Abstract: The invention relates to a toy construction system comprising building elements of a first type having a pair of opposed walls that define a space between said opposed walls, wherein the space has, at the free edges of the opposed walls, an open end and two opposed open sides, and wherein those sides of the walls that face towards the space are provided with protrusions, and building elements of a second type having a coupling head that may, by snap-fit with the protrusions, be received and releasably secured in the space between the walls on a building element of the first type. The toy construction system is characterised in that the protrusions are situated at the free edges of the walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy construction system comprising building elements of a first type that has a pair of opposed walls that define a space between said opposed walls, wherein those sides of the walls that face towards the space are provided with protruding ribs, and building elements of a second type that have a coupling head which may, by a snap-effect with protruding ribs, be received and releasably secured in the space between the walls on a building element of the first type, wherein said system further comprises building elements of a third type with coupling studs, wherein building elements of the first type or the second type have a cavity for releasably receiving and securing coupling studs on building elements of the third type.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising toy building elements provided with complementary coupling members, said toy building set comprising a first toy building element (1) having a through-going opening (3) and with coupling members (4) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the through-going opening (3), and a second, elongate toy building element (2) having an outer cross section that fits into the cross section of the through-going opening (3) in the first toy building element (1). The second toy building element (2) is provided with coupling members (4), at least at the one end, and securing members are provided for temporarily securing the second toy building element (2) in the first toy building element (1).

Abstract: A toy vehicle is fabricated from a plurality of construction toy elements which are commonly coupled by a plurality of interlockable couplers. The basic coupler mechanism utilizes a cube-like body having a plurality of extending flanges and supporting cylindrical bosses which are received within appropriately shaped slots in the various construction toy elements. A plurality of specialty elements are provided which facilitate the fabrication of a steering assembly for use on a toy vehicle or the like. The steering assembly employs a steering wheel having integral gear and a gear rack together with a plurality of pivoting couplers and a combination of interlocking couplers and construction toy elements.

Abstract: A sectional toy action figure is constructed of snap-together plastic components, characterized by the fact that an action figure may be assembled in a large variety of sizes and configurations, using a limited variety of individual components. Arms and legs may be configured in life-like orientations with connector elements providing for ball and socket connections at one end and a rod socket at the other. An additional terminal connector, comprising a ball socket at one end and a rod-like post at the other, is combinable with the before mentioned connector elements. Significant variety in sizing and configuring of the action figure is made possible by the ability to join said connector elements to each other by a connector rod, and to join a connector element with a terminal connector.

Abstract: A toy construction kit, particularly a three-dimensional puzzle, including a plurality of generally regular polygonal construction elements that can be releasably assembled, through tab-and-slot, hinged interengagement, to form a toy construction. Each of the construction elements is formed from a resiliently flexible sheet of plastics material, for example, polypropylene. A single toy construction may include construction elements in regular polygonal shapes of triangles, squares, and pentagons with all of the sides of the elements having, the same length. The tab-receiving slots of the tab-and-slot engagement may be provided in flanges formed integrally with and projecting from the sides of the construction elements.

Abstract: A building set for a toy building comprising a number of building modules (1) which each defines a space, said building modules (1) being so designed that they may be stacked or arranged next to each other as desired for the construction of single- or multi-storey toy buildings, and having means (6,7) for releasably engaging with one or more wall elements (5) in the sides of the building modules (1) irrespectively of the mutual positioning of the building modules (1). Since the columns (3) support girders (4) which define the periphery of the top plane of the building modules, said girders (4) being so arranged that unimpeded access to the building module interior (1) is provided, it is now possible to construct toy buildings with more different plan arrangements compared to the prior art without impeding the access to the building module interiors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block assembly including plane blocks and joint blocks made from a specified synthetic resin which is readily assembled into any shape such as a plane body or a solid body with a close resemblance to a model body and also readily decomposed, and a decoration prepared by impregnation of the block assembly with a specified solvent for the necessary time for solidification.

