Abstract
A toy construction set comprising operatively interconnectable blocks and connectors. Each of the blocks has one or more apertures formed in relief Each of the connectors has a base in the form of a plate or rod and a plurality of pins attached to the base in a spaced apart arrangement for interconnecting blocks. The pins are integral with the base plate. The interconnection between a block and a connector is achieved by the pins being positively engaging and releasably retained within one or more of the apertures of the blocks. The pins are oppositely disposed of a base plate so that a block can be connected to a connector on one side of the base plate, and another block can be connected to the same connector on the other side of the plate.
Claims
1. A toy construction set comprising: operatively interconnectable blocks and first connectors; each of the blocks having a plurality of sides, each side being defined by edges of the block and providing a smooth sliding surface of the block, and a plurality of apertures formed in relief in each of the sides, wherein the apertures in any side are spaced from the respective edges of the block; and each of the first connectors having a flexible base in the form of a thin plate and a plurality of pins having a cross-section that is circular and projecting integrally from one side of the base in a spaced apart arrangement for interconnecting blocks by positively engaging and being releasably retained within respective apertures of the blocks; whereby any two of the blocks can be interconnected at any of their sides by one or more of the first connectors.
2. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apertures comprise holes or slots or a combination of holes and slots.
3. A toy construction set according to claim 2, wherein the holes have a circular cross-section.
4. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the first connectors additionally comprises at least one pin of circular cross-section projecting integrally from an opposite side of the base.
5. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base comprises a first base plate comprising one side of the base, a second base plate comprising the opposite side of the base and a rod or flexible connection joining the first and second base plates.
6. A toy construction set according to claim 4, wherein the base comprises a first portion including the one side of the base and a second portion including the opposite side of the base and one of the first and second portions is articulated by a reciprocating slidable arrangement relative to the other of the first and second portions.
7. A toy construction set according to claim 4, wherein the base comprises a first base plate comprising one side of the base and a second base plate comprising the opposite side of the base, the first and second base plates being juxtaposed and rotatable relative to each other.
8. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set additionally comprise one or more second connectors having a base and at least two pins of circular cross-section projecting integrally from opposed sides of the base.
9. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base comprises a first base plate comprising one side of the base, a second base plate comprising the opposite side of the base and a rod or flexible connection joining the first and second base plates.
10. A toy construction set according to claim 8, wherein the base comprises a first portion including the one side of the base and a second portion including the opposite side of the base and one of the first and second portions is articulated by a reciprocating slidable arrangement relative to the other of the first and second portions.
11. A toy construction set according to claim 8, wherein the base comprises a first base plate comprising one side of the base and a second base plate comprising the opposite side of the base, the first and second base plates being juxtaposed and rotatable relative to each other.
12. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set additionally comprises one or more third connectors having a base and pins of circular cross-section that project integrally therefrom in two or three orthogonally oriented directions.
13. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pins project from the base at oblique angles.
14. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pins project from the base in a common axially aligned direction.
15. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is articulated by a hinge.
16. A toy construction set according to claim 1, wherein the base is curved.
17. A toy construction set according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a rod.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will be better understand in relation to the following mode(s) for carrying out the invention, which makes reference to the following drawings, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 depicts in perspective view an example of a structure constructed using a combination of blocks and connectors provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(3) FIG. 2 collectively depicts in perspective view various example blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
(4) FIG. 2A is an oblique view of a cube block;
(5) FIG. 2B is an oblique view of a cylinder block;
(6) FIG. 2C is an oblique view of a hemispherical segment block;
(7) FIG. 2D is an oblique view of a cuboid plate block;
(8) FIG. 2E is an oblique view of a triangular prism plate block;
(9) FIG. 2F is an oblique view of a cuboid block having a pair of spaced oblique apertures;
(10) FIG. 2G is an oblique view of a cube block having three card located apertures in a tripod configuration;
(11) FIG. 3 collectively depicts in perspective view various example connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
(12) FIG. 3A is an oblique view of a circular base plate connector having a single pin on opposing sides;
(13) FIG. 3B is an oblique view of a circular base plate connector having three linear pins on one side and one pin on the other;
(14) FIG. 3C is an oblique view of a double base plate rod connector having two linear pins on the outer side of one plate and three equiangular pins on the other side of the other plate;
