Abstract
A transformable modular toy element is provided. The transformable modular toy element is for use in a toy construction system comprising a plurality of modular toy elements. The transformable modular toy element comprises a body portion and a head portion. The body portion comprises one or more coupling members, the one or more coupling members being adapted for releasably coupling the body portion with modular toy elements of the toy construction system. The head portion is attached to the body portion. The head portion comprises a cavity for receiving the body portion therein. The body portion is moveable with respect to the head portion between a retracted position where the body portion is retracted into the cavity, whereby the transformable modular toy element has a first shape, and a deployed position where the body portion is in the axial direction deployed from the cavity, whereby the transformable modular toy element has a second shape. The transformable modular toy element further comprises first locking means adapted to lock the body portion in the deployed position.
Claims
1. A transformable modular toy element for use in a toy construction system comprising a plurality of modular toy elements, wherein the transformable modular toy element comprises: a body portion comprising one or more coupling members, the one or more coupling members being configured for releasably coupling the body portion with the plurality of modular toy elements of the toy construction system; and a head portion attached to the body portion, the head portion comprising a cavity for receiving the body portion therein, wherein: the body portion is moveable with respect to the head portion between a retracted position, wherein the body portion is retracted into the cavity, and a deployed position, wherein the body portion is deployed from the cavity, the transformable modular toy element is configured to have a first or a second shape based on the retracted position and deployed position respectively, the second shape extended in the axial direction relative to the first shape, and the body portion is configured to lock relative to the head portion in the deployed position.
2. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, wherein the body portion is configured to lock in the deployed position, preventing the body portion from being moved to the retracted position by an axially directed compressive force applied to the transformable modular toy element.
3. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, wherein the first shape is selected from the group consisting of: a sphere, a spheroid, an ellipsoid, and a polyhedron.
4. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, wherein the second shape is a figurine shape.
5. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, further comprising cooperating guide elements defining a trajectory for a sliding movement of the body portion with respect to the head portion between the retracted position and the deployed position.
6. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 5, wherein the cooperating guide elements comprise one or more guide channels defined in one of the head portion or the body portion, and one or more cooperating projections defined on the other one of the head portion or the body portion.
7. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 5, wherein the trajectory further comprises an axial segment defining translational movement of the body portion with respect to the head portion in the axial direction.
8. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 5, wherein the trajectory further comprises a rotational segment defining rotational movement of the body portion with respect to the head portion, around an axially oriented axis.
9. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 5, wherein: the deployed position includes an unlocked-deployed position and a locked-deployed position, the trajectory further comprises axial and rotational segments arranged in sequence to each other, and the axial segment connects the retracted position with the unlocked-deployed position, and the rotational segment connects the unlocked-deployed position with the locked-deployed position.
10. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, further comprising a first snap-fit device configured to keep the body portion locked in the deployed position.
11. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, further comprising a second snap-fit device configured to keep the body portion in the retracted position.
12. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, wherein the one or more coupling members include a first stud or a first cavity to frictionally engage a second stud or a second cavity of the plurality of modular toy elements of the toy construction system.
13. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 1, wherein the one or more coupling members is arranged at a distal end of the body portion as seen in the axial direction thereof.
14. (canceled)
15. A transformable modular toy element comprising: a figurine body portion having a coupling member on a base thereof; and a shell portion attached to the figurine body portion and having a cavity, the cavity having inner guide surfaces configured to guide axial movement of the figurine body portion, wherein: in a deployed position, the figurine body portion is at least partially axially separated from the shell portion, and in a retracted position, the figurine body portion is at least partially axially concealed in the cavity of the shell portion.
16. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 15, wherein the figurine body portion or the cavity of the shell portion defines radially projecting lugs, the other one of the figurine body portion or the cavity defining recesses, the radially projecting lugs and the recesses configured to interact to lock axial movement of the figurine body portion.