Abstract: A sectional chessboard includes a number of sections corresponding to blocks of a chessboard which are formed by injection molding or press work and each section of the chessboard has protrusions and grooves around all sides thereof to be respectively engaged with grooves and protrusions of other sections so that all adjoining sides of each section is jointed together for playing chess as a complete chessboard, wherein it becomes possible to reduce the bulk of the chessboard so that users may conveniently carry them anywhere to play chess and the manufacturing cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A toy building block in the form of a rectangular prism is interlockable with similar blocks located on any of its sides. The block also has mating female and male features which permit connection between two blocks in either of two mating relationships, the first relationship permitting swivelling movement between the blocks and the second relationship inhibiting swivelling movement.

Abstract: In a modular-design toy system for preparing buildings, vehicle and landscape structures etc., comprising building elements of plastic material, which are releasably attachable to each other by snap-fastener connecting elements, provision is made, with a view to obtaining a true-to-nature appearance at a reasonable cost and durable and constant snap-fastening properties, for connecting elements having first snap-in elements on one side for the easily releasable attachment to corresponding first locking recesses on the building elements and having second snap-in devices on the other side for the hard-to-release attachment to corresponding second locking recesses of the building elements.

Abstract: A unit toy system comprises at least partially differing landscape units, which have a base area and at least one bearing area for the base area of the in each case other landscape unit. The bearing areas have a vertical distance from the respective base area that corresponds to an integral multiple of a vertical modular dimension. A locking aperture is formed on each bearing area. In the vicinity of the base area, locking elements are formed, which are provided with snap-in locking elements which can detachably engage with the locking aperture.

Abstract: A plurality of arcuate beam elements each having ends defining coupling mechanisms is assembled in an interlocking framework using a plurality of multiply couplable couplers to form arcuate segments which define a sphere or portion of a sphere. A plurality of spherical inserts each defining a one-eighth spherical segment is assembled to the spherical framework to complete a sphere or spherical segment using a snap-fit attachment.

Abstract: A marble race toy including a modular track that is assembled by the user from channel components into any desired configuration. An infrastructure is utilized to support the desired track layout. An infrastructure is utilized to support the desired track layout. Affixing elements are used to fix dowel rods of the infrastructure in place, and thereby support the modular components of the track. An elevator with an endless conveyor raises the marbles to a start position of the track, and retrieves them from an end position of the track.

Abstract: A system for coupling components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using a compact single point snap together axial connector, which is configured or formed with a key like portion included as part of the male connector part, and a corresponding female connector configured to prevent rotational movement about the connectors axis, and/or to limit the selective attachment of the components.

Abstract: A toy construction system is provided for permitting the construction of a variety of different structures in varying sizes and shapes. The toy construction system includes a plurality of elongated rod members and a plurality of substantially flat connector members which may be interconnected in different combinations. Ball elements are provided on certain of the members which are adapted to engage complimentary socket elements contained on other members in order to rotatably interconnect the two members. The socket elements include means for positively retaining the ball elements within the socket elements and means for facilitating the insertion and removal of the ball elements into and out of said socket elements. The members may further include coupling element for rotatably engaging other members including spherical means. The members may still further include means for engaging other members by the use of a releasable hinge. A power transmission unit may be further included.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism comprises a rod-shaped object (10) and a coupling head (20, 30) and is adapted to be used in a toy building set containing various building elements with other types of coupling means, e.g. bushings or ball heads. The rod-shaped object (10) has at least one terminal part (12-15) adapted to be releasably engaged with the coupling head (20, 30). The terminal part (12-15) is adapted to be received between two resilient walls (27, 37) on the coupling head (20, 30). The coupling head (20, 30) has secondary coupling means (21, 31) for connection with other parts belonging to the toy building set.

