitting securely together. As shown in Fig. 1, the protrusion 111 may be a simple disk shape. Alternatively, the protrusion 111 may be wedge, a bar, a screw-on, or any other configurations and shapes usable for making secure a connection. Additionally, the second centermay be configured to connect to additional centers below with a second center protrusion 412 at a bottom thereof.

According to an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2 and 5, a first step connector 211 at a front end of a bottom surface of the first step 20 is configured to connect to a receiving slot 511 at a back end of a top surface of the second step 50 when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled. The first step connector 211 and its corresponding receiving slot 511 may be of various shapes, as long as they are suitable for fitting securely together. As shown in Fig. 2, the first step connector 211 may be a simple bar shape. Alternatively, the first step connector 211 may be wedge, a disk, a screw-on, or any other suitable configurations and shapes usable for making secure a connection. Additionally, the second step 50 may be configured to connect to additional steps below with a second step connector 512 at a front end of a bottom surface of the second step 50 as well.

According to an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and 6, a first slide connector 311 at a front end of a bottom surface of the first slide 30 is configured to connect to a receiving slot 611 of the second slide 60 at a back end of a top surface of the second slide 60. The first slide connector 311 and its corresponding receiving slot 611 may be of various shapes, as long as they are suitable for fitting securely together. As shown in Fig. 3, the first slide connector 311 may be a simple bar shape. Alternatively, the first slide connector 311 may be wedge, a disk, a screw-on, or any other suitable configurations and shapes usable for making secure a connection. Additionally, the second slide 60 may be configured to connect to additional slide below with a second slide connector 612 at a front end of a bottom surface of the second slide 60 as well.

Figure 9-11 shows an embodiment of a complete assembly of a double-helix stairway and slide building toy. After acquiring an assembly of the first-level unit with the second-level unit, the second-level unit may be connected with additional levels below. The second-level unit or additional levels below may further comprise a protrusion at a bottom surface of the second center. Furthermore, the second-level unit or additional levels below may further comprise one or more step connectors at each of the front end of the bottom surface of the second step or additional steps below. The second-level unit or additional levels below may further compriseone or more slide connectors at each of the front end of the bottom surface of the second slide or additional slides below.

Each step or slide of the assembled double-helix stairway and slide may further comprise a rail at the exterior end or wider end of the step or slide. The rail may be of various configurations, such as a loop shape as shown in Fig. 2-3 and 5-6, or a horizontal bar with vertical supports, etc.

As shown in Fig. 9-11, when the double-helix stairway and slide is assembled, the sloped surface 107 of the first slide30 is configured to smoothly adjoin the sloped surface 407 of the second slide60which further adjoins additional sloped surface on a level below. A rise height of the first step is the same as a rise height of the second step. A rise height of the first slide is the same as a rise height of the second slide.

Described herein is also a toy comprising a plurality of aforementioned units, wherein when assembled, the toy comprises a spiral slide and a spiral stairway connecting respectively to a center pole； wherein the spiral slide is formed by adjoining the sloped surface of the first slide, the sloped surface of the second slide and the sloped surfaces of additional slides on additional levels； wherein the spiral stairway is formed by adjoining the first step, the second step and additional steps on additional levels； wherein the center pole is formed by adjoining the first center with the second center and additional centers on additional levels.

According to an embodiment, the double-helix stairway and slide may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic, wood and a combination thereof. In use, a material of choice will preferably have appropriate density and mechanical strength of to achieve a light but durable overall structure.

Although it is shown that each level of the structure may be substantially similar, they may also be adjusted to be different structurally at each level. A colorscheme may be used for better contrast and building experience. The number of the units may be designed with consideration of completed look of the double-helix, mechanical strength, usefulness and practicality, thereby allowing better building experience by users.

In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a, " "an, " "at least one, " or "at least one portion" are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim.

The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

An apparatus, comprising

afirst-level unit comprising a first center, a first step and a first slide；

wherein the first centercomprises two slots on opposite sides；

whereinthe first step comprises a first end and a second end；

wherein the first end of the first step is wider than the second end of the first step；

wherein the second end of the first step is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the first center；

wherein the first slide comprises a slopedsurfaceadjoining to a flat surface；

wherein the first slide comprises a third end and a fourth end；

wherein the fourth end of the first slide is wider than the third end of the first slide；

wherein the third end of the first slide is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the first center.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising

asecond-level unit comprising a second center, a second step and a second slide；

wherein the second center comprises two slots on opposite sides；

wherein the second step comprises a first end and a second end；

wherein the first end of the second step is wider than the second end of the second step；

wherein the second end of the second step is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the second center；

wherein the second slide comprises a sloped surface adjoining to a flat surface；

wherein the second slide comprises a third end and a fourth end；

wherein the fourth end of the second slide is wider than the third end of the second slide；

wherein the third end of the second slide is configured to connect to one of the two slots of the second center.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a protrusion at a bottom surface of the first center is configured to connect to a receiving recess at a top surface of the second center when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first step connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the first step is configured to connect to a receiving slot at a back end of a top surface of the second step when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first slide connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the first slide is configured to connect to a receiving slot of the second slide at a back end of a top surface of the second slide.
The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a protrusion at a bottom surface of the second center or a second step connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the second step or a second slide connector at a front end of a bottom surface of the second slide.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rail at the first end of the first step.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rail at the fourth end of the first slide.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the first step comprises a sliding dovetail joint that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third end of the first slide comprises a sliding dovetail joint that is configured to slide into one of the two slots of the first center.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sloped surface of the first slide is configured to smoothly adjoin the sloped surface of the second slide when the first-level unit and second-level unit are assembled.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a rise height of the first step is the same as a rise height of the second step.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a rise height of the first slide is the same as a rise height of the second slide.
The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a base with a receiving recess.
A toy comprising a plurality of the apparatus of claim 2, wherein when assembled, the toy comprises a spiral slide and a spiral stairway connecting respectively to a center pole； wherein the spiral slide is formed by adjoining the sloped surface of the first slide and the sloped surface of the second slide； wherein the spiral stairway is formed by adjoining the first step and the second step； wherein the center pole is formed by adjoining the center with the second center.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a material selected from a group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic, wood and a combination thereof.