(15) FIG. 3D is an oblique view of an elongated plate connector having a pair of distally opposed pins on the one side of the plate;
(16) FIG. 3E is an oblique view of an elongated right angle plate connector having a pair of distally opposed pins and an intermediate junction pin on the one side of the plate;
(17) FIG. 3F is an oblique view of a square plate connector having four pins, one disposed at each of the corners on the one side of the plate;
(18) FIG. 3G is an oblique view of a circular plate connector having six equiangular pins on the one side of the plate;
(19) FIG. 3H is a square bracket connector having four pins, one disposed at each of the corners of the base plates, all on the outer side of the plate connector;
(20) FIG. 3I is an oblique view of an internal corner connector having three interconnected square plates, one having two linear pins, another having three equiangular pins, and another having four pins at each of the corners, all on the outer side of the plate;
(21) FIG. 3J is an oblique view of a curved base connector having six linear pins disposed on the outer convex side of the base;
(22) FIG. 3K is an oblique view of a circular rod connector having four linear sets of pins equiaxially disposed radially of the rod and opposing axial apertures disposed at opposite ends of the rod; and
(23) FIG. 3L is a plane of view of an articulated connector made up of a set of rod connectors;
(24) FIG. 3M is an oblique view of a circular socket joint connector having a single pin on one side plate and three linear pins on another side plate, the plates being juxtaposed and rotatable relative to each other;
(25) FIG. 3N is a perspective view of a rectangular slider plate connector having four pins on one side and two pins on the other;
(26) FIG. 3O is a perspective view of a hinge plate connector;
(27) FIG. 3P is a perspective view of a flexible circular base plate connector having two flexibly interconnected circular plates, each plate having to outer pins; and
(28) FIG. 4 collectively depicts in perspective view various examples of interconnected blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
(29) FIG. 4A is an oblique view of a right plate joint construction;
(30) FIG. 4B is an oblique view of a right block joint construction;
(31) FIG. 4C is an oblique view of a planar joint construction;
(32) FIG. 4D is an oblique view of a construction comprising an interconnected set of triangular prism plate blocks and a cuboid plate block;
(33) FIG. 4E is an oblique view of a construction comprising an interconnected set of spherical blocks and a cube block;
(34) FIG. 4F is an oblique view of a set of cuboidal blocks interconnected to form a complex construction;
(35) FIG. 4G is an oblique view of a complex construction formed of blocks and connectors to model a dog;
(36) FIG. 4H is an oblique view of a complex construction formed of blocks and connectors to model a house.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(37) The best mode for carrying out the invention is directed towards a specific embodiment of a toy construction set for a child to play with and create different types of structures.
(38) As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a structure 11 constructed using a set according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted, which comprises a combination of two types of components: namely, building blocks 13, and connectors 15.
(39) This structure 11 is representative of a cable-stayed bridgeor at least a portion of such a bridge. This construction may be inspired by or evocative of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, for example, and provide imaginative play opportunities of the kind generally associated with toy construction sets. The type and range of structures that are possible are effectively limitless, as is apparent from the specific description which follows regarding the example blocks and connectors described and depicted.
(40) Different types of blocks 13 that form part of the toy construction set are as follows.
(41) A cube block 13a having a simple cubic shape is depicted in FIG. 2A that has longitudinal apertures orthogonal to the surface in the form of simple holes 17 formed in recess in a regular 33 array on each of the 6 faces of the block.
(42) A cylinder block 13b having the shape of a circular cylinder is depicted in FIG. 2B. Again apertures in the form of simple holes 17 are formed in recess radially 17a along the length of the cylinder in angular spaced lines or axially 17b on each of the opposing end of faces of the cylinder in angularly spaced diametral lines.
(43) A hemispherical segment block 13c having the shape of a hemispherical segment is depicted in FIG. 2C, that has apertures in the form of simple holes 17 formed in recess in its plane surfaces, radially 17a on the curved face and orthogonally 17c on the sector face.
(44) A cuboid plate block 13d having a cuboid shape, of elongated, plate-like configuration is depicted in FIG. 2D, that has apertures in the form of slots 17d separately formed near peripheral edges of opposing major faces of the block.
(45) A triangular prism plate block 13e having a shape of a planar triangular shape is depicted in FIG. 2E, that has apertures in the form of both holes 17b and slots 17d formed in recess as shown along major and minor faces of the block.
(46) A cuboid block 13f is depicted in FIG. 2F (sheet 5) comprising two spaced apart apertures in the form of oblique holes 17e which are adapted for receiving pins (not shown) that are oblique to their base plates. Similarly, a cube block 13g is depicted in FIG. 2G comprising three collocated apertures in the form of holes 17f arranged in a tripod configuration, which are adapted for receiving pins that are oblique to their base plate.
(47) Various configurations of connectors could be used to inter-engage with such blocks, as will become apparent.
(48) Different types of connectors that form part of the toy construction set are as follows.
(49) A circular base plate connector 15a having a circular base plate 19 and two pins 21 respectively projecting from opposed sides of the base plate 19 is depicted in FIG. 3A.