17. The transformable modular toy element according to claim 15, wherein the figurine body portion or the cavity of the shell portion defines radially protruding noses, the other one of the figurine body portion or the cavity defining guide channels, the radially protruding noses and the guide channels configured to interact to lock radial rotation of the figurine body portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail in connection with the appended drawings, which show in
[0045] FIG. 1-3 prior art modular toy elements;
[0046] FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of a transformable modular toy element according to one embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 5 a cross-sectional view of a set of two transformable modular toy elements according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and a further modular toy element;
[0048] FIG. 6 a cross-sectional view of a set of two transformable modular toy elements according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and two further modular toy elements;
[0049] FIG. 7 a cross-sectional view of a set of a transformable modular toy element according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and a further modular toy element;
[0050] FIG. 8 a perspective view of a transformable modular toy element according to a further embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 9 a perspective exploded view of components of a head portion of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8;
[0052] FIG. 10 a perspective view of a body portion of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8;
[0053] FIG. 11a/b first and second elevational views of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8 with the head portion partially cut away, in a RETRACTED state;
[0054] FIG. 12a/b first and second elevational views of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8 with the head portion partially cut away, in a TRANSFER state;
[0055] FIG. 13a/b first and second elevational views of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8 with the head portion partially cut away, in a fully DEPLOYED and UNLOCKED state; and in
[0056] FIG. 14a/b first and second elevational views of the transformable modular toy element shown in FIG. 8 with the head portion partially cut away, in a fully DEPLOYED and LOCKED state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Various aspects and embodiments of transformable modular toy elements and toy construction systems comprising such transformable modular toy elements as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to modular toy elements in the form of bricks. However, the invention may be applied to other forms of modular toy elements for use in toy construction sets.
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a modular toy element with coupling studs on its top surface and a cavity extending into the brick from the bottom. The cavity has a central tube, and coupling studs on another brick can be received in the cavity in a frictional engagement as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282. FIGS. 2 and 3 show other such prior art modular toy elements. The modular toy elements shown in the remaining figures have this known type of coupling members in the form of cooperating studs and cavities. However, other types of coupling members may also be used in addition to or instead of the studs and cavities. The coupling studs are arranged in a square planar grid, i.e. defining orthogonal directions along which sequences of coupling studs are arranged. The distance between neighbouring coupling studs is uniform and equal in both directions. This or similar arrangements of coupling members at coupling locations defining a regular planar grid allow the modular toy elements to be interconnected in a discrete number of positions and orientations relative to each other, in particular at right angles with respect to each other. The modular toy elements shown here, in FIGS. 1-3, are of the passive type, without additional functionality beyond mechanical model building, such as electromagnetic, electronic, optical, or the like. However, functional modular toy elements may also be combined with embodiments of the present invention. Such functional modular toy elements may in addition to coupling elements for implementing a mechanical model building functionality further include sensors and/or actuators for implementing additional functionality, such as for electromagnetic, electronic and/or optical functions.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4-7 a first embodiment of a transformable modular toy element is now described. Throughout FIGS. 4-7 the transformable modular toy element is shown in an axial cross-sectional view with the cross-section taken in a central plane comprising a central axis of the transformable modular toy element in the axial direction. The transformable modular toy element has a body portion 10 with coupling members 11 and 12, a head portion 20 with an internal cavity 21 adapted to receive the body portion 10 therein. Coupling members 11, here of the cavity type, are arranged at a bottom end of the body portion 10 as seen in an axial direction. The corresponding coupling members 12, here of the stud type, are arranged on a top end of the of the body portion 10 as seen in the axial direction. The transformable modular toy element 1 further comprises locking means formed by cooperating recesses 31 and protrusions 32 as schematically indicated on FIGS. 4-7, wherein recesses 31 may be arranged on the body portion 10 (as shown in the figures) or on an inside surface of the cavity 21 in the head portion 20 (configuration not shown here), and wherein the cooperating protrusions 32 may correspondingly be arranged on an inside surface of the cavity 21 in the head portion 20 (as shown in the figures) or on the body portion 10 (configuration not shown here).