Abstract: A construction element, preferably a constructional toy, including a tubular body portion and, formed integrally with each of the opposite ends thereof, a pair of gripping jaws, each pair constituting a coupling portion. The constituent jaws of each pair are oppositely disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body portion and are separated by oppositely disposed peripheral coupling device. The tubular body portion is formed with longitudinally directed, angularly spaced-apart, first coupling device. Each pair of the gripping jaws of the construction element can embrace a body portion of a second construction element, with the jaws not extending beyond a median plane of the body portion of the second construction element, and with inner surfaces of the pair of jaws conforming to the outer surface of said body portion.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting struts formed from paper or paper-like sheets rolled into a tube is made of cylindrical receptors and connectors. Each cylindrical receptor has an inside diameter approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the predetermined outside diameter of the tube for friction-fit engagement onto the end of the tube. Each cylindrical receptor also has a finger which is centrally disposed within the receptor, about the longitudinal axis thereof. At least a part of such finger is substantially the same size as the inside diameter of the tube. The finger is made of a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending radially from its longitudinal axis. Each receptor is press-fit engageable with a connector. Each connector is press-fit engageable with at least two receptors. The connection system allows for the connection of struts which can be readily constructed by the user of the construction system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and supporting an article from a base surface includes at least one spacer having a first surface engageable with the base surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface and engageable with the article to be supported, and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces. The third surface defines coupling members or portions for releasibly interlocking adjacent spacers with respect to one another. The second surface can be defined by at least one elongated member having opposite ends formed to allow interconnection between identical spacers. The interconnection between the spacers can be accomplished by one end of the elongated member including a coupling member and the opposite end having a mating receiving member. An integral pedestal portion can be of sufficient length to separate the second surface and the article to be supported from any undesirable substance that is located on the base surface.

Abstract: The invention provides the peripheral edge portions of rigid sheet-like panels with locking edges arranged for mating, snap-fit locking engagement by panel connector members, whereby a plurality of panels may be connected together to form building structures such as doll houses, children's play houses, utility sheds and the like.

Abstract: A switch lock plays a key role to combine a plurality of four embodiments covering Cube, Trigonal Prism, Right Pyramid, and Quadrant Column plus accessary Segment Column blocks through a ring opening lying centrally on every side of these embodiments, except of Segment Column only one surface sharing it. By the sliding between rounded corners and that happening between sphere surfaces, assembly purpose is then achieved. What they really touch is only three small pieces of are and six points; therefore, assemblage and disassemblage among blocks turn much easier. After assemblage, six semi-circular knobs below the ring opening will stable hold the middle lower part of three ball-like projections on the enlarged head of the switch lock in pairs by the strength of expelling each other. In addition, taking the advantage of expelling each other between the rounded corner behind a neck line and that below the head of the switch lock, the blocks can match each other firmly and correspondingly without any rotation.

Abstract: A flexible tube includes a number of joint members each having a neck portion of reduced diameter formed between a spherical member and a semi-spherical member. The joint members have a hollow passage for engaging with electric wires. The spherical members each has an annular tapered surface, and the semi-spherical members each has an annular tapered surface formed in the inner peripheral portion for engaging with the annular tapered surface of the spherical member so as to limit a rotational movement of the spherical member relative to the semi-spherical member.

Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end, and an offset C-shaped socket at the other end defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. Spaced-apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and along the outside surface of the tongue. When the tongue of one link is placed into the socket of another link, the teeth intermesh wherein the teeth in the tongue fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the socket, and the teeth in the socket fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the tongue. The tongue and socket pivot in discrete positions, while lateral movement is prevented by the engagement of a ring on the tongue that mates with a slot on the socket.

Abstract: Apparatus for constructing a variety of structures from a limited number of different components includes at least two generally planar members (10, 11, 12; 25), each having along at least one edge an elongate socket (13) formed from two aligned, spaced-apart sections ( 14, 15 ) , and at least one connector (18; 27) including a pair of cylindrical rods (19, 20; 29, 30 ) held in laterally-spaced relationship, the diameters of the rods being such as to provide a close fit within a socket (13).

Abstract: A takraw ball having a relatively soft, or elastically deformable, surface and conventional rebound characteristics. The takraw ball may be woven from composite strips, one component of which is elastically deformable material and forms the ball surface and the another component of which is a springy material. The elastically deformable material and the springy material are selected to produce a desired rebound characteristic. The strips have a wide variety of shapes and compositions. In an alternative embodiment the springy material component forms the ball surface and the elastically deformable material provides reinforcement for the strip.