(50) A circular base plate connector 15b is depicted in FIG. 3B having a similar configuration as that shown in FIG. 3A, though with three pins 21 projecting from one side of the base.
(51) A double base plate rod connector 15c is depicted in FIG. 3C that has a similar configuration to that shown in FIG. 3B, though the connector comprises two spaced apart base plates 19 adjoined by an intervening rod 23. Each of the spaced apart opposing sides comprise a circular base plate 19 and feature a different number of pins 21.
(52) An elongated plate connector 15d is depicted in FIG. 3D having spaced apart pins 21 projecting from matching sides and opposite ends of an elongate base plate 25.
(53) An elongated right angle plate connector 15e is depicted in FIG. 3E similar to that shown in FIG. 3D, though having an L-shaped base plate 27 rather than a simple elongate base plate. The elongated right angle connector 15e has a pair of distally opposed pins 21 and an intermediate junction pin 21a on the one side of the plate
(54) A square plate connector 15f is depicted in FIG. 3F, which is also similar to that shown in FIG. 3D, though having a base plate 29 of square shape, and a 22 array of pins 21 all projecting from one face of the base plate.
(55) A circular plate connector 15g is depicted in FIG. 3G, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3F, though having a base plate 31 of circular shape, and a series of 6 equiangular pins 21 spaced apart at regular intervals around a periphery of the base plate on one side.
(56) A square bracket connector 15h is depicted in FIG. 3H similar in some respects to the square-shaped connector 15f shown in FIG. 3F, though arranged in a right angle L-shaped configuration with pins 21 projecting from orthogonal base plates 33 to form a square bracket.
(57) An internal corner connector 15i is depicted in FIG. 3I that is arranged as an internal corner, and accordingly features three orthogonally arranged base plates 35. As depicted, each base plate 35 has a different arrangement of pins 21. Respective base plates 35a, 35b and 35c are depicted having pins 21 arranged in a 22 array, a trio of pins 21 in a triangular pattern, and a pair of pins 21 in a spaced apart arrangement.
(58) A curved base connector 15j is depicted in FIG. 3J having a curved base 37, of constant radius of curvature. Related variations may have base plates that are flexible, and deformable or resilient. In the present example, the six linear pins 21 are disposed on the outer convex side of the base 37.
(59) A circular rod connector 15k is depicted in FIG. 3K having a base formed as a rod 39, specifically a circular cylinder, with four linear sets of pins 21 arranged projecting from the rod along its length. The linear sets of pins are equally axially disposed radially along the rod 39 3 and opposing axial holes 17b are disposed at opposite ends of the rod
(60) An articulated connector 15l is depicted in FIG. 3L similar to the rod connector 15k of FIG. 3K, though configured as a complex of articulated rod connectors 41. This particular connector as depicted comprises a three-pointed star, one point of which has an additional articulated leg 41a.
(61) A circular socket joint connector 15m is depicted in FIG. 3M that has a rotating socket joint, arranged to rotate a single pin 21 on one side plate 43a with a series of three linearly aligned spaced apart pins 21 on another side plate 43, the side plates being juxtaposed and rotatable relative to each other.
(62) A rectangular slider plate connector 15n is depicted in FIG. 3N that has a base 45 featuring reciprocating articulation of a slider 47, and arranged as a simple longitudinal member having pairs of pins 21 spaced apart at terminal ends of the base 45, facing in one direction, and opposed by a pair of pins 21 on the slider 47 facing in an opposing direction, the slider being slidable within a slot 49 between these terminal ends.
(63) A hinge joint connector 15o is depicted in FIG. 3O having a simple longitudinal orientation, though hinged at a midpoint to permit pivoting articulation. This type of connector comprises a hinge 51 linking to base plates 53. On each of the base plates 53 there are arrays of pins 21 that can be used to connect blocks 13. After both of the base plates 53 are connected to blocks 13, the two groups of blocks are linked by the hinge 51 in the centre. In this way, the final structure can have moving parts provided by way of the hinge joint connector 150.
(64) A flexible circular base plate connector 15p is depicted in FIG. 3P comprising two bases 55, each having a pair of pins 21 on one side only, and connected on the opposing faces by a flexible cord 57, which may also be deformable or resilient or elastic.
(65) The spacing and size of the apertures 17 in the blocks 13 and the pins 21 of the connectors are determined by the following factors: (i) How easily a child can put the connectors 15 into the apertures 17 of the blocks 13. (ii) How good the connection strength is between a connector 15 and a block 13 to which it is connected. (iii) The relative size of the blocks 13 and the connectors 15.