[0060] FIG. 4 shows the transformable modular toy element 1. The body portion 10 is seen in a retracted position with respect to the head portion 20, where the body portion 10 is essentially fully received within the cavity 21. The transformable modular toy element 1 thus assumes a first shape, which here is essentially defined by the spherical shape of the head portion 20. In the first shape the transformable modular toy element 1 is thus adapted for e.g. a marble-type play experience, such as in a marble tossing game or in a marble run. As indicated by the bold arrows in FIG. 4, an axial force can be applied to the body portion 10 in order to move the body portion 10 out of its retracted position in the cavity 21, so as to deploy it from the head portion 20.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows elements of a toy construction system including a plurality of transformable modular toy elements 1A, 1B, and a building plate as a further modular toy element 99. The body portions 10 of the transformable modular toy elements 1A, 1B are seen in a deployed position with respect to the respective head portion 20, where the body portion 10 projects in an axial direction from the head portion 20. The transformable modular toy elements 1a, 1B thus assume a second shape, which is defined by the spherical shape of the head portion 20 and the axially protruding body portion 10. Here, the second shape has a figurine shape which may be used e.g. as a character in a scene build from further modular toy elements, or as a pawn for a board game, where even also the playing board may be constructed from such further modular toy elements of the toy construction system. In the second shape the transformable modular toy elements 1A, 1B, (or 1) is thus adapted for e.g. a role playing and/or a game playing experience.
[0062] The transformable modular toy element 1A is shown in an UNLOCKED state where the cooperating recesses 31 and protrusions 32 of the locking means are rotationally misaligned with respect to each other. The locking means of the transformable modular toy element 1A are therefore not engaged. The transformable modular toy element 1B, on the other hand, is shown in a LOCKED state where the body portion 10 in the deployed position has been twisted with respect to the head portion 20 around a central, axially oriented axis of rotation so as to align the cooperating recesses 31 and protrusions 32 of the locking means with respect to each other. The locking means of the transformable modular toy element 1B are thus engaged. Since the transformable modular toy element 1A is in the UNLOCKED state, the body portion 10 will yield into the cavity 21 under the application of an axially compressive force. This may e.g. arise as an undesired issue when a user grips the transformable modular toy element 1A by its head portion 20 in order to attach it to the building plate 99. Owing to the engaged locking means 1B, on the other hand, does not yield back into the head portion when handled in this way.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a second embodiment of a transformable modular toy element 100 is now described. The transformable modular toy element 100 has a body portion 110, which at a bottom end of it as seen in an axial direction A has a coupling member 111 in the form of a cavity adapted for receiving cooperating coupling members in the shape of studs in a known manner and as already discussed above. The body portion 110 resembles at a lower part thereof a humanoid body having a torso, legs, and arms, as best seen in FIG. 10. The transformable modular toy element 100 has furthermore a spherical head portion 120 with a cavity 121 adapted for receiving the body portion 110 therein. The body portion 110 is attached to the head portion 120 and can be moved with respect to the head portion 120 between a retracted position and a deployed position. As best seen in FIG. 9, the head portion 120 comprises an outer shell 122 with an outer surface defining a spherical shape, an inner shell 123 essentially forming the bulk of the head portion, and a frame 124. The frame 124 has inner guide surfaces 131 adapted to guide the transformation movement of the body portion 110 with respect the head portion 120 by interaction with guide members 132 as detailed further below with respect to FIGS. 11a/b-14a/b. Furthermore, the frame 124 has members 144, 146 adapted to cooperate with members 142 arranged on the distal end of flexible arms 140 to provide first and second snap-fit devices as also detailed further below with respect to FIGS. 11a/b-14a/b.
[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 11a/b-14a/b, a transformation of the second embodiment of the transformable modular toy element 100 from the first shape into the second shape is described. FIGS. 11a/b-14a/b show a series of elevational views of the body portion 110 in different positions with respect to the head portion 120, wherein the head portion 120 is partially cut away with two axial cut planes intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees at the central axis A (shown in FIGS. 8-10) to leave a quarter of the head portion 120. In each of the FIGS. 11a/b-14a/b, the drawings denoted “a” and the drawings denoted “b” show the elevational views of the head portion 120 as seen in these two cut-planes, respectively.