Abstract: A universal joint device includes a number of couplers. Each coupler has a spherical head and a frustum portion secured together for engaging with the frustum portion and the spherical head of the other couplers. A tube has a frustum portion formed on one end for engaging with the spherical head of the couplers and has an annular rib extended radially inward from the other end. A rod has a number of teeth for engaging with the annular rib so as to secure the rod to the tube. The rod has a spherical head formed on one end for engaging with the frustum portion of the couplers.

Abstract: A toy construction set is described having construction modules with male connectors and female connectors on selected ends thereof. Each male connector comprises a projecting pin of generally rounded cross-section with an outwardly projecting shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof. Each female connector comprises a generally square socket formed by a pair of projecting opposed L-shaped fins with one leg of each L-shaped fin being no more than one half the length of the other leg thereby providing gaps on opposite sides of a module. The fins also have grooves on inside faces thereof adapted to receive and hold in a snap fit the projecting shoulder of a male connector. With this arrangement, the modules can be simply snapped together while at the same time being rotatable relative to each other. This rotatable feature adds a new dimension to the constructions and greatly increases play value. The design of the female connector socket also simplifies the moulding of the modules because there are no undercuts.

Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end and a C-shaped socket at the other end for use in an articulating coupling system. The socket is defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. The inside radius of the socket is substantially the same as the outside radius of the tongue, so that the tongue can be inserted into the socket of another link. The socket includes a narrow centrally positioned slot along its circumference, and the tongue includes a narrow centrally positioned ring extending outward along its circumference which is received by the slot when the tongue is inserted into the socket. A plurality of spaced apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and extend between the faces of the device in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the plane of the faces. Similar teeth are located along the outside surface of the tongue.

Abstract: A system for coupling components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using a compact single point snap together axial connector, which is configured or formed with a key like portion included as part of the male connector part, and a corresponding female connector configured to prevent rotational movement about the connectors axis, and/or to limit the selective attachment of the components.

Abstract: A block assembly is formed by assembling regular polygonal block plates and columnar joint blocks together. Each regular polygonal block plate has a coupling socket in each side surface thereof. Each joint block, which is brought into contact with one side surface of the block plate, is provided on at least two of its side faces with plugs adapted to detachably fit in the sockets formed in the block plate.

Abstract: A plug-in module is described; one side of this incorporates four spring leaves (6, 6') that can be deflected slightly outwards and which are arranged on one side in a tulip shape and which, on the other five sides surfaces (2 to 5), can be snapped onto a similarly constructed plug-in module. The side surfaces incorporate ridges (8, 8') which can be either continuous or segmented. On their inner sides, the spring leaves are provided with corresponding connecting elements (7, 7', 7") which snap behind the ridges described above. The production of a connection between two plug-in modules is effected first by a slight outward deflection of the spring blades from their rest position and by them subsequently snapping into position behind the ridges described above. The plug-in modules entail the advantage that even after a long time and frequent use, they can still be connected to each other easily or released from each other with equal ease.

Abstract: The present invention describes an auxiliary surgical retractor blade system in which a plurality of blade members are connectable in series by connector elements. The connector elements engage receivers on adjacent blade members and the receivers themselves are formed with flat abutting wall surfaces to prevent relative movement of the adjacent blade sections. Retention means may be provided in conjunction with the connector elements and receivers to prevent inadvertent disconnection of adjacent blade sections. The auxiliary retractor blade system of the present invention is useable with existing surgical retraction instruments to extend their reach along the length of a surgical incision.

Abstract: A plurality of blocks, used for a block toy, each of which is formed by mutually connecting unit blocks selected from a first to a 25th unit block, the unit blocks being made by cutting an imaginary base block by four horizontal imaginary cutting planes parallel to each other and four vertical imaginally cutting planes parallel to each other in such a way that each unit block is designated the first to 25th unit block, respectively, arranged from left to right and from top to bottom. In order to build up a structure, a first and a second group of blocks are used in combination.