(66) A minimum spacing between adjacent apertures 17 and adjacent pins 21 is determined taking into account the aforementioned factors. In all cases, the size of each of the apertures 17 and pins 21, will remain the same. However, the spacing of the apertures 17 and/or slots 17d of a given set of toys will be an integer multiple of the minimum spacing between adjacent apertures and/or slots (i.e. 1minimum spacing, 2minimum spacing (double), 3minimum spacing (triple), etc). This will ensure compatibility of all types of connectors 15 on various types of blocks 13 from different sets of toys, whilst simultaneously meeting the different requirement of when blocks are of different sizes.
(67) Also, the distribution of the apertures 17 on the surface of the blocks is not necessarily evenly or equally distributed. At some locations of the blocks 13, where the connections are intended to be more concentrated, there can be more apertures 17 than at some other parts of the blocks where the connections are intended to be less concentrated. However, with some generic types of blocks 13, the apertures 17 can be equally spaced or equidistant to each other.
(68) A selection of simple interconnected constructions 57 are depicted by way of non-limiting examples in FIG. 4. Typically such constructions 57 would be used as a basis for further construction, as exemplified by the cable-stayed bridge 11 of FIG. 1.
(69) FIG. 4A depicts a right plate joint construction 57a comprising two blocks 13 having planar shape similar to 13d, interconnected by a square bracket connector 15h similar to that of FIG. 3H.
(70) FIG. 4B depicts a right block joint construction 57b comprising two blocks 13, of different cuboid shapes, joined by two different styles of connector 15a and 15d, respectively depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3D. Two simple circular base plate connectors 15a (FIG. 3A) interconnect the blocks at their abutting faces, while a simple elongated plate connector 15d (FIG. 3D) provides an additional reinforcing interconnecting adjacent faces of the blocks as depicted.
(71) FIG. 4C depicts a planar joint construction 57c comprising a series of planar blocks 13 interconnected by a single plate connector 15 which spans each of the blocks. The connector has four pins, each of which releasably retains a respective block 13 of the series of four blocks.
(72) FIG. 4D depicts a construction 57d of three blocks comprising two triangular prism plate blocks 13e and a cuboid plate block 13d, interconnected with an elongated right angle plate connector 15e similar to that of FIG. 3E.
(73) FIG. 4E depicts a construction 57e of blocks comprising circular blocks 13f and a cube block interconnected by simple circular base plate connectors 15a (FIG. 3A) and double base plate rod connectors 15c (FIG. 3C). A similar style of construction can be used to model atomic structures.
(74) FIG. 4F depicts a construction 57f comprising a complex of interconnected cuboid blocks 13 using elongated plate connectors 15d (FIG. 3D) and side-by-side connectors (FIG. 3D). A similar style of construction can be used to model architectural structures.
(75) Returning to FIG. 1, which models a cable-stayed bridge, it is apparent that such a structure can be modelled using a construction 11, as depicted, comprising a judicious selection of blocks 13 and connectors 15. Cuboid blocks (FIG. 2A) model bridge supports or piers, planar blocks 13d (FIG. 2D) model a bridge deck, while elongated cuboid blocks (FIG. 2A) model a tower.
(76) The piers and deck (and the towers and deck) are interconnected by square bracket connectors 15h (FIG. 3H). The deck is interconnected by circular base plate connectors 15a (FIG. 3A) and reinforced by square plate connectors 15f (FIG. 3F). Each of the towers are interconnected by elongated plate connectors 15d (FIG. 3D). The towers are spanned by an elongated cuboid block (FIG. 2A) modelling a buttress. The buttress is interconnected to the towers by square bracket connectors 15h (FIG. 3H).
(77) As will be appreciated, a boundless variety of other models can be constructed. Additional examples are provided in FIGS. 4G and 4H.
(78) As is apparent, FIG. 4G depicts a construction 57g comprising a complex of blocks 13 (cube, cylinder, cuboid) interconnected by connectors 15 (double base plate rod, circular base plate, elongated plate) which model a dog, while FIG. 4H depicts a construction 57h comprising a complex of blocks 13 (cuboid, cuboid plate) interconnected by connectors 15 (elongated plate, square bracket, circular bracket, hinge) which model a simple house.
(79) Blocks and connectors can be formed in various structures, without any particular limitations. For example, in the construction 57g, instead of using orthogonal apertured blocks and orthogonal pin connectors, oblique apertured blocks such as 13f and 13g, and/or oblique pin connectors (not shown) can be used to provide more authenticity to the angular arrangement of these components in achieving the model of the dog.
(80) Further still, the blocks can slide against and over each other owing to the apertures being formed in recess, and the absence of projecting membersthereby allowing the blocks to be manipulated in the same manner as traditional wooden blocks, without the use of connectors.
(81) Similar utility can be achieved with the connectors themselves, whereby some of the connectors can be interconnected to each other directly, and in this manner can be manipulated without the use of blocks.