[0065] The first shape is a spherical shape adapted for marble or ball type play experiences, whereas the second shape is a figurine shape adapted for e.g. role playing or game playing. The figurine shape may e.g. be a generic pawn or represent a given game character. Just like in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, the coupling elements 111 of the body portion 110 are accessible from outside the second embodiment of the transformable modular toy element 100 in any position of the body portion 110 with respect to the head portion 120. The second embodiment of the transformable modular toy element 100 thus also supports building experiences in both the first and second shapes thereof.
[0066] FIGS. 11a/b show the body portion 110 in the retracted position where the body portion 110 is essentially fully received within the cavity 121 in the head portion 120. Radially protruding noses 132 of the body portion 110 and guide channels 131 of the head portion 120 interact in this position to prevent radial rotation of the body portion 110 while allowing linear translation in the axial direction with respect to the head portion 120. Radially projecting lugs 142 on distal ends of flexible arms 140 seat in a recess 143 and are held in place against member 144 preventing such axial translational in a snap-fit engagement, thus forming the above-mentioned second snap-fit device for keeping the body portion 110 in the retracted position. A deliberate user gesture applying an axial force to the body portion 110 for overcoming the snap-fit barrier is thus required to linearly move the body portion 110 in the axial direction with respect to the head portion 120 in order to transfer the transformable modular toy element 100 from the first shape into a different shape. FIGS. 12a/b show the body portion 110 in a transfer position where the body portion 110 freely translates in the axial direction with respect to the head portion 120 as guided by the cooperating protrusions 132 and guide channels 131 along a first segment of the transformation trajectory defined thereby. The body portion may thus be transferred from the retracted position shown in FIGS. 11a/b by an axial movement as shown in FIGS. 12a/b along the first segment to a first deployed position where the transformable modular toy element 100 is in a DEPLOYED and UNLOCKED state as shown in FIGS. 13a/b. As best seen in FIG. 13b, a radially inward projecting rim 146 on the head portion 120 interacts with a bottom surface of the protrusions 132 to limit the axial movement of the body portion with respect to the head portion, thereby preventing the body portion 110 from getting detached from the head portion 120. The guide channels 131 further comprise a rotational segment, which in combination with the protrusions 132 define a rotational movement of the body portion 110 with respect to the head portion 120, around the axially oriented central axis A. By rotating the body portion 110 in the deployed position with respect to the head portion 120 around axis A, the transformable modular toy element 100 is brought from the DEPLOYED and UNLOCKED state as shown in FIGS. 13a/b into a DEPLOYED and LOCKED state as shown in FIGS. 14a/b. The axial and rotational segments of the trajectory as defined for the guide members 132 running in the guide channels 131 are arranged in sequence to each other, wherein the axial segment connects the retracted position of the body portion 110 with an unlocked-deployed position thereof, and wherein the rotational segment connects the unlocked-deployed position with a locked-deployed position thereof.
[0067] The rim 146 comprises recesses 145, which are shaped and dimensioned to receive the radially protruding lugs 142 when the body portion 110 is in the deployed position, to form a snap-fit engagement against the barrier of the rim 146. As best seen in FIG. 14b, by engaging the snap-fit, the body portion may be maintained in a deployed and locked position, thus implementing the above-mentioned first snap-fit device.
[0068] The transformable modular toy element 100 can thus be transformed between a spherical shape (also referred to as marble or ball shaped) mainly defined by the head portion 120, and a figurine shape (also referred to as character), as defined by the body portion 110 and the head portion 120 in combination, by retraction/deployment of the body portion 110 with respect to the head portion 120. In particular the deployed state of the transformable modular toy element is lockable to allow for an unperturbed building and/or role or game playing experience when using the figurine.