Abstract: An interlockable connection system is disclosed herein for releasably joining a selected number of tiles together wherein each tile includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to snap-lock with a retaining element used in common with other tiles so as to provide a composite object composed of multiple tiles of various polygonal shapes. The retaining elements may be of many shapes and tiles may be of a variety of geometric configurations. The connection system provides convenient repeatable joining and unjoining of the retaining elements with the tiles and permits rotation of the joint through a large angle about the axis of the joined tile edges.

Abstract: A construction toy system is disclosed for the assembly of a guide track structure for a wheeled vehicle. Basic structural components, comprising rod-like struts and molded plastic connector elements adapted for snap-together attachment to the strut elements, enable support structures to be assembled. One or more guide track elements is provided, preferably in the form of a continuous, slotted flexible tube, typically formed by extrusion of plastic material. Special track-mounting connector elements are formed with track-mounting lugs which extend through the slotted side of the tubular track element to provide internal support. Track-mounting lugs are positioned at spaced points throughout the structure, providing spaced support for the track element. The flexible track element is self-supporting between mounting lugs, and conforms readily and smoothly to vertical and horizontal contours of the structure.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed, which includes as principle components a connector having one or more gripping sockets, and rod-like structural elements having end portions specially configured to be received in the gripping sockets. The gripping sockets are comprised of pairs of gripping arms, formed of deflectable plastic material. Outer portions of the gripping arms are provided with specially contoured surfaces adapted for the lateral, snap-in assembly of a structural element having complimentary surface portions. The gripping arms and struts are provided mutually interengaging surfaces arranged to interlockingly mate to secure the parts in a coherent assembly. The novel arrangement of gripping socket and structural element allows lateral snap-in assembly of the struts with the connector elements, with the assembled elements being secured against both lateral and axial disassembly.

Abstract: A marble run game consists of 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 has 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.

Abstract: A connection system adapted to be used with cylindrical containers includes a sleeve which is adapted to frictionally engage either end of a cylindrical container. A recess extends orthogonally inward from the surface of the sleeve and is adapted to receive a projection.

Abstract: A set of similar interconnectable flexible toy construction blocks. Each block has three different attachment surfaces. Posts on a top surface connect within rims on a bottom surface for vertical stacking of the blocks. A projection on a front end connects within a complementally shaped receiver on a rear end for horizontal connecting of the blocks. An interior of the projection is complementally shaped to the posts on the top surface, allowing the front end of one block to connect to the top surface of another block. Each block has two directions of flexibility. Horizontal flexibility is provided by dividing the block into separate segments divided by gaps. Each gap is spanned by a thin web. The gaps can change shape when bending forces are applied, causing the block to flex horizontally. Vertical flexibility is provided by hollowing out each segment of the block through one surface, preferably the bottom.

Abstract: The invention is arranged to include a plurality of various block-like members having configurations to include cubic, parallelepiped, and triangular cross-sectional configuration arranged for assemblage relative to one another, wherein each of the block members includes wall construction having a central opening directed therethrough, with each central opening including a surrounding annular flange recessed below each associated wall of each respective block member a predetermined thickness arranged to accommodate a resilient plug within an opening, having an annular flange equal to twice that predetermined thickness to permit securement of adjacent blocks together in a variety of shapes, as well as including replaceable panel plates, each including a panel plate ring having a ring thickness equal to the predetermined thickness received on the annular flange permitting altering of patterns, configurations, and theme upon associated blocks for use by children and the like.

Abstract: A football is provided with rearwardly extending fins which promote a tight spiralling rotation of the football when it is thrown through the air. A first of the fins is joined to the football by a centrally located notch therein which interlocks with a second fin integral with the football body when the first fin is passed through a centrally located slot in the second fin and adjacent football body. The fins include flat end surfaces which may be received on a supporting surface for supporting the ball in an upright position. The rearwardly extending fins elevate the body portion above the supporting surface and thereby make it easier to kick.

