Patents Assigned to Matrix Toys, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4275524
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire arranged to circumscribe a spheroidal construction set joint element of the type having multiple facets located around its periphery each having a joint opening located therein. A portion of the facets circumscribe the joint element around a diametric axis and are arranged in a particularly defined pattern. The tire comprises an annular rim having a width slightly greater than the facets and is fabricated from a yieldable material so that it can be easily stretched for installation onto the joint element. The inner side of the tire includes a plurality of planar engaging surfaces, each having substantially the same shape as the joint element facets, arranged in the same pattern as the circumscribing facets. Accordingly, when the tire is placed over the joint element, the engaging surfaces mate with the facets to prevent rotation of the tire relative to the joint element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 4159592
    Abstract: A close coupling strut for interconnecting multi-faceted joint elements is comprised of paired oppositely-facing, in line, elastically compressible clips which are separated and joined together by an intermediate bridge. The bridge is configured to separate the clips, which snap fit into mating joint openings located in the facets of the joint elements, and to release the clips for removal from the joint openings upon application of squeezing pressure thereon. Extension means are attached to each side of the bridge and extend outwardly thereof beyond the joined facets of the joint elements to facilitate squeezing of the bridge means when the user's fingers cannot be inserted between the closely spaced joint elements. Each clip has a V-shaped tip with ends that are separated by an overall transverse dimension which is greater than the height of the opening in the joint elements, and the bridge means has an overall transverse height approximately equal to the height of the joint openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 4129975
    Abstract: A construction set is comprised of a plurality of hollow 26 faceted joint elements with the facets being arranged in a selected orientation and having an opening, located in each facet, which is configured for receiving an elongate strut for interconnecting a plurality of the joint elements to form a three-dimensional framework. The struts have clip fasteners at each end adapted for snap fitting engagement within the openings such that they are not separable merely by application of tensile force to the struts; and locking means are provided for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the struts from the joints.Due to the particular geometrical configuration of the joint elements, the openings and the clip fasteners both are elongate in order to provide maximum clip strength without sacrificing the structural integrity of the joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: D254752
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: D255472
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: D257270
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: D257271
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: D260790
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Matrix Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gabriel