Abstract: A construction toy formed from a plurality of building blocks. A primary form of building block is formed as a wafer-shaped rectangle having top and bottom surfaces formed of complemental interconnectable arrays of posts or rectangular vanes on a top surface and parallel-walled channels on a bottom surface allowing the blocks to stack and lock top-to-bottom. The sides of the primary building blocks have complemental prominences and orifices or projections and grooves which can connect together allowing the blocks to stack side-to-side. Orifices are also located in a portion of the top surface, usable in any way the orifices of the side surfaces are usable. A secondary form of building block is a round wafer-shaped block with beveled gear teeth along a side wall of the block. The secondary block has posts on a top surface and vanes, similar to the primary blocks, and has a hub on a bottom surface. The hub is rotationally receivable within the orifices of the primary blocks.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed, which includes as principle components a hub-like connector having one or more gripping sockets, and structural elements, typically of strut-like configuration, having end portions specially configured to be received in the gripping sockets. The gripping sockets are comprised of pairs of gripping arms, formed of deflectable plastic material. Outer portions of the gripping arms are provided with concave grooves adapted for lateral, snap-in assembly of a structural element having complimentary cylindrical connector portions. The gripping arms also are provided, near their inner ends, with locking projections arranged to interlockingly mate with annular recesses provided near the ends of the structural elements. The end extremities of the structural elements comprise end flanges, which are received in an end cavity formed at the closed end of the gripping socket, in part by an end wall of the socket and in part by the locking projections.

Abstract: A building block made with a top face adapted to be interlocked with the lower edge of a superposed, correspondingly made block. The lower edge has an internal pending lip and a downwardly tapering wedge above and adjacent said lip. The top face has a marginal groove for receiving the pending lip of the superposed block and the top face has a ledge partly extending over the groove for gripping the wedge of the superposed block.

Abstract: A construction toy system comprises a variety of molded plastic connector elements, arranged to be joined with rod-like struts, to form complex structural units. In the most basic form, the connector elements of the invention have one or more angularly related strut-receiving recesses, each arranged for lateral snap-in reception of a flanged strut. When a strut is snapped in place, it is held firmly against lateral and axial movement. A plurality of single socket connector elements can be connected with a succession of crosswise oriented strut elements to form an articulated structure, either endless or finite in length. Connector elements also may be joined to form connector assemblies with provision for mounting struts in several planar directions, to form a right angle corner structure, for example, or a Tee-shaped structure.

Abstract: Interlocking toy components for the construction of structures defining various geometric configurations. The toy components of the present invention include a first component (10) having an elongated trunk portion (14). The first component (10) carries a protruding member (20) extending from the first end portion (16) of the trunk portion (14), and the trunk portion (14) is provided at its second end portion (18) with a substantially coaxial first receptor (22) for releasably receiving the protruding members (20) of other first components (10). The trunk portion (14) of the first component is also provided proximate its second end portion with a plurality of further receptors (24) radially spaced about the trunk portion (14) for releasably receiving the protruding members (20) of other first components (10). The invention also includes a second component (12) having an elongated trunk portion (34).

Abstract: A construction set is made up of a plurality of detachably chainable links capable of being pivotally attached to one another to form stable geometric structures. Detents are provided at a plurality of pivot positions so as to preferentially hold the engaged links in stable and precise positions relative one to another.

Abstract: Children's building blocks that can be attached to each other in numerous combinations by integrally molded connectors located on the faces of the blocks. Some of the faces have apertures and these faces may be joined together to create tunnels between the interiors of two adjacent blocks. Doors are also provided to selectively cover the apertures. Faces having apertures may be connected to faces without apertures for the child to distinguish between an open connection and a closed connection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a takraw ball comprising hoops woven into a spherical basket, each hoop being formed of an elongate, generally flat strip of plastics material, each strip having one convex side edge of constant radius and the other side edge of sinusoidal undulating profile and being joined by its ends to form a frustoconical hoop; pairs of hoops being arranged with the strip convex side edges opposed in a common plane or in parallel planes and the sinusoidal side edges relatively staggered so that interwoven hoops intersect at the troughs of sinusoidal side edges.